Products and industry insights

Product updates

Along with our weekly Bulletins, Club Mirror showcases brand news, industry insights and latest products to hit the club market, all aimed at boosting club business.

Classic sausage roll voted king of the Platinum Jubilee street party

With June ’ s Platinum Jubilee celebrations seeing one of the biggest ‘ street party ’ weekends in years, 67% of Brits were looking for a return of retroclassics dishes, according to a survey of over 1000 UK adults* , with the humble sausage roll coming in as their favourite street party choice. The full list included:

• Sausage roll (32%) • Pizza (28%) • Finger sandwiches (20%) • Chicken Wings (19.3%) • Chicken Goujons (16.6%) • Cake (16.1%) • Mini Sausages (16.0%) • Crisps (15.5%) • Scotch Eggs (13.3%) • Cheese and Pineapple (12.5%)

Although having become popular in the past few years, olives and hummus came at the bottom of the list of most-wanted snacks - in fact, only a third of Brits said they liked to see more modern dishes at these events.

When asked what plates they would like to see making a comeback, 31% said they missed the classic Vol-au-vents and a quarter (25%) wanted to see a retro trifle in the centre of the street party table. Other long-forgotten treats Brits wanted to see back at their parties included Black Forest Gateau (24%), Battenberg Cake (23%) and savoury classics like Prawn Cocktail (21%). * Source: SPAR UK

Campbell Brothers brand rolls out nationwide

The Campbell Brothers brand, established for 120 years as a supplier to the catering and hospitality sector, is being rolled out nationwide.

The change means that London-based Henson Meats, also part of the Bidfresh network of fresh produce suppliers, will trade as Campbell Brothers from the start of July 2022.

“Operating as a single, national brand, with consistency in product sourcing, codes and pricing means that Campbell Brothers can support the broad range of menu styles that catering operators now offer, ” said Neil McCole, UK Sales Director

for Campbell Brothers.

“From bespoke burgers for the barbecue, to beef dry-aged in our salt wall chamber, prime steaks and deli specialities including our renowned Henson ’ s salt beef, the combined Campbell Brothers business offers the industry ’ s broadest range of both prime cuts and prepared products. ”

The business already supplies over 2000 chefs and operators nationwide. • campbellbrothers.co.uk

Horlicks shakes it up with ‘Victoria Sponge cake shake’ recipe

Iconic British brand Horlicks took a twist on a classic Victoria Sponge by creating a ‘Cake Shake ’ recipe for the Platinum Jubilee weekend, transforming it into an ‘ on-trend’ shake with a classic malt taste.

Method:

Place 200ml of milk, 3 heaped tsp of Horlicks, 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream, and 20ml of 1883 syrup into a blender and blitz at full speed. Once smooth, pour into a glass. Top with whipped cream, fresh strawberries and a drizzle of 1883 mixed berry (grenadine) syrup to finish. • aimiafoods.com

Balmoral distillery celebrates Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

A limited release Balmoral Platinum Edition Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been released in celebration of The Queen ’ s Platinum Jubilee. The whisky was distilled at Royal Lochnagar, Scotch Whisky Distillers By Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen, a mile from the Scottish home of the Royal Family, Balmoral.

The first two bottles, were presented as gifts to Her Majesty and HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay.Afurther222individuallynumberedbottles were released for sale in June, priced at £500. • royallochnagardistillery.com

Lime & Mint new cordial flavour joins Bottlegreen portfolio

Bottlegreen, the UK’ s No.1 premium cordial (Nielsen Total Coverage, (£) MAT 26.03.22) has brought a refreshing new angle to its award-winning range with the launch of its latest flavour, Lime & Mint.

Sarah Lawson, head of marketing – softs at SHSDrinks,said:

“Our latest launch blends togetherflavourswhichechotherenownedmojitoandwill appeal to both bar-goers seeking high-quality cordial drinks and bar staff after quick and flavoursome ingredients to create distinctive cocktails and mocktails. ”

Available in the brand’ s 500ml glass bottle, the new addition offers zesty lime infused with crushed mint leaves mixes and Cotswold spring water drawn from an on-site spring to create a flavor, taking its cues from the ever popular mojito.

This summer will see the brand’ s biggest-ever advertising campaign using the tagline ‘Add a Dash of Extraordinary ’ . • shs-drinks.co.uk >

Aquilo launches affordable cooled range

Aquilo Refrigeration has launched a new ‘futureproof’ range of hydrocarbon cooled commercial fridges and freezers developed to deliver high-spec refrigeration at entry level prices.

