Tag Archives: Show report
21 Mar |
Hotel, Catering and Retail Show |
From now until the end of summer, the South Coast will be busy with tourists and visitors from far afield. All hoping to take advantage of the beaches and seaside events that the region offers. It started early in Bournemouth, with the International Centre hosting the Hotel, Catering and Retail Trade Show on 14-15th March.
Featuring innovative products, plentiful food and drink product tastings, and discussions on the latest trends and developments, the show was as always a chance for suppliers and key industry players to interact and exchange ideas and advice.
New Products
Over 100 exhibitors took centre stage with many launching new products and services. Curio Spirits Company launched its Cornish Cup, a drink inspired by the traditional punch used in the British Navy during the 17th century. The five main ingredients are all natural, and sourced locally: spirits, water, sugar, citrus and tea.
The Pampas Plains company was new to the show. It has just launched the flatiron steak to both trade customers and catering customers and sources meat from around the world.
Piddle Brewery introduced Dorset’s first Gluten-Free Beer. Independently tested and certified by Coeliac UK, the brewery has taken its existing 4.3% best seller, Cocky IPA and made it gluten free.
New for 2017, the Purbeck Ice Cream team has introduced three new flavours of ice cream – Dorset Truffle, Salted Maple and Chai Latte and an incredible new Pineapple sorbet. All made on the farm in Dorset. Not to be outdone New Forest Ice Cream unveiled two brand new, wonderfully indulgent ice creams, Choc Chip Cookie Dough and the Berry & Apple Crumble Ice Cream.
Demos Galore
However the show was not all about products. Leading chefs demonstrated their favourite signature dishes and culinary skills in the Demo Kitchen. Mixologists sprang into action in the Liquid Hall. Artisan Producers from Dorset and Hampshire exhibited in both halls, bringing some local flavours which appealed to both retail and food service buyers.
Seminars included a Food Allergen Masterclass. This was an introductory session on how to ensure that providing for the free-from customer is not an afterthought. An excellent talk on Food and Culture, Heritage and Tradition focusing on the iconic cream tea. How we see it today, tomorrow and potentially how we will see it in 20 years time.
Other talks included how surplus food can help change lives from FareShare UK. Every day eight million people in the UK struggle to feed themselves. FareShare depots nationwide help to tackle this problem, providing a positive solution for surplus food.
There was something for everyone at the Hotel, Catering and Retail Show which will return to the same venue next year. Not just a product platform, the show encourages anyone involved in the industry to network and exchange information. This helps the catering corps provide the best to the public. And the importance of those information exchanges is why AC Services Southern shares these show reports.
Published Date: 21st March 2017
Category: Blog, Catering Business, News
Tags: AC Services, Food producers, Show report
21 Feb |
PUB17 at Olympia Show Report |
A recent report from Oxford Economics (OE), commissioned by the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), has found that the beer and pub industry in Britain employs nearly 900,000 people with a contribution of £23.1bn to the British economy. There are more than 49,000 pubs across the country. With more pubs now serving food as a profitable sideline, there is great interest in this sector.
So as the only dedicated trade show for the pub industry in the UK, you would expect PUB17 to be popular. And to the delight but not the surprise of the organisers, it was bigger and more attended than ever before, showing an 8% increase year on year.
The two-day show took place at Olympia from 7 to 8 February, with more than 3,700 visitors coming through the doors. Over 200 exhibitors showcased their products and dozens of free-to-attend talks from the leading lights of the industry took place. The talks were categorised into three areas: the Taste Table, the PUB Theatre and the Margin Masterclass.
Relevant Seminars
These talks targeted current and relevant issues, from Brexit to recruitment and retention in the hospitality industry. Wotzon gave a masterclass on a new app that lets user find out everything they want to know about a pub, and Borough Wines tapped into the potential of using kegged wines.
One of the most direct talks came from JD Wetherspoon founder Tim Martin who argued that two taxes are killing pubs – business rates and VAT. He advocated that the “industry campaigns to prioritise excise duty help supermarkets as well as pubs”.
Supermarkets pay about 2% of their sales as business rates whereas pubs are assessed for business rates at about 12% of sales. By the same equation, pubs pay 20% VAT on food sales, whereas supermarkets pay almost nothing. He went on to state that “the message from the industry needs to ring out loud and clear – lower excise duty is important, but tax equality is paramount.”
