Greggs unveils a second branch of its ‘Bitesize Greggs’ concept
The bakery chain Greggs has opened its second ‘Bitesize Greggs’ store.
Located at Dartford train station in Kent, the new store enables the firm to serve customers in busy, space-restricted locations.
This follows the launch of the chain’s first Bitesize Greggs store at Sevenoaks train station.
Tony Rowson, property director at Greggs said: “We’re delighted to announce the opening of our second ‘Bitesize Greggs’ shop in Dartford Station.
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Located at Dartford train station in Kent, the new store enables the firm to serve customers in busy, space-restricted locations.
This follows the launch of the chain’s first Bitesize Greggs store at Sevenoaks train station.
Tony Rowson, property director at Greggs said: “We’re delighted to announce the opening of our second ‘Bitesize Greggs’ shop in Dartford Station.
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05/Dec/2025 16:34
Drinks Retailing Awards 2026
The Drinks Retailing Awards are set to take place on Tuesday 3rd February 2026 at The Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane, London.
The event includes a champagne reception, three course meal, post awards entertainment and sponsored bars.
Award categories include Independent Spirits Retailer of the Year, Independent Wine Retailer of the Year, Supermarket of the Year, Multiple Beer Retailer of the Year and Convenience Chain of the Year.
For more information please visit https://drinksretailingawards.
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The event includes a champagne reception, three course meal, post awards entertainment and sponsored bars.
Award categories include Independent Spirits Retailer of the Year, Independent Wine Retailer of the Year, Supermarket of the Year, Multiple Beer Retailer of the Year and Convenience Chain of the Year.
For more information please visit https://drinksretailingawards.
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04/Dec/2025 08:44
SITT Spring Manchester 2026
The Specialist Importers Trade Testing (SITT) event is set to take place on Monday 23rd February 2026 at etc Venues, Manchester.
The event brings together the best specialist importers, independent buyers, hand-crafted wines from around the world and masterclasses, workshops and wine tasting.
For more information please visit https://www.sittastings.com/sittspring2026/en/page/home
The event brings together the best specialist importers, independent buyers, hand-crafted wines from around the world and masterclasses, workshops and wine tasting.
For more information please visit https://www.sittastings.com/sittspring2026/en/page/home
04/Dec/2025 08:39
French hospitality group set to open first UK location in London’s Mayfair
French hospitality group Loulou Groupe is preparing to make its UK debut in autumn 2026 with the opening of 16 Charles Street in London’s Mayfair.
Founded in 2016 by siblings Gilles and Claire Malafosse, the group combines culinary and creative expertise: Gilles serves as the group’s restaurateur, while Claire leads as its artistic director.
The Parisian hospitality brand, named after Loulou de la Falaise, the muse of French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, is behind acclaimed venues such as Loulou Paris at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs.
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Founded in 2016 by siblings Gilles and Claire Malafosse, the group combines culinary and creative expertise: Gilles serves as the group’s restaurateur, while Claire leads as its artistic director.
The Parisian hospitality brand, named after Loulou de la Falaise, the muse of French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, is behind acclaimed venues such as Loulou Paris at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs.
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04/Dec/2025 08:06
Co-op continues on-the-go retail expansion with launch of a new London store
Co-op has launched a new ‘on-the-go’ format store in Kingston upon Thames, marking its first smaller-format location in London.
Located on Clarence Street, the convenience store will provide customers with options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including meal deals and over-the-counter coffee.
This is Co-op’s fourth new concept store, forming part of the retailer’s wider strategy to roll out its new chain of outlets in high-footfall areas.
Recent openings include on-the-go stores in Altrincham’s Stamford Quarter.
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Located on Clarence Street, the convenience store will provide customers with options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including meal deals and over-the-counter coffee.
This is Co-op’s fourth new concept store, forming part of the retailer’s wider strategy to roll out its new chain of outlets in high-footfall areas.
Recent openings include on-the-go stores in Altrincham’s Stamford Quarter.
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04/Dec/2025 08:01
Just Eat Takeaway founder and CEO steps down after 25 years
Jitse Groen, the founding chief of Just Eat Takeaway, is leaving the company after 25 years of leadership, coming shortly after its €4.1 billion (£3.6 billion) acquisition by Prosus.
