Members’ News
August 2024
Celebrating Excellence in EDI: Announcing the Inaugural inclusion in Awards powered by WiHTL & DiR #
Arena members have access to an exclusive code - 'Inclusionsummitarena' which will reveal a special offer ticket price of £250+VAT.
inclusion in are thrilled to announce the launch of the inaugural inclusion in Awards, powered by WiHTL & DiR. Set to take place on November 5th 2024, at the iconic Indigo at The O2 in London, this prestigious event marks a significant milestone in celebrating outstanding achievements in EDI across the Hospitality, Travel, Leisure, and Retail sectors.
Why These Awards Matter
In a world where equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are more crucial than ever, the inclusion in EDI Awards aim to spotlight the individuals, teams and organisations that are leading the way. These awards are not just accolades; they are a testament to the hard work and dedication that go into creating inclusive workplaces that make a difference in the lives of the millions of people working in our industry.
What Makes These Awards Unique?
The inclusion in EDI Awards are the most distinguished awards dedicated entirely to EDI within the specified industries. Established in 2024, they set the highest standards by celebrating best practices, innovative programmes and the passionate individuals behind them.
With 12 diverse categories, the awards are open to everyone in the Hospitality, Travel, Leisure and Retail industry. ensuring that excellence in EDI is recognised at every level:
Most Inclusive CEO - HTL & Retail
Most Inclusive CPO - HTL & Retail
Most Inclusive Chair - HTL & Retail
EDI Team of the Year
EDI Professional of the Year
Best EDI Collaboration
Most Impactful Employee Resource Group
Most Impactful EDI Programme or Initiative
Most Impactful Social Mobility Project
Role Model for Inclusion – HTL & Retail
Most Inclusive Marketing Campaign
inclusion in EDI Maturity Curve
Key Dates and Details
Nominations: Open now until August 23rd 2024, visit inclusioninawards.com to submit your nominations
Shortlists Announcement: September 2024, with the exception of the Most Inclusive CEOs and CPOs categories, which will be announced during the ceremony
Awards Ceremony: November 5th 2024 at The Indigo at The O2, London
Join Us for an Evening of Celebration
The Awards will culminate in a gala dinner, offering an incredible opportunity for networking and celebration. Expect an evening filled with inspiration, recognition and a diverse array of industry leaders. Tickets are now on sale and spaces are limited, so secure your spot early to avoid disappointment.
A Message from Our Founder
“We are thrilled to launch the inaugural inclusion in Awards,” said Tea Colaianni, Founder and Chair of WiHTL & DiR and inclusion in. “This event is not just about recognising the achievements of today but also about inspiring the leaders of tomorrow to foster inclusive and diverse workplaces in the Hospitality, Travel, Leisure and Retail industry. We believe that celebrating these successes is crucial in promoting a culture of EDI across the sectors we serve and want to acknowledge the tremendous progress we have made as an industry.”
Get Involved
This is your chance to be part of a groundbreaking event that celebrates the champions of EDI. For more information on the inclusion in Awards powered by WiHTL & DiR, including how to submit nominations and explore sponsorship opportunities, please visit inclusioninawards.com.
Join us in recognising and celebrating those who are making a real difference in the world of EDI. Together, let’s inspire change and create a more inclusive future for all.
Sodexo achieves menopause-friendly employer accreditation #
Sodexo UK and Ireland has achieved The Menopause Friendly Accreditation, awarded in recognition of its efforts to foster an inclusive culture and provide robust support for colleagues experiencing menopause.
The Menopause Friendly Accreditation, established by Henpicked: recognises high standards and proven practices that embrace menopause in the workplace.
Sodexo has been raising awareness about menopause in the workplace for many years. Recently, the company has intensified its efforts and commitment to being a menopause-friendly employer. This comprehensive programme includes support and awareness initiatives, the creation of working groups, and menopause guidelines for managers and employees.
Additionally, Sodexo has appointed a menopause working group and hosts internal events, such as its popular virtual menopause cafes. The cafes are held quarterly and cover a variety of topics including symptoms, personal experiences, and male allyship as well as featuring expert clinical advice.
