Today’s news in brief – 30/04/24

Foodservice price inflation has fallen below 10% for the first time in two years, according to data from CGA. This comes after a 1.4% decline in foodservice price inflation in March, the largest month-on-month decline ever recorded by the Foodservice Price Index. Inflationary pressures have also been relieved by an easing in UK wage costs, where real-terms growth fell to 2.9% in February. 

Punch Pubs and Co has acquired the Milton 3 portfolio, adding 24 pubs to the Burton-based, independent pub company’s 1,300-strong portfolio. The pubs are located in the North East and Yorkshire, including The Black Bull in Morpeth, The Cross Keys in Washington, and The New Inn in Wetherby.

St Austell Brewery has signed a three-year deal with Rick Stein, to supply its beer in its locations. This comes as the two Cornwall-born businesses have had close working relationships for many years. Korev, St Austell Brewery’s flagship lager, will be on draught at eight of the 11 Rick Stein sites across the UK, including in Padstow, London and Winchester.

Greene King Pub Partners has opened its 50th Hive Pub, The Robert Kett in Wymondham, Norfolk. Earlier this year, Greene King Pub Partners announced the launch of its second franchise concept, Nest Pubs, a more wet-led franchise pub offer – the first site of which launched earlier this year.