Welcome to Rise & Shine
If you have any news about your business you’d like to see here, including trading updates and appointments, please contact our News Editor, Carolyn Moss, at [email protected] or call her on 01305 575155. Follow us on Twitter @BreadButterNews for updates.
Robin Alway
Group Editor
INDUSTRY NEWS
North Sea Cod is sustainable again
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) have confirmed that North Sea cod can now be sold in supermarkets and restaurants with the ‘blue tick’ label indicating it’s sustainable and fully traceable.
The announcement comes some ten years since North Sea cod stocks came close to collapse. Cod stocks in the North Sea peaked at 270,000 tonnes in the 1970s but had fallen to just 44,000 tonnes in 2006. The industry worked with Scottish Government and EU Fisheries Council to agree and implement a ‘Cod Recovery Plan’ that would nurse the stock back to health.
The result is that shoppers and diners can now buy the popular fish with a clear conscience again.
It also clears up consumer confusion around the fish. A YouGov survey for the MSC found that more than one in three UK adults (35%) admitted that they don’t know if cod is sustainable or not and whether people should (or should not) be eating it.
Mike Park, Chairman of the Scottish Fisheries Sustainable Accreditation Group (SFSAG), comments: “This is a massive development for the catching sector and is a testament to the power of collective action. The years of commitment to rebuilding North Sea cod has shown that fishermen are responsible and can be trusted to deliver stable and sustainable stocks. The consumer can now eat home-caught cod with a clear conscience.”
MSC Programme Director, North East Atlantic, Toby Middleton said: “This is a huge accomplishment and the perfect example of what the MSC aims to achieve. Thanks to a collaborative, cross-industry effort, one of our most iconic fish has been brought back from the brink. Modified fishing gear, catch controls, well-managed fishing practices – all these steps have come together to revive a species that was in severe decline. And now shoppers and diners can play their part. By only choosing MSC certified sustainable North Sea cod, we can all help to protect this much-loved fish and ensure it’s never at risk again.”
Famous cider brand revived with Amicus backing
The Taunton Cider Company is set to return supported by funding from Amicus Commercial Finance.
The company, which dates back to 1911, was the second largest cider producer in the UK when it was sold in 1995 and was most recently the manufacturer of Dry Blackthorn.
Its new owners concentrated on the Dry Blackthorn brand, but the Taunton Cider Company brand is now set to be relaunched under the new ownership of a team of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and retail specialists.
Amicus will provide a revolving working capital facility based on a proprietary invoice discounting platform.
Amanda Baker, the business manager at the Taunton Cider Company, said that using confidential invoice discounting was a key component of its financing as it allowed it to take orders of increasing sizes secure in the knowledge that it had the cash right now to fulfil customer requirements. She commented: “This is absolutely vital for a business in the start-up phase, like ourselves, especially when serving the needs of large retailers. Amicus Commercial Finance impressed us because of their ability to see our vision for the company.They looked beyond our current position and shared the passion of the management team to bring an iconic brand back to life.”
Simon Carter, commercial director at Amicus Commercial Finance, said: “The Taunton Cider Company is steeped in history and we’re delighted to be a part of its revival. We’re seeing an increasing number of well-established firms turning to alternative sources of financing like invoice discounting. As working capital and cashflow are by their very nature dynamic, most traditional mainstream systems have failed to keep pace over the last few years.”
New lemonade and burger concept for Bristol’s Cargo 2
Lemonade is a new burger restaurant set to open in Bristol’s shipping container based development Cargo 2, in early August.
Taking up a single container, the restaurant will serve six different types of burger alongside six flavours of homemade lemonade including strawberry and basil and watermelon and rosemary. Burgers will be served in brioche buns baked in house and will cost no more than £7.50.
The new concept has been created by Bristol-based chef Alex Hayes who was behind Rebel Roll café and a Mexican street food restaurant called El Guaco in the city.
Lemonade will be situated close to Josh Eggleton’s Salt & Malt fish and chip shop and Polpo’s New York-inspired Italian, Spuntino.
Cirencester hotel reopens after £300k revamp from Thwaites
The Fleece Hotel in Cirencester has reopened after owner Thwaites invested £300k in refurbishing it.
The new look includes a redesigned logo and an entire transformation of the ground floor of the inn. A new bar and lounge have been introduced as well as more dining places and a private meeting area.
