Neil Turton

Poultry producer completes acquisition of wholesale food supplier Central Foods. FOOD producer the Gressingham Foods Group of Companies has completed its acquisition of Northampton-based wholesale frozen food supplier Central Foods. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e9mfwaYq #Aquisition #NorthamptonshireBusiness #BusinessTimes #FoodandDrink

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Another year of double digit growth for Kent wine producer 🍷📈 Gusbourne, the premium English sparkling wine producer, has announced another year of good progress, reporting a 16.5 per cent increase in UK wine sales growth, net revenue up by 13 per cent compared to the previous period, gross profit up by 30 per cent to £4.1 million and gross margin improving to more than 68 per cent. With the ongoing expansion of the Appledore, Kent's international presence and global appetite for English fine wine increasing, Gusbourne is now in 35 international markets, and expects the year ahead to see it benefit from increased supply and inventory, following the harvesting of its biggest yield to date last year. Gusbourne has also seen ongoing success in international and UK wine competitions with an impressive number of awards for its wines, including gold medals and trophies. Since the year end, Gusbourne has been awarded the Kings Award for Enterprise for International Trade Export. Continue reading... https://lnkd.in/engd5a38 #winery #vineyard #wine #drinks #growth #businessgrowth #finance #funding #investing #announcement #businessnews #businessintelligence

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Most proud of the team WineGB today to support the people in our industry. To mark #worldmentalhealthday, we’ve released a free safeguarding toolkit to protect the health, well-being, and rights of workers in the UK wine industry and wider alcohol sector. This one-stop-shop for safeguarding information, support, and processes is also accompanied by a separate guide on ‘what to do if you have been assaulted or experienced a safeguarding offence’. This launch was inspired by two important events: On 26 October, a law change will mean that businesses will have a positive duty to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. Within a year of its publication we could response to a survey from Curious Vines and Proof Insight stated that one in three women working in the industry have faced harassment while working, the figure reducing to one in every two for 18 to 34-year-olds. We are committed to helping not just our industry, but the wider alcohol sector to create an inclusive and equitable environment for all workers. Significant and particular thanks to the support from our partners Paris Smith LLP, Emma Rix who has crafted this resource, the members of our people group and our Chair Sam Linter. On launch Queena Wong of Curious Vines said: “WineGB are taking a leading role in guiding the UK wine industry to provide a safer work environment for all. The efforts to prepare the toolkit and also offering it free to the industry shows how seriously they have taken on board the issues around safeguarding. There is much to be done in this arena, and this is an incredible first milestone to celebrate on the cusp of the survey anniversary as it is progress towards creating safer more thriving worlds in wine for everyone.” Anjali Douglas of Women in Wine said: “It has been sobering to understand just how low the bar is regarding the passive acceptance of harassment, bullying, abuse and neglect in the wine industry. Many of the issues outlined in this document constitute criminal offences that nobody should experience full stop, let alone in their place of work. WineGB has taken a valuable step in creating this ‘one-stop-shop’ policy document, looking at the nuances of this issue from roles in hospitality to agriculture, from individuals to large workplaces, and making it available to all. I hope it will be embraced across the industry and will mark the beginning of a new standard set – a zero tolerance, process driven approach to harassment and safety at work.” Download the toolkit here:

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Global food solutions business, Chokdee, has announced the opening of a warehouse unit at Elland Road Leicester for use as a menu development facility and new product development kitchen, as well as a training and national distribution centre. Located close to Leicester’s Outer Ring Road, as well as M1 motorway Junctions 21 and 21A, the unit includes single-storey warehousing and open-plan two-storey offices, together with ample parking, on a prominent corner site on the west side of the estate. Working with its holding company, Giggling Restaurants Ltd, Chokdee develops original Thai dishes using the diverse ingredients found across Thailand which are sold in Giggling Squid restaurants nationwide. The first Giggling Squid restaurant opened in 2002 and the brand continues to expand, with almost 51 restaurants across the UK, including Leicester, employing more than 1,500 staff.

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The big boys of tequila continue to blaze a trail for smaller independent brands to benefit from. And whilst growth may be slowing slightly globally (influenced heavily by the US and Mexico), demand for the top ten global brands remains buoyant according to the latest league table from IWSR. Jose Cuervo remains in top spot, significantly ahead in terms of sales from Don Julio and Patron and the rest of the 1m case plus pack.   The UK market is looking pretty peachy too, after 12.5% year on year growth in the off-trade (thanks NeilsenIQ), online sales growth topping 16% and a whopping 50% growth in sales of tequila-based RTDs.   Simple serves – “tequila and tonic” have become a thing, particularly as consumers looked to expand their drinking repertoire from gin – the step from gin to tequila is not as challenging on the palette as some other spirits, and celeb interest has created further interest. Whilst tequila is becoming more firmly cemented in the UK’s off-trade market, it’s not yet reached the levels of consumer familiarity of the US. But, this is changing as can been seen by the explosion of brands in the UK. VIVIR Tequila El Sueño Tequila   https://lnkd.in/e5sKN33q

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Association of Convenience Stores ACS Government Relations Director Edward Woodall has given evidence to a Committee of MPs in parliament, responding to a Bill aimed at giving retailers and hospitality businesses more relief on their business rates. Read More Here: https://lnkd.in/dc47PzSp #acs #parliament #MP #evidence #businessrates #convenience

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We're going to see more and more of these dissembling pieces from the legacy bev-alc world. In addition to some relatively minor factual inaccuracies, this anonymous diatribe rails against the use of "additives" in de-alcoholized wine. The question of additives is one for which the NA industry ABSOLUTELY needs to embrace transparency, precisely because the legacy bev-alc world has largely not. Perhaps I'm tilting at a straw man here, but I'd bet dollars to donuts that this same anonymous author would bristle at questions about vineyard treatments, chaptalization, cultured yeasts, acidification, de-acidification, and various other adjustments. The whole thing reads like the same argument many of these same legacy figures launched against natural wines - in reverse, but with the same goal - "we must protect our completely commoditized wines from any innovation whatsoever".

