A Glimpse into the Unpredictable
Have you ever seen daffodils growing? One day it is winter, and the next, you notice the once bare oak tree is now kept company by bright flowers in hues of yellow and orange. The magic of spring has swept through the night, banishing winter, dotting flowers in full bloom in celebration of easier times to come. Everything seems reassuringly normal, except, of course, it isn’t.
At the time of writing, it should still be winter, but I have just described this morning’s experience on the school run. If spring gets any earlier, we’ll be eating Easter eggs at Christmas. Then there’s the endless rain – you could still hear the echoes of New Year when the low ground, not far from the oak tree, started to flood. I hereby close the UK’s strange weather report. I suspect Europe’s is also out of kilter, as I learn of a serious lack of snow in the Alps.
Unusual weather today is quite common across the world. For example, the drought in Africa has severely affected cocoa supply, pushing its price to a record high, and thereby the retail cost of a favourite sweet treat: Easter eggs.
To protect consumers from price increases, businesses are understandably cutting costs. Our article by Bakers Basco explains how bakers are both saving money and remaining sustainable by reducing the amount of plastic in the system. But it isn’t as simple as you might think. Staying on eco-friendly and the effects of climate change themes, we welcome an article from a farming family based in the Lake District (UK) that gives ‘on the ground’ examples of how regenerative farming practices are redefining traditional business models.
Economic environment and global warming aside, many of you will know that working in the world of baked goods can, at times, be tough and demanding. Whatever your role in the industry, our article on mental health and how we can take steps towards better wellbeing is a must-read for everyone.
Whilst we can have faith in the kindness of the people we work with, I suspect most of us are much more sceptical when it comes to technology. With AI in the media spotlight, alongside hacking and data breaches, our article by EUFIC highlights how we can increase trust and act responsibly in a world that is becoming ever more digitalised.
From updates on new F-Gas regulations courtesy of Eurovent to reasons for the enduring appeal of the smell of baked bread by gastrophysicist, Prof. Charles Spence, it’s time to turn the page and get up to date with the latest in bakery. Even if you were short of a few chocolate eggs this Easter, BE always gives you a feast for the eyes!
