Innovation
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Analysis & InsightIntroducing The Wagyu: Burger King UK takes a bite of premium QSR
The fast good giant has partnered with Gordon Ramsay to launch its latest menu item, which it describes as ‘a first of its kind’ product for the UK’s QSR sector
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Analysis & InsightRaising Cane’s: ‘We don’t see others as competition’
MCA takes a look into the prospects for the Louisiana-born brand, which recently threw its hat into a ring of operators competing for share in the UK’s exponentially growing chicken market
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Analysis & InsightReady-to-drink beverages: the next big trend in hospitality?
Sales of RTDs are booming in the retail sector, but how much is the category’s growth likely to spill over into hospitality? MCA explores what’s driving the expansion of the category, and the impact it might have in the on-trade
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NewsSubway rolls out ‘Spudway’ jacket potato range
As of this week, jacket potatoes will now permanently be on the menu in all of Subway’s UK restaurants, with toppings including cheese & beans, tuna mayo, meatball marinara and chicken tikka
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NewsThe Real Eating Company launches reimagined menu
The independent café group has collaborated with Steve Beadle, formerly of The River Café and Soho House, to return to its roots
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Analysis & InsightThe British-Indian invasion: The South Asian specialists looking across the pond
With Dishoom, JKS, Kricket, and Darjeeling Express all looking to test the waters across the Atlantic, MCA examines the opportunity for these London-born, Indian-inspired operators
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Event NewsMCA launches all-new Innovation Conference
The Innovation Conference 2025 will debut on 9 October at London’s Ham Yard Hotel, leading operators and innovators to explore the real-world impact of innovation across food, drink, digital and operations
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Analysis & InsightRotisserie rising: a leaner take on all-conquering chicken
After years in the wings, rotisserie chicken is having a moment in the UK’s restaurant scene, driven by a shift in consumer appetite for comforting, high-quality dishes that offer simplicity, value and flavour
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Analysis & InsightDestination drinks capitalise on flourishing demand for spice
Brands are serving up chilli-infused drinks innovation, such as Wingstop’s mango habanero milkshake, KFC’s spicy mango lemonade, and Wagamama’s no-alcohol spicy saffron picante
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Analysis & InsightFood as a recession indicator: comfort, aspiration and status in tough times
Buoyed by the advent of social media, food is no longer viewed as just a means of sustenance, but an embodiment of consumer moods, and an indicator of lifestyle and cultural shifts. Lumina Intelligence’s Liv Warren explores how the sector can tap into current trends
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NewsPret takes on new lunchtime concepts with ‘Super Plates’ launch
The launch represents a shift further away from the baguettes and club sandwiches synonymous with Pret, as well as a significant upgrade to the brand’s current salad offering
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NewsYO! Sushi launches new grab-and-go concept
The sushi chain has launched YO! To Go at Heathrow Airport, offering fresh sushi platters and protein-rich breakfast options for travellers
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Analysis & InsightHow the M&S viral strawberry sandwich could kickstart a sweet sando trend
Fast-growing sandwich brand Sandwich Sandwich is looking at jumping on the Japanese fruit sando trend, as retail and food-to-go crossovers gain traction
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NewsTortilla zeroes in on health in new summer menu
New £5 protein pots and a revamped salad offering are designed to appeal to the health-conscious customer across a wider variety of occasions
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InterviewsWagamama: ‘We’ve been a discovery brand since the beginning’
Chief marketing & commercial officer Emma Colquhoun speaks to MCA about evolving customer preferences, staying relevant to younger generations, and broadening the brand’s appeal across occasions
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NewsSoy sauce ice cream? Banana Tree dips into umami dessert trend
Banana Tree has launched a Bangkok-inspired dessert, billed as the ‘most adventurous scoop you’ll try all summer’
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Analysis & InsightA tour of East London’s top emerging concepts
Lumina’s Food Study Tour in East London focused on how operators and consumers define ‘quality’, showcasing elevated classics with a focus on sustainability and brand ethos
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NewsWagamama launches major new brand campaign
‘Food is Life’ builds on the brand’s belief that food is more than fuel with the new campaign celebrating the everyday moments when food brings people together
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Analysis & InsightRecession indicator? How the humble spud made its way to the high street
As KFC launches a limited edition jacket potato this week, and Subway reports “exceptional” demand for its new ‘Spudway’ range, MCA explores this new intersection where comfort food meets customisation
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NewsThe biggest collaborations in food to go this summer
Brands including Ole & Steen, The Salad Project, Dishoom, Wahaca and Knoops have teamed up to offer some innovative takes on warm weather classics