A survey of food manufacturers reveals a range of gripes, from over-demanding retailers to campaigners' (successful) efforts to introduce a sugar tax
Research with food industry executives by the trade media group Food Manufacture has found that although the implications of Brexit top their list of worries, the sugar tax (which Sustain successfully campaigned for) is also giving them sleepless nights.
The survey provides insight into the insecurities of the food manufacturing sector, which feels at the mercy of retailer power. 'When the retailers sneeze, we all get pneumonia', one respondent commented. The survey also revealed industry worries that paying the National Living Wage and contributing to the Apprenticeship Levy would both erode profits. Nevertheless, respondents to the survey expected profit margins and consumer spending to increase in the coming year.
Campaigner power was also identified as a big concern. The sugar tax was identified as a major issue, with one respondent referring to campaigners' 'stupid fixation' on sugary drinks as a cause of obesity.
Find out more about Sustain's work on the sugar tax and children's food here.
Published Friday 22 July 2016
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
