Welcome to Rise & Shine
If you have any news about your business you’d like to see here 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
“Steady as you go” for British pubs and restaurants
Pub and restaurant groups saw slight sales growth in July, according to figures from the Coffer Peach Business Tracker that showed collective like-for-like sales were up by 0.6 per cent across the sector in July compared to the same month last year.
Peter Martin, vice president of CGA, the business insight consultancy that produces the Tracker, in partnership with Coffer Group and RSM, said: “It’s an essentially flat market out there, with the modest 0.6 per cent growth rate exactly the same as we saw in June.
“Despite all the media talk of fragile consumer confidence, it appears that the British are continuing to go out to eat and drink much as they did last year – which is good news. However, the increased cost pressures that operators across the sector are facing this year, particularly from increases in business rates and food costs, mean that margins are being squeezed and businesses are feeling the pinch,” added Martin.
“The market is essentially stable, with little dynamic movement in any of the sub-markets, geographically or by sector. The good weather in July should have benefited wet-led venues which makes the relatively strong figures from the restaurant sector encouraging,’ said Trevor Watson, executive director, valuations, at Davis Coffer Lyons.
“These latest figures will be greeted with a degree of relief by operators. Despite household budgets becoming increasingly stretched, consumers continue to indulge in eating and drinking out. We’ve seen businesses who develop exciting and affordable concepts outpacing competitors and attracting investors keen to support ambitious roll out plans,” added Paul Newman, head of leisure and hospitality at RSM UK.
The Coffer Peach Tracker monitors UK pub and restaurant sector collects and analyses monthly performance data from 37 operating groups, and is recognised as an established industry benchmark.
Restaurant Nathan Outlaw is Good Food Guide’s number one
Cornish fish restaurant Nathan Outlaw has been awarded the top spot in The Good Food Guide 2018, knocking Cumbria’s L’Enclume into second place after five years.
Named after its founder, the 39-year-old chef, Restaurant Nathan Outlaw achieved a perfect score of 10 and was praised for its efforts to “educate and encourage the public appetite for fish”.
Outlaw’s flagship restaurant in Port Isaac, Cornwall, opened in 2007 and holds two Michelin stars offering local seafood in a relaxed dining room.
The Good Food Guide’s editor Elizabeth Carter said: “Nathan Outlaw’s food is characterised by the absolute freshness of ingredients and a clear sense of purpose… He has done an enormous amount to educate and encourage the public appetite for fish, driven by his supply of impeccably fine ingredients and a special talent for creating unique and thrilling fish dishes.”
“It just goes to show that if you stay true to yourself, get your head down, look after your customers and use the very best ingredients available to you, you’ll make it to the top,” said Outlaw.
Chef of the Year in the Good Food Guide, published by the supermarket chain Waitrose and based on reader feedback and anonymous inspections, went to Peter Sanchez-Iglesias at Casamia in Bristol. His restaurant rose to 10th in the list. The other South West success was Le Champignon Sauvage in Gloucestershire which was at number 16 in the list of top restaurants.
For more details go to www.thegoodfoodguide.co.uk.
Room 2 coming to Southampton
Design-led aparthotel brand Room 2 is planning to open its second property, in Southampton.
The site being developed is located on Queens Terrace, will offer 71 studio rooms styled to reflect the golden age of ocean liners and is due for completion by March 2018.
Room 2 launched in London in 2016 and offers flexible apartment-style rooms, targeting long and short-stay business and leisure visitors. Rooms have full kitchens, work desks, screen mirroring TV, free wifi and air conditioning and the venues focus on “community and sharing experiences”.
The ground floor offers a public area with a coffee bar that transitions to a bar in the evening.
Robert Godwin, founder of aparthotel Room 2 and MD of property business Lamington Group, said: “We’re really excited to bring to Southampton what we feel is the first truly stylish hotel space, taking the best of the emerging design hotel sector, and designing memorable guest experiences tailored to both long and short stays. We see a big need for high-quality accommodation in the city, and we aim to deliver it.”
Little & Cull double production capacity
Devon food manufacturer Little & Cull has expanded its premises in Newton Abbot and will double its production capacity, with the support of Lloyds Bank.
The company sell prepared meals to the hotel, pub, restaurant and airline industries. The funding package will allow it to manufacture twice the quantity it currently produces with an expansion of its premises on the Heathfield Industrial Estate.
Lloyds Bank’s funding included a £37,000 hire purchase facility, which allowed Little & Cull to buy industrial cooking and freezing equipment so it can make a range of stews, curries, vegetarian and vegan meals plus soups and sauces.
Little & Cull plans to recruit an additional 20 staff by 2020 which makes it eligible for a £85,000 grant from the South West Growth Fund. Lloyds are providing a working capital facility of £1 million to support the company’s cash flow.
Tom Little, sales director at Little & Cull, said: “The team at Lloyds has been very supportive throughout our expansion over the last two years, and we’re excited to have the latest phase of expansion to our premises up and running.
