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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
Taste of the West awards announced
The winners of this year’s Taste of the West awards were announced at a ceremony held at Exeter University’s Great Hall on the 14th September.
Over 1000 products and almost 350 hospitality and retail establishments entered the annual awards celebrating the best food and drink from across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. In total, 40 awards were given to 35 South West businesses. Champion products in 23 categories were announced along with overall winners of 12 hospitality and retail classes.
The prestigious Supreme Champion Product Award was presented to Sharpham Partnership in Totnes, Devon for their Sharpham Cremet cheese. While Taste of the West’s No. 1 Place to Go for 2017 was awarded to the Victoria Inn in Salcombe, Devon.
Taste of the West’s Producer of the Year (sponsored by Porter Dodson) was awarded to The Traditional Free Range Egg Company from Somerset; the Best Newcomer Award (sponsored by Tracklements) was won by Devon producer Happy Butter for their Organic Golden Turmeric Ghee; and the South West Food & Drink Innovation Award (sponsored by Grant Thornton) went to Cornish Edible Insects.
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 opening up new opportunities for the region’s foodie sector. 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 40 champion award winners is available on the Taste of the West website: https://www.tasteofthewest.co.uk/awards.
New food and drink centre seeks commercial operator
North Somerset Council are planning to appoint a commercial operator to run a regional food and drink innovation centre on the outskirts of Weston-super-Mare.
Construction of FoodWorksSW at the Junction 21 Enterprise Centre is due to start this year with the opening scheduled for early 2019.
The Council Executive approved a commissioning plan to secure a suitably experienced operator for the centre through a tender process. The operator will be on a 15-year contract by March next year, to give them the opportunity to sign up occupiers and take bookings for the centre for when it opens.
Under the agreement, the operator will manage all aspects of FoodWorksSW on behalf of the council. All expenditure and costs for the operator will be covered by charges and rents from users of the centre and any profits will be put back into the centre to increase and improve the range of facilities and support for businesses.
Cllr Elfan Ap Rees, the council’s deputy leader and executive member for economic development said: “There is currently a lack of facilities to support food and drink businesses in the region. FoodWorksSW will fill that gap and will not only benefit some of our smaller businesses, but will also kick-start others. It will play a vital role in the council’s bid to drive growth in the North Somerset economy and create local jobs.”
FoodWorksSW will provide a range of facilities and technical support for food and drink manufacturers across the region. Situated within the DEFRA designated Food Enterprise Zone, it will create around 250 new jobs.
National Coastal Tourism Academy partners with Hertz
The National Coastal Tourism Academy (NCTA) has announced a long-term partnership agreement with car rental company Hertz, which will support its remit to drive growth around the coastline.
NCTA director Samantha Richardson said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Hertz to help boost coastal tourism. One of our key recommendations is for coastal destinations to work collaboratively with the private sector. Hertz will play a key role in helping to shape the vision for the coastal visitor economy by joining a new coastal tourism leadership working group.
“We know there is a need to raise awareness of what there is to see and do on the coast, but we also know there’s enormous potential for growth. Seventy-nine percent of under 35 year-olds describe the coast as fun, and only nine percent would dismiss a visit to the coast altogether, but we need to transform the way destinations communicate with this age group.
“Similarly, the number of people taking activity breaks has grown across all age groups and 37 percent of those considering this type of holiday would prefer the coast. We also know that one-fifth of British holidaymakers book a wellness break at least once a year and some 59 percent would like to go to the coast.”
“The opportunities for growth are clear-cut, but to enable coastal businesses and destinations to tap into these we need to work with the private sector. Hertz is ideally placed to help enable that growth and attract new markets.”
Richard Davies, General Manager, Hertz UK, added: “The coast is a fantastic natural asset for the UK, no matter what the season. We are very pleased that we are helping the coast reach its full potential by supporting the NCTA with this important work. With our extensive footprint of locations in coastal towns and cities across the UK, we see this new partnership as a logical fit and trust that, with the support of companies like Hertz, further coastal growth will be achieved.”
Unilever buys Pukka herbal tea
Unilever has acquired Bristol-based tea company Pukka Herbs for an undisclosed amount in order to close a gap in their portfolio, according to the manufacturer.
Unilever’s Refreshment Category President, Kevin Havelock, said: “Pukka has strong values and a clear purpose that aligns fully with our own sustainable growth model. There’s a clear strategic, philosophical and cultural fit for us.
