Latest news with #LDC
Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Key Highlights from Premium European Products' Participation at SIAL 2025
The National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Greece (ETHEAS) and the Latvian Dairy Committee (LDC) kicked off the "Premium European Products" campaign at SIAL Canada 2025. TORONTO , June 2, 2025 /CNW/ -- The National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Greece (ETHEAS) and the Latvian Dairy Committee (LDC) proudly showcased premium European quality at SIAL Canada 2025, held in Toronto from April 29 to May 1, 2025 . This participation marked a major milestone in the three-year EU-funded campaign titled "Premium European Products," which promotes high-quality agricultural products across Canada , Malaysia , and South Korea from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2026 . European Excellence on Display in Canada At Booth 1017.3, Canadian food professionals and consumers had the opportunity to discover a curated selection of authentic Greek and Latvian products. Representing the best of EU agriculture, the campaign featured five product categories: From Greece : 11 PDO-certified items, including premium olive oils, table olives, dried grapes, saffron, hard cheeses, and the distinctive mastic gum and gum oil. From Latvia : High-quality dairy products, candied fruits, chocolates and confectionery, and savory snacks. These offerings highlight the European Union's firm commitment to food safety, quality, traceability, and sustainability—values that resonate with Canadian consumers seeking premium and responsibly sourced products. A Commitment to Quality and Trust The Premium European Products campaign reinforces the EU's globally respected standards, which include strict pesticide controls, high hygiene regulations in processing, and a dedication to animal welfare. Greek and Latvian producers bring traditional methods and natural farming practices to the global stage, offering products that are both nutritious and full of character. Branded with visuals inspired by Europe's landscapes and heritage, the campaign invites Canadians to experience the deep-rooted traditions and uncompromising standards behind every product. Strengthening Canada-Europe Food Industry Relations SIAL Canada 2025 offered a strategic platform for connecting with Canadian importers, distributors, and retailers. With growing demand in North America for traceable and authentic food products, this campaign strengthens ties between Canadian industry leaders and European producers. The feedback from SIAL visitors reflected strong interest in the unique qualities of the showcased products, especially their authentic origins and premium quality certifications. Deepening Engagement in the Canadian Market Beyond SIAL Canada, the campaign continues to engage Canadian stakeholders through trade missions, business matchmaking events, and targeted outreach in key industry media. Upcoming activities will foster long-term partnerships between Canadian food professionals and trusted Greek and Latvian producers, increasing availability and visibility of these premium offerings in the Canadian market. Join the Movement: Connect with Premium European Products We invite Canadian food professionals, chefs, retailers, and distributors to explore collaboration opportunities with the "Premium European Products" campaign. For more information on where to find these premium products or to learn how to partner with the campaign, please visit email us to info@ or follow us on social media: Instagram: Instagram Facebook: Facebook You Tube: YouTube. ETHEAS and LDC invite Canadian importers, distributors, and foodservice leaders to explore these exceptional European products and form collaborations that support shared goals of quality, transparency, and sustainability. About "PREMIUM EUROPEAN PRODUCTS" PROGRAM The campaign:" Premium European Products: Better Knowledge, Better Choices" is co-funded by the European Union and managed by the National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Greece (ETHEAS) and the Latvian Dairy Committee (LDC). It aims to promote exquisite added-value products in Canada , South Korea , and Malaysia , including PDO olive oils, table olives, dried grapes, saffron, hard cheese, gum, and gum oil from Greece , as well as dairy products, candied fruits, chocolates, confectionery, and salty snacks from Latvia . Spanning from 2024 to 2026, the program seeks to significantly elevate the profile of European products in these markets through a four-pronged approach: raising awareness, enhancing recognition among consumers, increasing consumption, and boosting exports to Canada , Malaysia , and South Korea . The beneficiaries: The National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Greece (ETHEAS) , established by the Greek State Law, coordinates over 300 agricultural cooperatives across Greece , representing about 80% of the total turnover of such cooperatives. It focuses on rural and cooperative development, supports member activities domestically and internationally, issues opinions on agricultural matters, supervises cooperative promotion, and conducts educational activities. The Latvian Dairy Committee (LDC), established in 1995, represents Latvian milk producers and aims to protect their interests. It consists of 17 members producing approximately 80% of industrially produced milk in Latvia .
