We're fortunately (and finally!) starting to see FPI inflation (relating to the cost operators pay for ingredients / produce in the On Premise) come down; dropping below 20% and sitting at its lowest level since August 2022 (at 16.7%). It's worth remembering that this is still almost double the rate that we as consumers are subject to in supermarkets - you think your weekly shop's got more expensive?! 🙄 And so, please don't be a d*ck and bemoan menu price increases when you're out and about. I hope that it can provide even the slightest semblance of respite for operators, who can add a much-needed (albeit small) extra slice to bottom lines in the run up to another Christmas period set to be marred by rail strikes and ongoing Cost-of-Living pressures. 🎄