“Our aim is to get to a point where we’re turning over £30 to £40 million a year, and supplying our fantastic products to foodservice operators across the world.”
Martin Potts, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “It’s been very rewarding to be able to provide the support Little & Cull needs to meet its growth ambitions. Our hire purchase and invoice receivables department were key in structuring the right deal for our client – a real team approach.
“We’re committed to helping Britain prosper by supporting great businesses like Little & Cull. That’s why we’ve pledged to increase the amount we lend to SMEs and mid market companies by £2 billion during 2017.”
Two Dorset start-ups make Seed Fund final four
Philanthropic organisation The Seed Fund have announced the four businesses in the final stage of their annual prize.
After receiving a summer of mentoring from industry experts, two Dorset companies making food aimed at outdoor pursuits are in the running and preparing to pitch to the mentors again in September. Oompf Energy makes natural energy bars and balls trailered to the needs of athletes while FIREPOT by Outdoorfood produces healthy dehydrated meals for outdoor adventures.
The other finalists are Gaia Pulses from London with their range of ready-to-eat meals while Barmies from Nottingham bake snacks made from beer barm, a brewing by-product.
Alyce Rockliff from Dorset-based Oompf Energy explains: “It’s a wonderful atmosphere in the Academy, full of support, inspiration, knowledge and fun. The benefits have ranged from developing an entrepreneurial mind to brainstorming ideas and turning them into feasible business products, as well as networking with top food industry experts. Being in the Final Four is something I’ve thought about daily since this journey started and it feels surreal to actually get here.”
John Fisher from Dorset-based Outdoorfood adds: “In terms of mentoring it has been an amazing opportunity to be challenged by a series of true experts on every aspect of our business – from finance to flavour. Every session allows us to learn without the costly and time-consuming process of trial and error. For a new company without long term food industry experience it has been invaluable.”
This year’s winner will be announced at the Great Taste Golden Fork Award Dinner on Monday 4 September and receives “a year of business support, brand development and ongoing advice from industry experts, a prize estimated to be worth over £100,000” according to the organisers, South West marketing consultancy, The Collaborators.
FOOD & DRINK NEWS
New Orange Zing from Coldpress
Fruit juice producer Coldpress are launching Orange Zing, their latest low-calorie fruit and veg drink this September. It’s a blend of orange and apple with some sweet potato, pineapple and ginger and is aimed at the café, deli, impulse and foodservice market.
General Manager Roger Harrison said: “We’re justifiably proud of the part we’ve played in taking fruit & veg themed juices more mainstream by providing truly engaging, ‘light touch’ recipes that make any on-the-hoof snacking occasion a little extra special.”
A case of 8 x 250ml costs £15.12 from www.cold-press.com.
St Austell launch new look
St Austell Brewery have unveiled a new look for their bottled beers. Redesigned versions of Proper Job, Korev and Tribute will be first to be revamped with the other permanent beers in the St Austell range to be introduced in the coming months.
The lightweight 500ml bottles have been designed specifically for the new look with a taller shape, and St Austell embossed around the neck.
Jeremy Mitchell, marketing and communications director, St Austell Brewery, said: “As part of the design process, we looked at the brewery’s history and wanted to celebrate what makes St Austell Brewery so unique. To help create standout, the new branding encapsulates all the attributes that we’re proud of; passion, heritage, independence and quality ingredients.
“To create stronger shelf presence, the new bottles are higher, and each beer has a bespoke label around the top which eludes to the characteristics of the brand. The bottles celebrate our history at the same time as carrying a bold new contemporary look.”
Brighton-based CookChick are the design agency undertaking the brand and packaging overhaul.
INNOVATION & EQUIPMENT NEWS
Knead to know – new Dough Rounder and Moulder
Equipment manufacturer Jestic are introducing a new dough rounder and a dough moulder to complement their range of professional grade bakery equipment.
The Somerset SDR-400 Dough Rounder is designed to produce uniform dough balls, pizza bases and bread rolls as well as tortillas, roti and pitta breads.
It can form up to 7,200 pieces per hour and handle dough from 50g to 1kg and is operated by one person.
The Somerset CDR-170 is a dough moulder that produces dough for speciality breads, hot dog buns, sub rolls, breadsticks, pretzels and baguettes. Able to make 1,800 pieces per hour, the moulder features easily adjustable synthetic rollers.
Visit www.jestic.co.uk for more details.
PROPERTY NEWS
Cornish Inn at Fowey River on sale at £1.2 million
The Old Ferry Inn at the Fowey River Crossing in Cornwall is on the market at £1.2 million with agents Colliers International.
The 400-year-old coaching inn overlooks the Bodinnick to Fowey ferry and has 12 letting rooms.
Ed Jefferson from Colliers International said: “The Old Ferry has bags of character. There is a wood burner and stone floor, the bar is packed with historical artefacts, and local memorabilia and the views over the estuary are stunning…
“In addition to the fantastic location, the new owners have the option of taking on the suite of rooms presently used as staff accommodation. And with net sales to June 30, 2017, of £525,000 the Old Ferry is still bringing in plenty of business.”
