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Robin Alway
Editorial Director
INDUSTRY NEWS
Oils, fats and fish trade higher, Brexit fears dominate
Oils, fats and fish continue to trade at prices over 25% higher than last year, according to the latest figures from the Foodservice Price Index from CGA and Prestige Purchasing. It also shows fruit prices continue to reduce from the summer highs, falls in the hot beverage category have corrected and sugar prices fell a further 5.2%
According to the Index, “the possibility of a no-deal Brexit continues to dominate the risk agenda for buyers. Recent indications from the Prime Minister that the UK’s Brexit withdrawal agreement and declaration of future trading relationships are likely to complete this month have been welcome news.“
The Fish category of the Index shows that quota regimes continue to drive cod and haddock prices higher. Salmon pricing extends the recent trend of violent swings, with a near-20% drop in the summer now reversed, and the price creeping slowly down again since.
The Edible Oils & Fats index has risen every month since February and is now at unprecedented levels. Much of the rise, according to the Index has been driven by a huge surge in the price of butter over the past two years, where the upstream wholesale price reached a peak in October 2017 of almost three times the level of the prior year.
Shaun Allen, chief executive at Prestige Purchasing, said: “We have seen a much higher level of volatility within some food supply markets this year, which once again is impacting margins for operators, who are already under pressure in this area. An EU withdrawal agreement that gives more certainty around future trade arrangements will do much to calm markets as we head towards 2019. In the meantime, it’s essential that operators take a proactive approach to management of future risks of inflation.”
Fiona Speakman, CGA client director – Food, said: “Steep inflation in the Oils & Fats and Fish categories in the latest edition of the Foodservice Price Index is another sign of the volatility experienced by the sector ever since the UK’s Referendum on leaving the EU. There are many other inflationary pressures beyond Brexit of course, but we see no sign of the turbulence easing as the date for leaving the EU draws nearer, and an anxious few months lie ahead as buyers await clarity on the terms of departure.
St Austell selected to brew traditional bitter
St Austell Brewery in Cornwall will brew Brunning & Price Traditional Bitter, now being served in all Brunning & Price’s southern pubs.
The award-winning pub group Brunning & Price have over 60 pubs across the UK and have been named Pub Group of the Year four times by The Good Pub Guide. Tom Fletcher, operations director at Brunning & Price, said: “Our Brunning & Price branded house ale has always been a really important part of our pubs’ experience, and so it was vital to select the right brewing partner for this new beer. We’re confident our new Traditional Bitter will be well received by our customers – a well-balanced cask beer that’s full of flavour. St Austell Brewery is long-established and well respected, so we’re excited to be collaborating on our latest beer offering, which will be available across our family of pubs in the south of England.”
Roger Ryman, brewing director, St Austell Brewery, said: “Cask ale is an unsurpassable part of any pub’s offering and with more choice than ever, we were delighted to be picked by Brunning & Price to brew its Traditional Bitter. Great cask beer served in perfect condition, has few rivals, and we hope the new beer will go down a treat in the pubs it’s served in across the south of England.”
Hattingley Valley gets nationwide US partnership
The award-winning Hattingley Valley Classic Reserve sparkling white wine has been chosen by American retailer Whole Foods Market to be one of only 9 sparkling wines in their Holiday Wine Programme. This makes it the first English wine available across the USA.
Hattingley Valley has created a new label specifically for the US market with “a more contemporary look to appeal to a younger, more affluent audience.” The Hampshire producer says their success in America is thanks to a very strong partnership with US importer and distributor Valkyrie Selections.
Gareth Maxwell, commercial director at Hattingley Valley said “We’re very proud that we have been so well received in the US market, especially with the country now accounting for 13% of our overall sales. The team has worked hard to raise brand awareness and fly the flag for the English wine category in the States and we see this new relationship with Whole Foods Market as a milestone achievement.”
Devon Broglie, master sommelier and global beverage buyer for Whole Foods Market, said “We were truly impressed by the quality of Hattingley’s wines and we can see the UK emerging as a premium wine region of the world. We look forward to seeing this wine getting out onto our customer’s tables this holiday season and beyond.”
Dorset Tourism Awards announced
The 2018 Dorset Tourism Awards held on Thursday 8th November at Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts, saw a record 72 trophies presented to tourism businesses.
