Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines
* The Bureau of Economic Research Survey for the 4th quarter of this year shows that the expected growth rate in the volume of Accommodation business decreased to 5%, from 9% in the 3rd quarter. On average 11% growth is expected for the first quarter of next year. Disconcerting however is the drop in Business Confidence for the 4th quarter, down from 70 in the 3rd quarter, to 49 for this quarter, in a period which is usually buoyant. Another concern is the first anticipated decline in growth in business in the Western Cape, of -3%, for the first quarter of 2015, the drop from the 3rd quarter growth rate of 20% crashing down to +3% in the 4th quarter! (received from the Bureau of Economic Research)
* Nando’s has set up a wholly-owned subsidiary in India, and plans to open 20 company stores in addition to those to be opened by its franchisees. This is the chicken fast-food company’s second stab at the Indian market.
* Chef Massimo Botturo, owner of the 3rd Best Restaurant in the world (Osteria Francescana in Modena), has denied speculations
that he is planning to move his restaurant to London: ‘There is a rumour spreading that I am planning to move Osteria Francescana to London. There is no such plan. If I were to ever move, it’s correct that I would most likely go to either London or New York as I appreciate both cities immensely but there is a big difference between imagining what one might do in the future and setting down a concrete plan. Osteria Francescana is not replicable, it exists in a unique place. (received via blogpost from Spoonhq Food PR and Restaurant PR Blog)
* Marsala is Pantone’s 2015 Colour of the Year, a ‘hearty, yet stylish‘ colour inspired by wine.
* James Bond will be drinking Belvedere vodka in his newest movie ‘Spectre‘, to be released late next year. 100 1,75 ml bottles will be produced for charity auctions and die-hard Bond fans, while a metallic, LED 007 Silver Sabre bottle will be released in selected outlets.
* Jackson Family Wines from the USA has bought Fijnbosch farm in Stellenbosch. Antony Beck is reported to be involved in producing a Chardonnay with Fijnbosch’s 2013 vintage, to be named Capensis.
Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com Tel (021) 433-2100, Twitter:@WhaleCottage Facebook: click here
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