Random statistics found this week

Facts and figures that may be of interest…

Hotels in London posted strong growth in average room rate and occupancy during April, according to the latest figures from PKF hotel consultancy services.

Room rate jumped from £123.55 last year to £135.94 this year – a 10.0% rise, while occupancy increased by 4.1% on April 2007. Overall rooms yield rose by 14.6% - from £97.67 last year to £111.91 this year.

UK regional hotels also performed well. Occupancy was up 8.1% from 69.1% to 74.7%, while room rate hiked by 4.8%.

The poultry market has soared by 16% in the last five years, according to the Poultry Market Report 2008.

Chicken continues to dominate the market, accounting for 82.7% of retail sales by value in 2007. However sales of other poultry are also experiencing a growth. Sales of duck are growing hugely, as well as geese and pheasants, as consumers seek to eat more free-range, naturally reared food.

The major supermarkets dominate the sale of fresh and frozen poultry, accounting for 85% of sales by value last year. The catering industry also plays a big part in the market, now accounting for 30% of total consumption.

Food transport alone accounts for 35% of the UK's total emissions, and the food industry is the third largest contributor.

Dutch Government funded research published last year showed that mothers who drink organic milk produce different, more nutritious breast milk. Children with mothers who drink organic milk are 36% less likely to suffer from eczema (a disease that affects 10% of infants in the EU).

The latest research from Newcastle University shows that organic milk contains more nutritionally desirable fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants, including up to a staggering 60% more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) during the summer months. These substances are linked to lower risks of heart disease and cancer.