The accreditation follows Sodexo’s commitment to the Wellbeing of Women's menopause workplace pledge, which it signed in 2022.
Raj Jones, Head of DEI (Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion) at Sodexo UK & Ireland said: "This accreditation has provided us with a robust framework to ensure all colleagues experiencing menopause are supported, as well as those who may not be experiencing it themselves but are supporting others inside or outside of work. It has also given us the ongoing opportunity to educate and raise awareness within the business, normalising these conversations in the workplace. We are very proud to receive this prestigious accreditation."
The Menopause Friendly Accreditation is industry-recognised and the only accreditation that sets clear standards which must be met.
To achieve The Menopause Friendly Accreditation, employers are assessed by an Independent Panel and must demonstrate evidence of their effectiveness in five key areas: culture, policies and practices, training, engagement and working environment.
Deborah Garlick, CEO and founder of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace, added: “Sodexo is very deserving of the Menopause Friendly Accreditation in recognition of its comprehensive services and support for colleagues. The Independent Panel looks for evidence of action and impact – not just intent – which is what sets the Accreditation apart and Sodexo should be very proud of the way it is changing the lived experience of menopause in the workplace.”
In June, Sodexo UK and Ireland was also honoured as one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2024, highlighting its steadfast commitment to gender equality in the workplace.
FEA launches Tabletop Trends newsletter #
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Information, advice and insight for the light equipment and tableware sector.
FEA has launched a brand new e-newsletter dedicated to the light equipment and tableware (LET) sector. Titled Tableware Trends it will create closer links between dealers and FEA’s LET manufacturer and supplier members, by providing news, advice and insight. The first issue covered areas as diverse as what the election means for the LET sector and why matt is having a moment.
The launch follows the success of the association’s annual LET Forum, which goes from strength to strength and attracted record numbers this year. Paula Sherlock is chair of FEA’s LET Product Group, and one of the prime movers behind the newsletter. “The Forum is a great success, but we realised that there was no medium to carry on the communication and conversation during the rest of the year,” she says. “We launched Tableware Trends to fill the gap. The plan is that, as well as providing valuable content, it will also create a two way street to help dealers and our LET members stay in touch.”
It's planned that the newsletter will come out every quarter, with the next one due in October. Each issue will offer a mix of advice, new products, news about events and topical comment. FEA welcomes feedback from both LET members and dealers.
Tabletop Trends is free for anyone involved in the light equipment and tableware sector. To sign up for future issues email sj.campbell@fea.org.uk.
The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA) is the independent, authoritative voice of the foodservice equipment industry, representing nearly 200 companies who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial catering equipment - from utensils to full kitchen schemes. For more information on FEA visit www.fea.org.uk
Compass One Invests in Data-Driven Insights to Enhance Service and Performance #
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Compass One, which brings together the specialist expertise of Compass Group UK & Ireland’s ESS, Healthcare and One Retail sectors, has announced a significant investment in its data analytics capability, through the expansion of its E15 data intelligence team and E15 data platforms. This will benefit the Compass One team, clients and customers by enabling further focus on a data-led strategy and innovation.
E15 will build on the significant work previously done within Compass One to leverage the power of data in decision making. This will allow better insights into sustainability, costs and customer trends. The key focus is understanding client and customer requirements to improve their experience, and communication to create tailored solutions.
Data specialist Ben Dawson has been appointed Head of E15 Business Intelligence for Compass One, to lead the programme. Following several data-led analytical and commercial roles, Ben joined Compass Group UK & Ireland in November 2017. He has spent the last six years building new data capabilities, as well as supporting transformational projects, and completed his MBA in 2021.
Ben will lead a team of 10 data and business intelligence professionals, with remits including data engineering, data analytics and data science. They will work together with the clear purpose of bringing the E15 community and insights closer to clients and their operations.
Several Compass One clients, across its sectors, are already using the new E15 performance dashboard, which enables them to monitor key performance metrics in real time.
