Grab & Go

‘New nation of coffee drinkers' fuelling growth of the UK coffee shop market

21st Dec 2012 - 10:21

The latest annual report by management consultants Allegra Strategies, which includes a national survey of 25,000 consumers, reveals that the total UK coffee shop market grew by 7.5% in 2012 to reach £5.8 billion in turnover. The market which includes branded coffee chains, independent coffee shops and non-specialist operators, grew to 15,723 outlets. The total number of coffee shop outlets grew by 4% over the past year alone.

New hygiene training packs from Tork give caterers a helping hand

21st Dec 2012 - 08:21

To help caterers, Tork has launched two new training packs which have been developed to help caterers train their staff on important aspects of food hygiene.

Hospitality Show launches initiative promoting the benefits of operating sustainably

21st Dec 2012 - 07:10

The online calculator enables visitors to estimate the savings in four key areas within their operation - water saving, training, waste and LED lighting.

npower launches new online resource for SMEs

20th Dec 2012 - 18:15

The npower blog will feature up-to-date news and information, staff profiles, guides, how-to videos and links to npower’s existing social media channels including its @npowerhq twitter page, npower

‘Cowboy’ online food safety courses and exams putting public at risk

20th Dec 2012 - 10:18

A recent investigation by the CIEH identified a training provider who was delivering online training and assessment for an Ofqual-regulated qualification, but with none of the robust quality assurance mechanisms. Following a formal complaint by the CIEH to OFQUAL (the exams regulator) immediate action was taken to stop the provision of this regulated qualification and assessment online.

FDF introduces supply chain guide for food and drink industry

20th Dec 2012 - 10:05

The guide, which has been developed by FDF’s Sustainability Steering Group, provides a simple step by step approach to mapping the use of ingredients and utilities all the way back to source; guidance on how to understand the key risks and opportunities; tips for creating a plan of action and integration into the business.

Catering suppliers say sustainability will boost business in the next three years, finds survey

19th Dec 2012 - 09:53

Some 33% of respondents said the drive for more environmentally sustainable practices will create new product and service opportunities, while 39% said it would encourage innovation. A massive 81% agreed that sustainability will be a key to growing their business. Over half of respondents think that ‘product and service innovators’ are the key skill sets that the industry needs to recruit to ensure a sustainable future, and that work needs to done on developing programmes and apprentice schemes to ensure a ‘strong talent pipeline.’

Operators advised to ‘spice up’ their menus

18th Dec 2012 - 10:24

The research calls on operators to, not only respond to this consumer demand, but to investigate a fusion of different flavours entering the market to keep their menus fresh and exciting.

Scotland Food & Drink appoints project manager

14th Dec 2012 - 11:17

Fiona Richmond takes up the role following two years working in Scotland Food & Drink’s UK market development programme. Her strong background in working with food and drink producers and the major food service companies provides a platform to shape the food and drink offering at major events in 2014. As 2014 project manager, Richmond will be the key link between food and drink businesses and the opportunities presented by the Commonwealth Games, Ryder Cup and Homecoming, during which millions of meals will be served.

70% of UK tea drinkers don’t know what’s in their teabag

14th Dec 2012 - 08:42

Tea is the nation's favourite drink with 71% of people drinking more than three cups of tea every day. However, half the UK confesses that they can't get through the day without it. So why should we be concerned about what's in our tea bag?