Food & Drink News July/August 2023

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David Barnett

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Abigail Wears

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Food and drink has been in the headlines recently and not for the best of reasons The cost-of-living crisis has seen spiralling prices and costs for manufacturers and retailers, and disquiet among the consumers who have been hit by rising inflation and have less money in their pockets

Obviously this has a knock-on effect as households cut their spending and make every penny count They are being more careful in the shops, and eating out is becoming a luxury many people are deciding they need to cut back on

With a general election approaching next year, the sector needs firm promises from anyone who would be in government that these issues will be tackled as a priority

Our industry is the lifeblood of the country and requires a firm commitment that it will be properly supported

David Barnett

CHIEF EDITOR

LEADENHALL MARKET ANNOUNCES A WAVE OF DELICIOUS NEW FOODIE OPENINGS FOR THE CITY

The City of London’s Leadenhall Market has announced three new food and drink outlets to be added to the market’s portfolio Visitors to the City s Victorian market will soon be able to enjoy new flavours from Argentina, Lebanon and Taiwan in the spectacular surroundings of the historical London marketplace

First to have opened its doors is Argentinian Grill, serving up various cuts of delicious flame-cooked meats alongside popular South American sides The restaurant is open on Mondays-Saturdays from 11am-11pm and Sundays from 11am6pm

Yi Fang will be joining the market with a

not only being a place to eat, drink and shop but somewhere for people to enjoy a variety of exciting pop-up stores and events in the heart of the City These new openings will complement the eclectic range of existing tenants – from family-owned florists to cheesemongers and high-end jewellers French and Italian restaurants and the award-winning historic Lamb Tavern ”

Located in the centre of the City of London s financial district Leadenhall Market – originally a meat poultry and game market – is now home to a collection of boutique retailers, restaurants, cafes, wine bars and an award-winning pub The Lamb Tavern The site is owned by the City of London Corporation Leadenhall Market’s

lettings are managed by Levy Real Estate

For more details, visit: www.leadenhallmarket.co.uk

bubble tea store serving nostalgic flavours of early-Taiwanese hospitality, with its fruitinfused teas The store will be open on Mondays-Fridays, 12pm-8pm and SaturdaysSundays 11am-6pm

Also joining the market is Lebanese favourite Baba Ganoush, offering its famous falafels and traditional Lebanese cuisines The restaurant will be serving from MondayFriday, 9am-6pm

Hoxton Street Monster Supplies is also back by popular demand, following the success of its Halloween pop-up in the market in 2022 The store will be open Tuesdays-Fridays from 11am-5pm

Greg Stalcup, Partner at Levy Real Estate who manage the lettings for Leadenhall Market, said: “ We’re really looking forward to welcoming these exciting new eateries to one of London’s oldest marketplaces Leadenhall Market continues to evolve now

Successful test convinced planners

Hager UK Limited orders high-speed doors from EFAFLEX

Est ablished 30 years ago in t he buildings of an old concre t e factor y, Hager UK Limited in Telford has since transformed into a moder n manuf actur ing com pany Af t er 1993, t here were originally three assembly lines on whic h plastic accessories for electr ical inst allations were produced Due to t he increasing demand, t he plant grew into a production sit e wit h over 170 em ployees. W it h t he moder nisation of t he buildings, t he hall doors were also gradually replaced, but t his did not bring t he desired results. For this reason, the factor y planners decided to assess an EFA -STT® high-speed spiral door from EFAFLEX.

The first door was installed in 2020 and was to be tested at the factory to replace and upgrade the old roller doors. With success! In addition to opening speeds of up to 3 m/s, the door offers maximum wind resistance and can be supplied in standard sizes of up to W=8,000 mm x H=7,800 mm

Thanks to slats made of crystal- clear acrylic glass, the door leaf of the Efa- STT® is more than 70% transparent and allows plenty of daylight into the production areas The unobstructed view through the door brings decisive advantages: accidents are avoided, and smooth transport processes are guaranteed.

The door leaf of the Efa- STT® is kept at a distance in a spiral Thanks to contact-free winding, the transparent slats remain virtually wear-free and ensure a clear view for years to come Due to the individual design of the slats, the Efa- STT® can be adapted to the desired application all visible sections of the door are made of PVC -free acrylic glass as standard any combination with grey coloured slats is also possible on request a translucent lamella look is also optional This allows full incidence of light and at the same time protects against prying eyes.

More orders announced

for Hager UK , the Efa- STT® was equipped with the Efa-TlG® door light grid, which monitors the closing level of the door up to a height of 2.5 metres. Infrared rays create an almost flat light grid that can detect even the smallest obstacles without contact and, in this case, stops the door movement immediately The door light curtain was integrated into the factory ’ s existing safety equipment

In 2021, due to the favourable experience with the first door, another was ordered from EfaflEx UK a heavily worn high- speed door with a textile curtain was to be replaced for this application, the planners opted for an Efa- SST®- S high- speed spiral door Thanks to the efficiency of the EfaflEx technicians, the old door could be replaced and the new one handed over ready for operation within two days Hager UK has also announced that it will order further systems for the exchange of old doors from EfaflEx in the coming years

Products for high amperage: Hager Group company information Hager Group is a leading provider of solutions and services for electrical installation in residential, commercial and industrial buildings