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
LDC names new CEO at Pierre Martinet Group as acquisition concludes
Lambert Dodard Chancereul (LDC), the France-based agri-food group, has appointed a new CEO at Pierre Martinet after concluding a takeover. Benjamin Montlahuc, formerly in charge of AGIS, a subsidiary of LDC's convenience food division, will now head up the family-owned salads and tabbouleh producer founded by chairman Pierre Martinet. Martinet will remain board chair for a three-year period, LDC said in a statement revealing the closure of the deal first announced a year ago. The financial terms of the transaction, which was approved by France's competition regulator in April, have not been disclosed. LDC said the acquisition allows it to have a presence across 70% of categories within supermarket and hypermarket convenience food departments, supported by a 'strong new brand' to complement its existing Marie ready-meals line. The Fermiers de Loué poultry brand owner added that Pierre Martinet 'enhances' its convenience food offering with fresh salads and other plant-based recipes. Pierre Martinet owns its namesake brand, along with La Belle Henriette. Philippe Gélin, chairman of the management board of LDC, described the deal as a 'pivotal transaction for the convenience food division, fully aligned with the 2026-2027 development plan'. Pierre Martinet, with over 700 employees across five French sites, reported €231m ($260.5m) in revenue for 2024, according to the statement. LDC director of the convenience food division, Christophe Guyony, said: "Following Marie in 2009, the acquisition of the Pierre Martinet Group marks another important step in the growth of the division, which now has a high-quality plant-based offering. 'With this new high-value asset, LDC now offers the most extensive range in the fresh convenience food aisle.' The acquired group's integration into LDC's convenience food division accounts will commence on 1 June. Chairman Martinet added: "I founded this brand, which has become iconic and dear to French consumers over nearly 60 years. Today, a new chapter begins, and it is now up to LDC to uphold the quality and excellence of the Pierre Martinet Group's products for the benefit of all consumers." LDC reported revenue of €6.32bn for the 2024–2025 financial year, representing a 2% increase over the corresponding period. Its operating income declined by 14.2% to €317.6m. Net income rose 22% to €20.8m. Other recent acquisitions by LDC included Groupe Routhiau, a meat and plant-based business in France, that was cleared by competition authorities late last year. It also took a majority interest in Germany-based European Convenience Food (ECF Group), a retail and foodservice supplier, in 2024. And LDC acquired the Konspol Poland ready-meals brand and factory from agri-food giant Cargill. "LDC names new CEO at Pierre Martinet Group as acquisition concludes" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Powys County Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Met chief says decriminalising cannabis ‘not something we're calling for'
The head of the UK's largest police force has opposed the Mayor of London's call to decriminalise some cannabis possession. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said drug use is a 'big issue' for communities, driving anti-social behaviour and acquisitive crime, and that a change in the law on cannabis is 'not something we're calling for'. His comments follow a report by the independent London Drugs Commission (LDC) which called for the decriminalisation of small amounts of natural cannabis. The LDC, chaired by Lord Charlie Falconer, found current laws on cannabis are 'disproportionate to the harms it can pose' following a study of how the drug is policed around the world. Decriminalisation has been backed by Sir Sadiq Khan, who set up the LDC in 2022, with the mayor saying current laws on cannabis possession 'cannot be justified given its relative harm and people's experience of the justice system'. But Sir Mark, the head of London's police force, suggested during an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme that he would not support the plans. While he acknowledged that changing the law is a matter for Parliament, he told the BBC: 'At the moment we see drugs being at the centre of a lot of crime, whether it's drug dealing … is so linked to violence, the county lines we close down – over 80% of the people behind those lines have got violent backgrounds. 