General Manager, Philip Mehrtens, said: “It looks amazing – the plans looked great but it’s even better in real life. They have really thought through everything, even down to the tiles on the back of the bar with the new Fleece logo… ‘It’s not just inside that looks refreshed, our courtyard is now a beautiful haven and we’ve even got a new colour on the front of the building. Everything looks different.”
FOOD & DRINK NEWS
Birds & Herds range opens ‘new chapter’ for free range eggs
The Traditional Free Range Egg Company have launched Birds & Herds free range eggs. They come from poultry that ‘mob graze’ alongside cattle.
The Somerset-based producer and supplier sees it as a natural extension to their award-winning Free Collection, produced using the traditional flat deck method.
Dan Wood, managing director of The Traditional Free Range Egg Company, explains; “Incorporating traditional hens into the mob grazing practices that many forward-thinking cattle and sheep farmers are now embracing is a really exciting step in free range egg production, and something we are extremely proud to be pioneering in our efforts to ensure a sustainable future for independent family-run farms. The story goes much deeper than producing exceptional free range eggs though. Birds & Herds essentially encourages animals to behave as they did centuries ago; with the herds sticking together to avoid predators while they graze on varied herbal lays and the birds coming through afterwards to work through what’s left behind, in the process protecting our land, enhancing biodiversity and minimising our carbon footprint.”
Birds & Herds free range eggs come in half dozen packs and are currently available from independent retailers across the UK, including delis, farm shops, butchers and grocery stores.
New Forest Ice Cream go nuts with Supreme Almond
The frozen desserts and ice cream producer are extended its Impulse range with the launch of Supreme Almond. It features New Forest vanilla ice cream coated in Belgian milk chocolate finished with almond pieces.
Available to retailers in cases of 20 individually wrapped ice creams, the new Supreme Almond complements the existing range of six flavours; Fruits of the Forest Cheesecake, Exotic (Passion Fruit), Milk Chocolate, White Chocolate, Caramel Crunch and Mint Crunch.
Christina Veal, Director of New Forest Ice Cream, said: “We created our Impulse range to complement the New Forest Ice Cream single portion and take-home ice cream tubs, giving retailers the opportunity to make the most of the grab-and-go market. The Supreme products offer customers a premium ice cream-based dessert in a range of different flavours to suit all tastes.”
Visit www.newforesticecream.com for details.
New branding as Mr Lee’s Noodles take to the skies
Bournemouth-based Mr Lee’s Noodles have unveiled a new look for the packaging of their cup noodles which now feature a simplified design and brighter colours. The existing six flavours of rice noodles which include Hong Kong Street Beef and Coconut Chicken Laksa remain the same, but the flavours have been made more powerful.
They are now available to purchase on South West Trains and from the 1st August, will be served on Australia’s Jetstar Airlines.
Get more details at www.mrleesnoodles.com
Weymouth balti house launch own lager
Shalims Balti House in Weymouth are introducing their own premium lager, called Anokha. The name means ‘unique’ in Hindi and the lager was the idea of the owner Shalim Abdul.
“We have been serving the traditional lagers that you have come to expect from an Indian restaurant for years but I wanted to do something different and offer something unique. Then came the chance to develop this lager with a friend.” he said.
The award-winning balti house has been blind tasting the new lager with favourable results from customers.
INNOVATION & EQUIPMENT NEWS
Compostable street food packaging expands
Planglow has added five new products to its compostable street food packing range. They are introducing a Street Box, Cartons and Tray all made from Krafty board – a sturdy material designed to handle grease and sauce laden foods. A recycled napkin and dispenser kit is also being launched.
The whole collection is made from sustainable and renewably sourced materials that will break down entirely in a home compost environment.
Planglow’s marketing director, Rachael Sawtell, commented, “Originally launched as a three-piece range, Street Food is going from strength to strength. The latest product designs support the increasingly diverse menu choices now on offer and help both providers and consumers alike to take their delicious foods far and wide”.
Visit planglow.com for further information
PROPERTY
Historic Cornish hotel on market for £1.1m
Boscundle Manor dates back to the 18th century and is located in the heart of “Poldark Country”, within a one-mile walking distance of the Eden Project.
Opened as a hotel in 1978 it has 13 letting bedrooms and three Silver AA stars and is on the market with Colliers International. It includes the Demelza Room, a one-bedroom apartment with a kitchen, dining area and lounge as well as a spa treatment room, two-AA-rosette restaurant and bar.