The Dutch group confirmed that Roberto Gandolfo, chairman of the Just Eat supervisory board and head of Prosus Europe, is set to take over on January 1, contingent on regulatory approval.
Mr Groen founded Just Eat in 2000, transforming a student project into a global food delivery giant operating in 16 countries.
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The Dutch group confirmed that Roberto Gandolfo, chairman of the Just Eat supervisory board and head of Prosus Europe, is set to take over on January 1, contingent on regulatory approval.
Mr Groen founded Just Eat in 2000, transforming a student project into a global food delivery giant operating in 16 countries.
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03/Dec/2025 13:15
Gail’s plans to open 40 new locations before the end of the financial year
Gail’s expects to open 40 new locations this financial period as it moves toward its 300-store UK target.
The announcement appears in the group’s most recent full-year accounts, submitted to Companies House by parent company Grain Topco Limited.
The filings reveal that Gail’s revenue reached £219.8m for the year ending 28 February 2025, representing a 23% uplift from the previous year’s £179m.
Adjusted group EBITDA.
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The announcement appears in the group’s most recent full-year accounts, submitted to Companies House by parent company Grain Topco Limited.
The filings reveal that Gail’s revenue reached £219.8m for the year ending 28 February 2025, representing a 23% uplift from the previous year’s £179m.
Adjusted group EBITDA.
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03/Dec/2025 09:57
Accor Appoints New CEO for Europe and North Africa
French hotel group Accor has appointed Karelle Lamouche as chief executive for its premium, midscale, and economy brands in Europe and North Africa.
In her new role, she will direct Accor’s activities across a region encompassing over 3,000 properties in more than 40 countries—around 40% of the company’s worldwide network.
Its portfolio includes Pullman, Mövenpick, Swissôtel, Novotel, Mercure, Handwritten Collection, Tribe, Ibis, and Greet.
Since joining Accor in 1998.
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In her new role, she will direct Accor’s activities across a region encompassing over 3,000 properties in more than 40 countries—around 40% of the company’s worldwide network.
Its portfolio includes Pullman, Mövenpick, Swissôtel, Novotel, Mercure, Handwritten Collection, Tribe, Ibis, and Greet.
Since joining Accor in 1998.
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02/Dec/2025 13:04
Whitbread speeds expansion of its Hub by Premier Inn brand
Whitbread plans to expand its Hub by Premier Inn brand after purchasing the freehold of Victory House in London’s Holborn.
The budget hotel group bought the eight-storey Victory House at 30–34 Kingsway—a former 1920s office building—from a private overseas investor for an undisclosed amount.
The 45,000 sq ft property, which remains occupied until spring 2026, is slated to reopen as a 200-bedroom Hub by Premier Inn in 2028, pending planning approval from Camden Council.
The hotel will overlook Lincoln’s Inn Fields and Covent Garden.
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The budget hotel group bought the eight-storey Victory House at 30–34 Kingsway—a former 1920s office building—from a private overseas investor for an undisclosed amount.
The 45,000 sq ft property, which remains occupied until spring 2026, is slated to reopen as a 200-bedroom Hub by Premier Inn in 2028, pending planning approval from Camden Council.
The hotel will overlook Lincoln’s Inn Fields and Covent Garden.
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02/Dec/2025 08:11
King Brothers Foodservice joins Country Range Group as its newest member
The Country Range Group (CRG) is ending the year on a high, announcing that King Brothers Foodservice will join as its newest member starting 1st January 2026.
A proudly independent, family-run business with over a century of history, King Brothers Foodservice traces its roots back to 1908. That year Denis King purchased a 500-acre farm in Orton Waterville, Peterborough.
Through dedication and hard work, Denis was supplying some of London’s leading restaurants and hotels with the finest poultry and pork by the outbreak of World War II.
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A proudly independent, family-run business with over a century of history, King Brothers Foodservice traces its roots back to 1908. That year Denis King purchased a 500-acre farm in Orton Waterville, Peterborough.
