Blog - Page 8 - Ceres Shop

Leon Restaurants to Launch within Asda Stores Following £2 Billion Acquisition

Posted by Emma on 1st Nov 2023

Asda has assumed control of the Leon restaurant chain following a £2 billion transaction to purchase a substantial portion of its affiliate, EG Group's UK operations. Leon Restaurant, Old Compton … read more

May your Christmas - and New Year - be merry and bright!

Posted by Emily on 31st Oct 2023

Christmas is just around the corner and although it can be tempting to leave your festive marketing until the last knockings, getting your skates on early will always pay off, especially this year … read more

Byron's establishments dwindle to single digits after more shutdowns

Posted by Emily on 31st Oct 2023

The embattled burger brand Byron has witnessed its number of branches diminish to a mere few after a series of recent closures. Malcolmxl5, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons The company … read more

Golden Returns: McDonald’s Posts Impressive Quarterly Rise

Posted by Emily on 30th Oct 2023

McDonald’s has exceeded market expectations in terms of both profit and revenue for the third quarter. Nextarity2, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons The company disclosed profits of $3.19 … read more

Point of View - Response to Jan Moir's Daily Mail Tom Kerridge Article

Posted by Stelios on 29th Oct 2023

I wanted to address misconceptions in Jan Moir's Daily Mail piece on Tom Kerridge's Harrods venture. The general public has misconceptions about what makes excellent fish & chips, and this oft … read more

Unravelling the Mystery of Nitrates in Your Food

Posted by Emily on 29th Oct 2023

Nitrates often conjure images of chemistry experiments or agricultural fertilisers rather than something you'd find on your dinner plate. However, these compounds are more than scientific curiositi … read more

Easy Guide to TUPE

Posted by Emma on 29th Oct 2023

TUPE is like a safety net for workers when another business takes over the company they work for. It makes sure that employees don't just lose their jobs or rights because of this change. Brea … read more

Behind the Numbers: Mastering The Balance Sheet

Posted by Emily on 29th Oct 2023

In the UK, businesses must prepare and submit balance sheets annually. But what exactly is a balance sheet, and why is it crucial? This easy-read guide breaks it down for you. What Is a Balanc … read more

The Disappearing British Pub: A Crisis in the UK's Social Landscape

Posted by Emily on 29th Oct 2023

The British pub scene, a cornerstone of the nation's cultural heritage, is threatened like never before. For the first time since we've begun keeping track, the UK is home to fewer than 100,000 est … read more

UK Urged to Restrict Sugar Production to Combat Obesity

Posted by Emily on 29th Oct 2023

Health and environmental experts have urged the government to limit the United Kingdom's sugar output to address the nation's obesity epidemic, as detailed in a new collaborative report. Alupu … read more

Climate Crisis and Crime: A Perfect Storm Brews in the Olive Oil Industry

Posted by Emily on 28th Oct 2023

In recent months, the olive oil industry has faced a multifaceted crisis. Not only are production levels plummeting due to extreme weather conditions, but a spate of thefts in producer countries li … read more

Five Guys Embark on Major Expansion: 140 New UK Outlets Projected

Posted by Emily on 27th Oct 2023

In a strategic business move, Five Guys is set to expand its UK market presence significantly. John Eckbert, Chief Executive, has outlined a plan for the renowned American burger chain to establish … read more

Over 1,000 Cats Saved from Slaughter in China

Posted by Emily on 27th Oct 2023

In China, police have liberated over 1,000 cats destined for slaughter and fraudulent sale as pork or mutton, as per reports by media affiliated with the state. The force, responding to inform … read more

KFC Temporarily Closes Lesotho Outlets Amid South African Bird Flu Crisis

Posted by Emily on 27th Oct 2023

KFC has declared the closure of all its outlets in Lesotho following a severe bird flu outbreak in the adjacent nation of South Africa. Gafirita jean d'amour Uwimana, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimed … read more

AG Barr Welcomes Tropical Flavour with £12.3M Rio Purchase

Posted by Emily on 26th Oct 2023

AG Barr, the creators of Irn-Bru, are introducing a tropical twist to their expanding collection following the acquisition of the soft drink brand Rio in a deal worth £12.3 million. Image Sour … read more