The Hager brand represents the company ’ s core business with products ranging from power distribution, cable management and cabling accessories to building automation and security systems

Of European origin, the Hager Group is a global company: 11,500 employees generate sales of around 2 19 billion Euros (2019) It produces components and solutions at 24 production sites around the globe Trusted by customers in more than 120 countries worldwide

Company information EFALEX

EfaflEx produces high- speed doors for industrial applications The company, which was founded in 1974, works for clients from industry, trade, food production, and the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, among others as the only manufacturer in the field of highspeed industrial doors, EfaflEx is listed in the world market leader index and is therefore one of the top 461 companies in Germany, austria and Switzerland. The family company employs more than 1,200 people worldwide With its headquarters in Bruckberg, Bavaria, EfaflEx is firmly anchored as the largest employer in the region In addition, the company opens up international markets with 10 subsidiaries on five continents EfaflEx generates over 40% of sales abroad

EFAFLEX Press Contact : Ms Jasmin Jobst

Tel.: +49 8765 82-525

E-mail: Jasmin.Jobst@efaflex.com Web: www.efaflex.com

SUMMER OF CONVENIENCE WITH 6 O’CLOCK GIN AT CO-OP

Artisanal British gin producer, 6 O’clock Gin has launched its RTD Gin range into Co-op stores nationwide

The brand’s convenient format aims to tap into impromptu summer events and on-thego occasions where mixology is not an option and portability is key

6 O’clock Gin will initially launch in more than 320 Co-op stores across the Midcounties and Central England with all five of the RTD mixes

Depending on location, the RTD’s in store will be: Light and Low (205ml, 0 5% ABV), Damson and Ginger Beer (250ml 5 0% ABV) London Dry Gin and Tonic (250ml, 7 0% ABV), Exotic Orange Gin and Tonic (250ml, 7 0% ABV) and the latest addition 6 O clock

Gin Mango, Ginger, and Lime Gin and Tonic (250ml, 5 0% ABV) which recently launched in collaboration with celebrated Chef Romy Gill MBE The well-balanced and deliciously moreish mix of spices, sweet mango and authentic Indian flavours will be perfectly

timed for the summer months

Kathleen Day Sales Director at 6 O clock Gin, commented, “ We are delighted to be launching our RTDs into the Co-op where product quality is as important as provenance Our ready-to-drink cans are crafted with the same dedication, care and patience as the bottled gin range creating a bartender-quality drink in the convenience of a can As well as being convenient and accessible, Our RTD’s allow consumers to trial our products before building their confidence to purchase a bottle

6 O clock Gin RTD s will be stocked in Co-op stores from June priced at £3 20 across the Midcounties and 2 for £4 50 across Central England

RECONOMY BRANDS VALPAK, RLG AND NOVENTIZ JOIN FORCES TO OFFER INTEGRATED GLOBAL COMPLIANCE SOLUTION

Three of the largest names in environmental compliance have combined decades of expertise to launch an unrivalled global service offering, Comply Loop With offices already in place around the world, the new offering will help businesses to meet compliance needs across national boundaries, manage complex circular takeback for products, and provide the tools and expertise needed to analyse large volumes of data

Patrick Wiedemann, CEO of the Reconomy ’ s Comply Division, said: “ The scale and challenges of environmental compliance are growing at a phenomenal rate Throughout Europe, we are seeing both upgrades to existing regulation and the introduction of new legislation for products such as textiles Other regions, such as North America and Asia, have followed suit For the brands navigating these systems – and states looking to implement effective systems – the challenges are complex

The new service is based on five products:

• Environmental Compliance operates compliance schemes and producer responsibility organisations (PROs) in many countries helping brands to assess and fulfil their obligations, as well as

registering and reporting on their behalf

• Data Management pairs legislation with high-quality product data through innovative tools and an expert consulting team, to simplify compliance reporting, analyse data and help make meaningful changes

• Deposit Returns has a track record in helping to implement or operate successful deposit return systems

• Consultancy & Advice provides a range of bespoke services, including: horizon scanning for future legislation; packaging analysis; carbon footprinting and zero waste to landfill certification

• Circular Take-Back systems develop customised solutions for take-back and recycling complete with a full data trail While Valpak, RLG and Noventiz will

continue to service customers directly, the integrated solution will provide significantly enhanced expertise and overall outcomes For example, where Valpak specialises in data services and consulting, Noventiz and RLG have experience in operating producer responsibility organisations (PROs) and circular take-back RLG’s offices around the world – from Los Angeles to Lima, and Beiijng to Bucharest – will help each of the companies to provide a deeper understanding of compliance markets globally

TAMPERGUARD DEVELOPS SUSTAINABLE TAMPER-EVIDENT TAPE SOLUTION USING NATUREFLEX™ FILMS

Futamura, the world’s leading manufacturer of sustainable cellulose films, and Tamperguard, an innovative tamper-evident solutions company have collaborated on the development of a tamper-evident tape utilising Futamura’s renewable and compostable NatureFlex™ film, offering unrivalled security while promoting environmental responsibility

