Catering@Booker Issue 11 - September 2023

CATERING @ BOOKER

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HIGHLIGHTS l CONTENTS

18

Rodger Molyneux, The CryerArts Centre, Carshalton

“In addition to people coming in for shows, we have a strong regular clientele who come in for lunch or coffee and a light snack two or three times a week so it’s important to keep the menu fresh and exciting for them.”

28

Emma Stevens, The FatCap Smokehouse Restaurant and Bar, Bedford

“We visited the Booker Catering Show last year specifically to explore all the meat propositions available through Booker and we were really impressed, especially with the butchery and cookery demonstrations.”

COVER SHOT

50

14

Martyn Hartshorne, Category Manager Fresh Produce, Booker

“We select and source products from the best suppliers in the industry and we work really hard with those suppliers to ensure that quality, value and freshness are always at their best.”

Hermann Beck recounts the dazzling transformation of the Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria in Sheffield

CATERING@BOOKER SHARE YOUR NEWS If you've got news, tips or feature ideas, get in touch with Catering@Booker Email:Catering@booker.co.uk DISCLAIMER All rights reserved. Prices and information are correct at time of going to press, but may be subject to change.

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SEPTEMBER 2023

CONTENTS

34

23 BOOKER CATERING SHOW

60

NEWS

officially the UK’s favourite dish and

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Booker has everything you need.

Booker Catering Show Hundreds of exclusive deals available.

9

11 13

Sales up 6.7% YOY Latest

PRICE

UKHospitality report shows the

46

has extended locked down pricing

Licensing laws more flexibility

on a range of key products until

needed around major events.

October.

Jobs Vacancies continue to fall.

PROF I LES 14

S ERV ICE 55

Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria truly dazzling experience.

18

Booker Clubs Booker’s Fast Food and On Trade Clubs offer no-strings-

Sheffield hotel offers its guests a

Over 4,000 Booker customers are

Price Lockdown Extensions Booker

sector continues to grow.

attached discounted pricing.

60

Cakes & Bakes Sweet and savoury

Cryer Arts Centre Food and drink

cakes, bakes and snacks are in

play a critical role at Carshalton arts

growth.

venue.

set to descend on Silverstone on 27

Park Café Northampton café

REGULARS

Show 2023. With free parking, more than

leverages its unique setting to

50

200 exhibitors and a day packed full of

maximum effect.

23

September for the Booker Catering

Category Manager Martyn Hartshorne.

demonstrations, tastings and literally hundreds of exclusive Show deals, it’s

F EATURES

set to be a highlight of this year’s

28

calendar once again. Don’t miss out!

28

Silverstone Preview A full preview

65

Range Review Fast serves, fast profits with Ready To Drink solutions.

of the Booker Catering Show 2023, a must-visit event.

34

SEPTEMBER 2023

Meet The Team Fresh Produce

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BOOKER NEWS

BOOKERNEWS NEWS, ACHIEVEMENTS AND OPINIONS FROM ACROSS BOOKER

DON’T MISS THE BOOKER CATERING SHOW 2023!

The Booker Catering Trade Show returns with over 200 exhibitors and hundreds of exclusive Show deals – so don’t miss out.

The annual Booker Catering Trade Show is back on 27 September and is set to once again be a major highlight of the annual industry calendar.

Thousands of Booker catering customers are expected to attend with more than 200 suppliers booked to exhibit at the event across all major food, drink and non-food product categories.

As always, there will be hundreds of exclusive deals available to attendees as well as a host of entertainment, sampling, demos and more across five separate halls and an open-air street food zone.

The Show will include everything from food and drink tastings and master butcher

WHY ATTEND?

demonstrations to a chef’s stage featuring

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Free parking

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Iconic views

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4,000+ attendees

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200+ exhibitors

guest chefs throughout the day.

New Zones have been added this year There will also be the chance for attendees to

including a dedicated Christmas Zone, an own-

have a go on a Formula 1 simulator, the kind

brand showcase and a Dessert Station, while

used by Formula 1 drivers in training. Whoever

Hall 5 will once again host drinks producers

l

Five Halls

sets the fastest lap time will win a full track day

with a huge array of branded and own-brand

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Hundreds of exclusive

at Silverstone.

products available for sampling.

deals l

Open-air street food zone

What are you doing different to stand out in your local market?

Share it with us and your fellow Booker colleagues at catering@booker.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2023

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Sampling and demos

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Win a track day

7

INDUSTRY NEWS

SHORT-TERM VISA PLAN The UK government is considering a short-term visa plan to help the hospitality industry in recruiting staff.

The deal would allow people aged 18-30 from a select list of countries to apply for a visa that would let them work in the UK for two years without the needs for sponsors or salary thresholds.

While the number of job vacancies has fallen significantly since its peak, trade body UKHospitality says vacancies are still 48% higher than prepandemic levels.

If you have any news or views you would like to share, we want to hear from you: catering@booker.co.uk

BAR, CLUB AND PUB SPEND ‘KEEPS GROWING’

The latest data from Barclaycard shows that spend in pubs and bars rose by 8.4% in June and 7.6% in July, the biggest monthly increases since January this year.

The resurgence of the hospitality industry appears to be continuing as the latest data from Barclaycard reveals that consumer spend in bars, pubs and clubs and other hospitality venues increased by 8.4% in June and 7.6% in July, the biggest monthly increases since January. Similarly, takeaways saw sales rise by 9.2% in July.

The growth is attributed to the warm weather, rising beer and alcohol prices, Father’s Day

Esme Harwood, Director at Barclays, said:

celebrations, and respite from industrial action

“June saw British consumers get into the

in the transport sector.

swing of summer, bringing a welcome boost to several sun-starved categories, with pubs

While many consumers remain concerned

and bars benefitting from customers soaking

about their budgets being squeezed, total

up the sunshine in beer gardens. July saw

consumer card spending grew 5.4% year-on-

wetter weather but was a ray of sunshine for

year, a significant increase on the previous

takeaways.”

month’s figure of 3.6%.

GOVERNMENT URGED TO KEEP OFFERING RATES RELIEF Trade body UKHospitality has strongly urged the Government to continue offering rates relief to hospitality businesses beyond next April when the current scheme is scheduled to end.

The Sunday Times has calculated that restaurants, pubs, bars and hotels could face a £630m bill when current rate relief ends, while UKHospitality says that an additional £200m of costs could arise through inflation.

Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, commented: “We need to see urgent action from government to avoid these upcoming bills with firm commitments that there will be no inflationary increase to the total sum of business rates, and that business rates relief will continue for hospitality businesses.”

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SEPTEMBER 2023

INDUSTRY NEWS

SALES RISE 6.7% IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS, SAYS UK HOSPITALITY REPORT The latest UKHospitality Quarterly Sales Tracker has found that hospitality turnover was up 6.7% in the last year to £137bn.

INBRIEF WORLD CUP FINAL DROVE SALES England reaching the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup final saw hospitality venues enjoy sales increases of up to 28%, according to the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA).

In spite of the Lionesses falling just short of glory, the tournament saw the hospitality industry benefit from increased spend even with restrictions on opening hours.

BBPA has urged the Government to amend the Licensing Act 2003 to

Sales in the UK hospitality sector grew by

across the board.

reflect the need for widescale licensing changes for

6.7% over the last 12 months according to the latest UKHospitality Quarterly Sales Tracker in

“Persistently high costs of energy mean the task

association with CGA.

of keeping up with inflation is getting harder. It

important events like this.

has been clear for a long time that these rising Total sales for the sector rose to £137bn which

costs need to be tackled at source to properly

means that they were 2.3% up on pre-pandemic

bring down inflation.”

sales.

Nicholls said the “double whammy” removal of Inflation has played a part in that growth and

business rates relief and an inflation-linked rise

remains a key challenge for the sector and the

to rates is something that the government must

wider UK economy, says UKHospitality Chief

address to support the sector.

Executive Kate Nicholls.

She commented: “That needs to be avoided She commented: “Demand is good and sales

at all costs, with a commitment to maintaining

are strong but the rate of inflation means it’s

relief and avoiding an inflation-linked rise, to

difficult for venues to keep up with the cost of

give the sector a fighting chance of keeping up

doing business. These figures illustrate precisely

with inflation.”

the challenge facing hospitality businesses

SEPTEMBER 2023

9

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BOOKER NEWS

TRADE CALLS FOR MORE FLEXIBILITY AROUND MAJOR EVENTS UK pubs and hospitality venues are calling on the UK government to adopt a more flexible approach to licensing laws around major national events like the recent Women’s World Cup final.

INBRIEF CUSTOMERS TO ‘SPEND MORE, DRINK LESS’ A new report from Heineken UK has found that customers are planning to ensure they get value for money

The UK’s hospitality industry is making formal

of Lords, something which is impossible to

by spending more but

representations to the UK Government to

achieve quickly – particularly when Parliament

drinking less per visit.

encourage it to take a more flexible approach

is in recess, as it was during the WWC final.

Some 34% of respondents

to licensing laws during high-profile national

The only remaining option was for Councils to

said they expected to go

events, such as the recent Women’s World Cup

fast-track applications for temporary notices by

to the pub less often but

final.

individual hospitality outlets.

will opt for a higher value or perceived higher value

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA)

BBPA Chief Executive Emma McClarkin said:

product when they do go.

has described the current rules as “far too

“Despite the government’s valuable work

Many are doing so

prescriptive” when it came to one-off events of

encouraging local authorities to support pubs

through trade-up options

national interest. During the Women’s World

on the WWC Final day, we now need the law

with world and premium

Cup (WWC) final, for example, many pubs could

to reflect the reality that strict, prescriptive

lagers remaining key

not begin serving alcohol until the second half

licensing cannot easily flex when key events are

of the game, despite the fact it was the first

taking place while Parliament is not sitting.

time a British team had reached a World Cup final since 1966.

“The Licensing Act 2003 was never intended to be so inflexible as to stand in the way of

Under current licensing laws, making temporary

communities coming together to enjoy a

blanket amendments requires approval by

beer and celebrate one-off events of national

both the House of Commons and the House

interest”.

TAKEAWAY BEERS EXTENDED Following a consultation with industry leaders and alcohol licence holders, the Government has announced an extension to the current alcohol licensing laws, brought in during Covid. The announcement means venues without an off-premise alcohol licence will still be able to sell takeaway alcohol within their normal alcohol licence.

