Is this the dawn of cell-cultivated meat production in the UK? Unsurprisingly the FSA’s announcement that it’s received £1.6 million in government funding to develop a new sandbox programme to fast track the production of cultivated meat products got a lot of coverage alongside The Grocer’s own. The Guardian led on the environmental benefits of the switch, also highlighting that the UK is an attractive market for producers due to the number of flexitarians, vegans and vegetarians who live here.
The Telegraph had more detail on the booze businesses hitting back at the impending shake up of alcohol duty, leading on an email sent by Majestic boss John Colley to customers. He warned that some of their favourite wines like could “disappear” from supermarket shelves as producers are put off by higher rates, and more red tape.
On the retailer front, several publications (including The Grocer) have covered the reshuffle at the top of the John Lewis Partnership. Nish Kankiwala’s role of CEO had been “axed” claimed The Guardian, which reflected the partnership’s “significant progression” over the last two years. Kankiwala will return to his non-executive position advising the board, as new chairman Jason Tarry (pictured) “tightens grip” on the partnership, as The Telegraph put it.
Jo Whitfield’s “shock” departure from Matalan dominated the sector press, including The Grocer’s sister title Retail Week. Co-op’s former food boss is stepping down after 18 months to pursue a portfolio career. Chair Karl-Heinz Holland will act as executive chair until her successor is appointed.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Public investment fund has significantly increased its stake in premium department store Selfridges, after buying out “bust Austrian property tycoon” Rene Benko’s Signa, The Telegraph and others reported. PIF’s stake will grow from 10% to 40% overall.
A major legal battle is brewing in the US, after McDonald’s became the latest food business to sue four of America’s biggest beef producers over alleged price fixing. The accusation against Cargill, JBS, National Beef and Tyson Foods follows similar litigation lodged by US cattle rangers and supermarkets, the FT reported.
The positive news that 2,400 jobs and more than 30 TGI Friday’s sites have been rescued from administration by PE backed D&D London was also picked up widely, including by The BBC. The deal has been overshadowed however, claimed The Times, by the treatment of more than 1,000 workers who will lose their jobs. Unite claims some were locked out of meetings, and only learned about their fate via Whatsapp.
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