Tamperguard’s innovative new tape provides exceptional protection for businesses and consumers alike and incorporates Futamura’s NatureFlex™ film The tape features advanced security elements that make it easy to detect tampering If an attempt is made to remove the tape it will leave a non-stick ‘void’ message on the surface, indicating interference The tape’s adhesive remains on the surface preventing resealing and safeguarding the contents

“The collaboration between Futamura and Tamperguard marks an exciting milestone in delivering sustainable tamper-evident solutions and represents a growing interest in the application of tapes using NatureFlex films,” says Christopher Tom, Division Manager of Sales & Marketing Futamura Americas We are thrilled to support Tamperguard in offering

a tape that combines the unique properties and sustainability credentials of NatureFlex films with their expertise in tamper-evident technologies ”

NatureFlex films are derived from responsibly sourced renewable wood pulp from PEFC-certified plantations and meet global standards for industrial composting, including BS EN13432 and ASTM D6400 They are also certified by TÜV Austria for backyard composting In addition to providing an environmentally responsible solution that aligns with Tamperguard’s sustainability values Futamura s NatureFlex™ films offer excellent technical performance Their

inherent antistatic properties make them particularly advantageous for thin films used in tape applications for automatic case sealer machines The new tamper-evident tape seamlessly integrates into existing product lines, ensuring a smooth transition for customers Its easy tear and cut properties make it versatile for a wide range of applications, offering convenience without compromising performance

Jesse Drori, representing Tamperguard, said As a leading provider of tamper-evident tapes and labels in the packaging industry since 1993, Tamperguard is committed to innovation Our development of sustainable products including these compostable filmbased tamper-evident tapes, demonstrates our dedication to further reducing our environmental impact Tamperguard s upcoming move to a brand-new net carbon zero building underscores our steadfast commitment to sustainability ”

The new tamper-evident tapes offer reliable solutions for a wide range of markets including eco-conscious retailers, ecommerce companies, and industries such as food pharma and cannabis throughout North America

LIZI’S LAUNCHES INDULGENT MOMENTS GRANOLA

Premium cereal brand, Lizi’s is extending its granola range to deliver decadence through a harmonious blend of ingredients The new Lizi s Indulgent Moments Granola has been lovingly crafted to elevate the breakfast experience to well-deserved indulgence, creating new moments to enjoy granola

The range comes in two truly satisfying variants, centred around a specially curated blend of luxurious flavours, set to awaken the tastebuds and ignite the senses

Lizi’s Indulgent Moments Caramelised Croquant Granola contrasts the bite of a crunchy croquant with the sophistication of smoked almonds to arouse the senses with sumptuous delights Vanilla flavoured granola comes together with the crunchy croquant caramel pieces and smoked almonds to create a harmonious blend of ingredients

Lizi’s Indulgent Moments Sea Salted Fudge

Granola melds intense, nutty flavours with the bittersweet lift of salty fudge to awaken the anticipation of lavish pleasures Toasted wholegrain oats nuts and seeds are complimented by delectable salted caramelised nuts and sea salted caramel flavoured fudge pieces, delivering decadence

Taking time to find the small magic within your day is a great way to keep your mood

boosted, and Lizi’s new range offers a new opportunity to appreciate those sweet moments

With no guilt to be had, Lizi s Indulgent Moments Granola is all about taking a step back, taking a deep breath, savouring the moment and helping you to feel a whole lot better Creating mood-boosting moments with every mouthful, whether for breakfast, dessert or when you need it most

And remember like Lizi s original granolas this new range is also vegan friendly, meaning everyone can add a pinch of Lizi’s luxe to their day

Available in Sainsbury’s stores from 18 June and Waitrose from 13 August. RRP £4.50 for 350g pack.

BEYOND THE BEAN REVEALS NEW COLLECTION OF SWEETBIRD BOTANICAL SYRUPS

Beyond the Bean, have launched their Sweetbird Botanical Syrups range on to the market

Inspired by nature the lighter more delicate flavour syrups are designed for both hot and cold drinks, and have been developed to match the flavour profiles of the plants and flowers they come from

They currently come in four flavours: Sweetbird Garden Mint syrup, Sweetbird Botanical Rose syrup, Sweetbird Ginger syrup and the newest edition to the range: Sweetbird Hibiscus syrup

Laura Sherwood, Sales and Marketing Director at Beyond the Bean commented With customers seeking out functional foods

and ingredients the trend for botanical flavours or nature s remedies has flourished Associated with a wide range of health

benefits, botanical flavours are an extension of the continuing demand for plant-based products which continue to grow in popularity due to the perceived health and environmental benefits ”

Sherwood continued: “By extending the Sweetbird syrup offering with additional botanical flavours it gives our customers more choice and operators more scope to experiment with a versatile range that works in both hot and cold drinks Making the syrups ourselves means we have complete control from brief to bottle”

Sweetbird Botanical syrups are made with British sugar in their BRCGS accredited syrup plant in Bristol

SANPELLEGRINO ITALIAN SPARKLING DRINKS DRIVES CONSUMER TRIAL THIS SUMMER VIA WIDESPREAD OOH CAMPAIGN, DIGITAL CAMPAIGN AND SAMPLING

This summer, Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks is taking to the road Under the tag line