The government said “it would continue to look for a permanent solution to best support local pubs and bars” and the extension will now carry on until March 2025.

SEPTEMBER 2023

drivers of category growth. World lager sales grew 27% during 2022, up from 21% in 2021, and one in three pints served in the on-trade are premium lagers.

BOOKER NEWS

FUTURE LIES IN ‘EVOLVING THE EXPERIENCE’ A new report from Barclays unveils the latest trends in consumer behaviour in the hospitality sector and offers advice to business on how to differentiate from the competition and deliver value for money.

INBRIEF

VACANCIES FALL AGAIN New figures from the Office for National Statistics show that job vacancies in food service and accommodation fell for the fourth month in a row in July, to 127,000.

UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls commented: “It’s positive that vacancies in hospitality have fallen for the fourth consecutive

Barclays Corporate Banking has published a

may be higher, but the experience must be a

month but levels are still

new report that aims to take stock of the UK

five-star one they’ll remember.

significantly higher than

that restaurants, pubs, bars and clubs can both

“Businesses are responding to the ‘flight to

“Significant investment

differentiate themselves from the competition

quality’ by upgrading and widening the range

to attract and develop

and deliver value for money to their customers.

of activities they offer. Across the UK, I see

hospitality industry today and suggest ways

operators using their ingenuity to provide the Entitled ‘Evolving The Experience,’ the

spectacular experiences people crave, at the

report ultimately concludes that “creating

best possible value.”

great experiences” is the way forward for the hospitality sector and finds that there is a “flight

The report highlights the huge growth of

to quality”. Average spend per head is up,

‘competitive socialising’ through everything

often by inflation-beating amounts, suggesting

from traditional activities like darts, pool and

that customers are visiting venues less often but

board games through to reimagined versions

spending more when they do.

of older activities like shuffleboard and even

pre-pandemic levels.

our own talent continues, through apprenticeships and training, but we urge the Government to open up new immigration routes to help the sector reach its potential.”

axe-throwing.

The report also found that almost half (48%) of businesses surveyed were planning some

Around a quarter of under-45s already take part

form of refit or upgrade, despite the economic

in these sorts of activities on a regular basis,

challenges.

says the report.

Philip Richardson, Industry Director – Hospitality

The evolution of working patterns is also

& Leisure at Barclays Corporate Banking,

recognised in the report, with many customers

commented: “Today’s consumers need

experiencing changed work routines, resulting

escapism more than ever. When they plan a

in shifting leisure habits.

night out or a break, they expect value: the cost

SEPTEMBER 2023

13

PROFILE l CROWNE PLAZA ROYAL VICTORIA, SHEFFIELD

CROWNING GLORY The Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria offers its guests a truly dazzling experience, which thanks to a strengthened relationship with Booker and Makro, now shines even brighter.

THE LOWDOWN

THE CROWNE PLAZA Venue Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria Location Victoria Station Road, Sheffield Managing Director Hermann Beck Time as a caterer 40 years Catering facilities Cunningham Restaurant, Veranda restaurant, Grand Lounge, cocktail bar, plus 14 meeting rooms including a 400 capacity ballroom.

Staff 150 Opening hours 24 hours

– a landmark building with a reputation to boot. Situated at the site of Sheffield’s historic Victoria train station, the hotel was widely considered one of the most luxurious in the UK when it was built in 1862 and even received a visit from King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1905.

Hermann and his business partner John Conroy bought the site in 2001 – making significant upgrades to the building and its facilities over the years while trading as a Holiday Inn. In 2019, a further investment of more than £3m saw the hotel upgraded to a Crowne

Ask hotelier Hermann Beck what he most loves about his long and

Plaza.

illustrious career in hospitality and he’ll tell you that it’s all about the service. For Hermann, who has risen to the upper echelons

The Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria of today offers guests an elegant

of the hospitality ranks since starting out as a hotel food and

fusion of grand Victorian architecture with cutting-edge facilities,

beverage manager back in 1982, service is everything. “I love

including a health club, business centre and 105 stylishly appointed

delivering excellent service, it’s what drives me and always has. I

bedrooms and suites.

also love people and I love doing a job well,” he tells Catering@ Booker.

A sumptuous array of different settings for eating and drinking has also rendered the hotel one of Sheffield’s premier venues

And he’s certainly been putting his passion for people and service

for events, celebrations, vacations and more. Guests can enjoy

to the very best use at the Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria in Sheffield

a skilful synthesis of classic and contemporary British cuisine in a

14

SEPTEMBER 2023

PROFILE l CROWNE PLAZA ROYAL VICTORIA, SHEFFIELD

TRENDWATCH THE CROWNE PLAZA ROYAL VICTORIA

Consistency and quality The Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria’s reputation for consistently high quality is what, Hermann says, has helped the hotel emerge from the pandemic so successfully. That consistency of quality is also what keeps on driving the hotel’s high levels of repeat business and new custom. “Emerging from the pandemic, people were looking for brands they could trust to deliver and that is exactly what we did and what we continue to do,” he says. “People know when they come to the Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria, they will be treated to a truly high-quality and memorable experience.”

variety of spaces, including its main ‘Cunningham’s Restaurant’.

dinners and weddings.

The Victorian dining room offers an atmosphere of ‘timeless

After a successful emergence from the challenging pandemic

elegance,’ while its ‘A La Carte’ menu offers classic starters such

years, Hermann says the hotel is “doing very well,” thanks to its

as ‘Maple-Glazed Pork Belly, Apple Puree, Apple Crisp and a

unwavering commitment to quality products and service. “Business

Cider Apple Sauce’ for £10. Main course options include ‘Roasted

today is very strong,” he says. “We probably have the busiest food

Lamb Rump, Pea Puree, Garlic Potato and Breaded Sweetbreads,

and beverage operation in the whole of Sheffield. It’s the quality of

finished with Capers and Anchovies’ for £24. Drinks and light

our offer that keeps those numbers up. We deliver exactly what you

meals can also be enjoyed in the Grand Lounge, which features a

would expect from a Crowne Plaza and more.

roaring fire in the winter months. There’s also a beautiful veranda, where tapas-style food is served between 2pm and 9pm.

“Food and beverage revenue accounts for around 60% of total revenue – more than the rooms revenue. The vast majority of

Guests eager to dine in the comfort of one of the 105 newly-

our food and beverage business is return business, with a large

refurbished bedrooms can also request 24-hour room service.

part accounted for by conferences, gala dinners and private

With 14 meeting rooms, the Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria also

celebrations such as birthdays and anniversaries. We hosted more

boats one of Sheffield’s busiest events businesses and is able to

than 500 private dinners in 2022.

accommodate gatherings from two to 400 people.

“What we offer is great quality products, expertly cooked and The largest of its event spaces is the spectacular Grade II listed

professionally served in a friendly and welcoming way. Our

Victorian Ballroom which can accommodate up to 400 guests,

customers love it and that’s why they keep coming back.”

making it a popular choice for large seminars, conferences, private

SEPTEMBER 2023

15

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PROFILE l CROWNE PLAZA ROYAL VICTORIA, SHEFFIELD

The hotel boasts three kitchens – the main restaurant kitchen, a banqueting kitchen and a production kitchen. “We also have a full complement of chefs, including our highly experienced Executive Chef,” he adds.

From a romantic dinner for two, to a wedding banquet for 200, Hermann and his team strive to ensure that every guest enjoys the same high-quality culinary experience – a feat which has become far easier in the last 18 months, since the hotel started buying a far larger share of its supplies from Makro in Sheffield. “Eighteen months ago, the supply chain was struggling,” Hermann recalls.

“We faced numerous supply challenges. Deliveries were unreliable – turning up late and with half the stock missing and hardly any attempt to remedy the situation. It was appalling. Something had to change. At the time we were only using Makro ad hoc and spending no more than £30,000 a year with them.

“We arranged a meeting between myself, our head chef, our Makro CDM Tracy Hartley-Gidley and the Makro Sheffield area manager Paul Stenhouse, who also brought the branch’s butchery manager with him. The Makro team laid out exactly what they could offer us in terms of range and service. They really impressed us and so we decided to give them a go and buy a much larger proportion of stock through them. Eighteen months on I can confidently say it was a fantastic decision. We now buy the majority of our store

HERMAN'S SPECIAL BOARD FLEXIBLE OPERATION Our kitchen teams tailor-make unique

menus for private functions to reflect personal tastes.

WARM AND WELCOMING We strive to offer all our guests a warm and welcoming service.

PRE-ORDER FOR SUCCESS

cupboard goods, as well as some meat and fresh produce through Makro and so far, it has been very positive.” Top-selling dishes on the Cunningham’s A La Carte Menu include a grilled Blackgate beef rump steak, served with a caramelised onion sauce, stuffed roasted onion and wild mushrooms for £28.

“Last year we bought all our Christmas stock through Booker and Makro, including our turkeys and Christmas puddings. We preordered everything in October and Makro delivered it on time exactly when we needed it. There was not one product shortage over the entire Christmas period – an excellent result which helped us to ensure that our busiest time of the year ran smoothly.

“Working with Makro is very easy,” Hermann adds. “It offers a hassle-free service. I have a direct line to everyone I need to speak

We always try to get our orders in early

to, and stock is delivered on time and as expected.

our Christmas stock for 2022 through

“What Makro offers is proper old-fashioned service, which is just

for key seasonal occasions. We ordered all Makro at the start of October.

how I like it! It’s the same type of trustworthy, quality service we also strive to offer our customers at The Crowne Plaza, so it’s a pretty perfect fit.”

SEPTEMBER 2023

17

PROFILE l CRYERARTS CENTRE, CARSHALTON

CENTRE STAGE

The CryerArts Centre offers its visitors a jolly good show and food and drink to match.

It’s Friday night in the South London town of Carshalton and the CryerArts Centre is positively thrumming with the sound of happy punters, enthusiastically polishing off meals and drinks before heading into the Theatre’s auditorium to sit back, relax and enjoy the show. Tomorrow night, the crowds will be back to enjoy an entertaining evening of live music, great food and quality drinks in the venue’s welcoming Spotlight Bar and Restaurant. The CryerArts Centre’s storming popularity is a far cry from just five years ago, when the iconic Victorian building had lain vacant for a number of years.