“Both of us believe in business being a force for good in society. Tim and Sebastian have cultivated Pukka into a successful business without compromising their ingredients or their ideals. The acquisition strengthens our tea business, addressing a gap in our portfolio.
“Pukka is a premium player in the natural, organic, health and wellness segment which is fast-growing, attractive and scalable. We look forward to bringing Pukka to even more consumers.”
Tim Westwell, Pukka co-founder and CEO said: “From day one, our mission was to connect more people with the incredible power of plants and herbs. Sixteen years later, with 1.5 billion Pukka teas enjoyed, we’ve made huge progress – and it’s just the beginning.”
Sebastian Pole, Pukka co-founder and Master Herbsmith said: “Choosing Unilever came down to two fundamentals: scale and sustainability. It is a leader in social and environmental change and it wholeheartedly embraces Pukka’s beliefs. So, there’s a meeting of values.
“Pukka will remain 100% organic and a champion for fair trading through pioneering schemes like Fair for Life, and continue to donate 1% of its sales to global environmental charities. With Unilever, we have new levels of reach and opportunity.”
Market research analysts Euromonitor have identified Pukka, which has a turnover of over £30m, as the fastest growing organic tea company in the world.
UK’s first permanent catering exhibition centre opening in Bristol
The National Catering Equipment Centre (NCEC) will open in Bristol on the 19th September and feature products from over 50 leading equipment brands under one roof.
Billed as a centre of excellence for the catering industry, it will provide a venue for operators, dealers, consultants and chefs to discover, train network and become “immersed with everything to do with catering equipment” according to the founders.
Laura Clarkson, NCEC Manager said: “Up until now, the hospitality industry has not really had somewhere to call home. Football has Wembley, Rugby has Twickenham and now the hospitality industry has the NCEC. We believe the NCEC will quickly become the place to visit for anyone involved with catering equipment, from dealers to distributors, through to operators, consultants and chefs.
“One of the key benefits of having all of these superior brands within one place is that demonstrations can be set up in the kitchen, allowing a customer to test drive a particular oven, blender or induction hob (for example) before making the purchase. As visitors will be able to touch, feel and see the equipment in action, they will be able to make a more informed purchasing decision.”
Brands that have already confirmed their involvement in the NCEC include; Dynamic, Olympia, Samsung, Hoshizaki, Thor, Winterhalter, Burco, Lincat, Pira, Polar, LEC, Buffalo, Waring, Churchill and Steelite.
For more information please visit www.ncec.co.uk
Investors back Bristol food and drink app
Bristol Private Equity Club has just invested £155,000 into Bristol-based food and drink guide Wriggle.
Wriggle is an app and website that aims to help users discover the best food and drink in their city through articles, videos, guides and offers.
Wriggle was founded by Rob Hall, who said: “The investment will allow us to continue our growth in our exciting cities – Bristol, Brighton and Cardiff – and reach our breakeven target in 2018. At the same time, we’ll prepare our platform for a UK roll-out to continue our mission of supporting the best independent food & drink establishments in the country.”
Bristol Private Equity Club founder Jerry Barnes said: “We are all about finding and backing innovators and we are confident Wriggle will be an excellent addition to our investment portfolio.
“Twelve of our members have joined together to invest the £155,000. It is the club’s seventh deal and means a total of £1.4m has been invested into Bristol-based businesses since we launched in May 2016.
“Wriggle is typical of modern internet-based businesses that can grow very quickly and need funding at each level to ensure they keep the momentum they need in a competitive marketplace.”
FOOD & DRINK NEWS
Owens launch new single estate coffee
Artisan Devon coffee supplier Owens have added a new single estate origin coffee to their range. Finca La Lima, from coffee producer Luis Ricardo Ramos Vilchez, in Cajamarca, Peru, is 100% Arabica coffee with a tasting profile that is “cherry, citrus, chocolate and vanilla, with hints of lemongrass and caramel.” Owens say it’s perfect for filter coffee.
It’s available as medium ground or beans in 227g bags for retail. They also offer one-kilo whole bean bags for the catering trade.
Go to www.owenscoffee.com for more details.
West Berks Brewery add Yule Fuel for Christmas
West Berkshire Brewery are introducing a festive ale – Yule Fuel – from early November. Brewed with English hops, Yule Fuel is a full-bodied, deep red ale that takes inspiration from the Christmas pudding.