Great Success
PUB17 was a great success with visitors, exhibitors and organisers all satisfied with the turnout and the feedback. George Nightingale, owner of Spoken Bar in Exmouth, said: “PUB17 was a showcase of must-have brands in the industry, but most importantly some of the latest products and innovations.”
Sam Gunn, PUB17 marketing manager said: “PUB17 was another fantastic show and we are thrilled with the results. Its success is testament to the importance of providing a show dedicated to pubs, which keeps publicans up-to-date with trends, provides them with new ideas and insight, and networking opportunities with like-minded individuals.”
PUB18 will return to London on 6th and 7th February 2018.
Published Date: 21st February 2017
Category: Blog, Catering Business, News
Tags: Pubs, Show report
07 Feb |
The Great Hospitality Show |
2017 has got off to a great start in the food industry. Despite the shortages of vegetables in the supermarkets thanks to the bad weather in Spain, the UK is continuing its tradition of excellence in terms of exhibitions.
The first big show of the year, the Great Hospitality Show took place at the NEC from 23 to 25 January.
Packed with products and exhibitors, this is the UK’s largest event for the hospitality and foodservice industry in 2017. It has also been heralded as the only show focusing on the business of hospitality.
Trends and Innovations
The show provides a platform for networking and a showcase for cutting edge products across catering equipment, food and drink, interiors and technology. The event featured a wide range of fresh talent, future trends and innovations to help the industry. The three days saw numerous debates, seminars and demonstrations.
The Salon Culinaire at Great Hospitality Show encompassed a broad range of classes for competitors of all levels, from cocktail mixology to preparing a best end of lamb to filleting lemon sole. The Business Briefing Stage provided an invaluable selection of business seminars. These targeted the main current issues surrounding British hospitality, delivering industry insight, debate and discussion on the trends making the headlines.
The Staff Canteen Live allowed visitors to witness the culinary skills of some of the UK’s leading chefs in a highly interactive environment. Chefs were able to offer advice and take questions throughout their whole cooking demonstration and explain their cooking skills to visitors. Chefs included Glynn Purnell of Purnell’s with by head pastry chef, Luke Butcher, Dom Chapman from The Beehive, Shay Cooper from The Goring Hotel London and André Garrett, executive chef at Cliveden House.
Great Product Awards
The Great Product Awards were unveiled during the Great Hospitality Show and attracted a great deal of attention. The 12 shortlisted entrants were selected from the sectors of food and drink, catering equipment, technology and interiors and tableware.
The entrants included the SuperFast Thermapen 4 from Electronic Temperature Instruments Limited. This accurately measures the temperature of a product in just three seconds, saving chefs time in busy kitchens.
NAH Foods Ltd showcased its Konjac allergen free spaghetti. This only needs to be heated through rather than cooked thus making it a quick and easy product for chefs.
The GIZGO pod from iQi Charge Ltd is a portable charger with an integrated iPhone and android cable plus two USB ports. This product allows customers to charge their phones at the table, helping businesses increase footfall, dwell time and revenue.
The eventual winner was BGL Rieber’s Thermoport Midi-K, insulated food transport box.
The show returns in 2019. In the meantime, at AC Services (Southern) we will be watching the trends in hospitality industry closely to continue to provide the best service for our many clients.
Published Date: 7th February 2017
Category: Blog, Catering Business, Events, News
Tags: Show report
06 Dec |
BBC Good Food Show 2016 Birmingham |
It was Birmingham’s turn to host the latest BBC Good Food Show and the halls of the NEC were filled to bursting point with visitors and exhibitors.
The show itself travels the length and breadth of the country, with venues at Glasgow SECC, London Olympia, Hampton Court Palace and Birmingham. The NEC hosts the show twice a year in the winter and in the summer.
Even the bitter cold spell didn’t discourage visitors. They flocked in their thousands to mingle with TV celebrity chefs and take away inspiration from the demonstrations and vast amounts of delicious food on display.
As usual, the stars were out in force. TV favourites Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood kept the crowds entertained as did the Hairy Bikers, Raymond Blanc and the winner of the 2015 Great British Bake Off, Nadiya Hussain. Other celebrity chefs included Tom Kerridge, James Martin, Michel Roux Jr, Barney Desmazery and Marcus Bean. Also spotted in the lineout was Eddie the Eagle Edwards!