Among the winners were an ‘Outstanding Contribution to Tourism’ award to the team from the Dorset County Museum and Jurassic Coast Trust that brought Dippy the dinosaur to Dorset and an ‘Outstanding Customer Service’ award to Dougie Macandrew from Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park.
The Winner of Winner trophy went to Dorset House bed and breakfast in Lyme Regis, who also picked up a Gold award for the third successive year. Other double Gold winners were The Italian Villa and South Lytchett Manor Caravan and Camping Park in Poole.
Create at the Cove took Gold for the inaugural New Tourism Business category, with Tourism Innovation Gold going to Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum. Moors Valley Go Ape took Gold for Active and Sporting Experience, with Jurassic Coast Guides winning the Guided Tour Gold, Lulworth Outdoors the Gold for Learning Experience and Mellulah Therapy and Yoga Retreats the Gold for Spa and Wellbeing.
Food and drink Golds were collected by The Acorn Inn in Evershot, The Jetty in Christchurch and Compton Acres Café and Tearoom, with accommodation Golds going to Rockley Park, Christchurch Harbour Hotel, the Alexandra Hotel and Restaurant, Bournemouth Beach Lodges and Dove House and Swallows.
The inaugural award for Responsible, Ethical and Sustainable Tourism went to Bagwell Farm Touring Park, while Portland Port took Gold for International and Inbound Visitor Experience.
Awards organiser Robin Barker said: “This year has seen record entries, more sponsors and our most challenging judging ever. It has been an honour to be associated with so many outstanding businesses and I want to offer my congratulations to all the winners. You set the bar!”
Flack Manor gets SALSA
Hampshire-based Flack Manor Brewery have announced they have become Safe And Local Supplier Approval (SALSA) accredited.
The food safety certification scheme for smaller producers demonstrates that “Flack Manor can provide complete traceability from grain to glass on both raw materials and process and that no short-cuts are taken on either.”
SALSA is a non-profit making joint venture between the four main trade associations representing the UK Food Chain – the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), the Food and Drink Federation (fdf), the British Hospitality Association and the British Retail Consortium.
FOOD & DRINK NEWS
Salcombe Brewery’s Christmas ale
Salcombe Brewery Co. have announced the return of their limited edition yuletide ale, Christmas Tide. For the first time, it will also be available in bottles and gift packs as well as bag-in-boxes and on draught.
Christmas Tide is 4.9% ABV and described by the brewery as “a well-structured, malt driven beer. The crystal, chocolate and wheat malts bring warmth and body to the beer, ideal for a winter’s day.”
Brewer, Sam Beaman said: “We always enjoy brewing this festive favourite and we are delighted that popular demand has led to us bottling it as well as producing it in casks this year. So not only will it be available to enjoy in your local in the run-up to Christmas, but you will also be able to put it on your Christmas list. The gift packs are the perfect present for any beer-lover.”
Christmas Tide is available in casks, bag-in-boxes or bottles, including presentation packs. It can be purchased online at www.salcombebrewery.com or directly from the brewery.
Granny Gothards launch five new flavours for Christmas
Following the launch of a new production facility, artisan ice cream producer Granny Gothards are introducing five new flavours for Christmas this year.
They include EggNog Ice Cream, Cranberry Ice Cream, Chestnut and Whiskey Ice Cream, Cranberry Ice Cream and Vegan Cranberry Sorbet. These join the existing range of Baileys, Christmas Pud, Brandy and caramelised Walnut ice creams and Mulled Wine Sorbet.
Granny Gothards have opened a second production site in Devon to increase production. Director Amanda Stansfield said: “The purchase of the new state-of-the-art site will enable us to increase production to meet demand while still manufacturing the ice cream in the same way as when we started. We are extremely proud that we have managed to upscale artisan production to this level, without succumbing to changing our methods and therefore compromising the quality of our handmade product.
“Granny Gothards were absolutely delighted to be named Manufacturer of the Year in the Somerset Business Awards, a great achievement for an artisan company.”
For details of all 135 flavours, go to www.grannygothards.co.uk.
EQUIPMENT NEWS
Artis introduce thermic range
Tableware distributors Artis are launching a new range of Thermic double-walled insulated glass serving dishes from Luigi Bormioli.
Made from double-walled borosilicate glass, the “innovative double-walled construction, frames the food providing high visibility while maintaining both hot and cold food at the optimum temperature for longer.”
