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England Drought-Free But Extreme Weather Swings Will Intensify
England’s water levels have largely recovered from the 2025 drought after four months of above‑average rainfall but rapid swings between drought and flooding will become more common under climate change, warns the Environment Agency. The drought risk for 2026 is currently low but the EA said a “flash drought” is still possible if there is a sudden spell of very low rainfall and hot temperatures similar to 2022. Furthermore, as the UK’s climate changes, the EA expects more fr
Food-To-Go Market On Track To Outpace Eating Out In UK
The UK food-to-go market is forecast to reach just under £25bn in 2026, growing faster than the wider eating-out sector, and driven by higher spend per visit rather than more customers, finds a new report. Market value for the grab-and-go business is expected to increase by 3.4% to £24.9bn in 2026, according to the latest Lumina Intelligence UK Food to Go Market Report 2026. The projected expansion is supported by rising office attendance, travel flows, and solid consumer de
M&S Powers New Digital Era, Handing AI Tools To 11,000 Staff
M&S is embarking on a major digital transformation by rolling out AI tools to 11,000 store leaders and office-based workers in a bid to reshape how teams run stores, analyse data, and serve customers day to day. Image: M&S The retailer has purchased 11,000 Microsoft 365 Copilot licences for every store manager and all Store Support Centre colleagues. The aim is to free up staff from time-consuming tasks in order to focus on serving customers, improving availability, and suppo
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Sarah-Jayne Gratton
Sarah-Jayne Gratton
Soaring Food Prices Could Add £150 To Shopping Bills
Prolonged conflict in the Middle East could cause UK food inflation to more than double to 8% by June, piling further costs onto households already stretched by rising living expenses, warns IGD. The new forecast of surging food prices by summer is a worst-case scenario if disruption to global energy markets continues, the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) said. According to IGD’s latest projections, food inflation, now at 3.6%, could “briefly reach over 8% by June 202
National Food Supply Risks ‘Catastrophic Failure’ By 2030
UK food production could face severe strain within a few years as critical systems head for collapse, according to a government report that calls for “transformational change” to rebuild resilience. In a stark warning for UK food security, the report, produced by Defra in 2024 but only recently brought to light, concludes there is “a realistic possibility” that by 2030 the UK’s food system, as well as water supplies and natural ecosystems, could be at “strategic risk of catas
John Innes Centre, Sainsbury Laboratory To Build World-Class Crop Science Glasshouse
A next-generation glasshouse, insectary, and horticultural research facility capable of growing a million plants a year has been announced by the John Innes Centre and The Sainsbury Laboratory following a £5 million donation from the Garfield Weston Foundation. Image: The Sainsbury Laboratory Dubbed ‘Technology Platform 1’ (TP1), the new 4,500 m² state-of-the-art research facility will enable scientists to study crop performance under realistic, reproducible conditions. The
Brexit ‘Reset’ Risks Driving Up Cost Of Weekly Shop, Analysis Warns
Shoppers across the UK could face higher prices on everyday groceries under the Government’s proposed Brexit “reset”, with fresh concerns that new trading arrangements may add costs back into the food supply chain. Analysis of the plans suggests that, while ministers have pledged to reduce red tape and ease trade with the EU, the reality for food imports could be far more complex — and potentially more expensive. The proposals centre on closer alignment with EU rules in area
M&S Ramps Up Food Ambitions With Three New Stores And 200 Jobs Boost
Marks & Spencer is accelerating the expansion of its food business, opening three new stores over this week and next as it looks to grow its share of the family weekly shop. The retailer has already opened a 15,000 sq ft fresh market-style food store at Hatfield Oldings Corner, alongside a 16,000 sq ft site in Luton Bramingham. A third store, measuring 18,600 sq ft, is due to open in Farnham next Wednesday. The three openings will create more than 200 jobs and add to the more
Brakes Hits The Road With Chefs And Suppliers In Nationwide Food Expo Tour
Foodservice giant Brakes is taking its offering directly to customers, launching a nationwide roadshow designed to bring fresh produce, innovation and menu inspiration to the heart of the UK hospitality sector. The business is rolling out a series of “food expo” events across the country, bringing together chefs, suppliers and its specialist sister companies to showcase products, trends and practical solutions for operators. The initiative will see Brakes’ development chefs w
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