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 news@breadandbutter.media or call her on 01305 575155. Follow us on Twitter @BreadButterNews for updates.
Robin Alway
Group Editor
INDUSTRY NEWS
South West hotels showing growth in 2017
Hotels in the South West experienced performance growth in 2016, which has carried on into 2017 according to data released by hotel benchmarking company STR.
Although occupancy levels declined by 0.8% for the market in 2016, overall performance improved as hoteliers were able to increase their average daily rate (ADR) from £70 in 2015 to £73 in 2016, representing a 4% year-over-year growth.
STR’S Business Development Manager for the UK and Ireland, George Titlow, explains: “Our data indicates that demand grew in 2016, meaning that overall, more room nights were sold across the region. But with some recent new property openings, more rooms have become available in the market, so the occupancy decline is a result of supply outpacing demand. The good news for the South West is that despite this increase in supply, hoteliers felt confident enough to increase their daily rates – meaning more revenue flowed into the region overall”.
This increase in revenue meant an increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR). However, the growth levels in the South West have not been as significant as those seen in other areas of the UK Overall, the U.K. has experienced a 6% RevPAR growth, compared with the same period last year, while the South West has experienced just 1% growth.
Titlow suggested that the devaluation of the pound and subsequent increase in the number of inbound tourists was one of the major factors behind the UK-wide growth. “Perhaps the South West will see a bigger impact when the holiday season begins. Tourist arrivals in the UK may be less inclined to head to the South West in the winter months. But perhaps this region will feel the benefit of increased international and domestic tourism when the summer rolls around, with many ‘staycationers’ taking to markets like the South West as travel to other parts of Europe has become more expensive for UK residents”.
Titlow’s comments come ahead of STR’s upcoming IN4Hospitality event in Bournemouth, where he will give a detailed presentation on UK hotel performance, with specific insights on the South West and Bournemouth. The event is the first in a series around the UK aimed at providing hoteliers with up-to-date hospitality performance trends as well as opportunities to network with other industry professionals.
The event will be held on Wednesday 5th April at Hallmark Hotel Bournemouth Carlton and is free to attend. Further events are planned for Torquay and Plymouth (May) and Devon and Cornwall. Register at http://www.strglobal.com/news/hotel-data-blog/IN-4-Hospitality
Cornish pasty maker taken over by Luxembourg firm
Historic Cornish bakers W C Rowe have been bought out by investment firm Iberia Industry Capital (ICC) for an undisclosed price.
The Cornish company was founded in 1949 and employs 350 staff who produce 170,000 pasties a week across 17 branches, with headquarters in Falmouth.
ICC – who specialise in acquiring companies with significantly “untapped potential” – insisted that all 350 jobs were safe and that is was “business as usual”. A spokesman said that national distribution through supermarkets and independent retailers would offer a path to future growth.
Three Torbay hotels sold to South African investment managers
The Duchy Hotel Group has sold a trio of hotels in Torbay to Fairtree Capital for £12.5m.
The sale was of the 78-bedroom, three-AA-star Headland hotel in Torquay; the 141-bedroom, four-AA-star Palace hotel in Paignton and the 76-bedroom, three-AA-star Queens hotels, also in Paignton.
South Africa-based investment managers Fairtree Capital owns four other hotels in the UK. In the last month it added Borrowdale Gates hotel in the Lake District and the Northfield hotel in Minehead, West Somerset to the Old Quay House hotel in Fowey, Cornwall and the Rosevine in Cornwall.
Head of UK hotel transactions at Savills, Martin Rogers, said: “This represents yet another regional hotel purchase by an international investor, part of a growing number of global enquiries for regional assets procured through Savills’ global hotels team.”
Dorset festival announces Feast line-up
Family-friendly music festival Camp Bestival has announced the line up for the dedicated food area of the site – The Feast Collective. Held at Lulworth Castle, Dorset on July 27-30, the 10th anniversary event is described by the organisers as “the ultimate food adventure in a field”.
This year’s Feast Collective Ambassadors are hosted by Jamie Oliver Food Tube’s DJ BBQ. His food tent/dancefloor will also host long-term River Cottage chef Gill Meller and curing specialist Steven Lamb, BBC cook of the year 2015 and Children’s Food Ambassador Jo Ingleby and Elly Curshen, owner of Bristol’s Pear Café and author of Sunday Times bestselling cook book ‘Fast Days and Feast Days’.
Camp Bestival will also host the Kids’ Cooking Canopy in conjunction with Bristol’s Love Food Festival where children can learn how food is produced and how to cook it, with Jo Ingleby.
Festival goers will be able to sample British street food with a global outlook including Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen from London, British Street Food Award winners Seadog and Bridport-based East Asian cuisine courtesy of Dorshi, as well as Malay sweet dishes from Makatcha, foraged foods from Milgi, fried chicken by Butchies, pie and mash from Piecaramba, seafood burgers from Shrimpy and raclette specialists Le Rac Shak.
