Sunday Roast

With all-out war being declared on binge drinking and high-alcohol drinks there is much debate on how the 2008 budget will affect the Catering and Hospitality Industry.

What rises were expected?

A rise in tax on alcohol above the rate of inflation was inevitable, but on which drinks and to what extent was unsure until today. The obvious targets were super-strength lagers and ciders, but with alco-pop’s also in the firing line, there was worry these tax hikes could spread to products more important to the industry.
Tax on wine was also predicted to rise due to the recent worries about middle classes over indulging at home, therefore gaining the ever increasing ‘binge drinker’ title.

What did we get?

At midnight on Sunday, duty rates on Alcohol are to rise by 6 per cent above inflation. Beer is to go up by 6 pence a pint, cider by 3 pence a litre, wine 14 pence a bottle and spirits 55 pence a bottle.

In the future it is planned that the tax on alcohol will rise at 2 per cent above the rate of inflation each year.

So how will this affect the industry?

The challenge of predicting how the British consumer will act is always a daunting one.

The rise on alcohol in the shops could help break the ‘home drinking’ trend and drive people out into pubs, bars and restaurants. If it is indeed the cheap supermarket drink that started this trend, then it is a fair assumption to make. However the recent smoking ban is also a strong contributing factor, and one that certainly won’t change anytime soon.

The opposite worry is that rising taxes on wine and beer will drive people out of bars and restaurants. Although it is the high-alcohol products which are being targeted, this coupled with other factors could see price rises across the board in drinking establishments. With the hops and grain prices at an all-time high, producers are set to raise prices on beer and ale, with one of the main brands rumoured to be planning a 9% rise.

Geoff Kennedy – 12th March 2008

BuyCatering.com – Catering Equipment Suppliers

KitchenAid 5KPM5 Mixer 

Everyone knows KitchenAid is the big name in food mixers. They’re been around for years and have gained a reputation for being the no nonsense workhorse in the kitchen. Some may think this reputation has been somewhat tarnished by the domestic products they have introduced such as the Artisan range. Who would want a Pink mixer anyway?!? Don’t be fooled by the fancy colours though, KitchenAid still produce some of the best commercial appliances around.

The 5KPM5 mixer, otherwise known as the K5 is certainly no exception. Staying true to KitchenAid’s commercial roots the K5 mixer is available only in white; no unnecessary fanciness here! That said, you can’t deny the KitchenAid’s understated style which has been voted an icon many times throughout the years.

Now to the working’s of the beast! The K5’s direct drive motor uses all of the 325W power. This is transferred to one of 3 included attachments; the Dough Hook, Flat Beater, or Wire Whip. A massive range of extra attachments and gadgets are also available; from Sausage Stuffers to Can Openers. The KitchenAid’s bowl is stainless steel with a 4.8 litre capacity, this comes with a plastic cover included. All this is brought together in an all metal construction to give a truly robust machine. Just to be safe though, KitchenAid also throw in a 1 year Commercial Warranty.

KitchenAid is certainly no stranger to the bright lights either. The K5 model can often be seen as the choice for many a TV chef. Just yesterday I saw the 5KPM5 doing its thing on ’something for the weekend’ and Gordon Ramsey often calls on his KitchenAid (or one belonging to the chef he’s shouting at).

Surprisingly the 5KPM5 is available at BuyCatering.com cheaper than the domestic Artisan model. So if you’re looking for a hardworking commercial mixer for the kitchen, or just a stylish home appliance that will last for years; the KitchenAid K5 is definatly worth a try!

BuyCatering.com are currently offering the KitchenAid 5KPM5 for only £235 (+VAT) with Free Delivery! This is the cheapest I’ve found on the Internet so far. Due to price increases from KitchenAid this price is likely to go up very shortly though.

Use this link to get more details about the KitchenAid 5KPM5 Mixer at Buycatering.com.