Retail & Consumer
Welsh Heather Honey gets protected geographical status
Welsh Heather Honey has become the first honey in the UK to receive the coveted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, a legal designation that protects food and drink products from imitation and misuse. As a result, Welsh Heather Honey has joined the burgeoning family of food and drink products from Wales that, by virtue of their unique characteristics and location, receive protection under the UK Geographical Indication Scheme. Some 24 Welsh food and drink products that enjoy PGI status, including Welsh Lamb, Welsh Beef, Carmarthenshire Ham, Traditional Welsh Caerffilli, and Traditional Welsh Cider. Wales’ Deputy First Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, who has responsibility for climate change and rural affairs, said: “This recognition strengthens Wales’ growing family of protected foods, showcases the extraordinary quality of our produce, and reflects our commitment to high-quality, sustainable food production. The application for PGI status was made to the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs by the members of the 15-strong Food & Drink Wales Honey Cluster, who sought to protect Welsh Heather Honey’s unique attributes and thereby the livelihoods of the beekeepers whose bees produce the honey. The Food & Drink Wales Honey Cluster is part of the Welsh Government Cluster Programme, which brings together food and drink businesses, suppliers, academia and government with the objective of helping businesses collaborate to achieve accelerated growth in sales, profit and improved productivity. North Wales beekeeper Alex Ellis, of Border Honey, said: “Achieving PGI status for Welsh Heather Honey will help producers because it will demonstrate to the public that it is a special and unique product that can only be produced in Wales. Consumers can have confidence that when they choose Welsh Heather Honey, they are getting the real thing.” Gruffydd Rees, of Gwenyn Gruffydd Ltd in Carmarthenshire, said: “I am delighted that Welsh Heather Honey’s precise origin and characteristics have been recognised. “The UK GI application process is long, and it is wonderful that Wales is the first UK nation to have a honey receive PGI status.” Dawn Wainwright, of Aberystwyth-based Wainwright’s Bee Farm, said: “Heather (Calluna vulgaris) blossoms abundantly across the Welsh mountain uplands during late summer. “The bees gather a small harvest of a distinctive aromatic honey from the ling heather flowers with unique characteristics. The chemistry of the heather flower nectar gives the honey a protein content which produces a thixotropic or gel-like texture with crunchy crystals suspended throughout.
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Retail & Consumer
Bristol Hoteliers Association appoints new chair
Bristol Hoteliers Association has appointed a new chair. Adam Flint, general manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City Centre, is taking over from Raphael Herzog who has been in the post for six years. Mr Flint will now oversee the non-profit organisation, which promotes the interests of the city's hotels. He said: “I am confident that, with the support from everyone, we will continue to run a fantastic organisation. My passion for hospitality and the industry continues to be stronger than ever, and this new role enhances this even more.” Mr Flint studied hotel and catering management at Manchester Metropolitan University, qualifying in 1999 and starting his career as a graduate manager with Marriott International, for whom he worked in a variety of roles for more than 18 years. He then moved to Hilton International, holding general manager roles and resulting in his current job. He said: “Our main focus for 2025 and beyond is to develop our ‘people strategy’, working with industry partners, colleges and learning and development organisations. “To that end, we will strive to support Bristol as a whole and be the lead in industry for our sector, via our social and charitable network, too." Mr Flint said 2025 posed "new challenges" for the sector, including rising costs such as wages, National Insurance and the price of goods. “The impact on profit margins remains and we must think differently and smarter to overcome these challenges," he added. "Our ability to work with key leaders within the city and surrounding areas allows us to voice and steer many things to the good of the industry. "In terms of the city, changes and developments will continue and it is so important that the BHA remains involved and supportive across the board.” Mr Herzog said he was proud of representing the association and the wider hospitality sector during the Covid pandemic. “During my tenure, I saw a big difference in the sector in terms of pressure on costs for employers," he said. "Mental wellbeing is so much more on the agenda today, as is the need for the hospitality sector to offer a better work-life balance. “I am confident Adam will ensure the BHA continues to represent our industry well and be a voice in the city; we need to continue to promote our sector to younger people."
