Become a member

McCain Foodservice releases report on 2018’s top casual dining trends

McCain Foodservice releases report on 2018’s top casual dining trends

Meat substitutes, food halls, and experiential dining are set to become more prevalent in casual dining over the coming years, according to a new report from McCain Foodservice.

McCain’s 2018 Casual Dining report is designed to help operators  better understand how to stand out in an increasingly crowded sector, where staying one step ahead of consumers can often mean the difference between success and failure.

“In an increasingly competitive sector, we know how important it is for operators to be agile and adapt quickly to cater for changes in trends and consumer behaviour”, Jo Simmons, McCain Foods Senior Brand Manager explains.

“Our report highlights 6 recent successes in casual dining, giving operators an idea of the direction that the sector is set to head in over the coming years”.

Here’s a few headline trends that they see on the horizon in 2018:

The Vegan Revolution

The number of adults following a vegan diet has increased around 500% since 2016, with 3.5 million vegans now living in the UK. More and more restaurants are now moving towards plant-based ingredients like jackfruit, tempeh, seitan and aquafaba to cater for this demand, with around 52% of outlets offering at least one vegan option.

Creating Experiences:

Shifts in spending patterns indicate that consumers are spending less money in traditional retail and foodservice, and more money on outlets that offer experiences.  Successful operators are creating experiences around the food they serve, whether through limited time only menus or placing emphasis on communal or interactive dining.

Lighter Indulgence:

50% of diners say they consider whether a healthier option will be available when choosing where to dine out. However, consumers don’t want to feel like they are moderating or calorie counting, and operators need to find the balance between offering healthy yet indulgent feeling options.

To read all insights and view information on key trends Bringing it Home, Craft Beer Meets Craft Food, and Community Spirit, download McCain’s casual dining report here.

Cornish pasty producer increases frozen capacity

Cornish pasty producer increases frozen capacity

Award winning bakery and Cornish pasty producer, Prima Bakeries has increased its frozen capacity through acquisition of a portable cold store from Blue Cube Portable Cold Stores.

The bakery, based at Redruth in the heart of Cornwall took delivery of the cold store in June following a requirement for additional frozen capacity.  Using a portable cold store meant capacity could be increased quickly and within budget.

Prima Bakeries has been baking delicious Cornish Pasties, bread, cake, confectionery and savoury products in the heart of Cornwall for over thirty years.  The bakery has a retail range for shops and convenience stores and a foodservice range for cafes, hotels and restaurants. The bakery is also well known for its ‘Pasties by Post’ service, delivering direct to consumers.

Blue Cube – one of the UK’s leading providers of rental temperature controlled storage solutions for the food and logistics industries – has supplied Prima Bakeries with the largest unit from the portable range, giving the site an additional frozen capacity of 37 pallets to cope with 20% growth.

Blue Cube worked closely with Mark Norton, Managing Director of Prima Bakeries to find the best possible solution for the site.  From the initial enquiry in November 2017 right through to delivery in June 2018 all options were considered to ensure we supplied the right product.  Although Blue Cube’s core business is rental, a unit was sold from the fleet to support the customer’s requirements.

It was a challenging site due to ground levels so Blue Cube offered a full package deal including provision for groundwork’s and levelling as part of the sale.

To ensure the unit was future proofed, Blue Cube went one step further and replaced the refrigerant from R404A to R452A.  R452A has a GWP of 2140 – a little over half that of R404A.

Mark Norton, Managing Director said “Blue Cube have delivered consistently good service, right from the start of this process through to procurement of equipment, delivery and aftercare”

“To ensure Prima Bakeries kept in line with ever changing F-Gas regulations it was important that we considered the GWP impact of the cold store.  Blue Cube were on hand to offer advice and replaced the refrigerant which will keep us compliant for years to come”

Blue Cube’s portable cold stores are available in 14, 22, 31 and 37 pallet capacities. The units have an operating temperature range from -26°C to +26°C permitting frozen, chilled and ambient storage applications.  They can be ground based or elevated to a loading dock.

The latest generation refrigeration systems ensure greater efficiencies and lower operating costs for customers.  Plus LED lighting provides up to 300 lux of light meeting the standard required for loading and unloading.

Each portable cold store is fitted with impact bars, lockable doors and locking door bars whilst emergency lighting, externally mounted audible and visible man trap and temperature alarms provide all the necessary safety features.

In addition, side doors, ramps, dock level platforms and racking are available as optional features. The units can be linked to either a building or each other in order to help improve workflow.

LIVE WEBINAR: Introduction to GFSI Standards

Introduction to GFSI Standards

Today’s food supply chain presents complex challenges, and many of the world’s largest food retailers are mandating supplier certification to Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) schemes.

