Andy Mallows

🌟 Industry Insights Coming Soon! 🌟 We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming release of the Food and Drink North East 2024 State of Sector Survey - an in-depth look at the food and drink industry in the North East. Covering insights from businesses across primary production, food, drink, hospitality and manufacturing, this report reveals the resilience, challenges, and ambitions shaping our region’s vibrant sector. 👀 Sneak Peek: 45% of businesses grew in 2024 despite economic pressures, with many expanding, creating new jobs, and thriving at local events. Inflation, staffing, and supply chain issues topped the list of challenges, with rising ingredient costs and recruitment hurdles impacting operations. Financial support, training, and consultancy are high on the agenda to support sustainable growth. The timing of this report is perfect, arriving just before the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves Autumn Budget and in light of the government’s recently released - and underwhelming - Industrial Strategy Green Paper. It’s a crucial moment to shine a spotlight on the support our sector needs to drive sustainable and inclusive growth across the regional agri, food, drink, manufacturing and hospitality supply chain. Stay tuned - full results coming in the next few weeks! 🔗 Join us to be the first to access the survey results. https://lnkd.in/eXPZcESW #FoodandDrink #NorthEast #FADNE #BusinessGrowth #SectorInsights #SurveyResults #AutumnBudget The North East Combined Authority Tees Valley Combined Authority Kim McGuinness Ben Houchen RTC North North East Chamber of Commerce Ian Pilkington Karen Berry Julia Austin Lesley Hawke MIEx NBSL Erudus Jon Shayler Lockton Colin Donohoe Johnston Carmichael Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers ADAM HARDIE

18

Orange Wines - Generation Z and Millennials have a new drink to shout about on social media. According to sales data from online retailer Ocado, orange wine has grown by 99% this year so far, with searches for such products also up 80%. This trend is plane to see across the internet, with orange wine becoming a new ‘trend’ on social media, especially TikTok, as younger drinkers have discovered the wine and its potential as a refreshing wine for the summer months #socialmedia #genz #GenerationZ #Millennials #Millennial #orangewine #orangewines #winebusiness

3

Our Q2 2024 Market Report is Here! 🍷 I'm excited to share the latest insights from Cru Wine's Q2 2024 Market Report, which just came out. Our in-depth analysis reveals fascinating developments in the fine wine market and how economic shifts are impacting the wine market. Key Highlights: UK economic growth surged by 0.9% in Q2 2024. With inflation back to 2%, interest rate cuts are on the horizon Performance insights of top wine regions: Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne. I encourage you to dive into the report to find valuable insight into our fascinating industry! #FineWine #WineInvestment #MarketReport #CruWine #EconomicGrowth #WineMarket

9

Tax and legislative changes create an uncertain operating environment for bussiness. This article by Lauren Eads captures this quite neatly in the context of the spirits industry. For everyone who says tax fuelled increases in consumer prices will lead to premiumisation ('drinking less but drinking 'better'), there are people who see consumers trading down (consuming the same volume, but choosing cheaper products). Only time will tell which is the most influential dynamic. In the meantime, entrepreneurs must make their educated guess, put their money and efforts behind it and hope they're right.

10

1 Comment

Associated British Foods Releases Trading Update 2024 - https://lnkd.in/eJZ_h_2P, September 10, 2024 – Associated British Foods PLC (ABF) has provided a trading update for the second half of its financial year, ending September 14, 2024. The company delivered strong top-line growth, improved profitability. And robust cash generation across its businesses despite challenges in certain sectors, particularly in the#ABF #Associated British Foods #Financial Performance #grocery division #H2 2024 #ingredients division #Primark growth #share buyback #sugar division #Trading Update

1

‘Exceptional harvest’ boosts revenues 15 per cent at Kent’s Chapel Down Group winery 🍷📈 Chapel Down has hailed an ‘exceptional harvest’, posting net sales revenues of £17.9 million for the year ended 31 December 2023 – up 15 per cent on the previous year. The Kent winery saw particular growth in its brand-defining traditional method sparkling (TMS) wines, selling 887,000 bottles to boost revenues 25 per cent. It also celebrated the ‘continued premiumisation’ of the brand, with Chapel Down’s average selling price up 13 per cent for 2023. The business closed out the year with a successful listing on AIM last December. It’s now looking to the future with the planting of the Boxley Abbey vineyard on the North Downs of Kent, growing its area share of UK planted vineyards to almost 10 per cent – with plans also to begin planting at Buckwell this spring. Andrew Carter, CEO of Chapel Down, said... Continue reading... https://lnkd.in/eAX7sg8C #winery #winemaker #manufacturing #drinks #finance #revenue #growth #investing #boost #harvest #argi #businessnews #businessintelligence