Heineken's UK summer beer sales subdued by surging prices and inclement weather

Posted by Emily on 26th Oct 2023

Global sales volumes witnessed a 4.2% decline as prices escalated by 9.5%, contributing to a 2% sales increase, reaching €9.6bn. Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Co … read more

Will Pizza Express Owner Outbid Apollo? Inside the Tense Takeover Struggle for Wagamama's TRG

Posted by Emily on 26th Oct 2023

The owner of Pizza Express, Wheel Topco, is potentially setting its sights on a takeover bid for Wagamama, currently under the umbrella of The Restaurant Group (TRG). Stephen Shaw at English W … read more

Unilever Responds to a Washed-Out Ice Cream Season

Posted by Emily on 26th Oct 2023

This summer witnessed a steep decline in ice cream sales, partly owing to inclement weather, reports the producer of Ben & Jerry's and Magnum, Unilever. The company, custodian to other familiar … read more

No More Finger Lickin' Goods on Deliveroo as KFC Opts Out

Posted by Emily on 26th Oct 2023

The renowned fried chicken franchise KFC and delivery powerhouse Deliveroo have called time on their collaboration, unable to find common ground on commission rates. Consequently, from today, 26 Oc … read more

Revel in the Crispy Triumphs: Top 10 Contenders for the "From Field to Frier" Honour – National Fish and Chip Awards 2024

Posted by Emily on 26th Oct 2023

The stage is set to celebrate the unsung heroes behind every scrumptious bite of Britain's beloved fish and chips. Ten stellar establishments have risen, battering away fierce competition to secure th … read more

Ronald McDonald: The Making of a Marketing Phenomenon

Posted by Emily on 25th Oct 2023

Dive into the captivating history of how Ronald McDonald, a mere mascot, climbed the ranks to become a legend in marketing and branding. Few figures have imprinted themselves into cultural consciou … read more

A Slice of History: The Saga of McDonald's Ill-Fated McPizza

Posted by Emily on 24th Oct 2023

Do you remember when McDonald's tried to tantalise our taste buds with slices of cheesy goodness? Yes, we're talking about the legendary McDonald's pizza, albeit not so successful. The McPizza saga … read more

Ceres Media Training Day a success

Posted by Emily on 24th Oct 2023

We did it! Our first Ceres Media Training Day took place yesterday (Monday 23rd October) at The Doubletree Hilton hotel in Coventry and we were astounded with the turnout. Over 60 fish and chip sho … read more

Whitbread sees big profit rise as Premier Inn serves more customers

Posted by Emily on 21st Oct 2023

Whitbread, the company behind Premier Inn hotels, is seeing a big boost in profits. They've had a 30% increase in the past six months. Why? Well, their Premier Inn chain is doing well, mainly becau … read more

McDonald’s Tense Balancing Act Amid Middle East Turmoil

Posted by Emily on 21st Oct 2023

McDonald's, an iconic American fast food chain, has been embroiled in the political turmoil stirred by the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. This unexpected entanglement arose after McDonal … read more

Pret A Manger is expanding in the US with a new partnership

Posted by Emily on 21st Oct 2023

Pret has shifted most of its US business into a joint venture with Dallas Holdings. This deal involves Dallas taking over the running of 50 Pret stores located in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washin … read more

Deliveroo on the Rebound: Recent Figures Signal Turnaround in Fortunes

Posted by Emily on 21st Oct 2023

The UK's fondness for doorstep food delivery is returning, propelling a resurgence in sales for one of the foremost entities in the sector. Deliveroo, headquartered in London and operational across … read more

Higher prices take a toll on Nestlé

Posted by Emily on 21st Oct 2023

The global surge in consumer prices has significantly impacted spending, contributing to slower sales growth at Nestlé, the world's largest food and beverages company. This slowdown comes in light … read more

Just Eat Experiences Dip in Takeaway Orders as Diners Flock Back to Restaurants

Posted by Emily on 21st Oct 2023

Just Eat Takeaway has noted a decline in food deliveries with the resurgence of customers dining in restaurants. In the quarter leading up to September's end, the platform registered 235.3 million … read more

