Shadia Al Hili

What’s the “Funding Gap”? At Mission Ventures, we’re convinced a significant gap exists for UK Food and Drink SMEs (and in particular, healthier challenger brands). It’s defined as: ‘…the difference between the amount of financing small businesses need and the amount they can obtain’. I’d like to gain your perspective on this; What is the funding gap according to you and more importantly, what are the best mechanisms to address it? Please complete this survey: https://lnkd.in/edc5-UuB It won’t take you more than 5 mins. Promise.

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5 great reasons to become a co-owner in JNCK Bakery 😎 🚀 Launched nationally in 550+ Tesco stores in October (UK #1 Grocer) 📈 Selected for Tesco’s competitive Accelerator Programme to drive growth 🥇 Multi-award winning and recognised at World Food Innovation Awards 🧁 Awarded funding by Innovate UK to accelerate new products 🕺 Be a part of something special… Less than 3 days to go before we close… Don’t miss out 😀 https://lnkd.in/eRTiNzPK Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong. Crowdcube

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I am proud to say here we are at the start of the exciting journey into retail for The Coffee bar. Our bar is not a ‘also ran’ it is a whole new concept. Whilst its great to get accolades at exhibitions such as  #LondonCoffeeFestival and Food and Drink #FDE2024,  turning the overwhelming enthusiasm of buyers into sales and then onto retailers’ shelves can be challenging. One of the interesting aspects is that it is a new category, with no comparable product, and therefore ‘what category does it sit in’?  is a question asked. It would be interesting to hear all views on this. It’s exciting to have product on shelf in a matter of weeks from launch. Many buyers are busy people and often communications can be extraordinarily quiet or inboxes apparently full. I do wonder if, just possibly, I will look back and be able to consider that I not only created a new product category, but maybe a new category buyer function. #fmcgproduct #ukhospitality #britishfood #consumers #export #madeintheuk #soldtotheworld #airlines #Confectionery #hospitality #makeflyinginclusive #brandidentity #foodanddrink #foodanddrinkindustry #events #innovation #businessdevelopment #cleanlabel #consumertrends #consumerbehaviour #newproduct #export #UKtrade #FMCGgoods #vending #railway #nightshift #wholesaler #freefrom #vegan #plantbased #CoffeeAddicts #foodtogo #ExtremeSports #Different #Distinctive #running #cycling #touring #bikepacking #vacation #AdventureSports #ActiveLifestyle #outdoor #Climbing #enjoythejourney #Forecourt #forecourtretailer #independentretail #conveniencestore #snacking #roadtrip #Nisa

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Managing a successful pub kitchen means focusing on profit margins. One smart way to improve profits is by partnering with local wholesalers like Jolly Foods! In this post, we talk you through some low-cost high-margin menu ideas. #wholesale #profit #menu #pub #oxfordshire

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#Food and #drink #startups and #scaleups...a quick survey to support Alex Brown's work, with Impact on Urban Health (do check them out!) on understanding the funding gap for startup and scaling food and drink brands, focused on health and wellness... The right finance is always key, and barriers to it can be the biggest hurdle scaling businesses face, finding equitable solutions is essential. links to the survey are in the post below.

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💫 A big development for grocery packaging in the UK 💫 The tldr on last week’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) announcement and what it means for reusable packaging: 📣 DEFRA announced ‘illustrative’ fees last week 📈 2 to 3+ increase of current tax burdens paid by producers  ⏭ First payments in 2025 🌶 Modulated (eco) fees in 2026 will mean proportionally higher payments for more impactful packaging categories / materials. 💫 Great news for reuse: the biggest step in a packaging revolution, with DEFRA planning a 2025 framework for incentivising reuse, levelling the playing field between single-use and reuse. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ej2KTbYn And please dive in policy folk to correct any detail you think is missing / out of line here! There's not been much reflection on this here (on Linkedin) and it would be good to hear more views.

