Transparency and supply chain

The price of butter keeps creeping up, why? GettyImages/Synergee

The price of butter keeps creeping up, why?

By Donna Eastlake

The price of butter has risen steadily in recent years, with a 18.5% year-on-year increase recorded in the EU wholesale market between 2023 and 2024. But why is this happening? And is it a permanent trend?

Climate change can significantly affect farmer working practices. Image supplied by author.

Cocoa feels the bite of climate change

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Climate change will affect many industries, but few more than cocoa. While farmers on the ground struggle with fluctuating climatic conditions changing working practices, large companies grapple with environmental regulation.

How much freedom should cows have? Image Source: Getty Images/DaydreamsGirl

How much time should dairy cows spend outside?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

To have a fulfilling life, cows arguably must be allowed outside. But what constitutes a ‘free-range’ cow is ambiguous. For optimum welfare, farmers must balance time outdoors and time indoors.

Should vanilla production be stopped? GettyImages/Diana Miller

Should vanilla production be stopped?

By Donna Eastlake

Vanilla is one of the most common flavours for sweet treats around the world. But is the farming of this much-loved spice sustainable? And, if not, should we be consuming it at all?

Whatever the affect of regenerative agriculture on the environment, investment is needed. Image Source: Getty Images/aluxum

Who funds regenerative agriculture?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Regenerative agriculture, without clearly defined practices or financial incentives, and with uncertain results, needs money to thrive. But where will this money come from?

Will EU delay EUDR deadline? GettyImages/luoman

Will EU delay EUDR deadline?

By Donna Eastlake

Rumours are rife that the EU is planning to delay the EUDR deadline past 30 December 2024. But is this true, and if not, are suppliers and manufacturers ready?

CSDDD backed by EU: What’s changed? GettyImages-/harrocks

CSDDD backed by EU: What’s changed?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

After weeks of delay, the CSDDD has finally gained EU backing. However, with a range of concessions and changes made to the legislation, what does the revised CSDDD look like?

Policy, the speakers agreed, should be at the heart of the food system. Image Source: Getty Images/Yagi Studio

The role of policy in a good food system

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

What makes a great food system? Panellists at the City Food and Drink lecture this week argued that policy has a key role in health, food security, and sustainability.

Food swaps to stop biodiversity loss. GettyImages/RealPeopleGroup

Food swaps to stop biodiversity loss

By Donna Eastlake

We’ve all heard of the rallying World War Two cry, ‘Dig for Victory’, urging citizens to combat food shortages by growing fruits and vegetable in their allotments and gardens. Well, now people are being urged to make food swaps to stop biodiversity loss....

Cheddar cheese contains abundance of salt, according to campaign group Action on Salt. Image Source: Getty Images/J Shepherd

Does cheese contain too much salt?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Most hard cheeses contain an abundance of salt according to campaign group Action on Salt. But is this too much? And how easy is it for cheese producers to cut down on salt content?

The campaign showed success, in spite of the setbacks linked to the declining plant-based market and the cost-of-living crisis. Image Source: Getty Images/ArtMarie

Veganuary 2024: Success or failure?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Veganuary has historically led to a significant uptick in consumption of vegan food products. However, with the plant-based sector in decline, and a cost-of-living crisis sweeping much of the world, can the early-year vegan fervour continue apace?

Differences in Arabica coffee beans are due to chromosomal mutations, the study found. Image Source: Getty Images/AnthiaCumming

Coffee’s chromosome mutations: The potential for industry

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Variations in the properties of arabica coffee, such as in taste, caffeine content and disease resistance, are determined by chromosome mutations, according to a recent study. But are these findings purely academic, or relevant to industry? And how could...

The CSDDD has been postponed. Image Source: Getty Images/Henrik Sorensen

What’s next for the CSDDD after postponement?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

After the announced abstention of Germany and Italy, the vote for a key piece of European due diligence legislation which would have ensured companies, including food companies, root out human rights and environmental abuses from their value chains, has...

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