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Looking ahead: Michael Patterson, senior category manager, food and beverage, GLH Hotels

Published:  20 August, 2018

As we head towards the second half of 2018, Harpers asks key trade figures to highlight the current challenges, on-going trends and opportunities.

We continue our series with insights from Michael Patterson, senior category manager, food and beverage, GLH Hotels

What, currently, are the biggest challenges for the trade (excluding Brexit)?

Issues with production (fruit harvests coming short on demand and C02 production/availability), which are heavily affecting the supply chain and will at some point in the future impact on price

And challenges that are Brexit-related?

Currency fluctuations put overseas goods prices at risk and other influences like trading terms with other countries are likely to have an impact (American Tariffs on whiskey imported to the UK is an example)

Taking current trading conditions into account, what’s your strategy for meeting those challenges during the second half of the year, through autumn and leading up to the crucial Christmas trading period?

Consolidate product ranges and supply chain to ensure effective buying. Then take advantage of increased buying power as a result

Any other trends that you anticipate?

Rum and tequila to potentially make an impact on the spirits scene. Gin may have plateaued but still expecting to be strong. Wine from recognized countries/varieties could see growth if currency and global markets suffer

How optimistic are you – will business for the drinks trade be better or worse between now and 1 Jan 2019 compared with last year and why?

I’m fairly optimistic that the drinks business will improve for the period mentioned. Costs for now have stabilized and confidence in the market is slowly starting to come back, after all the recent negative events in the hospitality industry.


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