4

Did you know that over 95% of cider made in the world is drunk in the UK? Despite the British's long love affair with cider, mainstream brands are seeing a steady decline in their sales. However, craft cider producers who focus on provenance and varietals are seeing real business opportunities to build on quality and flavor. Unfortunately, the big players want cheaper ingredients, and their interest ends with the bottom line. Preserving British traditional orchards, such as the one in Monmouthshire, is crucial to the harmony of the local habitat and not to mention all the carbon it was sequestering. It's sad to hear about the loss of this orchard, especially just days before Beltane, the pagan celebration of life and fertility. This would have been the time in which the orchards were in full bloom, buzzing with bees, wildlife, and happy walkers enjoying the blooms. So, how do we go beyond category trends and big marketing investments to educate and remind ourselves that eating and drinking food made from regenerative agriculture is the only way forward for people and the planet? Because, as the Cree proverb states, "Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realize we cannot eat money." The HEINEKEN Company how does this support your goal to deliver net Zero by 2030? We at Avallen Spirits | BCorp have proven that apples grown in traditional orchards are hands down one of the most eco-friendly crops to make alcohol from - giving back more than they take. Let's drink more apples, not just because they are delicious or a celebrity told us to. Let's drink our apples because they are grown in a way we must intend to go on living: from a thriving, dynamic ecosystem where people, planet, and even profit can work in harmony. We know our independent cider, apple brandy and calvados producer friends agree. #British #orchards #regenerativeagriculture #sustainability #drinksindustry #apples #orchards #businessforgood

71

6 Comments

Thanks to Drinks Industry Expert Allan Beattie for this guest blog about planning. Wise words whether you're a well established drinks business or just starting out..... https://lnkd.in/eYyB__Eu #drinksindustry #businessplanning #businesssupport #expertadvice #guestblog

More news from our fascinating industry. 8 things you need to know about going in to the new week: ♻ Welsh Deposit Return Scheme will not include wine and spirits glass 💷 Aldi CEO raises concerns about validity of price match campaigns - pointing to significant differences in ingredients 📈 Morrisons quarter 3 sales growth below expectations 🚛 Creed Foodservice Ltd is acquired by Kitwave Wholesale Group 🥘 Quorn Foods and Cauldron owner Marlow Foods announces losses in excess of £60m 🥃 William Grant & Sons and Sons acquires The Famous Grouse scotch brand from Edrington ⛽ UK petrol prices fall to their lowest level in three years 🖥 YouGov poll states that 7/10 sub-postmasters have experienced unexplained discrepancies since January 2020 www.sellex.co.uk #CommercialConfidence #CommercialCapability #CommmercialOrganisationalEffectiveness #RevenueGrowthManagement

25

Meet our Senior Commercial Controller Julian Smith in the latest issue of Cash and Carry Management! In the spotlight Julian shares his interests, achievements and how he got into the industry. Read the article below.

21

To showcase your free from Drinks to those who will rely upon being able to find them this Christmas, enter the Free From Christmas Awards - Drinks category entry open until midnight Sunday 29th Sept! Benefits of entering Unique – we are the only UK award dedicated to free from food and drink, and as such we are a ‘go to’ for the free from & allergic consumer. Value – every entry gets its time in the spotlight with our panels of expert judges. Standout – our logo resonates with consumers, it helps them identify safe, quality products and outstrips other mainstream awards as a trusted certification Feedback – receive valuable insights on your entry, plus observations and insights on the wider category in which the product was entered. Communication – we support entrants across our social platforms which have a combined following of over 20K. Community – join other like-minded and energetic free from professionals. Confidence – entering our awards displays a belief in a product which increases consumer confidence and trust in your brand. https://lnkd.in/g9kyJsZz

