Speciality-Food-July/August 2025

8 @specialityfood L ast summer, I was in France and came across two things that stopped me in my tracks. The first was a staff-less shop with a whole series of mini fridges that opened on demand to reveal a myriad of fresh items. It was like walking into a vending machine. The second was a pizza vending machine in the middle of rural France on an uninspiring street corner from a company called Just Queen. Now I can’t vouch for the quality of the pizza, but it seems that there are now more than 3,000 of these machines across France, so they must be doing something right. However, in the UK, these kinds of innovations are strangely absent, which is odd, considering we live in an era where technology permeates nearly every aspect of our lives. If you look at retail today, beyond automated checkouts and the occasional orange juice machine, very little has changed. Yes, there are stores where you walk in and walk out without scanning your actual items, but most of it seems firmly anchored in traditional practices. There are a few digital signs in-store, and I find that checkouts often still struggle to read barcodes, or maybe it's just me. Among independent retailers, many view this traditional approach as a strength, but consumers now expect more. I also think it means many are missing opportunities. The reality is that the retail landscape has undergone significant evolution since the turn of the millennium. With the rise of e-commerce and the growing demand for convenience, consumer lifestyles have undergone considerable diversification. People are shopping differently, often seeking quick and efficient solutions that align with their shifting life rhythms. There is more home working and more home-cooked meals. People are more likely to purchase something special from a local store and supplement it with a cheaper solution. However, for many small retailers, adopting technology to meet these changing needs often seems like a step too far. One of the crucial factors contributing to this stagnation is the fair concern over costs. Many small retailers operate on tight budgets and are hesitant to invest in new technologies that may seem risky, unnecessary and with potentially short shelf lives. However, this mindset overlooks the long-term benefits that technology can bring, such as reducing staff costs and increasing operational efficiency. OLIVER LLOYD CONSULTANT “Adopting technology” For instance, staff-less stores, which allow customers to enter, select items, and check out without the need for cashiers, can significantly cut labour expenses and extend opening hours. Similarly, advanced vending machines equipped with innovative technology can offer a wide array of products and provide a 24/7 shopping option without the need for staff presence. In mainland Europe and parts of Asia, this trend is far more advanced. Interestingly, the fast-food industry serves as a compelling contrast to the slow uptake of technology among small retailers. Both large chains and smaller establishments have quickly adopted touch-screen technology and highly visual displays to enhance customer experiences. Fast-food outlets have transformed their ordering processes with self- service kiosks, allowing customers to customise their meals with ease while also reducing the burden on staff. These interactive displays not only streamline order-taking but also engage customers visually, showcasing menu items in an appealing way that encourages upselling. This tech-forward approach reflects a broader trend in the food service industry, where efficiency and customer satisfaction are paramount. The opportunities for small retailers to embrace technology are vast, especially as consumer expectations continue to evolve. A prime example of a small business that has successfully adopted technology is Fen Farm Dairy, a place I often visit when I'm in Suffolk for the weekend with my family. Their milk, butter, cheeses, and yoghurts are truly artisanal products that feel as far removed from technology as they could be. But their little milk kiosk near Bungay is different. They have a vending machine to get fresh raw milk. There are fridges stocked with a wide range of local brands, including meats, cheeses, and snacks. There is a frozen unit offering pizzas, pies and other local ready-to-cook items. And when you are ready to leave, you self- check out. I suspect this approach has had its share of problems, including theft and systems that do not always function properly. But by adopting it, I can swing by at any time and get quality produce. Fen Farm Dairy’s approach serves as a valuable case study for other small retailers. It demonstrates that technology doesn’t have to compromise the essence of a brand; instead, it can enhance it. By adopting new solutions, retailers can improve customer engagement, streamline operations, and ultimately drive growth. With all the pressures on staffing and people’s ever-changing life rhythms, I suspect that local retailers offering more extended hours and more frictionless shopping will win out. I know it's not for everyone, but I think for some it is worth trialling. this can be achieved, provided there is openness and transparency. Choice and flexibility were why SFI worked for farmers and so any discussion about targeting and packaging must be based on clear evidence. “While the Defra Secretary’s remarks are broad, they lack the clarity needed as cashflow pressures mount and direct payments rapidly decline. "Farmers now need to see detail on the future shape of SFI so they Renewed SFI scheme must work for all, says NFU NFU Deputy President David Exwood, said, “It’s encouraging to hear the Defra Secretary reaffirm his commitment to ELMs and the principle of rewarding farmers for the public goods they deliver for the environment while producing food for the nation. “SFI was always meant to be a simple, accessible scheme that supports work to improve the environment alongside food production. We will continue to engage with Defra to discuss how The NFU is urging Defra to ensure that the latest Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme works for all farmers across the UK following Steve Reed, Secretary of State’s recommitment to Environmental LandManagement schemes (ELMs) can better understand how it will work for them. “We firmly share Defra’s ambition to support profitable and sustainable farm businesses. Achieving that goal depends on making the SFI scheme work for all farmers, regardless of size, sector, or location. "If the aim is for SFI to help farming deliver environmental benefits, then excluding large areas of English farmland from the scheme would be counterproductive.” These fees providewelcome clarity formanufacturers on the costs they will be facing for thefirst year of EPR. At £1.4bna year, EPR is anexpensive programme. So, it’s critical that government demonstrates to industryhow the schemewill deliver value formoney, improve theUK’sflatlining recyc- ling rates, andbuild the circular economy that packagingproducers expect. TheUKgovernment beginning to set outmeasures to ensure that local councils only spendEPR fees onpackaging recycling is awelcome step in the right direction.We look forward to seeing further detail onhowthiswill be enforcedandappliedacross bothScotlandandWales JIM BLIGH, DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS AND PACKAGING, THE FOOD AND DRINK FEDERATION, RESPONDING TO AN ANNOUNCEMENT ON EPR FROM PACKUK, INCLUDING 2025 MATERIALS BASE FEES For more information contact: louise.barnes@artichokehq.com 01206 508629