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
Morrisons searches for South West producers
The supermarket giant has launched a search for the South West’s best food and drink producers and is inviting suppliers to pitch for a place on its shelves.
The call comes so Morrison can offer customers more food that meets local tastes and has been made “just down the road”. Although the supermarket already offers South West staples like Cornish pasties, Rattler cider and Somerset cheddar, they are keen to uncover “hidden gems” from our region.
Radley Small, Morrisons Regional Manager for the South West says: “Our customers tell us they want to see even more food that is made in the region and that’s why we’re asking the best suppliers to get in touch.”
Morrisons will be working with members of the Women’s Institute, using their local knowledge to source the best suppliers. They also aim to promote products that are already recognised in their region but not known nationally.
The supermarket’s search comes as a report is published by a leading expert on global food issues. In the report, Professor Tim Benton of the University of Leeds calls on British retailers to support local food producers to reduce food miles and help local businesses and the environment, building up a stronger food sector in the face of global uncertainties.
For further information about the programme, entry requirements or to apply, please visit www.morrisons.com/local
Bruton brie wins slice of funding
Award-winning Somerset cheese maker Godminster has won some of the £8.7 million grant funding from the South West Growth Fund to expand its brie making facility in Bruton. The grant funding of £51,000 will almost double brie production and create six new jobs. Godminster are increasing their herd by eighty in 2017 which will produce an additional half a million litres of milk to meet the increase in demand.
Godminster founder, Richard Hollingbery, says, “This is a first for Godminster. The management team put together a strong business case for the award and we are delighted to have secured £51,000 towards our investment in our brie production facility. The award is approximately 14% of our total investment so it is a substantial and welcome contribution. The investment will also bring additional revenue into the thriving local economy which is very welcome as Bruton continues to flourish.”
Head of Sales and Marketing, Deborah Bradfield, adds, “This is an exciting opportunity for Godminster. Our brie sales have been strong and overall our sales have grown by 16% in the past year. The increase in brie production will allow us to supply more farm shops, delis and wholesalers nationwide. Interest in our products from abroad is increasing because of the weaker pound following the vote to leave the EU. Export to Europe and beyond is certainly something we are keen to develop. Who knows, we might one day sell Godminster Brie to the French.”
Bristol Airport lands first hotel
The new Hampton by Hilton is the first hotel to open at Bristol Airport, the UK’s third largest regional airport.
The 201-bedroom hotel is located 250 metres from the terminal and features two meeting rooms and a 24-hour fitness centre. It has been built using a modular construction technique, with parts of the hotel manufactured in China.
Simon Vincent, executive vice president and president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Hilton, said: “More than seven and a half million passengers pass through the doors of Bristol Airport every year, and we’re now offering travellers a convenient and great value accommodation option on its doorstep.
“This opening also marks an important landmark for us as one of the first hotels in our portfolio globally to be completed using an innovative modular construction technique – paving the way for further expansion in the UK and internationally.”
Robert Sinclair, chief executive of Bristol Airport, added: “We are delighted to welcome the world-renowned Hampton by Hilton brand to Bristol Airport. The opening of a first on-site hotel is another statement of our ambition to be a world class regional airport serving the South West of the UK.”
Giggling Squid opening new South West sites
Thai restaurant chain Giggling Squid will be opening in Cheltenham early next year. They have acquired a 3000 square ft site in the Montpellier district which will have an estimated 110 covers with an additional 50 covers outside.
Giggling Squid co-founder, Andy Laurillard comments: “We’ve had our eye on Cheltenham for a while now, we’ve just been waiting for the right spot to come up. We’re confident that we’ve found it in the Montpellier district; from what we’ve experienced, it’s a great area for eating out and we think our unique offer can really contribute to the buzzing food scene”.
The Thai chain started in a former fisherman’s cottage in Brighton and now has 19 restaurants. It is also planning to open in Bath in Bluecoat House, formerly the site of a Chimichanga, in early autumn.
