French dairy giant Lactalis is set to cease operations at its yogurt and desserts manufacturing plant in Australia. The company has announced plans to close its facility in Echuca, located in the state of Victoria, later this year. The closure is expected to affect approximately 74 employees and contractors associated with the plant. Lactalis, the proprietor of the Pauls brand, intends to consolidate its local yogurt and desserts operations around a singular regional hub in Victoria, centred at a location in Bendigo within the same state. The dairy behemoth is earmarking an investment of A$85 million ($56.3 million) over the…
Author: Sam Allcock
Sam Allcock
Sam Allcock is a seasoned journalist and editor with a deep passion for the culinary arts. With over two decades of experience in the world of food writing, Sam has become a distinguished voice in the industry, renowned for his insightful reviews, engaging storytelling, and unwavering commitment to highlighting the finest in gastronomy. As the Editor-in-Chief of Feast Magazine, he leads a dynamic team dedicated to exploring the diverse and ever-evolving culinary landscape. Sam's journey into food journalism began with a childhood fascination for cooking, inspired by his grandmother's kitchen where he first learned the magic of blending flavors and crafting delicious meals. This early love for food led him to pursue a degree in Journalism from the University of Leeds, where he honed his skills in writing and developed a keen eye for detail. Throughout his career, Sam has traveled extensively, tasting and documenting cuisines from around the world. His articles are known for their rich, vivid descriptions and his ability to convey the cultural contexts of the dishes he explores. Whether it's a hidden gem in a bustling city or a traditional dish in a remote village, Sam's work brings the reader right to the heart of the culinary experience. Under Sam's leadership, Feast Magazine has flourished, earning accolades for its in-depth features, exclusive interviews with top chefs, and comprehensive guides to the best dining spots. His editorial vision emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and authenticity in the culinary world, ensuring that the magazine not only entertains but also educates and inspires its readers. Beyond his professional achievements, Sam is an advocate for food education and sustainable practices. He frequently participates in panels, workshops, and community events, sharing his expertise and fostering a greater appreciation for the art of cooking and the importance of ethical food consumption. In his free time, Sam enjoys experimenting with new recipes, exploring local farmers' markets, and hosting dinner parties for friends and family. His personal blog, where he shares his culinary adventures and recipes, has a loyal following, further cementing his status as a trusted authority in the world of food. Sam Allcock's dedication to his craft and his genuine love for all things culinary make him a pivotal figure in food journalism, continuously inspiring and delighting food enthusiasts around the globe.
Bite, a leading provider of kiosk technology for the catering sector, has successfully raised $9 million in a Series A funding endeavour. The funding initiative was led by Staley Capital and received backing from Graham Partners, Food-X, One Way Ventures, and Tamarisc Ventures. This financial injection is earmarked for bolstering the company’s expansion and enhancing its digital ordering systems deployed in fast casual dining and quick-service eateries. Bite’s self-service kiosk software, known for its customisability and user-friendliness, ensures smooth integration with current technological setups. The company’s solutions are designed to elevate order precision, enhance service speed, and boost customer satisfaction.…
Thai restaurant Giggling Squid has revealed four all-new seasonal ‘Spring Sips’ cocktails available from April 1 2024, including a new alcohol-free option, set to make taste buds thai-ngle. Drawing inspiration from the delectable flavours of Thai cuisine, Giggling Squid’s mixologists have curated a collection of four distinct cocktails that are just as mouth-watering as the dishes on the menu. From the zesty notes of lemon alongside notes of passionfruit, mango, elderflower and gin in the Thai Breeze (£9.95), to the tantalising Tequila and sweet and sour pink grapefruit in the Paloma (£9.95). As well as the fruitiness of the Flirtini (£9.95) which has notes of raspberries and…
Applebee’s Neighbourhood Grill + Bar has broadened its bespoke burger range in the United States with the debut of the Whole Lotta Bacon Burger. This new offering features a beef patty enriched with seared Applewood-smoked bacon, adorned with an additional trio of bacon slices, bacon sauce, and American cheese. Presented on a toasted Brioche bun with accompaniments of lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles, the burger is served alongside a portion of chips. Joel Yashinsky, Applebee’s Chief Marketing Officer, shared his enthusiasm for the new addition, stating: “If you love bacon, we’ve got the burger for you.” “This burger has…
Recent investigations have unearthed that the concentration of PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals’, surpasses the guidelines for drinking water globally. PFAS, short for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals widely used in consumer goods worldwide. However, in recent years, the enduring nature of PFAS, which can take millennia to decompose, has become a source of increasing concern among researchers. The European Environment Agency (EEA) has linked these substances to a range of health issues, including liver damage, thyroid disorders, obesity, fertility complications, and cancer. PFAS, commonly found in everyday items such as non-stick cookware, apparel, cosmetics, pesticides, and food…
Papa John’s International is set to enhance its footprint across the United States by opening 50 additional restaurants by the year 2028, following a new agreement with its franchise partner, Nadeem Bajwa, and his organisation, the Bajco Group. This initiative forms part of a wider strategy to bolster the brand’s presence in pivotal markets, coinciding with the Bajco Group’s ambition to operate 500 Papa Johns establishments. Presently, the group manages in excess of 200. Bajwa expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “Signing this deal, I am as excited today as I was 20 years ago when I opened my first restaurant.” The…
An analysis of government data has revealed that more than half of the food samples in the UK, including fruits, vegetables, and spices, contain alarming levels of ‘forever’ chemicals. This was uncovered by the Pesticide Action Network (PAN), which scrutinised the results from the government’s testing programme on residues. It was discovered that food items destined for supermarket shelves in the UK were tainted with at least 10 different PFAS chemicals. The examination brought to light particularly disturbing findings, such as the presence of PFAS pesticides in at least 95 per cent of the strawberry samples from the UK that…
ChowNow, known for its marketing and online order services for eateries, has recently taken over Cuboh, a specialist in amalgamating online orders. This acquisition is set to offer a cohesive tool for eatery managers to optimise their off-premises operations. Launched in 2018, Cuboh has carved a niche for itself by enabling restaurants to handle orders from various delivery platforms through a singular interface, thereby cutting down on device use and minimising mistakes. Chris Webb, ChowNow’s Chief Executive, remarked on the expansion of off-premises dining driven by consumer demand, which poses hurdles for restaurant crews. “We’re looking forward to offering our…
Development is set to commence from 30th April and planned to open late Autumn 2024 McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Bridgend can reveal major development plans to enhance the food offering and experience for guests at the South Wales destination. To ensure that the Centre continues to attract the most exciting food and beverage restaurant partners for visitors across the country, the Designer Outlet will undertake a substantial investment to redevelop the Food Court area and replace it with new and exciting restaurants. The plans are set to commence at the end of this month and be complete by late Autumn. The…
Contract caterer Elior has introduced new autonomous delivery robotics to deliver food to students’ rooms at the University of Roehampton, London. Elior provides student catering at the University of Roehampton’s campus restaurants and noticed that many preferred the ease and convenience of ordering takeaways directly to their halls of residence. Elior devised a way to utilise innovative technology to deliver meals to students across campus. In partnership with GW Projects, Elior has introduced the Roehampton robot. The delivery robot is fully autonomous, meaning it can deliver to students without human interference and travel across all terrains and even roads. The built-in AI technology allows…