2015

UK Chilled Food Leads the Way on Sustainable Palm Oil

RSPOIn 2012, CFA was first invited to advise the UK Government on its position on the sourcing of sustainable palm oil with the long term aim of moving to 100% sustainable sourcing of palm oil and its derivatives by the end of 2015.

The UK chilled food sector uses very little palm oil, but CFA members have also consistently supported its sustainable sourcing.

CFA members already have many systems in place for food safety, sustainability (including sustainable palm oil), quality, CSR, and will add any further deforestation requirements to their audit portfolios. CFA fully supports an effective ‘due diligence’ system that is fit for purpose, which is sector-based, is underpinned by effective legislation, can be policed, and also provides a level playing field by applying to all sizes of businesses.

As Defra releases its third annual statement and review of UK consumption of sustainable palm oil (17/11/15) Kaarin Goodburn gives an update: “CFA members are on track to meet the 2015 target and this summer were already within a percentage point or two of 100% sustainable palm oil. CFA members’ sites are predominantly RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified and there has been a significant shift from Green Palm Certificates to one of the other RSPO supply chain models. The main challenges for the chilled sector now are that some palm oil derivatives are still not yet available as mass balance supplies.”

Read more on CFA’s sustainability activities

New Chair and Vice Chair for Chilled Food Association

Alan Botham - Northern Foods Ltd - CFA Chairman 22 6 15 (2)CFA has announced its new Chair and Vice Chair for 2015/2016. These positions are held by CFA Full Member companies with a nominated individual representing that company. Northern Foods Ltd, part of 2SFG, is represented by Alan Botham, 2SFG ‎Technical Services Director, he takes up the CFA Chair role. Oscar Mayer is represented by Group Technical Director Dr Clive Woolley who joins Alan as Vice Chair.

Northern Foods is a founder member of CFA and Alan has been involved since 1999. Oscar Mayer joined in 2002 and Clive joined CFA’s Board in 2014.

Alan said: “The continuing development of our dynamic industry means that CFA’s role becomes ever-more critical. Our reputation for leading the field, both in the UK and internationally is built on sound science. Our research continues to innovate and our lobbying work ensures that the voice of chilled is heard across government and the wider industry – always keeping the consumer in mind, offering choice, taste and the highest quality.

“I am pleased to be chairing CFA and look forward to bringing my expertise and experience to the role over the next twelve months.”

Kaarin Goodburn MBE, CFA Director added: “Alan’s technical experience, both of the industry and within CFA ideally places him for this role. And Clive also brings skills that will further strengthen our work. Everything we do is underpinned by our chilled expertise and I am proud of our reputation for excellence. I know Alan will continue the strategic drive of CFA.”

Alan Botham has held his current position since 2014, he was previously Head of Technical Services for 2 Sisters Food Group and previous to that the Group Policy and Compliance Controller for Northern Foods (1999 – 2012).

Dr Clive Woolley has been Group Technical Director at Oscar Mayer since 2014, prior to this he’d held senior technical roles at Morrisons, Premier Foods and Grampian Foods. He was Director of Food Safety at RHM from 1988 – 2005.