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Our latest #podcast is out now and features the amazing powerhouse industry figure that is Nimisha Raja MBE. Listen here: #foodpodcast #entrepreneur #businessleaders

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The Growing Demand for Flavourful Halal Food in the UK The UK foodservice industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the increasing diversity of consumer tastes and preferences. One of the most notable trends is the surging demand for more flavourful halal food options. Halal food consumption has grown exponentially in recent years, driven by the UK’s expanding Muslim population and a wider consumer base seeking high-quality, authentic food experiences. This growth presents a substantial opportunity for foodservice businesses to cater to this burgeoning market. Consumer Expectations Modern consumers, regardless of religious affiliation, are increasingly discerning about the food they consume. They seek authentic flavours, high-quality ingredients, and a variety of choices. Within the halal food sector, this translates to a desire for dishes that are not only compliant with Islamic dietary laws but also tantalising to the palate. Innovation is Key To meet these evolving expectations, foodservice operators must embrace innovation. This involves exploring new flavour combinations, incorporating diverse cuisines, and experimenting with different cooking techniques. By offering a range of halal dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences, businesses can attract a wider customer base and foster loyalty. The Role of Quality Ingredients The foundation of any successful foodservice offering is high-quality ingredients. Halal food is no exception. Using premium, authentic ingredients not only enhances the flavour profile of dishes but also builds trust with customers. Sourcing ingredients from reputable suppliers who prioritise quality and sustainability is essential for delivering exceptional halal food experiences. Challenges and Opportunities While the demand for flavourful halal food is on the rise, there are challenges to overcome. Ensuring the halal certification of ingredients and preparation processes is crucial for maintaining consumer trust. Additionally, understanding the specific dietary requirements and preferences of different Muslim communities is essential for developing targeted menu offerings. However, the opportunities in this market are immense. By investing in research and development, building strong relationships with halal suppliers, and tailoring menus to meet consumer demands, foodservice businesses can position themselves as leaders in the halal food sector. In conclusion, the increasing demand for flavourful halal food presents a significant opportunity for the UK foodservice industry. By embracing innovation, prioritising quality ingredients, and understanding consumer preferences, businesses can not only capture a growing market share but also enhance their overall brand reputation.

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How do you build a successful burger business in a market as competitive as the UK capital? Tom Stock and Craig Povoas, co-founders of BURGER AND BEYOND, seem to have it cracked. Read our latest interview here:

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"You may fuel your car once a week, but you fuel your body three times a day." In this short video the one and only Frank Gleeson sums up how convenience and foodservice is merging and the key building blocks for success, giving the consumer what they want, in different day parts, on different meal occasions. ✅ It all starts with a great customer offer - what do they want to buy at different times of the day? ✅ Operational efficiency - can you keep your shelves stocked, can you do a really good job on the standards of operation? ✅ Third thing, most importantly, is it financially profitable for the retailer? As we search the globe for "The Best Foodvenience Store in the World" together with Invenco by GVR, we see well trained teams, highly engaged management in a completely dynamic industry. Supported by our sponsors The Moseley Group and, newly announced, The Coca-Cola Company we are going to seek out and showcase the very best in our industry worldwide and move the dial for what is clearly an on-going transformation. Let the competition begin! #foodservice #bestfoodveniencestore🌎 Elaine P. Kanak Alan English Ganesh Kalpundi Harry Milloff Oliver Delaney Global Convenience Store Focus Insight Research More details to enter: https://lnkd.in/eZYSBY6b

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Associated British Foods Releases Trading Update 2024 - https://lnkd.in/eJZ_h_2P, September 10, 2024 – Associated British Foods PLC (ABF) has provided a trading update for the second half of its financial year, ending September 14, 2024. The company delivered strong top-line growth, improved profitability. And robust cash generation across its businesses despite challenges in certain sectors, particularly in the#ABF #Associated British Foods #Financial Performance #grocery division #H2 2024 #ingredients division #Primark growth #share buyback #sugar division #Trading Update

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In this recent article for MCA Insight - Leaders in Eating & Drinking Out Market Insight, I headed out into the marketplace, looking for breakfast value, armed with a £5 budget. What did I find?