Ben Dawson, Head of E15 Business Intelligence – Compass One, commented:
“It’s been fantastic to join the Compass One team at such an exciting time, particularly given the level of investment happening in innovation. Our sectors have done some great work to capture and analyse meaningful data about our services. I am looking forward to further building this team to extend the scope of the information being collected and using it to work collaboratively with our clients to enhance all elements of our service delivery.”
Barbara Baccellieri, Finance and E15 Director – Compass One, commented:
“Our measures of success are evolving. While it’s important for us to continue using financial and service quality data to assess performance, we’re enhancing our reporting to include additional metrics like environmental, social and governance (ESG) activity. The E15 team is central to this transition and will mean we can provide our clients with broader data and insights than ever before.”
Mark Webster, CEO – Compass One, added:
“We’ve seen real benefits from utilising data-led insights to shape our strategy in recent years. Investment in our Compass One E15 team is giving us and our clients exponentially more insights from the business and the wider industry.”
NESCAFÉ B2B by Nestlé Professional has partnered with DEBORAH MEADEN to spotlight UK SMEs #
In an exciting new partnership for 2024 – NESCAFÉ B2B by Nestlé Professional – has given small and medium businesses, a unique opportunity to win bespoke insight and advice from serial entrepreneur and business guru Deborah Meaden.
Open to SMEs*, across all industries, the new business programme, by NESCAFÉ, Let’s Partner up for Good, has seen seven lucky businesses win a seat at the table to discuss their business challenges relating to their sustainability journey, workplace wellbeing and business growth with Deborah Meaden and NESCAFÉ® B2B business experts.
The winners had the opportunity to ask them face-to-face advice at a live filming studio with audience in Soho, London. The business advice from the live event will be shared with SME community in a series of 3 short films and written collaterals.
Katya Simmons, Managing Director at NESCAFÉ by Nestlé Professional said: “We know that there are common themes and challenges amongst entrepreneurs. By working with real businesses, we’ve been able to understand some of those challenges first-hand and offer thoughts, tools and advice that we hope will benefit the winners and through the campaign, reach the wider SME community. If as a NESCAFÉ team, we can support and make a positive impact, this means the world to us.”
Airing from September 2024 onwards at Nestlé Professional’s website and YouTube channel – business owners are encouraged to sign-up on the website now to receive updates and announcements on the film live dates.
Deborah Meaden added: “This is a fantastic initiative that I’m delighted to be a part of. Running a business can often be overwhelming and at times, even a little lonely. There’s a lot to think about, from operating responsibly through to prioritising wellbeing for employees, all whilst focusing on growth targets and moving the business forward. Helping businesses develop and grow, based on my own experiences, is something I love to do. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for each of the winners."
Quote from Kym Morris, Legionella Fire Safe Services and one of the seven winners added: “It was an incredible honour to be selected as one of the seven winners by Nestlé Professional to spend a day with their experts and Dragon's Den's Deborah Meaden. The advice we received was invaluable, and we were thrilled to get feedback not only from Deborah but also from Nescafé's sustainability expert, Robin Sundaram, who congratulated LFS on our significant efforts in business sustainability. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Nestlé Professional in the future.”
Winners of the competition:
Patrick Ellis - Sawn to be Wild (4) Sawn To Be Wild Ltd | Groups | LinkedIn
Katie Harrison - Picture News Teaching Resources for Assemblies | Picture News (picture-news.co.uk)
Kym Morris - Legionella & Fire Safe Services Legionella Services & Passive Fire Services Company (legionellaandfiresafe.co.uk)
Dr Haris Mazhar - Cintillate About Us – Cintillate
Jack Bussey - JJB Construction JJB Corporation UK Ltd - Lean Manufacturers Based in Norfolk
Jamie Smith - InScout Network (4) InScout Network: About | LinkedIn
Simon Poole - Splash Projects Delivering impactful team building and leadership programmes (splashprojects.com)
Elior UK wins catering contract with the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology #
Leading contract caterer, Elior, has been awarded a contract by the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) in Cambridge to deliver catering services for over 600 research, support and contract staff.
