Innovation
We cover the ideas, technologies, and operational changes driving innovation across the UK foodservice sector. From kitchen automation and AI-driven ordering to new menu formats, digital loyalty schemes, sustainable packaging, and service model evolution, this brings together the developments transforming how restaurants, pubs, bars, cafés, and catering firms do business. Whether you’re looking to boost efficiency, improve guest experience, or stay competitive, we report on practical innovations with real-world application, curated for chefs, operators, F&B executives, and hospitality leaders shaping the future of service.
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Dec- 2020 -3 DecemberCatering Companies
Compass names Matt Thomas as MD for RA Group
Compass Group UK and Ireland has announced the appointment of Matt Thomas to its executive team as MD of RA Group on 4 January 2021. RA Group is a collection of specialist food and guest services companies and includes Restaurant Associates, Rapport, RA Venues and commercial restaurant partnerships including City…
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Nov- 2020 -25 NovemberBusiness
Restaurant Brands Collective to offer bespoke franchise service
Restaurant Brands Collective, a new company offering franchise food brands for virtual delivery or dine-in, has been launched by a team of food development, operations, and franchising experts. The company aims to offer individual franchise solutions, in a bid to help multi and single site hospitality businesses use a range…
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13 NovemberComment
How Covid-19 has changed the progression of FoodTech
No industry has escaped the wrath of COVID-19, but the hospitality sector has arguably faced the brunt of the virus’ shockwaves. If we are to focus on the silver lining, however, it is that cafés, bars and restaurants alike have been able to demonstrate their remarkable ingenuity as they…
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12 NovemberFood and Drink
Casual Dining show postponed until September 2021
The Casual Dining trade show, which was set to take place in March next year, has been postponed amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and government restrictions. The event, which is dedicated to the casual dining sector, will now take place between 23-24 September 2021 at ExCeL London, its organiser Diversified…
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9 NovemberCoronavirus
Pfizer reveals Covid-19 vaccine candidate is 90% effective
A successful Covid-19 vaccine is a step closer after Pfizer/Biontech revealed its vaccine candidate is 90% effective, according to its first interim analysis. The findings, which are well above the 50% effectiveness for a vaccine to be approved, comes following a clinical trial which involved over 43,000 people. Some 42%…
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6 NovemberFood and Drink
Papa John’s revenues surge 17% in Q3
Papa John’s has announced that total group revenue increased 17.1% to $472m (£360.4m) in the third quarter ended 27 September, compared with $403m (£307.6m) in 2019. Pre-tax income rose to $20.8m (£15.9m) in Q3 from $678,000 (£516,324) last year, attributed to an increase in demand during the global pandemic. In…
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Oct- 2020 -30 OctoberCoronavirus
Hospitality sales drop by 48% in Q3
Hospitality sales in the UK have dropped by 48% in the third quarter, according to trade association UKHospitality and market analyst CGA. Sales for the year totalled £80.3bn, which is £53.2bn less than the £133.5bn that the sector contributed to the UK economy in 2019. This seismic drop in sales…
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29 OctoberCafes and Coffee Shops
WSH acquires Bartlett Mitchell
Westbury Street Holdings (WSH), has announced the acquisition of catering company Bartlett Mitchell for an undisclosed sum. Bartlett Mitchell, founded in 2000 by Wendy Bartlett and Ian Mitchell, offers food services to a variety of clients across the UK. Bartlett said: “Our clients will gain from our combined resources. With…
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27 OctoberComment
Creativity and innovation: Catering large events in a post-Covid world
We don’t yet know when large events will return with people in attendance, but while the finer details remain to be seen we can perhaps rely on a few assumptions. We know that timescales are likely to be cautious, rather than rushed. We know that any return of service will…
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23 OctoberFood and Drink
Burger King announces new reusable packaging plan
Burger King has announced its new reusable packaging model that aims to help cut down the company’s packaging waste. The new packaging starting in 2021 is said to feature a collection system in the participating restaurants. Guests will be able to return their food packaging so it can be safely…
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