The Old Ferry Inn has been operated by husband and wife team Pascal and Penny Rivault and David and Amanda Lewis. Pascal and his wife are looking to downsize while David and Amanda are planning to retire.
EVENTS
September
SheppyFest
2nd September
Sheppy’s Cider Nr Taunton, Somerset. TA4 1ER
Annual Cider and music festival by Sheppy’s Cider.
http://www.sheppyscider.com/sheppyfest/
Speciality & Fine Food Fair
3rd – 5th September
Olympia, London
“The UK’s leading showcase of fine food & drink – meet over 700 national and international producers and suppliers of artisan food and drink.”
http://www.specialityandfinefoodfairs.co.uk/
Great Taste Golden Forks Dinner
4th September
Intercontinental Park Lane Hotel, London
The Great Taste regional awards and the Great Taste 2017 Supreme Champion will be announced at this prestigious event.
https://gff.co.uk/awards/great-taste-awards/
AVEX International 2017
12th – 13th September
NEC, Birmingham
“AVEX is the leading exhibition for the vending, water and coffee industries across the UK and beyond, providing a platform for the display of the latest technology, product development and innovation from all sectors of the industry.”
https://www.avexshow.co.uk/
Packaging Innovations 2017
13th – 14th September
Olympia, London
“See the latest innovative solutions being offered by the industry’s leading suppliers, and discover how they can revitalise packaging, increase brand awareness and boost sales.”
http://www.easyfairs.com/packaging-innovations-london-2017/packaging-innovations-london-2017/
Luxury Packaging 2017
13th – 14th September
Olympia, London
“Bringing together packaging buyers and decision-makers, with inspiring suppliers and an incredible range of bespoke and prestige solutions they provide.”
http://www.easyfairs.com/packaging-innovations-london-2017/luxury-packaging-london-2017/
Temperature Controlled Storage & Distribution Exhibition
13th – 14th September
Ricoh Arena, Coventry
“Showcasing the latest innovations for temperature controlled storage and distribution, the event focuses on solutions for the storage and transportation of chilled and frozen foods.”
http://www.tcsdshow.com/welcome
Toby Buckland’s Garden & Harvest Festival
16th – 17th September
Forde Abbey, Somerset
“Delicious food and entertainment; celebrate the fruits of the season and enjoy a free programme of garden demos in the Forde Abbey’s stunning kitchen garden.”
https://tobygardenfest.co.uk/
Lunch! The Contemporary Food-To-Go Show
21st – 22nd September
ExCel, London
“The UK’s leading trade show for food-to-go. Set to be the biggest and best yet, with over 350 exhibitors, 2 theatres of education, thousands of products, a new home and a new easy-to-navigate floorplan.”
https://www.lunchshow.co.uk/
Coffee Shop Innovation: Business Exhibition & Conference
26th – 27th September
ExCel, London
“The UK’s leading event for professionals working across the café, coffee shop, and catering industries! Packed with seminars, industry leaders, interactive workshops, and an unparalleled conference schedule, the event will draw over 3,000 decision makers from the coffee industry”
http://www.cafebusinessshow.co.uk/
Takeaway & Restaurant Innovation Expo 2017
26th – 27th September
ExCel, London
“The UK’s only exhibition for growing your takeaway or restaurant business. The event to help you boost profits, build your brand, grow your business, and much more!”
http://www.takeawayexpo.co.uk/
Restaurant Tech Live 17
26th – 27th September
ExCel, London
“Restaurant Tech Live is Europe’s largest exhibition dedicated to the emerging technology and services that are forming the future of the restaurant business.”
http://www.restauranttechlive.co.uk/
Bar Tech Live 17
26th – 27th September
ExCel, London
“Bar Tech Live is a brand new platform for the high-tech products, devices, gadgets, and services that will transform the look, feel, and future of bars.”
http://www.bartechlive.co.uk/
Hotel Tech Live 17
26th – 27th September
ExCel, London
“Hotel Tech Live is the UK’s most exciting event for the technology, systems, products, and services that are breaking new ground in the hotel sector.”
http://www.hoteltechlive.co.uk/
Restaurant & Bar Design Show 2017
26th – 27th September
ExCel, London
“The Restaurant Design show is the UK’s largest and most comprehensive event specifically aimed at restaurant, bar and café interior designers. This show will deliver the foremost in ideas, inspiration and creativity to food and drink establishment owners, architects, designers, and other industry professionals from across the country.”
http://www.restaurantdesignshow.co.uk/
Street Food Live 2017
26th – 27th September
ExCel, London
“Street Food Live is Europe’s largest exhibition for street food vendors looking to start or grow their business.”
http://www.streetfoodlive.co.uk/
Feast Taunton
29th September – 1st October
The Castle Hotel & Castle Green, Taunton
“Feast is a celebration of the West Country’s best local food and drink. From the farmers who rear organic livestock in pristine meadows, to microbreweries that create some of the most complex flavour profiles.”
http://feasttaunton.co.uk/