Great sausages and pies in Hampshire
The annual Great Hampshire Sausage and Pie Competition was held in Winchester on the 22nd February. Organised by local not-for-profit food group Hampshire fare, it attracted 201 entries from 38 butchers. The 13 categories included Hampshire Sausage, Hot Pie, Charcuterie and Speciality Pork Sausage.
The title of Supreme Champion 2017 went to LJ Smith Butchers. Other winners included Owtons for Lamb & Beef Sausage, The Butchers Shop (Milford) for Homecured Bacon and Tatchbury Manor Farm for Speciality Hot Eating Pie.
Tracy Nash, Commercial Manager of Hampshire Fare, commented on the event, “Today’s event is all about recognising and celebrating the talented butchers we have across Hampshire. Shopping at your local butcher’s shop is an opportunity to learn and try new things as service often comes with knowledge and experience.”
Decision imminent on Harbour’s £32m Torquay plans
Harbour Hotel’s Torquay Pavilion proposals are due to go before councillors on the 27th February. The 32m redevelopment includes a 60-bed hotel spanning five storeys, a ground floor restaurant, retail sites and 43 residential apartments.
The planning application which includes works to the listed building status Pavilion has been recommended for approval by planning officers before it is discussed by Torbay Council’s planning committee.
Officers gave their go head because they felt the benefits of regeneration outweigh the harm to the harbour side location.
The report says: “This position has not been reached easily and reflects the need to achieve a speedy response to the future of the Pavilion and securing a robust and guaranteed future use for it, the importance of securing a four-star hotel and the vital need for investment, jobs and reinforcing the bay as a premier tourism destination”
Heineken invests in community pub scheme
Heineken is investing £50,000 in Pub is The Hub, a not-for-profit organisation of specialist voluntary advisors for community pubs and licensees who want to expand. The announcement was made during a visit to The Red Lion in Epworth by Pubs Minister, Andrew Percy MP on Friday 17 February.
The funds will be directed towards Pub is The Hub’s Community Services Fund and Regional Hub of Advisors to help kick start pub diversification schemes with grants of up to £3,000.
David Paterson, Corporate Affairs Director, Heineken said: “We warmly welcome the Government’s announcement last month that it will fund the organisation and we are pleased to join the Government in its support and match their donation of £50,000. Heineken has partnered with Pub is The Hub for some years and with 1,050 pubs in our Star Pubs & Bars estate, we share Pub is The Hub’s belief that the pub should be the centre of vibrant community life.”
Foodservice growth driving £2.9 billion organic market
The Soil Association’s 2017 Organic Market Report reveals that the UK organic market has grown for its fifth successive year, boosted by a 19.1% increase in organic in the foodservice sector, which is now worth £76.6 million. There has been a 66% increase in sales of organic through the Food for Life Catering Mark.
The total UK organic market is now worth £2.09 billion. Sales of organic products increased by 7.1% in 2016 while non-organic sales continued to decline. Organic represents around 1.5% of the total UK food and drink market.
Key foodservice trends identified by the Soil Association include:
• Over £15 million was spent on organic through Food for Life Catering Mark holders in schools, hospitals, nurseries, workplaces and universities. This is an increase of 66% since last year.
• Over one third of UK schools serve Soil Association Food for Life Catering Mark Silver or Gold meals, a percentage of which includes organic.
• A greater number of wholesalers are offering organic – there is nearly a quarter more wholesalers licensed to sell organic than the previous year.
• High street restaurant chains and visitor attractions are including more organic products on their menus, including Jamie’s Italian, McDonalds, Nando’s, Chester Zoo and Eden Project.
Rich Watts, senior Catering Mark manager at Soil Association Certification said; “The catering sector is leading the way in driving up the standards of food served outside of the home and responding to the demand for better food. Organic is part of this and the spend on organic through the Food for Life Catering Mark is hugely encouraging. We are supporting caterers and foodservice by improving links throughout the supply chain through the Catering Mark Supplier Scheme, and there are clear opportunities for all involved as more people search out British, local and organic produce.”
FOOD & DRINK NEWS
“World’s Healthiest” coffee to-go launches
Kaffé Direct is made using the Panama Boquete Gesha coffee bean with added botanical extracts and claims to be the “world’s healthiest best tasting coffee”.