There will also be pop-up supper clubs held over the festival’s three days.
FOOD & DRINK NEWS
Dorset preserver celebrates 5th birthday with new branding
Ajar Of’s jams, marmalades, chutneys and other condiments now have a fresh new look. Founder Tracey Collins has rebranded her often award-winning jars partly out of the necessity to include barcodes and nutritional information and also to celebrate five years of business in Dorset.
Her newest product is a relaunched pasta sauce range which follows traditional Italian recipes.
Tracey said: “I am loving the new look, it has given a fresh outlook and direction to where Ajar Of is going in the future!”
For more details go to http://ajar-of.co.uk/
Somerset organic producer’s new vegetable yoghurts
Brown Cow Organics has launched vegetable-based live organic yoghurts. Initial flavours are Organic Carrot and Turmeric and Organic Beetroot and they contain only naturally occurring sugars and organic ingredients including milk from the producer’s own Guernsey herd.
Judith Freane, owner of Brown Cow Organics said “We had noticed a growing trend toward food that was traditionally perceived as fruit based, such as smoothies and vegetables appearing as a breakfast staple so felt that vegetable yoghurts was a natural progression; particularly with us producing such a naturally low sugar, fat and calorific organic yoghurt.”
Go to www.browncoworganics.co.uk for more information.
Beyond the Bean get fruity at London Coffee Festival
Leading supplier to the coffee industry Beyond the Bean are launching new products at the London Coffee Festival on the 6th – 7th April.
On their stand will be Sweetbird’s brand new Fruit Purée range which is available in six delicious flavours. Made with real fruit they are: “perfect for expanding your menu and can be used to make a wide range of drinks including milkshakes, sodas, cocktails, mocktails and smoothies.”
They will also have the newest addition in the Sweetbird Lemonade Syrup range, Pomegranate and Raspberry. Visitors will be able to try Zuma’s Fairtrade 100% Organic Cocoa which can be mixed with Zuma’s Organic Sugar to a baristas desired cocoa content. They will also have their 100% Organic Cosy Matcha.
More details at www.beyondthebean.com.
Eggs get the pick of four new flavours
Stroud-based Purely Pickled Eggs have added four new flavours to their range of British free-range pickled eggs. They have eggs with fruity Scotch Bonnet Chilli, hot Ghost Pepper Chilli, Indian-style Garam Masala and Old School Brown Malt Vinegar.
Pickling Director and Founder of Purely Pickled Eggs, Sue Tyley said “We took our new flavours out on the road during 2016 to beer and food festivals around the country to thoroughly ‘road-test’ them and these four flavours got a massive thumbs-up from the pickled egg fraternity”.
Their ‘Pickling EggQuarters’ in Stroud currently produce 12 different flavours including balsamic, birds eye chilli, horseradish and cyder.
Check then out at www.purelypickledeggs.co.uk.
EQUIPMENT NEWS
Ice machine confusion? Scotsman have an app for that
The Scotsman Ice app for iPhone and Android will tell operators which ice machines they need. The user selects which type of ice they want from gourmet cube to nugget ice, how much they need per day and the app then shows which Scotsman ice machines make the cut.
“The app is a great tool for operators, buyers, dealers and consultants,” says Simon Aspin, commercial director of Hubbard Systems, which markets the Scotsman range in the UK. “I’m not aware of there being anything else quite like it in the ice machine world. It’s dead easy to use and navigate, and it’s packed with useful information.”
The Scotsman Ice app is available to download free from relevant app stores, visit www.scotsman-ice.co.uk for more info.
PROPERTY
Trouble in Tetbury – upmarket eatery for sale
Trouble House is a fully licensed café, bar and restaurant on the edge of the picturesque Cotswold town and on the market at £650,000 for the freehold.
Dating back to the 18th century and boasting its own ghost, it’s currently divided into three trading areas with exposed beams, stripped wooden floors and open fireplaces with just over fifty covers. There is an owners’ flat on the first floor and a courtyard area outside for a further 30 customers.
Hotels Director Peter Brunt from agents Colliers International said: “It is presently run fairly lightly as a limited hours café/bar/restaurant – but that’s not to say it couldn’t become a pub or a full blown restaurant in the future.”
The property has a fascinating history according to Brunt, which dates back to 1777. “Many of the regulars were abducted by press gangs to fight in the American Revolution and it was caught up in the agricultural riots of 1830. The pub was purchased in the early 1930s by a Bristol businessman and it was at this time that the Trouble House alleged ghost, the ‘Lady in Blue’, first appeared.” he said.
APPOINTMENTS
Bournemouth hotel group appoints new MD
The Anjuna Hotel Group have announced Yousif Al-Wagga as their new Managing Director. The group manages six hotels in Bournemouth including The Cottonwood Boutique Hotel, The Chocolate Boutique Hotel, The Chocolate Box Hotel, and Klickstay.
