Weekly Digest #10
06.10.2025
Welcome to The Fork’s Lens
Every week, we serve up a quick, flavourful dose of what’s cooking at the intersection of food, drink, and entrepreneurship.
Expect:
🍴 Sharp founder insights
📊 Bite-sized industry trends
🛠 Tools & tips to level up
🔥 Events & openings worth your time
For those of you building food brands, launching products, or just hungry for what’s next – this one’s for you.
Exports, Experiments & EPD
📨 Weekly #10: Exports, Experiments & EPD
🍴 What’s Up?
UK grocery inflation is rising, exports are rebounding, and retailers are experimenting with premium products, fast delivery, and sustainability initiatives. Globally, plant-based, functional, and tech-driven foods are reshaping markets, while innovations like smart packaging hint at a future where efficiency and sustainability can go hand in hand.
🔥 UK Moves
UK food exports rebound but inflation bites
UK food and drink exports rose 7.2% in H1 2025 to 4.5bn kg and 590m litres, though still ~13% below 2023 levels. At the same time, shop price inflation hit 1.4% in September, which is the fastest in 18 months with food prices up 4.2%, highlighting pressures on both producers and consumers. The FDF is urging government support for exporters and measures to manage rising costs.
FDF / FTGovernment consults on energy drinks & food advertising bans
The UK launched consultations on banning high-caffeine energy drinks for under-16s and on advertising rules for “less healthy” food and drinks. New restrictions begin Jan 2026, with voluntary compliance from October.
Osborne ClarkeTesco raises profit guidance after strong summer sales
Tesco lifted its full-year profit forecast following robust summer performance, driven by strong grocery demand and market share gains.
BBCPerfectTed hits £140M valuation
UK-based matcha energy drink brand PerfectTed has reached a £140 million valuation, fueled by rapid growth and strong retail expansion. Backed by Steven Bartlett and Peter Jones, the brand is now available in 3,500+ stores and café chains, with projections to hit £30 million in annual revenue.Greggs raises prices after soft summer
Greggs increased breakfast-deal pricing from £3.95 to £4.15 amid cost pressures and weaker seasonal performance.
The GuardianAsda fined for out-of-date food
Asda was fined £130,000 after inspectors found expired products being sold, underlining the reputational and compliance risks retailers face.
The SunBOGOF ban hits ‘unhealthy’ foods
New restrictions on “Buy One Get One Free” promotions for sugary, fatty, and salty foods came into effect on 1 October. Free refills and pre-9pm advertising are also restricted.
The Scottish SunIceland partners with Stuart for last-mile delivery
Frozen food giant Iceland has teamed with last-mile logistics provider Stuart to expand fast grocery deliveries in major UK cities, improving speed and reliability for frozen and temperature-sensitive products.
Company releaseIceland ranked most carbon-intensive UK supermarket
New data shows Iceland has the highest carbon intensity per £1m of revenue among major UK grocers, emitting far more greenhouse gases than Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Lidl, driven largely by its frozen-food operations and high refrigeration energy use.
The Independent / Which?Flavoured butters trend as affordable luxuries
Sales of flavoured butters (truffle, chipotle, chocolate, cinnamon) are up 24% YoY, with search interest surging on retail sites. Social media is amplifying demand.
The GuardianDiet Cherry Coke makes UK return
Coca-Cola is relaunching the discontinued Diet Cherry Coke flavour from 8 October, with nostalgic packaging and multiple pack formats.
The Scottish SunDeliveroo names Miki Kuusi CEO
Wolt co-founder Miki Kuusi has been appointed Deliveroo’s new CEO, signalling a shift toward logistics efficiency after founder Will Shu steps down.
Company announcementBosh! expands into Tesco with vegan ready meals & pizza
Plant-based pioneer Bosh! has launched a new line of vegan ready meals and pizzas into Tesco, broadening its mainstream retail footprint.
Retail Times
🌍 Global Moves & Scale Plays
Beyond Meat shares hit record low
Beyond Meat stock dropped to an all-time low on 29 September, raising doubts about consumer appetite for plant-based meats and sparking renewed investor skepticism.
ReutersSmart packaging without batteries
Researchers at the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano in Italy developed a battery-free smart packaging system that detects spoilage in real time and releases protective compounds. Tested on salmon and cod, it extended shelf life by up to 14 days, aiming to reduce food waste.
arXiv
💭 The Fork & The Flame
“In today’s food & drink world, agility beats tradition: the brands that combine innovation, sustainability, and smart scaling are the ones shaping tomorrow’s market.”
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About Forks & Founders
We believe bold food brands deserve bold support. That’s why we’ve built a collective of seasoned foodies, retail rebels, creative storytellers, and numbers nerds – people who’ve been in the kitchen, the boardroom, and the shop floor. We jump in where you need us most, helping you turn big ideas into bites people can’t stop talking about. Because building a food brand isn’t just business – it’s passion, flavour, and a little bit of chaos. We’re here to make sure it’s the good kind.
