Putting the ‘V’ into BBQ
Launched during National BBQ Week (which runs from 27 May-2 June) a vegan food company has instigated the circulation of a petition to have the word ‘barveque’ added to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), in which the current definition of BBQ does not include any representation of the numerous plant-based alternatives.
Whole Foods pitches in to find new start-ups
Whole Foods Market (WFM) is the latest retailer to host a ‘live-pitch’ event to find new start-ups and product ranges.
Unilever speaks up on sustainability
During a sustainability briefing at Unilever’s London headquarters on 17 May, Wall’s unveiled its Vanilla for Change campaign, detailing six years’ of work undertaken...
EC postpones bee-friendly pesticide vote
On 8 May, the European Commission announced it would delay a vote to implement new bee-friendly pesticide testing standards and would instead conduct a review.
Fruit juice linked with increased risk of all-cause mortality
A new study by US researchers suggests that the sugar content in both fizzy drinks and fruit juice can contribute to shortened lifespans.
UK’s first cannabis restaurant raided by police
Canna Kitchen, the Brighton restaurant, café and shop which opened in December claiming to be the first in the UK to offer cannabis-infused cuisine, was raided by Sussex Police on Wednesday.
Total wipe-out: Holland & Barrett to ban wet wipes
Holland & Barrett has announced it will become the first high street retailer to ban wet wipes across all 800 of its UK and Ireland stores.
IPBES Global Assessment a ‘stark warning’ says Soil Association
Following the release of the IPBES Global Assessment on Monday 6 May, the Soil Association has issued a statement of response, calling it a 'stark warning' about over-use of the world's natural resources.
Vegan Society warns that meat name ban would be ‘human rights...
The Vegan Society says EU proposals to ban the use of traditional names like ‘burger’ and ‘sausage’ for vegan and veggie food products would 'breach the fundamental human rights of vegans'.
Vitamin drips target the mainstream
Vitamin IV drips have gained a loyal following among celebrities as being a quick-fix solution, a supposed cure for a plethora of complaints – from hangovers and lethargy to low immunity and tired-looking skin. But now, thanks to one London clinic, they’re encroaching on the mainstream.
‘Climate change emergency’ declared by UK parliament
On Wednesday, the House of Commons saw MPs passed a motion to declare an environment and climate change emergency in the UK, after Jeremy Corbyn opened an Opposition Day debate on the subject.
Certifiers unite to expand organic markets
Organic certifier OF&G has joined forces with global accreditor Control Union UK (CUUK) in efforts to ‘open and expand’ markets for UK organic food production by offering certification on a global scale.
Soil Association calls for urgent action over pollinator decline
Following a report citing a widespread crash in bees and pollinators – with an average decline of 25% across all bees and hoverflies since 1980 – the Soil Association (SA) has called for Government to support nature-friendly farming.
NPE: ‘The window to the future’
Dubbed ‘The window to the future’ by independent retailer John McKee – director of Hanover Health Foods – Natural & Organic Products Europe has announced a 3% rise in attendance figures for 2019, with an attendance of 10,298 over the two-day show at ExCeL.
Infinity Foods issues statement on plastics
Sussex-based co-op Infinity Foods has released a statement around its stance on plastic packaging to offer a detailed answer to the question it is frequently asked: why is its own label range not packed in biodegradable or compostable material?
Double victory at Sainsbury’s NPE beauty pitch
On Monday, the inaugural Sainsbury’s Beauty & Wellbeing Live Innovation Pitch took place at Natural & Organic Products Europe, with the multiple deciding to choose not one but two beauty brands to attend a meeting at Sainsbury’s HQ and potentially land a listing.
H&B pledges change of culture after ‘embarrassing’ late payment headlines
Holland & Barrett is pledging a change of culture at the company after “embarrassing” disclosures this week over late payments to suppliers.
Holland & Barrett accused of operating ‘purposeful culture of poor payment...
Leading health food retailer Holland & Barrett has been accused of operating a 'purposeful culture of poor payment practices' by the Small Business Commissioner.
The suboptimal diet sending us to an early grave
A new report published in The Lancet on 3 April has shown suboptimal daily diet to be a bigger killer than smoking, with poor nutrition now accounting for one in five deaths worldwide.
Brands set to wow top retailers at NPE
Natural & Organic Products Europe (NPE) is doubling-down on innovation this year, confirming that two of the UK’s biggest retailers – Holland & Barrett (back for the fourth year) and Sainsbury’s (new for 2019) – will each host live ‘innovation pitching’ sessions at the London ExCeL show on Monday 8 April.