Goodness is having a bad time. New US president Donald Trump is revelling in the ‘art of the horrible’. And while the focus is on international diplomacy bombshells, he’s having a no less dramatic impact domestically. Quite aside from dismantling various US federal agencies, within a fortnight of his arrival Trump was casually boasting: “We got rid of woke. Woke is now gonzo.”

We’ll be looking at how this crushing takedown of diversity, equity & inclusion (to give the movement its official title) is impacting important programmes in the UK food and drink industry next month. And make no mistake. As much as the movement has been hijacked by a cohort for whom values entirely override value, some of the work being done in this space is important not just socially but economically.

But this week’s Goodness Issue offers a timely reminder of the other great and noble work performed by the industry on a daily basis. We’ve focused on social impacts, and in particular efforts to up supply of food surplus to meet the (sadly) massive increase in demand from food clubs and other charities, coupled with the growth of food waste apps, whether that’s to help retailers or consumers. We also feature a spotlight on the UK’s first ‘inclusive’ supermarket; the launch of a socially conscious honey and a new mixer brand that employs a diverse, mixed ability workforce.

The daily acts of kindness and consideration displayed within the industry aren’t tokenistic. A report last year found Tesco and Sainsbury’s topped a FTSE 100 ranking for charitable donations. Only this week M&S partnered with Sir Chris Hoy in a prostate cancer awareness campaign, while the proceeds from Lidl’s enterprising appearance on TikTok were donated to the NSPCC.

We think it’s important to celebrate the laudable work the food industry undertakes. And not just in this issue. It’s why we launched a Social Impact Initiative of the Year in The Grocer Gold Awards 2025. So tell us about the wonderful things you’re doing for humankind, for communities, for charities and other causes, and the difference it’s making. And keep the faith.

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