For all food lovers, there was plenty of action at the show. Wherever you looked, something food-related was happening. The ever-popular Supertheatre was standing room only for most of the event, with celebrity chefs showing their culinary skills over the three days. There were cookery demonstrations ranging from baking to roasting to the more exotic. Both hosts and guests enjoyed the freedom of the dedicated area to create traditional and innovative food.
Staged Events
Another popular event was the BBC Good Food Stage where live interviews and demonstrations with the nation’s favourite chefs and experts took place. Similarly, the BBC Good Food Kitchen enabled visitors to dine on dishes inspired by recipes by bbcgoodfood.com
For those just wanting to browse and experience different foods, there were shopping opportunities at every turn, from local producer markets to international food pavilions where food from all continents was available for purchase. With November being ‘World Vegan Month’, the BBC Good Food Show revealed tasty treats and food for all vegan palettes, with some exciting new flavours and brands.
New products included additive free handmade breads and patisseries from Hedonist Bakery like the Farmers Country Grain loaf which was packed with grains and nuts. Munchy Seeds provided various flavours including honey, chilli and even sweet varieties like choccy apricot enriched with omega 3.
The BBC Good Food Shows are all about live entertainment, cooking inspiration, shopping and tasting in combination with award-winning UK’s chefs and experts cooking live. The NEC will be hosting next year’s summer spectacular, but there are shows taking place everywhere around the country. So go along and be inspired.
Published Date: 6th December 2016
Category: Blog, Catering Business, News
Tags: Events, Show report
25 Oct |
Independent Hotel Show: A Voice for the Industry |
The Independent Hotel Show 2016 took place last week at Olympia West, London. The show has established itself as the UK’s largest business event supporting the luxury, independent hotel and boutique hotel sector. This year it attracted more visitors than ever.
Over 300 innovative product and service providers alongside expert key speakers at the Seminar Programme were present over the two-day event for advice and innovations to improve the efficiency and profitability of independent hoteliers.
Industry Report
One of the most influential events was the Zeitgeist Talk and report . Commissioned by the Independent Hotel Show, and penned by Melvin Gold Consulting Ltd, this thought leadership discussion summarised and emphasised the key issues facing independent hotels operating in the UK today.
Although acknowledging that the UK independent hotel sector is shrinking, the discussion revealed that the sector is still strong and continues to wield great influence. Independent hotel rooms still comprise more than half of the serviced accommodation rooms in the UK. The discussion cited the seaside resorts as excellent examples of best practice and innovation that emanate in independent hotels in reigniting tourism.
Five key differentiating factors for independent hotels in today’s hotel market were identified: individuality; locality; freedom; personality and innovation.
The talk concluded that “there is little doubt that the hotel brands will continue their growth and equally that some independent hotels might fall by the wayside. Some may choose to rebrand but the majority will remain … the best will provide leadership and innovation for the whole hotel sector and this report highlights key topics, actions and opportunities that are likely to underpin their success.”
Way Out, Way Forward
Other seminars covered the Brexit effect, marketing trends, and advice on current best online practices presented by eviivo. This talk explained the importance of efficiently promoting and selling rooms throughout the coming year using online media to the maximum.
There was also an excellent seminar on what the future looks like from an aesthetic viewpoint: what’s the right balance between classic and progressive? How can every hotel have its own visual identity?
The emphasis was firmly upon creative thinking and looking to the future. The seminars were extremely well attended by hotel managers and owners seeking to accommodate the evolving needs and priorities of tomorrow’s consumer.
As far as awards go, Kate Levin was crowned Independent Hotelier of the Year and The Laslett was pronounced the Most Outstanding New Hotel.
The Independent Hotel Show gives a voice to the hotelier within the sector and offers a forum for participants in this sector to meet and exchange values and ideas. Next year’s show is already in the planning stages so remember to put it in your diary to attend.
Published Date: 25th October 2016
Category: Blog, Catering Business, News
Tags: Hotel, Show report
11 Oct |
Three for the Price of One |
The Restaurant Show 2016, billed as the ultimate destination for the hospitality industry to connect, celebrate and discover, took place last week at Olympia in London.
