24 March 2020
Coronavirus supply chain management: Lessons from China
As the coronavirus crisis deepens in Europe Bo Zhou, CEO of supply chain software specialist FuturMaster, shares insights into managing the crisis and lessons learnt from keeping the cogs turning in China. “Everything that seems normal everyday becomes totally impossible.”
Coronavirus: Supermarkets also must ‘flatten the curve’ to meet demand
A lack of trust among consumers has prompted stockpiling efforts across the UK, according to Mintel retail expert Nick Carroll, who says supermarkets must ‘flatten the curve’ to ensure supply.
Australian red meat industry vows to ‘rise to the challenge of coronavirus’
Representatives from the Australian red meat industry have pledged to keep shelves stocked during the coronavirus pandemic.
EDA looks to keep dairy open despite coronavirus challenges
The European Dairy Association is looking to the EU to help keep essential dairy products flowing.
Going for a (virtual) pint: BrewDog takes its bars online
Craft brewer BrewDog will open 102 bars online this Friday, with the new virtual bars offering beer tastings, homebrewing masterclasses, pub quizzes, live music and comedy.
Diageo pledges eight million bottles of hand sanitiser worldwide
Spirits giant Diageo has pledged to provide more than eight million bottles of hand sanitiser – through donating two million litres of alcohol to manufacturing partners – in the fight against COVID-19.
NMPF beefs up coronavirus resource website for dairy
The National Milk Producers Federation in the US has set up a designated website for those in the dairy industry to utilize during the health crisis.
Hope on the horizon: Bakery, snack companies hiring workers displaced by coronavirus
The North American bakery and snacks industries are hiring more workers to keep up with demand as consumers stockpile comfort foods like bread and snacks to get them through the coronavirus outbreak.
Grenade boss reveals business priorities during pandemic
The founder of global sports nutrition brand Grenade has revealed how he is working to keep his staff safe and ensuring the survival of his business during this extraordinary pandemic.
Coronavirus immunity claim warning for Omega-3 industry
Omega-3 businesses have been warned about the dangers of making immunity claims during this Coronavirus crisis.
Microbiome maintenance: How good gut health could tackle COVID-19
A healthy gut microbiome is crucial in mounting a response to the coronavirus, a public health expert says, who also details its role in preventing immune over-reactions that can damage the lungs.
23 March 2020
Opportunities for ecommerce? Rabobank assesses the impact of coronavirus on the drinks industry
The beverage industry is keeping a close eye on the rippling effects from the COVID-19 pandemic. And in the US, there have been a few positives mixed in with the negatives, such as a boom for ecommerce.
UK seafood hopes Brits will catch taste for fish amid coronavirus shock
The UK seafood industry – witnessing a severe fall in demand from export markets amid Covid-19 – is eager that the crisis might spur more British people to eat home-caught seafood.
FoodDrinkEurope demands EU action to relieve supply chains
The industry group has called on Brussels to take urgent action to ease pressure on supply chains during the pandemic.
Food rationing: UK urged to adopt health-based scheme, ‘not ad hoc led by retailers’
Academics say it is the Government’s responsibility – and not retailers’ – to implement a national rationing scheme based on nutritional guidance.
Brazil’s Marfrig pledges to keep all it meats plants operating; Mercado Libre cuts commission for non-perishable food products; Ambev brewery is now producing hand gel. We take a look at how the food industry is responding to the coronavirus outbreak.
Guatemalan sugar industry donates $1 million to equip mobile hospital
The Guatemalan Sugar Association (ASAZGUA) announced a donation of 7.64 million quetzals ($1 million) for one of five new mobile hospitals in the country.
Hard surface disinfection even more crucial for dairy industry in light of coronavirus
Christeyns Food Hygiene, based in Warrington in the UK, which manufactures and install food, dairy and beverage hygiene solutions, is stressing the importance of reducing the risks of contamination from hard surfaces as combating coronavirus continues to be top priority throughout the food chain.
Cocoa Association of Asia conference postponed for second time while governments scramble to maintain food supplies as COVID-19 coronavirus crisis deepens.
EMB says coronavirus has potential to be worst crisis yet for dairy
The European Milk Board (EMB) says all key indicators for the dairy sector are in a strong downward spiral.
Milk powder sales rocket during coronavirus crisis
Catalina Marketing, a company that specializes in shopper intelligence and personalized digital media for CPG brands and retailers, has continued to mine its Buyer Intelligence Database for the fourth consecutive week to track sales in those categories experiencing either spikes or declines as the US population pays closer attention to the COVID-19 pandemic.
EUROPEN & FEFCO call for open ‘green lanes’ to support F&B manufacturers during coronavirus crisis
Members of EUROPEN, (European Organisation for Packaging and the Environment) and FEFCO (European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers) have spoken out in support of their customers during the coronavirus outbreak.
