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.

Sugar farce exposes reformulation folly

Sugar farce exposes reformulation folly
Campaigners say a failure to hit voluntary reduction targets in sugary foods means tougher government action is needed. Nick Hughes reports. “The results of this report show continued mixed progress.” As understatements go the government’s final verdict on the success, or otherwise, of its sugar reduction programme took the proverbial biscuit. Snuck out in December…
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Comment: Time for bosses to speak the truth to power

Comment: Time for bosses to speak the truth to power
Industry leaders wanting stronger sustainability policies must make their voices heard in 2023, says Nick Hughes. In the spirit of this article I will get straight to the point. I have a polite request to make of business leaders in the foodservice sector: make 2023 the year you use your voice and status to make…
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Honest lifts the lid on better beef 

Honest lifts the lid on better beef 
The burger chain is sourcing regeneratively-farmed beef for its restaurants. It’s not easy but the benefits could be considerable. David Burrows reports. For 10 years restaurant chain Honest Burgers had worked hard on its sourcing of beef; it came from grass-fed cattle living outside, while the farms were British and the breeds were native. “We…
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Corporates must show their commitment to climate

Corporates must show their commitment to climate
COP summits are like Groundhog Day but that isn’t an excuse for businesses to bury their heads in the sand, says David Burrows.  Following last year’s COP26 in Glasgow, I warned that ignoring food in a summit to tackle climate change is a bit like ignoring traffic lights when you are driving – it will…
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What’s in store for hospitality in 2023?

What’s in store for hospitality in 2023?
Footprint asked a group of experts to gaze into their crystal balls and predict the issues and innovations that will shape next year’s CSR and sustainability agenda. By Nick Hughes. Dan Crossley (DC), executive director, Food Ethics Council Andy Wood (AW), CEO, Adnams Lorraine Copes (LC), founder, Be Inclusive Hospitality Celena Fernandez (CF), head of sustainability,…
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The Friday Digest: A policy freeze in need of thawing 

<strong>The Friday Digest: A policy freeze in need of thawing </strong>
In a week that saw temperatures plummet below zero it seems apt that the government confirmed its obesity strategy is now frozen in time. Plans to introduce a 9pm TV advertising watershed for foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) along with new restrictions on online advertising will now come into force on October 1st…
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Comment: Businesses failing to walk the talk on sustainability

Comment: Businesses failing to walk the talk on sustainability
Food companies in the FTSE 100 Index are making insufficient progress towards fair and sustainable models, says Maddy Diment. Thomas Redman, a leading data expert, once claimed “where there is data smoke, there is business fire”. That sentiment feels particularly resonant in the findings from this year’s Tortoise Media Responsibility100 Index.  The index measures FTSE100 companies’ actions…
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New EU packaging rules set to shake up single-use

New EU packaging rules set to shake up single-use
More bans on single-use items and new reusable packaging targets have got industry spooked. David Burrows reports. The European Commission has proposed new targets for reusable packaging, bans on single-use packaging when dining in and a reduction in plastic packaging waste. Foodservice businesses and their suppliers are not happy about the prospect.  Matti Rantanen, director…
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COMMENT: Tackling obesity requires proper planning

COMMENT: Tackling obesity requires proper planning
The growth of US fast food chains in the UK market suggests policies to curb the proliferation of hot food takeaways need rebooting, says Nick Hughes. Last week health secretary Steve Barclay unveiled plans to fast-track “cutting-edge obesity treatments and technologies”. The government claims a new £20m fund could lead to promising medicines and digital…
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Paper bottles: promising or PR puff?

Paper bottles: promising or PR puff?
Drinks brands are desperately seeking alternatives to the plastic and glass they use for bottles, and they’ve landed on paper. But is it a viable option, asks David Burrows. Drum rolls and drams. It was back in 2020 that Diageo unveiled a “100% plastic-free paper-based spirits bottle” for its Johnnie Walker whisky and promised to have…
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