Small breweries in the UK are ditching the term “craft beer” in favour of “indie beer”, The Guardian reports. Small brewers are increasingly looking to highlight their independent credentials in the face of ‘craft’ brands that have been snapped up by global corporations, it finds.
More than 20 dips and seasonings, including Domino’s Pizza’s BBQ dip, have been recalled over fears that may they contain undeclared peanuts, according to another story in The Guardian. The Food Standards Authority (FSA) has called on consumers to return a range of dips, curry powders and seasonings produced by FGS Ingredients.
Ocado Group is lining up a new chairman, writes Sky News. Adam Warby, who chairs the headhunter Heidrick & Struggles, is understood to be the front runner to replace Rick Haythornthwaite.
In another Sky News report, the Department for Business and Trade is understood to have asked management consultancy Boston Consulting Group to examine options for mutualising the Post Office. The work to transfer ownership to employees is said to be at an early stage, but is expected to result in a report being handed to Jonathan Reynolds, the business secretary, in the coming months.
The prime minister has deemed nanny state measures “necessary” for the protection of public health, writes The Times. Sir Keir Starmer pointed to the proposed ban on smoking in pub gardens and supervised toothbrushing as positive measures at the launch of a public consultation on the future of the NHS yesterday.
Almost a third of UK businesses are calling for the government to support British trade by reducing Brexit-related regulations and red tape, according to a survey by Santander. Nearly a third (31%) of companies said they wanted to see a reduction in post-Brexit regulatory requirements, including customs procedures, The Times reports.
In another report from The Times, a company that replaces fats and oils in food with water has secured £3.5 million in seed investment.
US consumers are cutting back on their spirit intake, Financial Times reports, in a backlash against price rises. Spirit consumption is down 3% compared with the same period last year, according to drinks data provider IWSR.
In a further blow for booze brands, only 24% of UK workers want alcohol at social events, in what the Financial Times has dubbed “the end of the boozy Christmas party”.
Angela Rayner’s overhaul of workers’ rights could cost employers almost £5bn a year, The Telegraph warns this morning. According to an impact assessment published by the government, officials estimated the changes would cost businesses £4.5bn a year but added: “We are confident that the total direct cost to business will be less than £5bn annually.”
The Telegraph also reports steakhouse chain Blacklock is in talks to raise cash from investors, as declining interest in veganism has prompted a resurgence in meat-heavy menus.
Finally, London’s West End is preparing for its best Christmas since before the pandemic, according to The Standard. Domestic consumers are likely to spend around 7% more than last year in central London shops during the key “golden quarter”, ccording to projections from retail analysts Rendle Intelligence.
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