Digital Transformation Takes Centre Stage as McDonald's Innovates to Stay Ahead

Posted by Emily on 21st Oct 2023

Despite the prevalent inflation fears that coloured 2022, one American fast-food giant, McDonald's, seems to have found a solution. In October, McDonald's reported robust financial results for … read more

Udderly Sustainable: McDonald's and FrieslandCampina Shaping the Future of Dairy Farming

Posted by Emily on 18th Oct 2023

McDonald's and FrieslandCampina, two major players in the food industry, are joining forces to tackle climate change by cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions within the dairy farming sector. … read more

New Urgency for Banning 'Forever Chemicals' in Food Packaging

Posted by Emily on 18th Oct 2023

The BEUC, a notable European consumer group, is pushing hard for a rapid ban on 'forever chemicals' used in food containers. This action comes after alarming findings that these chemicals are wides … read more

UK's Post-Brexit: Redefining Wine with Relaxed Alcohol Rules

Posted by Emily on 18th Oct 2023

The UK government is set to simplify wine rules after Brexit, especially for low-alcohol wines. Right now, a drink must have at least 8.5% alcohol to be called "wine" due to old EU laws. Drinks wit … read more

Tip Tensions: Miller & Carter's Shared Earnings Approach Stirs Staff and Union Concerns

Posted by Emily on 18th Oct 2023

The steakhouse chain Miller & Carter is facing criticism over a new policy that affects waiting staff's tips to supplement the wages of chefs and other kitchen employees. Simon Cobb, CC0, via … read more

Factory worker who contaminated food destined for Nando's jailed

Posted by Emily on 17th Oct 2023

A factory worker who deliberately placed foreign objects such as plastic bags, rubber gloves, and ring pulls in food products bound for Nando's restaurants has been incarcerated. Garry Jones, dur … read more

Pret a Manger Incident: Slow Developments After Fatal Allergic Reaction in Bath

Posted by Emily on 17th Oct 2023

The relatives of Celia Marsh, a 42-year-old woman who tragically passed away after consuming a Pret a Manger wrap labelled as "vegan" but containing dairy traces, express deep concerns regarding th … read more

Greggs Overtakes Subway as the UK's Leading Fast Food Chain

Posted by Emily on 17th Oct 2023

The British bakery chain Greggs, established 84 years ago, now boasts a larger presence in the UK than the American submarine sandwich giant Subway. TAC PlazaMaster, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedi … read more

Trapped in the Cold: Pret A Manger Fined £800,000 Over Safety Failures

Posted by Emily on 17th Oct 2023

Pret A Manger was hit with a hefty £800,000 fine after a staff member endured a harrowing experience, getting trapped in a walk-in freezer. Ajay Suresh from New York, NY, USA, CC BY 2.0, via W … read more

Greggs working on overseas trial as UK sales surge

Posted by Emily on 17th Oct 2023

The announcement came from Roisin Currie as the company, renowned for its array of sausage rolls, steak bakes, vegan options, and desserts, enjoyed a 14.2% surge in comparable sales in its company- … read more

Tim Hortons Reveals New Franchise Strategy for UK Growth

Posted by Emily on 17th Oct 2023

The Canadian group Tim Hortons has introduced a new franchising scheme in the UK to expand its network of 75 outlets.This coffee and quick-service restaurant chain commenced its UK journey in Glasg … read more

Dunkin's Big Leap: Doubling UK Stores in Two Years

Posted by Emily on 17th Oct 2023

Dunkin', the renowned American coffee and doughnut chain, is embarking on an ambitious UK expansion. It intends to open a major store in London, beginning a robust 'aggressive extension plan'. This … read more

Top 10 Battling for 'Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year'

Posted by Emily on 17th Oct 2023

The National Fish and Chip Awards 2024 has shortlisted ten UK fish and chip restaurants for the coveted "Restaurant of the Year" title. These top 10 contenders impressed the judges with their com … read more