Ed Jefferson from the Colliers International Bristol-based hotels team said: “This is a high quality, Grade II-listed hotel with an elegant frontage which certainly doesn’t disappoint. It even boasts a piano said to have belonged to Hollywood legend Herbert Lom, of the Pink Panther films,” he said.
The vendor David Parker said of the hotel: “We consider Boscundle to be a ‘turnkey operation’ – buy, move in and run – with a fully refurbished building and competent staff.”
Devon destination dining inn sold
The California Country Cross Inn, near Modbury in the South Hams, has been sold by Charles Darrow off an asking price of £600,000 for the freehold interest.
The award-winning pub has more than 116 covers throughout the snug, bar, family room and restaurant. Outside, there are landscaped gardens and a car park for 50 vehicles. The new owner, Mike Haynes, plans a rolling plan of refurbishments.
EVENTS
July
Hampshire Food Festival 2017
1st – 31st July
Various locations in Hampshire
“The Hampshire Food Festival is an opportunity to show people what is grown and made in the county and offer unique experiences. From walking with buffalo to distillery tours or watching demos from top local chefs, the festival offers something for all tastes.”
http://www.hampshirefare.co.uk/food-festival/
New Forest & Hampshire County Show
25th – 27th July
The Showground, New Park, Brockenhurst
“Three days of agricultural fun and entertainment for all the family – now rated among the top ten agricultural shows in the country.”
http://www.newforestshow.co.uk/
FoodWorks SW Summer Workshops – Where to source money?
27th July, 9am-3pm, £25
The Hive, Weston-Super-Mare, BS24 8EE
“Do you have a product but want some ideas on how to finance getting it to market? This highly interactive workshop aims to help you get your food and drink project financed.”
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/foodworks-sw-finance-where-to-source-money-tickets-34886135370
August
Bristol Sausage & Cider Festival
4th – 5th August
Old Passenger Shed, Temple Meads Station, Bristol
“Music, real cider, and great sausages from artisan producers.”
http://www.sausageandciderfestival.co.uk/festivals/BRISTOL
South West Coffee Festival: Coffee & Cafe Culture Show
4th – 6th August
Powderham Castle, Devon
“The South West Coffee Festival is the first of its kind here in The South West! A Trade & Public show, it’s the perfect place for business owners to discover new suppliers and products, and a great place to talk directly to their consumers.”
http://swcoffeefest.com/
Great Dorset Chilli Festival
5th – 6th August
St Giles House, Wimborne St Giles, Dorset
“A great day out for chilli enthusiasts, food lovers and families. A glorious weekend of “chilli fiesta”, with stalls selling all things chilli, plus cooking demonstrations; talks on growing chillies; artisan food producers and spicy street food.”
http://www.greatdorsetchillifestival.co.uk/
Hambledon Vineyard Wine Festival
6th August, 11am – 4pm
Hambledon, Hampshire PO7 4RY
“The perfect opportunity to enjoy wines from all over the world at England’s oldest commercial vineyard! Take part in a wine tour, feast on local Hampshire produce or just kick back and relax with a glass of something delicious.”
Tickets are £10 per person (children under 16 are free) which includes entry, a glass and 2 tokens for you to get started on your wine tasting adventure.
https://www.hambledonvineyard.co.uk/product/016hambledon-wine-festival
CAMRA Great British Beer Festival 2017
8th – 12th August
Olympia, London
“Celebrating its 40th Anniversary – Real Ale and other Craft Beer, Cider and Perry plus English Wine, Street Food and Entertainment.” Includes the CAMRA Champion Beer of Britain competition.
https://www.gbbf.org.uk/
The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival
19th – 20th August
Newchurch, Sandown, Isle of Wight
“There are huge garlic and food marquees and cooking demonstrations from top Island chefs in the all new theatre kitchen”
http://www.garlicfestival.co.uk/
The Melplash Show
24th August
The West Bay Showground, Bridport, Dorset
“One of the South West’s premier agricultural exhibitions, the show is packed full of exhibits including livestock, horses, homecrafts and horticulture. There are over 350 trade stands selling everything from locally produced food to tractors….and plenty in between!”
