British Bank Holidays go hand-in-hand with great food and drink.

Restaurants, bars and takeaways are the biggest beneficiaries when it comes to customers celebrating some extra downtime filled with great company and even greater food.

UK hospitality and leisure businesses benefited from a 3% increase in the total number of sales over the Easter weekend and with three more bank holidays on the horizon, an unprecedented increase in food sales is predicted for the month of May.

Last year, the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee bank holiday brought celebrants out in droves, with an estimated spend of around £5 billion on food and drink bought from stores and takeaways, and at pubs and restaurants.

Hospitality will thus be at the heart of the celebrations this year, as the anointment of King Charles III will see licensing hours for pubs, bars and restaurants extended by two hours over the weekend of Friday 5th to Monday 8th May 2023.

This Kings feast will be sandwiched between two more bank holidays taking place on Monday 1st May and Monday 29th May, meaning there has never been a more significant time to stock up big for food businesses nationwide.

With this in mind, here’s 3 good reasons to stock up on Meadow Vale chicken this May time to help boost sales and ease the pressure of increased footfall into your food business.

Quality fit for a king

A great occasion requires great food. Despite the on-going cost of living crisis, people are still willing to pay for restaurant quality foods from their favourite eateries with a high demand for a fresh appeal.

Our 100% natural whole cooked chicken products have been cut and coated by hand in a range of authentic flavour profiles to offer a home cooked feel, so you don’t have to! Simply take from the freezer, cook in a method of your choice and serve in minutes.

The caterer can create a seriously tasty chicken dish from a hearty buttermilk chizza to the ultimate street food wrap without the need for long preparation times and fresh ingredients. If you’re struggling to save time and meet demand this May time, there is simply no better IQF chicken product on the market.

Stand out from the crowd

With warmer weather conditions expected for the month of May, active lifestyles and regular socialising will mean an increase in demand for snacking and food on the go.

Food service operators need to be ready to capitalise on this by offering enticing dishes that stand out from the regular lunchtime snack. Look no further than our Homestyle category.

The succulent inner-fillet core of the hand cut and coated fillets, strips, bites and shredded pieces stay hotter for longer and every bite packs a satisfying crunch. In just 90 seconds, you could fry up a tasty loaded fries using our Salt & Pepper Shredded Chicken or a fiery pick and share with the Hot & Spicy Bites… the possibilities are endless!

Additionally, our Original Vegan Chick'n Strips allow the caterer a one-stop-shop for a whole range of alternative menu ideas, meaning the need to buy multiple meat-free products is eliminated.

The strips can be used across a menu from a juicy burger to a tasty taco, meaning the need to buy varying vegan products is eliminated and costs are kept low with careful number counted bags, allowing the caterer easy portion control.

Need inspiration? Our menu ideas section presents a catalogue of colourful, appealing and tasty dishes that are simple to make and prepared quickly… but takes nothing away from chicken being the main event!

A time for sharing

As many Britons prepare to get involved in street parties, picnics and big Coronation lunches throughout the weekend, many will be looking for the best deals and discounts for their royal feasting.

A good sharer or combo option could be the key to delivering the perfect bank holiday deal, with most people likely to gather in large groups, maximise their hospitality experience and cut the financial burden by spreading the costs between them.

Meadow Vale Foods provide everything the caterer needs for a consistently high performing and easy-to-prepare chicken option for sharers and combos, from our award-winning Homestyle chicken range to our succulent selection, breaded and battered mini fillets, all fully cooked and ready to serve in minutes.

Stocking up on party favourites including Wings, Strips and Bites will see your food business fully prepared to offer a quality quick-service combo, straight from the freezer to the plate or delivery bag in minutes.

No waste, no mess, just seriously tasty chicken served quick and devoured even quicker! So, why not create your own package offer to give groups the perfect bank holiday treat? See our full range here and get in touch today to stock up.