Over three days, the exhibition attracted some of the most well-known chefs and decision-makers in the industry as well as hordes of visitors!
This year, the show was held in conjunction with two other exhibitions. The Bar & Pub Show, delivered in partnership with The Morning Advertiser, and The Conscious Hospitality Show. In addition, The Restaurant Show also included a new dedicated area, Catering Equipment Expo to showcase the latest trends in the presentation of food and drink from around the world.
Bar & Pub Show
The Bar & Pub Show was a huge success, catering for those involved in the management and ownership of UK pubs and bars. Live events covered a range of relevant issues including design, front of house and tableware and entertainment providers. In short anything that could boost the financial opportunities for the great British pub trade.
The Conscious Hospitality Show highlighted the changes in how people view their food. The age of the conscious consumer has arrived and the show discussed a variety of topics, including health and nutrition, responsible sourcing, sustainability and ethical business practices.
Restaurant Show 2016
A major highlight of the Restaurant Show 2016 was the live line-ups, featuring some of the industry’s most exciting names, led by Phil Vickery, who showcased their signature dishes.
The OpenTable Insights session on running and growing a restaurant featured insights, real-life success stories and advice. The favourite event appeared to be the World Steak Challenge, where visitors had the opportunity to sample the world’s best steak! Edible insects were also a popular attraction.
The introduction of a new area, the Liquid Hub gave visitors the opportunity to learn about alternative drinks, with an interesting talk on the popularity of Japanese sake and new wines from unusual climates.
A range of topics were discussed on the main stage. This included a fascinating discussion on how to capture a slice of the lucrative family dining market, where the psychology of eating out as a family was presented.
As usual, Restaurant Show 2016 heralded an impressive line-up of expert speakers and passionate visitors. Along with the other shows, Olympia was once again bombarded by hordes of eager visitors. The next Restaurant Show has already been lined up for October 2017 so put it in your diary now.
Published Date: 11th October 2016
Category: Blog, Catering Business, News
Tags: Hotel, Pubs, Restaurant, Show report
27 Sep |
lunch! and Food Entrepreneur Show |
September is often seen as a relaxing month: schools reopen, summer is over and we don’t have to worry about Christmas yet. It is also a good month for exhibitions. Two of the finest food events are lunch! 2016 and the Food Entrepreneur Show.
You’ve already missed lunch! 2016 which took place last week at the Business Design Centre in London and was attended by thousands of food and drink buyers. Billed as “the UK’s biggest and multi-award winning show for the food-to-go trade”, visitors included food-to-go operators, food retailers, and contract caterers, as well as a representation from independent and multiple cafés, coffee shops and sandwich shops.
Expert Keynotes
Two keynote theatres were set up for eminent speakers to address current issues that affect the industry. High profile companies such as Starbucks and Costa Coffee offered advice, with seminars on a variety of subjects, including attracting and retaining customers, the future of hot food to go, winning the lunchtime competition battle and how to launch a successful cafe business.
Over 350 exhibiting companies showcased a range of food, drink, packaging, catering equipment and technology. New exhibitors included Nestle Waters UK, Pukka Herbs, Florette UK + Ireland, Tails Cocktails, Dragonfly Foods, and the Tao Family.
Innovation Challenge
The show also saw the return of the Innovation Challenge Awards for the most innovative products in the food-to-go sector. The Start Up Zone was hugely popular with visitors able to interact with a range of new start-up companies from across the sector. The Zone gave the opportunity to experience innovative products launching in the industry from companies that are not normally found at trade shows.
If you missed lunch! this year then make sure you book up for next year to be held at ExCel in London. The show has an impressive amount of awards: it was shortlisted for Best UK Trade Show Exhibition over 2,000sqm by the Association of Event Organisers’ Excellence Awards 2016. It won Best Trade Show at the Exhibition News Awards in 2014 and was shortlisted for Best Trade Show and Best Trade Show Marketing Campaign in 2015.
There’s still time for you to get to The Food Entrepreneur Show 2016 on 27 and 28 September 2016 at ExCeL London, the number one event for business growth and expansion in the food profession. 150 expert speakers are booked and there are over 200 suppliers exhibiting.
Take your business to the next level by attending the seminars: for instance, are you playing the right music in your restaurant? Have you got your own brand mobile app? Is your restaurant’s ordering system ready?
