02
Leading change
2021/22 was another year of ups, downs and
uncertainties for our business, our customers
and the wider industry, with challenges on many
fronts. Supply chain difficulties and skills shortages
dominated the start of the year, swiftly followed
by steep food inflation and energy price rises.
This was further compounded in 2022 by the
devastating war in Ukraine, all of which continue
to pose significant challenges for food businesses.
The 12-month period was also shaped by COP26 in
autumn 2021, which further catalysed climate action
and focused the world's attention on the biggest
challenges of our time. Awareness of the impacts
of global food production has grown, particularly
in terms of land conversion and deforestation.
The release of the National Food Strategy
White Paper also shaped discussions, both
in terms of action needed, and the muchdebated government
response to it.
2022 also witnessed the launch of the Better
Business Act campaign, a coalition of organisations,
including Bidfood, calling for an amendment to
Section 172 of the Companies' Act. This is so
that companies are legally obligated to operate
in a manner that benefits their stakeholders,
including workers, customers, communities and
the environment, while seeking to deliver profits
for shareholders. Suffice to say, it has been
another eventful year, and we've got plenty of
news to share about what we've been doing
whilst navigating this ever-changing landscape.
Introduction.
Introduction Our people Our planet Our customers