Just Eat Takeaway's AI Assistant Ready to Take Your Order

Posted by Emily on 17th Oct 2023

Just Eat Takeaway is gearing up to introduce a new chatty 'AI assistant' within its UK app, aiming to draw in more orders from the tech-savvy, younger crowd. This innovative feature is in its trial … read more

Baguettes in France Get a Healthier Twist with Less Salt

Posted by Emily on 16th Oct 2023

Get ready for a healthier bite of your beloved baguette! France's staple bread is undergoing another recipe transformation to benefit public health, starting October 1. Kathryn Cartwright, edy … read more

Whitby Seafoods Cancels Acquisition Amid Fears of Increased Prices

Posted by Emily on 16th Oct 2023

The popular scampi company, Whitby Seafoods Ltd, has called off plans for a merger, heeding a regulatory advisory that the move could inflate consumer prices. Image Source & Copyright - Wh … read more

Are There Really Dead Wasps in Your Figs?

Posted by Emily on 14th Oct 2023

Have you ever pondered the crunch in your fig? The answer may be more surprising than you think. Figs, curiously, are actually inverted flowers. Within each fig lies hundreds of tiny buds that … read more

Scottish Farmed Salmon Production Sees a Sharp Decline

Posted by Emily on 14th Oct 2023

Last year, Scotland experienced a significant drop in farmed salmon production, with the figures indicating a nearly 20% decline. The main culprit behind this decline seems to be increasing sea tem … read more

Domino's Pizza's New Strategy Aims to Woo Customers Amidst Pricing Pressure

Posted by Emily on 14th Oct 2023

On Thursday, Domino's Pizza unveiled its strategy to rejuvenate demand in the U.S., spotlighting an enhanced loyalty program and tempting promotional offers. These moves are designed to counteract … read more

Abel & Cole Introduces UK's first plastic refillable milk bottle

Posted by Emily on 13th Oct 2023

A dairy firm has introduced what they believe to be the UK's inaugural washable and refillable plastic milk bottle. Abel & Cole, situated in Wroughton, Wiltshire, claims that the bottle can und … read more

Forbidden Additives: The UK's Stance on Hazardous Food Ingredients

Posted by Emily on 13th Oct 2023

It seems a matter of common sense today that hazardous substances like arsenic, lead, and mercury should be strictly off the menu. Yet, journey back two millennia, and Roman scholars would be sippi … read more

Food crime hotline introduced as fraud costs the UK a staggering £2 billion annually

Posted by Emily on 13th Oct 2023

In light of allegations of fraud within the meat sector, the food safety regulator is examining measures to curtail criminal undertakings within the food sector. The food safety regulator has … read more

My Review: 'Extreme Ownership' by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin

Posted by Stelios on 13th Oct 2023

When I read 'Extreme Ownership' by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, I didn't expect such powerful insights from battle-hardened Navy SEAL officers. Their experiences in the urban warfare of Ramadi, Ir … read more

Loungers Group Sees Rise in Revenue as Inflation Concerns Ease

Posted by Emily on 13th Oct 2023

In the first half of the fiscal year, Loungers experienced a 22.3% increase in revenue.Image Source/ Copyright Owner: Loungers GroupLoungers, a prominent UK cafe bar and restaurant chain, highlight … read more

Quorn Faces £15.5m Loss Due to Drop in Supermarket Sales

Posted by Emily on 13th Oct 2023

Last year, the makers of Quorn, a popular meat substitute, reported a notable loss of £15.5m. This financial setback is attributed to rising costs and dwindling sales in supermarkets.Image Source/C … read more

Burger King UK Plans to Open 60 New Restaurants in Whopper Expansion

Posted by Emily on 13th Oct 2023

Burger King UK has secured an additional £35 million in funding from its shareholder, Bridgepoint. This funding will facilitate the fast-food giant's ambitious goal of adding more than 60 new re … read more

Wales waves in new rules on workplace recycling

Posted by Emily on 12th Oct 2023

On a mission to cut carbon emissions and become a zero waste nation by 2050, the Welsh government is getting tough on workplace recycling and introducing new legislation requiring stricter segregat … read more

Kipper & Salmon Fishcakes

Posted by Stelios on 12th Oct 2023

This recipe is a very decadent fishcake; your customers will love them. Kippers are whole herring split in a butterfly fashion from head to tail and cold-smoked over smouldering oak woodchips. Tr … read more

From Noodles to Numbers: Apollo's £701m Wagamama Takeover!

