Sirius Bulletin 20th September 2021
This bulletin provides a summary of topical news, announcements and policy developments affecting business across the UK.
Eating out
Italian dominates restaurant menus but Japanese cuisine drives growth
In the second half of 2020, 15% of main and starter dishes in chain restaurants were Italian, according to research by Lumina Intelligence. Japanese accounted for 12.6% of dishes, an increase of 2.8%. The most common dishes on pub/bar restaurant menus were British and burgers.
Read more about the figures at: https://caterer!icensee.com/japanese-cuisine-drives-growth-in-restaurants-but-itaIian-stiII-dominates/
Retail
Independents record first rise in four years
A net total of 804 independent retailers and food outlets opened in the first half of 2021, according to the latest review of the market by the Local Data Company (LDC). This is the first rise in the number of independent outlets for four years.
Read more about the increase at: www.drapersonline.com/news/independent-stores-benefit-from-chain-closures?tkn=l
Co-op to offer rapid grocery delivery
A new partnership between Amazon and the Co-op will help the grocery retailer double its online sales by the end of 2021. The partnership will allow Amazon Prime customers to do their full Co-op grocery shop on Amazon, with same-day and two-hour scheduled deliveries available.
Read more about the partnership at: www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2021/09/co-op-partners-with-amazon-to-offer-rapid-grocery-delivery
Strike action could disrupt deliveries
Courier deliveries could be delayed due to proposed strike action by Yodel drivers. Yodel reported that 98% of the 250 drivers balloted have voted in favour of striking over pay and working conditions.
Read more about the potential disruption at: www.cha rgedretaiI.co.uk/2021/09/16/argos-aId i-an d-ms-deliveries-set-to-be-hit-as-yodeI-drivers-launch-strike action
Food and drink
Exports begin to recover
Sales of UK food and drink to non-EU countries increased by 13% in the first half of 2021. The increase has been attributed to exports to China, Singapore, Australia, Japan and the Gulf region. The increase means non-EU exports are now almost back to pre-Covid levels.
Read more about the increase at: www.fdf.org.uk/fdf/news-media/press-releases/2021-press-releases/food-and-drink-exports-recovering-in-non eu-markets
Tourism
Findings of review published
A tourism data hub and a tiered approach to accreditation should be introduced to improve the performance of destination management organisations (DMOs) in England. The recommendations are part of a review into how DMOs are funded and structured.
Read more about the review at: www.visitbritain.org/de-bois-review-independent-review-destination-management-organisations-england published
Inflation
Highest level reported since 2012
Inflation increased to its highest level in nine years, due to last year’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme. The Office for National Statistics expects that the increase in the 12-month inflation rate will be temporary as the scheme only ran for a month in 2020.
Read more about the increase at: www.bighospitaIity.co.uk/ Article/2021 /09/15/Eat-Out-to-Help-Out-propels-UK-inflation-to-nine-year-high
Trade barriers
Import costs increase by £600m
In the first half of 2021 customs duties paid by UK businesses increased to a record £2.2 billion, up from £1.6 billion in same period of 2020. The rise has been directly attributed to Brexit, as it was not payable on goods imported from the EU while the UK was in the Single Market.
Read more about the increase at: www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/sep/13/brexit-trade-barriers-added-600m-in-costs-to-uk-importers-this-year
DISCLAIMER While all reasonable efforts have been made, the publisher makes no warranties that this information is accurate and up-to-date.