Join SAI Global’s Senior Food Safety Consultant, Dr Bob Strong on Wednesday August 8th at 2pm  for an overview of the GFSI-recognized schemes –  BRC, FSSC 22000, IFS Food, SQF Code, and Global G.A.P.  You will also learn how to select the right standard for your organization, and get tips on becoming certified.

Come prepared to have your questions answered live!   Can’t attend? Register and we’ll send you a link to the recording together with supporting information

RESERVE YOUR PLACE

Business leaders gather to celebrate Jonathan Lee Recruitment’s 40th anniversary

Business leaders gather to celebrate Jonathan Lee Recruitment’s 40th anniversary

l-r Chris Jordan (The Emily Jordan Foundation), Tony Walker (Toyota) Jonathan Lee, Marvin Cooke (Toyota), Sarah Jordan (The Emily Jordan Foundation)

Midlands-based engineering and manufacturing recruitment specialist, Jonathan Lee Recruitment, celebrated its 40th anniversary with clients, suppliers and friends at a special lunch event on Friday, 29th June, at Hogarths Hotel in Solihull.

Business leaders from over 150 companies in the engineering, manufacturing and technical sectors came together to celebrate Jonathan Lee’s 40 years of investment in the industry, with guests including representatives from Toyota, Williams F1, Jaguar Land Rover, Vodafone Limited and Tata Steel.

Guests enjoyed speeches from Marvin Cooke, managing director of Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK and international rugby referee Nigel Owens. A prize draw raised over £4,000 for Kidderminster-based charity, the Emily Jordan Foundation, which supports people with learning disabilities in finding employment.

Jonathan Lee Recruitment was established in 1978 by chairman, Jonathan Lee, with the vision to establish long-term partnerships with clients in order to fully understand their business and its needs.

Marvin Cooke, a Jonathan Lee engineering recruit in 1991 and now managing director of Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK, said: “Jonathan Lee was the main technical recruitment agency for Toyota when they moved to the UK in the early 1990s and I don’t think we would have got to where we are today without their support.”

Jonathan Lee commented: “I’m so proud of my team and the supporting, caring ‘can-do’ culture we have created. A lot of recruitment agencies recruit people straight from university; but the key to our success is that many of our consultants have worked in the industry they recruit into and therefore have technical capabilities and a thorough understanding of the clients’ requirements.”

Founders of The Emily Jordan Foundation, Chris and Sarah Jordan said: “We’ve known Jonathan for many years; he has been involved since we set the charity up in 2008 and has always supported us so it’s great being here to support him today. We are very thankful for the generous donations made by lunch guests, which the Foundation will use to support the development of skills that people with learning disabilities need to gain employment.”

Headquartered in Stourbridge with offices in Basildon and Dubai, and design offices in Hatton, Jonathan Lee Recruitment has experienced steady growth over the last 40 years. Now with a total of 100 staff, the company has one of the lowest staff turnovers in the recruitment industry with nearly 40% of employees having been with Jonathan Lee Recruitment for five years or more, and 5% having served more than 20 years.

For more information on Jonathan Lee visit jonlee.co.uk. For more information on the Emily Jordan Foundation visit theemilyjordanfoundation.org.uk/.

Mini Ciabatta Rolls Bolster Speciality Breads’ Growing Range

Mini Ciabatta Rolls Bolster Speciality Breads’ Growing Range

Speciality Breads’ artisan selection of frozen breads has been further enhanced after the Red Tractor-certified baker launched a range of Mini Ciabatta Rolls.

The new addition is available in cases of 120 and are perfect for hotels, restaurants, pubs and cafes, whilst also being ideal when used in bread baskets at conferences, banquets, weddings and events.

Mini Ciabatta Rolls (40g) – The mini version of our popular ciabatta roll has the traditional open texture, unique flavour and classic look. Fantastic to accompany salads, soups, stews and main courses on the table but equally delicious when used for special sandwiches. Perfect for hotels, restaurants, pubs and cafes, whilst also being ideal when used in bread baskets at conferences, banquets, weddings and events.

Speciality Breads’ Managing Director Simon Cannell commented:

“Ciabatta has to be one of Britain’s most loved bread varieties now so adding these unique mini versions to our range was a no brainer. The reduced size of them makes them perfect for conferences, banquets and events but they are still fantastic when halved and used as a base for sandwich fillings and for mopping up the plate or bowl.”

Speciality Breads

Established in 1996 in Margate, Speciality Breads provides an ever-growing, artisan selection of over 100 freshly frozen breads, which are hand-made by the company’s master bakers using Red Tractor-certified British flour. The company distributes its products to a UK-wide network of wholesalers, who in turn supply leading restaurants, pubs, cafés, caterers and hotels throughout the UK.

