CATEGORY FOCUS: PICKLES & CHUTNEYS, BISCUITS

Start with stalwarts

We kick o the New Year with a round-up of launches in two categories that are staples in the independent trade. We begin with pickles & chutneys, followed by sweet & savoury biscuits (pg 31)

Compiled by Lynda Searby

Ouse Valley Foods says its new Spread the Word trio has generated lots of interest from outlets in historical settings thanks to its unusual branding, which marries food and literature. The jars feature fruity Shakespearean illustrations and a lighthearted plot summary. Henry V themed Potager Pickle (RRP £5.60) is a deep golden pickle, made with courgettes, onions, apples and apricots.

ousevalleyfoods.com Paxton & Whitfield

has become the latest producer to tap into the black garlic trend, with the launch of a pickle with a caramelised, savoury umami-infused profile. Said to be a showstopper with Alpine cheeses and Territorials, Black Garlic Pickle is made from whole cloves that have been slowly cooked for 45 days. RRP £5; trade price £3.25.

paxtonandwhitfield. co.uk

Prices Spices has tweaked its spiciest pickle – Naga Raja Special Reserveto – to modulate the bitter taste of the extremely hot chilli peppers it uses. It says the addition of fenugreek, paprika and freshly squeezed orange juice helps to balance the recipe. The Special Reserveto edition is aimed at the chilli aficionado who knows what flavour they are looking for. RRP £7.50; wholesale price £4.55.

pricesspices.com

Sri Lankan food brand RUCI has launched two fish pickles. Tuna Achcharu preserves tuna chunks in a spicy and aromatic tomato sauce (RRP £6 for 250g) whilst Brinjal Moju (RRP £5 for 175g) is a local favourite made with aubergine, fried sprats, green chillies and onions. The fish is bought directly from fishermen who are registered with RUCI and follow sustainable practices.

rucifoods.com

Packs a rich smoky punch

The London

Fermentary, whose kimchis and krauts can be found in Planet Organic, Selfridges, Ottolenghi’s and Neal’s Yard Dairy, has launched two new raw, fermented products. Smoky Kraut (RRP £6.99 for 460g) packs a rich, smoky punch with garlic and smoked spices, whilst Umami Kimchi (RRP £7.90 for 460g) combines the nuttiness of soybean paste and sesame seeds with earthy shiitake mushrooms to create a milder, umamipacked twist on its Classic Kimchi.

londonfermentary.com

Greek producer Mam Ellada has developed a new fourstrong range of no-addedsugar chutneys sweetened with fruit sugars. The Orange, Apple, Smoked Pepper and Pepper chutneys are not yet on sale in the UK. RRP is €5.50 for 250g.

mamellada.gr

Brigid Killen aka Mrs Picklepot has used balsamic vinegar to give silverskin onions an earthy and indulgent flavour, earning a Bronze Award at the International Cheese Awards 2021 along the way. Pickled Onions with Balsamic have an RRP of £3.99 for 440g.

mrspicklepot.co.uk

September saw the launch of three new chutneys from The Carved Angel: Punch (platter chutney), Wicked (apple chutney with orange, carrot & spices); and Harmony (sticky fig chutney). All three have a trade price of £2.75 per unit; RRP £4.50-4.75.

thecarvedangel.com

Cumbrian preserves producer Wild & Fruitful has launched a trio of chutneys for cheese and is now offering direct distribution nationally for the first time. Until 2020, the Wild & Fruitful brand was only sold within Cumbria but, following a change of ownership and a rebrand, the range is now available nationally. It says its new chutney range is proving particularly popular with cheesemongers, with Pear & Walnut Chutney its best seller. The chutney’s mellow, autumnal flavour is said to complement blue cheese in particular. Cheese Lovers Fig Chutney, which balances figs, caramelised red onions, orange and cinnamon, and Chilli Jam, which combines red chillies, peppers and nigella seeds, are the other two combinations in the line-up. RRP is £3.68 for 200g; trade price £2.45.