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For Hundreds if not thousands of years Alcohol has had centre stage but almost every occasion. And with good reason for many people, Alcohol is a fun facilitator of good times. As an Englishman, I drank, when I was happy I drank when I was sad I drank when I won and I got drunk when I lost. I drank when someone was born and I got very drunk when someone died. Even somewhat ironically at the wake of someone who died of alcohol poisoning. Alcohol has owned so many moments of my life. Now we hear that there is a a new sobriety movement, one if I’m honest, I don’t actually believe in, can exclude yourself from something you don’t have interest in in the first place? This new endeavour by Heineken as a sage warning of what listening listening to focus group does to a brand The more I see reports from strategic specialists marketing experts and social gurus. The more utterly unhinged it looks so far detached from reality but it makes you wonder if they know if they’re phoning in or not? If so many people in so many companies I just finishing the next project around them before the House of Cards of nonsense statistics dead end questionnaires and do nothing data comes to haunt them. And I think this is one of the key reasons that Beverage is struggling is because it’s losing its grip on reality, because when we look at beverage, it should surprise it should delight it should excite and it should be a utility for people, simply put liquid is a human necessity. If you look at the data and you come away with ‘people spend a lot of time in the digital realm even when they are busy in the physical’. You have to ask if the real solution to that is Phone without apps, destined be sad, branded landfill. Rather consumers telling you that they’re bored with your offering and they can’t have that attention capture anymore because what we’re really looking at is a generation of people that are tired for settling for mediocrity. And anyway, I need apps on my phone because I need to be able to get home from the pub and whether that’s Uber or TFL you’ll need an app for that P.S If you are kind of person that is now going to correct me, and say if I’m reposting this if I’m talking about it then it’s doing a good job. Then, you are one of the people I’m talking about, because you’ll say there’s no such thing as bad publicity but I’d ask how the guitarist of lost prophets feels about the statement.

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LinkedInLinkedIn News The Grocer Marketing Week Mark Ritson Dean Murley Julie Murley So many excellent insights from YouGov regarding what influences consumer behaviour in choosing their supermarket(s). 1. Price. 2. Proximity to where I live. 3. Carries Products I need (Low / Middle Income brackets) / Wide variety of products (Household incomes of £100K+ specifically). 4. Loyalty Card Programme. 5. Has high quality products (specifically cited by Household incomes of £00K+ My takeaways from this: 1. If price is such a key factor. The supermarket needs to be as efficient as possible through the entire "value chain". 2) Product & Category Strategy is key. Understanding the everyday needs and the role of innovation (90% of new products fail). 3) Loyalty Card - a recent The Grocer Survey found that "special prices" are actually top priority. Again, margin eroding. 4) Brand Loyalty particularly matters to affluent shoppers. With interest rates hardly coming down, the cost of Grocery shopping is fundamental in household budgets, regardless of income. What influences you in your grocery shopping habits? What other macro factors need to be considered? Look forward to your comments. Me? I'm a Sainsburys / Tesco shopper - driven by price & loyalty offers. Product quality natters too. I love innovation as well.

Welcome to Off The Shelf Company 🎉 Are you looking to kickstart your business journey in the UK without the usual administrative delays? The Off The Shelf Company is the UK's leading provider of pre-registered companies, ready to trade immediately. Our tailored solutions are designed for entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses who want a fast, seamless entry into the UK market. ✨ In just 24 hours, you can have a fully compliant company with a business bank account – all set to go. Whether you're after a basic setup or need something more sector-specific with added compliance, we’ve got you covered. Our mission? To simplify your entry into the UK business landscape with efficiency and ease. #UKBusiness #Entrepreneurship #StartUp #BusinessFormation #OffTheShelf

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From SMEs and high-street brands to publicly listed companies and multinationals, the @Better Business Act will ensure every single UK company takes ownership of its social and environmental impact. Backed by over 2,600 businesses including @WeareUMi Virgin Iceland Foods , @Patagonia and many others, who will be next to #BackTheAct – could it be you? ✍️Join the movement for better business today by signing up to the #BetterBusiness Act – https://ow.ly/ipl250RI1jL  Better Business Act #BetterBusinessDay 