Treat yourself to a Taste of Italy a strong out of home (OOH) campaign with national coverage and with both static and digital creatives placed in proximity of stores Consumers will then be directed to convenience stores and with a store call-out to key retail partners including WHSmith, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, ASDA, Waitrose and Morrisons

In a bid to get 1 million cans in hands, the OOH campaign will be complemented by widespread guerrilla sampling across Manchester and London as the brand ramps up its campaign to drive awareness and trial

Brand ambassadors will hand out a range of Tastefully Light flavours around key occasions from a touring retro Sanpellegrino sampling bike in high footfall areas across London and Manchester

Michela Tasso, Sanpellegrino UK Brand Lead says: We re excited to take the range on the road this summer and look forward to delighting customers in Manchester and London so they can enjoy Sanpellegrino’s iconic taste and naturalness while out and about ”

One hundred clean room doors f or a phar maceutical giant

EFAFLEX supplies special doors to Turkish medicines manufacturer Abdi Ibrahim

Abdi Ibrahim, the leading company in the Turkish pharmaceutical industr y, recently ordered 100 clean room doors for an extension to its f acility whic h will manuf acture gener ics. EFAFLEX, t he specialist for a wide range of industr y solutions in t he area of high-speed industrial doors, delivered and installed the doors in May 2022.

It should come as no surprise that the choice fell to order the 100 EfaSRT®-CR The two companies have been working closely together since 2011 and have previously completed other projects to deliver bespoke solutions on this basis

The decision to use EfaflEx doors for the extension to the facility was based on the product ’ s compact smart construction, and their excellent airtightness

Compact and airtight

The CR version of the Efa- SRT® is the ideal closing solution for rooms with different pressure conditions after all, even with high pressure on the door curtain, the air exchange is consistently reduced to a minimum, which increases the service life of air filters The rapid opening and closing reduces the loss of air and therefore increases the efficiency of the clean room

The EfaflEx CR Series clean room doors have been awarded the ISO class 5 (254 Efa- SRT CR Premium) and/or ISO class 6 (678 Efa- SRT CR Efficient and 675 Efa- STT CR) from TÜV Süd as regards air particle purity They are perfectly adapted to the requirements in controlled production zones and ensure that the access points are virtually airtight The high performance high- speed doors have a smooth surface structure and don’t have any protruding edges. They can be easily cleaned and depositing of particles can largely be eliminated The GMP- compatible door types in the CR series are largely made from V2a like all EfaflEx high-speed doors, thanks to their excellent quality, their clean room doors are exceptionally heavy duty and low maintenance

The doors are hygienic and edge free, and for the pharmaceutical sector, they therefore offer the ideal conditions for the specialist requirements in the laboratory and during the production of medicines, medical technology and special protective equipment

Large obser vation windows for added safety

at abdi Ibrahim, the doors are used to allow people and materials access to the clean room area. The designers at the Turkish pharmaceutical giant ordered all the doors with a particularly large viewing window This enables the rooms to be brighter, while the exceptional view through the doors means that the people access and the transporting of materials is safer and more efficient

From family pharmacy to pharmaceutical giant

The story of abdi Ibrahim started in 1912 in the pharmacy shop owned by abdi Nadir İbrahim Bey in Küçük Mustafapaşa abdi İbrahim Bey began manufacturing hygiene products, castor oil and similar preparations in his modest laboratory at the pharmacy The small family pharmacy has since developed into an internationally acknowledged pharmaceuticals company which continues to be family run after over a hundred years of business

abdi İbrahim strengthens its position on the international market with exports to more than 60 countries

The company continues its growth in Kazakhstan, algeria, Iraq, Georgia, azerbaijan, albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Portugal, Qatar, Tunisia, Saudi arabia and the United arab Emirates, with products from the abdi İbrahim brand and its in-house distribution and marketing organisations. With 650 field service and office -based employees in 12 different countries, abdi İbrahim benefits from a wideranging portfolio of abdi İbrahim- and customer-branded products in several markets all over the world, including Europe and Canada With the worldwide distribution of licences, the export figures of the company also continue to increase all the time

Company information EFALEX

EfaflEx produces high- speed doors for industrial applications The company, which was founded in 1974, works for clients from industry, trade, food production, and the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, among others as the only manufacturer in the field of highspeed industrial doors, EfaflEx is listed in the world market leader index and is therefore one of the top 461 companies in Germany, austria and Switzerland. The family company employs more than 1,200 people worldwide With its headquarters in Bruckberg, Bavaria, EfaflEx is firmly anchored as the largest employer in the region In addition, the company opens up international markets with 10 subsidiaries on five continents EfaflEx generates over 40% of sales abroad

EFAFLEX Press Contact : Ms Jasmin Jobst

Tel.: +49 8765 82-525

E-mail: Jasmin.Jobst@efaflex.com

Web: www.efaflex.com

BABCOCK WANSON COMPLETES TURNKEY STEAM PROJECT FOR UK’S LARGEST CENTRALISED KITCHEN

Industrial process heating equipment and solutions specialist Babcock Wanson has completed a turnkey project to supply steam via its BWD30 fire tube boiler to cookers at IRC Cucina’s new Trafford Park centralised kitchen