'We see a lot of communities complaining about public drug use, and that's a big issue in terms of anti-social behaviour.' He added: 'We're chasing around people who are using drugs in public, which is a concern to communities. We see drug users becoming addicted and that driving acquisitive crime. It's a big part in our current operations.' The Government has also come out against decriminalisation, with housing, communities and local government minister Matthew Pennycook telling Times Radio on Wednesday morning: 'The mayor is obviously entitled to his view on the matter but the Government position on cannabis classification remains unchanged. 'We have no intention of reclassifying cannabis from a class B substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act, and our focus is continuing to work with partners across health, policing and wider public services to drive down drug use, ensure more people receive timely treatment and support, and make our communities and streets safer.' Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner admitted taking 'all sorts' when asked about her personal consumption of drugs during a visit to a new housing development visit near Didcot, Oxfordshire. While the LDC report, published on Wednesday, called for a partial decriminalisation of cannabis possession, it stopped short of calling for full legalisation of the drug. Lord Falconer told the BBC: 'We don't think it would have been right to replace, for example, big tobacco, which is on the way down with big cannabis. 'If you look around the world where both possession and dealing is legalised, what you see is big commercial companies with a motive to try and make more people take cannabis, and those who take cannabis already to take more of it, and that has a detrimental effect.' Lord Falconer also challenged claims that legalisation would get rid of criminal gangs. 'Everywhere else in the world where it's been legalised, you still have a very strong black market,' he said. 'And the reason you have a strong black market is because the legal market can't meet the needs of everybody.' Instead, Lord Falconer's committee called for natural – as opposed to synthetic – cannabis to be moved from the Misuse of Drugs Act to the Psychoactive Substances Act, effectively legalising possession of small amounts for personal use while continuing to prohibit importing, manufacturing or distributing the drug. Lord Falconer said he recognises that the public do not want people 'smoking joints in the street' but said bylaws could be used to stop anti-social behaviour issues. 'I think people would be concerned if legalising cannabis made what they would regard as anti-social behaviour much more common – so they would not want to see people smoking cannabis joints openly in the street. 'They would not like to see dealing openly in the streets, and I think that's a very important consideration that was put to us. 'You can use bylaws to make sure, for example, people can't use cannabis in parks. Dealing will still be criminal, so those aspects will remain subject to control.' Under current laws, cannabis is a class B drug and those found in possession face a fine or imprisonment. LDC deputy chairwoman Janet Hills, a former Metropolitan Police detective, said the report is 'a driver for change in our community' and called for 'a more balanced and compassionate approach to policing in our city'. Sir Sadiq said: 'The London Drugs Commission report makes a compelling, evidenced-based case for the decriminalisation of possession of small quantities of natural cannabis which the Government should consider. 'It says that the current sentencing for those caught in possession of natural cannabis cannot be justified given its relative harm and people's experience of the justice system. 'We must recognise that better education, improved healthcare and more effective, equitable policing of cannabis use are long overdue.' A Home Office spokesman said: 'We will continue to work with partners across health, policing and wider public services to drive down drug use, ensure more people receive timely treatment and support, and make our streets and communities safer. 'The Government has no intention of reclassifying cannabis from a Class B substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act.' Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said: 'Possession of cannabis should not be decriminalised like this. We have seen some US and Canadian cities devastated by soft policies on addictive and harmful drugs – now Sadiq Khan wants to send London the same way. 'Cannabis is illegal for a reason. Cannabis is associated with anti-social behaviour and heavy use can lead to serious psychosis and severed mental health problems. 'I completely oppose these plans. But with a weak Labour Government in power, there's no telling how they will react. We must stop soft Sadiq.'
