Welcome to our penultimate issue of 2023 – and it’s a bumper one. Pasta and sauces go under the microscope, with the frozen sector receiving a welcome boost. We also look at the virtues of in-house creativity.

For chef Vittorio Meli, delivering an authentic Sicillian experience to East London is a priority – and at Zoom East Kitchen & Bar, he appears to be succeeding.

Sunny Chhina of Fat Pizza and Village Pizza’s Katy Habibian understand pizza delivery better than most. So, where do they stand on modern methods?

Founder of theDelivery.World, consultant Peter Backman reflects on the pizza delivery journey – and why it continues to endure.

Domino’s Pizza in the US has entered into a global agreement with Uber Eats Marketplace, meaning customers can order products through the Uber Eats and Postmates apps. It’s expected to be enabled by the end of the year.

With UK tomato supply predominantly reliant on imports, more sustainable horticultural practices appear to be the future.

For out-of-home dining, pizza presents a huge opportunity for operators, yet savvy consumers now hold authenticity, quality and provenance of ingredients above all else.

Whether you’re a rookie chef or a customer, the pizza experts are ready and waiting to deliver their invaluable expertise.

Cirio – producer of Italian tinned tomatoes – has created Passata from Tuscany, to deliver the heart of Italy to every meal.

Leading gelato specialists Henley Bridge have unveiled a new product to help busy chefs.

Utopia Tableware has launched a new design that takes its inspiration from aurora borealis. Called Aurora, it features a reactive glaze that’s enhanced with a shimmering highlight. Emphasising the colours is a tactile matt exterior, which combines with the striking interior to create a dramatic impact.

Casual Dining is back. The ultimate foodservice industry event, co-located with Commercial Kitchen and lunch!, descends on ExCeL London once more. It’s a glittering line-up, promising something for everyone.

It’s a tough moment for the tomato sector, although the likes of Casa Julia, Silbury and Mutti are seeing encouraging signs.

Emily Simkins from Hitchin, the winner of the Riso Gallo UK & Ireland Young Risotto Chef of the Year 2023, has claimed her prize – four days’ work experience with chefs Fabio Pisani and Alessandro Negrini at the two-Michelin-starred Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia in Milan.

Prosciutto di Parma has carried out research to identify more sustainable alternatives to the traditional packaging of the pre-sliced product.

Pizza sales are growing in 2023. In 2021, the UK pizza market was valued at £1.44 billion – and it’s anticipated to reach a value of £1.74 billion by 2026. MealTrak’s data to 17 April 2023 indicates a 13% growth in pizza occasions, YOY 52 weeks.

Agrichef Maurizio Bocchi is inviting food enthusiasts to join him as he travels across Lancashire for a new video series, Agrichef on Wheels.

NatWest has enabled Tap to Pay on iPhone to all eligible UK businesses. Apple’s contactless payment acceptance technology is now available via the NatWest Tap to Pay iOS app.

Crosta & Mollica is the new sponsor of ‘Channel 4 Food’, in the Italian brand’s first-ever national TV campaign – and a debut partnership with the public service broadcaster.

Here at PAPA HQ, we’ve been busy cooking up a new recipe for promoting the permanently popular pizza with the return of National Pizza Week in November. As the creative cogs began to whirr, two thoughts took root...

Highlighting the finest that Il Bel Paese has to offer, The Italian Show returns to London on 19 September to fulfil its three mission goals: educating, tasting and promoting.

The total UK food and drink market is predicted to be worth £315.2bn by 2028, experiencing a growth of 19% from 2023 (£265bn), according to a unique new forecast from IGD.

Domino’s Pizza Group Plc (UK) has confirmed its new chief executive officer is Andrew Rennie. He joins as director of DPG from 1 August 2023, assuming the position of CEO from 7 August.

Turner Price has rebranded its annual foodservice exhibition to help attract record numbers and establish itself within the national catering calendar.

Papa Johns has reopened stores in Bournemouth, Christchurch, Broadstone, Ferndown and Poole. Now under the management of experienced franchisee, Abid Hussain, they will all undergo refurbishment.

In 2020, PAPA introduced a Community Award, looking to shine a spotlight on those companies giving something back. In the heart of a pandemic, it was a hugely challenging time – and we wanted to recognise businesses going the extra mile to help others. From local efforts to national schemes, there have been many inspirational submissions over the years. And we’re seeking more for 2023…

With the entry window closing, awards judge Gail Walker from Red Cool Consulting offers up six key benefits of winning at the PAPA Industry Awards.

With the entry process well underway, marketing expert and awards judge Gail Walker from Red Cool Consulting offers sage advice around award recognition – and why the PAPAs can deliver invaluable marketing tools and profitability.

There is much to devour this issue, including previews of Casual Dining and The Italian Show.

Another great opportunity is PAPA Pizza Week. And while it’s not until 19-26 November, now is the time to consider getting involved.

SPONSORED: When it comes to out-of-home dining, pizza presents a huge opportunity for operators, yet savvy consumers now hold authenticity, quality, and provenance of ingredients above all else when choosing their perfect pizza.