Working within the Iceland Foods umbrella IRC Cucina supplies product into a diverse restaurant group Its newlyestablished site at Trafford Park, which has benefited from a major investment, is now the UK s largest centralised kitchen and will enable the company to not only produce high quality, consistent food, but will also allow for future growth

Babcock Wanson was brought in to the project at an early stage, as IRC Cucina’s General Manager, Robert Lishman explains: This was a relocation of a complex dual site operation into a larger single site operation post build We moved at a pace with this project and started it without an end-to-end system Consequently as we were building the kitchen our plans changed With each change Babcock Wanson risk assessed, consulted with the various parties and adapted to our plans They were very accommodating They are our go-to supplier In fact, they are more than a supplier as their specialist knowledge and expertise extends beyond just the equipment and into the legal implications of the processes involved, so we rely heavily on them for compliance ”

The focus of Babcock Wanson s work at IRC Cucina s Trafford Park site has been on the sous vide and sauce cooking equipment, which requires large volumes of steam supplied instantaneously Babcock Wanson s BWD30 fire tube steam boiler, with its three pass design, readily meets this need, providing high-quality dry steam with availability higher than 97% As you would expect from a Babcock Wanson boiler, it is compliant with all relevant environmental standards and is reliable and robust

The BWD30 fire tube steam boiler comes with Babcock Wanson’s BW7DAYS unattended boiler operating system, with automatic Total Dissolved Solids Control It features the unique and innovative NAVinergy remote monitoring system which integrates all the components necessary for

the supervision and management of the boiler room It enables organisations to monitor their boiler room from any device, anywhere in the world For IRC Cucina BW7DAYS has proven both cost-effective and reassuring: “with remote monitoring and alerts sent direct to wherever you are, you don’t have to worry about how the boiler is performing states Robert The safety systems in place give you the confidence it is running as it should It’s really user friendly It also avoids the need for constant labour of centralised plant, which is a fulltime resource ”

Babcock Wanson not only provided the BWD30 fire tube steam boiler, but also undertook the full mechanical installation works, completing initial studies detailed engineering, design appraisal, installation

and commissioning An important part of the system was energy recovery, with Babcock Wanson incorporating a heat exchange plate into the system The recovered heat is used for office space heating and for hygiene hot water

“Essentially it’s free energy!” states Robert Babcock Wanson has saved us tens of thousands of pounds ”

IRC Cucina’s Trafford Park centralised kitchen is now up and running, and to keep everything functioning as it should a maintenance contract is in place with Babcock Wanson This was awarded to the company as no one knows the system better than them! They have the specialist skill set required, plus lots of engineers and a good response time”

For more information, please contact Babcock Wanson on 020 8953 7111 or info@babcockwanson.com or go to www.babcock-wanson.com

BREWDOG TARGETS 300 BARS BY 2030, AS PART OF FUTURE GROWTH BLUEPRINT

BrewDog, the independent craft brewer, has announced ambitious plans to expand its global bar estate, targeting 300 bars by 2030

The craft brewer currently operates over 100 bars and hotels across the world and has announced plans to open another 200 venues in key markets across the globe over the next seven years These include new openings this year in India, UK, Italy, Netherlands, Australia, USA and Thailand – as well as the opening of the first US franchise location in Denver, Colorado In the coming years new locations are also planned in China and South Korea, Within the next five years, the craft brewer anticipates its total system revenue from bars (which includes its owned bars and franchise locations) to exceed £1bn

BrewDog has identified India as a key growth market and has already taken steps to brew locally and is opening five new sites in the country by the end of 2023 Over the next

five years, BrewDog anticipates it will have opened 25 new bars across the country

The announcement follows a period of significant growth of BrewDog’s bar estate, with landmark sites opening in London Waterloo and Las Vegas in Q4 2022 – both of which have exceeded expectations, with BrewDog Waterloo now serving over 15,000 people per week In 2022 revenue from BrewDog bars grew by £44m (up 68% year on year), with Las Vegas and Waterloo delivering

£5 5m of revenue in the final quarter of the year In 2023, BrewDog expects to see bar revenues grow by a further £26m (+25% year on year) with Las Vegas and Waterloo representing £20m of this growth

Earlier this year BrewDog announced it has partnered with SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide, to bring craft beer to various travel locations in the UK – the first of which will be a new opening at London Gatwick in December 2023

The announcement forms part of BrewDog’s “Future Growth Blueprint”, as it outlines its plans to build one of the world s leading beer brands over the next 10 years

building on the company ’ s “Blueprint” launched in 2022 to mark the company ’ s 15th anniversary

KINGSLAND DRINKS EXPANDS THE CAMPANEO RANGE WITH NEW VARIETY AND A BIB FORMAT

Following continued success for Spanish wine brand, Campaneo, Kingsland Drinks Group has expanded the range with the addition of a new Sauvignon Blanc variety and a new convenient Bag in Box (BiB) format

The announcement comes as Kingsland Drinks focuses on driving education of the benefits of stocking BiB options such as sustainability, retained freshness and value for money Campaneo’s new white variety taps into the UK’s love of Sauvignon Blanc as its popularity continues all year round

The full range has been welcomed by Morrisons, rolling out into stores nationwide from 10 July The Sauvignon Blanc (75cl) and BiB formats (2 25L) for the Tempranillo and Sauvignon Blanc – will be completely new offerings to UK consumers from the brand, with the Garnacha (75cl) and Tempranillo (75cl) currently available in Tesco

