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Robin Alway
Editorial Director
INDUSTRY NEWS
Britain losing eight licensed premises a day
Britain has 3,116 fewer restaurants, pubs, bars and other licensed premises than 12 months ago, reveals the new edition of the Market Growth Monitor from CGA and AlixPartners.
The report shows a fall of 2.5% since June 2017. The rate of closures has nearly doubled since the last edition of the same report three months ago. It represents average net closures over the last year of around eight premises a day with every area of the country seeing a decline ranging from 1.0% in the West Midlands to 3.4% in Wales. London saw a 2.3% fall.
The majority of closures are community pubs, continuing the trend seen in the last few years. The Market Growth Monitor also points to falling restaurant numbers. After a period of growth that has seen Britain’s total restaurants increase by 11.0% in five years, numbers fell 1.0% in the 12 months to June 2018.
According to the research consultancy CGA, the findings confirm “a host of challenges in the restaurant sector, including fierce competition, flat like-for-like sales and escalating input costs. The casual dining sector has seen a series closures and CVAs from a number of high-profile names in the first half of 2018, though others, especially ambitious fledgeling brands, continue to expand.”
CGA vice president Peter Martin said: “Given the multitude of challenges facing the sector at the moment, it is no surprise to find that the pace of licensed premises closures is increasing. People continue to eat and drink out, and new and exciting restaurant, pub and bar brands are still achieving impressive growth. But competition from these dynamic start-ups, rising costs and the fickle nature of many consumers are combining to turn up the heat on established restaurant brands. In the current climate, standing still is simply not an option.”
AlixPartners managing director Graeme Smith said: “The Monitor tells the story of a market responding to current pressures. Restaurant expansion is still on the agenda for some companies, particularly in those locations across the UK that have previously been under-served by casual dining operators—but management teams and investors need to carefully consider their opening strategies. When it comes to pubs, operators with a well-executed food offer remain attractive, and those who add accommodation to the mix are under the spotlight of investors looking to businesses with more diversified revenue streams and broader trading windows.”
Taste of the West overall winners announced
The winners of this year’s Taste of the West Awards were announced at a ceremony on 13th September at The Great Hall, Exeter University.
The Supreme Champion Product Award went to Sandford Orchards (Crediton, Devon) for their St Louis Dry Hopped Cider. Taste of the West’s No 1 Place to Go for 2018 was awarded to New Farm Restaurant in South Petherton, Somerset.
Other winners were Denhay Farms Ltd from Devon for South West Producer of the Year (sponsored by Porter Dodson); the Best Newcomer Award (sponsored by The Tracklement Company) was won by Bristol producer Step and Stone; and the Best Branding Award (sponsored by The Collaborators) went to Dorset-based Conker Spirit.
John Sheaves, chief executive of Taste of the West, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the response from the South West’s food and drink industry to our awards programme this year. These awards underpin our core values and strengthen our regional brand, a brand which is attracting considerable interest from new markets – both nationally and internationally, and is now helping to attract more and more visitors to our region each year so playing a major part in our visitor economy. Our sincere congratulations to all the finalists and overall winners, and to all of our valued sponsors and partners who continue to support us.”
A full list of all champion award finalists and winners is available on the Taste of the West website: https://www.tasteofthewest.co.uk/awards.
Rich Products set to open new multi-million production facility
The leading supplier of sweet bakery products to coffee shop chains and grocery multiples, Rich Products, is opening a new ‘state-of-the-art’ production site in Andover, Hampshire.
Set to open at the end of the year, as part of a major restructuring of all its manufacturing in the UK, the 15-acre site represents a multi-million-pound investment.
The new facility will feature a vast production hall that will increase capacity and it is expected to create new jobs and put “customers at the heart of the manufacturing process.“
David Hunt, managing director UK & EME, Rich Products Corporation says:
“The food manufacturing world is constantly evolving and undergoing rapid change. This requires us to adapt and innovate, and the new Andover site will mean state-of-the-art technology, exceptional working conditions, and will enable us to continue to improve upon our already first class customer service and range of sweet bakery products.
“This is an ambitious project that represents our long-term future commitment to the UK. With plans for the next five, ten and twenty years, the new facility will increase production and business efficiency as we enter a new phase of growth.”
As part of the business restructure, Rich Products’ current production sites in Fareham, Portchester and Hartlebury will close and transfer to the new purpose-built site in Andover, along with all business support functions. The production sites will continue to run alongside Andover with the full transition planned for 2019.
