7.9%

Butchery

Market Report

Restaurant closures reach a 10-year high

Restaurants closed at their highest rate in a decase in the first three months of the year, at an average rate of five per day. UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls, said “these figures show and alarming increase in restaurant closures and clearly demonstrate the challenges faced by hospitality businesses big and small all across the UK”.

The Cateys 2023:

The Cateys celebrated 40 years on 4th July. The Ruby Catey, a one-off award was presented to Raymond Blanc recognising him as redefining British hospitality during a stellar career spanning more than five decades.

The 2023 Chef Award was won by Gareth Ward of Ynyshir, who was described by judges as a "maverick" who had transformed fine dining, while Clare Smyth, of three-Michelin-starred Core by Clare Smyth, was named Restaurateur of the Year – Independent.

The Special Award was presented to Jeremy Goring, who through the Hotel School charity has supported those who have experienced homelessness into roles in hospitality, transforming lives and providing a means for people to build a better future.

The International Award was given to chef Jason Atherton, who has built a global portfolio stretching as far as Shanghai, Dubai, Mykonos and St Moritz, while also running his seven critically acclaimed sites in London. Yorebridge House in the Yorkshire Dales was named Hotel of the Year – Independent, while Pan Pacific London took home the Hotel of the Year – Group Catey.

Orange Juice

The Brazilian supply base is reducing shipments of orange juice and rationing stock right across Europe as the carry over from last year’s crop will be little to nothing. A better crop would help but this is by no means a certainty due to weather concerns.

Fruit & Vegetables

Fish & Seafood

Salmon

Industry intel suggests that salmon prices may start to reduce in July, although to what extent we are unsure. Analysts are suggesting that a lack of supply growth in coming years is likely to see prices remaining high until 2025. We fully expect that the second half of 2023 will see an easing of price in line with historical trends and this will be much welcomed by all. However, remain cautious as prices looked to be dropping in April but took a strong rebound.

Halibut

Farmed halibut is expected to be stable in July. There may be some availability issues heading into August where a number of farms traditionally close down for maintenance.

Flat fish

Summer is a good time for most flat fish. Better weather and the resulting increased fishing effort means that we are anticipating reductions on plaice. Yields are also continuing to improve after their spawning season so this will be a good choice for the summer months. Lemon sole prices are currently holding firm, partially due to a buoyant export market. Quality should be superb however.