Top 10 most read Meat Management stories of 2018 revealed
As 2018 comes to an end, we take a look back at some of the biggest stories that caught readers’ eyes this year and the ones that created the most reader traffic.
As is traditional, we rank the most popular content in reverse order. Number one being the most read story in 2018.
10) Karro Food Group acquires cooked meat manufacturer TS Bloor & Sons
In June, it was announced that British pork supplier Karro Food Group acquired the Leicestershire cooked meats firm, TS Bloor & Sons, for an undisclosed sum.
Charles Bloor, managing director of TS Bloor, commented on the acquisition: “It is exciting to join forces with a market leader for the next step in the growth story at TS Bloor.”
9) Slaughtering and meat packaging affected by carbon dioxide shortage
With 2018 being one of the hottest summers on record, the UK was hard hit by the lack of food grade liquid CO2.
The ongoing heatwave in Europe and additional consumption of carbonated drinks and beers brought about by both the hot weather and the football world cup, was a major contributor affecting demand for food grade liquid CO2.
8) Dalehead and Waitrose unveil reduced plastic packaging
Earlier in March, Dalehead Foods, a division of Tulip Ltd, introduced paper board packaging to its offering following the news that a number of supermarkets are planning to scrap plastic packaging over the coming years.
7) Russell Hume investigation continues
Rewind to nearly a year ago, The Food Standards Agency (FSA) ordered meat supplier Russell Hume to stop all production at its plants and detain all products, while JD Wetherspoon and Jamie Oliver restaurants confirmed the cancellation of its contracts with the business.
6) Britain’s Best Butcher’s Shop finalists unveiled
The Meat Management Industry Awards ceremony took place in May 2018, and the four finalists for the Britain’s Best Butcher’s Shop award were revealed.
The finalists in the running for the prestigious accolade all received visits from an expert judging panel including Archer’s Butchers in Norwich, who eventually won the category. The judges commented: “All the beef, lamb and pork is sourced from local, known and trusted suppliers.”
5) Winners of 2018 Women In Meat Industry Awards revealed
An exciting new initiative saw the Women In Meat Industry Awards take place in November 2018, where the winners were announced during a glittering celebratory dinner and ceremony at The Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, London.
4) Meat Trades Journal to cease publication
The start of the year saw the trade title Meat Trades Journal cease publication after nearly 130 years of circulation to the trade, with its last issue in print published in January.
Commenting on the news, Graham Yandell, publisher of Meat Management magazine, said: “I was very sorry to hear about this demise of Meat Trades Journal. I was employed by International Thompson in the 80s and was charged with rejuvenating MTJ in 1982, when it subsequently enjoyed great success.”
3) Winners of 2018 Meat Management Industry Awards revealed
The winners of the 2018 Meat Management Industry Awards were announced on 24th May 2018 during a glittering celebratory dinner at Hilton Birmingham Metropole, attended by around 400 guests.
A total of 20 accolades were handed out to companies, associations, retailers, manufacturers and personalities, that struck a chord with readers and judges.
The prestigious Excellence Award title went to Dave Smith, Master Butcher and Commercial Manager at ABP UK.
2) Nigel Fredericks under new management
In October, it was announced that catering butcher Nigel Fredericks had been acquired from appointed administrators, PricewaterhouseCoopers after the company appeared to have ceased trading.
1) Speculation grows over AHDB redirection
AHDB chairman Sir Peter Kendall (photo credit: martinneeves.com – D1052/121).
Our top story of 2018 was published in April and revealed a range of details about the controversial restructure of the AHDB trade marketing department.
In a year of significant change at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), including the departure of various senior figures from the organisation, Meat Management has remained at the forefront throughout the year by keeping the trade in the loop on what was going on, and often revealing behind the scenes information, exclusively to readers.
*Reader visits and statistics were measured between 1st January and 14th December 2018 inclusive.
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