Through dedication and hard work, Denis was supplying some of London’s leading restaurants and hotels with the finest poultry and pork by the outbreak of World War II.
more »
02/Dec/2025 08:06
Sodexo secures £1m Swizzels contract extension
Sodexo UK & Ireland has secured a three-year contract extension with Swizzels Matlow, makers of Drumsticks, Squashies and Love Hearts.
The contract with the family-run confectionery factory is estimated to be worth approximately £1m.
The menu features sandwiches, salads, jacket potatoes and soups, with some dishes made using ingredients from the company’s WasteWatch programme.
Paula Stevenson.
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The contract with the family-run confectionery factory is estimated to be worth approximately £1m.
The menu features sandwiches, salads, jacket potatoes and soups, with some dishes made using ingredients from the company’s WasteWatch programme.
Paula Stevenson.
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01/Dec/2025 13:47
Owner of Candy Kittens has acquired Unilever’s snack brand Graze
Unilever has taken another step in refocusing its business, confirming the sale of its healthy snacking label Graze to Katjes International, the company behind Candy Kittens.
Expected to close in early 2026, the transaction highlights Unilever’s broader strategic pivot, as the company steps back from parts of its food portfolio to invest more heavily in beauty and wellness.
When Unilever purchased Graze in 2019, it was aiming to tap into the booming health-minded snack category. The brand has since evolved from its D2C beginnings into a major UK retail player.
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Expected to close in early 2026, the transaction highlights Unilever’s broader strategic pivot, as the company steps back from parts of its food portfolio to invest more heavily in beauty and wellness.
When Unilever purchased Graze in 2019, it was aiming to tap into the booming health-minded snack category. The brand has since evolved from its D2C beginnings into a major UK retail player.
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01/Dec/2025 13:35
Travelodge sees Q3 profit growth amid hurdles in first half
Travelodge reported a “solid” performance in the third quarter ending 30 September 2025.
Year-to-date group revenue reached £783.2 million, remaining broadly flat compared with the same period last year, reflecting a softer first half.
The budget hotel chain said a challenging first half of the year was offset by a strong third-quarter performance, supported by improved market conditions in the UK, new hotel openings, and continued growth in its Spanish operations.
Year-to-date adjusted EBITDA reached £140.
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Year-to-date group revenue reached £783.2 million, remaining broadly flat compared with the same period last year, reflecting a softer first half.
The budget hotel chain said a challenging first half of the year was offset by a strong third-quarter performance, supported by improved market conditions in the UK, new hotel openings, and continued growth in its Spanish operations.
Year-to-date adjusted EBITDA reached £140.
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01/Dec/2025 09:45
Tout’s and Co-op Wholesale renew their partnership for another five years
Co-op Wholesale has confirmed the renewal of its supplier agreement with forecourt retailer Tout Group.
This extension builds on their existing five-year partnership, during which Tout Group has benefited from Co-op’s extensive product range.
Looking ahead, Co-op Wholesale will continue to support Tout Group as it grows its forecourt estate and develops more convenience-focused sites.
This aligns with Co-op Wholesale’s broader strategy to strengthen its retail supplier network.
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This extension builds on their existing five-year partnership, during which Tout Group has benefited from Co-op’s extensive product range.
Looking ahead, Co-op Wholesale will continue to support Tout Group as it grows its forecourt estate and develops more convenience-focused sites.
This aligns with Co-op Wholesale’s broader strategy to strengthen its retail supplier network.
more »
01/Dec/2025 08:55
World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo 2026
The World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE ) returns to Hamburg Messe, Germany between 14th and 16th April 2026.
The event showcases the latest onboard products and services from over 250 suppliers and
attracts over 800 airline and rail buyers looking to source new products, stay up to date with industry trends and build their business network.
For further information please visit https://www.worldtravelcateringexpo.com/en-gb.
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The event showcases the latest onboard products and services from over 250 suppliers and
attracts over 800 airline and rail buyers looking to source new products, stay up to date with industry trends and build their business network.
For further information please visit https://www.worldtravelcateringexpo.com/en-gb.
more »
27/Nov/2025 08:43
London Summer Event Show 2026
The London Summer Event Show is set to take place between 10th and 11th February 2026 at 60 Great Queen Street, London.
