NEWS
Back together and
STRONGER TOGETHER November saw the industry back together at the celebratory Pizza Pasta & Italian Food Awards dinner held at the Royal Lancaster London hotel following another turbulent year for many in hospitality. In his welcome address, PAPA director, Jim Winship reflected that he couldn’t believe that it was now some 32 years since the awards had begun, and how great it was to be back together again. He also thanked the judges, sponsors, equipment suppliers and market research data companies for their support of the awards, as well as the invaluable work of the PAPA management committee in the work they do to support the industry. “Although some in our industry have done well through the pandemic, others have really struggled, and continue to do so. Indeed, it’s not an easy time for anyone at the moment as we seem to lurch from one crisis to another,” said Jim Winship. “Staffing shortages, supply network difficulties and rising energy costs are just a few of the issues we face – without the challenges being added by the government – from environmental taxes and allergy labelling to bans on the advertising and promotion of foods high in salt, fat and sugar – including pizza. “It’s perhaps a reflection of the disfunctional, hard of hearing government that we currently seem to lurch from one problem to another. Unfortunately, they don’t seem to listen. Indeed, we started warning them about staffing shortages nearly five years ago. How can a government on the one hand say they want to ban some foods for health reasons while on the other hand they are reducing the tax on alcohol? “In the years I have been dealing with the government on behalf of our industry I cannot recall a time when any government has been so difficult to even have a conversation with. There has never been a more important time for our industry to stand together than it is now. Individually we have little power but together we stand a chance of being heard and protecting our interests. If there is one message, it is that we are stronger together. “Despite all the challenges, we are committed to helping this industry move forward – whether it is through lobbying on your behalf, creating opportunities like this for you all to get together, or by launching the first PAPA National Pizza Week. We are committed to supporting you and making sure that this industry remains strong and healthy despite those challenges.” In his speech, PAPA chair, Keith Griffiths, thanked those present for attending and also asked them to give thought to those who had not been able to be there for one reason or 4
another following the pandemic, and also to remember those who had fought in two world wars so that we can have the freedom to live our lives the way they should have been able to do (the dinner having taken place on 11 November 2021, Remembrance Day). He also thanked the sponsors and backed the “stronger together” message, acknowledging the fact that the hospitality industry has some strong headwinds in the now, and very near future. “The final stage of Brexit on 1st January, the return of full VAT in April no doubt will influence sales and profitability. The minimum wage changes in April will again put further pressure on labour availability and profit,” said Keith Griffiths. “Restriction on advertising high fat, sugar and salt products (HFSS) is there, and we’re going to have to work hard to get that into position; calorie labelling, and printed labels from 2022 for businesses that employ 250 employees or more, for that to be present on the menu. “I am also proud to see how our members of this Association have stuck together and recovered - the way we have all pulled together, providing food for the NHS. And I am very proud of the craft and culture during these difficult times; the creativity from all of you who have found solutions to still serve our customers at this time. I know with this we will all move forward stronger as an Association. “The PAPA Association is here to help support you. Leaders from the industry on the management committee meet around eight times a year. At these meetings we are looking deeply into the oncoming headwinds for the industry to find the easiest, fastest and tastiest solutions and way forward. “Jim and the team also lobby with the government, as do the industry leaders to educate on the consequences of the policies that are being proposed, and pushing for a fairer and reasonable way forward for us all. We have guidance on the website for your individual businesses be it for mental health policies, training or any HR related items. You will also find Assured Advice, food safety guidelines, allergen labelling and recycling amongst other things.” Turn to page 26 to find out more about PAPA’s new chair, Keith Griffiths. December 2021
