Square supports the sector with ORDER UP! cookbook
Payment and POS company Square has partnered with publisher Penguin Random House to create ORDER UP!, a cookbook and guide featuring 20 of London’s favourite restaurants, cafés and bakeries. One hundred per cent of proceeds support the hospitality industry. Fifty per cent goes to Hospitality Action, with the remaining 50% donated directly to the restaurant where the book is purchased. For copies sold via Square’s website, 100% of proceeds are donated to Hospitality Action. The book also includes chapter openers and introductions from content creators.
Maggi Truffle Flavour Seasoning
Nestlé Professional’s Maggi brand has launched a truffle flavour seasoning designed to deliver the essence of the premium ingredient in a convenient, consistent and cost-effective format. Suitable for hot or cold dishes, the seasoning is intended to add instant truffle richness while ensuring dependable flavour across applications. “Truffle is one of the most luxurious and sought-after flavours in gastronomy,” says Luna Chu, brand manager for Maggi Professional. “With Maggi Professional Truffle Flavour Seasoning, we’re empowering chefs to deliver high-quality taste without the challenges of sourcing or storing fresh truffles.” The product joins Maggi Professional’s range of seasonings, bases, sauces and culinary aids, supporting chefs to balance flavour innovation with operational efficiency.
Mapal appoints Christian Fleck as CEO
AI-powered hospitality operations platform Mapal has appointed Christian Fleck as its new chief executive officer. Founder Jorge Lurueña has moved into the role of chairman, retaining responsibility for the company’s long-term vision. Fleck brings more than 20 years’ senior leadership experience across global software, technology and information services. Most recently, he led the recruitment division at The Access Group, driving growth in digital recruitment solutions. “Christian’s deep experience leading global technology and software organisations makes him exceptionally well-suited to guide Mapal through its next phase of growth,” says Edouard Guigou, partner at Mapal backer Eurazeo. The appointment supports Mapal’s continued international expansion and platform innovation.
Taste Spain London launches in February
Taste Spain London will make its debut at Mare Street Market, King’s Cross, on 24 February. The new event is a UK showcase for Spanish food and wine, curated by Foods and Wines from Spain for trade and media audiences. The inaugural edition will focus on flavour and the joy of food and wine pairing, with a programme including workshops, chef demonstrations, wine tutorials and pairing masterclasses. Spanish producers will present a curated range of products either already available in the UK or seeking distribution. Visitors will be able to sample cheeses, cured meats, olive oils and wines, alongside expert-led tastings and discussions.
Carmelo launches premium tinned fish range
Patrick Martinez, founder of Borough Market’s The Tinned Fish Market, has launched his own tinned fish brand, Carmelo. A tribute to his father, the range showcases conservas from Spain and Portugal, including Cantabrian anchovies, pole-and-line caught tuna from the Azores, Galician shellfish and hand-prepared Portuguese sardines. Martinez says Carmelo is guided by four principles: ecological integrity, exceptional quality, superior flavour and craftsmanship. The brand sources from thriving marine ecosystems using seasonal fishing practices. “Carmelo is intended to enlighten and inspire consumers with a luxurious product that is versatile in modern-day cooking,” Martinez says.
Bidfood renews partnership with The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation
Bidfood has renewed its strategic partnership with The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation for a further four years, reaffirming its commitment to food allergy awareness. A founding partner of the charity, Bidfood says the collaboration supports the Foundation’s mission to #MakeAllergyHistory and reflects its focus on creating safer, more inclusive food experiences across hospitality and foodservice. “We are proud to continue our partnership with The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation,” says Andrew Selley, CEO of Bidcorp UK. “By supporting its pioneering research and education, we hope to help create a future where food allergies no longer hold people back.” The Foundation was established in 2019 by Tanya and Nadim Ednan-Laperouse following the death of their daughter Natasha.
New tipping data from Lightspeed
Brits are shaking off their tight-fisted stereotype, with new data from Lightspeed revealing the UK as Europe’s most generous tipping nation. Additional tipping on top of service charge has increased by 22% since 2023, with the average UK tip reaching 9% in August, ahead of France and Switzerland. Card tipping remains the preferred option, averaging £4.90 per transaction – a 6% rise year on year – compared with £4.74 for cash tips. Despite the widespread use of optional service charges, British diners are still happy to give more. Almost two fifths (39%) say they tip 5–10% for good service, while 19% leave 10–15% when particularly satisfied with their dining experience. According to Lightspeed, fast food and quick-service restaurants are Britain’s strongest tipping sector, with average tips exceeding 10% on top of service charge. By contrast, fine dining venues tend to see lower tip percentages, largely due to high service charges already applied to bills. Liam Crooks, MD of EMEA Hospitality at Lightspeed, said: “Despite the elevated cost of living, Brits are going the extra mile to reward great service. Dining out is a key part of British culture, and the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act has given diners confidence that their generosity is genuinely reaching hospitality teams.”