In this issue

Welcome to the latest edition of Just Food’s digital magazine.

The last 12 months have again been dominated by Covid-19. A year ago, the first vaccines were about to put into arms, offering hope that, by the last quarter of 2021, we might have been nearing the end of the pandemic.

However, the uneven (some might say unjust) way the vaccines have been distributed globally, scepticism about the shots among parts of the world’s population and the rise of the more transmissible Delta variant have combined to mean we are still living and working against the backdrop of the virus.

Uncertainty still reigns. As this magazine went to press, Covid-19 was again prompting governments across Europe to re-introduce restrictions in a bid to clamp down on case numbers. What that means for supply chains in food remains to be seen.

As we prepare to say farewell to another tumultuous year, our thoughts are already turning to the next 12 months. Away from the virus, boardrooms are wrestling with other critical questions.

What does the outlook for inflation look like? Executives across the industry have spoken of “unprecedented” pressure on costs this year but it doesn’t look like that will ease in 2022.

How can the food industry make itself more sustainable? And how quickly can pledges lead to tangible results? A staggering number of food companies still say nothing on sustainability but, even for those that do, businesses that end this year thinking net zero makes them a hero could face a long hangover in 2022. Food companies will find it increasingly hard to talk about sustainability while swerving increasing demands for detail.

For those marking the Christmas holidays, we’re hope you’re all able to enjoy the break as much as possible.

While the last 20 or so months have been difficult for all us in different ways, it’s been even more taxing for those of you out in the field.

We hope we’ve helped provide some food for thought as your businesses have continued to navigate some pretty tough trading conditions and we thank you for your support throughout 2021.

Here’s to a better year in 2022.​​​​​​​

Dean Best, managing editor