Out of Home News Analysis

Out of home sector news analysis. Get the inside track on the key stories breaking in the out of home food and drink sector, from Footprint’s expert researchers and editorial team.

Farmers left feeling isolated and stressed

Farmers left feeling isolated and stressed
A disconnection with food and negative media coverage of farming’s impact on the environment is affecting producers’ mental health. David Burrows reports. Farmers feel disconnected and lonely which is leading to mental health problems like depression and anxiety, according to a new study. A lack of public appreciation for farmers and understanding of the work…
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Tesco reflects on reusable packaging lessons 

Tesco reflects on reusable packaging lessons 
The supermarket’s own pilot has been wound up but it knows how to make reuse and refill succeed at scale in both grocery and foodservice. David Burrows reports. In July 2021, Tesco launched its reusable packaging trial with global reuse platform Loop. The trial included an in-store prefill model run across 10 stores and 53…
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Friday digest: Fears over farming policy flip as government “attacks” nature

Friday digest: Fears over farming policy flip as government “attacks” nature

Remember the good old days when Michael (Gove) and Boris (Johnson) were the darlings of the environmental NGOs? Well, they are gone and there is no coming back (yet). Liz Truss is in charge and she has got the green lobby in a rage within days of arriving at Number 10.
The Brexit Freedoms Bill (aka the retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill) is one of the bees in their bonnet. The bill, introduced by business secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg (aka the climate sceptic’s sceptic), will "end the special legal status of all retained EU law by 2023, and give the UK the opportunity to develop new laws that best fit the needs of the country and grow the economy", the government said. 

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What sparks sustainable consumption?

What sparks sustainable consumption?
A new global survey suggests people are ready to embrace sustainable products if companies are ready to make them accessible and desirable. Nick Hughes reports. Boston Consulting Group (BCG) recently published the results of global consumer research on climate and sustainability. It surveyed 19,000 people in eight countries – US, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, China, India, and…
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Policing the strain on supply chains

Policing the strain on supply chains
The government is considering scrapping the groceries code adjudicator, but campaigners want to see regulation of buyers extended to foodservice. Nick Hughes reports. The latest inflation figures make for grim reading for the food sector. The average price of food and non-alcoholic beverages rose by 13.1% in the 12 months to August 2022 according to…
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The Friday Digest: government praised for energy intervention but panned on obesity

The Friday Digest: government praised for energy intervention but panned on obesity
We start this week with – surprise, surprise – energy, and news that business secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg has ridden to the rescue of hospitality businesses facing huge hikes in their energy bills. The new government energy bill relief scheme will provide a discount on wholesale gas and electricity prices for all non-domestic customers whose current gas and electricity…
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COMMENT: Chances of a ‘green Brexit’ wash away

COMMENT: Chances of a ‘green Brexit’ wash away
Promises that exiting the EU would leave the UK better placed to protect the environment lie in tatters. By David Burrows. In a blog just before she became prime minister, Liz Truss claimed she was an environmentalist before it was fashionable. She joined her parents on “marches about saving our planet from CFCs and harm to…
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Net-Zero Notebook: The devil is in the detail

Net-Zero Notebook: The devil is in the detail
First came the wave of net-zero commitments; now comes the flood of research scrutinising how companies and governments will deliver their plans. By David Burrows. This month we start with the new “novel” network of researchers that will explore effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the agri-food industry. With £5m in funding to…
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COMMENT: Don’t stall on sustainability

COMMENT: Don’t stall on sustainability
Ministers must resist calls to pause important health and environmental regulations and reduce the cost burden on businesses in other ways, says Nick Hughes. The appointment of a new prime minister – and cabinet – brings a fresh opportunity for organisations to push their own particular agenda. Sure enough, no sooner had Liz Truss been…
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Will “environmentalist” Truss finally show her stripes?

Will “environmentalist” Truss finally show her stripes?
The new prime minister claims to have green roots but those that have worked with her are not convinced. Nick Hughes reports. When Liz Truss arrived in 10 Downing Street last Tuesday afternoon she created a little slice of history: of the 10 people who have held the post of secretary of state for the…
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