If the answer to any of these questions is no then the Food Entrepreneur Show is for you! Incorporating the Takeaway and Restaurant Innovation Expo and the Restaurant Design Show as well as Street Food Live, the event is a must for all those involved in the restaurant business.
Published Date: 27th September 2016
Category: Blog, Catering Business, News
Tags: Catering business, Pubs, Restaurant, Show report
13 Sep |
Speciality and Fine Food Fair with Chocolate! |
A chocolate fair: no other combination of words brings more satisfaction. And the Speciality Chocolate Fair, which took place last week at the Speciality and Fine Food Fair at Olympia lived up to all expectations.
As the UK’s only trade event for fine and artisan chocolate, the Speciality Chocolate Fair brought together a host of chocolate-related events including a live demonstration theatre with line-up of chocolatiers and pastry chefs.
Of particular interest was smoked chocolate, one of the most delightful delicacies on show. The Indian Chocolate stand offered Earth Loaf’s smoked salt and almond chocolate. This uses 72% dark chocolate with cacao husk smoked sea salt, palmyra sugar and North Indian almonds.
Fine Food
However, the main show covered a whole range of edibles and exhibitions. Demonstrations took place in the Fine Food Live kitchen focusing on practical advice and tips on the industry’s current trends from some of the most experienced chefs and personalities.
The Business Mentoring Centre was available throughout the show. It had SME experts on hand to offer free bespoke advice on any aspect of running a business. Attracting a lot of attention was the Small Producer Village, a dedicated area within Speciality and Fine Food Fair for brand new companies to the industry.
The Innovation Zone and pitching stage was a new section this year, presented by Grocery Accelerator. This was largest of its kind at a UK trade show and represented a one-stop location for exciting new products to be discovered.
Great Taste Awards
Then there were the Great Taste Awards where all top 50 finalists were showcased. The Great Taste Award overall winner was announced on the evening of the second night. Great Taste is the stamp of approval for great-tasting food and drink. It has been recognised as the UK’s largest and most trusted accreditation scheme for food producers.
The finalists included Delicioso UK, with pistachio nut oil, almond and walnut oil; Bramley and Gage with sweet vermouth, 6 o’clock gin and 6 o’clock damson gin; and coconut jam from Coconut Merchant.
Seminars included talks on a variety of interesting and topical subjects such as the future rise of fermented food, with their probiotic benefits. My personal favourite was entitled ‘chocolate and wine, making the best of both.’ Speaker, Jane Parkinson demonstrated wines that work brilliantly with different types of chocolate, dispelling the myth that chocolate can’t pair with wine. Tanya Maher answered questions on raw food, including what sweeteners are available to use in raw food uncooking and why eat dessert first.
As always the show was a huge success and was extremely well attended. Next year, the Speciality and Fine Food Fair runs from 3 to 5 September at Olympia so put it in the diary now!
Published Date: 13th September 2016
Category: Blog, Catering Business, Events, News
Tags: Catering business, Show report
26 Apr |
Food And Drink Expo 2016 |
Food and Drink Expo 2016 took place last week at the NEC in Birmingham and as expected, it saw record numbers of visitors. The show was promoted as providing the “number one route to the UK food and drink market, helping hundreds of companies showcase their wares”.
Over the course of three days, visitors from all walks of the food industry attended the stands, the seminars and the exhibited products.
According to figures from the last Food and Drink Expo in 2014, 31% of visitors were key foodservice buyers from various venues, including independent cafés, caterers, coffee shops, large restaurants and hotel chains. 18% of visitors were from the speciality food market from farm shops, delicatessens, garden centres, speciality food halls, butcheries and bakeries, with 25% from the manufacturing sector.
Talking Shop
The Grocer Talking Shop Live took centre stage, with an action-packed programme and a top line-up of speakers. These included Nadiya Hussein, reigning champion of the Great British Bake Off who took time off from baking the Queen’s 90th birthday cake to attend.
The Great Health Debate discussed changing eating habits and the rising obesity problem as well as investigating the changes required when it comes to targeting millennials versus the ageing society.
Topical sessions included talks on gluten-free products and the sugar debate with Gavin Partington, Director General of the British Soft Drinks Association and Ian Twinn, Director of Public Affairs at the Incorporated Society of British Advertisers debating the drinks scandals.