The venue’s lease was bought by a group of local entrepreneurs back in October 2018 with a view to transform its empty, echoey interior into a vibrant community hub and arts centre.

Leading the group was local businessman Rodger Molyneux, who also founded The Hope in Carshalton – an award-winning pub that has claimed CAMRA’s Greater London Pub of The Year accolade a staggering five times.

“We had a vision to bring this beautiful old building back to THE LOWDOWN

CRYERARTS CENTRE, CARSHALTON

life with the creation of a true community hub that would host theatre productions, comedy nights, music and provide space for numerous other creative activities,” Rodger explains.

“At its centre would also be a quality food and drink offer, served throughout the day and in the evenings.”

Venue The CryerArts Centre, Carshalton Format Theatre Bar and Restaurant with function room Kitchen open Mon-Sat 12-9pm, Sun 12-7pm Kitchen staff 6 Covers 48 in The Spotlight restaurant Caterer Rodger Molyneux

Rodger’s vision was finally brought to life at the start of 2020, following an extensive £160,000 refurbishment which saw the inside all but gutted to make way for a brand-new auditorium, dance studio, kitchen, and bar and restaurant.

Today, with lockdown restrictions now firmly in the past, the business is operating exactly as Rodger and his team had originally

18

SEPTEMBER 2023

PROFILE l CRYERARTS CENTRE, CARSHALTON

Rodger Molyneux

“It’s a great thing to close the doors after a busy Saturday night, knowing that you’ve sent a lot of people home very happy.” anticipated it would – its 140-seater auditorium offering a packed schedule of shows, events and performances.

Accompanying the broad menu of entertainment is an equally diverse, high-quality food and drink offer.

The CryerArts Centre boasts four key spaces for dining and drinking: ‘The Spotlight Bar and Restaurant,’ which offers 48 covers; ‘The Watercress Room,’ which can be booked for private functions and buffets for up to 60 people; ‘The Theatre Bar’ for pre and post theatre drinks; and ‘The Quad,’ a smart outdoor area with seating for around 50 that is covered by a tall marquee.

Visitors to The Quad can order drinks, coffees, snacks and food from the restaurant’s main menu and the venue also hosts regular BBQ events during the summer months. “Our food offer centres around quality, and fortunately we have an excellent chef and experienced team helping us to consistently deliver those high standards,” Rodger explains. “Food is a major profit centre for the venue and accounts for around a third of total revenue.

“Variety is important. The venue attracts a very broad mix of people of different ages, so our food needs to reflect that.”

Food and drinks are served throughout the day, with the CryerArts Centre attracting a brisk lunchtime trade as well as dinners and drinks before its evening performances. It also boasts a quality coffee offer – well frequented by local parents and carers. “We’re a popular hub for young parents and carers and some mornings we can have 12 pushchairs in the bar as groups meet for coffees and a snack,” Rodger explains.

“We buy Lavazza coffee beans from Booker and we have a topquality machine. I also invested in a silent grinder which customers really appreciate. It cost almost double the price of a regular grinder but it hardly makes any noise.

There’s nothing more

annoying for customers than trying to have a conversation over the deafening sound of a coffee grinder.”

19

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responsibly SolD

responsibly deVEloPED

We havE a raNgE oF

atTracT

frEE eNgage

bRAnDed pos To hElP you

Our responsibly made for kids logo will appear on all range boards and packs to help your customers find our products, helping you cater for all.

& sEll 1: Sources: Nielsen GB Total Cover 52 wks to 06/08/22

ScAn hErE fOr mO re infO oN rMfK, poinT oF sAlE and moRe!

1

PROFILE l CRYERARTS CENTRE, CARSHALTON

Customers can choose from a broad mix of snacks and light bites

results.

including paninis, which are all freshly made to order from a wide range of fillings from Booker, as well as a variety of ‘small plates’

“What’s especially lovely is that once a month we always receive at

and starters, including Nachos, Buffalo Chicken Wings, Chicken

least four or five emails of thanks from people who have enjoyed

Goujons, Halloumi Fries and Whitebait with house tartare sauce

our hospitality.

– all for under £8.

“It’s incredibly gratifying to receive those messages. This place Mains include classic dishes such as ‘Mac n Cheese,’ Gammon

clearly means a lot to people and I’m incredibly proud of everything

Steaks, and Chicken Milanese – which is served with a fried egg

we have achieved and especially proud of our crew.”

and a rocket and parmesan salad for £11.50.

There’s also a quality 8oz Rump Steak sourced from Booker, which is served with chips, peppercorn sauce and a roasted tomato for £12.50. Whatever the dish, quality is key and the CryerArts Centre sources just over 70% of all its stock from Booker.

The menu also changes regularly to keep the offer as fresh and interesting as possible, “In addition to people coming in for shows, we also have a strong regular clientele, who come in for lunch or coffee and a light snack two or three times a week so it’s important to keep the menu fresh and exciting for them,” Rodger explains.

“Friday and Saturday nights tend to be our busiest time of the week and the vast majority of people coming in for a show or event will come for a drink before, while around 35% will dine here first.

RODGER'S SPECIAL BOARD SPEEDY SERVICE

“For customers seeing a show, speed of service is of course key but thankfully we have a fantastic chef and well-oiled kitchen team,” he adds.

Rodger also chooses to visit his local Booker branch in Croydon up to three times a week.

“I love visiting the branch in person and chatting to my CDM and the Butchery Manager who I have a great relationship with,” he says. “He’s always on hand to show me standout products, new items or great deals.

Efficient preparation is the key to ensuring fast, quality service.

TAILORED TO TASTE Customisation is key. We let our

customers choose exactly what they want

to fill their paninis with, rather than having

set choices. We do get a few quirky requests but that’s ok!

“I often come back from the branch with extra products that were

GOLDEN GRIND

not originally on my shopping list and it’s always fun to challenge the chefs with those!”

Customers really appreciate our silent coffee grind

With the venue receiving a steady flow of positive feedback from its many visitors, it’s clear that customers are thrilled with the

SEPTEMBER 2023

SEPTEMBER 2023

21

Product Cod

e 28648

• Handmade in Yorkshire to a traditional Japanese recipe • Extra firm texture • Pre-pressed and ready for anything

Now available in Booker

MADE IN THE UK

PRO

PROFILE l THE PARK CAFE

PARK LIFE Tony Ansell’s thriving café in the heart of Abington Park continues to see lush growth.

Almost no caterer would describe their day job as a ‘walk in the park’ – but then Tony Ansell is no ordinary caterer.

And as the owner of the hugely successful Park Café nestled at the heart of Northampton’s lush and leafy Abington Park, for Tony, each day quite literally begins with one.

THE LOWDOWN

THE PARK CAFÉ Format Café Caterer Tony Ansell Location Abington Park, Northampton Opening hours 8am-6pm Covers 292

23

Tony, who began his career in catering at the tender age of just 17, when he purchased his first hotdog and burger van, is also a local councillor and presided as the Mayor of Northampton in 2018/19.

He purchased The Park Café when he was just 21 (by which age he had also grown his mobile burger empire to 20 vans) but as he explains, back then, it was “quite a small ramshackle place” and sold “nothing much more than cold drinks and Mars bars!”

The offer has certainly evolved since then – as has the size of the café and

SEPTEMBER 2023

its facilities, thanks to a significant extension and refit in 2016.

The Park Café now features 68 seats inside and 224 outside on its picturesque patio which offers sweeping views of the lawns, lakes and historic bandstand. “The location is simply fabulous,” Tony says, “and we have an offer to match. On warm and sunny days, The Park Café goes like the clappers!”

And it’s easy to see why.

Views aside, The Park Café offers its customers a large menu of classic family-friendly dishes which can be eaten on site or taken away. All food and drinks are prepared “with pride, to a restaurantquality standard and presented to look as good as they taste,” Tony explains.

Homemade soups, for example, are served in edible bread bowls, while fish and chips are enrobed in decorative newspaper and served with a silky home-made tartare sauce.

The café also offers its patrons a wide range of homemade sandwiches, prepared on ciabatta or a choice of sliced bread, featuring a selection of classic fillings such as tuna, coronation chicken and piri piri, all of which are sourced through Booker.

There’s also crispy salads plus traditional English breakfasts, including vegan options.

For customers after more indulgent meals, the Park Café also offers a range of ‘Gourmet Burgers’ including a steak burger and

TRENDWATCH THE PARK CAFE

a butterfly chicken burger.

Priced at £12.50, the top-selling steak burgers are made using premium-grade half-pound patties from Booker.

The link between sunshine and sales

Other top-sellers include jumbo sausage rolls and beef and vegetable pasties.

“Temperature can have a massive influence on sales,” says Tony. Sunny days are great but when it’s too hot some people will stay away as they don’t want to walk in the heat. The ideal temperature for us is 18 to 25 degrees and a blue sky.

That’s the perfect combination and shoppers will flock to us on those days. In the winter, if it’s not raining people will sit both inside and outside. Outside dining really took off during the pandemic and the trend has stuck with many people still choosing to eat outside even in the cooler months.”

Milkshakes, which are made using Italian ice cream also sourced through Booker, are another fast-seller, as is coffee, which is made using Booker’s premium Lichfields Fairtrade Gourmet Espresso Beans.

“Coffee is a really big business and all our milk for the coffees as well as the milkshakes comes from Booker too – we get through gallons and gallons of milk a month!” Tony adds.

24

SEPTEMBER 2023

PROFILE l THE PARK CAFE

The café also meets the needs of the park’s feathered and furry friends too – offering dog ice cream, bags of duck food and Squirrel nuts.

“I’ve been working with Booker since the very start of my career and over that time have developed such close bonds with the staff at my local branch,” Tony says.

“The vast majority of my stock now comes from Booker and, with the business constantly growing, I’ve just increased my spend limit to £20,000 a month,” he adds.

“We get three deliveries a week and, because weekends are so exceptionally busy, I still tend to visit the Northampton branch at least once a week too.

“I love going to the branch in person. I know everyone there, so to me it’s not work, it’s a day out and a lovely one at that!” he adds.

The same feeling of familiarity and conviviality radiates from The Park Café itself, with Tony having known many of its regulars for more than 30 years and in a number of cases having employed multiple generations of the same family.

“We really are like one big family and what’s lovely is that many local people feel that they are a part of that family too.

