MARKET NEWS

Tipping Bill:

The majority of consumers believe hospitality employees should receive 100% of tips, a

survey has found. RSM UK’s Consumer Outlook found that 80% of consumers believe

employees should receive 100% of tips, but only 20% think that the entirety are passed on.

From 1 October 2024 the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 will require businesses to pass on 100% of tips received to their employees. The law will cover England, Scotland and Wales and will prevent employers from making deductions from tips or service charge. The act was put forward by the previous Conservative government and was originally due to come into force on 1 July. The Labour government has suggested further measures could follow the introduction of the bill.

Hospitality Vacancies:

Hospitality vacancies have fallen below 100,000 for the first time since the outbreak of the

Covid-19 pandemic but remain above 2019 levels. Data from the Office for National

Statistics showed there are 98,000 vacancies in the food service and accommodation

sectors, above pre-pandemic levels of 93,000. The data also shown that wages in the sector

have increased by 4% in the last year.

Outdoor Smoking Ban:

The prime minister has confirmed the government is considering a ban on smoking in pub gardens and outdoor restaurant areas. Full details of the proposal have yet to be confirmed

but it forms part of wider plans to crack down on use of tobacco and vapes across the board.

Responding to last week’s news, 62% of the British Institute of Inkeeping’s surveyed

members said the ban would significantly impact their trade and a further 20% believe it

would result in the closure of their pub. Just 7% of respondents said there would be little or

no impact to them if the ban came into place, with some not having outside spaces to

manage.

Youth Mobility Scheme:

Europeans under 30 could again be allowed to live and work in the UK as the government attempts to reset relations with the EU post-Brexit. According to reports in The Times, the new Labour government has acknowledged that youth mobility could be an area that could aid more wide-ranging talks. The proposal would likely be similar to existing deals with Canada and Australia, whereby those under 30 can live and work in the UK for up to three years as part of a reciprocal relationship.

COMMODITIES REPORT

Fruit & Vegetables:

As temperatures begin to drop and nights start to draw in, more robust autumnal produce is

starting to appear on the market.

What’s in season this month?

• Broccoli & Tenderstem
• Savoy Cabbages
• Scottish Girolles
• Carrots
• Blueberries
• Turkish Figs
• Damson &. Victoria Plums
• Beetroot
• Summer Squash
  

Currently, our Spanish growers have no concerns over tomatoes, peppers and cucumber crops for the coming season. UK & Dutch produce will remain available until towards the end of October although there will be small pockets of Spanish appearing at the end of this month. Historically we know there can be challenges in the coming months. These can be cause by cooler growing conditions forcing UK &  Dutch crops to finish earlier than expected. UK whole-head salad will continue throughout the month with the switch over to Southern European produce in late Sept / early Oct.

Fish & Seafood:

Well over half of UK seafood consumers now recognise the blue Marine Stewardship

Council (MSC) ecolabel, continuing the upward trend in awareness of this crucial global

sustainability certification. Understanding is also increasing, with 39% of UK consumers

associating the ecolabel with sustainability or certification. Connect have MSC accredited

suppliers who can supply a wide range of fish to suit your discerning customers – contact us

to find out more.

Seasonal Recipe Suggestion



Mackerel is in season currently and fantastic value. If you’ve never tried it and would like to

add it to your menu, why not try our recipe which combines mackerel and beetroot which is also in season:

Warm mackerel & beetroot salad

Serves 4

Ingredients:

450g new potatoes, cut into bite-size pieces

3 MSC smoked mackerel fillets, skinned

250g pack cooked beetroot

100g bag mixed salad leaves

2 celery sticks, finely sliced

50g walnut pieces

For the dressing

4 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 tbsp White Wine Vinegar

2 tsp creamed horseradish saucev

Method:

STEP 1

Boil the potatoes for 12-15 mins until just tender. Meanwhile, flake the mackerel fillets into large pieces and cut the beetroot into bite-size chunks.

STEP 2

Drain the potatoes and cool slightly. Mix the salad dressing and horseradish sauce together in a salad bowl and season. Tip in the potatoes – they should still be warm.

STEP 3

Add the salad leaves, mackerel, beetroot, celery and walnuts, and toss gently. Serve with crusty bread.