Welcome to a ground-breaking latest edition.

It's our biggest issue in years - and I'm looking forward to showcasing it at lunch! Part two of our preview is on page 28. The packaging special is a 14-page tour de force, with insightful contributions from across the sector. Breads and hot food assess trends and product innovation in a tough market, while there's a comprehensive news section, as usual.

Nearly two years on from its introduction, we examine the continuing impact of Natasha’s Law, innovative strategic projects, the latest technology and a selection of new products.

The future of the sandwich sector is here – and it’s primed to change the way we do business.

Aquilo’s new, energy efficient countertop prep fridges lend themselves to multiple uses – at front and back of house.

BioPak’s mission is to create sustainable packaging that puts the planet first. BioPak champions the transition to a circular economy with industry-leading products made from plants. The product range is predominantly made from renewable materials and certified compostable.

DTM Print introduces the new AP-CODE that prints lot codes, dates and texts directly onto glass, metals, plastics, laminated labels and more while at the same time labels are applied. It is designed to work seamlessly with the AP-Series Label Applicators, including new and existing installed units.

Woodly is a pioneering company at the forefront of sustainable materials innovation, revolutionising the way we perceive and use plastics. With a steadfast commitment to environmental responsibility and a mission to provide sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics, Woodly is transforming the landscape of packaging and product materials.

Quality disposables manufacturer and supplier, Herald, has expanded its greener product lines to support growing customer demand and provide maximum choice.

Food to go manufacturer, Around Noon, has acquired The Soho Sandwich Company to create an enlarged group, with 800 employees and revenues of over £80 million per annum.

Popcorn Shed have brought an eye-catching bite to the market – the Snack Pack Flavour Selection Gift Tin.

FEM (Foodservice Equipment Marketing) has launched Alto-Shaam’s new range of Converge Multi-Cook Ovens, designed to give chefs the flexibility of a multi-cook oven, with the versatility of combi cooking.

With more consumers demanding authenticity from their food, La Lorraine Bakery Group has launched Rustic Cubes.

Following the success of its first-ever out of home campaign in summer 2022, which saw double-digit growth for the brand, Cawston Press has unveiled a UK media campaign to promote its soft drinks range and core messaging of ‘Made with Pressed Fruit, No Jiggery Pokery’.

Berlin start-up, BettaFish, released its first impact numbers and insights into its canned TU-NAH, as part of World Ocean Day [June 8]. Its product portfolio revolves around seaweed, a valuable foodstuff that contributes to ocean regeneration and promotes marine biodiversity. BettaFish has already saved 122 tons of tuna and 124 tons of bycatch.

Frank Dale, a brand leader in the production of premium frozen and chilled occasion food, is celebrating achieving what is widely regarded as ‘the highest possible rating for food safety and compliance’, in the form of British Retail Consortium Global Standards (BRCGS) AA+ certification.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire has visited Flexeserve to present a second Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation. The hot-holding manufacturer took the honour for its flagship heated display, Flexeserve Zone.

Döner Shack, the Berlin-inspired street-food franchise, partnered with five UK mental health charities to launch a new wellbeing campaign to raise awareness and support for mental health. As part of Mental Health Awareness Week (15-21 May), the brand used the annual initiative as a platform to drive positive change.

Crop’s Foods Ltd, Pacific West Foods Ltd and Farmyard Frozen Ltd were among the winners at the 35th annual British Frozen Food Awards, hosted on 15 June 2023 by the British Frozen Food Federation – celebrating quality, innovation and success of the past 12 months.

Research commissioned by Glebe Farm, the only farm in the UK growing and processing gluten-free oats, suggests the number of people conscious of their gut health is on the rise. Off the back of Coeliac UK Awareness Week [15-21 May], the company wants all consumers, including those with a medical need, to be provided with healthy living choices.

On its 25th anniversary, a new and enhanced British Lion Code of Practice has been launched. Version 8 of the Lion Code incorporates the latest scientific and veterinary advice, as well as industry expertise, to ensure British Lion eggs continue to be produced to the highest standards of food safety.