News round-up

Shock at death of Bernard Loiseau

The culinary world is in a state of shock following the suspected suicide of celebrated French chef Bernard Loiseau. His body, found by his wife next to his shotgun, was discovered in his home in Burgundy late on Monday afternoon. It is believed that a recent downgrading in the 2003 edition of French gourmet guide Gault-Millau (from 19 to 17 points out of 20), together with three critical articles in the French press at the weekend, prompted the 52-year-old's decision to end his life.

Michael Caines, chef-director of Devon's Gidleigh Park, who worked for Loiseau at his three-Michelin-starred La Cöte d'Or in Saulieu for 18 months said: "I'm still struggling to believe it. It's a very sad day for French and world cuisine, and Burgundy has lost a great chef." He added: "Tragically, it shows the pressure that the modern chef is under. People don't realise how much a personal swipe by a journalist hurts."

Loiseau, who opened three Paris restaurants and a boutique in addition to La Cöte d'Or, floated his Bernard Loiseau restaurant group on the French stock exchange in 1998 in order to finance its expansion. He leaves a wife and three young children. His funeral is expected to take place at the end of this week.

Domino's delivers on results

New openings and television advertising have helped Domino's Pizza deliver its most successful year on record.

In the 12 months to 29 December 2002, the pizza delivery company recorded a 48.1% increase in pre-tax profit to £4.2m, compared with £2.9m for the same period in 2001. Turnover increased by 21% to £54.7m, against £45.2m a year earlier. Like-for-like sales at stores open for 12 months or more increased by 11.2%.

Chief executive Stephen Helmsley said that a record number of store openings during the year had also helped boost sales. Domino's opened 34 new delivery stores in 2002, taking the total to 269.

Helmsley added that trading since the end of the year had got off to a good start, with like-for-like sales in the first six weeks of the year increasing by 10.1%.