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​This Week in Hospitality: Key Media Stories on the U.K. Hospitality Industry - Week 4

​This Week in Hospitality: Key Media Stories on the U.K. Hospitality Industry - Week 4

Posted by Emily on 26th Jan 2024

Welcome to our weekly round-up, where we delve into the mainstream media's hospitality industry coverage. This article is crafted to inform you about the latest news, trends, and developments in the sector. We've handpicked articles from reputable sources that shed light on the dynamic and evolving world of hospitality. Our selection criteria focus on each story's significance, relevance, and impact, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the industry's current state.


'Hotter than ever!' How pizza conquered Britain – leaving its rivals in the dust

Date: January 23, 2024, Author: Tony Naylor, SourceThe Guardian

Tony Naylor's article in The Guardian focuses on the meteoric rise of pizza's popularity in Britain. It covers the transformation of the U.K.'s pizza scene over the past two decades, driven by foodie geek culture" and the adoption of various pizza styles. The piece emphasises the growing demand and success of pizza in the U.K., especially in contrast to the restaurant industry's struggles. It highlights pizza's affordability, adaptability, and innovative evolution as key factors in its success. Read full story.


Ghost Pepper Wings, Wraps With Tenders - Restaurants Binge on Chicken

Date: January 21, 2024, Author: Heather Haddon and Patrick Thomas, SourceWall Street Journal

This Wall Street Journal article by Heather Haddon and Patrick Thomas explores the increasing focus of U.S. restaurants on chicken-based menu items amidst rising beef costs. It discusses introducing new chicken products by major chains like Popeyes, KFC, and Wingstop. The article also touches on how the consumer preference for chicken over beef influences menu trends and these restaurant chains' strategic direction. Read full story.

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'You also end up with the salmon being squeezed': Scotland's top food export reels from 53 million excess deaths over last five years

Date: January 21, 2024, Author: Dasha Afanasieva, Stephen Treloar, SourceFortune

This article discusses the challenges Scotland's salmon industry faced. The piece highlights farmed salmon's high mortality rates due to warming waters and densely packed farms. It also examines the industry's struggle to balance profitability with sustainable practices, reflecting broader issues in global salmon production. Read full story.


Deliveroo lifts profit forecast as takeaways return to the menu

Date: January 20, 2024, Author: Isabella Fish, SourceThe Times

Isabella Fish's article in The Times reports on Deliveroo's upgraded profit forecast, which is attributed to a surge in takeaway orders in the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland. The article discusses the company's growth and the changing consumer behaviour post-pandemic. It also examines the competitive dynamics within the food delivery sector, noting Deliveroo's strategic initiatives in response to market trends. Read full story.

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Scottish pubs and restaurants offer higher pay to offset SNP taxes

Date: January 25, 2024, Author: Greig Cameron, SourceThe Times

Greig Cameron's piece for The Times highlights the impact of higher tax rates in Scotland on the hospitality industry. The article discusses how pubs and restaurants offer inflated salaries to attract and retain senior staff amid these tax disparities. It also touches on the sector's broader challenges, including skill shortages and financial pressures. Read full story.


Fuller's in 'great shape' despite fears over rising costs

Date: January 26, 2024, Author: James Hurley, SourceThe Times

James Hurley reports in The Times on Fuller, Smith & Turner's strong performance despite concerns over rising costs. The article focuses on the company's sales growth, particularly during Christmas, and its positive outlook amidst industry challenges such as increased staff costs and higher business rates. Read full story.


Conclusion

These articles provide a comprehensive view of the hospitality industry's current state in January 2024. They cover a range of topics from the booming popularity of pizza in the U.K., the shift towards chicken in U.S. fast-food chains, challenges in the Scottish salmon industry, the resurgence of food delivery services like Deliveroo, the impact of tax policies on Scottish hospitality businesses, and the robust performance of companies like Fuller's despite economic pressures.

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