The event exhibits a mixture of event venues and suppliers and hundreds of top event buyers and seminars and workshops featuring industry experts presenting ideas and opinions on the latest trends.
Please note that the event is exclusively for event buyers to meet with event venues and suppliers.
For further information please visit https://www.
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The event exhibits a mixture of event venues and suppliers and hundreds of top event buyers and seminars and workshops featuring industry experts presenting ideas and opinions on the latest trends.
Please note that the event is exclusively for event buyers to meet with event venues and suppliers.
For further information please visit https://www.
more »
27/Nov/2025 08:35
Compass forecasts 10% profit increase in 2026 following strong performance
Compass Group has reported another year of profit growth, driven in part by its acquisitions of smaller European competitors.
The world’s largest contract caterer said operating profit climbed nearly 12% in 2025, reaching $3.3 billion (£2.5 billion), while revenue increased 9.7% to $46.1 billion (£35 billion).
Compass Group’s net new business growth reached 4.5%, powered by a particularly strong performance in North America.
The company expects operating profits to climb a further 10% in 2026.
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The world’s largest contract caterer said operating profit climbed nearly 12% in 2025, reaching $3.3 billion (£2.5 billion), while revenue increased 9.7% to $46.1 billion (£35 billion).
Compass Group’s net new business growth reached 4.5%, powered by a particularly strong performance in North America.
The company expects operating profits to climb a further 10% in 2026.
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27/Nov/2025 08:06
Neil Aitken appointed as head chef at The Forge in Chester
Neil Aitken has been named head chef at the Forge, located within Hotel Indigo Chester.
He previously served as sous chef at the Chester Grosvenor, working across the Simon Radley and Arkle restaurants, and before that held a position at the two-Michelin-starred Midsummer House in Cambridge.
The 70-cover Forge restaurant, which opened in 2021, was awarded two AA Rosettes in 2023 for its wood-fire and charcoal-led cooking.
Michael Lyons.
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He previously served as sous chef at the Chester Grosvenor, working across the Simon Radley and Arkle restaurants, and before that held a position at the two-Michelin-starred Midsummer House in Cambridge.
The 70-cover Forge restaurant, which opened in 2021, was awarded two AA Rosettes in 2023 for its wood-fire and charcoal-led cooking.
Michael Lyons.
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27/Nov/2025 08:03
Domino’s Pizza CEO to step down as company shifts strategy
Domino’s Pizza announced the departure of chief executive Andrew Rennie amid changes to its overall strategy.
Nicola Frampton, Domino’s current chief operations officer, will step in as interim leader while the company searches for a permanent replacement.
Rennie’s exit comes as Domino’s aims to broaden its menu beyond pizza to include more fried chicken in an effort to lift sluggish sales. The company is currently trialling a Chick ‘N’ Dip range—wings, tenders, and boneless bites—across 187 stores in England and Ireland.
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Nicola Frampton, Domino’s current chief operations officer, will step in as interim leader while the company searches for a permanent replacement.
Rennie’s exit comes as Domino’s aims to broaden its menu beyond pizza to include more fried chicken in an effort to lift sluggish sales. The company is currently trialling a Chick ‘N’ Dip range—wings, tenders, and boneless bites—across 187 stores in England and Ireland.
more »
25/Nov/2025 11:18
Co-op announces 11 new store openings this week
Co-op is rolling out 11 new stores this week to accelerate growth across its convenience network.
This expansion is part of the retailer’s wider investment programme to deliver 200 new and refurbished stores during 2024/25.
The new openings will include a combination of newly built stores, franchise outlets and renovated branches.
Kate McCrae, Co-op operations director, said: “We are focused on creating local stores which are more than just a shop – they are a hub locally that contributes to local life and meets the needs of communities conveniently.
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This expansion is part of the retailer’s wider investment programme to deliver 200 new and refurbished stores during 2024/25.
The new openings will include a combination of newly built stores, franchise outlets and renovated branches.
Kate McCrae, Co-op operations director, said: “We are focused on creating local stores which are more than just a shop – they are a hub locally that contributes to local life and meets the needs of communities conveniently.
more »
25/Nov/2025 10:44