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Robin Alway
Group Editor
INDUSTRY NEWS
Somerset brewer crowdfunds £1.5m for new brewery
The Wild Beer Co. has smashed through a £1m crowdfunding target and attracted over 1,600 investors in its plans for a new state-of-the-art brewery.
The money will go towards the £10m, 5000 square metre brewery to be built at the Bath & West Showground in Somerset, three miles from their current Westcombe home. The new brewery will have the long term capability of producing over 12 million litres per year, brewing on a bespoke 8000 litre fully automated German-built brewhouse.
There will also be a public facing side to this “destination brewery” which will feature a large bar and restaurant, shop, fermentation hall, gardens and a children’s play area. The restaurant itself will include private dining, barrel room dining and conference facilities. Outside, they are planning to have kitchen gardens supplying fruit and veg and fire pits for al fresco dining and drinking.
The brewer has brewed two new beers to celebrate the crowdfunding campaign; Cloudy New England style IPA and Spicy Pale Ale. For more details go to https://wildbeer.myshopify.com/
Lyme Bay win English gold
Lyme Bay winery in Devon have won a gold medal in the inaugural Independent English Wine Awards (IEWA).
The only independent national wine competition for England was judged by a 20-strong panel from a total of 16 grape varieties. Two dry white wines; Lyme Bay’s Bacchus Block 2015 and Tuffon Hall Bacchus 2015 from Essex, and sparkling wine; Sugrue Pierre, Trouble with Dreams 2013, from West Sussex. won the three golds.
Medals were also awarded to wines made from grapes that would be unfamiliar to most consumers including Orega, Seyval Blanc and the double gold securing Bacchus.
Alex Taylor, IEWA founder, said: “English wine has never been better placed than it is right now. In terms of climate, politics, economics, consumer trends – it’s never been a better time to be an English wine producer – or consumer!”
Food Hygiene Ratings re-inspection win
The British Hospitality Association (BHA) are claiming victory in its campaign for a cut in the time restaurants and food outlets have to wait for a revaluation of their food hygiene rating.
Businesses can now pay their local authority to revisit as soon as improvement work has been carried out.
Dr Lisa Ackerley, Food Safety Advisor at British Hospitality Association said:
“The BHA has been campaigning for timely revisits and better consistency of rating and a fairer appeals process. We welcome the change in policy which should help hundreds of our members and other restaurants. As the Food Hygiene Ratings Scheme is becoming very popular with consumers to inform choice the BHA believe it must be fair.”
However, the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers’ (ALMR) chief executive Kate Nicholls cautioned that any fees must only apply to re-inspections and not routine inspections.
“The introduction of fees for inspections can help streamline the process for businesses, but local authorities must ensure that fees only apply to re-inspections requested by a venue and not routine inspections,” she said.
“Venues on the receiving end of a low hygiene rating can take positive steps to address any problems and often find themselves under completely new management with new systems in place. It is, therefore, right that businesses should be permitted an opportunity to achieve a higher rating without having to wait through an arbitrary period which may damage their reputation and businesses.”
A report in 2016 from food safety management company Checkit found that food hygiene ratings had a greater influence over diner’s choice of where to eat out than customer service.
£31m investment delivered to Wiltshire meal supplier
Wiltshire Farm Foods’ parent company Apetito is set to invest £31m in its food production facility in Trowbridge, Wiltshire. The frozen meals delivery service will create around 40 jobs during the construction phase, expected to start in 2018 and complete in 2020.
It is hoped the extended site will create greater efficiency for the business in its production and supply of food to the care sector. It currently has partnerships with around 400 hospitals and a similar number of care homes in the UK and is the owner of consumer-facing meal supplier Wiltshire Farm Foods.
Food Minister George Eustice said: “Our thriving food industry is the largest manufacturing sector in the UK – bigger than cars and aerospace combined – and this significant investment by Apetito is a real vote of confidence in the South West and the UK as a place to do business. I’m pleased the investment will lead to the creation of so many local jobs, while raising the UK’s global profile and securing our reputation as a great food nation.”
Seven Michelin stars for Exeter festival
Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink has confirmed an all-star line-up of chefs for their cookery theatre on Saturday 29 April – Monday 1st May.
Over 30 chefs will be demoing including the Michelin-starred likes of Tom Kerridge, Michael Caines MBE, Simon Hulstone, Paul Ainsworth, Michael Wignall, Mark Dodson and Josh Eggleton.
Tom Kerridge said: “I was really pleased when Michael asked me to be part of the festival. I’m looking forward to coming down to Exeter for the bank holiday and demonstrating on the Sunday as well as sampling the amazing local produce.”