Yousif Al-Wagga joins them from the Apex Group, where he worked as Managing Director. He has also worked at the Queens Moat House hotels, Thistle Hotels, IHG and the Forte Hotel Group.
Show SPOTLIGHT
Forage for the best produce at The Food & Drink Trade Show
The Food & Drink Trade Show showcases a unique mix of inspirational speciality food and drink products, from a wide range of exhibitors; from the small and regional, to those who trade throughout the UK and internationally.
Taking place on Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th May, from 10:00-5:00pm, with both Easter & the early May Bank Holiday over, it is perfectly timed for businesses to take a breather, see what’s new out there, get stocked up for the summer season, and get ahead for Christmas. Try out new specialist products on your customers, and take this mid-season opportunity to fine-tune your menus, or replace products that have been less popular, without having to wait until the off-season.
New for 2017, The Food & Drink Trade Show has taken up residence at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, in the Severn Hall. The Three Counties Showground has a long history in farming and food. It is home to the Three Counties Agricultural Society, a registered charity working for rural industry, the environment and countryside life. Thanks to its central location and the range of shows held there, the showground is at the heart of the regional food market, for both producer and visitor. It’s the perfect fit for the Food & Drink Trade Show.
The show will also host a Chef Demonstration Kitchen, supplied by Love Food Roadshow, where you can see talented chefs demonstrating dishes to delight your senses. The Demo Kitchen is hosted by celebrity chef Felice Tocchini, who has been in catering since the age of six, and is passionate about locally sourced seasonal produce. His television appearances have included cooking demonstrations and topic based discussions as a celebrity chef on a range of series from Countryfile to The One Show. He is a contributor to both the esteemed Novelli’s Academy and Eckington Manor Cookery School. Felice will be joined by Andy Link, Chef Patron of The Riverside Pub at Aymestry, Matt Slocombe, Chef Proprietor of The Crown Inn at Woolhope, and Yvette Farrell, Principal of Harts Barn Cookery School.
The Food & Drink Trade Show makes it easy for you to find unusual local products with fascinating provenance stories to tell – the kind that discerning customers are so hungry for. Meet an exclusive mix of artisan food and drink producers alongside more mainstream suppliers. From patisserie to pickles; from fish to frozen; from confectionery to convenience; from fresh to food gift, all bound to inspire and delight your senses. There’s even some exhibitors coming all the way from China to show off their Sichuan regional specialities! When you combine this with everything that’s new and innovative in the catering and hospitality industry, then you have the perfect recipe for success.
John Sheaves, Chief Executive of Taste of the West said: “Taste of the West is delighted that The Food & Drink trade show is re-launching at the Three Counties Showground in 2017. This location enables not only all the previous attendees to still participate, but also makes the show more accessible to new visitors from a catchment that includes South Shropshire, Wales, and The Midlands. Taste of The West will be there, and look forward to extending our members’ reach.”
Mike Anderson, Managing Director, commented: “We are excited about bringing this show to Malvern. Local buyers can expect to find a superb selection of quality regional food and drink from Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, alongside all the other services they need for their hospitality or retail business. We are also really pleased that the South West regional food group, Taste of the West, will be taking part along with a selection of the best producers from the South West”.
For more information about the show, to book a stand, or register to attend, please call 01934 733433, visit www.thefoodanddrinktradeshow.co.uk, or follow @lovefinefood.
EVENTS
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, 5pm-8pm
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 London Coffee Festival
6th – 9th April
The Old Truman Brewery, London
“The festival will feature over 250 artisan coffee and gourmet food stalls, tastings and demonstrations from world-class baristas, interactive workshops, street food, coffee-based cocktails, live music, DJs, art exhibitions and so much more.”
https://www.londoncoffeefestival.com/
Big Bournemouth Beer Festival
14th – 16th April
Bournemouth International Centre
“There’s something for everyone at this year’s festival with a huge range of traditional real ales complimented by a range of novelty and seasonal beers, plus the ever popular cider and perry bar and a wine bar.”
http://www.bic.co.uk/whats-on/bournemouth-beer-festival-2017/
The Farm Shop & Deli Show
24-26th April
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
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
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
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
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
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/
Gin Festival Bournemouth 2017
5th – 7th May
Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre
“We’ll be serving up over 100 different gins (including many new and exclusive gins) plus, new brands, cocktails and masterclasses from industry experts!”
http://www.bic.co.uk/whats-on/gin-festival-bournemouth-2017/
The Devon County Show
18th – 20th May
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 Food & Drink Festival 2017
16th – 25th June
The Square, Bournemouth
“The Bournemouth Food & Drink Festival is 10 whole days of delight for foodies. Enjoy good food, amazing cooking skills and fabulous entertainment!” Includes: Street Food Festival, Farmers & Producers Market and Demo Kitchens.
http://bournemouth.co.uk/event/bournemouth-food-drink-festival-2017/
Bournemouth Vegan Fair
17th – 18th June
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/bournemouthveganfair.html
Bournemouth Business Expo 2017
22nd June, 10am-4pm
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