Making its UK debut at ExpoWest Cornwall, George Burrows, Principal Brand Partner Distributor, said: “As a Cornishman, I’m thrilled to be honoured with the UK commercial launch of the world’s healthiest – voted – best tasting ready-brew micro-ground black, latte and mocha coffee. Now, for the first time, small independent outlets that have been missing out on the ever growing coffee to- go market, can cash in without having to invest in expensive machines and rental agreements”.
The coffee is supplied with a self-serve POS Kaffé dispenser, complete with compostable insulated mugs and lids.
For more details contact contact George Burrows on 07484 707877 or email [email protected]
EQUIPMENT NEWS
Filtered water in branded bottles from EcoPuro
Leading water filtration suppliers EcoPure Waters have revealed the first in a line of new products aimed at hospitality venues. The EcoPuro delivers chilled drinking water at the touch of a button and operators can serve and sell it in branded bottles carrying their logo and message. A counter-top system costs around £20 a week including maintenance package.
The EcoPuro is smaller than the popular, higher volume ‘System’ from the same company which EcoPure Waters say make it “perfect for lower volumes, for where space is limited or for use as additional stand-alone drinking water stations.”
More details from www.ecopurewaters.com
Reinventing the wheel: new pizza knives
Brazilian steak knife specialist Tramontina have introduced a new speciality pizza knife to their range. Designed with a curved serrated blade to cut rather than tear the dough it features the word ‘pizza’ cut out of the blade.
Distributed in the UK by leading tableware supplier, Artis, it’s one of hundreds of new products making their debut in the 2017 Artis catalogue, available now. Go to www.artis-uk.com/downloads
SHOW SPOTLIGHT
Liquid at Expowest Cornwall
There will be a new focus on all things Liquid at the Expowest Cornwall trade show on the 7-9th March. The drinks part of the show can boast a greater range of local, national and international drinks exhibitors than ever before, covering hot, cold, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Liquid offers the on-trade and the off-trade the opportunity to discover new and exciting products, techniques, services and trends, as well the chance to network.
The LWC Bar & Experience is a new drinks feature area. There will be a central bar area where you can watch professionals compete in cocktail competitions, learn how to make cocktails and mocktails and enjoy wine and champagne tastings. If ale’s your tipple, the extensive programme of events includes a Beer and Food Matching masterclass. You can also see how to use the correct equipment and skills to enhance your drinks serving and maximise profitability with Flair masterclasses from the World Flair Association.
Alongside regular well-known exhibitors such as Burdett Wines, Voyager Coffee, Camel Valley Wine, Just Water, Keltek Brewery, Folkingtons and Skinners Brewing Company, you’ll meet many first timers like the Wooden Hand Brewery, Polar Krush & Pernod Ricard.
In addition to drinks producers you’ll also find all the ancilliary equipment and services that your on-sales business needs from exhibitors such as Westcountry Drinks, Clearbrew, Bar Equipment Direct, Abbotts (S.W.), Cornwall Training and Payroll South West.
With companies from across the sector exhibiting throughout the show, and features to help you add value to your liquid offer, this exciting new focus will give you a fresh perspective on Expowest Cornwall.
Register at www.expowestcornwall.co.uk or by calling 01934 733456. It’s free to attend.
EVENTS
March
Free Food Hygiene, Health and Safety & Employment Law Update
1st March 2017, 9:30am-12:30pm
Holiday Inn, Winchester
A free seminar hosted by Simply Safer and Kate Underwood HR & Training.
Topics to include: Food Hygiene Rating Scores, Food Law Enforcement, Health & Safety and Employment Law.
