It’s Friday night, and while other restaurants in your area are buzzing, your place is unusually quiet. Previously, you were busy most nights, but over the past six months as the pinch has hit Kiwi pockets, you’ve noticed a decline in customers. Rising food and labour costs have forced you to increase prices, and now you’re worried that your restaurant might be pricing itself out of the market. So, what can you do? Identify the Real Problem First, ask yourself if your menu prices are the main reason guests are staying away. Business theories on why certain concepts fail don’t necessarily app ..read more

Unilever Food Solutions (UFS) has released its 2024 Future Menus trend report in New Zealand and Australia (ANZ) highlighting eight trends that are set to shape the foodservice industry (restaurants, cafes, pubs and other similar businesses), locally and across the globe over the next 12 months. Two of the trends featured in the report: low-waste menus and modernised comfort food are especially relevant for the Australian and New Zealand hospitality venues, according to UFS ANZ market analysis as well as the e-panel, conducted with local Chefs. Kiwi chefs are contending with a lot of challeng ..read more

A recall of a sesame seed product has been expanded to include a further 15 seeded products, including a popular Costco beef dish, due to the possible presence of Salmonella. “We have been working hard to identify and contact businesses that received the affected batch of sesame seeds from importer Davis Trading Company,” says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle. “This can be a complex process given the number of businesses involved. A number of recalls are being published on the New Zealand Food Safety food recall webpage at present for a range of food businesses ..read more

The Hospitality NZ conference and trade show (#HNZ24) returns at the end of July with a stellar line-up of speakers, MC’s and trade partners, focused on the theme, “Becoming the Industry of Choice.” Hundreds of hospitality and accommodation sector professionals from across the country will descend on Christchurch for what is arguably the industry’s most anticipated event of the year. Steve Armitage, Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive, says the two-day event, scheduled for 30-31 July at Te Pae Convention Centre, is shaping up to be the biggest and best yet. “We have an exciting line-up of ..read more

New Zealand hotels face a challenging winter as domestic travel declines, with RevPAR dropping by 11.5% in June and occupancy hitting a low of 58%. In June, revenue per available room (RevPAR) for major New Zealand hotels dropped by 11.5% compared to the previous year, returning to June 2019 levels, according to data reported by Hotel Data New Zealand (HDNZ). Occupancy fell to 58%, the lowest since July 2022 before New Zealand fully reopened its borders. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) decreased by 5.6% year-on year. Domestic Decline Hotels reported an 11% decline in rooms occupied by New Zealan ..read more

By Marisa Bidois, Restaurant Association of New Zealand CEO. Hospitality Business Exclusive: The hospitality industry is no stranger to challenges, but the current economic climate has posed further hurdles. As businesses navigate rising costs, fluctuating consumer confidence, and an ever-evolving market, it is crucial to adapt and innovate. Despite these challenges, members remain optimistic about the future and believe that brighter days are ahead; we just need to navigate through this tricky period. So, what can be done to keep the doors open, staff engaged, and the ovens on? Here are a fe ..read more

Calling all tapas kings and queens! The Australasia Tapas Competition is back for 2024 – and if you think you’ve got what it takes to whip up an award-winning tapas dish, now is the time to get your entry in. Now in its sixth year, this fiery cook off is a calendar highlight for aspiring tapas chefs from both sides of the Tasman. Not only is it the perfect platform to showcase your culinary capabilities, but it could boost your industry profile, and cement your place as one of Australasia’s most talented tapas chefs. “This is a competition that can catapult you onto the global stage – if you ..read more

The finalists have been announced in the Restaurant Association Canterbury Hospitality Awards and represent the best dining establishments in the region as voted by the hospitality industry. New Korean restaurant and bar Brewda receives four nominations for Outstanding New Establishment, Outstanding Restaurant, Outstanding Chef for Cian Curtin and Outstanding Restaurant Manager for Marty Moon. New Korean restaurant and bar Brewda receives four nominations for Outstanding New Establishment, Outstanding Restaurant, Outstanding Chef for Cian Curtin and Outstanding Restaurant Manager for Marty Mo ..read more

A world of flavour awaits visitors to The Auckland Food Show, with over 270 of the very best food and beverage companies ready to introduce new flavours, trends and finds. This year the show is packed with cutting edge cooking equipment and show specials that are too good to walk past.  Expect hundreds of new flavours to try, buy and feed your inspiration and passion no matter what your budget.  The Food Show will play host to hundreds of exhibitors, showcasing everything from niche new foods, through to the latest and greatest from household brands and international cuisines. It’s ..read more

Hind Management, the company behind Sudima Hotels, has appointed ESG professional Kanika Jhunjhnuwala to the role of Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO). Previously Hind Management’s Executive Director – Sustainability and Environment, she has led delivery of the group’s sustainable strategies and governance since 2019.    Ms Jhunjhnuwala has lived in Asia, the Americas and New Zealand and applies a global lens to implementation of sustainable hospitality and tourism. Under her leadership, Sudima Hotels and Hind Management have become award-winning industry leaders in sustainability ..read more