SnackSafely is launching an online campaign called #SnackSafelyAtHome to help consumers with food allergies while they are confined to their homes due to the coronavirus outbreak.
EUROPEN says packaging essential during coronavirus measures
The members of EUROPEN, the European Organisation for Packaging and the Environment, say the European Commission needs to recognize packaging and its raw materials are essential during the current crisis.
Stop panic buying: ABA assures Americans the sector is still #BakingStrong
The American Bakers Association (ABA) has issued a shout-out to the thousands of workers in the bakery supply chain who continue to supply safe products for citizens, despite today’s unprecedented lifestyle caused by coronavirus.
20 March 2020
EU mobilises ‘all means at our disposal’ to tackle COVID-19
FoodNavigator’s regular roundup of news from across Europe looks at the EU’s response to coronavirus – from advise on boarder management measures to concerns over disruption to the food supply chain.
French agri-food sector responds to COVID-19 lockdown: ‘Our food industry is strong and resilient’
Lobby groups in France are backing the government’s prioritisation of the agri-food chain as part of its nationwide coronavirus lockdown.
COVID-19: Competition laws relaxed to keep ‘shops staffed, shelves stocked, and the nation fed’
The UK Government has softened competition laws to enable supermarket retailer collaboration in helping meet boosted demand.
COVID-19: How to use diet and supplements to maintain immunity… and sanity
A dietitian and founder of a ‘good mood food’ startup has shared her tips for maintaining good mental health during the uncertain times of this COVID-19 pandemic.
Dietary supplement manufacturers and the natural channel stores that sell the products play an important role in supporting consumers health during this challenging time and should be counted as ‘essential’ businesses, stakeholders say.
Food production workers designated key personnel by UK government
The UK government has designated food production staff, including those in the meat industry, as key workers as part of measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Moy Park makes staffing appeal to cope with coronavirus demand
Poultry processor Moy Park has announced hundreds of temporary jobs at its Northern Ireland and UK sites to help maintain supply during the coronavirus pandemic.
US meat industry moves to maintain supply as consumer demand grows during coronavirus
The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) has assured consumers that meat and poultry producers are continuing efforts to meet the growing demand for meat during the coronavirus pandemic.
Kellogg UK’s call out for additional workers to cope with coronavirus demand
While COVID-19 is forcing numerous layoffs and closures around the country – and indeed, around the world – the breakfast cereal giant has issued an urgent call out for additional workers at its Manchester plant to keep up with demand.
Kellogg’s value soars during COVID-19 crisis
Kellogg Company has braced for the coronavirus outbreak, while potentially benefiting from consumers stocking up.
19 March 2020
UK Coronavirus Emergency Bill looks to ‘keep food supply flowing’
The UK government unveiled its Coronavirus Emergency Bill, legislation that would give it sweeping new powers to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. The legislation aims to minimise disruption and safeguard key industries, including ‘supporting the food industry to maintain supplies’.
Online food delivery ‘one of the only winners’ in coronavirus outbreak
As the UK Prime Minister warns against eating in restaurants and pubs, and an increasing number of people enter self-isolation, online food delivery may be one of the only sectors that stands to gain.
How are beverage brands coping in the face of COVID-19?
Amid quarantines, lockdowns and cancellations, beverage companies are doing what they can to stay afloat as well as help out in the community. BeverageDaily rounds-up the latest news from brands dealing with the crisis.
COVID-19: Nutrition startups fear huge sales hit as Amazon bans non-essential goods
Nutrition startups have voiced fears for their businesses after Amazon announced it is prohibiting shipments of any non-essential goods from its warehouses until at least April 5th in an aim to meet spiralling demand caused by COVID-19.
Holland and Barrett imposes limits on immunity products amid COVID-19 panic buying
Global health food chain Holland and Barrett has brought in sales limits to reduce panic buying and introduced a dedicated one-hour shopping window for the elderly and vulnerable as well as a new call centre to keep up with soaring demand
Confectionery industry looks to stay relevant as grocery sector re-allocates stock
Confectionery, along with crisps, snacks & nuts, and soft drinks, has been earmarked as a risk category in the food sector for deprioritisation, as supermarkets re-allocate stock priorities towards staples and essential supplies due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The Cheerios and Nature’s Valley maker has raised its forecast for 2020, as social distancing efforts aimed at slowing the rapid spread of COVID-19 is causing consumers to stockpile, boosting demand for eat-at-home products like cereals and boredom-busting treats like snack bars.
Not all doom and gloom in the year of the virus: Bakery and snack players weigh in
The coronavirus pandemic – which has infected more than 220,000 people and killed more than 9,000 globally at the time of writing – is toying with global economy. But staple food categories are positioned to weather the economic storm.
