It’s time to bid farewell to what’s certainly been an interesting year for the foodservice sector. It was inspiring to see so many of you at last month’s PAPA Industry Awards – check out all the results and pictures, from page 12.

Welcome to our penultimate issue of 2023 – and it’s a bumper one. Pasta and sauces go under the microscope, with the frozen sector receiving a welcome boost. We also look at the virtues of in-house creativity.

There is much to devour this issue, including previews of Casual Dining and The Italian Show.

Another great opportunity is PAPA Pizza Week. And while it’s not until 19-26 November, now is the time to consider getting involved.

Enjoy our detailed preview of the European Pizza & Pasta Show [21-22 June], while we get up close and personal with the new vice-chair of the Pizza, Pasta & Italian Food Association, Sunny Chhina.

This issue is a jointly edited one as, after 20 years in post as editor, Clare Benfield is moving on to pastures new and handing over the reins to her successor, Alex Bell. 

In this issue, we hear from some well-known names in the sector – Dawn Farms, Leathams and Papa Johns - and look ahead to some of the year’s early exhibitions (Northern Restaurant & Bar Show, IFE and HRC).