Company contact details:

Speciality Breads Ltd

Telephone: 01843 209442

Website: www.specialitybreads.co.uk

Email: info@specialitybreads.co.uk

Twitter: @SpecialBreads

Anglia Crown positioned for growth following management buy out

Anglia Crown positioned for growth following management buy out

Paul Howell

Prepared meal manufacturer Anglia Crown Ltd has been sold in a management buyout. From the 1st July 2018, new company directors Paul Howell and Andrew Lone, have taken ownership of the company with a view to positioning the business for growth.

The company has been acquired from previous owners Bakkavor and the management buyout was led by Paul Howell and Andrew Lone.

Anglia Crown Director Paul Howell comments:

“Anglia Crown is an exceptional company with potential for fast and sustainable growth. This is true in both current and new markets. Our new found independence will enable us to be more market responsive.

“We have an exciting pipeline of new product development for future and will shortly be laying out a brand new environmental platform to help reduce waste and energy whilst still delivering a quality outsourced meal solution.”

Andrew Lone

New director Andrew Lone adds:

“I have been at Anglia Crown overseeing finance and operations for 11 years. We have enjoyed being part of Bakkavor but we are delighted at this opportunity to own and run the business independently.”

He continues:

“The timing was right, our client portfolio has fully backed us, and we are supported by our strong senior management team.”

Founded in 1992, Anglia Crown Ltd has an annual turnover of £15million and is an award-winning, chilled and frozen prepared meal manufacturer for the healthcare and complementary markets. Supplying a range of multi and single portion dishes to customers and patients, it has operated in the UK market for more than 25 years, and currently works with around 100 hospital sites nationwide.

Based in Colchester, the 4600 square metre facility employs more than 160 people, and manufactures approximately 40,000 chilled and frozen meals every week day.

It has recently added new ranges to its core offering, including an innovative finger food range for patients who struggle to eat with cutlery, and a paediatric range for children.

With a strong brand profile in healthcare, particularly in hospital catering, the new owners are positioning the business to enter further markets including hospitality, travel, leisure and private healthcare. Anglia Crown’s individual frozen meals will be offered as a cost effective way to provide high quality dining, on the move, out of hours and for catering operations where there are limited facilities.

Going forward Howell will be responsible for client retention, sales and growth and Lone will continue to hold responsibility for finance and operations.

Howell previously held the position of managing director and Lone the position of head of finance and operations. The senior management team at Anglia Crown remain the same.

www.angliacrown.co.uk

Member Benefits

Exclusive Partnership deals on key products and services:

  • BFFF energy deals and rates
  • Vypr member deals and introduction
  • Defib Plus deals
  • Company Shop – membership
  • Mentor – MHE training health check

Exclusive access to networking opportunities and events:

  • Meet the Buyer events (retail & foodservice)
  • Annual Business Conference with networking dinner
  • Specialist H&S and Technical Conferences
  • Special interest groups (packaging, frozen food temperatures)
  • Annual Lunch
  • Awards Night
Upcoming Events More Events
Sponsorship Packages

We offer a range of sponsorship opportunities to BFFF members across our events throughout the year, with flexible packages that can be tailored to suit your business objectives.

Contact Us
British Frozen Food Federation Members Logo
what our members say...
  • Wakefield Council

    “What an amazing piece of work and indicative of how BFFF respond to the concerns of their members and make an impact on the whole industry sector.”

    See Full Quote

  • Sysco

    “You guys really ‘Do The Right Thing’ for the good of the industry”

    See Full Quote

  • Darta

    “The BFFF awards night is becoming an “appointment not to miss” on our calendar and we again enjoyed it immensely together with lots of well-known people from our industry. The…

    See Full Quote

  • Kantar Worldpanel

    “The Business Conference was an excellent day that was very well organised and allowed so many likeminded individuals in the room to learn so much more around the Frozen industry….

    See Full Quote

  • Lakeside Food Group Ltd

    “This Not For EU labelling situation alarmed us and quickly became a major worry to our business. These are times when you really rely on some support and from previous…

    See Full Quote

  • Meadow Vale Foods Limited

    “We had a few questions with respect to the new EPR waste packaging legislative changes. I know some of my colleagues have been assisted by BFFF in the past so…

    See Full Quote

  • Newberry International Produce Ltd

    “I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the outstanding event you organised. I have only worked in this sector for the past nineteen months coming from twenty-five years…

    See Full Quote

  • Place UK Ltd

    “The BFFF 2024 Conference was compelling and thought provoking, with a many relevant and interesting topics covered at great pace and some depth by excellent speakers – will certainly attend…

    See Full Quote

  • Roswel Spedition GMBH

    “Thank you and the team for rushing around so brilliantly before, during and after the conference. It was pleasure to be part of the conference.”

    See Full Quote

  • Seara

    “The event was great, in my opinion. Not only it was very well organised, but the venue and the catering were excellent too. Furthermore, the content of the presentations was…

    See Full Quote

Website Designed & Built by we are CODA