Elior will provide catering services across breakfast and lunch within the main restaurant area, as well as hosting a grab-and-go shop offering sandwiches and cakes that are available all day. Elior will roll out its 'Foodsmiths' concept which is based on three core pillars: provenance, craft and quality. Foodsmiths branding will be introduced to the restaurant area symbolising the quality, craftmanship and attention to detail customers can expect in the catering offer. Elior will also deliver a daily catering service to meeting rooms in addition to events catering for between 20-200 people.
LMB is a research institute dedicated to undertaking fundamental science research aimed at the understanding of important biological processes at the levels of atoms, molecules, cells and organisms, gathering knowledge to solve key problems in human health. LMB’s scientists tackle fundamental, often difficult and long-term research problems making revolutionary contributions to science.
Claire Small, director of innovation at Elior, said: “We are thrilled to deliver our world class catering services to such an important and diverse hub at LMB. This partnership is further evidence of the adaptive stance Elior takes with our diverse range of our clients.”
Dr Stephen Holmes, head of estates at The Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology comments: “Our aim in looking for a provider was to find someone who could provide quality in contract delivery, food standards, and sustainability. Elior demonstrated a clear understanding of our needs and plugged in their own levels of technology and programmes that suited exactly what we were looking for. We’re all very excited for this partnership and look forward to this relationship, offering a great amenity to our hardworking employee base.”
Aramark UK Secures Landmark Partnership With Everton Football Club #
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Aramark UK has secured a pivotal partnership with Everton Football Club, becoming the Official Culinary Experience Partner of Everton Stadium and a Founding Partner.
The move will see Aramark UK deliver leading food, drink and experiences throughout the stadium’s new home at Bramley-Moore Dock in north Liverpool.
Kicking off at the start of the new football season in August 2025, the long-term partnership will see Aramark serving up to 52,888 fans per matchday. Marking Aramark’s debut in English football, they are committed to revolutionising the speed of service and customer experience at the stadium. By drawing on the solutions they have deployed so successfully across the globe, from high profile NFL venues including Philadelphia Eagles Lincoln Financial Field to renowned La Liga and Bundesliga stadia, Aramark will deliver an all-new innovative offer complete with technology-enabled experiences and diverse, exciting food and drink concepts.
With the goal to create a digital-first stadium, Aramark will implement market-leading technology aimed to minimise wait times and enhance guest satisfaction. Frictionless operations will be established at key touchpoints across the stadium including self-service beer systems, immersive food and beverage zones, and dark kitchen collection points. With a goal to create an inclusive and vibrant destination for all, customers will enjoy first-class food and drink, serviced in a speedy fashion.
The partnership between Aramark and Everton is rooted in community spirit and driving opportunities for local people. Over 1200 roles will be created and wider development initiatives established. In partnership with Everton in the Community (EITC), a new social enterprise will be introduced, which will see Aramark and Everton work in partnership to promote the career opportunities available at the stadium and support local food and drink suppliers.
Development of an impressive Fanzone, known as The Plaza, will further elevate the new stadium, driving a significant point of difference for the venue. The Plaza will showcase a wide range of specially curated food and drink concepts, designed to be flexible and on-trend, adapting to the needs of customers and events, and ultimately creating memorable experiences on match days and beyond.
Helen Milligan-Smith, CEO and President at Aramark UK comments: “We are thrilled to be a Founding Partner and chosen as the Culinary Experiences Partner for Everton. Our shared commitment to delivering remarkable experiences means we are developing something truly extraordinary for the launch of the new stadium.
“It’s important to us that we go above and beyond to forge strong connections not only with our venues, but with the wider community too. The introduction of a new social enterprise programme is a great example of this, and we look forward to working with the Club to champion local produce and provide training and job opportunities to local people across Liverpool.”
Richard Kenyon, Everton’s Chief Commercial and Communications Officer, added: “This is a landmark partnership for the Club and we are delighted to welcome Aramark as a Founding Partner.
