Welcome from the editor: saying no for change

Welcome and thank you for joining me this weekend.

How are you?

I’m asking because I really would like to know.
In the last couple of weeks, everyone I’ve been talking to has been worried, saddened, anxious and extremely concerned. The world is watching aghast as the Russian/Ukrainian war unfolds before its eyes. The conflict is not only killing and misplacing people, it’s also shedding light on the fragility of our global system and giving everyone a deep sense of insecurity. I explore the topic in How the Russia-Ukraine war will impact global food security.

The world might be very frightening, but in times like these it’s important to remember that there are always good people and uplifting stories. This week, on 8 March, we celebrated International Women’s Day and in Women in business: the founders, investors and mentors changing the face of the food and drink industry we take a look at the female entrepreneurs making their mark on the sector and inspiring generations of girls. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise: we all need representation.

Talking of entrepreneurial brilliance, restaurant chains struck gold when they decided to sell their products in stores. We look at their clever marketing, sales numbers, and tell you more in How restaurant brands have successfully taken over supermarket shelves.

Have you ever gotten an ‘F’ at school? If so, you know how much it stings and you might empathise with Paris and Rome as they respectively say ‘Non!’ and ‘No!’ to this week’s news: Nutri-Score proposal to give alcohol lowest-ranking grade is heavily criticised by France and Italy. I am joining the choir here and adding my ‘No!’, which is written the same in English and Italian but pronounced differently, so, since I am Anglo-Italian I’m saying it twice, putting a different stress on the vowel.

Wishing you a serene weekend,

Stef