“This café means so much to local people, it’s evolved to become a real local hub for the community as well as a destination and popular meeting point for people from much further afield,” Tony adds.

With such a meaningful offer, Abingdon’s Park Café certainly looks set to unwrap even greater success over the years to come.

TONY’S SPECIAL BOARD QUALITY COUNTS From Bacon Butties to Butterflied

Chicken, quality is at the forefront

of everything we offer at the Park , Cafeé CLEAN AND CLEAR We pride ourselves on our high

standards and boast six consecutive 5 Star Food Hygiene Ratings.

ADDED EXTRAS We also offer a range of non-food items, such as The Park Café

branded reusable cups and footballs to add an extra dimention to our offer.

25

LONDONESSENCECO.COM

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FEATURE l BOOKER CATERING TRADE SHOW 2023

ENJOY A DAY OUT LIKE NO OTHER!

27TH SEPTEMBER for more information visit

EVENTDATA.UK/FORMS/ DEFAULTASPX?FORMREF= BCT93VISITOR

Thousands of customers are set to attend this year’s Booker Catering Trade Show at Silverstone for an action-packed day of insight, deals and inspiration.

28

SEPTEMBER 2022

FEATURE l BOOKER CATERING TRADE SHOW 2023

WIN A TRACK DAY! One of the highlights of this year’s Show is the Formula 1 simulator. Show attendees will have the chance to have a go on the simulator – the same kind of professional simulator used

by Formula 1 drivers in training – and whoever sets the fastest lap time will win a full track day at Silverstone!

MARTIN AYLWARD

The annual Booker Catering Trade Show

and even a steel band to help get everyone

has become a hotly anticipated highlight

into the party mood!

CHEF, UXBRIDGE MASONIC LODGE

of

the

annual

catering

and

hospitality

calendar, providing the industry with a unique

ON TRACK

opportunity to gather together, gain valuable

The Show will include everything from

“I’m the chef at a small Masonic Lodge near Hillingdon and have been a Booker customer for many years. I visit my local branch at least twice a week to buy a wide range of products for my menus, including meat, vegetables and many store cupboard essentials. It’s always a pleasure to see the products on display and talk to the different teams, especially the butchery team as I buy a lot of fresh meat through Booker.

insight, share their experiences with industry

food and drink tastings, master butcher

colleagues and, of course, take advantage of

demonstrations and a chef’s stage featuring

literally hundreds of exclusive show deals.

guest chefs throughout the day. There will also

“I really enjoyed my time at the show last year, especially watching the many cookery demonstrations, and the butchery skills demonstrations on Booker’s Blackgate stand.”

be the chance for attendees to have a go on a This year thousands of Booker catering

Formula 1 simulator, the kind used by Formula

customers are expected to attend the show

1 drivers in training. Even better, whoever sets

on 27 September at Silverstone Racing Circuit

the fastest lap time will win a full track day at

with more than 200 suppliers exhibiting at the

Silverstone.

event across all major food, drink and nonA number of new zones have been added this

food product categories.

year, in response to feedback from Booker The show extends to five separate halls, as well

customers, including a dedicated Christmas

as an open-air street food zone with attendees

zone where visitors can sample a wide range of

able sample the latest products, learn more

Christmas and festive products. Designed as a

about the latest trends and

German-style christmas market, the zone will

find inspiration to take

feature everything from bratwursts and mince

back home with them across the UK.

An own-brand showcase will also feature this year, giving everyone the chance to sample

The street food zone

and find out more about the Chef’s Essentials,

was

exceptionally

Chef’s Larder, Chef’s Larder Premium and

popular last year and

Blackgate Signature ranges. There will even

has been expanded for

be an opportunity to sample the brand-new

2023 with more exhibitors,

SEPTEMBER 2023

pies to mulled wine.

to their businesses

range of Food To Share products.

29

FEATURE l BOOKER CATERING TRADE SHOW 2023

RACHEL AND ALEXANDRU CAMERZAN

THE ITALIAN FARMHOUSE, DURHAM

“We own an Italian restaurant that offers traditional Italian cuisine in a warm and family-friendly environment in Durham. Our menu includes a range of authentic Italian pasta dishes plus handstretched pizzas and grill items. We source a sizeable amount from Booker and are looking forward to being able see so many fantastic suppliers and Booker own brands under one roof today.

“Visting the Show last year was a great way of generating new ideas and sampling new products. The deals and special Trade Show prices were really good, and we benefited from special deals on key alcohol brands for us such as Kopparberg.”

ZHI LI

FURAMA, READING

“We run a family-owned Chinese restaurant and takeaway in the heart of Reading.

Coming to the show is a really good day out and a great way of meeting different suppliers under one roof. Last year there was a great mix of brands to talk too and some fantastic new products to sample – the sights and smells inside were incredible!”

DEAN AND LORRAINE WOODGATE THE GRAND, FELIXSTOWE

“We’ve run The Grand in Felixtowe for 27 years now. It used to be a nightclub but we’ve adapted the offer since the Covid-19 pandemic and are now offering a range of food and snacking options including burgers, loaded fries, nachos and sharing platters. We’re still very wet-led but food is taking on an increasingly important role and we’re now on Just Eat too.

“Visiting last year was great for meeting key suppliers, seeing all the fantastic deals and special offers available and getting some new menu ideas and tips for tweaking existing dishes. It was a lot of fun!”

SEPTEMBER 2023

31

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Bechamel Sauce M15277 6 x 1L M15293 1L

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FEATURE l BOOKER CATERING TRADE SHOW 2023

MEISAN AND MOEIN TAVASSOLI

TAVASSOLI CAFÉ AND GRILL, LEEDS

“Our family-run restaurant offers a wide range of authentic street-food style Greek dishes including chicken, pork and mixed gyros, plus wraps and burgers and we buy a lot through Booker. The show is a great place to chat to fellow caterers, meet suppliers, sample products and find out about deals.

“Last year there was a wide range of special Trade Show deals and exclusive offers to take advantage of which was fantastic. There was a good atmosphere inside and the cookery demonstrations and steel band really added to the vibe.”

EMMA STEVENS

THE FATCAP, SMOKEHOUSE RESTAURANT AND BAR BEDFORD

“My husband Tony and I run a smokehouse in Bedford that we opened four years ago. There’s been a real rise in demand for smokehouse-style cuisine and foods so it’s been great to tap into that. Our most popular item is our signature FatCap Smokehouse Brisket, which is premium beef, cooked low and slow. There’s nothing else quite like us in Bedford so locals have received us very positively.

“We visited last year specifically to explore all the meat propositions available through Booker and we were really impressed, especially with the butchery and cookery demonstrations. It was also great to talk to the many drinks suppliers there. We offer a range of cocktails, so it was interesting to learn about new and emerging flavour trends from them.”

SEPTEMBER 2023

Additionally, a Dessert Station will bring

The Booker Catering Trade Show is an

to life Booker’s comprehensive range of

event not to be missed – so make sure you

dessert solutions while the Demo Zone will

take the time to visit and learn how you can

return and will feature some fantastic chefs

continue to grow your business in future.

offering tips on making the very most of Booker’s range.

Visitors will enter the show this year through the newly built glass bridge in the

DRINK IT IN

Hilton Hotel which crosses the racetrack,

Hall 5, the drinks hall, is likely to be prove

helping step the excitement up a gear

popular once again this year with a huge

or two before attendees even get to the

array of branded and own-brand products

show.

available for sampling. Booker’s drinks team will be on hand to offer advice

With the main halls overlooking the pit lane

and support on every aspect of your

and the finishing straight at Silverstone,

drinks offer, and share the latest trends,

visitors are guaranteed some outstanding,

innovation and fresh ideas.

iconic views throughout the day.

33

FEATURE l BURGERS

MAKE MORE OF

THE UK’S MOST POPULAR DISH

34

SEPTEMBER 2023

FEATURE l BURGERS



Featuring on over

20%

of menus, burgers are still the most popular dish in the UK

Featuring on more than 20% of menus, the burger is the UK’s most popular dish – and Booker’s range of burgers provides everything you need to cash in.

Despite the often-repeated claims of

CHOOSE YOUR BURGER Here is just a small selection of the burgers available to suit all tastes and all budgets: M147178

Chef’s Essentials Quarter Pounder Burgers 48x113g £17.99 – 38p each

M286605

Paragon Tenderfill Burger 54x85g £26.99 – 45p each

M259729

Blackgate Signature 10 Aberdeen Angus Burgers 10x113g £8.99 – 90p each

M084626

Chef’s Larder 48 American Style 80% Beef Burgers 48x170g £29.99 per pack – £1.25 each

M282338

Kettyle Guinness Premium Beef Burgers 4x150g £6.29 per pack – £1.58 each

M244512

Blackgate Signature 6 Ultimate Wagyu Burger 6x170g £13.99 – £2.34 each

dishes like Chicken Tikka or Spaghetti

CHOOSE YOUR BUN

Bolognese, there is actually only one

Booker offers huge range of buns:

winner when it comes to the coveted title

M281545

of ‘The UK’s Most Popular Dish’: the ever-

M283854

La Boulangère Brioche Burger Buns 10x4pk £9.89 – 25p each

popular burger.

M281539

Chef’s Larder Premium Gourmet Burger Buns 48s £16.49 – 35p each

M243237

St Pierre Seeded Brioche Buns 4pk £1.85 per pack – 46p each

Chef’s Essentials Plain White Baps 48s £8.29 per pack – 18p each

Burgers feature on over 20% of menus and, according to Lumina Intelligence data from March 2022 to March 2023, the burger is the king of the hill and the go-to choice for a huge section of the population.

CHOOSE YOUR CHEESE Pick from a wide array of classic and more exotic cheese slices:

That’s great news for caterers, because

M234176

Chef’s Larder Mild White Cheddar Slices 1kg £6.99 per pack – 14p each

burgers are typically quick and easy to

M234185

Chef’s Larder Mature White Cheddar Slices 1kg £7.99 per pack – 20p each

prepare and offer great profit margins,

M281465

Monterey Jack Chilli Slices 300g £4.49 – 30p each

especially when elevated by the addition

M281439

Monterey Jack Smoked Slices 300g £4.49 per pack – 30p each

of accompaniments like cheese, pickles,

SEPTEMBER 2023

35

FEATURE l BURGERS

gherkins, onion rings and, of course, fries.

you need from classic mayonnaise and

Every accompaniment helps increase the

ketchup for the traditionalists to Red

sell price and increase the cash profit.