There are five pieces in the range – three different sizes of pot (12cl, 25cl & 27cl) with dual handles, a wok and a small 14.5 cl 5oz jug, perfect for both hot and cold sauces. List prices of pots start at £5.20 for the smallest size. The wok is £7.88 and the jug costs £7.03
For more details, call 020 8391 5544 or go to www.artis-uk.com/download.
APPOINTMENTs
Bovey Castle appoints new GM
Martin Kelly has been appointed general manager of the five-red-AA-star Bovey Castle hotel in Devon, part of The Eden Hotel Collection.
He has previously worked at the Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa and L’Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa in Jersey at general manager level. Kelly replaces Francisco Macedo, who stepped down earlier this year.
Mark Chambers, managing director of the Eden Hotel Collection, said: “Martin brings a wealth of experience to his pivotal new role as general manager of Bovey Castle. The hotel continues to go from strength to strength and we are looking forward to Martin further shaping the hotel’s future development and success.”
The Eden Hotel Collection have invested millions in refurbishing Bovey Castle since acquiring it in 2014. Their portfolio of nine luxury hotels includes Mallory Court, Leamington Spa; Buckland Tout-Saints Hotel and Bovey Castle in Devon; The Kings Hotel, Cotswolds; The Arden Hotel and Arden House in Stratford-upon-Avon; Brockencote Hall Hotel, Worcestershire; The Greenway Hotel & Spa, Cheltenham, and The Mount Somerset Hotel & Spa, Somerset.
Hattingley Valley seek second apprentice
Following the UK’s first winemaking apprentice successfully completing her apprenticeship, Hampshire-based Hattingley Valley Wines have announced a second opportunity to join the industry.
Teaming up with the Vintners’ Company, Enotria & Coe, and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, the successful applicant will be sent on courses in vine-growing and winemaking at England’s centre of learning for wine production, Plumpton College, and to the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). The apprentice will also be trained on the job working along the team at Hattingley Valley. No prior experience or qualification is necessary but “Enthusiasm and your attitude towards hard work and learning are the most important attributes.”
For more details, got to www.hattingleyvalley.co.uk.
RECRUITMENT SPOTLIGHT
Job Vacancy
The Foston’s Ash Inn is under new ownership – come and join our small, friendly team!
You will be responsible for the day to day operation of the pub to a high standard, along with an established team and, if needed, the support and advice of the owners.
The ideal applicant would have previous experience in a similar management role within the hospitality industry or be looking to step up from an Assistant Managerial role at the same level or higher, be familiar with cellar management and stock control.
You will need to have a positive, “can do” attitude, sustainable enthusiasm and great attention to detail.
Fantastic customer service and high standards are needed along with the ability to train and motivate your team to provide the same.
The successful applicant will be responsible for the front of house day-to-day operation and management of the bar and restaurant.
Wages and benefits will be discussed in the interview.
To apply, please email your CV to nick@hinemarketing.co.uk
INDUSTRY EVENTS
November
The European Pizza & Pasta Show
13th – 15th November 2018
Olympia, London
“The European Pizza and Pasta Show is the ultimate engagement channel for sellers and buyers in the European pizza and pasta industries.”
https://pizzapastashow.com/
Bristol, Bath, Somerset Tourism Awards Ceremony
15th November 2018
Apex Hotel, Bath
“This black-tie dinner is the event of the year for Somerset, Bristol and Bath leading tourism businesses and will be hosted by BBC Radio Bristol’s Laura Rawlings with guest speaker Giles Adams.”
http://www.somersettourismawards.org.uk/page/35/awards-night-at-apex-hotel-bath.htm
Food Matters Live 2018
20th – 22nd November 2018
ExCeL, London
“Featuring 400 speakers across 100 free-to-attend conference and seminar sessions – challenging assumptions, sharing insight and debating the issues shaping the future of food, drink and sustainable nutrition.”
https://www.foodmatterslive.com/
Devon Tourism Awards Ceremony
22nd November 2018
Highbullen Hotel, Golf & Country Club
“The ‘night of the year’ for the cream of the Devon Tourism Industry, with up to 300 finalists and sponsors gathering for the annual celebration of Devon excellence.”
http://www.devontourismawards.org.uk/page/45/awards-night-at-highbullen.htm