The Grocer Talking Shop Live concluded on Wednesday with a Meet the Dragons session at where entrepreneurs put forward their best innovations for potential funding to an expert panel.
International Presence
The Food and Drink Expo, co-located with the Farm Shop & Deli Show and the National Convenience Show was particularly focused on international cuisine, which was heavily represented. According to the World Cuisines Report 2014, the market has seen strong growth in recent years, with retail value sales increasing by 32% from 2008 to 2013. This is due in part to a wider range of ethnic cuisine, the UK’s diverse ethnic population, international travel and our national enthusiasm for trying novel foods!
Also very popular was the Great New Idea Competition, where industry professionals voted for their favourite products ahead of the event. Three finalists were chosen from hundreds of products, including Nim’s Fruit Crisps, with its healthy range of fruit and vegetable crisps; Craft beer Growlers, with its PEGAS CraftTap 2.0 and Purbeck Ice Cream, with its Dorset Wasabi ice cream.
Interestingly for British food companies, UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) has also partnered with Food & Drink Expo and Foodex to support British businesses who are seeking to expand overseas. There is a big vote coming up about whether or not to stay in Europe and whatever the outcome, British businesses are keen to sustain and maintain a lucrative presence overseas. The Food & Drink Expo demonstrated the need and the enthusiasm for the industry to continue to expand and find innovations for future requirements.
At AC Services (Southern), we heartily support trade shows and have a vested interest in seeing what is new and what is trending. This enables us to provide the most up-to-date and relevant advice and support for all of our customers in providing and maintaining the perfect Rational appliance for market needs. So we’re looking forward to the next Food And Drink Expo in 2018.
Published Date: 26th April 2016
Category: Blog, Catering Business, Events, News
Tags: Food producers, Hotel, Pubs, Restaurant, Show report
15 Mar |
Hotel and Catering Show 2016 |
8-9 March saw The Hotel and Catering Show 2016 take place at Bournemouth International Centre.
Under new management this year with Hale Events, the Hotel and Catering Show featured a host of innovative products, food and drink product tastings, and the latest news from the industry.
Visitors came from far and wide: food service and hospitality staff, caterers, cafés, guest houses, hotels and restaurants to holiday parks, takeaways and pubs.
There was an excellent representation also from retail outlets including delicatessens, farm shops and supermarkets as well as tourist attractions, independent stores, and schools, colleges and hospitals. There was a plethora of events to keep everyone interested.
The Demo Kitchen was particularly well attended, with leading chefs serving up their favourite signature dishes and local produce on display at the Artisan Producers feature. However, watching the mixologists in action in the unambiguously named Liquid Hall was a treat for all.
The show was billed as a place where “the Southern hospitality community comes together to do business, network and learn” and it did not disappoint.
The Demo kitchen, sponsored by Menu Dorset and Flaming Peaches saw some big names mixed with up-and-coming culinary hopefuls. World of Zing founder Pritesh Mody demonstrated the allure of spices in a masterclass that paired them with game meat, whereas students from Bournemouth and Poole College demonstrated their larder skills and finished dishes.
Matt Davey, a Michelin award-winning chef whose clients include Madonna and Gordon Ramsay showed off his skills with the creation of street food from his 1950’s Citroen H-Van. And for the financially minded, David Marshall of Bournemouth University discussed the profitability potential of catering, with the calculations/numbers behind the menu, product procurement and menu development.
Liquid Hall
The Liquid Hall was impressive, offering the opportunity to discover new and exciting products, techniques, services and trends. Brand demonstrations at the Cocktail Bar in the Liquid Hall included tempting tasters from Freedom Beer, Maverick Drinks, Double Dutch and Cameron’s Tontine Milk Stout! Exhibitors at the Artisan Producers feature hailed from various producers and manufacturers from Dorset and Hampshire, bringing local flavour from some of the finest food and drink produced in the areas.
The Hotel and Catering Show 2016 in Bournemouth is one of the country’s most established hospitality events, displaying a range of features from regional food and beverage produce to catering equipment, technology providers and interiors. At AC Services, we are delighted to support a catering show taking place on the south coast, which proved popular with exhibitors and visitors alike.
Published Date: 15th March 2016
Category: Blog, Catering Business, News
Tags: Catering business, Events, Show report