The three-day Festival is a celebration of the South West’s Food and Drink producers and top chefs, taking place over the early May bank holiday weekend at Exeter Castle and the surrounding Northernhay Gardens.
Historic Hampshire hotel sold to overseas group
The New Place Hotel in Southampton has been bought by the Mokan Hotels Company. It’s the second hotel to be sold by the Principal Hotel Company in the last month.
The 110-bedroom hotel has been operated under the De Vere brand and dates back to the 17th century. It has a restaurant, bar, 33 meeting and event spaces, gym and indoor swimming pool.
New Place will be managed by Legacy Hotels and Resorts which operates a group of 15 hotels in the UK.
Andy Townsend, chief executive officer of Legacy, said: “We are delighted to add such a respected and established regional hotel to Legacy’s growing portfolio. The acquisition of New Place is testament to our continued growth in the sector.”
Italian gelato parlour opening in Bath
Swoon Gelato, an Italian ice cream parlour in Bristol, is opening a second site in Bath this May. The new branch on Kingsmead Square will serve a range of 16 flavours and semifreddos, made form locally sourced ingredients including milk and cream from the organic Bruton Dairy in Somerset.
The company was founded by Bruno Forte and Pat Powell and has just celebrated its first year in Bristol on College Green.
Stansted farm shop plans to expand
The Hampshire-based Stansted Park Farm Shop are attempting to raise £30,000 through crowdfunding to help part-fund expansion into a new purpose-built barn this summer that will be three times the size of the existing store.
Established five years ago by Sam Edden and Fred Duncannon, the shop has seen turnover increase by 25% year-on-year. The new farm shop will include a butchery and kitchen offering lunch and seasonal suppers. The old shop building will become a classroom for cooking lessons and butchery courses.
Commenting on the expansion plans, Duncannon said: “The new farm shop will give us the space to showcase the full range of local food and drink produce that has been made, grown or caught within 30 miles of the shop. Customers will know exactly where their food has come from and how best to enjoy it.”
FOOD & DRINK NEWS
The only way is Essex for Rodda’s shake
Essex-based milkshake producers Shaken Udder have teamed up with Cornwall’s Rodda’s Clotted Cream to create a new flavour.
The new Shaken Udder Strawberries & Rodda’s Clotted Cream milkshake will be available in over 200 Waitrose stores from the 4th April. It is made using strawberries, British milk and award-winning Rodda’s clotted cream.
Jodie Farran, co-founder of Shaken Udder said: “When creating this new flavour we were really keen to involve Rodda’s as it’s a premium product and fantastically British!”
Belinda Shipp, Marketing Manager at Rodda’s The Creamery added: “It’s fantastic to partner with other small brands to promote local produce and get consumers really thinking about where their food comes from. We expect this collaboration to prove very successful.”
New wild flavours from Cotswold boars
The Real Boar Company have launched two new flavours of their salami – a limited edition Wild Boar Salami with Sloe Gin plus a Wild Boar Salami with Black Truffle.
The charcuterie is made in the South West with Freedom Food British pork and European wild boar. The Real Boar Co are based in the Cotswolds, rear wild boar in woodland and have been making salami and chorizo for 10 years.
Go to www.therealboar.co.uk for more details.
Limited edition chilli jellies
Timmy’s Chillies are based in Clutton, Somerset and make marmalades and jellies that are “fruity and delicious, with chilli on the finish“. Sweet and spreadable, according to the owner “they also work well with savoury foods as a spicy condiment, glaze or ingredient.”
They are launching two limited edition jellies – AppleCrater and AppleFire. The former is the hottest of their jellies to date, the latter the mildest. Both are made from local single estate orchard apples.
For more details go to www.timmyschillies.com
APPOINTMENTS
Marco Pierre White restaurant gives top role to former protégé
Jason Everett has been appointed executive head chef at the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill at Cadbury House in North Somerset.
He previously worked with Pierre White at Harveys restaurant in London, helping the chef get two of his three Michelin stars. He also opened his own restaurant, The Goat House in Brent Knoll, Somerset.
EVENTS
March
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/
IN4Hospitality: Bournemouth
5th April 2017 5pm-8pm
Informal Networking for Hospitality Professionals
Hallmark Hotel Bournemouth Carlton, Dorset
“The evening is based around the concept of providing local hoteliers with informal networking opportunities but also incorporates presentations about local market performance, dynamics and insights from an array of innovative industry suppliers. The event aims to be informative, interactive and engaging – igniting debate and thought.”