St Austell Brewery launch Proper Job marketing campaign
St Austell Brewery are unveiling a new brand identity for their best-selling IPA, Proper Job, and launching its biggest ever marketing campaign.
The beer’s new proposition will be “Make it a Proper IPA” with the refreshed brand identity designed to reach a wider audience, particularly in the 25-34-year-old demographic.
The campaign will feature Jack Stein, son of chef Rick, as a celebrity brand ambassador along with a St Austell brewer and “real consumer champion” on advertising and point of sale.
Jeremy Mitchell, marketing & communications director, St Austell Brewery, said: “In the ten years since its launch, Proper Job has attracted a passionate following of discerning beer drinkers. Now it’s time for us to let a wider demographic experience the pleasures of a proper IPA – and the new campaign is a properly good way of doing it.”
Proper Job was launched in 2008 and has become the UK’s best-selling bottled-conditioned beer in supermarkets and the independent and family-owned brewer’s best-selling export brand.
Thatchers invest £14m in new cider farm
Thatchers Cider is investing £14m in a new cider mill at its Somerset farm base which it hopes to install in 2019, subject to planning consent.
“This investment is about our confidence in the cider market and in the future of world-class cidermaking here at Myrtle Farm,” says Martin Thatcher. “Our aim has always been to produce fantastic ciders here at Thatchers that are best in class on both quality and consistency. Our existing mill has served us well for many years, but we’re now looking to increase our capacity to meet growing demand. The new mill will, of course, be located at Myrtle Farm, will use less energy, and will be sustainably powered by energy generated on site.”
Thatchers plan to focus on draught apple cider, which takes 73% of the on-trade draught cider category. Thatchers Gold is the second biggest draught apple cider brand by volume in the UK and is consistently the apple cider with the highest rate of sale, in comparison to all of its apple variant rivals. Thatchers Haze is now the fastest growing brand in the top 10 draught ciders.
Martin continues: “There’s a lot of talk about fruit cider, but as I see it, there’s a raft of innovation and variety within the apple cider category, and this is where our focus lies. We have a wealth of knowledge of apples, and how the different varieties work together to create new and exciting ciders, as well as maintaining those ciders that we know people already love.
“Apple is so versatile that through innovation we can meet all taste profiles from dry through to medium and sweet with this one fruit.”
“The growth of fruit is seeing consumers move from bottle to draught. The market is saturated with flavour, pubs consistently want fewer but better quality brands. As a result, the cider space in the fridge needs to adapt to embrace super premium apple ciders, as fruit and flavour comes out of the fridge and onto the bar.”
Bath Ales renews rugby sponsorship
West country brewer Bath Ales is extending its sponsorship of Bath Rugby.
Its flagship beer, Gem, will continue to be the official beer of the club. Joining it in all the bars at The Rec will be Bath Ales’ new English lager Sulis.
The brewer’s branding will feature around the Rec and on the team’s shorts. The West Stand will continue to be known as the Gem stand.
Vicky Guy, brand activation manager, Bath Ales, said: “We’ve really enjoyed working with Bath Rugby for the past four years. There’s such a natural fit between both businesses – and the fans and our customers. We look forward to continuing the relationship and building on our strong partnership with the club – a valuable platform for us as a local brewery.”
Ben Wells, chief commercial officer, Bath Rugby, added: “We have established a very successful partnership with Bath Ales over the years, and are delighted to have extended the agreement further. Bath Ales are an important local partner, playing a key role in the delivery of our match-day experience and The Clash – our annual match at Twickenham. We look forward to continuing to deliver business value during the season ahead.”
Bath Ales was acquired by brewery and pub operator St Austell Brewery in 2016 and opened the doors of its new state-of-the-art brewhouse, Hare Brewery, in May 2018.
FOOD & DRINK NEWS
Salcombe Gin get into Mischief with Hix
Salcombe Gin have launched Mischief, a collaboration with chef, restaurateur and food writer Mark Hix to celebrate the 10th anniversary of HIX Restaurants.
The producers say the gin has “a strong backbone of traditional juniper, English coriander seed and angelica root, combined with the classic combinations of bay leaf, fresh orange peel and green cardamom. Wild fennel flowers, foraged from the Salcombe shoreline have been added, together with samphire and sea buckthorn to create an exceptionally smooth gin, with fresh floral notes on the nose and a long finish with a subtle anise note.”
The second in their Voyager Series, it is limited to 1,200 bottles and presented in a white ceramic bottle with a bespoke copper stopper.