Please register at –
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-food-hygiene-health-and-safety-employment-law-update-march-2017-tickets-31415994084?aff=eivtefrnd
Expowest, Cornwall
7th – 9th March 2017
Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge
“Showcasing products that cover the whole of the hospitality and catering market; from tableware to furniture, catering equipment to business services, coffee to speciality food, this show really does have Cornwall covered!”
http://expowestcornwall.co.uk/
The Retailers’ Retailer Awards
7th March 2017
Guildhall, London
“Described as the UK’s eating and drinking-out sector’s “Oscars”, the Retailers’ Retailer of the Year Awards recognises the best companies, concepts and individuals in the restaurant, pub, coffee shop and late-night bar market.”
https://www.rroty.co.uk/
The Future of Beer- Carlsberg House of Beers
13th March 2017, 4.00pm – 8.00pm
The Tramshed, Cardiff
“A free event hosted by Carlsberg’s South West Team introducing customers to Carlsberg’s latest innovations in draught dispense technology. The event will feature Carlsberg’s craft beer range with informal sessions on portfolio tasting and food pairing. The event will also include the Crown Cellars premium spirits selection and a wine and food pairing masterclass from our South West Wine and Spirits Manager.”
Please register your interest with [email protected]
The Publican Awards
14th March 2017
Battersea Evolution, London
“The Publican Awards recognises the best in every aspect of the pub industry – from the best brewing pub companies to the best late-night operators. Iconic chat show presenter Jonathan Ross has been announced as the host of the biggest night of the year for the pub industry.”
https://www.publicanawards.co.uk/
The Hotel, Catering & Retail Show
14th – 15th March 2017
Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth
“The Hotel, Catering and Retail Show features new and innovative products, hundreds of delicious food and drink product tastings, the latest trends and exciting developments from industry, and a chance to network with current suppliers, peers and key industry players.”
http://www.hotelcateringretailshow.co.uk/
Food Allergy Awareness Workshop
14th March 2017, 1.30pm – 4.30pm
Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth
“Add value to your visit to the ‘Hotel, Catering & Retail Show 2017′, attend the food allergy awareness workshop and come away with a tool box that can benefit your business! Attend a discounted workshop on managing the FreeFrom customer, and get help and advice on creating your menu and processes.”
Delegates will receive a letter of attendance. To take advantage of the special pre-show rate of £35 (saving £5), book at http://www.fatc.co.uk/events/food-allergy-awareness-workshop-bournemouth/
The International Food & Drink Event (IFE)
(including – Pro2Pac & Waste-Works)
19th – 22nd March 2017
ExCel, London
“Together the three events cover the entire supply chain; from farm to fork to fertiliser to fuel.” IFE is “the UK’s biggest and most important food and drink trade event. The 2017 show will be bursting with food and drink inspiration.” Pro2Pac is “the UK’s only packaging event designed exclusively for the food & drink sector.”
“Waste-Works, the only waste & sustainability event for the food & drink industry.”
http://www.ife.co.uk/
British Tourism & Travel Show
22nd – 23rd March 2017
NEC, Birmingham
“With the UK domestic tourism sector valued at £127 billion, this lucrative industry deserves a dedicated and focused exhibition. Bringing together over 3,000 top level travel buyers.”
http://www.tourismshow.co.uk/
Whiskies & Spirits Conference Europe
30th March 2017
The Waldorf Hilton, London
“The 2017 Whiskies & Spirits Conference Europe brings together the industry’s international leaders in a unique open forum to talk about the commercial opportunities and challenges that confront the global spirits industry.” Including, the ‘World Drink Awards 2017’ presentation and drinks reception.
http://www.whiskiesandspiritsconference.com/europe/london-2017/
April
Natural & Organic Products Europe
2nd – 3rd April 2017
ExCel, London
“Europe’s biggest trade show for natural products – making it the ‘must attend’ event for buyers of everything from natural healthcare products, to natural and organic foods.”
http://www.naturalproducts.co.uk/
The Farm Shop & Deli Show
24-26th April 2017
NEC, Birmingham
“Experience the best quality local and regional produce from more than 450 outstanding suppliers over three days. Farm Shop & Deli Show will be packed with new launches, fresh industry insights and trend-setting food and drink.”
http://www.farmshopanddelishow.co.uk/
Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink
29th April – 1st May 2017
Exeter Castle Courtyard & Northernhay Gardens
“An established favourite for all foodies, the festival attracts an international audience with visitors attending from far and wide to buy delicious goodies, watch top chefs in the live Festival Cookery Theatre and get involved in workshops and demonstrations.”
http://www.exeterfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk/