Weekly Roundup: UK investors back nutrition labeling food bill, Corbion recognized for climate initiatives

23 Dec 2021 --- This week in industry news, investors urged the UK prime minister to back a key nutrition and sustainability food bill while the upcoming Sustainable Food Summit will showcase inventions in plant-based foods. In other developments, the UK signed its first post-Brexit trade deal with Australia to allow the unimpeded distribution of meat.

In brief: Sustainability efforts
A coalition of investors representing over £3.8 trillion (US$5.04 trillion) in assets have written to UK prime minister, Boris Johnson, backing a food bill containing mandatory reporting on nutrition and sustainability for larger food sector businesses. This was a recommendation of the National Food Strategy which argued that the issues facing the food industry are too wide-ranging and complex for individual companies to effectively address in isolation. The letter, co-ordinated by Sustain members of the Food Foundation, favored “well-designed regulation” on the grounds that it creates an environment for businesses seeking to build long-term sustainability strategies into their business models.

Corbion has been recognized for leadership in corporate sustainability by global environmental non-profit organization, Climate Disclosure Project (CDP). The company’s efforts to cut greenhouse emissions, mitigate climate change, water risks and actions to strengthen its forest-related policies were acknowledged. The data is based on the CDP’s 2021 climate change, water and forest questionnaires.Key topics to be discussed at the Sustainable Foods Summit include emerging sustainable proteins, regenerative agriculture, upcycled foods and fermentation techniques. 

The Sustainable Foods Summit, organized by Ecovia Intelligence will take place virtually on an online platform from January 24 to 27 and showcase innovations in sustainable and plant-based foods. The Public Health and Safety Organization (NSF) supports the US edition of the summit which explores opportunities for eco-labels and sustainability in the food industry. Key topics include emerging sustainable proteins, regenerative agriculture, upcycled foods, fermentation techniques, cultured foods, plastic neutral packaging, market and consumer insights and future trends. 

In brief: Appointments
Dairygold has appointed Michael Murphy as a new member of its board of directors. Murphy, a dairy farmer from Skehanagh, Ireland succeeds Richard Hinchion, who completed his maximum permitted consecutive service period on the board. Murphy represents the Ballinhassig Electoral Group and was initially elected to the Mid Cork Regional Committee in 1992. He served three terms and after a one term break, was re-elected in 2013. He has been a member of the general committee since 2019. 

In brief: Other highlights
Ingredients specialist Kröner-Stärke has created a cream-like filling for bakery and confectionery products with a long shelf life and no artificial ingredients. The process is challenging in the bakery produce segment as it relies on artificial food additives due to the fact that unbaked parts do not benefit from the effects of the baking process in limiting bacteria. Kröner-Stärke’s solution to this is a product based on a hot-swelling wheat starch produced under a stringent hygienic process. Enhanced microbiological cleaning is carried out to create an aseptic environment. Then following production, the finished starch is subjected to an extended microbiological analysis; covering a broad spectrum of potential contaminants, to ensure that the bacteria count is as close to zero as is technically possible.

The UK has signed its first post-Brexit trade deal with Australia to allow the distribution of meat. The deal will allow Australian farmers to use feedlots, battery cages and sow stalls. In addition, the UK government will permit the use of hormones and antibiotics to speed up growth as well as the removal of skin from live sheep. 

By Inga de Jong