1

1 Comment

📖 I was reading Will Beckett's post on Monday about the loss of the human touch in restaurants [https://lnkd.in/eraX4H6M], and it got me thinking about the QSR sector which could be viewed as being in the vanguard of this change 🍔 Many QSR brands [and their Ops Manuals] talk about having meaningful guest interaction [sometimes referred to as 'touching tables'] where a shift manager will walk the FOH, at intervals, and check with the guests that every is OK with their order, and that they are enjoying their food and experience 🫥 In reality, unless the business is having an audit at the time, 'touching tables' is close to non-existent. The introduction of kiosk technology, the pressure of labour control, a lack of coaching/training, and the impact of team shortage or absenteeism all play their part in dropping the 'human touch' 🧼 There is also a view that 'hosting' is not actually a productive activity [apart from cleaning FOH], and is something that can be missed or done without but, in my view and in this current market, I believe the role can be a differentiator and transaction driver 🚀 The returns may not be tangible on the day, and the role may not be required during off-peak periods but, when done well, hosting can secure repeat [regular] customers and stem the flow of lapsed users. They can drive transaction growth, which is measurable, and the key metric of business growth [i.e., is the business growing its customer base] 🍗 Those in the QSR sector that [in general] host well include Popeyes Louisiana Chicken UK, McDonald's, and WINGSTOP UK (Lemon Pepper Holdings Ltd) [through floor-walking], with the rational for doing so being compelling enough for them to deliver it consistently 💯 In the recent opening of the new GDK (German Doner Kebab) unit in the White Rose shopping cente, I was pleased to see that a host role was in play but, 2 weeks later and with the opening of the Wingstop just opposite, there was no host visible. I know this won’t be an apples to apples comparison [due to length of opening halo effect], but by 12.15pm yesterday, Wingstop had clocked up nearly 100% more transactions than GDK ❓️ Would a host have mitigated some of this gap if it had been consistently in place? #restaurants #operations #operationsdirector #operationsexcellence #consultancy #franchise #franchiseperformancedirector 👋 I'm Jay [Jonathan] Heathcote, and I am a Hospitality Operations Specialist DM me at Heathcote Operations or make an enquiry through https://lnkd.in/enpmz7x8 website to arrange a meeting and a chat [no obligation], and to enjoy a coffee together ☕️ #opentowork

58

15 Comments

Attending The Caterer People Conference and Awards was a powerful reminder of the resilience, passion, and growth driving our industry forward, even in challenging times.   "Surviving the tough times shows our strength; thriving afterwards shows our spirit."   Kate Nicholls OBE shared an optimistic perspective on the recent budget, pointing out that "there is light at the end of a long dimly lit tunnel."   Hearing Robyn Filep and Eleni Kasparis from Becoming on Positive Psychology was insightful—they reminded us that focusing on team strengths can uplift everyone. After all, "We rise by lifting others." (Robert Ingersoll). When people can play to their strengths, we see energy, engagement, and retention soar.   Perceptions about our industry often skew negative, but I agree with Trudi Parr Assoc CIPD from Mollie's | B Corp™—let's flip the narrative. Let’s start amplifying inspiring stories from within that feel true to our culture and values. It’s these stories that fuel pride and purpose.   On humility, Jodi Goldman 👊🏻💋gave a masterclass on embracing "humble brags" as a way to shine and celebrate each other. It’s a skill worth building—especially for leaders who want to spotlight their teams.   Representation, equity, and inclusion remain pressing priorities. Lorraine Copes of Be Inclusive Hospitality reminded us: "Diversity is a fact, inclusion and equity is an act." Yesterday’s room wasn't fully representative—especially in race and ethnicity—signalling that we have work ahead to create truly inclusive and representative spaces. Which at some point I have high hopes we wont have to keep talking about.   Michelle Moreno networking session was a refreshing push out of our comfort zones, reminding us how connection is key in this industry.   And a heartfelt congratulations to award winners Craig Prentice and Sean Wheeler BEM FIH. Craig Prentice’s Extra Mile Award for Walk for Wellbeing with Hospitality Action raised an impressive £135,000 this year, while Sean Wheeler BEM FIH Special Achievement Award capped his 40-year career of transforming workplaces. I couldn’t be prouder of their well-deserved recognition.   Final thought taken from Lorraine Copes session - "In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth, or to step back into safety. - Abraham Maslow, Psychologist. Where are you going?

118

10 Comments

Why 2025 ‘will be a telling year in the wine industry’ Following a challenging period for the drinks trade, David Bowman, chief commercial officer for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, tells db why 2025 “will be a telling year in the wine industry”.