wildandfruitful.co.uk

Northern Ireland’s Craic Foods says its three new fruit pickle products use a unique pickling process that maintains the structural integrity of the fruit in a complimentary sweet, flavoured vinegar. Pickled Blackberries in Blackberry & Thyme Balsamic Vinegar are best served with roast pork, chicken, beef, lamb, duck, game, or grilled cheese dishes, or can be added to sauces, gravy, pan roasting juices and dressings. Pickled Gooseberries in Apple & Elderflower Vinegar are pickled in the company’s Great Taste 3-star Bramley Apple & Elderflower Vinegar and are said to pair well with oily fish. Pickled Sour Cherries in Sweet Cherry Vinegar are ready to serve straight from the jar with cheese, charcuterie, pâté, terrines and rillettes. RRP is £4.45 for a 150g jar; trade case price £17.70 (£2.95 per unit). The pickles have also been appearing on Michelin star chefs’ menus, prompting the introduction of a 500g foodservice format in February.

craicfoods.com

Tracklements has taken inspiration from the exotic flavours and fiery heat of the Caribbean to launch a “ferociously good” Hot Banana Chutney. Pitched as the ideal accompaniment for fish curries, jerk chicken and rice dishes, this chutney is available in cases of 6 x 220g jars with an RRP of £3.35.

tracklements.co.uk

Super Beet Kimchi, the latest naturally fermented, live cultured condiment from Vadasz, launched this month, combining the health benefits of superfood beetroot and gut-friendly kimchi. The kimchi is live-cultured, a result of lactic acid fermentation. Vadasz says this means it contains probiotics which are beneficial to the gut. RRP £4.50 for 400g.

vadaszdeli.co.uk

Responding to demand from customers for hotter chilli jams, Bristol’s Single Variety Co has launched a new super-hot limitededition recipe featuring orange habanero chillies. Orange Habanero Chilli Jam is said to be great with sausages, superfood salads and hard cheeses such as Comté. RRP £6.50 for 225g, trade price £4.10.

singlevariety.co.uk

Leicester’s Drivers Pickles has launched some of its best-selling pickles and chutneys in catering sizes. 1906 Pickled Onions, Mini Onions in Honey & Balsamic Vinegar & Cornichons in White Balsamic Vinegar are available in 1.7kg jars, while Spicy Mango Chutney, Real Ale Chutney, Chunky Piccalilli, Farmhouse Pickle and Cucumber Relish infused with Gin now come in 1.3kg bottles.

pickle-lovers.co.uk

The Cherry Tree has translated a classic cocktail into preserve format by fusing vodka with tomatoes, celery and pepper. Bloody Mary Chutney is the Dorset producer’s latest introduction, alongside Spicy Tomato & Caramelised Onion Table Sauce. Inspired by its Spicy Tomato & Caramelised Onion Chutney, this sauce can be used as a ketchup, dip, topper and cooking ingredient. RRP £4.75.

cherrytreepreserves.co.uk

North East fermentary

Belle and Herbs Farm

has developed two Myanmarese preserves. Spicy Fermented Onions are sour-sweet, spicy silverskin onions, while Myanmarese Shan Tjin (Fermented Mustard Green) is a hot kimchi that blends greens with mouli, carrots and silverskin onions with chilli, schezuan pepper, fennel, wood ear fungi, coriander and rice wine.

belleandherbs.farm

Kent-grown apples are the star ingredient in Karimix’s two newest fusion products. Apple & Ginger Chutney is tangy and sweet, whilst Spiced Apple Chutney is sweet and sour, with heat from the spices. Both have a trade price of £2.35 (RRP £3.95) and pair well with roasted meat, cheese and charcuterie.

karimix.com

The Garlic Farm’s minis gift set gives garlic lovers a taster of sweet, sticky Roast Garlic Jam, rich, warming Garlic Jam with Chilli and fiery Garlic, Onion & Jalapeno Relish. It is available via Cotswold Fayre at a trade price of £36 for a case of 6; RRP £8.95.

thegarlicfarm.co.uk

North Yorkshire’s Rosebud Preserves has created a classic tomato chutney by combining tomatoes with Bramley apples, herbs and smoked paprika for a little heat. With an RRP of £4.75 for 198g, Tomato Chutney is best enjoyed with mature cheddar and cured meats.

rosebudpreserves.co.uk

The Great British Biscotti Co has changed its name to The Artful Baker and this month launches a range of sweet and savoury biscotti under the new brand.

Since Paul Rostand founded the Dorset business in 2016, distribution has grown significantly, and it is now in its third bakery.

“We also had ambitions to start baking other delightful bakes in addition to biscotti, so in 2021 we changed our company name to The Artful Baker to free us up to expand our range,” says Rostand. “We also took the decision to rebrand all our products to The Artful Baker and the new range has just launched this month.”