Hot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce and Nacho Cheese Sauce for those with more

EXCLUSIVE BURGER

adventurous tastes.

To help Booker customers squeeze even more profit out of their burger offer,

BUNS AND CHEESE

Booker recently introduced the new and

For many customers, a burger isn’t a

exclusive Paragon Tenderfill Burger, a

burger without cheese and again, Booker

fantastic quality product that costs just

has you covered with a range of quality

50p per patty, leaving plenty of room for

Chef’s Larder Cheese Slices available from

margin.

just 14p each, plus Monterey Jack options including chilli and smoked cheese slices

At 85g per patty, the Tenderfill Burger

for just 30p each.

makes the perfect platform for a substantial dish and a case of 54 costs just £26.99.

Similarly, there’s a great range of burger buns available, from the frozen classic

To take profits to the next level, why not

Chef’s Essentials Plain White Baps at just

create a 9oz Stack Burger, with cheese

18p each to the Chef’s Larder Premium

slices,

Gourmet Burger Bun at just 35p each or

bacon,

lettuce,

burger

relish,

gherkins and tomato?

the fresh St Pierre Seeded Brioche Bun at 45p each.

Best of all, if you sell it for £12.99 it will cost you just £3.55 per serving which leaves you

MEATY OPTIONS

with a cash profit of £7.28 for every 9oz

And if you feel like a more premium burger

Stack Burger you sell.

is appropriate for your customer base, Booker offers a comprehensive range of

BOOST PROFITS

patties to suit all tastes and budgets, all

How you and your kitchen team choose

the way from the Chef’s Essentials Quarter

to take your burgers to the next level is

Pounder Burger at 38p per patty up to

entirely up to you but Booker offers a

the ultra-premium Blackgate Signature 6

fantastic selection of accompaniments that

Ultimate Wagyu Burger at £2.34.

help elevate the dish as well as elevating your margins.

According to the same Lumina data cited above, it’s gherkins and pickles that are the fastest-growing accompaniments to

CHOOSE YOUR SAUCES AND ACCOMPANIMENTS Elevate your burger in style with some great quality, great value options including:

burgers, something well worth bearing in

M148278

Chef’s Essentials Mayonnaise 10ltr £12.49

mind.

From Kühne cornichons, pickled

M282678

Chef’s Essentials Tomato Ketchup 4.5kg £4.79

dill slices and pickled gherkins to Chef’s

M279819

Macphie Nacho Cheese Sauce 1ltr £4.49

Larder Cooked Smoked Streaky Sandwich

M130018

Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce 3.7ltr £16.69

M283792

Chef’s Larder Sweet Chilli Jam 1.25kg £6.49

M094652

Kühne Pickled Dill Gherkin Slices 2.45kg £9.39

M233729

Chef’s Larder Cooked Smoked Streaky Sandwich Bacon 500g £10.99

M143836

KTC Crispy Fried Onions 6x400g £12.49

Bacon and KTC Fried Onions, there’s everything you need to create a showstopping burger – in a flash. When it comes to burger sauces, Booker has everything

SEPTEMBER 2023

37

Pumpkin Spice AND ALL THINGS NICE

Infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and autumnal magic, this topping sauce is a versatile superstar in any kitchen. Drizzle it over desserts, transform coffees and hot chocolates or create tastebud tantalising frappes.

Pumpkin spice release dates are getting earlier and earlier, with leading coffee chains releasing this fan favourite as early as the 25th August in 2022!

Coming Soon

Pumpkin Spice Topping Sauce M287842 £7.99

NUT FREE

VEGETARIAN

GLUTEN FREE

M281438 Simply Pumpkin Spice Syrup 1ltr £5.99 M280643 Simply Vanilla Frappe Powder 1.75kg £10.99

FEATURE l RUGBY WORLD CUP

A WINNER

BE

HOME

NATION

FIXTURES

WORLD CUP

With 48 games played over 51 days, the Rugby World Cup presents a terrific opportunity for venues to score big with sports fans this autumn.

SAT 23RD SEP England v Chile, 4.45pm S.Africa v Ireland, 8pm

SUN 24TH SEP Scotland v Tonga, 4.45pm Wales v Australia, 8PM

SAT 30TH SEP Scotland v Romania, 8pm

SAT 7TH OCT Wales v Georgia, 2pm England v Samoa, 4.45pm Ireland v Scotland, 8pm

40

48 MATCHES ACROSS 51 DAYS

SEPTEMBER 2023

FEATURE l RUGBY WORLD CUP

As the pinnacle of international rugby, the Rugby World Cup 2023 is currenly taking place in France, with matches played by 20 teams in nine venues across 10 host cities.

The tournament marks the 10th men’s Rugby World Cup and the second to be hosted by France, after a memorable event in 2007.

To add some extra spice, it takes place in a year when the sport celebrates 200 years since Rugby school pupil William Webb Ellis was credited with inventing the game in 1823.

For pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants across the home nations, it represents an enormous opportunity to grow footfall, sales and profits with England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland all taking part in this year’s showcase global event.

With a total of 48 matches played across 51 days, the tournament presents back-to-

up 24% and wine grew by 15% across

help you squeeze every penny of profit out

back opportunities for venues to cash in

all matchdays. CGA client director Paul

of the Rugby World Cup this year.

and deliver winning performances in the

Bolton commented: “The Six Nations was

run up to the all-important festive period.

a reminder of the power of big sporting

SPORT SELLS

occasions to loosen people’s spending

MADE IN MINUTES / SHARING PLATTERS

and encourage brand trial and loyalty.”

With

For an indication of how important top-

hordes

of

hungry

rugby

fans

descending on your business for a big

class sport can be to sales, it’s worth

PICKING WINNERS

match it’s important that you optimise your

looking back at the much smaller Six

With endless opportunities for heroics and

team’s efficiency and minimise serving

Nations tournament. According to data

intrigue on the pitch during the Rugby

times.

from CGA by NIQ, hospitality venues

World Cup come extensive opportunities

that showed live matches generated

for boosting sales and profits – and it will

Booker offers a full range of top quality,

28% more sales on matchdays than on

pay to focus you and your team’s efforts

great value solutions that can help you

the average equivalent day –double the

on the products most likely to drive your

prepare and serve tasty dishes with a

14% increase seen at non-sports venues.

business forward. Whatever way you look

minimum of fuss and effort. Tacos, ribs,

On the tournament’s opening weekend

at it, the Rugby World Cup offers endless

bao buns, pulled pork – there’s plenty to

alone, total drinks sales in sports venues

chances to win over the next couple of

choose from that will keep sports fans

increased by an astonishing 38%.

months.

satisfied and ready for the match.

The categories to benefit most were stout

Of course, that will mean making sure

Similarly, you could opt to prepare a range

(up 85%), world lager and cider while soft

you’re stocked up on beers, wines and

of sharing platters that can be prepared

drinks also saw a spike of 15%, spirits were

spirits, but here are a few extra ideas to

quickly, served even quicker and enjoyed

SEPTEMBER 2023

41

FEATURE l WORLD CUP BAR BITES & SHARING PLATTERS

Sport means spend…

SCREEN TIME

l According to Ipsos data from Jun 2022, 57% of pub-going sport viewers spend more when watching sport than when not. l According to BT Sport: o

85% of sports fans spend more on drinks when watching live sport;

o

76% would stop going to their local if it stopped showing live sport;

o

92% of sports fans said that showing live sport during the week positively influences their visit frequency to a pub.

If you show sports in your venue, it’s vital to make the most of the Rugby World Cup to help drive that all-important footfall, plus sales and profits.

With all of the Home Nations represented, caterers who go further than simply sticking a TV on in the corner stand to win big.

Why not get hold of the full list of fixtures for the Rugby World Cup at the official website – rugbyworldcup.com – and highlight the fixtures most likely to draw a crowd on your social media pages as-well as using eye-catching signage both inside and out?

by a group of customers keen to enjoy a

for example, burgers and loaded hot

delicious meal without taking their eyes off

dogs. Always guaranteed to satisfy as well

the on-screen action.

as being quick and easy to prepare, they could make life a lot easier for your kitchen

BUCKETS FULL

and service team as well as optimising

Another great way to maximise spend and

your sales and profits.

reduce serving time is to offer buckets of beers for a set price. Simply put half-

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN

a-dozen bottles of beer or cider of your

To grow sales and add some fun, why not

choice in an bucket packed with ice and

run promotions themed around the teams

you have the ideal fast serve that will also

playing in important matches? France

attract the attention of other customers

playing South Africa? You could offer

and drive more sales – much easier then

special deals on a French wine and a South

pulling endless pints.

African wine? The options are endless but it all helps boost sales and enhance your

ALCOHOL-FREE

customers’ experience.

Not all customers who visit your venue will be looking to consume alcohol so make

And, if you do follow any of these

sure you have a good range of low- and

suggestions, be sure to shout about them

no-alcohol beers, ciders and wines as well

on social media to drive more footfall

as a full complement of soft drinks. Booker

and create excitement around this global

offers everything you need.

festival of sport.

Wales vs Australia on 24 September and England vs Samoa on 7 October is sure to pull in the punters!

With 48 fixtures during the tournament over 51 days, you certainly won’t be short of mouthwatering clashes to promote.

Then, when matchdays come, it’s time to deliver a quality experience.

Flatscreen TVs and dropdown projectors can help you to offer a truly high-quality viewing experience that’s sure to pull in the punters, especially when coupled with quality service and fare.

You could also consider zoning your venue to separate the rugby fans from the rest of your customers.

To avoid the risk of no-shows you could also consider table bookings for part of your venue, insisting that customers claim their table at least 30 minutes before kick-off.

THEME IT UP You could offer a themed Rugby World Cup menu around key matches offering,

SEPTEMBER 2023

43

AN EXCLUSIVE BOOKER INCENTIVE!

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SERVICE l LOCKED DOWN PRICING EXTENSIONS

LOCKED DOWN DEALS EXTENDED TO OCTOBER!

Booker has many of its Locked Down Pricing deals running all the way through to October, helping you plan with confidence.

With plenty to look forward to over the coming months including the Rugby World Cup and, of course, the festive period, it’s important to be able to plan ahead with confidence – which is why Booker has extended many of its Locked Down Pricing deals all the way through until 3 October.