To attend this free event, please register at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/in4hospitality-event-in-bournemouth-tickets-32440904619
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/
Toby Buckland’s Garden Festival
28th – 29th April 2017
Powderham Castle, Devon
“A garden party like no other! Celebrate the wealth of independent growers and makers with our new ‘Devon Made’ expo. Visit the ‘Chill & Grill Yurt’ and the ‘Devon Bar’ run by Powderkeg Beer, prize winning Woodbury and Devon brewery. This bar will sell only those drinks brewed, distilled and made within Devon county borders. So lots of beer and cider of course, but also Devon Dappa and Gin and Salcombe Gin.”
http://tobygardenfest.co.uk/powderham-castle/
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/
2017 Dorset Food & Venison Festival
29th April 2017
Post Green, Lytchett Minster, Poole BH16 6AP
“Celebrating the best of Dorset’s produce!”
http://dorsetvenisonfestival.org/
Coeliac UK: Bournemouth & Poole Group – Food Fair 2017
29th April 2017
Parkstone Grammar School, Poole, Dorset
“A great opportunity to try and buy a wide range of ‘Free From’ foods. Talk to local dieticians and representatives from Coeliac UK.”
For further details, please contact David Dorrell on Bournemouth@coeliac.org.uk
https://www.coeliac.org.uk/local-groups/bournemouth-and-poole/
May
The Food & Drink Trade Show
3rd – 4th May 2017
Three Counties Showground, Malvern
“A unique blend of inspirational speciality food & drink products, from a wide range of exhibitors; from the small and regional, to those who trade throughout the UK and internationally.”
http://thefoodanddrinktradeshow.co.uk/
The Devon County Show
18th – 20th May, 2017
Westpoint, Exeter
“The best of food, farming and entertainment. The Food & Drink Pavilion will be even bigger – and top chef Michael Caines will be cooking up some incredible dishes in our cookery demonstration theatre.”
http://www.devoncountyshow.co.uk/
Taste of the South
19th – 21st May, 2017
Poole Park, Dorset
“Taste of the South is a brand new festival in association with Poole Maritime Festival. A celebration of all things local from the South of England, it will include food, drink, produce, art, culture and entertainment. There will be exhibitions, tastings, samplings and demonstrations, to give visitors a taste of the South.”
Please contact info@tastesouth.co.uk to enquire about exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities.
http://www.tastesouth.events/
Tourism Management Institute Hot Topic 2017
19th May, 2017
Sheffield Hallam University
“The focus this year will be on Innovation in Rural Tourism – local food and drink, specialist events and characterful stays, with experts from the public and private sector sharing best practice.”
http://www.tmi.org.uk/event/13/tmi-hot-topic-2017.htm
The London Wine Fair
22nd – 24th May 2017
Olympia, London
“The London Wine Fair is the largest event of its kind in the UK drinks industry, and one of the world’s leading wine trade events. 15,000 wine professionals will journey to London to be immersed in the world of wine, to sample across the continents and take part in the many tastings and masterclasses.”
https://www.londonwinefair.com/
Caffé Culture Show 2017
23rd – 24th May, 2017
Olympia, London
“The nation’s leading gathering place for the café and coffee community, continuing to bring together all those who have a passion for pushing the industry forward.”
http://www.caffecultureshow.com/
June
Flavour Fest
2nd – 4th June, 2017
City Centre Piazza, Plymouth
“The South West’s largest food and drink festival will see the Piazza transformed, with stalls brimming with local delicacies, live music and a marquee bar. With more than 100 traders showcasing the best regional produce – as well as cookery demonstrations from talented local and celebrity chefs – organisers are hoping to yet again attract more than 100,000 food lovers.”
http://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/whats-on/flavour-fest-p1988533
Commercial Kitchen
6th – 7th June, 2017
NEC, Birmingham
“Commercial Kitchen is the definitive event for equipment buyers, specifiers and decision makers from across all sectors of the foodservice industry who are looking for the best equipment, services and accessories for their kitchen.”
http://www.commercialkitchenshow.co.uk/
Royal Cornwall Show
8th – 10th June, 2017
Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge
“The county’s biggest annual event and is brim-full of exhibits and activities which offer so much in the way of entertainment, competition, information, shopping and all that’s best in food and farming.”
http://royalcornwallshow.org/
Bournemouth Vegan Fair
17th – 18th June, 2017
Bournemouth International Centre
“A weekend of indulgence, inspiration and information – with over 90 diverse stalls full of tempting treats, a wide range of talks, and plenty of delicious food.”
http://www.dorsetveganevents.co.uk/bournemouth-vegan-fair.html
Bournemouth Business Expo 2017
22nd June, 2017
Bournemouth International Centre
“Bournemouth’s largest business show for all businesses who are looking to grow and prosper. Keynote speakers, seminars, speed networking and over 70 exhibitors!”
http://www.b2bexpos.co.uk/bournemouth.html