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
West country ice cream firm scooped up
Beechdean has acquired a 50% stake in Lovingtons ice cream, based in Somerset, for an undisclosed sum. This joint venture is designed to grow manufacturing capabilities and investment in the company, established in 1997.
Andrew Howard, managing director of the Beechdean Group, said: “We have known the Lovington brand for a long time and felt strongly that it was the right partner for us to grow our business in the key West Country market.
“Whilst the factory already has a BRC AA grading, we are looking to put substantial investment in both the manufacturing capabilities as well as the sales and marketing side of the business to capitalise on the excellent reputation the business has developed.”
John Clement, Lovingtons’ MD said: “It’s like having your big brother turn up at just the right time. We have a great team down at Lovingtons and we have worked hard to build up a strong reputation with our key clients.
“Beechdean getting involved will now allow us to push on and really develop the brand and, most importantly, continue to improve our customer offer.”
Beechdean was founded in 1989 and delivers more than 150 million portions of ice cream a year under the Loseley and Beechdean brands, from its base in High Wycombe.
Taste of the West launch new Innovation Award
Taste of the West have announced a new category for their food and drink awards programme, aimed at the South West’s food businesses. The Innovation Award, developed in conjunction with Grant Thornton, celebrates innovations implemented in the past 12 months.
John Sheaves, CEO of Taste of the West said: “We are thrilled to launch this new award for innovation with Grant Thornton. We are looking for any food business who has introduced a new product, service, process or distribution channel, perhaps. We are seeking that something special, something which has been a game changer for that business. Perhaps it is something which can be easily replicated throughout the industry”.
Harry Walker, Associate Director at Grant Thornton, commented: “The food and beverage industry in the South West is already strong, and we know that many companies in the region are developing their businesses in new and innovative ways. Here at Grant Thornton, we are excited to celebrate these ideas that will help individual businesses to flourish, and will ultimately support the growth of the industry overall.”
Taste of the West say they are looking for “great examples of: new product development; new packaging designs; innovative financing arrangements or supply chain models; partnering with the community, educators or supply chains in a new way; and anything else that you feel demonstrates the innovation at the heart of the West’s Food and Beverage industry.”
For more details on how to enter go to https://www.tasteofthewest.co.uk/business/awards
Former Claridge’s chef opening restaurant on Cornish farm
The former executive chef at Simon Rogan’s Fera at Claridge’s, Dan Cox, has taken on a 120-acre organic farm in St Mellion, Cornwall. He plans to open a restaurant there later this year.
Crocadon Farm will be run in partnership with Sean O’Neill of the Modern Salad Grower and Good Earth Growers. They plan to rear livestock and grow food for the restaurant and will open a microbrewery and pottery on the site.
On Instagram, he posted: “The day has finally come, I have taken on the most amazing 120-acre organic farm and buildings in St Mellion, Cornwall. All in partnership with Sean O’Neill of The Modern Salad Grower and @goodearthgrowers we plan to build something truly incredible here, growing and cooking together as one, giving food experiences like no other.”
Soil Association serve up sustainable catering certification
The Soil Association and the Carbon Trust have launched The Green Kitchen Standard – a new certification designed to promote sustainable catering.
According to the Association: “the award will recognise caterers that sustainably manage energy, water and waste in their operations, helping them to demonstrate a commitment to good environmental management.”
The certification provides caterers with a framework for action so they can engage with the sustainability issues arising in food service including staff training, resource monitoring and implementing best practice.
The new standard, when combined with the Food for Life Catering Mark, aligns with Defra’s Balanced Scorecard and so can help caters reach a score of ‘Good’ or higher.
Clare McDermott, Business Development Director of Soil Association Certification said; “This unique scheme supports caterers to not just focus on the quality and sustainable sourcing of the food and ingredients but also on providing those meals with less energy, less waste and less impact on the environment. Providing caterers with the tools and support to monitor usage, set targets and initiatives around sustainability and reward efficient practices at the kitchen level makes this scheme really effective at developing and leading best practice and improvement across the sector and we are really excited to be awarding our first Pilot organisations.”
Hattingley Valley announce new distributor
The English sparkling wine producer have appointed Enotria&Coe as their UK distributor. The move “signals Hattingley’s ambition to accelerate growth and match their increasing volume by working with a larger company on a more exclusive basis”, according to the company.
Gareth Maxwell, Sales & Export Manager for Hattingley Valley, says: “We have worked well with Liberty Wines since 2013 and they have a great business backed by a superb team. However, the opportunity to work with such a long-established business as Enotria&Coe’s as their lead English sparkling wine product was too great for us, as a young, fast-growing business, to pass up. We felt that Enotria&Coe have the capacity to be able to cope with our increasing volumes and ambitions.”