“Their mission to set the standard for excellence and their alignment with our vision to create exceptional experiences for Evertonians really resonated with us.
“Aramark understand what goes into and what is required to deliver high profile and multi-purpose venues. As we look forward to the Club’s bright future at our new home, we are focused on working together to deliver the right type of experience for every fan and every visitor, both within the stadium and on The Plaza.
“By utilising Aramark’s global expertise across many industries, we will be adopting the very latest in retail technology to make a visit to Everton Stadium an amazing experience for every Evertonian.
“Evertonians deserve the best and we are working with a global industry leader in Aramark to offer unrivalled experiences at our new home.”
Learn more about this landmark new partnership here.
Notpla launches seaweed-based Ice Cream Spoon #
Sustainable packaging innovator Notpla has unveiled its latest breakthrough product - the Notpla Rigid Ice Cream Spoon. This seaweed-based spoon offers a truly plastic-free alternative for frozen treat lovers, combining sustainability with a premium user experience.
Developed over three years, the Notpla Ice Cream Spoon addresses a significant environmental challenge in the food service industry. Unlike PLA alternatives that claim to biodegrade but often leave behind harmful microplastics or wooden and paper spoons that compromise the eating experience, Notpla's innovation offers a better solution that targets both problems.
"Our Ice Cream Spoon represents a major step forward in sustainable food service items," said Rodrigo García González, co-founder and co-CEO of Notpla. "We've eliminated the compromise between convenience and environmental responsibility, offering a solution that enhances the eating experience while aligning with our mission to replace single-use plastics."
The spoon is designed to remain stiff during use while providing a smooth, tasteless experience. Made from Notpla's patented Rigid material, which complies with the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive, it can naturally biodegrade after use without harming the environment - a characteristic present in all Notpla products.
Manufactured in the UK, the spoon is food contact verified and allergen-free. It can be disposed of with food waste or composted at home, offering a complete end-of-life solution. This sets it apart from plastic options, including PLA, which can only break down under very specific conditions and release microplastics into the environment.
The development of this Rigid material has been an ongoing project for Notpla. Earlier this year, the company conducted trials of other cutlery items, such as chip forks at Twickenham Stadium, demonstrating the material's versatility and potential to replace a wide range of products within the wider food service industry.
The Ice Cream Spoon has already been adopted by one of London's premier ice cream parlours, Ice Cream Union. Alex Fubini, the founder of Ice Cream Union, has shown enthusiasm for this innovation, saying: “Finding a solution that is environmentally friendly, doesn't affect the flavour of what you’re eating, doesn't feel weird in your mouth, it’s a good thing for us - it’s exactly what we were after”
This launch comes at a time when consumers and businesses are increasingly seeking sustainable alternatives to plastic products, driven by growing environmental awareness and legislative changes. Notpla's approach has already garnered attention from significant players in the food service industry and beyond, with the Ice Cream Spoon being shortlisted for the prestigious Pent Awards, further underlining its credibility and scalability.
For more information on Notpla’s innovative packaging solutions, including the new Ice cream Spoon, visit notpla.com.
Sodexo secures two-year extension with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service #
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has chosen to retain Sodexo for its soft FM services for a further two years.
The extension strengthens Sodexo’s partnership with the UK’s largest fire service. Over 370 colleagues provide a range of soft FM services including food and hospitality, cleaning, waste management, caretaking, security services and grounds maintenance.
The estate covers the length and breadth of Scotland with 385 sites including the SFRS headquarters in Cambuslang to some of the remotest islands such as Unst, and Fair Isle in the Shetlands and Bayhead in the Outer Hebrides.
The contract extension is worth around £12 million and comes after recent feedback from SFRS praising the dedication and commitment to quality exhibited by the team.
Paul Anstey, CEO Government, Sodexo UK & Ireland said:
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to support the critical work of our client to improve the safety and wellbeing of the people of Scotland.”
Ijaz Bashir, Head of Asset Management at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, added: “Sodexo's staff continue to provide excellent services across many of our sites and we are pleased to extend the contract.