5

Following the recent budget Lesley Cameron, Scottish Bakers Chief Executive commented: “Yesterday’s budget announcement poses significant challenges for Scotland's bakery sector. We are pleased that many of the smaller businesses that make up our sector will be protected from the National Insurance rise because of the decision to double the employment allowance. However, the increase in Employer NI contributions for larger businesses adds a substantial financial burden on top of already escalating costs. Rising prices of raw materials, such as butter and other essential ingredients, are already impacting profit margins. The compounded expenses for these bakeries, that are integral to our local communities and economy, will make them more vulnerable and less able to invest. Such an outcome would hamper the Scottish Government's strategy for economic growth. We urge Scottish policymakers to recognise the unique pressures faced by the bakery sector and place this at the heart when making devolved policy decisions, particularly around rates relief and support for training and automation. Supporting the diversity of bakeries, we have in Scotland is essential not only for preserving jobs, but also for maintaining the economic and social impact of our sector.” #budgetresponse #manyhandsonevoice #scottishbakerysector

41

If you are in the wine trade or hospitality you should read this excellent synopsis by Hal Wilson The proposed changes are going to have irreversible impacts on the industry.HM Revenue & Customs HM Treasury Wine and Spirit Trade Association

65

2 Comments

BRITISH EGG INDUSTRY: BEIC launches manifesto for stronger, sustainable British egg industry. Leading retail publication The Grocer has reported on The British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) general election manifesto, calling for Government to support a sustainable future for the British egg industry. See the manifesto here: https://lnkd.in/e4-6rjXt . It is a fantastic insight into the industry and is well worth a read. Despite operating without government subsidies, the British Lion Code of Practice remains the UK's top food safety scheme, covering 95% of British egg production. The BEIC’s key manifesto asks are organised in six key themes: international trade, environment, workforce, biosecurity, planning and public procurement. The British Lion Code of Practice is the UK’s most successful food safety scheme. It accounts for 95% of British egg production. I’m very proud to be the independent scientific and regulatory advisor to the BEIC. I personally believe that the British Lion Code of Practice is one of the worlds leading food safety schemes. I only feed my family eggs with the British lion on it. “The British egg industry is one of British farming’s great success stories, providing consumers with a natural, healthy, ‘super food’ at an affordable price, which is always of vital importance, but particularly during a cost of living crisis,” said BEIC CEO Gary Ford. Phil Slaney Kevin Coles Dr Lisa Ackerley, CEnvH, FRSPH #eggs #PublicHealth #Health #FoodIndustry #Retail #Hospitality #FoodService #Restaurants #Foodscience #Sustainability #FoodTechnology #Nutrition

14

1 Comment

Bidfood UK has revealed what it predicts will be the biggest food and drink trends within foodservice next year, and in order to support the industry in navigating this it has released an interactive guide to help operators make informed product choices that they can apply straight to their menus. https://lnkd.in/eQmwQqpS

17

1 Comment

For Hundreds if not thousands of years Alcohol has had centre stage but almost every occasion. And with good reason for many people, Alcohol is a fun facilitator of good times. As an Englishman, I drank, when I was happy I drank when I was sad I drank when I won and I got drunk when I lost. I drank when someone was born and I got very drunk when someone died. Even somewhat ironically at the wake of someone who died of alcohol poisoning. Alcohol has owned so many moments of my life. Now we hear that there is a a new sobriety movement, one if I’m honest, I don’t actually believe in, can exclude yourself from something you don’t have interest in in the first place? This new endeavour by Heineken as a sage warning of what listening listening to focus group does to a brand The more I see reports from strategic specialists marketing experts and social gurus. The more utterly unhinged it looks so far detached from reality but it makes you wonder if they know if they’re phoning in or not? If so many people in so many companies I just finishing the next project around them before the House of Cards of nonsense statistics dead end questionnaires and do nothing data comes to haunt them. And I think this is one of the key reasons that Beverage is struggling is because it’s losing its grip on reality, because when we look at beverage, it should surprise it should delight it should excite and it should be a utility for people, simply put liquid is a human necessity. If you look at the data and you come away with ‘people spend a lot of time in the digital realm even when they are busy in the physical’. You have to ask if the real solution to that is Phone without apps, destined be sad, branded landfill. Rather consumers telling you that they’re bored with your offering and they can’t have that attention capture anymore because what we’re really looking at is a generation of people that are tired for settling for mediocrity. And anyway, I need apps on my phone because I need to be able to get home from the pub and whether that’s Uber or TFL you’ll need an app for that P.S If you are kind of person that is now going to correct me, and say if I’m reposting this if I’m talking about it then it’s doing a good job. Then, you are one of the people I’m talking about, because you’ll say there’s no such thing as bad publicity but I’d ask how the guitarist of lost prophets feels about the statement.

25

5 Comments