Mark Hix said: “I chose to work with Salcombe Gin to create a handcrafted traditional London Dry gin to commemorate our 10th anniversary because I believe that they create truly world-class gins, well-balanced in flavour and exceptional in taste. Having grown up in West Bay, Bridport, a seaside town on the Dorset coast, I also feel a connection with the brand and their love of refreshing coastal flavours and use of foraged ingredients. Together we have used the finest local and regional produce to create a gin to be enjoyed at HIX restaurants, at home or even on the water.”
Angus Lugsdin, Salcombe Gin co-founder said: “We are thrilled to be working with Mark and his team at HIX Restaurants to commemorate their 10th anniversary. With a shared love for the South West Coast and fine, locally-sourced ingredients we have worked together to create a gin which we hope will delight gin enthusiasts and take people on a journey through the senses wherever it is enjoyed.”
Salcombe Gin Voyager Series ‘Mischief’: a collaboration with Mark Hix is available from 12th September at an RRP of £65.
Bristol Syrup Co’s real vanilla syrup
The Bristol Syrup Co. have launched a new vanilla syrup for the bar market. It’s been made with real vanilla and the company suggest it’s good for Irish coffee and cocktails.
The new syrup is the fifteenth in Bristol Syrup Company’s range of cocktail syrups and is available in 75cl glass bottles. Less than a year after they started, the company picked up two Great Taste Awards for their Raspberry Shrub and Passionfruit cocktail syrups. The award-winners were both designed to replicate the syrups bartenders make themselves to add to cocktails.
For more details email [email protected]
PROPERTY NEWS
Exmouth hotel on sale for first time in 40 years
The 25-bed Dolphin Hotel in Exmouth is on the market for £1,200,000 with agents Charles Darrow.
Positioned minutes from Exmouth seafront, it will be the first time in over 40 years the hotel has been for sale. As well as 25 bedrooms, it includes a bar, tongue and dining room for 50 guests, a commercial kitchen and three residential flats to the rear of the property.
James Sanders, associate director at Charles Darrow said, “This is an excellent opportunity for an operator to purchase a business that has been grown by our clients for over 40 years with passion and excellent customer service, which is reflected in the robust trading accounts.”
INDUSTRY EVENTS
September
Lunch! 2018
20th – 21st September 2018
ExCel, London
“A unique trade show that brings together the entire food-to-go industry under one roof.”
https://www.lunchshow.co.uk/
Restaurant & Takeaway Innovation Expo
25th & 26th September 2018
ExCel, London
“The ultimate marketplace for restaurant and takeaway owners.”
http://www.takeawayexpo.co.uk/
Hotel & Spa Tech Live
25th & 26th September 2018
ExCel, London
“Connecting hotels & spas with the technology of tomorrow.”
http://www.hoteltechlive.co.uk/
Restaurant & Bar Tech Live
25th & 26th September 2018
ExCel, London
“The event for the technologies & innovations transforming the Restaurant & Bar sector.”
http://www.restauranttechlive.co.uk/
Hotel Facilities Management Expo
25th & 26th September 2018
ExCel, London
“Transform the way you manage your hotel facilities.”
http://www.hfmexpo.co.uk/
Restaurant & Bar Design Show
25th & 26th September 2018
ExCel, London
“The Restaurant & Bar Design show is the UK’s most comprehensive event dedicated to the very latest and most stylish designs for restaurants and bars.”
http://www.restaurantdesignshow.co.uk/
Coffee Shop Innovation Expo
25th & 26th September 2018
ExCel, London
“The UK’s leading event for coffee shop business owners.”
http://www.coffeeshopexpo.co.uk/
Street Food Live
25th & 26th September 2018
ExCel, London
“Street Food Live is Europe’s ONLY event dedicated to revolutionising your street food business.”
http://www.streetfoodlive.co.uk/
Cotswold Taste Ltd Local Group Meeting – Making the Most of Your Local Food Offering
27th September 2018
The Royal Hop Pole Hotel, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. 7pm-9pm.
A member-owned co-operative, Cotswold Taste aims to promote the business success of its members and business partners. If you are a local Cotswold food or drink business, come along and learn how Cotswold Taste can help to grow your business. The guest speaker is Cotswold Taste business partner Barry Hancox, Director of Food By Bazza, renowned ex-restaurateur and ex-chef, who will be taking a look at how we can better use the wealth of local food and drink currently produced in the Cotswolds region.
To book a place at this FREE event or for more information, please email [email protected]