Hailing from the lesser-known Campo de Borja region, Campaneo’s branding was refreshed in 2021 to give the range more shelf appeal with clear, contemporary

branding with Spanish cues alongside some of the major brands in the category It s built real momentum and a cult following of fans among consumers and wine critics, as well as £1 chef and brand ambassador, Miguel Barclay

Jade Fowles, Senior Brand Manager at Kingsland Drinks Group, said: “Campaneo wines have the look, feel and taste of a premium wine brand but at an affordable price point We are investing in the brand to tap into the ever-growing wave of consumers seeking quality products on a budget

“Growing the range, with the launch of

the Sauvignon Blanc and Bag in Box formats, also demonstrates increasing consumer thirst for exploring both Spanish wines and more eco-friendly yet good value packaging options “ With the backdrop of the cost-of-living crisis, today ’ s consumers are shopping more cautiously, with value wines becoming more important to the category Campaneo’s brand proposition –centred around its outstanding reviews affordable price points and exceptional quality liquid – helps cement its place on wine aisles as an option savvy sippers will love and is helping recruit more shoppers into the brand ”

The new listings will be supported by consumer PR , marketing and influencer campaigns an ongoing partnership with Miguel Barclay, social media, on-pack endorsements and an all-year round two for £10 deal at Morrisons

SMI GROUPS NEW EBS K ERGON BLOW MOULDING SYSTEM STANDS OUT IN ITS MARKET SEGMENT FOR A SERIES OF ADVANTAGES

The preform heating section (tunnel) is integrated with the stretch blow-molding section (blowing wheel) in a single very compact module, which can be installed even in small bottling lines The tunnel features a horizontal preform feeder chain and an optimized ventilation and aeration system Moreover, the infrared lamp units responsible for heating the preforms in transit are equipped with a system of thermo-reflective panels made of a highly energy-efficient composite material, and are situated both in front of and behind the lamps This technically advanced solution ensures excellent reflection of the heat generated by the IR lamps and consequently ensures a more uniform distribution of the heat over the entire surface of the preform; the inside of the tunnel is also equipped with an aluminium diffuser to provide optimal temperature control and prevent overheating problems

The structure that contains the tunnel and the blowing wheel is equipped with safety doors that are slightly rounded, providing more space inside the machine to perform cleaning and maintenance tasks easily and safely

The stretch-blowing wheel is equipped with motorised stretch rods controlled by electronic drives and do not require

mechanical cams; this innovative solution ensures precise control of the stretch rod’s travel and position as well as significant energy savings This technology makes it possible to change the stretching speed without mechanical intervention (switching cams) and greatly reduces the vibration stress on the blowing wheel compared to traditional solutions

The stretch-blow molding system uses high-performance low dead-volume valves that reduce pre-blowing and blowing times thereby improving the machine efficiency and the quality of the bottles produced

The mechanical assembly of the mold is equipped with its own motorisation, which ensures the utmost precision for the up/down motion of the mold bottom and the opening/closing of the mold-holder unit; the integration of this innovative solution

with the electronic stretch rod system effectively makes SMI’s EBS K ERGON stretch-blow molders a cam-free system with considerable advantages in terms of greater kinematic accuracy, less maintenance, less vibration, less noise and increased system longevity

The system is controlled by the tested Motornet System® for automation and control, which ensures constant maintenance of optimum processing parameters throughout the entire production cycle and the direct modification of machine settings thus simplifying format changeover operations

The blowing pressure is automatically regulated according to bottle format, offering unquestionable advantages compared to the manual adjustment solutions employed on the linear blowmolders that SMI’s EBS K models compete with directly

The new machine also comes standard with a single-stage air recovery system The new EBS K ERGON rotary stretch-blow molders have a very attractive quality/price ratio and also provide savings on installation and start-up costs

For further information visit: www.smigroup.it

A LITTLE BIT LAUNCHES NEW VEGAN CAESAR DRESSING AHEAD OF SUMMER!

The perfect summer condiment A Little Bit has launched a brand new Caesar Dressing The new dressing and marinade joins the range ahead of the warmer months Complementing A Little Bit s other products, it’s versatile and brings a creamy, timeless addition to the dressing range The new arrival encapsulates the brand’s ethos for creating great-tasting quickly accessible products using fresh herbs and ingredients

Perfect for dressing a classic Caesar salad, as a sandwich accompaniment or for marinating meat or fish the Caesar dressing

is a take on the classic but with a little bit of a difference It offers a healthier alternative to others on the market, with the addition of a touch of fresh oregano; it has a rich and creamy taste and great texture

As with the entirety of the A Little Bit range, the Caesar Dressing is packed full of goodness, is 100% free of preservatives, colourings and additives is proudly glutenfree, and is vegan friendly Using only the very best ingredients, including Kentish cold-pressed rapeseed oil, every bit of passion and love goes into creating a range

that tastes like home with the convenience of being pre-made and ready-to-go The new range Caesar Dressing is available to buy via the website for nationwide home delivery as well as various independent retailers and farm shops nationwide

