Nespresso has partnered with the social enterprise Change Please, pledging a substantial £1 million to aid homelessness relief efforts. Change Please reported in its latest analysis a concerning 50 percent surge in homelessness from March 2022 to March 2023 and noted 1,313 deaths linked to homelessness in 2021. The £1 million from Nespresso will contribute towards providing those affected by homelessness with barista training, employment at a living wage, assistance with essential life administration such as housing and banking, mental health support, and further job opportunities. Out of the total donation, £500,000 is allocated to establish a sustainable program and…
Author: Sam Allcock
Sam Allcock
Sam Allcock is a seasoned journalist and editor with a deep passion for the culinary arts. With over two decades of experience in the world of food writing, Sam has become a distinguished voice in the industry, renowned for his insightful reviews, engaging storytelling, and unwavering commitment to highlighting the finest in gastronomy. As the Editor-in-Chief of Feast Magazine, he leads a dynamic team dedicated to exploring the diverse and ever-evolving culinary landscape. Sam's journey into food journalism began with a childhood fascination for cooking, inspired by his grandmother's kitchen where he first learned the magic of blending flavors and crafting delicious meals. This early love for food led him to pursue a degree in Journalism from the University of Leeds, where he honed his skills in writing and developed a keen eye for detail. Throughout his career, Sam has traveled extensively, tasting and documenting cuisines from around the world. His articles are known for their rich, vivid descriptions and his ability to convey the cultural contexts of the dishes he explores. Whether it's a hidden gem in a bustling city or a traditional dish in a remote village, Sam's work brings the reader right to the heart of the culinary experience. Under Sam's leadership, Feast Magazine has flourished, earning accolades for its in-depth features, exclusive interviews with top chefs, and comprehensive guides to the best dining spots. His editorial vision emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and authenticity in the culinary world, ensuring that the magazine not only entertains but also educates and inspires its readers. Beyond his professional achievements, Sam is an advocate for food education and sustainable practices. He frequently participates in panels, workshops, and community events, sharing his expertise and fostering a greater appreciation for the art of cooking and the importance of ethical food consumption. In his free time, Sam enjoys experimenting with new recipes, exploring local farmers' markets, and hosting dinner parties for friends and family. His personal blog, where he shares his culinary adventures and recipes, has a loyal following, further cementing his status as a trusted authority in the world of food. Sam Allcock's dedication to his craft and his genuine love for all things culinary make him a pivotal figure in food journalism, continuously inspiring and delighting food enthusiasts around the globe.
Nestlé India has announced a joint venture with pharmaceutical giant Dr Reddy’s Laboratories to manufacture and distribute medical-nutrition products and supplements. Initially, the publicly-traded Nestlé India will hold a 49% stake in the venture, while the Hyderabad-based Dr Reddy’s will own the majority share. According to a statement filed with the stock exchange, under the terms of the agreement, Nestlé India will possess a call option to increase its stake to 60% after six years “at a fair market value.” “We have been on a journey where we strive to add value to the lives of our consumers through powerful…
In a stride towards sustainability, the discount supermarket chain Aldi has announced its transition to using 100 percent recycled plastic (rPet) for its own-brand soft drinks and bottled water offerings in England and Wales. This initiative reportedly establishes Aldi as the first UK supermarket to convert its entire own-label soft drinks category to fully recycled materials, with the sole exceptions being the cap and label. The revamped packaging will gradually appear across all relevant products in the soft drinks aisle of its stores. The retailer estimates that the switch to entirely recycled content will prevent the use of “around 10,000…
General Mills is reportedly examining the possibility of divesting its yoghurt business in North America. Reuters has reported that the American company has enlisted the services of investment banking firm JPMorgan Chase to assist in identifying prospective purchasers for this division. The producer of Nature Valley snack bars is aiming to have the portfolio valued at nearly ten times the asset’s annual EBITDA, which is approximately $250m, according to unnamed sources familiar with the matter. The yoghurt product line of General Mills includes well-known brands such as Yoplait, Liberté, and Ratio Food. At the time this article was prepared, the…
During the World Cocoa Conference 2024 in Brussels, Belgium, an investigation revealed that companies sourcing cocoa from Côte d’Ivoire are inadvertently promoting deforestation in neighbouring Liberia. Bakary Traoré, representing the Initiatives for Community Development and Forest Conservation (IDEF), shared findings from a recent field study. The study criticized the current traceability systems used by these companies, which fail to meet the requirements of the new anti-deforestation regulation published on 9 June 2023, in the Official Journal of the European Union. Researchers are calling for the replacement of these ineffective mechanisms with Côte d’Ivoire’s more reliable and transparent national traceability system.…
A report by Swiss investigative organisation Public Eye has found that Nestlé adds sugar and honey to its infant milk and cereal products marketed in many poorer countries. Nestlé holds a significant 20% share of the global baby food market, which is valued at nearly $70 billion. In 2022, the company recorded over $2.5 billion in sales from its popular baby food brands, Cerelac and Nido, predominantly in low- and middle-income nations. Despite advertising these products as crucial for children’s healthy development in its primary markets across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, these practices contravene international guidelines designed to combat…
Spanish seafood giant Angulas Aguinaga is making its foray into plant-based seafood alternatives through a collaboration with startup Vrave, launching a konjac-based calamari under the Aguinamar brand. The innovative product is now available in Spain and is being distributed through major supermarkets including Alcampo and Carrefour, as revealed by Vrave CEO and founder Ricard Puigdemont in an interview with Just Food. Looking ahead, Angulas Aguinaga and Vrave are set to expand their market reach. They plan to seek distributors to export the squid-free calamari to the UK, France, and Portugal starting “next month”. Puigdemont further disclosed the strategic vision for…
William Jackson Food Group (WJFG), a prominent UK food producer, has successfully acquired the family-operated baking business Lottie Shaw’s, based in West Yorkshire. The financial specifics of the acquisition have not been revealed. Lottie Shaw’s is set to become “an extension” of its Jacksons sliced bread brand, yet it will continue to operate “as a standalone business,” according to Owen Elliott, the Managing Director of Jacksons. He elaborated on the acquisition, stating: “The new partnership will help us broaden Jacksons’ reach beyond sliced bread and provide Lottie Shaw’s with additional expertise and scale to help secure long-term future growth.” Established…
The Coca-Cola Company has entered into a $1.1 billion agreement with Microsoft to enhance its cloud computing infrastructure and integrate Microsoft’s generative AI technologies globally. As part of the five-year “strategic partnership,” Coca-Cola and Microsoft will collaborate to pioneer new applications of technology such as the Azure OpenAI Service. This collaboration aims to create “innovative generative AI use cases across various business functions,” a statement revealed. Coca-Cola has transitioned all its applications to Microsoft Azure, with the majority of its major independent bottling partners doing likewise. The beverage giant has been utilising generative AI for nearly a year and has…
Grupo Bimbo is set to reduce its capital expenditure for 2024 and 2025 following a downturn in quarterly sales and profits, the Mexican bakery giant has reported. CFO Diego Gaxiola, speaking to analysts after the company presented its first-quarter financial results on 22 April, mentioned that the group was “expecting a slight decrease for this year” and “for 2025”. He suggested that there would likely be a “normalisation in [2026] going forward”. This announcement arrives as the group’s capital expenditure reached its zenith in 2024, characterised by a “very intensive” investment surpassing $2bn. Concurrently, Bimbo revised its sales forecast for…