Originally

scheduled

to

end

on

1

September, the deals have been extended to allow Booker customers to continue to benefit from guaranteed pricing on a wide selection of popular lines across a host of categories.

Locked Down Pricing means locked down profits and the extensions will help ensure that customers approach the all-important festive season in the best possible shape.

CHEF’S LARDER CRISPY CHICKEN BITES 1X2KG M129984 £14.99

46

CHEF’S LARDER SMALL CRISPY CHICKEN FILLETS 1X2KG M129988 £17.99

CHEF’S LARDER SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN FILLETS 1X2KG M129986 £17.99

CHEF’S ESSENTIALS BATTERED CHICKEN NUGGETS 1X2KG M232919 £10.99

SEPTEMBER 2023

SERVICE l LOCKED DOWN PRICING EXTENSIONS

CHEF’S LARDER HOT & KICKIN’ CHICKEN WINGS 2KG M226535 £10.95

CHEF’S LARDER WHITEFISH FILLETS 170G-220G 1KG M156658 £5.99

CHEF’S LARDER LARGE NORTH ATLANTIC PRAWNS 2KG M181785 £22.75

CHEF’S LARDER KING PRAWNS 720G M021600 £10.99

CHEF’S LARDER BREADED SCAMPI 1X1.8KG M201011 £23.19

CHEF’S LARDER PREMIUM BEER BATTERED ONION RINGS 1KG M282497 £5.99

PARAGON TENDERFILL BURGER 85G M286605 £26.99

CHEF’S LARDER BELGIAN SUGAR WAFFLES 20X90G M234118 £12.49

LAVAZZA ROSSA COFFEE BEAN 1KG M063089 £11.99

LICHFIELDS ITALIAN ESPRESSO BEANS 1KG M132756 £7.49

CADBURY DRINKING CHOCOLATE 2KG M468991 £10.99

CHEF’S LARDER SQUASH 1 LITRE £5.49

*Prices and products are correct at time of going to print and are not guaranteed unless stated, errors expected.

Subject to changes without prior consultation. Recipes, serves and idea are suggestions only and for illustration only.

Please note products will be subject to availability and local listing, please check with your branch for details.

SEPTEMBER 2023

47

87% of consumers are trying * to reduce their intake of sugar Introducing NEW DaVinci Gourmet Sugar Free Syrups Same taste profile as classic syrups while providing an alternative for health focussed consumers Made locally in the UK, DaVinci Gourmet bottles are also made entirely from 100% rPET

Code

Product

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M239064

DaVinci SF Caramel Syrup

davincigourmet.com

@davincigourmet_europe

PROMO WSP

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On promotion in Booker from NP5 to NP7, 28th June 2023 to 12th September 2023.

Promo WSP £5.99 per bottle, based on 8ml serve, equating to 125 serves per bottle.

Cash margin £56.51 per bottle based on proposed sell of £0.50 per 8ml. *Source: Innova, 2021

SERVICE l LOCKED DOWN PRICING EXTENSIONS

ICE VALLEY SPARKLING SPRING WATER 24X500ML M241809 £3.59

ICE VALLEY STILL SPRING WATER SPORTS CAP 24X500ML M189806 £3.99

ICE VALLEY STILL SPRING WATER 24X500ML M189805 £2.99

JUICEBURST ORANGE/ SUMMER FRUITS 12X500ML M207394/M287209 £8.99

MILK CHOCOLATE STICKS 140S 1X140PK

CADBURY FLAKE (99) 144XSGL M131664 £13.59

LICHFIELDS CHOCOLATE MINT CREMES/CRISPS/ WAFERS/ ORANGE CRISPS 1X1KG

LICHFIELDS MINT IMPERIALS 1X2KG M091001 £10.49

M277761

£12.19

M142849/ M142867/ M142842/ M142847

£8.59

KP ORIGINAL SALTED/DRY ROAST PEANUT/CHILLI CARD 21/18 21X50G/40G M256405/ M256407/ M273999

£11.55

KP SALTED CASHEWS CARDED 12X30G M184963 £10.29

SEE

www.booker.co.uk for the full range.

*Prices and products are correct at time of going to print and are not guaranteed unless stated, errors expected.

Subject to changes without prior consultation. Recipes, serves and idea are suggestions only and for illustration only.

Please note products will be subject to availability and local listing, please check with your branch for details.

SEPTEMBER 2023

49

SERVICE l MEET THE TEAM

SAY HELLO TO...

MARTYN HARTSHORNE DESCRIBE YOUR CAREER JOURNEY UP UNTIL NOW? Before

joining

Booker

I

was

The most important part of the role though is the customer, and a key function an

of the role is spending time with those

independent retailer and small wholesaler

customers. We are lucky to be able to

of fresh fruit and vegetables. I sold the

spend time with our catering customers in

business around 20 years ago with the

our network of over 190 branches. It’s a

aim of trying something different, but fruit

massive part of the job for me, especially

and veg is in my blood and when Booker

as I have that ‘hands on’ experience from

asked if I was interested in a 12-week sales

my past. I have a really good relationship

and development trial at their Coventry

with a lot of our key customers and that

branch, I jumped at the chance. Twenty

really helps me when it comes to planning

years later I’m still here, now as a Category

range and promotional developments.

Manager, and I’m thrilled to say that I’ve

that it is part of the Tesco Group I feel that

WHAT KEY TRENDS ARE DRIVING FRESH PRODUCE SALES AT THE MOMENT?

another very exciting chapter has begun.

Healthy eating is a big one and is certainly

loved every minute of it. I’ve been on an incredible journey with Booker and now

ABOUTMARTYN CATEGORY MANAGER FRESH PRODUCE

With more than 20 years of valuable

driving produce sales at the moment,

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THE KEY FUNCTIONS OF YOUR ROLE?

as is the movement towards vegan and

I’m one of three Fresh Produce Category

momentum.

vegetarian diets which continues to gain

Managers in the Booker Group. I work

our retail and catering customers the

WHAT IS THE MAIN FOCUS OF ACTIVITY IN YOUR DEPARTMENT AT THE MOMENT

customers get the best possible

best possible choice, price and service

One of main focuses of activity is what we

choice, price and service in fresh

in fresh produce. We select and source

call our ‘Big and Little Helps’ for caterers.

produce all year round.

products from the best suppliers in the

The ‘Big Helps’ are things like our ‘Fresh

industry and we work really hard with those

Five’ promotion. Every promotional period

Having started out as an independent

suppliers to ensure that quality, value and

we offer caterers five different fresh lines at

wholesaler of fresh fruit and

freshness are always at their best. We are

market-leading prices. During the summer

vegetables before joining Booker,

also constantly reviewing the range that

those lines include more seasonal British

Martyn loves nothing more than

is available to retailers and we work very

produce as well as a great selection of

spending time with his catering

hard on promotions, which are an absolute

some of the most-shopped products

customers in branch.

must these days.

within the category. The last promotional

experience under his belt Martyn Hartshorne makes it his business to ensure that Booker’s catering

with Peter Ireland and Glen Goodall and together we are responsible for offering

period, for example, included British

50

SEPTEMBER 2023

SERVICE l MEET THE TEAM

We work really hard with carefully selected suppliers to ensure that quality, value and freshness are always at their best.

WHAT’S MARTYN HEARING...

PRACTICAL PRODUCE

Part- or pre-prepared products that help kitchen staff to save valuable time are in significant growth Martyn says. Booker offers a range of pre- or part-prepared vegetables in both short and long-life formats including menu staples such as readymade mashed potatoes, gratin dauphinoise, fresh ready-to-roast potatoes and even ready-peeled garlic cloves.

TOP-SELLING FRESH PRODUCTS FOR CATERERS l Vine Tomatoes l Iceberg Lettuce l Closed Cup Mushrooms l Maris Piper Washed White Potatoes l Mild Onions l Cooking Onions l Florette Crispy Prepared Salad l Cucumbers

SEPTEMBER 2023

51

Lipton, THE NUMBER ONE ready-to-drink tea brand*

M282718

M282717

BUY NOW LIPTON GREW +27% IN VALUE TERMS IN 2022** READY TO DRINK TEA IS THE FASTEST GROWING SOFT DRINKS CATEGORY +15.3% IN VALUE*** *Source: NielsenIQ RMS, Total Coverage GB, Total Soft Drinks Britvic Defined 5Y, 31.12.2022 **Source: NielsenIQ RMS, Total Coverage, MAT we 31.12.2022 ***Source: NielsenIQ Scantrack, Total coverage, YTD we 21.01.2023

SERVICE l MEET THE TEAM

Grown Iceberg Lettuce; Closed Cup Mushrooms;

customers who tend to have all the knowledge!

Mixed Peppers; and Limes and Lemons, which are

So many of our catering customers are incredible

both huge sellers owing to the fact that they are in

fully qualified chefs and listening to them is one of

cooking as well as drinks. Achieving market-leading

my favourite parts of the job. Their knowledge and

availability is also an ongoing focus for the team. Any

expertise when it comes to handling, preparing and

product that a caterer puts on their menu is vital to

cooking produce, along with the latest trends is always

them, so availability is always a key focus for us.

such an inspiration.

WHAT SETS BOOKER APART? Price stability and availability are what truly set us

WHAT TRENDS ARE DRIVING NPD AND SALES AT THE MOMENT?

apart. In terms of price, we strive to be as consistent

Pre or

as we possibly can for our customers, unlike in some

our catering customers save valuable time are in

wholesale markets where the pricing can be very

significant demand. Booker now offers a range of pre-

volatile. This consistency is so important. Customers’

or part-prepared vegetables in both short and long-

menus are planned, printed and out there for all to

life formats and all are in growth. Our range includes

see – they can’t be designing new menus every

things like readymade mashed potatoes, gratin

week in line with inflation and deflation, so we try

dauphinoise, fresh ready-to-roast potatoes, to name

to be as consistent as we can to help them plan

but a few. Another great example which is selling very

ahead with confidence. Our Locked Down prices,

strongly is our kilo tub of ready-peeled garlic cloves.

which we communicate through our Catering Guide

Peeling garlic is one of the most painstaking jobs in

and Catering@Booker, are another big help, as is of

the kitchen and caterers get through a lot of garlic!

course our obsession with ensuring market-leading

Sales of that are growing year on year at a spectacular

availability.

rate. Any products like that, that help to save caterers

part-prepared products which can help

time and drive operational efficiencies for them are

HAVE YOU GOT ANY TOP FRESH PRODUCE TIPS TO SHARE WITH CATERERS?

growing in demand and we’ll be continuing to grow this segment this year and the next.

