Speciality-Food-July/August 2025

6 The report, The Tipping Point: Building Trust in the Circular Economy , was developed in collaborationwith the University of Cambridge’s Institute for Sustainability Leadership. It showed that ‘Wonky’ produce or items in recycled packaging aren’t connecting with today’s shoppers, despite growing concern about the environmental impact of the food industry. According to the study, quality is an issue for 56% of respondents, safety is a worry for 51%, and reliability is a concern for 49%. It also revealed that only 25% of consumers around the world would by ‘wonky’ produce, that 31%would choose food items in recycled packaging, and 59% stated that a recognised label would help them trust circular product claims. A key point raised by the study was that there is a ‘trust gap’ in the circular economy – consumers aremotivated tomake environmentally-friendly choices but are not willing to compromise on the perceived standards of conventional produce. This offers a valuable opportunity for food and drink producers who are able to demonstrate the quality and safety of circular products. Consumers still unconvinced by the circular economy BSI has conducted a new global study which demonstrates that many consumers are still hesitant about ‘circular’ food products @specialityfood Bumper year for Fairfields new products and visually stronger, more eco-friendly packaging, and a series of production enhancements are key milestones of a strong year for the brand, which reported an increase of 38% on year-on-year sales, with a further 25% year-on- year growth for July 2024-July 2025. Robert Strathern, co-founder, said, “This upgrade is about unlocking the next phase of our growth. As we scale, we’re investing in the systems and infrastructure that will allow us to stay agile and deliver more of has risen steadily over the course of the year,” she added. Though, Helen continued, the outlook isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, as retailers watch the Government closely for details of the impending business rates reform. “If the Government includes shops within its newhigher rates threshold, thenmany retailers will be forced to rethink their investment plans,” she said. “The closure of larger stores would harm the local communities they support, costing jobs and reducing footfall in the area they serve.” Helen continued, “If Government wants to improve high streets and help communities, theymust ensure no shop paysmore under their new rates reforms.” Linda Ellett, UKhead of consumer, retailer and leisure at KPMG, said home appliances and homeware purchases helped greatlywith sales growth in June, as newhomebuyers and those refreshing their current homes took advantage of summer promotions both in-store and online. “Warmweather and the start of the Essex-based crisp producer Fairfields is continuing its expansion plans with a major factory investment set to boost weekly crisp production by 40%. The multi-million-pound upgrade includes the installation of a second industrial fryer, and a new automated weighing and bagging system to support the increased volume. This follows the installation of a similar fryer last year, which increased capacity by 90%. A record harvest, the launch of It seems sunnyweather has buoyed the retail sector, with the latest data showing sales fromJune into early Julywere up across the board compared to the same period last year. The BRC-KMPG SalesMonitor report shows total UK sales were up 3.1%, compared to a decline of 0.2% in 2024. Of these, food sales increased by 4.1% against growth of 1.8%, non- food sales increased 2.2% against a decline of 1.9%, in-store non-food sales increased by 2.2% against a decline of 2.6%, and online non-food sales increased by 2.3%, against a decline of 0.7%. The online penetration rate (the number of non-food items bought online) of 36.6%was unchanged compared to the same period in 2024. Soaring temperatures increased sales of electric fans, while sports and leisure equipment were boosted by both theweather and the start of Wimbledon, notedHelen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC). “Food sales remained strong, though this was in- part driven by food inflation, which what our customers want, without compromising on the values that set us apart.” Tash Jones, commercial director, said, “We’ve built strong momentum over the past 12 months – driven by product innovation, sustainable practices, and a brilliant team. With increased capacity and a pipeline of new products and contract wins, we’re now in an excellent position to drive further growth across both existing and newmarkets.” holiday season led tomodest monthly growth for clothing sales. But retailers will be hoping that the buying is not yet complete, and that the pace picks up further in July and August as suitcases get packed, and the sun hopefully keeps shining.” Commenting further on the performance of the food and drink sector, Sarah Bradbury, CEO of IGD, said, “Shopper confidence fell back thismonth, but stayedmarginally above zero, landing at just one.” Escalating global tensions and economic pressures, she added, have left shoppers feeling uncertain about the year ahead, and the number of shoppers expecting food prices to increase has risen from14% to 20%, reflecting renewed inflation concerns. “Value sales growth continues to be predominately driven by inflation, with volumes under sustained pressure, however, the arrival of new summer ranges and improvedweather presents retailers with opportunities to tap intomore consumer occasions, particularly amongst higher income shoppers who remain focused on quality,” she added. Boost for UK retail sales Governmentmust ensureno shoppays moreunder their new rates reforms