With a focus on sustainability, reliability, functionality and easy maintenance, the range exclusively utilises R290 hydrocarbon refrigerant which possesses the naturally occurring, non-toxic qualities that have made it one of the most climate-friendly and cost-efficient refrigerants available today, says the company.

This means that all the fridges and freezers are non-ozone depleting and have a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of under 5. And, because R290 rapidly absorbs more heat than the old-style refrigerants, temperature recovery is enhanced and energy consumption is reduced.

The range includes various counter, undercounter and countertop models as well as uprights.

A standard two-year parts and one year labour warranty applies, with bespoke and extended warranties available on request. • aquilorefrigeration.co.uk

Hoshizaki add latest Cubelet model to the mix

Ice machine experts Hoshizaki has announced its latest ice machine model within its Hydrocarbon portfolio, the CM-50KE-HC.

Capable of producing up to 55kg of high-quality cubelet ice in 24 hours, this self-contained ice maker isdeemedtobeidealforbarslookingforperfectdilution of spirited drinks such as mojitos and tiki cocktails. This is thanks to the dry and hard components of this ice type, explains Simon Frost, Director UK

& Ireland, Hoshizaki UK.

“Hoshizaki cubelet ice acts as an ideal cooling agent due its high water-to-ice-ratio giving optimal dilution, ” he said. “This is achieved thanks to a combination of pioneering ice technology and unique machine design with extruding head which provides highcompression.Insuchconditions,ahardanddry ice type which combines the characteristics of nugget and cube ice is born. ”

Designed with hygiene in mind, the CM-50KEHC benefits from Hoshizaki’ s automated water circuit rinse cycle as well as an easy-to-clean high-grade stainless-steel exterior. The absence of moving parts prevents wear and tear, while the water-lubricated bearings protect the system from calcification and bacterial contamination.

With outside dimensions of 498 x 570 x 697mm (W x D x H), the undercounter CM-50KE-HC perfectly fits into small spaces with the lowest height in the market, said the company. • hoshizaki-snowflake.com

Direct Seafoods steps up in-house skills training

Direct Seafoods is increasing the support it offers chefs from all its eight regional fishmongers around the UK, as well as launching a new internal skills training programme for its own teams.

The eight regional fishmongers work directly with fishing ports around the coast of Britain, as well as overseas fisheries.

This increased support is in recognition of the importance of fish and seafood dishes in helping operatorsacrossthehospitalitysectortoboostmenu appeal to cautious consumers in today ’ s current challenging trading environment.

Alongside in-house skills training, Direct Seafoods is also relaunching its programme of masterclasses and training session for chefs across all its depots.

Direct Seafoods won the Marine Stewardship Council Award for Fresh Fish Food Service Supplier oftheYear2021,recognisingitscommitmenttosustainability,andthediverserangeofproductsitoffers. • directseafoods.co.uk

Packaging review removes 70 tonnes of black plastic

As part of a three-year comprehensive review of plastic packaging use across its brands and private label products (2020-2023), the removal of black plastics from AAK Foodservice ’ s Lion Sauces packs in 2020 has resulted in a 70 tonne reduction in the use of non-recyclable plastics.

Lion brand manager Sarah Lesser-Moor said:

“Plasticpackagingprovidesbenefitsforfoodproducers and consumers in allowing food to be transported safely protected from contaminants and in helping to preserve food, so cutting waste.

“However, the negative impact of single use plasticisakeyconcern. Removingblackplasticfromour Lion Sauces brand is a step forward and we will continue to look at ways to reduce plastics within our packaging and to work with suppliers to find more sustainable solutions. ”

AAK Foodservice has set ambitious targets for sustainable packaging across its brands including Lion, Prep, Whirl and Uncle John ’ s, focussing on the three Rs – reduce, reuse and recycle.

Lion sauces are suitable for vegetarians, vegans, non-GM and soya-free and are free from artificial colours, preservatives and sweeteners.

• aakfoodservice.com

Appleton Estate mixology competition returns to UK

The prestigious Appleton Estate mixology competition champions the authentic and colourful spirit of Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum, re-launching with particular focus on the versatile, multi-award winning, Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve rum and its signature serve – the Mai Tai. With premium rum experiencing a resurgence, rising to be the second fastest growing spirits category in 2022[2], Journey to Joy offers bartenders an unparalleled opportunity to showcase the spirit’ s versatility and put their creativity in the spotlight.