For more information visit www.alittlebit.co.uk/

THE ULTIMATE WASH FROM NEW INTERFOOD PARTNERSHIP

Interfood customers can now ensure ultimate hygiene for their processing equipment following the announcement that the Buckinghamshire-based business has signed a new partnership agreement with Colussi

Ermes

Operating from a head office in Italy and a satellite operation in the USA Colussi Ermes is recognised as a global leader in advanced washing systems for the food industry, with more than 6,000 machines in operation throughout the globe

The company ’ s extensive knowledge has evolved from over 50 years of working with the food industry with systems supplied for a range of food processing operations from meat, poultry and dairy to fruit and vegetables, and fish

The new systems will sit within Interfood s Thermal Processing and Conditioning Division Steve Naylor is manager of the Division and comments: “ we are delighted to be representing Colussi Ermes in the UK and Ireland In addition to the excellent quality of the company ’ s washing, drying and automating solutions, one thing which particularly impressed us is the attention to detail in minimising washing times With the food industry quite rightly focused on energy

costs sitting at an all-time high, being able to offer high level performance but with substantially reduced energy consumption is a strong message

Central to the Colussi Ermes philosophy is building tailor-made machines, an approach that ties in with Interfood s own commitment to supplying solutions designed to the specific requirements of a given customer Naylor continues – “food processing operations can differ quite significantly: floorspace production capacities, power supply and the type of residue/soiling to be processed are just

IFM ELECTRONIC

Ideally suited for building IIoT functionality into new and existing machines and plant, the new AE3100 controller from ifm electronic combines convenience and exceptional versatility with outstanding performance and a wide range of communication options Measuring just 120 x 125 x 36mm and suitable for DIN rail mounting in various orientations, the AE3100 is easily accommodated within almost any control panel and is capable of continuous operation at temperatures as high as +55ºC

At the heart of the AE3100 is a 1 3GHz quad-core processor, which ensures smooth and reliable operation even in the most demanding applications Designed for easy integration with both IT systems and automation networks, full support is

provided for industrial Ethernet protocols, including Profinet, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP and Modbus/TCP The AE3100 can also exchange data with common cloud platforms such as

some of the factors that should be considered It is not a one-size-fits-all approach but rather one that looks at the specifics of an operation and develops a solution which is designed to optimise results ”

The range of Colussi Ermes equipment Interfood will be offering is extensive including washers for conveyor belts and filters, crates, knives and blades, racks, sticks, utensils and tote bins, along with spin-drying systems

AWS, Microsoft Azure and AnyViz and it supports standard digitisation languages such as OPC UA and MQTT

At the plant or machine level, the AE3100 controller offers plug-and-work connectivity for IO -Link devices including IODD (I/O device description)

interpretation, while the controller ’ s CODESYS 3 5 programmability provides complete flexibility Remote management is also possible using the CODESYS Automation Server, which offers remote debugging and web visualisation

A fast-casual, quick ser vice indian street food concept

Chaiiwala, a rapidly growing tea and Indian street food brand, has set its sights on ambitious expansion plans in both the UK and across the globe.

As one of the leading fast casual dining restaurants in the UK , Chaiiwala strikes a perfect balance between tradition and the growing demand for aspirational, fresh and exciting food with a captivating story

What once started as an eatery paying homage to traditional Indian street food has now evolved into an iconic brand deeply ingrained within the heart of every community it serves Similar to its humble predecessor that embodied the essence of the community it served the Chaiiwala brand is devoted to the communities it caters to, providing a gathering place for chaii and conversation

Today Chaiiwala is synonymous with being the number one food brand of choice for thousands, celebrating the fast-paced lifestyle, diversity and aspirational choices of the modern era Muhummed Ibrahim the visionary behind Chaiiwala proudly shared that the business has experienced substantial growth, even amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic years

Presently, Chaiiwala boasts an impressive presence with over 85 stores and has achieved this feat through a series of strategic openings, set to open another 15 by the end of this year hitting its 100 goal by the new year Beyond the UK , Chaiiwala has expanded its footprint to international markets, including: Dubai 3 stores by Q4 2023 and Canada 12 stores by Q1 2024, with the US market next on its radar

With an unwavering commitment to continuous expansion, Chaiiwala has strategic plans to establish concessions within universities, airports and supermarkets By doing so the brand aims to cement its position as a major high-street entity that enjoys instant recognisability among consumers

The driving ethos behind Chaiiwala’s remarkable growth stems from the widespread popularity of Indian food as the nation’s favourite takeaway However, there has long been a misconception that Indian cuisine is reserved for elaborate evening dinners or special occasions

Chaiiwala, however, seeks to shatter this preconceived notion and drives home the message that Indian food and drink can be enjoyed as on-the-

go snacks, quick lunches or even just as a drink

Whether it s savouring a cup of authentic chai or indulging in a cup of coffee brewed with the subcontinent’s techniques and recipes, Chaiiwala’s offerings cater to diverse tastes and preferences

Muhummed emphasised In a way we re doing the ultimate fusion food Indian cuisine infused with different flavours to appeal to varying palates and people ” He envisions Chaiiwala becoming a go-to brand for individuals on their lunch breaks from work or shoppers in town and city centres, offering a quick and delicious culinary experience crafted with the highest quality ingredients and unmatched originality

