Speciality Food Magazine -November/December 2025

4 @specialityfood Majority of consumers to rethink relationship with plastic Fraser McIntosh, head of external affairs and sustainability, Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I, said of the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme, set to launch 1st October 2027. “Traditional recycling of plastic bottles and cans will be a thing of the past. Instead, shoppers will return their empty containers to a designated return point where they’ll receive a small, refundable deposit on each can or bottle. “Our research shows that in just seven weeks of living with a DRS, the majority of consumers rethink their relationship with plastic bottles and cans, leading to redemption rates of up to 88%. It will drive circularity, increase recycling rates and help the UKmeet its net zero commitments. “As the proud owners of Lucozade and Ribena, we are strong advocates of a fully integrated UK DRS. Together, we can create a scheme that reduces waste, fosters sustainable habits and sets a global standard for environmental leadership.” Gen Z to shape future of Britain’s high streets According to research fromAmerican Express, conducted with futures consultancy Trajectory, Gen Z consumers are likely to shape high streets into tech-powered social spaces by 2050. The research shows that this generation – born between 1997 and 2012 – will “transform traditional retail areas into vibrant social destinations powered by immersive technology and AI innovation.” Experience will also be a key factor of the high streets of the future, says the research, with “how [businesses] make people feel” becoming as important as the products they sell. Technology will play a key role, with 76% of Gen Z respondents saying that retailers should create immersive in-store experiences using AI, and 60% stating that if shops offered AI- generated styling advice or digital try-ons they would be more likely to visit them. The trend for personalisation is set to be increasingly popular, with 83% of Gen Z respondents advising that they would appreciate personalised offers based on past purchases. Gen Z sees retail experiences as muchmore than transactional, according to the research; 79% want retail destinations to offer dining and leisure as well as shopping, and 59% see them as a complete day out. Sixty-five per cent of Gen Z respondents said that an in-person shopping experience should provide something they can’t get from e-commerce. Dan Edelman, UK general manager, Merchant Services at American Express said, “Our research shows Gen Z have the potential to reshape British high streets into vibrant social hubs, where retail, hospitality and entertainment will combine, even more so than today. For businesses, that will mean offering differentiated experiences, embracing new formats, and leveraging technology to deliver convenience and personalised service at every step. This has significant implications for all in the retail ecosystemwhen it comes to capturing consumer spend and driving loyalty.” Paul Flatters, CEO at futures consultancy Trajectory, said, “We’re on the cusp of the high street being reborn as a living stage for everyday life. Picture streets where shopping flows seamlessly into co-working studios, rooftop gardens, tasting kitchens and wellness hubs. Think neighbourhoods that feel more like year-round festivals than retail strips – alive with weekly markets, cultural pop-ups and experiences you simply can’t get online. By 2050, the high street will be less about transactions andmore about connection." 5,000 farmers to proceed with eco plans After months of campaigning, the NFU has secured the continuation of an agri-environment scheme which allows thousands of farmers to deliver environmental benefits . In a meeting between TomBradshaw, president of the NFU, and Emma Reynolds, Defra secretary of state, it was agreed that the Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier (CS MT) plans would roll over into 2026 despite initial plans for the scheme to come to conclude at the end of 2025. This update will ensure that 5,000 farmers will be able to continue delivering environmental benefits for British land and communities. David Exwood, deputy president at NFU, said, “We’re really pleased that Defra has listened and given certainty to so many farmers about the future of their environmental work for the year ahead. It recognises the valuable environmental work they have been delivering for many years. This result is a culmination of months of campaigning by the NFU. In reality it means that agreement holders will be able to continue delivering everything from wildflower corridors and habitats for farmland birds to nurturing species-rich grassland. “To ensure that farmers can continue to undertake these vital environmental projects as part of profitable, resilient businesses, transparency over budgets and timelines for the rollout of the new Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme is key. We will work with Defra on a long-term, strategic plan for all agri- environment schemes.”