Listed with Cotswold Fayre, The Cress Co, Diverse Fine Foods and Holleys Fine Foods, the line-up comprises Sour Cherry & Dark Chocolate; Salted Caramel, Pecan & Roasted Hazelnut; Triple Belgian Chocolate; Fennel, Pink Peppercorn & Sea Salt; Sundried Tomato, Kalamata Olive & Oregano and Smoked Jalapeño & Lime. RRP is £3.29.

theartfulbaker.co.uk

Angelic’s six-strong biscuit range taps into the current zeitgeist by offering plant-based, allergen-free indulgence with an ethical dimension.

Angelic claims to be the UK’s first top 14 allergensafe biscuit brand; the biscuits are made in a dedicated allergen-safe bakery which means there is no need for a ’may contain’ waiver on pack – it guarantees no tree nuts, peanuts, gluten, dairy, soya or eggs. The biscuits also come in recycled packaging, and contain ethically sourced chocolate that is made using 100% renewable energy.

There are three sweet and three savoury varieties: Double Chocolate Cookies; Chocolate Chip Cookies; Ginger & Chocolate Chip Cookies; Rosemary & Sea Salt Savoury Biscuits; Chilli & Caramelised Onion Savoury Biscuits and Multi Seed Savoury Biscuits.

RRP £2.95 for all.

angelicglutenfree.co.uk

Seggiano has relaunched its gluten-free Dolcetti with a new recipe that contains less sugar and more nuts. The Brutti ma Buoni now have an Italian hazelnut content of 42%, while Amaretti biscuits are made from 45% Puglia almonds. These traditional Italian biscuits are produced by a Tuscan family bakery that uses organic eggs and local honey. RRP £6.65 for 180g/200g. Trade price £4.30.

seggiano.com

Somerset bakery Easy Bean has enlarged its range of bean & seed crackers to take in two new varieties based on protein-packed pulse flours. The Yellow Pea & Sunflower Seed crackers are recommended as a partner for soft cheese, while the Indian spiced Chickpea, Turmeric & Nigella Seed crackers can be served with a dal or a raita dip. RRP £3.20 for a recyclable 160g carton.

easybean.co.uk

Due to popular demand,

Horsham Gingerbread

has made its Twelfth Nights Christmas biscuits available year-round as Sussex Martlets. The oat and butter biscuits are gluten-free and made with eight simple ingredients including butter, glutenfree oat flour and raw cane sugars. They can be enjoyed on their own or with cheese. RRP £3.50 for 175g; trade price £22.80 per case of 10 units.

horshamgingerbread. co.uk Original Biscuit Bakers

has introduced a new sugar cookie base to complement its classic iced gingerbread portfolio. Launching in three new designs – Easter Egg, Chick and Bumblebee - the cookies are presented in a countertop display box. They are available via Cotswold Fayre, The Cress Co and Holleys Fine Foods, priced at £1.73 per unit (RRP £2.69-£2.99).

originalbiscuitbakers. co.uk

Dried rosemary and thyme leaves and Cornish sea salt

Peter’s Yard has enlarged its new sourdough crackers collection with two variants made in small batches using its signature sourdough starter. Both Rosemary & Sea Salt Sourdough Crackers and Poppy Seed Sourdough Crackers are crafted from natural ingredients such as rapeseed oil and Shipton Mill flour and have an RRP of £2.95. They are available in cases of 8 to allow smaller retailers to trial them with less up-front commitment.

petersyard.com

Williams Handbaked’s Eccles Cakes are launching next month in Booths with new livery. The Lancashire producer says the new packaging gives the cakes a much better shelf presence and they are now flow wrapped into 2 x 2 packs. RRP £4.95; trade price £2.40.

williamshandbaked.co.uk

Lazy Day Foods’ new Rocky Road is gluten-, milk- and eggfree, as well as being suitable for vegans. Topped with vegan marshmallows, it combines Belgian dark chocolate truffle with shortbread pieces and sultanas. RRP £2 for five pieces.

lazydayfoods.com

Traditional Oat Flips and Dark Chocolate Oat Flips have been Farmhouse Biscuits’ two top-selling biscuit lines for many years. Now, the Lancashire producer has added a milk chocolate version to its line-up. RRP £1.99 for 150g.

farmhouse-biscuits.co.uk

The market is awash with sweet cookie dough mixes, but when it comes to savoury biscuits, bake at home options are non-existent.

Spotting this gap, Highland Crackers has launched its Seeded Cracker Mix, which enables consumers to bake savoury seeded crackers at home, simply by adding a tablespoon of olive oil and water.

