NEWS
The industry braces itself for new legislation, sustainability initiatives take centre stage and some tasty products look to make their mark on foodservice.
Hospitality confidence in the balance The confidence of Britain’s hospitality leaders has fallen for the fifth quarter in a row as pressure mounts on operating costs, CGA by NIQ’s latest Business Confidence Survey shows. The exclusive poll reveals only a third (33%) of leaders feel confident about prospects for their business over the next 12 months – eight percentage points down from October’s 41%. Optimism is at its lowest point since late 2022. Confidence is more fragile amongst independent operators at just 12%. Only 14% of all leaders feel optimistic about the future of hospitality in general over the next year – six percentage points down quarter-on-quarter and barely a third of the level of 41% in January 2024. This is despite solid trading
for many hospitality groups over Christmas, stability in venue numbers and an easing of inflation. More than four-fifths of leaders say their fourth quarter trading was either ahead (43%) or level (40%) year-on-year. But only 31% had increased profits, while 29% said they had dropped. Profitability has been eroded by fast-rising labour costs. Nearly half (47%) of leaders say wage costs have significantly increased in the past 12 months, with another 52% saying they had increased. High numbers report at least some increases in the cost of food and drink (79%), energy (57%) and rent (39%). This strain is set to worsen from April, with extra labour costs. More than four in five (84%) leaders say the reduction in National Insurance contribution thresholds will have
a very negative impact. Well over half will be very negatively affected by increases to NIC rates (62%) and increases to the National Minimum Wage (53%). Well over half of leaders say it will force them to cancel investment (64%), reduce staff levels (59%) and reduce employee benefits (57%). Karl Chessell, CGA by NIQ’s director - hospitality operators and food, EMEA, said: “Confidence is being hard hit by a relentless squeeze on margins. Entrepreneurs and smaller businesses are particularly vulnerable.”
Plant-based trademark for Phat Pasty Company
The Phat Pasty Company is the first pasty company to get products accredited with the Vegetarian Society’s Plant-Based Trademark. Having launched a vegan, plantbased pasty over six years ago, its vegetarian and vegan options now comprise 50% of the range. The selection includes the Peppered Steak-Less Pasty, which was the first-ever vegan pasty to win ‘Best
Savoury Pasty’ at the 2022 World Pasty Championships. Paul Clark, phat controller at the Phat Pasty Company, said: “We have forged the way in growth of vegan products. Our Keralan Cauliflower, Chickpea & Onion Bhaji Pasty was the first plant-based pasty to launch to market and is a best-seller. We’re incredibly proud to break new ground.” The Phat Pasty Company provides hand-made products across the UK to both large and small foodservice operations. Found in cafés, restaurants, theme parks and other large catering locations, it supplies some of the largest foodservice wholesalers. Deirdra Barr at the Vegetarian Society, said: “We are excited to see the Plant-Based Trademark getting onto a full range of pasties, pies and
savouries. Phat’s Peppered Steak-Less Pasty, Keralan Cauliflower & Onion Bhaji Pasty, Butternut Squash, Spinach and Vegan Feta Pasty and Spinach Balti Pies are some of the amazing products which will be accredited with the Plant-Based Trademark. “Developments see customers looking for different terminology. ‘Plant-Based’ is a term which resonates with them and manufacturers too. The Plant-Based Trademark offers checking and registration services for products which meet the criteria and companies who would like to use plant-based terminology, backed up by our trusted third-party certification to give customers the confidence to make informed purchases.” Check out phatpasty.com.
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06/03/2025 16:57