Garden centres are a thriving market for Rieber products, so we wanted to share with you some key, interesting points and ideas for garden center catering in the UK.
We have also put together a brochure of essential products for garden centre catering DOWNLOAD your brochure here.
How big is the breakfast and brunch market?
The breakfast and brunch market in the UK is at the peak of activity, with forecasts from industry pundits only pointing to consumers increasing their out-of-home consumption of breakfast and brunch food and drink.
What are the most popular breakfast and brunch products?
Vegan and traditional versions of the full English remain top of the best sellers, alongside filled rolls and dishes such as Eggs Benedict and Scrambled Eggs & Avocado.
Pricing is sensitive, and many of our customers choose to offer ‘Big’ breakfasts in addition to regular-sized ones.
Pancakes American Style – the fluffy ones made using baking powder – traditional British pancakes (flour, eggs, milk only) and crepes have also increased in popularity because they are great value dishes to prepare and serve and they also fit the trend to theatre food presentation.
What equipment is most useful?
Mobile and portable equipment is most in demand because it turns dead space into income-producing areas. Mobile kit increases the flexibility of the catering operation by expanding existing serveries, for example, or by creating new service points.
Centres can expand their menu, improve visual presentation, and add food service points by using mobile front cooking stations to offer everything from hot bacon rolls to fresh-cooked omelettes and pancakes.
No brunch is complete without chafing dishes to keep food hot. The latest generation of electric chafers are lightweight, making it easy to set up a buffet or counter presentation anywhere there is a table or flat surface.
Electric chafers are reliable and keep excellent temperatures thanks to digital control. The latest models also work with smartphones and apps to provide a remote-control option to reheat food ready for service – no staff needed!
What options are popular with the health conscious?
Health-conscious consumers like to eat nutrient-dense foods. There is a notable move to high protein/keto diets, towards consuming high-quality proteins such as full fat natural yoghurt, organic meats and non-GMO options.
How should caterers promote their breakfast and brunch services?
Quality of service remains the number one promotion because word of mouth is always the best recommendation.
Involving the staff with the customers in front or theatre cooking situations creates nothing but praise and admiration.
What alcohol can be paired with brunch to upgrade your offer?
A value sparkling wine has to be the number one seller at the moment, with Prosecco the market leader, but there are several equally tasty competitors to that, so a tasting session might be in order!
What one tip would you give on getting your breakfast and brunch service right?
Check out the mobile equipment options, such as front cooking stations that add versatility and theatre cooking to your breakfast offer. Interaction between staff and customers helps motivate and retain staff and makes the dining experience more memorable and enjoyable for all concerned.