Leader Live
6 days ago
- Politics
- Leader Live
Met chief says decriminalising cannabis ‘not something we're calling for'
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said drug use is a 'big issue' for communities, driving anti-social behaviour and acquisitive crime, and that a change in the law on cannabis is 'not something we're calling for'. His comments follow a report by the independent London Drugs Commission (LDC) which called for the decriminalisation of small amounts of natural cannabis. The LDC, chaired by Lord Charlie Falconer, found current laws on cannabis are 'disproportionate to the harms it can pose' following a study of how the drug is policed around the world. Decriminalisation has been backed by Sir Sadiq Khan, who set up the LDC in 2022, with the mayor saying current laws on cannabis possession 'cannot be justified given its relative harm and people's experience of the justice system'. But Sir Mark, the head of London's police force, suggested during an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme that he would not support the plans. While he acknowledged that changing the law is a matter for Parliament, he told the BBC: 'At the moment we see drugs being at the centre of a lot of crime, whether it's drug dealing … is so linked to violence, the county lines we close down – over 80% of the people behind those lines have got violent backgrounds. 'We see a lot of communities complaining about public drug use, and that's a big issue in terms of anti-social behaviour.' He added: 'We're chasing around people who are using drugs in public, which is a concern to communities. We see drug users becoming addicted and that driving acquisitive crime. It's a big part in our current operations.' The Government has also come out against decriminalisation, with housing, communities and local government minister Matthew Pennycook telling Times Radio on Wednesday morning: 'The mayor is obviously entitled to his view on the matter but the Government position on cannabis classification remains unchanged. 'We have no intention of reclassifying cannabis from a class B substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act, and our focus is continuing to work with partners across health, policing and wider public services to drive down drug use, ensure more people receive timely treatment and support, and make our communities and streets safer.' Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner admitted taking 'all sorts' when asked about her personal consumption of drugs during a visit to a new housing development visit near Didcot, Oxfordshire. While the LDC report, published on Wednesday, called for a partial decriminalisation of cannabis possession, it stopped short of calling for full legalisation of the drug. Lord Falconer told the BBC: 'We don't think it would have been right to replace, for example, big tobacco, which is on the way down with big cannabis. 'If you look around the world where both possession and dealing is legalised, what you see is big commercial companies with a motive to try and make more people take cannabis, and those who take cannabis already to take more of it, and that has a detrimental effect.' Lord Falconer also challenged claims that legalisation would get rid of criminal gangs. 'Everywhere else in the world where it's been legalised, you still have a very strong black market,' he said. 'And the reason you have a strong black market is because the legal market can't meet the needs of everybody.' Instead, Lord Falconer's committee called for natural – as opposed to synthetic – cannabis to be moved from the Misuse of Drugs Act to the Psychoactive Substances Act, effectively legalising possession of small amounts for personal use while continuing to prohibit importing, manufacturing or distributing the drug. Lord Falconer said he recognises that the public do not want people 'smoking joints in the street' but said bylaws could be used to stop anti-social behaviour issues. 'I think people would be concerned if legalising cannabis made what they would regard as anti-social behaviour much more common – so they would not want to see people smoking cannabis joints openly in the street. 'They would not like to see dealing openly in the streets, and I think that's a very important consideration that was put to us. 'You can use bylaws to make sure, for example, people can't use cannabis in parks. Dealing will still be criminal, so those aspects will remain subject to control.' Under current laws, cannabis is a class B drug and those found in possession face a fine or imprisonment. LDC deputy chairwoman Janet Hills, a former Metropolitan Police detective, said the report is 'a driver for change in our community' and called for 'a more balanced and compassionate approach to policing in our city'. Sir Sadiq said: 'The London Drugs Commission report makes a compelling, evidenced-based case for the decriminalisation of possession of small quantities of natural cannabis which the Government should consider. 'It says that the current sentencing for those caught in possession of natural cannabis cannot be justified given its relative harm and people's experience of the justice system. 'We must recognise that better education, improved healthcare and more effective, equitable policing of cannabis use are long overdue.' A Home Office spokesman said: 'We will continue to work with partners across health, policing and wider public services to drive down drug use, ensure more people receive timely treatment and support, and make our streets and communities safer. 'The Government has no intention of reclassifying cannabis from a Class B substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act.' Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said: 'Possession of cannabis should not be decriminalised like this. We have seen some US and Canadian cities devastated by soft policies on addictive and harmful drugs – now Sadiq Khan wants to send London the same way. 'Cannabis is illegal for a reason. Cannabis is associated with anti-social behaviour and heavy use can lead to serious psychosis and severed mental health problems. 'I completely oppose these plans. But with a weak Labour Government in power, there's no telling how they will react. We must stop soft Sadiq.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Does 'decriminalising' cannabis mean people can legally buy it?
