Phoebe Fraser
Phoebe Fraser joined as news editor with extensive experience in B2B food journalism, covering all corners of the industry, from ingredient manufacturing to business strategy, trends, and sustainability. She has a specialist focus on cellular agriculture, having previously led The Cell Base, the first magazine dedicated to the sector.
Contact info
- Tel:
- 44 (0)1293 846570
- Email:
- phoebe.fraser@mca-insight.com
News£3.4bn annual cost hikes take effect
70% of hospitality businesses say they are likely to reduce headcount and around 15% expect to close at least one site as a direct consequence of rising annual costs
Analysis & InsightFunctional food and drink: the next growth driver in FTG
Food-to-go players are integrating targeted health benefits into their products to drive premiumisation and higher spend
NewsBrent Cross to welcome first permanent street food market
The line-up includes Sides Fried Chicken, created by YouTube collective The Sidemen, Pasta Remoli, known for its authentic Italian pasta dishes, and Asian street food brand Three Uncles
InterviewsSourdough Sophia eyes 20 sites
The North London bakery-cafe operator is set to open three sites this year as it balances its artisanal roots with operational growth
NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up this week’s biggest openings stories, including Wingstop, Loungers, Browns Brasserie & Bar, and more
InterviewsChicken Shop: ‘We want to own London’
The premium QSR brand is doubling down on London as it prepares to open its eighth site in Canary Wharf – with further expansion in its sights
NewsFever-Tree reports FY24 growth with on-trade recovery
The mixer brand has reaffirmed its commitment to hospitality and on-trade partnerships as it posted improved performance in the UK
Analysis & InsightHotels risk losing half of F&B spend as guests turn to delivery and dining out
Zonal research finds 50% of UK hotel guests are likely to order food for delivery or dine at external restaurants rather than use on-site F&B options
InterviewsMary Brown’s maps out UK clusters as it builds its international base
The Canadian QSR brand is stepping up its UK rollout and expects to reach 10 sites by the year-end
InterviewsSenza Fondo: ‘Bigger plates, bigger energy’
The new Italian-American concept in Shoreditch is challenging London’s small-plates status quo with a bold focus on value, scale and experience – starting with bottomless beef shin lasagna
Event NewsTech in hospitality: Driving engagement, retention and growth
Speaking at HRC 2025, leaders from Hawksmoor and Caravan explored how technology is reshaping recruitment, onboarding, and training
EventsPICK.YOUR.OWN founder on scaling sustainable food-to-go
The premium salad concept is redefining food-to-go with a focus on sustainability and customer loyalty, rapidly building a following since its December launch
InterviewsBenito’s returns to London with ambitious expansion plans
The fast casual Mexican chain is set to make a major comeback in London, with its first new site in the capital opening off Bishopsgate this Easter
NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up this week’s biggest openings stories, including Knoops, The Ned, Bubala, and more
InterviewsSandwich Sandwich: ‘We are laser-focused on London’
The brand has unveiled ambitious expansion plans, with founder Nick Kleiner confirming it will open 20 London stores within the next four years
InterviewsBRGR LAB to reach eight UK stores in 2025
The immersive burger concept is gearing up for rapid expansion, with six UK openings planned this year, alongside its first international site in Qatar
NewsHospitality insolvencies rise in January but annual decline offers hope
Insolvencies saw a 21% month-on-month increase in January 2025, rising from 225 in December to 273, according to the latest statistics
NewsExultant bolsters Pret A Manger portfolio with seven new sites
Following last year’s acquisition of the North West London territory, Exultant Group has added seven more Pret A Manger locations to its portfolio
NewsHospitality embraces AI to boost efficiency and experience
Workers are rapidly adopting AI to improve operations, with 91% of employees reporting a positive impact on their workplace, according to new research
NewsKnoops strengthens leadership team amid global expansion plans
The premium chocolate drinks brand has named Kai Hepworth as UK MD, alongside a leadership team shake-up including a new chair and COO