​With the launch of a dedicated online platform, workplace services provider Sodexo UK and Ireland is now accepting applications from start-ups with innovative solutions that improve the workplace experience.
 
Sodexo has teamed up with L Marks, an innovation specialist, to launch a global scouting campaign for new and innovative start-ups to collaborate through its innovation programme, Sodexo Accelerators. The foodservice and facilities management company is seeking applications across three categories that align with its Vital Spaces value proposition, which focuses on workspace and work-life services:

​Today, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has launched a public consultation on Ireland’s draft National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap. The Roadmap will set out a series of actions – to ultimately halve our food waste by 2030.

Food waste is a global problem that has environmental, social and economic consequences. Growing, processing and transporting food all use significant resources. Food waste can arise for a number of reasons, at different points in the food supply chain. These points include: primary production; manufacturing and processing; restaurants and food services; retail and distribution; and in our homes.

€37m worth of Irish food and drink exported every day

The value of Ireland’s food, drink and horticulture exports increased by 4% to a record €13.5 billion in 2021, despite the impact of Covid-19 and Brexit on trading.

Ireland exported the equivalent of almost €37 million worth of food and drink every day last year to customers in more than 180 countries worldwide, according to new data from Bord Bia’s Export Performance and Prospects report 2021/2022.

​Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar has published a new law which will give customers clear information on where their tips and service charges go.

The law will also prohibit the use of tips to 'make up' contractual rates of pay.  ​The Payment of Wages (Amendment) Bill will require employers to clearly display their policy on how tips, gratuities and service charges are distributed.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which represents the global private Travel & Tourism sector, has revealed bookings for intra-European travel over the Easter period have increased by more than 250%, while summer bookings are currently 80% above 2021 levels.

According to WTTC’s knowledge partner ForwardKeys, the leading travel data and analytics company, intra-European flight bookings for the busy Easter and summer periods have surged ahead of last year, giving a welcome boost to Travel & Tourism businesses across the continent.

​The three Coalition leaders will meet at midday at Government Buildings to consider recommendations from the National Public Health Emergency Team on the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, in advance of a full Cabinet meeting at 3pm.

NPHET has given the green light to ending most of the restrictions and, because it did not specify any timeline, has left it up to the Cabinet to decide on the speed by which this will happen.

The Joint Research Centre of the European Commission is conducting research together with CARTIF Technology Centre and MADISON on the opportunities, drivers and challenges for operators in the whole agri-food chain to move towards more sustainable production and consumption through innovation and innovative practices. ​

Despite the challenges faced over the last two years, new solutions are reshaping foodservice equipment in 2022 in line with the latest trends for restaurants, cafes, and hospitality. 

This year, operators’ top priorities will focus on overcoming demand related to labor, and supply constraints, according to Bar and Restaurant forecasts. In addition to this, foodservice sites will need to respond to the growing consumer focus on health, well-being, and sustainability/CSR.

Finally, in 2022 foodservice equipment will need to be able to cater to increased demand for convenience and takeaway services. Let’s look ahead and see what’s in store for foodservice equipment in 2022. ​

​Caterboss now stock a full range of Commercial HEPA Filter Air Purifiers suitable for a wide range of settings such as Restaurants, Cafes, Hotels, Bars Dining Areas etc. All our Purifiers meet Government Guidelines and come with TRUE HEPA Filters.  They have also been tested and certified by a third party Irish Authority to kill covid.

Our purifiers scan the room to determine occupancy levels and PM2.5 levels and adjusts the air flow accordingly. They also operate at super quite sound levels ensuring no ambient disturbances.  We believe this is the next step needed in assuring your customers that the environment you provide is free from covid, allowing them to relax and enjoy their time on your premises.

2021 saw an "exponential growth" in the number of customs declarations, according to headline results published by Revenue.  New EU VAT rules, which came into effect in July, and an increase in e-commerce which began during the pandemic saw a fourteen-fold increase in declarations.  ​Revenue reported that 25.4 million customs declarations were processed in 2021 compared to 1.8 million in 2020.

​The headline results publication also contains information on trade with Great Britain.

It notes that 86% of freight vehicles arriving from Great Britain were "green route"' which means they travelled freely from port. 11% were subject to documentary checks and 3% were inspected or underwent a physical examination.