When it comes to top tips, it’s actually my catering

SEPTEMBER 2023

53

MAKES MORE SCENTS Surf Tropical Lily & Ylang Ylang NOW 100 WASHES Lower dosing & Extra washes in the same size recycled plastic bottle

The perfect pairing with the all new Comfort range!

CODE M288618

Catch us at the Booker Trade Show in Silverstone September 27th www.proformula.com Surf and Comfort are trademarks of Unilever, used by Diversey under license. © 2023 Diversey Limited. All Rights Reserved. VML11121-07/23

SERVICE l CATERING CLUBS

JOIN THE CLUB WHY WOULDN’T YOU? Booker’s Fast Food and On Trade Clubs offer discounted pricing to members as well as a host of other major benefits, all free of charge – so why wouldn’t you join the club?

START BENEFITTING IN UNDER 24 HOURS!

SEPTEMBER 2023

14% AVERAGE SAVING ON FULL BASKET SPEND

180+ DISCOUNTED KEY PRODUCT LINES

28,000+ ALREADY SIGNED UP TO FAST FOOD CLUB

55

e m t g p n ted? i l e e F C H A N C E TO

WIN £1,000 E V E RY W E E K I N N P 6 & 7

M249576

M267597

M251289

M251323

M261555

M249559

M249574

NO #1 PREMIUM CRISP AWAY FROM HOME ** SCAN TO TEXT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN Buy 2 cases of Pipers and text PIPERS, your full name, business name and postcode to 85100

EXCLUSIVE TO

Texts charged at standard network rate Open to pubs, cafes and restaurants that are registered customers of Booker Limited & Makro Self Service Wholesale Limited (“Booker”) only (“Booker Customer(s)”). Entrants must be 18 or over to enter. UK entrants only. Opens 00:00 26/7/23, closes 23:59 12.9.23 (“Promotional Period”). Purchase necessary. To enter, purchase any 2 cases during the Promotional Period from Booker; 24 x 40g packs of the following Pipers crisps in one transaction; Lye Cross Cheddar & Onion (M249576), Anglesea Sea Salt (M249559), Burrow Hill Cider Vinegar & Sea Salt (M249574), Great Berwick Longhorn Beef (M261555), Kirkby Malham Chorizo (M251289), Biggleswade Sweet Chilli (M251323) or Upton Cheyney Jalapeno & Dill (M2267597) (“Qualifying Products). Retain an itemised receipt/invoice with time and date of purchase (which must be within the Promotional Period and which relates to the weekly entry period). Max 1 entry per Booker Customer per week. Max 1 entry per invoice. 1x winner will be randomly drawn per week receives a £1,000 cash prize. All prizes paid by BACS or cheque into Booker Customer business UK bank account. 7x winners in total. Max 1 prize per Booker Customer. Full weekly entry dates & terms can be found at www.Prizeology.com/Pipers. Promoter: Walkers Snacks Limited (450 South Oak Way, Green Park, Reading, RG2 6UW).

SERVICE l CATERING CLUBS

When something seems too good to be true, it usually is – but there are exceptions to that rule and the Booker Fast Food Club and On Trade Club are certainly among them.

Both Clubs were launched with the express intention of helping Booker’s catering customers counteract the rising costs they face in running their businesses.

The Fast Food Club was launched at the beginning of the Covid pandemic and was joined a few months ago by the Booker On Trade Club.

Commenting on the Clubs, Booker Chief Operating

BOOKER CLUBS – KEY BENEFITS l

Exclusive pricing on over 260 key lines

l

An average saving of 14% on the full basket

l

Supported by major suppliers including Coca

l

Officer

Jonny

McQuarrie

said: “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We hear the challenges being faced across the trade and we are constantly looking for ways to support them.”

Cola, Britvic, St Pierre and Nestlé

HOW DO THEY WORK?

Fixed pricing to give you confidence and peace

So, how do the Booker Fast Food and On

of mind

Trade Clubs work?

Firstly, they are open to all Booker customers.

As

you

might

expect,

membership of the Fast Food Club is open to all fast-food category customers while membership of the Booker On-Trade Club is open to customers with an alcohol licence, subject to some basic criteria.

Secondly, there is absolutely no fee or cost to join.

That goes a long way to explaining why, for example, over 28,000 Booker customers are already signed up to the Fast Food Club!

The purpose of the Clubs is simply to reward customers for their loyalty and for continuing to shop at Booker. There are

SEPTEMBER 2023

57

e

h at t e Book

er T ring rade te Sh

SILVERSTONE 27TH SEPTEMBER 2023

WWW.GRUMPYMULE.CO.UK

ow

Me

t

us

Ca

METICULOUSLY SOURCED. ETHICALLY TRADED. DELICIOUSLY GRUMPY.

8x1kg M270844 1kg M270845 £99.99 / £13.99

KICKING OUT UNETHICAL COFFEE.

SERVICE l CATERING CLUBS

absolutely no strings attached.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? Members of both Clubs gain access to a vast array of highly valuable benefits, including

exclusive

discounted

Club

pricing on more than 260 high volume, key products.

Club members are also offered fixed pricing, allowing them to plan ahead in confidence, safe in the knowledge that their profit margins are secure.

Fast Food Club members benefit from exclusive pricing on over 180 of the most popular lines with an average saving of 14% on the full basket spend.

Similarly, On Trade Club members have

HOW DO I SIGN UP?

to highlight key prices and additional

access to discounted pricing on more

With benefits like these, there’s no reason

services so make sure that you opt in for

than 80 of the most popular on-trade

not to sign up to the Booker Clubs and it

digital permissions. Currently, over 89%

beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks and

couldn’t be easier to do so. All you have

of Club members have opted in and are

snack products. Members gain access to

to do is talk to your CDM or register

benefitting from regular communications

exclusive pricing against normal WSPs,

online. Once your request to join has

about the Clubs.

which are only activated when a member’s

been received and authorised, you will be

order is processed at the till.

able to start reaping the benefits of Club

So why not sign up and start seeing savings

membership within 24 hours.

within 24 hours? Speak to your CDM who can help you quickly and easily join the

The exclusive pricing on offer is to reward loyalty and thank customers for shopping

HOW DO I STAY UP TO DATE?

at Booker. It’s that simple.

Booker will issue regular weekly updates

Club!

“We’re signed up to Booker’s On Trade Club and the benefits are incredible. The deals are great and run across a really strong range of top-quality brands. We are now buying so much more through Booker since joining the On Trade Club that we have increased our delivery to twice a week. Ordering is also seamless. I access the deals though the On Trade Club brochure and they jump straight into my basket to be added to my main order.”

Simon Parton, Rodeo’s Smokehouse, Wolverhampton

SEPTEMBER 2023

59

FEATURE l CAKES & BAKES

TEA UP MORE SALES The British tradition of afternoon tea provides a great opportunity to drive sales of cakes, treats, sandwiches and even fizz in a typically quieter part of the day.

“Tea and coffee account for a significant part of our business and as such, so do sweet treats such as cakes and biscuits. In-fact, these days it’s incredibly rare for a customer to order a coffee without something sweet on the side. At The Park Cafe we pride ourselves on presentation and always strive to make sure that things look as good as they taste. Sandwiches are another big seller and we use a variety of fillings from Booker to make delicious home-made sandwiches ideal for any time of the day.”

Tony Ansell, The Park Cafe, Northampton

Many things change over time as food and drink fashions come and go

To help you cash in on what remains of the summer season, Booker

but there are some classics that are always on trend and that includes a

has introduced a host of new products that deliver fantastic quality

fantastic cuppa or, increasingly, a freshly brewed, top-quality speciality

sweet treats but at superb value prices.

coffee. The last decade has seen demand for coffee rocket, and we’ve learned that customers are prepared to pay a hefty premium for a well-

Take the new range of classic muffins including Strawberry & Clotted

made latte, flat white or cappuccino.

Cream, Jumbleberry, Chocolate Orange, and White Chocolate & Raspberry. The range comes pre-packaged for ease of use and

That’s great news for the bottom line but the opportunities don’t

only costs £8.99 for a box of 12 – just 75p per muffin. Also new this

end there. Why not squeeze even more sales and profit out of the

summer is Mrs Crimble’s Individual Chocolate Macaroons which can

morning and afternoon tea and coffee opportunity by enticing your

help you offer something a little different to offer alongside a cuppa.

customers with a range of sweet and savoury cakes, bakes and tasty

At £10.49 for a box of 20, they come in at just 53p per macaroon.

treats?

AFTERNOON TEA NEW CLASSICS

Once the preserve of posh tea rooms, the great British ‘afternoon

Given the pressures that your customers’ budgets are under at the

tea’ tradition has thankfully made its way into a far wider spectrum

moment, it’s no surprise that they are looking for great value – but

of pubs, bars and restaurants and provides a great chance to boost

that doesn’t mean they’re prepared to compromise on quality.

takings in a traditionally quieter part of the day.

60

SEPTEMBER 2023

FEATURE l CAKES & BAKES

SERVING SUGGESTION

Afternoon Tea Lichfields Classic Mixed Cupcakes 12xSgl £13.25/pack M174529 Margaret’s Country Kitchen Fondant Fancies 12xSgl £11.99/pack M229843 Hovis Simple White Loaf 800g £1.05 M282514 Chef’s Larder Egg Mayonnaise 1kg £6.99/ pack M050058 Chef’s Larder Cheese & Onion Filler 1kg £6.99/pack M280054

SCONES M079359

Lichfields Marmalade 20x20g £3.79 per case | 19p each

M079360

Lichfields Raspberry Jam 20x20g £3.79 per case | 19p each

M079363

Lichfields Strawberry Jam Portions 20x20g £3.79 per case | 19p each

M100615

Craigmillar Scone Mix 1x3.5kg £8.99

You can bring the afternoon tea vibe to your customers with a

Serve it all in a traditional tiered cake stand and it will also become

minimum of effort and at very little cost. Why not create a specific

an eye-catching attention grabber which is sure to lead other

afternoon tea menu with all of the teas and speciality coffees you

customers to order an afternoon tea as well.

offer alongside a tempting list of sandwiches, bakes, cakes, treats and more?