The competition is open to applicants from across the On-Trade, with participants asked to submit two servesthatdemonstrateboththeirinventivenessand understanding of the deep versatility of Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve.

As part of the journey, and to help entrants familiarisethemselveswithitsportfolioofrums,Appleton Estate will host seven Rum Roadshows throughout June - six in person across the country and one virtually.

Led by brand ambassador Chris Dennis, these roadshows will offer the opportunity to taste and learn about several Appleton Estate expressions, helping potential entrants to understand the complexity of these rums ahead of their submissions.

Entries are open until 30 June 2022, with a series of regional shortlists announced following. There will be four regional heats – North, Central, South and London – where the top eight qualifiers from each region will be invited to showcase their flair for rum-based serves, tasked with producing their two servesinjusteightminutesandthenpresentingtheir creations to an esteemed panel of judges.

The winner from each heat will progress to the national grand final in London on 09 November. In a slight twist to the journey, world-renowned Master Blender Joy Spence will choose one ‘Wild Card’ entrantfromeachoftheregionalheatstoalsoappear at the finals, bringing the total to eight competitors –aptgiventhecompetitioncelebratesAppletonEstate 8 Year Old Reserve. Judged by a panel of experts including Chris Dennis, Campari Group UK’ s Rum and Whiskies Ambassador, and Hamish Smith, Editor of CLASS Magazine, the winning entrant will receive the prize of a once in a lifetime trip to Jamaica for two –including the opportunity to visit the famous Appleton Estate, guided by Joy Spence herself.

Chris Dennis, Rum and Whiskies Ambassador, CampariGroupUKsaid:

“Rumisfastbecomingthe drink of the moment, with premium rums such as Appleton Estate helping to drive momentum, leading to premium rum growing its share of the category by 6.1% vs 2019[3].

“Rum ’ s smooth versatility lends itself perfectly to cocktails as well as being sipped neat. With rum featuring in five of the top 20 cocktails across the UK On-Trade[4], and a growing cocktail movement across the UK, now is the perfect moment to celebrate Appleton Estate ’ s role in defining such a classic cocktail as the Mai Tai, while also looking to future interpretations with the same outstanding rum at their hearts. I am excited to see what the best minds in the nation ’ s bars create in response to our competition brief. ” •.appletonestate.com/en-uk/contest

Glenfiddich: £150K to support Ukraine

Glenfiddich, the World’ s Most Awarded Single Malt Scotch Whisky, has raised £150,000 to help with the long-term support of the people of Ukraine after auctioning 460 bottles of its 2022 edition (The Cooper ’ s Cask).

Malt Master Brian Kinsman created the special Spirit of Speyside Edition 2022 by selecting whisky from three different oak barrels – virgin American oak, ex-bourbon oak and refilled American oak.

Proceeds from the auction will go to the Disasters Emergency Committee ’ s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal (dec.org.uk). • glenfiddich.com

RTD WKD returns to TV’s Love Island

WKD Brand owner SHS Drinks has announced a second WKD year deal as the Official Alcohol Partner of Love Island series 8.

The relationship-based reality show features a cast of singles hoping to find love in the sun. Plans to leverage WKD’ s Official Partner status and maximise the tie-in will comprise broadcast media, significant on-trade activation with Island-themed sharing cocktails and promotional giveaways, and a social, digital and influencer campaign, including exclusive WKD-themed content featuring ‘Islanders ’ .

Last year ’ s series was 2021’ s most-watched commercial programme for 18 to 25-year-olds (the WKD core target) and achieved an average of 4.2m total viewers per episode.

Bringing the partnership to life in the on-trade and increasing rate of sale for stockists, WKD and Love Island will transform participating outlets with a wide-reaching campaign under the theme WKD Island Nights.

Alison Gray, Head of Brand, WKD at SHS Drinks,said.

“ConsumersaregoingtoseeWKDand Love Island brands partnered up on TV, partnered up in on-trade venues and partnered up on social media. ” • shs-drinks.co.uk

Longing, homesickness and nostalgia in a bottle

Penderyn ’ s whisky Hiraeth (pronounced ‘here-eyeth’ – roll the ‘ r ’!) is the first Penderyn Icon of Wales to be namedaftera “feeling ” .TheWelshwordhasnodirect translation and is described as somewhere along the lines of nostalgia, homesickness and longing. • penderyn.wales