Kantan: sushi to suit

A new takeaway sushi bar opening in London symbolizes the growing demand for fast casual dining. Fast casual dining straddles the demand for restaurant quality food that can be ordered and taken away like fast food. It seems convenience and quality are both areas where modern consumers are unwilling to compromise.

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Scottish & Newcastle: closing time at the bar

Scottish & Newcastle [SCTN.L] can now focus on its global brewing operations, and also gains a useful cash pile. For now, the group will focus on small 'bolt-on' acquisitions of local and niche players while investing in developing its existing brands. In the longer term, however, S&N will find it hard to avoid further major M&A activity.

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Digital TV: German market to exceed 16 million households by 2007

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Digital TV developments render individual channel strategies obsolete

The development of the European digital TV market, in particular the mass-market uptake of free-to-air digital services, is threatening the existing business models of broadcasters and channels. The pressure on carriage fees and advertising revenues combined with a still increasing number of channels, is leading to an unsustainable situation, with many smaller channels likely to merge or close...

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Greene King: worth dining for

Encouraging consumers to appreciate their beers like fine wine marks an innovative approach for beer producers. However, Greene King will have to be persistent to overcome social stigmas associated with the typical beer drinker, and the established position of wine as the primary mealtime accompaniment.

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McDonald's: redesigned for graceful living

McDonald's is taking resources from its expansion program to fund a redesigning of its restaurants. The company needs to expand its market appeal to win back old fans and welcome new consumers. McDonald's reputation in the UK has slipped recently and a lot of effort will be required to turn things around.

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Scottish & Newcastle: fewer pubs, more beer

S&N has long wanted to be a major international brewer. Adding Strongbow maker HP Bulmer to its portfolio won't harm this effort; nor will taking full control of Portuguese brewer SCC. However, these deals will barely dent the GBP2.1 billion pub windfall. S&N may want to use the rest of the cash to take control of its other international joint ventures.<BR />

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McDonald's: an apple a day keeps the lawyers at bay

As another court case keeps McDonald's fast food in the glare of the media spotlight, the company is searching for ways to reverse the long slide in sales of its Happy Meals. Whatever McDonald's motivation for offering healthier food for children is, the move is to be welcomed.

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Buffalo Grill: mad cow show

Of the four people to have contracted the human form of mad cow disease in France so far, two have died. Both were regular customers of steakhouse chain Buffalo Grill. Allegations that the chain served British beef while it was banned in France have made headlines around Europe. The case once again highlights public concern and skepticism over food safety.

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UK travel insurers: a mixed performance

The events of September 11 have undoubtedly hit travel insurers hard and 2002 has been difficult for all those involved in the travel and tourism industry. But, some insurers have fared better than others, reporting no negative effects and growth above expectation. This can be put down to their customer base, their distribution channels and changing travel trends in general.

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