All MCA Insight articles in February 2025 – Page 7
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NewsHeineken warns of weak consumer sentiment
The Dutch brewer saw growing demand for its premium brands, but warned of a decline due to weak consumer confidence in some parts of Europe
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NewsValentine’s Day bookings up by 7%
Bookings for tables of two are up 15%, although the Galentine’s Day trend may be waning, according to payments company Dojo
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NewsDeliveroo COO to step down
Sky News reports Eric French will step down later this year, following reports of founder and CEO Will Shu’s planned departure
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NewsGreene King expands franchise pub concepts to Scotland
The pubco will roll out Hive Pubs and Nest Pubs in Scotland, building on their success in England, where Greene King operates over 70 franchise pubs
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NewsKFC opening flagship at The O2
The QSR brand is launching the 180-cover site next week, the first in a series of UK openings in 2025 in “key high-footfall locations”
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Analysis & InsightHospitality moves beyond transactional loyalty
Despite the dip in consumer confidence, some groups have successfully engaged customers by linking loyalty with the overall brand experience, according to Lumina Intelligence
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Analysis & InsightBrakes announces enhanced chicken welfare standards
The foodservice supplier has reduced the stocking density of its own-brand fresh chicken, becoming the first major wholesaler to implement enhanced welfare standards across its range
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OpinionHow to do more with less
Operations specialist Jay Heathcote unpacks the much-used phrase, as he consider how operators can continue to deliver in an increasingly cost challenged environment
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NewsBagel Factory targeting 40 locations this year
The 34-site business, owned by Italian food group Cremonini, reported a “significantly improved” performance in 2023, with turnover up 57.6% to £4.8m, according to its latest accounts.
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NewsGovernment eases apprenticeship rules for hospitality
The UK government has introduced key changes to apprenticeship requirements, addressing long-standing calls from UKHospitality to make training more flexible and accessible for the sector
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NewsFortress acquisition marks ‘new chapter’ for Loungers
Fortress has completed its acquisition of the hospitality group for £354.4m, with Loungers looking forward to accelerating its growth under new ownership
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NewsPret retains £5 monthly subscription fee after backlash
The chain has backtracked on a decision to increase the Club Pret membership fee to £10 per month, saying it wants to offer customers “fantastic value”
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NewsDeliveroo considers successor to founder CEO
Will Shu, who launched Deliveroo in London in 2013, could step down as CEO as soon as this year under one scenario discussed by the company’s board, Sky News reports
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NewsMarket Halls Paddington reveals line-up
BAO Night Market, Farm Girl, Souvlaki by Opso, Ashes Parrilla and Breddos are newcomers to the food hall operator
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NewsCosta drives down Coca-Cola’s coffee revenues
Costa Coffee’s performance in the UK led to a 3% decline in full year coffee revenue for parent company Coca-Cola
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InterviewsChopstix on unearthing ‘diamonds in the rough’
The QSR noodle brand is looking to give everyone at the business the opportunity to upskill themselves whatever their experience or learning capabilities, head of people Tricia Hamilton explains, in a finalist profile for the Diversity Leadership category at the MCA Hospitality Awards
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OpinionPM pubs campaign: ‘Popping into his local won’t make any difference’
Keir Starmer may still frequent his local pub, but the sector needs material support in the form of business rate discounts and lower VAT, pub leaders tell MCA
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Analysis & InsightToughest recruitment conditions since 2020
Demand for staff continued to decline across all sectors in January, with the number of vacancies declining by the greatest degree since August 2020, according to the latest KPMG and REC UK Report on Jobs.
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NewsMJMK’s AngloThai awarded Michelin Star
Restaurateur Jason Atherton’s Row on 5 was also awarded a star, while Plates London became the first vegan restaurant to receive one
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Analysis & InsightWorkplace racism remains matter of concern
Participation in EDI training also remained low, although respondents expressed optimism about opportunities in the sector, according to a report from Be Inclusive Hospitality