An increasing number of restaurants and bars are turning to the internet to sell their wares, even as the government has pledged to cut the cost of advertising by 20% in a bid to tackle obesity.
The survey of more than 3,000 food writers, chefs, catering managers and bar owners found that nearly a third of them are relying on social media to promote their businesses.
But the UK’s obesity problem has been highlighted by government figures which showed there were a record 1.2 million people aged between 15 and 44 with obesity in 2015.
This year, the UK government is also seeking to cut obesity rates by 20%, from 16% to 12% by 2020.
A spokesperson for the Department for Health said: “The government is determined to tackle the problem of obesity in the future, and to deliver a country that is healthier, happier and more economically vibrant.”
But the food writer’s survey found that social media can be a key tool in boosting a restaurant’s sales, with almost half of those surveyed saying that social platforms such as Twitter and Instagram have become a key part of their marketing strategy.
In a bid not to be left behind, the survey also found that 70% of the respondents said they have a social media account for their own personal use.
But some food writers and chefs are concerned that social sharing is becoming more of a way to gain exposure for their businesses than a way for them to increase profits.
This is because many businesses rely on the popularity of social media and online advertising to boost their sales.
Some food writers said they use social media for advertising because they don’t have a real-life audience, such as in the case of a local cafe, but also because they feel like it helps to connect with customers.
The BBC’s food editor Nick Jones said:”It’s all about the story.
The survey also revealed that the majority of food writers do not plan to stop publishing.”
People who write for food magazines, for newspapers, for TV, for radio, for television, for online – they are not only the ones who are doing the work, they are also doing the product.”
The survey also revealed that the majority of food writers do not plan to stop publishing.
Nearly two thirds said they were doing so for their personal reasons.
But a number of food bloggers and bloggers of all stripes were finding the social media landscape a more lucrative and creative way to make a living.
But one of the UKs most prominent food bloggers, Andrew Hulson, who has written for a number the major food publications including the Daily Mail and The Guardian, said that while he does have an online presence, he felt the need to publish his own food blog, with an emphasis on local produce.”
It is a good way to stay connected and I love it.”
But one of the UKs most prominent food bloggers, Andrew Hulson, who has written for a number the major food publications including the Daily Mail and The Guardian, said that while he does have an online presence, he felt the need to publish his own food blog, with an emphasis on local produce.
He said: ‘It’s not for everyone, but it’s for me.
But it’s not necessarily for everyone.””
And it’s great that we’re doing it.”
But it’s not necessarily for everyone.
“Andrew Hulston, food bloggerAndrew Hoolson, food writerAndrew Hunk, food bloggerAndrew Hulk, food authorAndrew M. Hughes, food editorAndrew Moxham, food designerAndrew Murray, food businessAndrew Murray (right), food blogger Andrew Murray (left), food editor Andrew Murray, book publisherAndrew Murray Andrew Murray Andrew Hoolshoff and Andrew Hunk.
The food blogger who launched a Facebook page to encourage people to boycott his restaurant said: “It was a very successful and well-received campaign.”
However, he added: “It was only because people were asking questions that I decided to stop using Facebook for advertising.
The BBC Food team is on Twitter @BBCFood”
The more people are talking about it, the more we can do something about it.”
The BBC Food team is on Twitter @BBCFood