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In today’s evolving beverage landscape, the rise of low- and no-alcohol drinks is transforming the UK’s on-trade market. We’re thrilled to see Central Hall Westminster highlighted in The Caterer's recent feature on this trend, written by John Porter. With 30% of on-trade occasions now involving no alcohol, and another 30% blending alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, this sector is becoming an increasingly vital part of the UK’s hospitality landscape. At Central Hall Westminster, we offering a variety of options for event organisers who recognise the value of catering to today’s more health-conscious, alcohol-optional audiences. As more of the younger demographic moves away from alcohol as an essential part of their night out, we’re here to meet that demand with innovative, flexible solutions for every event. Link to the full feature: https://lnkd.in/eSyrzmxq

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In his insightful article for The Buyer, peter dean explores the exciting modernisation of Georgian wine, highlighting the industry's evolution and growing international presence.As Georgia continues to innovate and adapt, it’s quickly becoming a key player in the global wine landscape. For a closer look at Georgia's dynamic wine scene, check out the full article!

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Next week is the the National Organic Conference at Kingsclere Estate in Hampshire 1-2 July. This year’s conference will focus on food, farming, nature, climate and people. Bringing the entire supply chain together to discuss the big issues and exchange learnings. We will be seeking through collaboration across and between all actors within the sector to help secure a fairer, more balanced system for everyone involved. To find out more information and book your place, visit https://shorturl.at/gmpr5 #proudtobeorganic #IGrowYourFood #IFOAMorganicseurope #regenerativefarming #ofgorganic #sustainability #agriculturebiologique #health #sustainablefarming #organicfarming #organic #organicfood #organiclife #UKorganic #organicresearchcentre #biodynamic #sustainabledevelopment #farmingforthefuture 

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MHA’s corporate finance and tax teams collaborated to deliver the successful disposal of our client CENTRAL FOODS GROUP LIMITED to Gressingham Foods.   Central Foods is the UK’s foremost independent frozen food distributor to the UK hospitality sector renowned for its high-quality service and extensive range of brand and own-brand frozen products, with annual revenues in excess of £50m. Following strong interest from international suitors, Gressingham Group was selected as a partner owing to its market reputation and strong cultural fit. The acquisition opens a new market category for Gressingham Group which will enhance its presence in the foodservice sector and facilitate a more comprehensive offering to food wholesalers.   James Lawson and the MHA Corporate Finance team are proud to have supported Central Foods’ founders to deliver a transaction which enables them to achieve their personal objectives, and we look forward to seeing the new partnership with Gressingham Group continue to grow from strength to strength. 🔗https://lnkd.in/en8fSChW #CorporateFinance #MHACorporateFinance #GressinghamGroup #CentralFoodsGroup

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It's great to see news like this come through The Drinks Business Jessica Mason - it bears out what I’ve been experiencing in export over the past four years. The appetite for quality British brands with a ‘hook’ has never been stronger! If you are interested in taking your first step in export or want to review your existing strategy then check out Cheers Global Drinks Ltd and give me a shout - we'll book in a call #drinksexport #beerexport #ciderexport #ukexport

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📶 UK Independent Drinks Sector in 2024: SEVEN takeaways from a CGA and Duppy Share report    Independent Beverage brands are increasingly optimistic about the future despite ongoing trading challenges, according to an exclusive new survey from The Duppy Share in association with CGA by NIQ.     273 UK indie drinks brands answers an in depth survey... heres what we learned (see comments) 👇  

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As reported by Food Manufacture, BFFF president Karen McQuade is calling for an industry-wide debate around raising the standard temperature for frozen food (https://lnkd.in/eCtVGybu). This potential change will make accurate temperature data logging in the supply chain even more important. Read more from food industry data logging experts Signatrol: https://lnkd.in/e82h3aUD

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Market Update : Georgian Wine Shines in the UK: Sales and Recognition on the Rise! Following stellar performances at recent UK wine competitions, Georgian wines have achieved new levels of recognition and success. With 28 Gold, 146 Silver, one Platinum Medal, and a Trophy, the accolades speak volumes about the quality and diversity of Georgian wine. The first half of 2024 has been record-breaking, with Georgia exporting 54.5 million litres of wine, valued at USD 156.7 million, to 61 countries. The UK is among the top contributors to this growth, showing a notable export increase of 28% in volume and 17% in value compared to the same period last year (source: National Wine Agency of Georgia). 📊 Georgian wine’s journey in the UK is just beginning, and it’s clearly on a path to continued success! For more details, check out the full blogpost here: https://lnkd.in/dR56EiMb

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