Settlement Scheme for EU Nationals

Posted on August 2, 2018 by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Settlement Scheme for EU Nationals

By 30 June 2021, each EU national residing in the UK will need to have applied for settled or pre-settled status to be able to continue to live and work in the UK. This applies to people who may have resided in the UK for many years and those arriving up to the end of the grace period -31 December 2020.

Currently employers check and retain copies of passports/ ID cards of EU nationals to establish a statutory excuse against a civil penalty for illegal working. Your organisation should have already done this for those currently working for you and this will be accepted until the end of 2020. However, in order to prepare for the 30 June 2021 deadline, employers will need to have checked that their existing employees have acquired either settled or pre-settled status. From 30 June 2021, any new employees will have to provide this evidence of status.

Those who have resided in the UK for at least five years will be eligible for settled status. Those who have not, will be granted pre-settled status taking them up to the 5 years required to obtain settled status. The UKVI states that the process will be streamlined.

To avoid problems we are encouraging our clients to start talking to their EU nationals now about the options available.

Gluten Free Reaches New Heights in Quality

Posted on August 2, 2018 by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Gluten Free Reaches New Heights in Quality

The Pastry Room are leaders in providing quality gluten free (and vegan) pies, desserts and batter. They work with food manufacturers, National restaurant chains and gastro pubs and have helped customers increase their pie and pudding sales 30-40% by introducing gluten free products to their menus.

Historically, the free from industry has a medically-motivated consumer base, with Coeliacs being the primary target. This has shifted to include the ‘lifestyler’ consumer; those who believe free-from is generally healthier and more ethical.

According to HRA Food and Drink*, one in four UK consumers buy gluten free on a regular basis. Whilst some restaurant and pub groups are taking an active interest in this, they are still in the minority.

The Pastry Room provides a solution for kitchens wishing to prepare food from scratch and supplies finished products. From their award winning pies to their delicious triple chocolate brownie and sticky toffee pudding, their product range features many classic mains and desserts.

John Hendy, Managing Director at The Pastry Room believes ‘everyone should enjoy the same taste experience, regardless of intolerances. Up until now, gluten free has typically been branded as bland, dry and unappetising.’

Through their patented approach, The Pastry Room has developed products that are as good as, if not better, than wheat dishes.

With the free-from sector growing at an astounding rate, all restaurants and pub groups need to offer ranges that all customers can enjoy; otherwise they risk losing sales.

For samples and more information, please contact John Hendy on 0775 3797 430 or john@thepastryroom.co.uk

* http://www.food-and-drink.marketing/uk-gluten-free-market-report-2017/

Top Grades: Rick Bestwick celebrates the best standards in the industry

Posted on August 1, 2018 by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Top Grades: Rick Bestwick celebrates the best standards in the industry

Rick Bestwick, the UK’s leading temperature controlled food storage specialist, has received the highest possible achievements in storage and distribution standards.

The company’s Chesterfield facility has achieved AA+ status following an unannounced audit from BRC Global Standards.

Andrew Lawrence, site manager, at Rick Bestwick Chesterfield, said: “The BRC unannounced audit program is the toughest in the industry. It requires coldstores to be in exemplary condition year-round in preparation for an inspection that could happen at any time.

“We are delighted to have maintained our AA+ rating, with a result even better than last year, which is proof of the consistently progressive benchmarks we set ourselves.”

Just a day later Rick Bestwick Warrington received an announced audit and achieved AA status once again – the highest standard available in BRC’s announced audit scheme.

BRC Global Standards are designed to reflect best practice and facilitate a process of continuous improvement.

They ensure that product integrity during storage and distribution is maintained, and that customer confidence is upheld through rigorous audit and certification.

Hannah Ford, QHSE manager at Rick Bestwick Warrington, added: “The certification reflects the consistently high standards implemented by every member of the team. We are proud to have this recognised once again.”

Rick Bestwick, part of the Magnavale Group, provides a unique portfolio of services to the food industry including temperature controlled storage, blastfreezing, microwave tempering and export.

Colin Taylor, CEO of Magnavale, said: “The BRC Global Standards are the internationally-recognised benchmark for quality. Rick Bestwick has customers operating across the globe, so internationally recognised standards are essential.

“We are delighted to have received the highest possible standard in both inspections. It is an acknowledgment that we not only strive for the highest standards, we surpass them.”

For more information visit www.rickbestwick.com or call 01246 854999.

Country Range Group Signs Up to Hospitality Action Employee Assistance Programme

Posted on August 1, 2018 by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Country Range Group Signs Up to Hospitality Action Employee Assistance Programme

The Country Range Group has become the first wholesaler to sign up to Hospitality Action’s Employee Assistance Programme.

Hospitality Action has been assisting people in the hospitality industry since 1837, providing help and support to those who work or have worked in the industry, when they are in need.

The Hospitality Action Employee Assistance Programme has been developed by hospitality people for hospitality people and now supports over 100,000 people.