Enotria&Coe is a full-service wine and spirits company with a portfolio of over 260 producers including Henschke, Trimbach, Yealands, Fontanafredda, Ferrari and Planeta.
Stroud Brewery 100% organic
Stroud Brewery have achieved 100% organic production across their range of beers. They now maintain the Soil Association organic standards which determine production of the ingredients and also how beer is made, packaged and traded.
Owner and managing director Greg Pilley said: “We want to be recognised for producing delicious organic beers. As well as having clear biodiversity, health and social benefits, I have always believed that the organic standards are the perfect basis to produce high-quality products. We want to develop our business with integrity, building long term relationships with people we work with and sell to. For me, that’s what underpins an organic business. However, converting to 100% organic ingredients does come at a cost. We pay more for our hops and barley, but we believe it is worth paying for.”
FOOD & DRINK NEWS
Bath Ales launches new permanent – Prophecy
Bath Ales have revealed a new permanent addition to its range. Originally launched in a limited-edition in Bath Ales’ pubs, Prophecy is now available to the trade. Described as a ‘New World pale ale’, Prophecy is a 3.8% ABV draught beer, brewed using Columbus and Chinook hops and has a crisp light colour and a keen bitter finish.
Darren James, senior brewer at Bath Ales, said: “Prophecy is a dry, yet complex pale ale that will really challenge the taste buds. The new permanent beer has a low ABV which sets it in good stead as a session beer. Prophecy presents well on the bar, both in terms of colour and aroma, and has a hoppy, bitter finish which we’re confident will fulfil drinkers’ expectations.”
Bath Ales are also unveiling new pump-clip livery for its beers next month. The Bath Ales’ hare will be made more prominent on all its brands.
PROMOTIONAL SPOTLIGHT: Peeks
For more than 70 years and over three generations, Peeks has been supplying party products to the people!
What began on a market stall now has a vast mega store plus a wizard website – and its mail order catalogues remain as popular as ever.
Whether it’s great decorations, fancy dress and props for themed events, a whole host of Christmas crackers, hats, novelties and more for the festive season, or a funtastic range of fundraising ideas, Peeks the family business is the place to go!
Visit www.peeks.co.uk now – we’ll give you an excuse to party!
EVENTS
June
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/
The London Produce Show & Conference
7th – 9th June
Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London
“The annual event for all parts of the fresh produce supply chain from seed to plate. The boutique exhibition gives trade exhibitors direct access to a wide range of international produce buyers from the retail, foodservice and wholesale sectors.”
http://londonproduceshow.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/
Ginchester Fete
10th June
The Great Hall, The Castle Winchester
“Celebrate all that is great about the region’s food and drink scene – naturally with a focus on all things gin! A host of exciting, local gins from across the region will also be at the event including Bombay Sapphire, Conker, Pothecary Gin, Gorilla Spirits, Hiltingbury Still and Isle of Wight Distillery. Visitors will be able to sample new favourites, meet some of the geniuses behind the drinks themselves and perhaps buy a bottle or two to take home with them.”
https://ginfete17.eventbrite.com/?aff=riseandshine
Cheltenham Food & Drink Festival
9th – 11th June, 2017
Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham
“See your favourite celebrity chefs live on stage, joined by local chefs from leading hotels and restaurants showcasing local and regional food with inspiring demonstrations. Enjoy International wine tastings, food talks and entertainment for the whole family.”
http://garden-events.com/
Bridport Food Festival
11th – 17th June
Bridport, Dorset
“The Festival is a time for celebrating the very best food, drink and hospitality that Bridport and the surrounding area has to offer. Local growers, producers, farmers, restaurants, cafes, bars, food retailers and other related businesses all get involved, many supporting the Festival by putting on their own events during the week to showcase what they do. The week of delicious food events culminates with the main event on Saturday 17 June in the green fields of Asker Meadows.”
http://www.bridportfoodfestival.co.uk/
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/
International Gelato Festival London
16th – 18th June, 2017
Old Spitalfields Market, London
“Sample delicious gelato and sorbet, witness top chefs and gelato masters compete, view live demos, enjoy entertainment for all the family and have the chance understand more about this much loved, authentic Italian dessert.”
http://www.gelatofestival.it/en/festival?language=en
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
July
Hampshire Food Festival 2017
1st – 31st July, 2017
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/
Imbibe Live 2017
3rd – 4th July
Olympia, London
“Join 12,000 drinks professionals at the innovative and interactive annual exhibition for anyone who sources, buys or serves drinks in the licensed on-trade. Be part of Europe’s largest on-trade drinks exhibition: listen to ground-breaking seminars, experience rare and unique tastings, source new products and discover new trends defining the future of the industry.”
http://live.imbibe.com/