"The team at Sodexo play an integral part in making sure our buildings run smoothly, delivering a variety of services from catering to grounds maintenance, and we look forward to working in partnership with them over the next two years."
In addition to the dedication and commitment to providing quality services every day, making a positive social impact has been central to Sodexo’s services. Highlights include:
40.6% of spend with small to medium-sized enterprises
4.3 tonnes reduction in CO2 (2023-24).
90% of colleagues live within 10 miles of their workplace.
Supporting fundraising for The Fire Fighters Charity with money raised helping serving and retired members of the UK’s fire family to live healthier and happier lives.
Nearly 100 hours of volunteering completed to support young people with mock interviews and CV development through charity Springboard
Mentoring young people in partnership with charity MCR Pathways, as well as supporting the work of Stop Hunger charity partners FareShare and SSAFA – The Armed Forces Charity.
Sodexo Live! and Preston North End celebrate a successful year of partnership #
Sodexo Live! is delighted to celebrate a significant milestone: one year of a successful partnership with Preston North End, during which revenue significantly increased from the previous year.
In August 2023, Sodexo Live! became the official catering partner at Preston North End’s stadium, Deepdale, taking over the catering operations, including hospitality in the lounges and boxes, and on the concourses on matchdays.
A year into this long-term partnership, Deepdale has undergone a remarkable transformation under the guidance of Sodexo Live!
A major focus has been on enhancing the non-matchday experience at Deepdale. The launch of the North End Events brand, complete with dedicated web pages and social media channels, has positioned Deepdale as a premier venue for a wide range of events. This strategic move has resulted in over 200 event bookings, more than doubling the revenue in that area from the previous year.
Sodexo Live! has also helped to reimagine Deepdale's spaces to accommodate a diverse range of events. The inaugural Whites Wonderland festive event attracted over 3,000 visitors, fostering community spirit, and generating substantial revenue. This event showcased the Fan Zone, Gentry Bar, and outside space, providing an excellent opportunity for the retail team to boost sales outside matchdays.
To further strengthen the club's presence in the community, Sodexo Live! colleagues actively engaged with local businesses through partnerships, networking events, and hosting prestigious events like the Be Inspired Business Awards. The team has also tapped into the wedding market, hosting successful fayres and photoshoots that showcase the stadium's unique charm and versatility.
Another key focus for Sodexo Live! entering the partnership was understanding the needs of the club and fans. Before implementing changes, an initial fan forum identified areas where fans wanted improvements. Armed with this information, Sodexo Live! planned investments to address these requests, resulting in a new integrated till system, 180 new beer lines, and new cellar cooling systems allowing for the sale of more premium beers.
There was also a strategic shift with the food offering, with Sodexo Live! using local suppliers such as Clayton Park pies and creating bespoke Preston North End FC branded sweets, alongside new and varied food and drink options. New retail offerings include local fan favourites such as pie, mash, peas, and gravy, and rotating specials like brisket burgers and Korean BBQ chicken waffle cones. These on-trend options provide fans with more variety and enhance their experience on matchdays.
As an inclusive club, there is always a halal option to accommodate the needs of the local fan demographic. Sustainability initiatives include the use of compostable cups throughout the stadium and a collaboration with The Devil’s Kitchen which introduced a low-carbon, plant-forward shiitake mushroom burger for Green Football Weekend.
Over the next year, Sodexo Live! will continue to innovate and evolve and is currently redeveloping Deepdale's menus, sales packages, and marketing materials to ensure they exceed customer expectations and remain at the forefront of the events industry.
Claire Morris, CEO at Sodexo Live! UK and Ireland said: “Exceeding our client’s expectations is always our goal, and we are thrilled with the success and progress we’ve achieved with Preston North End. With a deep understanding of our audience and a passion for creating unforgettable experiences, we are confident that Deepdale's future is brighter than ever.”
