Fanfare at the ready. April 12th is nigh. Our favourite pastime is making a comeback. Thank you, a million times over to the amazing scientists and the NHS workers who have rolled out the Covid-19 vaccine so effectively that we can finally see light at the end of the tunnel. Restaurants and cafes across the country are polishing silverware, ironing tablecloths, sweeping the floor and restocking the pantry – and the bar – in anticipation of the return of their long-awaited customers. The hospitality industry has been hard hit by the pandemic, to say the least, and at Quattro Foods we are hoping against all hope that our customers in the restaurant trade will thrive post-Covid as people are desperate to come out of their homes and socialise – and take a break from cooking. But will eating out ever be the same? Like most sectors, restaurants are adapting to our brave new world.
From selling individual components of meals to offering ‘cooking at home’ services, restaurant innovations are cropping up in every city across the UK. Whilst some are uneasy about taking the plunge back into real life, others are raring to go. Had enough take-aways to last a lifetime? Get dressed up, grab your 5 favourite people and head to an igloo pod for a cosy eating out experience. This is one of the coolest inventions for eating with a crowd, in seclusion, and may be here to stay.
Restaurants are not the only food providers compelled to adapt to the fast-approaching post-Covid world. At Quattro Foods we are enhancing our focus on retail supply contracts by manufacturing products for sale in supermarkets, catering equally for those excited to get back to public culinary pleasures as for those who don’t feel ready to dine out.
From pasta fillings to risottos, our bespoke products are being manufactured for retail suppliers for use in the production of ravioli, tortellini and arancini. Our delicious bespoke sauces are also being used as part of whole meal solutions sold in supermarkets and other food shops.
Adapting to new legislation is another requirement in the food manufacturing sector. At Quattro Foods we’re adhering to new safe working practices that have been rolled out by the Government. Following guidance from the Food Standards Agency, we are adapting our working practices in a world where sadly the virus is still prevalent and food hygiene is a priority.
Government guidance includes rules in the following areas:
- Managing stock levels by disposing of ingredients past their use-by date.
- Cleaning and inspecting machinery and equipment that has been idle.
- Training all staff in food hygiene.
- Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the protection of workers and to prevent the contamination of food during production.
- Frequent handwashing and good hygiene practices in food preparation and handling areas and wearing face masks to protect high-risk foods and workers.
- Social distancing wherever reasonably possible.
- Lateral flow testing carried out on site as an extra safety measure.
At Quattro Foods we are committed to contributing to the regeneration of the sector as a whole, across all aspects of the food industry. We will continue to adapt until we are back on our feet, in restaurants and all professional kitchens across the country.