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When I took up the role of Northern correspondent of Business Leader it was to write stories about entrepreneurs like Simon M. and his business The Modern Milkman. They’re the subject of my second ‘View from the North’ feature, which has been published in the latest edition of the national business magazine. Mellin grew up in a farming family in Pendle, Lancashire, and is the son of a butcher. He left school with barely a qualification to his name but what he may have lacked academically he more than made up for with his business acumen. At the age of 13 he set up a mobile disco business with a friend called Kids by Kids and thought he hit the jackpot when he got his first advert in the Yellow Pages. In 2018 he famously co-founded Modern Milkman after watching an episode of Sir David Attenborough’s cult BBC series Blue Planet II and being shocked at the use of single-use plastics on the environment. He was so convinced that the traditional milk delivery sector was ripe for disruption through technology that he bought his own milk round to put his theory to the test. Today Modern Milkman is valued at around £250m and earlier this year was the highest-placed UK company when it was rated eighth in the FT 1000, which ranks Europe’s fastest-growing companies. One of the things I like about Mellin is he doesn’t fit the mould of what a tech entrepreneur looks and sounds like. That could be due to his broad east Lancashire accent, his tattoos or his cauliflower ear – a ‘trophy’ from his love of mixed martial arts. “Most people can’t understand me,” he admitted. “I have to talk quite slowly. There’s a stigma attached to northern businesses that you can’t raise money or do what you want. I think it’s b*****ks. “I haven’t changed anything about myself. You have to be different, and that’s all right. I’m a very honest person, it’s important to stay true to who you are. I call a spade a spade.” To date, the company has raised around £50m in investment and in the last funding round, brought the Fortune 500 company Avery Dennison on board. It is a material sciences business working with Modern Milkman to develop a new range of reusable and returnable packaging – including a washable, recyclable silicon-based bread bag. The company moved its headquarters from Colne to Manchester in 2023 in search of talent (50 per cent of its core staff are developers, data scientists and product experts). Mellin expects much of the business’s growth in the next few years to come from the US, as it focuses on profitability in the UK. Massive thanks to editor-in-chief Graham Ruddick and owner Richard Harpin for giving me a national platform to shout about the North and game-changing businesses and entrepreneurs like The Modern Milkman and Simon Mellin. https://lnkd.in/dU6qaC6k

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NEW FDF GUIDANCE ON ALLERGEN RECALL PREVENTION- About 2.4 million adults in the UK are living with a diagnosed food #allergy. The most recent NHS figures show that more than 5,000 people were hospitalised with food-related #anaphylaxis in 2022-3. Food allergies are a factor in about ten deaths per year in England and Wales, according to research by Imperial College London. Effective allergen management, whether dealing with ingredients or the risk of cross-contamination, is crucial and requires thorough risk assessments. Can I commend the recently published “ #FDF Guidance on #Allergen Recall Prevention.” It aims to assist food manufacturers in identifying the issues that lead to allergen incidents. It also helps to determine the appropriate actions to prevent recurrence and avoid allergen #withdrawals or consumer #recalls. It’s a terrific guide! Well done to the Food and Drink Federation.👏👏👏. I would also commend the two #IFST guidelines. https://lnkd.in/eeJ27JVe Guidance for Medium & Large Businesses | Food Allergens | Institute of Food Science and Technology https://lnkd.in/eXtDQdhi Guidance for Small Businesses & Caterers | Food Allergens | Institute of Food Science and Technology https://lnkd.in/e9kTRjHg Try out the #FSA site too. Working together through education and risk management we can mitigate the risk of the terrible consequences of food allergens. Richard Sprenger Mark Flanagan FCIEH CEnvH FIFST Craig Leadley Hazel Gowland Dr Lisa Ackerley, CEnvH, FRSPH Caroline Benjamin MSOFHTJuliane Pontoni Bokel Kate Halliwell RNutr Olayemi F-Souza MIFST Karen Betts #FoodSafety ##FoodIndustry #Hospitality #Retail #Restaurants #Health #PublicHealth #food #SupplyChain #RiskManagement #FoodScience #FoodTechnology #Innovation #foodservice #EnvironmentalHealth #FoodManufacturing

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How we made the UK’s soft drinks healthier🥤 🇬🇧 Obesity is a major public health challenge. We partnered with the Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England to shape how a Soft Drinks Levy should be implemented, incentivising manufacturers to reformulate their drinks to reduce sugar levels. 🫗The impact: total sugar in soft drinks in the UK decreased by 35.4% from 2015 to 2019, the equivalent of removing 47,000 tonnes of sugar from grocery shelves. See how we did it in the full case study👇 https://bit.ly/4fIaka4 #BehaviouralScience #BehaviouralInsights #PublicHealth #Obesity #ObesityPrevention

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