http://www.melplashshow.co.uk/
River Cottage Summer Festival
26th – 27th August
River Cottage HQ, Axminster Devon
“There’ll be demonstrations from well-known chefs, inspirational speakers, masterclasses to take part in, tasty street food to sample, not forgetting our very own River Cottage chefs preparing the best seasonal food for you to enjoy.”
https://www.rivercottage.net/dining-and-events/river-cottage-festival-2017
Witcombe Cider Festival
26th – 27th August
Brockworth, Gloucester
UK’s largest Cider Festival. 50 Ciders and a strong line-up of national music artists.
http://witcombeciderfestival.co.uk/
September
Speciality & Fine Food Fair
3rd – 5th September
Olympia, London
“The UK’s leading showcase of fine food & drink – meet over 700 national and international producers and suppliers of artisan food and drink.”
http://www.specialityandfinefoodfairs.co.uk/
Great Taste Golden Forks Dinner
4th September
https://gff.co.uk/awards/great-taste-awards/
Packaging Innovations 2017
13th – 14th September
Olympia, London
“See the latest innovative solutions being offered by the industry’s leading suppliers, and discover how they can revitalise packaging, increase brand awareness and boost sales.”
http://www.easyfairs.com/packaging-innovations-london-2017/packaging-innovations-london-2017/
Luxury Packaging 2017
13th – 14th September
Olympia, London
“Bringing together packaging buyers and decision-makers, with inspiring suppliers and an incredible range of bespoke and prestige solutions they provide.”
http://www.easyfairs.com/packaging-innovations-london-2017/luxury-packaging-london-2017/
Temperature Controlled Storage & Distribution Exhibition
13th – 14th September
Ricoh Arena, Coventry
“Showcasing the latest innovations for temperature controlled storage and distribution, the event focuses on solutions for the storage and transportation of chilled and frozen foods.”
http://www.tcsdshow.com/welcome
Toby Buckland’s Garden & Harvest Festival
16th – 17th September
Forde Abbey, Somerset
“Delicious food and entertainment; celebrate the fruits of the season and enjoy a free programme of garden demos in the Forde Abbey’s stunning kitchen garden.”
https://tobygardenfest.co.uk/
Lunch! The Contemporary Food-To-Go Show
21st – 22nd September
ExCel, London
“The UK’s leading trade show for food-to-go. Set to be the biggest and best yet, with over 350 exhibitors, 2 theatres of education, thousands of products, a new home and a new easy-to-navigate floorplan.”
https://www.lunchshow.co.uk/
Coffee Shop Innovation: Business Exhibition & Conference
26th – 27th September
ExCel, London
“The UK’s leading event for professionals working across the café, coffee shop, and catering industries! Packed with seminars, industry leaders, interactive workshops, and an unparalleled conference schedule, the event will draw over 3,000 decision makers from the coffee industry”
http://www.cafebusinessshow.co.uk/
Takeaway & Restaurant Innovation Expo 2017
26th – 27th September
ExCel, London
“The UK’s only exhibition for growing your takeaway or restaurant business. The event to help you boost profits, build your brand, grow your business, and much more!”
http://www.takeawayexpo.co.uk/
Restaurant Tech Live 17
26th – 27th September
ExCel, London
“Restaurant Tech Live is Europe’s largest exhibition dedicated to the emerging technology and services that are forming the future of the restaurant business.”
http://www.restauranttechlive.co.uk/
Bar Tech Live 17
26th – 27th September
ExCel, London
“Bar Tech Live is a brand new platform for the high-tech products, devices, gadgets, and services that will transform the look, feel, and future of bars.”
http://www.bartechlive.co.uk/
Hotel Tech Live 17
26th – 27th September
ExCel, London
“Hotel Tech Live is the UK’s most exciting event for the technology, systems, products, and services that are breaking new ground in the hotel sector.”
http://www.hoteltechlive.co.uk/
Restaurant & Bar Design Show 2017
26th – 27th September
ExCel, London
“The Restaurant Design show is the UK’s largest and most comprehensive event specifically aimed at restaurant, bar and café interior designers. This show will deliver the foremost in ideas, inspiration and creativity to food and drink establishment owners, architects, designers, and other industry professionals from across the country.”
http://www.restaurantdesignshow.co.uk/
Street Food Live 2017
26th – 27th September
ExCel, London
“Street Food Live is Europe’s largest exhibition for street food vendors looking to start or grow their business.”
http://www.streetfoodlive.co.uk/