The Bulletin (BFFF)

Multi-temperature supply chain specialist Oakland International is reporting increased demand for its Distress Load Management (DLM) service as manufacturers, retailers, logistics providers and insurers seek to protect product value, reduce waste and maintain compliance amid growing supply chain disruption.

On 9 July 2026, the Cold Chain Federation brought its members together at the Celtic Manor Resort in Monmouthshire for its annual Summer Party. This member-only event is designed to be friendly, inclusive and enjoyable for all members of the cold chain community. Why events like this matter There is a version of running a business in which you keep your head down, focus on your own operation and leave the wider industry to take care of itself.

Cotswold Fayre has been named Specialist Wholesaler of the Year at The Grocer Gold Awards 2026, recognising an exceptional year of commercial growth, innovation and its unwavering commitment to supporting independent retailers, suppliers and the wider food industry.

UK and Ireland specialist in multi temperature logistics and supply chain solutions Oakland International Speciality Supply Chain Services division has extended its Direct to Consumer (D2C) and Direct to Store packing fulfilment operations with a Pick By Light automated technology provided through their partnership with hardware and software partners Element Logic. The result is enhanced accuracy, speed and cost efficiency for food brands managing complex chilled, frozen and ambient orders.

As the industry adapts to rising consumer expectations and ongoing operational pressures, Bidfood has revealed how foodservice operators can easily embrace innovation across menus, products and operations to meet changing consumer demands. With 58% of consumers placing importance on innovation in food and venues[1], and 54% saying they explore new or unique cuisines and dishes[2], innovation is no longer a niche expectation.

Korutek Engineering has reached a significant milestone in its continued growth with the successful topping out of its new warehouse and engineering facility on 3 July 2026. The ceremony marked the completion of the building’s highest structural point, representing an important step in the company’s ongoing investment in its people, customers and long-term operational capabilities.

Fricy! A New Trend Name Arrives. The Product Was Already There. A new label has entered food trend conversations this year: fricy, shorthand for the fruity-spicy combinations turning up on menus and social feeds across the sector. Commentators are treating it as one of 2026’s defining flavour directions. Pacific West didn’t need to wait for the terminology to catch up. The company has had a product built around exactly this pairing for years.

Meals & More has announced its largest ever funding round, committing £540,000 to support children and families during the school holidays — a lifeline at a time when more households are struggling to cope with rising costs.

Last week Rupert Ashby attended a meeting of the Move to -15°C Coalition on behalf of BFFF members. There were useful updates on various pilots taking place in the UK, some involving BFFF members including Vestey and Iceland. So far, those pilots are backing up the evidence we have seen so far that products can be stored at warmer temperatures with no perceivable effect on quality. Once the pilots are complete, we hope to be able to report the finding to the membership.

Become a member Log in VIEW BASKET SEARCH July 8th, 2026. Share this post Moving from a small production unit into a larger food manufacturing facility can appear daunting. The business may be taking on greater production volumes, more staff, additional equipment, new storage requirements and more demanding customer expectations at the same time. For many producers, this is also the point when BRCGS certification, retailer approval or more detailed customer audits become a commercial requirement.