Page 3 - APPD - Something's_Brewing_Jan_Feb23

www.beveragestandardsassociation.co.uk
Vol.28 | January/February. 2023
Chairman's Comment

Welcome to this the latest edition of “Something’s Brewing” the magazine for the hot
beverage trade from the Beverage Standards Association.

We have over the Christmas and new year break changed our editorial team and I wish to personally and
on behalf of all in the Association thank Paige our outgoing editor for all her brilliant work during 2022 and
wish her every success in her ongoing media career.

For professional reasons our new editorial team leader would like remain “behind the scenes” for the present but
any news, comments, articles or points of interest for the trade can be submitted to
bulletin@beveragestandardsassociation.co.uk.

I was encouraged by the response to my straw poll of coffee shops and their prices in December.

It's fair to say that in the main 'Quality' was high from the independent sector especially although the prices seem
to have risen significantly. Of course, its all very subjective and the coffee sector is not alone in being subject to our
many and varied needs and opinions, just like food and wine in all reality.

What is obvious is that so many hot beverage outlets are really struggling for staff. I have no comment on this issue
without diving deep into political issues which then becomes a personal statement and not necessarily that of the
Association.

What I can confidently state here is that the ability to get a great takeaway tea especially from the larger groups
remains almost an impossibility unless you are drinking in. I think this is largely due to the disposal of the tea bag,
the availability of the correct milk and the that it is in the main served in a disposable cup.

You may be aware if you have read my comments before that I am a Tea-a-holic. Therefore as it stands I am in the
main destined to be disappointed by a takeaway tea and in lots of cases a drink in tea.

I know that among our members there are some fine offerings as I have had the enjoyable experience of visiting
them and this is why we need to grow our membership, our influence and force higher standards across the
board. We are a nation of Tea drinkers and like real ale this needs to be our mission to make tea outside the home
as enjoyable as tea in the home.

I wish you all a fantastic and prosperous 2023, I know there are difficult challenges ahead but I think sticking
together we can face them. We are in communication at Government level among other contacts to protect and
promote our members and our wider industry and I welcome as ever your comments and thoughts on how best
we can accelerate this process.

Best Regards

Steve Slark

chairman@beveragestandardsassociation.co.uk