Kevin Abbott, Finance Director at Preston North End, added: “On moving our catering operations to Sodexo Live! we saw an instant investment in the concourse facilities to improve the product offering and speed of service to our supporters on matchdays. The hospitality product offering was also overhauled, and the levels of service and presentation have been excellent. Non-matchday revenues have grown and we have been impressed with the quality, dedication, and work ethic of the local management team who have been assigned to us. The early signs are extremely positive, and we look forward to our future working relationship with optimism.”
A Creed Christmas – The Classics, Reimagined #
This Christmas Creed Foodservice is taking a look at the most popular consumer trends from 2024 and analysing insights to bring the very best festive range to tables across the UK. Set to be a ‘no rules’ Christmas again, firm festive favourites crossed with global flavours are being showcased. With consumers continuing to feel the pinch, more affordable and ready-to-use options are being brought to the fore, which keep staff time down, whilst still delivering that little bit of magic!
It's been estimated that 75% of consumers are very value-led when dining out at Christmas – looking for options that are purse friendly whilst still bringing the WOW factor. More so than ever giving your guests an experience that they couldn’t get at home is top of Santa’s list.
Creed Insights Manager, Anna Clapson, comments on this year’s range: “We are re-imagining the classics with varied global flavours and premium ingredients being combined. We’ll see more planet-friendly choices being prioritised, from seasonal and reusable ingredients to recyclable packaging. We can’t forget that consumers are still feeling the impact of the cost of living and need to keep this in mind with solutions that are cost effective, yet which still deliver an unforgettable experience. One thing is for certain, the joy of food and drink will be leading the way.”
Conviviality around the table
Communal, sharing dishes which bring a sense of conviviality are great for both small and large groups, allowing them to pick lots of smaller plates and snack-style dishes to pass around. Creed’s Kitchen ’72 pre-marinated chicken wings always hit the spot, and can be topped with herbs and sesame seeds for added theatre. Bubble prawns and panko torpedo prawns – both still with tails on – bring an air of decadence particularly when paired with a Kitchen ’72 Indian Sweet Chilli dipping sauce on the side of a sizzling plate. Whilst mini masala empanadas, chicken tom kha kai croquettes, pesto cheese risotto balls and
taquitos are a handful of fun to share around.
Not forgetting the vegans and vegetarians, mini vegan Kiev bites with a side of punchy garlic mayo are the perfect pairing, and beetroot falafel provide a hit of colour to the table. For those looking for the classic Christmas pastry-fix, mini tartlets and quiches which can simply be warmed through will hit the mark.
This year Creed is also championing premium soups for starters as they can be cost effective when bought-in, with the holiday magic coming from the toppings, many of which can use up food that might otherwise go to waste. Think handmade deep-fried crusty sourdough croutons using up bread that’s past its best, a sprinkling of micro herbs, or perhaps even a lavish swirl of double cream to bring a feeling of luxury. Creed’s chefs have even been whipping up crunchy blackened leek crumb combining the discarded tougher parts of the vegetable and icing sugar – a stunning and food-waste friendly touch.
Classic dishes with reimagined twists
Keeping some main dishes classic, but with reimagined twists are bound to appeal to many diners looking for a sense of nostalgia. Creed’s in-house butchery can supply a range of meat for your diners, from classic English boneless turkey lobes for easy carving, through to the very best pigs in blankets and whole gammon joints. This year’s must-have for those that are looking to push the boat out is a whole rib of beef on the bone which has Red Tractor Assured status and is sourced from West Country farms.
Operators may also want to consider a fancy fish dish as a centre-piece this year, and the new boneless and skinless Korean sole fillets come with a spicy Korean crumb – ideal served on a bed of rice or noodles for a different take on a Christmas special.
Burgers loaded with festive toppings are hugely popular around the holiday period, and are a cost-effective option for diners. Double up on a pork sausage meat patty and a Red Tractor Assured 4oz steak burger before loading up with slices of brie and lashings of cranberry sauce for the ultimate festive stack.