A new report backed by London mayor Sadiq Khan has recommended that the possession of small quantities of cannabis for personal use is decriminalised. The report, published by the independent London Drugs Commission (LDC), includes 42 recommendations, including removing natural cannabis from the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA). The mayor said there was 'a compelling, evidence-based case' for decriminalisation and urged government to consider the report's findings, which argue that the current laws are "disproportionate to the harms" cannabis can pose compared to other drugs. The commission, set up in 2022, does not call for full decriminalisation and instead says "natural" cannabis should be downgraded to classification under the Psychoactive Substances Act. The report also recommends improved addiction services and better education on the dangers of on problematic use and addiction of cannabis is needed. Khan aded: 'The current sentencing for those caught in possession of natural cannabis cannot be justified given its relative harm and people's experience of the justice system.' The UK has several classifications for substances: Class A (which is deemed to be the most dangerous) Class B, Class C, and psychoactive substances. Class A drugs include heroin and cocaine, an example of Class B drugs are amphetamines and ketamine, and the Class C classification includes steroids and nitrous oxide (laughing gas). The UK government describes psychoactive substances as drugs that cause hallucinations, drowsiness or changes in perception of time and space, such as bath salts (synthetic cathinones) or dimethocaine. Cannabis is currently a Class B drug and people found in possession can face a fine or imprisonment. The report argues that: 'The possibility of a custodial prison sentence of any length…for possession of cannabis for personal use feels excessive'. This would effectively remove criminal prosecution the possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use, while continuing to prohibit the importing, manufacturing and distribution of the drug. A key distinction in drug legislation is the difference between legalisation and decriminalisation, which are two very different terms and should not be confused. When drug use and possession are decriminalised, criminal charges are not applied to anyone carrying the drug, usually for personal use. While this may sound like the drug is now 'legal', in practice this is not the case and it would remain illegal to possess and use the drug. However, it would no longer lead to a criminal record, but may still carry a civil penalty - e.g. civil fines, warnings or treatment or education referrals. Many critics of the current system say that the criminal justice approach perpetuates stigma and marginalises people with problem drug use. The report "makes a compelling, evidenced-based case for the decriminalisation of possession of small quantities of natural cannabis," Khan said. Under decriminalisation, it's important to note that selling, manufacturing and giving away cannabis would still carry criminal penalties. Even if cannabis does become decriminalised it would still be illegal to possess and therefore illegal to buy the drug. The key difference, if cannabis was reclassified under psychoactive substances legislation, would be that those in possession for personal use would not face a prison sentence or any fines. Despite arguments from the report that there could be possible gains from legalisation, including tax revenues and reductions in criminalisation, the drug would still remain essentially illegal to possess. Offenders caught selling, dealing or sharing psychoactive substances, for any reason, are likely to still face severe penalties including fines and prison sentences. Under current UK law, drugs that fall under the Psychoactive Substances Act and anabolic steroids are effectively decriminalised as possession will not carry any punishment or fine. Currently, at the lowest end, police can issue a warning or an on-the-spot fine of up to £90 if you're found with cannabis, it may also be possible to pay a penalty without getting a formal warning or caution. If someone is repeatedly found with cannabis, the penalty may vary from treatment for addiction to a maximum penalty for possession, which could mean up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine or both. The maximum penalty for cannabis, supply (selling, dealing or sharing) and cultivation is up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both. Citizens can often be confused by UK laws on cannabis possession, with many cannabis-based products available to buy online and the NHS proscribing medical cannabis in rare cases. In practice the punishment you will receive for carrying cannabis for personal use can be a lottery, with no set sentencing rules for how much you are allowed to possess, before you are issued with a custodial sentence. The Sentencing Council of England and Wales say that a warning for carrying cannabis can be issued for carrying a 'small amount… consistent with personal use' although there is no maximum legally stated. The LDC report said that several of the participants in their research thought being found in possession of up to one ounce (around 25 grams) of cannabis would be 'unlikely to attract sanction beyond a fine and/or a formal warning'. There are several charges relating to the supply of drugs including conspiracy to supply a controlled drug, supplying or offering to supply a controlled drug and production of a controlled drug / cultivation of cannabis plant, which carry different tariffs. The council say a custodial sentence for cannabis cultivation should start at seven plants or more, with more severe penalties for cultivation of more than 20 plants and producing industrial amounts.
