News & Views

In recent years, veganism and plant-based eating have surged in popularity across the UK. Supermarkets stocked aisles with meat alternatives, and restaurants added vegan dishes to their menus, catering not only to vegans but also to the growing number of flexitarians. However, despite the continued growth of the plant-based market, many UK supermarkets and brands are now reducing their range of highly processed vegan options. What’s driving this change, and what does it mean for the future of vegan food?

At Red Box, we know that the most effective systems rely on skilled, confident teams. Beyond the consultancy services we provide, our tailored training programs equip your team to deliver consistent, high-quality service across the catering, hospitality, and facilities management sectors.

As the UK settles into the colder, and generally wetter, months from December through February, our fields, markets, and kitchen gardens still offer a rich selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Embracing winter produce not only adds warmth and depth to your meals but also supports sustainable practices and local farming communities.

Each year, around 2.4 million people in the UK fall ill with food poisoning. Yet with just a few key habits around cooking, storing, and reheating, you can protect yourself - and still enjoy what’s on your plate.

Across the globe, food lovers cherish regional specialties that have been perfected over centuries, celebrating their unique qualities deeply rooted in local traditions, climate, and craftsmanship. And just as the UK protects its iconic Cheddar cheese, Cornish pasties, and clotted cream, the world has a rich variety of foods granted protected status that each country prides over. But what is ‘protected status’, why does it matter, and which countries have the most protected foods?

As the UK moves into the cooler months from September through November, our gardens and markets offer a new array of rich, hearty produce. Embracing the best of the season not only adds warmth and depth to your meals but also supports local growers and encourages more sustainable eating habits.

The newly published 2025 School Meals Report, produced by ParentPay in partnership with LACA, offers a sweeping view of how families across the UK perceive and interact with school meals. With insights from over 236,000 parents, covering all UK regions and types of schools — from state-funded to faith, SEN, and independent schools - it’s one of the largest and most comprehensive snapshots of the school food landscape to date.

As another school year wraps up, the Red Box team would like to wish all our current, past, and future clients a very Happy Summer Holiday!

In June 2025, the UK Government announced they would be extending School Meal Funding eligibility to all households receiving Universal Credit, regardless of their income, lifting the previous £7,400 earnings cap introducing in 2018. This is expected to benefit over 500,000 additional pupils and will come into effect in the 26/27 School Year. This funding is also tied to an updated rollout of the School Food Standards, which are aiming to enhance consistency and quality of these meals across the country.

In March 2025, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) released updated best practice guidance to assist food businesses in providing clear and effective allergen information for non-prepacked foods. This initiative aims to enhance consumer safety and support businesses in meeting their legal obligations.