July 2023 Industry News and Market Report
Average Customer Savings
Period July 22 to August 23
7.9%
Butchery
14%
Fish & Seafood
12.2%
Fruit & Vegetables
16%
Dry Stores & Frozen
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.
Market Report
Beef
Steaks and Burgers continue to see increased demand as is usual at this time of year. This drives price increases. However, the influx of Australian beef following the new trade agreement may help prices remain manageable.
Potatoes
We are at the end of potato season with the first of the main new season crop hopefully arriving in early August. This is later than previous years due to cooler temperatures in spring which delayed planting. A dry June has not helped as growth has slowed. Watch out for issues on potato quality for the next month or so until we are fully into the new season stock.
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
What’s in season for July?
• Nectarines and Peaches
• Apricots
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• English Cherries
• Red & Green Gooseberries
• Raspberries and Strawberries
• Globe Artichokes
• Peas
• Watercress
• Runner Beans
• Rainbow Chard
• Baby mixed leaf
• Italian Basil
• Lollo Rosso, Biondi & Oakleaf lettuce
• Rainbow radish
• Lovage
It is now the end of season for UK asparagus and Jersey Royal potatoes so watch out for shortages and increasing prices.
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.
Dover soles are now one to avoid as they move offshore, become more scarce, and the price rises. Unaffordable for most sadly. We continue to champion the Cornish sole (megrim sole) as an underutilised species. Most origins and catch methods are rated a 3, with bottom trawled fish from the North Sea rated a 2. These fish are prime quality right now. Both wild brill and turbot continue to fetch extortionate prices at auction so are potentially for specials only
Hotelier
in Swindon
“Having over 20 suppliers was making ordering produce so much harder and more expensive that it needed to be. Connect explained how they could help us consolidate our supplier portfolio without making any compromises. Its such a simple process”
John P.
“As a small group of 5 coffee shops, we needed to consolidate our purchasing so that all branches and were using the same suppliers at the same prices. Connect introduced us to a software platform that was perfect for what we needed”
Alex M.
“Our suppliers were ok, but we always struggled to get deliveries on the days and times that we needed. Being in central London, we can only accept deliveries at certain times very early in the morning, CP were able to find suppliers that specialised in timed food deliveries. Would recommend to anyone!”
Jane R.
Care Home Facilities Manager
in Slough
“I started purchasing my care consumables through Connect Purchasing in December last year and they were able to save me over 15%, I’m constantly checking prices of other companies and still Connect purchasing are cheaper.”
Vicky L.
Publican
in Banbury
“Connect talked me through the process and completed a thorough review of our products and helped me save over £1000 in the first month, this has really helped especially with wage costs going through the roof”
Graham M.
