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​The Ceres Podcast: New Horizons, Fresh Voices!

​The Ceres Podcast: New Horizons, Fresh Voices!

Posted by Stelios on 29th Apr 2024

We're thrilled to announce a significant expansion of the Ceres Podcast family, marking a new era of bringing you new voices and different opinions. Stelios, our sole host for seven seasons, has pa … read more
​Wet Weather May Spike Wheat Prices

​Wet Weather May Spike Wheat Prices

Posted by Emma on 29th Apr 2024

Recent reports suggest that bread, biscuits, and beer prices might increase due to prolonged wet weather across the UK. According to the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), poor harvests … read more
​Takeaway and Delivery Sales Start to Plateau

​Takeaway and Delivery Sales Start to Plateau

Posted by Emma on 28th Apr 2024

In March, takeaway and delivery sales among Britain's prominent managed restaurant groups showed little year-on-year growth, according to the latest Hospitality at Home Tracker by CGA by NIQ. Sales … read more
​Government Delays Tipping Law Changes

​Government Delays Tipping Law Changes

Posted by Emma on 22nd Apr 2024

The government has postponed enforcing new regulations dictating the distribution of tips until October 1, 2024. This decision comes alongside the Department for Business and Trade's release of an … read more
​Hostmore Seals Deal to Acquire TGI Fridays

​Hostmore Seals Deal to Acquire TGI Fridays

Posted by Emma on 22nd Apr 2024

TGI Fridays, an American casual dining staple, has faced years of hardship amid shifting consumer tastes. However, a recent acquisition deal by its largest franchisee, U.K.-based Hostmore, offers a … read more
​Cheon Fat's Sales Suppression Battle with HMRC

​Cheon Fat's Sales Suppression Battle with HMRC

Posted by Emily on 21st Apr 2024

Cheon Fat Limited, the operator of The Wok Inn, recently confronted HMRC in a first-tier tribunal (FTT) to dispute VAT and corporation tax assessments under section 455 of the Corporation Tax Act 2 … read more
​A Wet Warning: The Urgent Call from UK Farmers

​A Wet Warning: The Urgent Call from UK Farmers

Posted by Emma on 10th Apr 2024

According to farming organisations, the UK's food production sector is under significant stress following a period of record-breaking rainfall. This unprecedented weather has severely impacted crop … read more
​Resilience of Meat Consumption in the UK

​Resilience of Meat Consumption in the UK

Posted by Emma on 9th Apr 2024

Despite evolving dietary preferences over the past five years, influenced by Covid lockdowns and escalating food prices, meat continues to be a central component of meals for many in the UK. Recent … read more
​Ofgem's Crackdown on Hidden Energy Fees

​Ofgem's Crackdown on Hidden Energy Fees

Posted by Emma on 6th Apr 2024

In a significant move towards enhancing transparency within the energy sector, Ofgem has announced the introduction of new measures to regulate energy brokers more effectively. This decision comes … read more
The Impact of New Import Common User Charge

The Impact of New Import Common User Charge

Posted by Emma on 4th Apr 2024

As the UK adjusts to its post-Brexit reality, the government's introduction of common user charges (CUC) for importing food from the EU has sparked widespread concern across the food industry. … read more
​UK National Living Wage Increase 2024

​UK National Living Wage Increase 2024

Posted by Emily on 31st Mar 2024

In April 2024, the UK will witness a noteworthy rise in the national living wage, elevating it from £10.42 to £11.44 per hour. This adjustment extends eligibility to individuals aged 21 and 22, mar … read more
​Proposal to Extend National Living Wage to 18+

​Proposal to Extend National Living Wage to 18+

Posted by Emma on 28th Mar 2024

The Low Pay Commission (LPC) proposes a significant shift towards economic fairness by recommending that the government extend the National Living Wage eligibility to individuals aged 18, down from … read more
​Gail's Bakery CEO Refutes Sale Speculation

​Gail's Bakery CEO Refutes Sale Speculation

Posted by Emma on 26th Mar 2024

Tom Molnar, CEO and co-founder of Gail's Bakery, has clarified recent speculations about the company being put up for sale, labelling such rumours as 'inaccurate'. Despite a report from Sky News … read more
​Little Caesars Pizza Marks Its London Entry

​Little Caesars Pizza Marks Its London Entry

Posted by Emma on 26th Mar 2024

The American pizza chain Little Caesars has inaugurated its inaugural London branch in Greenford. Franchisee Rajan Sandhu leads this venture and follows closely after the brand's new outlet in Top … read more
​Whitbread Refocuses: Pubs Out, Premier Inns Up

​Whitbread Refocuses: Pubs Out, Premier Inns Up

Posted by Emma on 26th Mar 2024

Whitbread, owner of Premier Inn hotels, actively seeks to sell or repurpose approximately a third of its Beefeater and Brewers Fayre pubs. This decision emerged after evaluating the company's 400-s … read more
​McDonald's Exits Sri Lanka

​McDonald's Exits Sri Lanka

Posted by Emma on 20th Mar 2024

In a decisive move, McDonald's has ended its partnership in Sri Lanka, leading to the closure of all 12 outlets within the country, as confirmed by the company's legal representative, Sanath Wijewa … read more
​Brighter Days Ahead for Prezzo

​Brighter Days Ahead for Prezzo

Posted by Emily on 18th Mar 2024

Prezzo's financial landscape is looking up after a pivotal year. In 2023, the restaurant chain achieved profitability, a testament to its extensive restructuring efforts. This turnaround followed a … read more
​McDonald's Focus Shifts: Size Over Premium

​McDonald's Focus Shifts: Size Over Premium

Posted by Emily on 17th Mar 2024

McDonald's has determined that its customers prefer larger, more fulfilling burgers over premium options. CFO Ian Borden revealed at the UBS Global Consumer and Retail Conference that this approach … read more