Speciality Food Magazine - May 2025

10 @specialityfood A popular North Norfolk farm shop has been given a new lease of life, just in time for 2025’s busy summer season. Algy’s Farm Shop has undergone an extension, and more energy than ever has been invested into ensuring that the stock sold under its roof is both of high quality and supports the local economy. Annabel de Capell Brook, general manager, said, “Customers are blown away by the transformation and are thanking us for letting them have this amazing new provision. We are run by a third generation farming family and are well into our asparagus season – all grown on the farm.” As well as selling homegrown produce, Algy’s Farm Shop is supporting producers from the local area by stocking them on their shelves. “I have introduced a huge number of local suppliers and we are super proud to champion such amazing local artisans,” says Annabel. New look for Algy’s Farm Shop At last year’s event, over 25,000 independent retailers engaged with the campaign in partnership with town management teams, business improvement districts and chambers of commerce and local business, and the number is set to be even higher for 2025 as the demands on independent retailers deepen. The team behind the mission work closely with the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), the Independent Retail Consortium (IRC) and the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM). An estimated 25,000 independent retailers engaged with the campaign in 2024, along with more than 100 different town management teams, business improvement districts (BIDs), chambers of commerce and Shoppers urged to shop independent local business groups across the country. Howard Robinson, a spokesperson for Independents’ Day UK, said, “The UK’s independent retail sector is resilient, creative and adaptable and provides employment, choice and quality of service to local communities throughout the country. “That’s why we hope that the public will show their support by simply heading out across the weekend starting on Friday July 4th, spend few pounds and enjoy everything that is great about our independent and locally owned retailers.” For more information and to get involved visit independentsdayuk. org/get-involved This year's Independents’ Day UK, a drive to get consumers shopping more regularly in independent stores, runs on 4th July The Food and Drink Federation (FDF), representative of Britain’s 12,000 food and drinkmanufacturers, has published a new report stating that while the food and drink manufacturing sectormakes a sizeable contribution to the economy, this is not predicted to last. The Powering Communities report shares stats fromthe Office of National Statistics (ONS) which illustrate that the food and drinkmanufacturing sector presently contributes £37bn to the UK’s economy – a growth of over 17.9% in a decade, and representing This springmarks a bold newchapter for Just Gourmet Foods as they unveil a fresh new look, open their 10,000 sq. ft warehouse, and expand their curated offering of Italy’s finest artisanal products to the UK’smost discerning retailers, delis, and food halls. The rebrand reflects not only the evolution of our business but also the bridge between old and new– rooted Growth bubble is about to burst, says FDF report Just Gourmet Foods unveils bold rebrand and bigger vision nearly a quarter of Britain’s overall manufacturing turnover. However, with business confidence dropping to -47 last quarter and billions of pounds of costs piling onto the sector, the FDF is urging the government to take action to address barriers to growth. These include a lack of access to highly skilled talent, low investment in innovation and falling food and drink export volumes. JimBligh, director of corporate affairs, communications and packaging at FDF, said, in Italian excellence, built for the future. Founded by Gianfranco Perri, whose roots run deep in Calabria’s sun- drenched soil, Just Gourmet Foods has always been about more than food. It’s about heritage, authenticity, and honouring generations of traditional craft. Inspired by childhood summers on his grandparents’ farm, “Our industry is vital to ensuring we have a thriving food system here in the UK, providing high- quality, affordable food. Andwe are amajor part of the UK’s wider manufacturing sector, offering good careers, driving investment, and promoting international trade. Food and drinkmanufacturing is uniquely placed tomake a positive impact in every village, town and city in every constituency in the country. “But with food and drink businesses under increasing pressure, we’ve reached a pivotal moment where government must act to safeguard this foundational sector’s future growth and the UK’s food security. We’ve set out more than 40 steps government can take to remove unnecessary roadblocks to growth for the benefit of every community in the UK.” Further details can be found in the FDF’s Investment for Growth report. Gianfranco’s passion for real, quality ingredients drives everything the teambehind Just Gourmet Foods does. Fromheritage olive oils and small- batch sauces to artisan pasta and sweets, Just Gourmet Foods works directlywith trusted family producers across Italy’s diverse regions to bring true Italian craftsmanship to shelves across the UK. As demand grows, so too does Just Gourmet Foods’ range. Exclusive new suppliers are joining their portfolio, supported by their new distribution hub and stellar customer service. With purpose, passion, and provenance at its core, Just Gourmet Foods is ready to serve its finest chapter yet.