Keeping pace with innovation presents regulatory challenges
SMALLER food and drink suppliers are driving growth and innovation in the sector but they can struggle to keep up to speed with industry developments and changing regulations.
Viv Parry, founder of Exquisite Handmade Cakes says: “In the context of retail there is an increased requirement to produce smaller products but with an increase in labelling content – think fitting camels through the eye of a needle!
“Generally there is pressure to come up with new and exciting products but product development and ongoing costs around labelling can be prohibitive – increased stock of packaging and labelling puts pressure on working capital. More government support via funding for businesses would be invaluable in this area.”
David Caddle, the former regional director of the Business Growth Service in Yorkshire, says: “The Food Standards Agency should be keeping all known producers informed but some do fall through the net and accessing the technical expertise to ensure compliance can come at a high cost, either as inhouse or outsourced knowledge.”
He adds that The Food & Drink Federation (FDF) is the best place to start for all companies operating in the sector, both large and small.“FDF is a great hub of information and source of business support, and can confidently answer most questions relating to the industry,” he says.
It offers expert technical advice, early insights into issues impacting the industry and practical opportunities to develop business.