The company’s founder, Donna Peacock, says: “The impetus is to get people baking savoury, with nutrition its priority.”

With this in mind, the plant-based mix contains no added sugar and is FodMap certified, grain-free and gluten-free, but also free from processed starches that often dominate gluten-free options.

Peacock says follow-up mixes will feature adaptogens and spice blends. RRP £4.95 for a 170g pouch; wholesale price £2.97.

highlandcrackers.co.uk

Readers who were at the Speciality & Fine Food Fair might have seen this new seven-strong biscuit canister range from Catalan bakery Paul & Pippa.

Delicioso launched these naturally flavoured vegan biscuits into the UK last autumn and has already secured a listing with Selfridges.

Artisan bakers Paul and Pippa make the biscuits in Barcelona using completely natural ingredients and real fruit and vegetables. Thanks to the use of olive oil (no palm oil), the biscuits develop a flavourful crunch. There are two savoury and five sweet flavours: Tomato Bravo (with sundried tomato, olive oil and oregano); Cheese Me (with Parmesan and olive oil); Lady Carrot Cake (with carrot, olive oil, cinnamon, anise and ginger); Me & Ma (with apple, cinnamon and olive oil); Lime after Time (with lime and olive oil); Cocoa Chips (with cocoa and olive oil) and Coconut Valley (with coconut and olive oil). RRP £4.95; trade price £28.75 (10 x 130g).

delicioso.co.uk

Produced in a dedicated Yorkshire bakery, nibnibs has a new line of “healthy yet indulgent” cookies that provide fewer than 90 calories per pack and are said to contain a third less sugar than traditional biscuits. Already supplied to several airlines, the cookies are launching into the retail channel this month after securing a Booths listing. RRP £1 for a five-pack.

nibnibs.com

Retailers looking for individually portioned impulse treats should check out Rhythm 108’s new Swiss Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Soft-Baked Filled Cookie. With an RRP of £1.39, this 50g peanut butter filled cookie ticks lots of boxes; as well as being organic, gluten-free and dairyfree, it contains no palm oil or refined sugar, plus the packaging is 100% compostable.

rhythm108.com

The Fine Cheese Co.

has launched a new trio of all-butter, crumbly biscuits featuring cheese from France, Italy and Switzerland. Buttercrumb Biscuits contain no artificial powders or flavourings – they get their flavour from real cheese. Choose from Real Gruyère, Real Parmigiano-Reggiano and Real Roquefort. RRP £3.95 for 125g.

finecheese.co.uk

Nairn’s “delicious, natural and wholesome” ethos is apparent in its latest addition, Gluten Free Salted Caramel Oat Biscuit Breaks. Based on wholegrain oats, the biscuits are high in fibre, and are said to contain 40% less sugar than the average gluten-free biscuit. But at the same time, buttery caramel fragments and sea salt create a ‘sweet-savoury’ taste sensation. RRP £1.85.

nairns.com

20g mini boxes in a dispensing unit

The Drinks Bakery has developed a dispensing system for its trial size 20g mini boxes of biscuits (RRP £1.50 per pack). The Edinburgh producer says the wallmounted refillable unit is ideal for co-locating its biscuits with beer, wine and spirits in retail settings. Drinks Biscuits are available in four savoury varieties that are profiled for pairing with drinks. Trade price for the dispenser is £9.75 including 12 packs.

thedrinksbakery.com

Kincardine Castle Kitchen’s

2019 Great Taste 2-star Cheese Crispies have been rebranded as Cheese Sablés and relaunched in new packaging. Packed with Scottish Cheddar, these crunchy little cheese biscuits offer a twist on a French classic. RRP £3.30 for 120g; trade price £2.40.

kincardinekitchen.co.uk

For organic, vegan biscuits with Italian style, see Biscotteria Le Furezze’s 200g glass jar range (RRP £14; trade price £6.90) and a 200g gift tin (RRP £12.50; trade price £5.90). Varieties include Chamomile & Orange Peel; Rosewood & Dark Chocolate, Lavender and coconut-sweetened Hazelnut.

lefurezze.com

Isle of Mull-based Island Bakery has launched a new coeliac-friendly brand, Sweet FA Gluten FA. There are four gluten-free, organic, vegan cookie varieties: Oat & Raisin, Peanut Butter, Cranberry & Orange and Double Chocolate Chip. RRP £2.95 for 125g.

islandbakery.scot