18 March 2020
Coronavirus impact on labour supply fuels food shortage fears
European shoppers are finding themselves faced with empty shelves as coronavirus panic buying places the food supply under short-term pressure. But could longer-term impact on the agri-food labour force actually have more significant implications? FoodNagivator investigates.
Coronavirus sparks ‘staggering growth’ in online searches for foods with functional benefits
What foods are consumers looking to during coronavirus? Functional foods like kombucha and elderberries are the potential
Disease crisis turns up pressure on analytical labs
The COVID-19 crisis is placing an additional burden on testing labs as companies scramble to meet consumer demand for immune health products.
European Commission calls on startups & SMEs to help with coronavirus outbreak
The European Commission is calling on startups and SMEs with technologies and innovations that could help in treating, testing and monitoring the coronavirus outbreak to apply for the next round of funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC).
17 March 2020
‘Potential supply chain impact of COVID-19 coronavirus is immense and unpredictable’
INX International, which produces inks and coatings for commercial packaging and digital applications, has spoken out about the impact of COVID-19 coronavirus, saying ‘the potential supply chain impact of this pandemic is immense and unpredictable’.
AAMP offers coronavirus guidance to members
The American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP) has issued guidance to its members as it feels the effect of the coronavirus.
Canadian red meat industry donates $50,000 to coronavirus effort in China
The Canadian red meat industry has made a $50,000 donation to the Canadian Red Cross to support work with the Red Cross Society of China and its efforts in responding to the coronavirus outbreak.
Spanish pork industry pledges regular supply
The head of the Spanish pork industry’s main trade body has pledged the sector will maintain regular activity despite the coronavirus’ impact on the country.
‘Business as usual’ for the Dutch meat industry during coronavirus
The Dutch meat industry has reassured customers that its companies are working hard to continue to serve consumers at home and abroad, despite the coronavirus measures.
It’s positive to note the bakery and snack industries are not buckling under the coronavirus outbreak.
16 March 2020
Coronavirus: Europe calls for calm as food shortage fears spark panic buying
European governments and representatives of the food industry are seeking to reassure shoppers that the food supply is secure as the region becomes the ‘epicentre’ for the COVID-19 outbreak.
COVID-19 and food: ‘This virus is sensitive to cooking temperatures’
French food agency ANSES says heat treatment can reduce contamination of a food product by a factor of 10,000.
Panic buying of immune products causes shortfalls; greater supply gaps loom in months ahead
A pulse of supply and production issues caused by the COVID-19 crisis is making its way through the dietary supplement industry. Inventories of botanical ingredients continue to hold up, but unprecedented demand for immunity boosting products is causing some strain.
Global meat industry reacts to coronavirus pandemic
The international meat industry has moved to try and maintain production as the coronavirus spreads throughout the world.
Cocoa disruption expected on markets as coronavirus continues to spread
‘During risk-off periods in markets, the prices of all products tend to move lower. When price carnage hits markets, rationality takes a holiday,’ said analyst Andrew Hecht.
13 March 2020
Coronavirus: ‘Dramatic decline’ in taste for Chinese and Italian cuisines
Google Trends data has revealed interest in cuisines from China and Italy – the two hardest hit countries of the COV-19 outbreak – has plummeted. FoodNavigator looks at what this means for the industry.
Could coronavirus hasten high times for CBD?
We’ve seen a run on toilet rolls, hand sanitizer and pasta. What about other foods and ingredients? Which might be set to be boosted by coronavirus?
12 March 2020
Spreading coronavirus: ‘There have been no reports of transmission through food’
EFSA says there is no evidence that food is a likely source of transmission of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Danish Crown fights off Coronavirus concerns for now
Pork processor Danish Crown has reassured customers that its slaughter and production will continue as normal until Friday at the very least.
10 March 2020
Coronavirus: UK relaxes supermarket restrictions to keep shelves stocked
The UK government has extended delivery hours for supermarkets to support the industry response to booming demand in the wake of the country’s COVID-19 outbreak, with further action to minimise disruption to supply chains under consideration.
9 March 2020
Coronavirus: One-third of UK shoppers stockpiling food, HIM & MCA research finds
New consumer research finds that one-third of consumers are stockpiling food in preparation for a major coronavirus outbreak.
3 March 2020
Coronavirus and Brexit are today’s biggest challenges for food makers, while online shopping continues to open the door for disruptive brands in grocery, Mission Ventures co-founder Paddy Willis tells FoodNavigator.
25 February 2020
Coronavirus: ‘Food excellence could fall into the eye of the hurricane’ Italian food sector warns
As Italian authorities struggle to bring the coronavirus outbreak under control and put together a support package for business, Italian industry associations and food sector representatives warn of the potential impact on the food sector.
5 February 2020
Can coronavirus be transmitted via imported food?
Novel coronavirus has claimed 425 lives in China to date, prompting concerns that food imported to Europe from Hubei Province and affected regions could be infected. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) assesses whether this is a likely transmission route.