News in brief...

27th January 2010, 10:30am

Keeping you up to date with the latest news

SIBA celebrates 30th anniversary

The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. It was exactly 30 years ago on 26 January 1980 that a group of around 20 brewers met in a pub in Swindon and decided to set up their own association. The SIBA's aim is to promote the interests of smaller brewers and to help them to bring their beers to the market. Chief executive Julian Grocock said: "Our anniversary year looks set to be an interesting one, presenting both opportunities and challenges for our members, as well as general election, which is certain to have repercussions for our industry. SIBA is very much involved in the ongoing discussions around industry issues such as the beer tie and minimum pricing. We are grateful to all those involved with SIBA, who have worked hard over 30 years to position us successfully as the voice of quality brewing in the UK."

Punch Taverns donates £500 to Gresley football team

Punch Taverns has donated £500 from its Punch Community Spirit Project to the Gresley Rovers under 11s football team. The Rovers needed new equipment for the team. With the donation they can now buy better goal posts, new footballs and a smart new kit. Coach Ade Haywood said: "It's going to make such a difference to the lad's and means we can upgrade our training sessions with lots of nice new kit." The Punch Community Spirit Project is committed to making donations to a variety of organisations such as charities, sports clubs and hospitals.

West Cornwall Pasty stores now sell frozen pasties

Cornish pasty lovers are now able to buy frozen pasties from West Cornwall Pasty Co stores in London. Chief executive Richard Nieto said: "For some time now we have been inundated with customers asking for frozen pasties to take away and bake at home, so we are delighted that this is now possible. And to help keep the pasties frozen for longer, we have introduced our specially designed insulated freezer bag." There are 20 varieties of homemade pasties available including lamb and mint, steak and St Austell Ale, pork and apple, salmon and chicken balti.

Free storytelling plus kids eat free at Greenwich restaurant

To celebrate National Storytelling Week (30 January to 6 February), Cheyenne Spur Steak and Grill in Greenwich is hosting interactive storytelling sessions for children under the age of 12 years old between 4pm and 6pm on Friday 5 February, and on top of this kids will eat for free. After the kids have had their session with local storyteller Sef Townsend, they will be served a free meal of their choice. Pierre Van Tonder, group managing director of Spur Corporation, said: "At Spur Steak and Grill we take pride in our family friendly facilities and generous portions of tasty food that are perfect for the whole family."

Bord Bia announce Marketplace 2010 forum

The Irish Food Board Bord Bia has announced their business development forum – Marketplace 2010 which will be taking place in Dublin on 9 February. Buyers will have the opportunity to meet over 160 Irish branded and private label suppliers representing a range of categories including meat, seafood, dairy, ready meals, cereals and snacks. In addition, attendees will have the chance to network with over 300 buying professionals including over 110 UK buyers from retail, foodservice, catering and manufacturing channels.

Croots Farm Shop & Kitchen named finalist in Derbyshire Business awards

Croots Farm Shop & Kitchen has been named a finalist in the Derbyshire Business Awards 2010. The farm shop has been shortlisted in the final three of the most promising new business category. Owner Steve Croot said: "We have worked very hard since opening Croots in the summer of 2008 to make the farm shop and café a success, and we have rewarded with loyal and enthusiastic customers." Winners of the Derbyshire Business Awards 2010 will be announced on 26 February at a ceremony at the Roundhouse, Derby.

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