Each month the Sharp team saves you time by rounding up some of the latest trends from the world of food and drink. Here’s our snackable round-up of insights and product news that we’ve spotted on our travels.
Ultra Processed Foods vs. Nutrition
The spotlight on UPFs isn’t dimming any time soon, and although the concept has been around for over 15 years, the fact that there is still no globally agreed definition of a UPF is proving problematic. Surprisingly, the concept of a UPF was never meant to determine the healthiness of a food but with headlines taking over and putting UPFs at the forefront as a cause for societies ill health, there’s no denying it’s become a hot topic.
For a new point of view on the topic, check out The Grocer commentary piece from Marco Bertacca, CEO of Quorn Foods, where he dives into the UPF classification and why “the Nova 4 classification for ‘ultra-processed’ foods is fundamentally flawed when it comes to health…”.
He goes on to say: “It’s a distraction from discussions that we should be having as an industry and as a society, around how to improve the health of people and our planet through nutritional and sustainable food production.”
How will the food industry fare under Labour
The UK has welcomed its new left-wing government with some weighty promises of change. New Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has big plans for the food industry, with a vision for a resilient food supply chain at its core. Labour’s National Food Strategy promises:
- Increased wages for food industry workers, and improved working conditions across the sector
- Sustainable agroecological farming methods
- Reducing meat consumption and increasing the intake of fruits, vegetables, and plant-based proteins.
With 40% of Britain’s food currently being imported and the reduction of this a primary focus, we look forward to seeing these changes come into play and in turn, a more economical industry.
What's Trending?
Pack a picnic for National Picnic Month
Finally, the British summer reared its beautiful head at the end of last month, and we’re keeping our fingers crossed for more warm days to come. What better way to spend a summer’s day than with great tasting food, refreshing beverages, and beautiful picnicscapes – last year’s hot trend for turning your picnics into alfresco eating on steroids.
Of course, hues of Peach Fuzz (the nurturing 2024 Pantone colour of the year) are set to be on the picnic table this year and with restaurant prices continuing to rise across the nation, eating or preparing food at home to enjoy on a picnic lawn seems like a clever way to go this summer. News for Food Industry Leaders recently addressed the rise of picnic culture and outlined why this year could see a surge in Al Fresco dining adventures.
Here in the office, we love a picnic, so we asked the team what’s their must-have picnic item?
Clare – “A chilled blush rose wine spritz. If you’re looking to splash out why not try Maison-Mirabeau’s light and refreshing Rose Spritz in partnership with Fever-Tree or for the budget conscious Aldi’s new Whispering Angel dupe is a great alternative.”
Anna – “Charcuterie meats and cheeses are a must, the M&S Serrano Ham & Manchego Cheese Rollitos are a great grab-and-go option”
AJ – “Cucumber and Holymoly dips, everyone in our family loves it!”
Abbie – “Mine has to be Sauce Shop Burnt Pineapple Hot Sauce – pair it with everything savoury, you will not regret it!
Becca – “A Picnic must have for me is Perello chilli olives – delicious olives with a nice bite to them!
Claire – “A local apple juice for the kids like Biddenden Farm Pressed Apple Juice, and a cider for the adults like Kentish Pip Highdiver is always a good idea”
What's trending on Social Media?
McDonalds’ turns 50: The fast-food giant has released a limited-edition menu to commemorate its 50th birthday, including three new desserts and legendary burgers which are already being teased on TikTok and creating a buzz. Foodies all over the country are posting details about the launch on the video streaming platform as they eagerly await the launch taking place on 17th July.
Have you heard about our Festive PR Booster?
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The SHARP team is currently elbow-deep in tinsel and mince pies. Due to the popularity of the Festive PR Booster last year, we’re doing it again this year! We’ve got 4 spaces left for new project clients on this Festive Booster, so get in touch by end of July if you’re interested. Places are limited.