With 67% of consumers now referring to themselves as ‘extremely sustainability conscious’[2] and with 34% reducing their overall meat intake[3], be sure to include some plant-based dishes that are far from second best. Vegan sweet potato, chestnut and cranberry loaf is a great alternative to roasted meat on a traditional Christmas dinner plate. It comes with crunchy nuts and seeds for that extra bite. Spread a bright beetroot and horseradish hummus on the plate first for eye-catching presentation and finish with a smattering of herbs.
Showstopper sides
Sides, step up! No longer waiting in the wings and set to be as impressive as the main event, this is the opportunity to really add value and show your customers what your menus are made of, with very little additional cost. Bejewel your British Brussel sprouts from Creed’s fresh produce range with cranberries and crushed nuts, or adding stilton to your cauliflower cheese for a festive take on the classic. Going above and beyond with these dishes will give your guests a meal to remember.
Decadent desserts and drinks
For those operators looking to serve up something sweet, there’s a fantastic range of Christmas desserts and cakes to enjoy. From individual Christmas pudding cheesecakes delivering nostalgia with a twist, through to a selection of festive pop dots which now come in Christmas tree and star shapes. Set to be popular this year are easily-servable square sponge puddings, which each come with a sauce that can be heated – sticky toffee will satisfy those looking for something classic, whilst the lime and berry variety brings a more contemporary take on a sponge dessert.
Finally, forget not the tipples. Allow your customers to sip on something special such as warm raspberry kombucha served mulled with fresh berries and spices for a perfect non-alcoholic option, or a handmade black forest gâteau hot chocolate featuring dark hot chocolate powder and cherry syrup which can be spiked with your customers’ favourite Christmas spirit for an extra kick!
Creed’s full Christmas range will be available to order from late September 2024. For more festive dish ideas, download Creed’s Christmas Brochure by visiting bit.ly/creedchristmasbrochure.
UK pubs and bars market to reach £23.6 billion in 2024 despite cost pressure and closures #
The UK pub and bar market is set to grow by +1.7% in 2024, reaching a value of £23.6 billion, according to the latest Lumina Intelligence UK Pub and Bar Market Report 2024. Growth is lagging the total eating out market’s projected growth rate of +2.8%. Higher staff costs and poor weather are mitigating improvements in household finances and economic conditions, presenting a mixed performance outlook for the sector.
The report highlights a disparity within the market, with managed operators outperforming expectations. Managed pubs and bars are anticipated to see turnover growth of +2.4%, boosting their market value share to 51% from 25% of sites in 2024. The broader pub market faces notable challenges. The total sector is projected to experience the net closure of six pubs every week in 2024, an outlet decline rate of -0.8%, with the total number of sites expected to fall to 41,729. Key factors contributing to these closures include rising business rates, alcohol duty and staff costs, which are rendering many sites unviable.
Consumer behaviour is evolving, with core dinner and drink-only occasions driving pub visits in 2024. Quality-led experiences are in demand, as consumers choose pubs for weekend dinners and social gatherings, favouring independent and high-quality venues. Within the alcohol sector, there is a noticeable trend of consumers purchasing fewer drinks per visit but opting for more premium options, prioritising quality over quantity.
The frequency of pub visits is declining, down by -1.7% year-on-year, reflecting broader lifestyle changes and health trends, including reduced alcohol consumption. Leading operators are addressing these shifts by attracting younger visitors through innovative 'zoning' strategies. This approach involves utilising different areas of venues for various mission types, incorporating technology, and creating differentiated offers to enhance the customer experience.
Looking ahead, economic stability is expected to support a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of +1.9% from 2024 to 2027, with the market value projected to reach £24.9 billion. Operators are likely to focus on growth levers including premium experiences, accommodation, and zoning to create versatile spaces catering to diverse occasions. The changing lifestyle patterns, including reduced commuting, are driving renewed attention towards suburban sites.
The Lumina Intelligence Pubs & Bars Market Report 2024 is a must-have review of the UK pub & bar market. Including market sizing and forecasts to 2027, up-to-date consumer behaviour insight and analysis of the current pub & bars competitive landscape, this report is a holistic source of intelligence on this channel for suppliers, operators, service providers and investors alike.