Beef prices set to rise

With the current global shortage of cattle, beef prices are set to rise throughout 2015, with reports suggesting an increase of up to 1.2%.

Group purchasing company Beacon is hoping to help its customers to continue to capitalise on the UK's obsession with burgers with advice from senior buyer Emma Warrington.

"There has been a lot in the news recently about beef prices and the cattle shortage and it can cause panic among those in the hospitality and foodservice industries," said Warrington.

"The key to addressing the price increase is to stay on top of consumer trends and understand what guests are willing to pay that bit more for. At Beacon we work closely with expert national and regional butchery suppliers such as Fairfax Meadow and Birtwistles Butchers, so we are able to draw upon varied knowledge and trend reports to be able to offer our customers help and advice," she adds.

Use speciality meats and toppings - by adding a venison, wild boar or even kangaroo as a menu special it can really appeal to "foodies".

To find out more about the meat suppliers that Beacon works with or for more advice visit www.beaconpurchasing.co.uk