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Retail & Consumer
Gong Cha: Bubble tea brand to open 225 new UK stores in nationwide expansion
Bubble tea aficionado Gong Cha has unveiled ambitious expansion plans to launch over 225 stores in the UK, a move set to generate nearly 2,000 jobs, following a franchise agreement with Costa Coffee heavyweight Jinziex. Originating from Taiwan in 2006 and now headquartered in London, Gong Cha's partnership with Jinziex is a key part of its global strategy to hit 10,000 outlets by 2032, as reported by City AM. Jinziex, a nascent venture, is steered by a trio of industry experts: Diljit Brar of Goldex, Azha Rehman from Kaspa's Desserts, and Steve Falle, managing director at WY&SF Ltd. With a presence in 28 countries through more than 2,100 locations, Gong Cha currently operates 13 stores within the UK. Despite facing financial challenges as reported by City AM in September 2024, with sales declines in Korea, the US, and Australia, Gong Cha remains optimistic about its UK prospects. The first batch of Jinziex's Gong Cha stores are slated to open their doors in April, with locations including Sidcup, Gravesend, Romford, and Hornchurch. Paul Reynish, the global CEO of Gong Cha, expressed his enthusiasm for the UK market, stating: "Across Europe we continue to see fantastic interest from potential franchisees keen to bring the world's fastest-growing tea brand to their market." He added, "But where it mattered most to us was the UK, which is one of the most exciting markets for us globally." Reynish concluded with confidence in their new partnership: "After a careful selection process, we're delighted to partner with Jinziex – a proven and highly respected food and beverage franchise operator – who match our ambitions to become the clear bubble tea market leader in the UK. "As a market, the UK has huge potential for us. It's a market that is constantly evolving, ripe with innovation, and made up of consumers willing to try new and exciting products." "We firmly believe it is one of the most significant markets in the global F&B industry, and one of the reasons we relocated our global HQ to London in 2019." "Now, with our expanded footprint, we want to play a leading role in shaping the next decade of the UK's food and beverage industry, while cementing Gong Cha as a household name. We can't wait to show the UK how tea is meant to be." Diljit Brar, CEO of Goldex, added: "Gong Cha is a fantastic global brand with a truly unique customer offer that plays into the heart of changing consumer tastes and trends."
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Retail & Consumer
Historic Coventry shop to close after 100 years as owner says 'retail is also not as nice as it used to be'
A historic Coventry shop is set to close its doors permanently after more than a century in business. Tobacconist and lighter repair specialist Salts was founded by Harry Salt in Parkside, Coventry, in 1916 before relocating to New Union Street in 1961.It was run by the Salt family until it was taken over by Mark Kendall in 2019. Mark, a Coventry local, said he was "really sad" about the impending closure on March 29. He revealed that the decision to shut down was reluctantly made due to several factors. In an interview with Coventry Live, 49 year old Mark said: "Footfall never came back after COVID. Retail is also not as nice as it used to be because there are the issues of break-ins and theft and all those things that happen in city centres to retailers." He also highlighted the challenges posed by the illegal tobacco trade in the city. He said: "Coventry is rife with illegal stuff so the people selling it legally cannot compete." Despite the sadness surrounding the closure, Mark said he had relished his time at Salts. He said: "I have loved it! I always wanted to run a shop, so I have really enjoyed it." Customers have been sharing their 'fond memories' of visiting Salts. Many nostalgically recalled trips to the city centre with their grandparents many years ago, Mark said. He added: "It is quite generational, so a lot of people have fond memories of relatives, they used to come here as children with their grandparents, so obviously it holds a lot of sentiment... and a lot of granddaughters and grandsons just remembering when times were more simple, and you remember stuff about your childhood and your now-departed relatives, so a lot of moments for people." Mark added: "We have had a blast! Thanks for all of the support we have had from our regulars, they will be missed."