In the midst of what can only be described as a dramatic year, many firms will be reviewing their efforts to hit 2020 targets for sustainable production of palm oil, an ingredient that is simultaneously ever-present in food products and demonised by environmental advocates.

In this issue, we look at why it's vital for companies to map out their next steps and the importance of programmes that seek to ensure sustainability standards of all producers within specific jurisdictional areas. 

Under the same broader umbrella of 'ethical business efforts', in a week where Unilever-owned ice cream brand Ben & Jerrys took to twitter to scold the British Home Secretary Priti Patel over immigration, we look at why environmental, social and governance issues are coming to the fore again for brands and investors. 

The Conservative government has faced something of a PR battle in recent weeks over the dreaded 'chlorinated chicken' that could be making its way into supermarkets as a result of a potential US-UK trade deal. We take a look into what the practice actually is, and ask if it's simply a symbol of fear for declining food safety.

Food safety, among other factors, has been part of a rising demand for meat-alternatives by consumers, aside from health and environmental concerns over meat production. We speak to the founder of Big Idea Ventures to find out why venture capital firms are ploughing more cash into alternative protein.

And we now come to the elephant in the room. Just as some businesses start their road to recovery following lockdown, recession hits. Unsurprisingly, the hospitality sector has been hit hard over the last 6 months, but there is still cautious optimism for the future. We look at what the impact of the 'eat out to help out' campaign in the UK has been for those businesses able to reopen.

We also learn about how Uber Eats has been prospering during lockdown and how the company plans to maintain its performance in the long-term. Finally, we speak to Kraft Heinz to find out if ventures during lockdown into the direct-to-consumer arena by businesses could have a lasting effect.

Peter Nilson, editor

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