News

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is concerned about the authenticity of ingredients being used in the hospitality sector.

Drawing on expert analysis, consumer insight and practical experience, Creed Foodservice has launched its 2026 Trends Report. It identifies six key micro trends shaping the UK’s out-of-home food & drink landscape – from digital disruption and economic pressure to flavour exploration and wellness priorities.

Alley Cats, the cult New York-style pizzeria known for its 14-inch pies and neighbourhood energy, is set to open its newest restaurant at 233 Portobello Road in early Feb 2026.  

Riso Gallo’s prestigious UK & Ireland Young Risotto Chef of the Year competition is now officially open for entries for 2026.

FEM (Foodservice Equipment Marketing) has launched the Pratica Fit ST stackable high-speed oven, which offers fast, consistent results across takeaways, restaurants, cafés, hotels and other foodservice operations. Designed for operators who want to maximise output while minimising space and energy use, the Fit ST combines power, efficiency and versatility without compromising food quality. 

The AI voice platform, Alayic, has launched, designed to support small businesses with call handling, orders, bookings and customer enquiries. It has entered the market at a time when restaurants and takeaways are under increasing pressure to manage high call volumes with limited staff capacity.

Signature FSE, the master distributor for Italian tableware and buffet specialist Pinti Inox, has expanded the brand’s Caleido Buffet system with a new Canaletto walnut wood finish. 

east PIZZAS, which produces a range of authentic 72-hour sourdough pizzas, bases and doughballs, has launched its first retail range.

UK ingredients manufacturer Beacon Foods has boosted its sachet packing capability by investing in new machinery to meet growing demand for larger orders.

Which? Has revealed its perfect jar of pesto to stir into your pasta for a simple yet tasty meal.

Oven technology experts, Unox, have announced the 100% acquisition of Roboqbo Srl, the Italian designer and producer of integrated food processing systems. Expanding the Unox portfolio further, with a target of €400 million in revenues for 2026, Roboqbo is set to strengthen Unox’s strategy to make advanced kitchen automation accessible to professional operators worldwide.

UK-based foodservice beverage specialist, The Italian Beverage Company (IBC Simply), has launched its latest innovation: Twist Syrups.  

Lumina Intelligence has released its latest Eating and Drinking Out Panel monthly data, revealing a cooling in consumer spending across the eating-out market, as financial caution continues to shape behaviour. The figures show that consumers are cutting back not only on the frequency of dining out but also on the amount they spend when they do. With colder, gloomier weather deterring visits, delivery experienced a modest uplift as people opted to stay indoors.

Restaurant delivery sales jumped by 7.6% year-on-year in October, as consumers continued a long-term move towards direct-to-door orders, CGA by NIQ’s latest Hospitality at Home Tracker reveals.

The Austrian ordering platform Lieferando is introducing delivery boxes with Xampla’s innovative MorroTM coating for the first time.