MONEY MATTERS
Burgers Revealed as UK’s Favourite Takeaway But Brexit Could Spell Trouble Foodhub data reveals UK could be in for a burger shortage this autumn
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New data from takeaway delivery platform Foodhub
to get enough chicken to match demand – showing even the
has revealed that the humble burger has seen off
biggest operators in the industry can be struck down.
traditional favourites, Chinese, Indian and pizza, to
be named the UK’s favourite order. The online food delivery company has revealed almost half (49%) of their orders in 2020 were in the burger category
As things stand, takeaway owners are having to shell out even more on their stock to satisfy their customers – but they have warned increased outgoings cannot go on forever. Ardian Mula, Foodhub’s CEO said: “We understand and
and that the same option has so far accounted for
appreciate how important burgers are to the
45% of purchases in 2021.
industry, which is why we are so concerned by these
However, the news signals a concern to thousands
reports.
of takeaway owners across the country, who are
“It’s a troubling situation for customers and
worried they will not be able to cope with demand due to
business owners alike, with some in the unenviable position
supply issues and the rising costs of ingredients.
of having to pay more for ingredients or removing burgers
Traders say that following the UK’s departure from the EU
from their menu.
on 31st January 2021, the prices of flour, chips, chicken,
“We hope to see this issue resolved as soon as possible.”
cheese and other ingredients have sky-rocketed, which has
Phil Adams, who runs multiple takeaways in Stoke-On-Trent
left takeaway bosses begging the question, what’s a burger
including Burger Bite, said: “Burgers are an integral part of
without cheese and fries?
our business model, in fact they are one of the most popular
In light of Foodhub’s recent findings and the realisation that
items we offer across our entire portfolio of takeaways.
burgers have become crucial to the industry, the issue of
“Sales have been shooting up over the past 18 months or so,
rising costs is especially concerning.
with orders flying in for traditional offerings as well as vegan
Many are fearful the development and supply issues could
and vegetarian options.
result in a burger shortage this autumn, which would signal a
“It’s really exciting to see this development, but now we are
crushing blow to industry.
concerned with the prices, which we can clearly see are going
Business owners say they are usually given notice about
up and up.
industry-wide price increases, but the uncertainty of a deal/
“Since leaving the EU the cost and availability of key
no deal Brexit put a huge level of anxiety on businesses, and
ingredients has changed drastically. If we don’t get this under
before they knew it – the prices of their essential items had
control there is every chance we could see a burger famine
increased.
later this year.”
Now they don’t know whether they will be able to continue offering the fan-favourite dish. Their concerns were increased further last month when Nando’s shut around 50 restaurants because they were unable
Phil added: “The main problem was the lack of information we had prior to this, as it just made forward planning impossible. “Now we are left in a position where we don’t know what we will do going forward.”
JJ Foodservice Appoints 11 Mental Health First Aiders
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J Foodservice has invested in training eleven members
– there’s a qualified person nearby who is willing to listen
of staff across ten branches to become qualified Mental
and help.”
Health First Aiders. The move is part of its investment into supporting and promoting the wellbeing of staff. Jaz Sandhu, Learning & Development Manager at JJ said, “It’s been a tough year and our team have worked incredibly heard through unprecedented circumstances. “We want everyone to know that if they ever need to talk 54
Fastfood Professional • October and November 2021
In addition to the Mental Health First Aiders, JJ offers an Employee Assistance Programme, which is a free, confidential
telephone
support
service,
which
gives
employees access to counsellors and advisors 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. Staff can use the service any time for support with emotional, medical, legal and financial issues. October and November 2021 • Fastfood Professional
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