Via the programme, staff working for the Country Range Group and its 12 wholesalers, will now be able to access crucial, totally confidential help, support, advice and resources when they are facing difficulties in their home and working life.

Aiming to provide another dimension and level of help, the EAP scheme will be live within the Group as of 1st August and is available to all staff in addition to usual company procedures and processes.

Website: www.countryrange.co.uk

Twitter/Instagram: @countryrangeuk

Tap into the Trends with Aviko’s Chef Hacks

Posted on August 1, 2018 by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Tap into the Trends with Aviko’s Chef Hacks

Aviko has launched a series of Chef Hacks videos showing how to tap into the latest taste trends from Indian street food to breakfast on-the-go.

With a focus on the latest flavour profiles, Aviko’s new series provides chefs with time-saving tips to bring the hottest food trends that are sweeping the nation to their menus. From innovative vegan and vegetarian options to re-imagining comfort food classics, the Chef Hacks show how the humble potato continues to be a trendsetter.

Mohammed Essa, Commercial Director UK and Ireland, Aviko, explains:

“Keeping menus on-trend is an essential consideration for all chefs and is the reason why we have launched our Chef Hacks to support them in their efforts. The new series will provide chefs with useful tips on how to elevate everyday ingredients – such as hash browns, fries and sweet potato – to save time and money and ultimately boost profits.”

Chefs looking for inspiration on the current taste trends can visit www.aviko.co.uk to see the new videos as they are released every fortnight throughout the summer. Showcasing the most popular Aviko products from Sweet Potato Diced to the newly launched Premium Crunch Fast Food Fries, the video series offers a host of recipe ideas including Vegan ‘Pulled Pork’ Loaded Fries, Sweet Bombay Potatoes, Mac ‘n’Cheese Fries and Vegan Breakfast on-the-go Hash Browns with Avocado Salsa and Poached Eggs.

Mohammed adds:
“Whether you are looking for a vegan option to add to your grab-and-go breakfast offering or want to update your loaded fries menu with a touch of indulgence, our hacks are a valuable resource in helping you find the right menu solution. From updating Indian classics such as Bombay potatoes to meat-free alternatives with vegan ‘Pulled Pork’, our range of potato products is the perfect partner to ensuring your menu always stays up to date.”

Dedicated to foodservice and one of the biggest potato processors in the world, Aviko offers a range of chilled and frozen potato specialities made by chefs, for chefs including Hash Browns and innovative Hash Brown Bites, Premium Fries, Mash, Diced Sweet Potato and much more.

For more information on the Chef Hacks visit https://www.aviko.co.uk/insights/chef-hacks

For more product information on Aviko’s extensive range call 0800 633 5611 or visit www.aviko.co.uk

For everything Aviko visit: www.twitter.com/avikouk

FREE FROM – A HUGE SCOOP OF OPPORTUNITY!

Posted on August 1, 2018 by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

FREE FROM – A HUGE SCOOP OF OPPORTUNITY!

As increasing numbers of health-conscious consumers seek ‘better for you’ food products, ‘free from’ continues to be the leading food trend with a massive 87% of consumers* now making it a lifestyle choice rather than a medical necessity.

‘Free from’ is no longer seen as a niche or fad food trend and that, says Rebecca Manfredi, managing director of wholesale ice cream manufacturer Suncream Dairies, means there are some great opportunities out there for foodservice operators and retailers alike. The greater understanding and appreciation of the health benefits of a free from diet are driving the category like never before.

“The shift towards healthier and free from eating has led to an explosion in popularity with many people actively seeking out great-tasting healthier and ‘good for you’ options in preference to more traditional products,” adds Rebecca.

“Free from food is fast becoming much more accessible to consumers who want tasty, enjoyable and healthy alternatives whether at home or when eating out. With free from predicted to be one of the biggest and fastest growing food trends this year, by offering a range of dietary options caterers and retailers can easily tap into this huge scoop of opportunity! Healthier options really can deliver healthy sales!”

In response to growing demand for free from desserts, Suncream’s new Love Vegan natural vanilla vegan ice cream is the perfect alternative to traditional dairy ice cream. Made with coconut oil, dextrose and real vanilla beans, and flecked with vanilla pod seeds for a rich, indulgent flavour, it’s free from all 14 declarable allergens including gluten, soya, nut, lactose and egg.

“We wanted to create a non-dairy ice cream that everyone can enjoy and despite being milk-free, it’s packed full of flavour and delivers a lovely creamy mouth feel,” comments Rebecca.

Love Vegan Vanilla is the latest addition to the Suncream ice cream collection which includes the Gelato Gold range of luxury Italian-style ice creams in 17 classic and contemporary flavours – most of which are egg and gluten-free – as well as the dairy-free premium Sorbets, made with all-natural fruit juices.

For more information contact Suncream Dairies on 01827 282571 or visit www.suncreamicecream.com

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