Will Twomey, Head Brewer at WBB, said: “Christmas drinkers are looking for maximum flavour and Yule Fuel offers a truly festive punch with smooth caramel and fruit flavours. It’s the perfect fireside companion and has a cheery Christmas pump clip to stand out on the bar. We’re sure Santa would approve!”
Yule Fuel will be available from November in both cask (4.3% abv) and bottles (5% abv) direct from West Berkshire Brewery. For more details, visit www.wbbrew.com
APPOINTMENT NEWS
Langham announce new Head of Sales & Marketing
Dorset sparkling wine producer Langham Wine Estate has appointed Caroline Gitsham as Head of Sales and Marketing.
This newly created role will see her develop the Tasting Room and Vineyard Café, manage events, undertake digital marketing and include trade and private customer sales.
She joins Langham from the National Trust, where she was Retail and Hospitality Director.
Owner Justin Langham said: “Since planting our first vines in 2009 we’ve had so much support from the community, from the opening of the tasting room to the new Vineyard Café. Creating this role was the obvious next step in our organic growth, combined with a sign of the times as English wine tourism continues to grow. We look forward to seeing how Caroline brings Langham Wine Estate to the next level.”
Harbour appoints new group director of operations.
Harbour Hotels have announced Richard Clark as its new group director of operations. He will be in charge of the day to day operations of the group’s hotels, with a focus on its food and drink.
He joins Harbour from his previous role as managing director of CAU. Prior to that, he was operations director of the Elysium Group.
Mike Warren, managing director of Harbour Hotels, said: “We are excited to welcome someone with Richard’s excellent background and expertise within the high street dining environment to our expanding group. With a particular focus on our Jetty restaurant and HarBAR concepts, I am very confident that Richard will make a substantial contribution to the on-going success of the business.
EVENTS
September
Lunch! The Contemporary Food-To-Go Show
21st – 22nd September 2017
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 2017
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 2017
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 2017
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 2017
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 2017
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 2017
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 2017
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 2017
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/
October
The Restaurant Show
2nd- 4th October 2017
Olympia, London
“This unique trade event caters to those owning, operating and working in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, cafes and leisure establishments across the UK.”
http://www.therestaurantshow.co.uk/
The Bar & Pub Show
2nd- 4th October 2017
Olympia, London
“The Bar & Pub Show will provide suppliers with the opportunity to showcase their products and services to today’s aspirational bars and pubs”
http://www.thebarandpubshow.co.uk/
The Conscious Hospitality Show
2nd- 4th October 2017
Olympia, London
“The Conscious Hospitality Show is absolutely in tune with the evolving consciousness of today’s diners and addresses the issues diners care about most.”
http://www.therestaurantshow.co.uk/other-featured-shows#SHOW1
Catering Kitchen Expo
2nd-4th October 2017
Olympia, London
“Catering Equipment Expo’ is organised by Bunzl Lockhart Catering Equipment who will bring their own ‘Trend Set’ innovations programme to the event to showcase the latest trends in the presentation of food and drink from around the world.”
http://www.therestaurantshow.co.uk/other-featured-shows#SHOW3
The Independent Hotel Show
17th – 18th October 2017
Olympia, London
“The business event for luxury & boutique hotels, the show presents a curated collection of over 300 innovative product and service providers from across the hotel supply chain.”
http://www.independenthotelshow.co.uk/
Future Food-Tech: Innovation & Investment from farm to fork
18th – 19th October 2017
The Tower Hotel: Guoman, London. E1W 1LD
“Future Food-Tech, London 2017 brings together investors, start-ups, and food and ingredients manufacturers to showcase solutions, share ideas, identify opportunities for innovation and forge new partnerships and alliances.”
http://www.foodtechlondon.com/
TMI Convention 2017
30th – 31st October 2017
Managing Destinations, Making Places – Innovation and Competitiveness
Manchester Metropolitan University Business School
“The convention will share experiences in place making, exploring how destinations need to design their visitor offers around authentic and distinctive qualities and experiences.”
https://www.tmi.org.uk/event/14/tmi-annual-convention-2017.htm
November
Food Matters Live 2017
21st – 23rd November 2017
ExCeL, London
“Food Matters Live is the UK’s only cross-sector event bringing together the food and drink industry, retailers, foodservice providers, government and those working in nutrition, to enable collaboration and innovation to support a sustainable food landscape for the future.”
https://www.foodmatterslive.com/