Losses mount for Bella Italia owner CDG

Bella Italia owner Casual Dining Group saw losses widen last year in a further sign of the malaise affecting the eating out market.

The company, which also operates Cafe Rouge, La Tasca and Belgo and has several outlets across Scotland, posted a £60 million loss for the year to May 2017, 18% worse than losses suffered the previous year.

It blamed a “difficult trading environment” linked to weak consumer confidence and the collapse in the Brexit-hit pound, which has seen costs soar.

CDG chief executive Steve Richards has joined industry big hitters in writing a letter to Chancellor Philip Hammond, warning over the cost of doing business in the troubled sector.