Posted by Emily on 12th Oct 2023

Apollo, the private equity behemoth, has agreed to acquire The Restaurant Group (TRG) at 65p per share, a company owning approximately 380 outlets across Britain. Triplecaña, CC BY-SA 4.0, via … read more

Recyclable, Compostable, Biodegradable: What's the Difference?

Posted by Emily on 12th Oct 2023

A regular takeaway coffee cup can linger for 30 years before breaking down, and some single-use cutlery might last 1,000 years! There's been a growing urgency to find alternatives to non-recyclable … read more

Understanding 'Wishcycling' and How to Recycle Properly

Posted by Emily on 12th Oct 2023

Recycling can be somewhat perplexing, especially with the differing rules on what can and cannot be put in our recycling bins. This guide aims to shed some light on the issue, focusing on the conce … read more

Best Traditional Mincemeat for Christmas

Posted by Emily on 11th Oct 2023

In the UK, Christmas isn't complete without mince pies. These delightful little sweet pies are brimming with delectable homemade mince, a concoction of fresh and dried fruits, citrus zests, nutmeg, … read more

Festive Apple and Mincemeat Crumble

Posted by Emily on 10th Oct 2023

It's the season to be jolly, and what better way to sprinkle a little Christmas magic on your menu than with an Apple and Mincemeat Crumble? Made with just five essential ingredients: butter, … read more

Natasha’s Law Revisited

Posted by Emily on 10th Oct 2023

Since 1st October 2021, new legislation has required all food businesses to clearly label pre-packed foods for direct sale with full ingredient and allergen information. It followed the tragic de … read more

Caprice Holdings' Remarkable Financial Comeback

Posted by Stelios on 9th Oct 2023

London's luxury dining scene sees a bright spot as Caprice Holdings, the entity behind esteemed restaurants Scott's and Sexy Fish, reports a profitable turnaround since the pandemic hit. Mtayl … read more

Dealing with Mental Health at Work

Posted by Emily on 9th Oct 2023

Mental health isn't the easiest topic to deal with, but it's becoming increasingly important to be mindful of your staff's well-being at work as part of your duty of care. But it’s not always obvio … read more

Honest Burgers Takes On Premium Quick-Service Rivals

Posted by Emily on 8th Oct 2023

Honest Burgers has unveiled ambitious plans to challenge quick-service giants like Five Guys and Shake Shack. It aims to roll out a new breed of fast-food restaurants in prime city locations that o … read more

Britain's Economic Rebound: Faster and Stronger than Initially Estimated

Posted by Stelios on 8th Oct 2023

Revisions by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that the UK economy has rebounded faster than initially anticipated post-pandemic. The data shows that in the second quarter of 2023, … read more

UK's View on Ultra-Processed Foods: Not Always Harmful

Posted by Emily on 7th Oct 2023

Despite growing apprehensions, UK food officials believe that not all ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are automatically unhealthy due to their manufacturing processes or artificial ingredients. Robi … read more

Fast Food Ad Discrepancies: McDonald's and Wendy's Emerge Unscathed

Posted by Stelios on 7th Oct 2023

In a recent development, McDonald's and Wendy's have successfully defended themselves against a lawsuit that alleged the fast-food giants of misleading advertising. Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0, … read more

The Business Case for Above-Average Salaries

Posted by Emily on 7th Oct 2023

While money isn't the sole motivator for job performance, it undeniably plays a pivotal role. Making decisions about employee pay is a nuanced task for business leaders and HR professionals. Fact … read more

Wetherspoon Chief Blasts Tories on Business Policies

Posted by Emily on 7th Oct 2023

Tim Martin, the head of the pub chain Wetherspoon, has criticised the Conservatives, accusing them of neglecting business interests. Mtaylor848, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Highlight … read more