New recession victim

Buxton Spa Bakery has become the latest victim of the recession after administrators were unable to find a buyer for the struggling firm. The bakery had encountered trading difficulties since July 2009, with the loss of two major customers last summer, according to administrator Steve Clancy, MCR. The loss of another key customer in June 2010, left the business with a bad debt in excess of £100,000.

Labels call welcomed

Responding to food minister Jim Paice MP’s call for food firms to do more voluntarily to improve country-of-origin labelling on food products, such as meat and dairy, Which? chief executive, Peter Vicary-Smith has said it was delighted to see the government putting pressure on food manufacturers and retailers now, rather than waiting for a decision from the EU.

FDF awards shortlist

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has unveiled the shortlist for its annual community partnership accolades, to be held on 19 October. The list includes Bradgate Bakery, Greggs, Samworth Brothers and United Biscuits, with companies shortlisted under the categories: culture, media and sport; education; environment; local community and workplace community.

July retail sales hike

Sales on the high street increased in July compared with a year ago, and surpassed expectations, according to the latest CBI Distributive Trades Survey. Retailers expected sales growth to continue strongly next month, said the report. It found that while 18% of retailers said that sales were lower than a year ago, 51% said they rose. Grocery was among the sub-sectors showing the strongest growth with the World Cup helping to boost sales.

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