CAKE CASH While Booker’s tasty cake and bake range is perfect for afternoon

You could post the menu on your social media pages to drive

tea, it’s also ideal for use at dessert time or simply to go with a cup

footfall and help add another point of difference for your business

of coffee at any time of the day. Recent Mintel research shows, for

and another reason for customers to come along on weekday

example, that a huge 47% of customers buy cakes or cake bars as

afternoons.

a dessert.

As highlighted on the panel in this feature, if you sell it out at £20 per

To meet this demand, Booker offers an extensive range of great

person, you will deliver a cash profit of £10.92, representing a profit

value, top quality products that will appeal to everyone from those

of 66%. You could even throw a bottle of Prosecco into the deal to

looking for the classics to those looking for something a little more

increase spend and profit, as well as enhancing the experience for

adventurous.

your customer.

If you’re looking for flavours that don’t go out of fashion, look no

SEPTEMBER 2023

61

THE CHIMP BOTTLE CRADLE FOR SPEED OF SERVICE AND CONSISTENT QUALITY OF SERVE!

ARE YOU STOCKING THE UK ON-TRADE

#2 Brand

IN PREMIUM +AMERICAN WHISKY

GROWING +2.7PP WITH 21.5% VALUE SHARE† STOCK UP NOW!

BUY 2 X 70CL MONKEY SHOULDER AND RECEIVE YOUR LAZY OLD FASHIONED KIT* Monkey Shoulder bottle LAZY OLD 70cl 90ml Sugar syrup Fashioned 30ml of Angostura Bitters

70cl bottle of Monkey Shoulder remove 100ml of liquid from the bottle (save for later). Add 90ml of sugar syrup. Add 30 ml Angostura bitters.

Replace the cork and shake. Label your bottle ‘Lazy Old Fashioned’, chill and then pop in your chimp for serving!. To serve pour 60ml over ice with a twist of orange.

†CGA OPM MAT Data to WE 03.12.22 *Bundle includes chimp bottle cradle, bottle stickers, chalk pen and instructions. Whilst stocks last.

BUY A BOTTLE OF HENDRICK’S ORIGINAL AND FLORA ADORA and receive a GLASSWARE AND GARNISH BUNDLE FREE* Latest release from our Cabinet of Curiosities

ad your free s o l o n cia

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Head to Booker marketplace via Booker.co.uk Hendrick’s Gin Original 1 x 70cl = M196542. Hendrick’s Flora Adora 1 x 70cl = 1020524. * Glassware bundle includes 6 x Hendrick’s glasses, and leaf garnish with clip on pegs. Whilst stocks last.

S ca n t o d ow

ORA ADO RA W FL NE

FEATURE l CAKES & BAKES

Lichfields Caramelised Biscuits

£12.49 6p/BISCUIT

225 pk/12x175g M232522

Lichfields Luxury Mixed Cupcakes

£13.25

£1.10/CUPCAKE

12x85g M193497

Chef’s Larder Belgian Sugar Waffles

£12.49 62p/WAFFLE

20x90g M234118

Belgian Sugar Waffles are available at

premium and indulgent options like mint

only 62p per waffle, providing some great

cremes and orange crisps.

options for continental breakfasts or midafternoon pick-me-ups alongside a tea or

Lichfields Caramelised Biscuits are available

coffee.

at just £12.49 for a pack of 225 – just 6p a biscuit – while the Lichfields Mini Biscuit

BISCUIT BOOM

costs just £19.99 for a pack of 100. For

Everybody loves a biscuit and for some of

something more deluxe, try the Lichfields

your customers, a drink’s too wet without

Luxury Biscuits Packs at just £23.99 for 200

one.

or the Borders Mini packs at £29.99 for 200.

further than Lichfields Luxury Mix Topped

The Lichfields range lets you quickly and

For customers who like a minty finish to

Loaf Cake. At just £12.85, the box contains

easily open up more sales and profit

their meal, you can offer Lichfields Mint

12 cakes delivering outstanding quality and

opportunities with a selection of biscuits

Cremes, Mint Crisps, Mint Wafers or even

value for you and your customers.

from the simple caramelised snap to pop

Orange Crisps for just £8.59 per pack, or 4p

on the saucer alongside a coffee to more

per biscuit.

You could cash in on the salted caramel trend with a Love Chocolate & Salted Caramel Cake which is available for just

SEE BOOKER.CO.UK FOR THE FULL RANGE

£11.99 and contains 16 portions which means just 75p per slice.

Similarly, the Chef’s Larder Brownie costs just 75p per slice, while Chef’s Larder

SEPTEMBER 2023

Prices and products are correct at time of going to print and are not guaranteed unless stated, errors expected. Subject to changes without prior consultation. Recipes, serves and idea are suggestions only and for illustration only, subject to change without notice. Please note products will be subject to availability and local listing, please check with your branch for details.

63

RANGE REVIEW l RTD SOLUTIONS

QUICK SERVES,

QUICK PROFITS Ready To Drink solutions offer major time-saving and profit-boosting benefits for you and your team and Booker offers an extensive range to cater for most tastes.

Speed of service is a key factor in maximising sales and profits

DUTY BENEFITS

and serves don’t come much quicker than Ready To Drink (RTD)

Another benefit of RTDs, which only came into being in August,

cans. RTDs have become increasingly popular in recent years,

was the fact that the recently overhauled Alcohol Duty system

not least because many of the biggest brands have embraced

treats RTDS somewhat favourably. What this means is that,

the format including Jack Daniel’s, Grey Goose, Pimm’s, Bombay

relatively speaking, RTD products represent better value than

Sapphire, Bacardi, Malibu and Au Vodka.

ever.

Booker now stocks an extensive range of fantastic quality

Quick to serve and presented in ‘perfect serve’ ratios, RTD spirit-

RTD products, all offering customers a quick and easy way of

based drinks provide your customers with consistent, reliable

accessing a perfect serve and all in a matter of seconds.

quality and taste profiles. All your team has to do is provide an appropriate glass with some ice and a slice and the customer is

Whether your customers are looking for vodka, whisky, rum, gin

good to go.

or wine, Booker has everything you need, all wrapped up in a fully recyclable single-serve can.

SEPTEMBER 2023

There’s even some great wine RTD options available now, with

65

ITEMS IN SELL UNIT - 1 X 70CL

ITEMS IN SELL UNIT - 6 X 70CL

M279512 Mermaid Zest Gin

M279488 Mermaid Zest Gin

M286027 Mermaid Spiced Rum

M286026 Mermaid Spiced Rum

M241504 Mermaid Gin

M241503 Mermaid Gin

M251834 Mermaid Pink Gin

M251422 Mermaid Pink Gin

M270735 Mermaid Salt Vodka

M270734 Mermaid Salt Vodka

RANGE REVIEW l RTD SOLUTIONS

a varietal range from Most Wanted

market, the price that you pay per

giving you the chance to offer your

can leaves plenty of scope for profit.

customers great quality white and

A Bacardi Mojito, for instance, costs

rosé wines in attractive, eye-catching

just £1.23 a can while super-premium

cans. That way, your customers can

brands like Grey Goose are available

enjoy a glass of wine or two with

for just £1.84 a can.

Dead Man’s Fingers Spiced Rum & Cola 12x330ml £15.99 per case | £1.34 per can

Another classic that’s worth

M1020391

considering is Jack Daniel’s and

Passion Fruit Rum & Lemonade 12x330ml £15.99 per case | £1.34 per can M1020390

their meal or as an aperitif without having to splash out on a full bottle.

PREMIUM CHOICE

Coca-Cola, a perfect RTD serve from

These days, the RTD category in

two of the world’s most popular

hospitality is dominated by premium

brands, and available at just £1.88 a

brands that customers trust and are

can.

prepared to pay a little extra for.

That’s great news for you as it allows

Whatever your customer base is

room to squeeze some extra cash

looking for, Booker offers an array of

profit out of every serve.

RTD solutions that look great behind the bar and add interest and choice

Even at the premium end of the

to your drinks menu.

AU Vodka Blue Raspberry 12x330ml £20.49 per case | £1.71 per can M280463 AU Vodka Black Grape 12x330ml £20.49 per case | £1.71 per can M281757

Malibu Rum & Cola 12x250ml £15.99 per case | £1.34 per can M247975 Malibu & Pineapple 12x250ml £15.99 per case | £1.34 per can M207458 Pimms & Lemonade 12x250ml £16.99 per case | £1.42 per can M101195 Bacardi Mojito 12x250ml £14.69 per case | £1.23 per can M246705 Bombay Sapphire Gin & Tonic 12x250ml £20.29 per case | £1.70 per can M254595

“The RTD sector started to really boom during the pandemic when people were forced to socialise in outdoor settings such as parks and it has continued to grow ever since. We sell large amounts of RTD cans which we buy through Booker, including best-selling cans of Jack Daniel’s and Coca Cola and Pimms and Lemonade. These are especially popular on busy evenings when we have events on in our courtyard or at the theatre. Customers like the ease and convenience that the format provides and RTD’s also help to speed up service for staff, which is another bonus.”

Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola 12x330ml £22.49 per case | £1.88 per can M285524 Grey Goose Essences Watermelon & Basil 12x250ml £21.99 per case | £1.84 per can 1020553 Grey Goose Essences Strawberry & Lemongrass 12x250ml £21.99 per case | £1.84 per can 1020554 Most Wanted Sauvignon Blanc Rosé 12x187ml £18.99 per case | £1.59 per can M286398

Most Wanted Pinot Grigio Fizz 12x187ml £18.99 per case | £1.59 per can M283229 Most Wanted Sauvignon Blanc 12x187ml £18.99 per case | £1.59 per can M283228

Rodger Molyneux, The CryerArts Centre, Carshalton

SEPTEMBER 2023

67

s l t l r i a k i s n E ing E R F for Chefs As a business built by chefs, for chefs, at Unilever Food Solutions we’re always looking for ways to make your life a little easier and better – including training and skills development.

That’s why we’ve launched the UFS Academy!

Find courses for every skill level, with training videos and exclusive masterclasses led by top chefs from around the world.

Courses cover topics including: • The Art of Plating • Social Media Photography • Waste Management • Maximising Sales

Visit ufs.com/academy and start your training journey!