Additionally the company remains conscious of the prevailing cost-of-living crisis and strives to communicate to consumers that Chaiiwala offers an exceptional experience at a fraction of the cost they

might expect for an Indian meal

Muhummed elaborates People still want to dine out but they are keeping a close eye on their budgets That’s why we ’ ve carefully positioned our price points while ensuring that our restaurants exude elegance and are thoughtfully designed spaces

Chaiiwala has successfully mastered the art of appearing opulent without breaking the bank For as little as £20-25 a family of four can relish an extraordinary dining experience, making it an alluring proposition in the current economic climate

In conclusion, Chaiiwala’s journey from a humble

homage to traditional Indian street food to an iconic brand embraced by communities worldwide exemplifies the fusion of tradition with innovation With ambitious expansion plans and a commitment to offering an affordable yet exquisite dining experience

Chaiiwala has firmly established itself as a major player in the fast casual dining landscape As the brand continues to redefine the perception of Indian cuisine, it looks poised to leave an indelible mark on the global culinary scene, offering a million-dollar taste without the extravagance

What is Tajin?

The combination of spicy, tangy and salty elements creates a delightful and versatile seasoning that has gained widespread popularity in different cuisines around the world

Tajin Seasoning is most commonly used to enhance the taste of fresh fruits and vegetables providing a refreshing and zesty twist to their natural flavour It complements the sweetness of fruits with a burst of citrusy and mildly spicy notes making it a favourite choice for enhancing fruit salads and snacks

Due to its distinctive blend of flavours, Tajin Seasoning has become a beloved condiment for food enthusiasts seeking to explore and expand their palate Whether you re a fan of bold and spicy tastes or prefer a tangy twist, Tajin Seasoning offers a unique culinary experience that has captured the hearts of many around the globe

Tajin’s product range

Discover the world of Tajin’s Seasonings! Their Chilli and Lime Seasoning has been loved by food enthusiasts for a long time If you prefer a healthier

option, try their low-sodium version For spice lovers, the fiery habanero chilli mix is perfect to take your dishes to the next level

But that’s not all! Tajin also has an innovative glass rimmer filled with Tajin Chilli and Lime Seasoning, designed to add a kick of flavour to your favourite beverages It’s a game-changer!

For an authentic Mexican taste, don’t miss out on Tajin Chamoy Liquid Seasoning a delightful addition to your kitchen And if you re into chilies they offer a variety of Mexican whole dried chillies in their exquisite collection

So whether you re a seasoned Tajin fan or a curious foodie eager to explore new flavours Tajin s diverse range of delicious products promises to add a burst of excitement to your food and drink adventures

How to use Tajin Chilli and Lime Seasoning

Tajin Chilli and Lime Seasoning has left many curious about its myriad uses If you re wondering how to make the most of this delightful seasoning, the answer is simple-virtually any food can benefit from its magic touch!

In the heart of Mexico locals have embraced Tajin as a culinary treasure One of their favourite ways to savour it is by sprinkling it over an array of foods, particularly fresh fruits and vegetables The harmonious combination of Tajin s zesty citrusy essence with the inherent sweetness of fruits creates a remarkable taste experience that’s both invigorating and satisfying

Beyond its traditional roots, Tajin’s applications are endless inviting you to explore a world of culinary creativity Here are just a few ways in which devoted Tajin enthusiasts love to indulge:

On Fruits: Elevate the simplest of fruits like watermelon, mango or pineapple, into delectable tangy treats with just a sprinkle of Tajin Cocktails: Give your drinks an enticing twist by rimming the glass with Tajin Seasoning and Chamoy Liquid, adding an extra layer of flavour to your favourite beverages

Corn: Embrace the street food experience by coating

Tajin Seasoning is a popular Mexican seasoning blend made of a unique mixture of mild chilli peppers, lime and sea salt, carefully crafted to enhance the flavour of various foods.

your grilled corn with Tajin for a burst of Mexican street-style flavour

Meat Rubs: Discover the full potential of your meats by using Tajin as a seasoning rub before grilling or roasting for a unique tangy depth

With Breakfast: Start your day with a delightful surprise by adding Tajin to your morning favourites like avocado toast or scrambled eggs

Sweet Treats: Push the boundaries of dessert by incorporating Tajin into chocolate creations fruit sorbets or even sprinkling it over salads

Guacamole: Elevate the iconic guacamole with a pinch of Tajin adding a delightful kick to the creamy avocado goodness

Vegetables: Make your greens more exciting by generously dusting Tajin over roasted vegetables adding a burst of flavour and colour

The beauty of Tajin lies in its ability to complement an extensive array of foods infusing each dish with a touch of Mexican zest So, go ahead, unleash your imagination, and experiment with Tajin Chilli and Lime Seasoning Whether it s sweet savoury or somewhere in between Tajin is sure to take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey

cuisine MexGrocer ’s website (www.mexgrocer.co.uk) is a true gem! Whether you ’ re a seasoned chef or an enthusiastic home cook, you ’ ll find a wide range of recipes to help you whip up mouthwatering Mexican dishes right in the comfort of your own kitchen

Every product showcased on MexGrocer ’ s website is chosen with care, ensuring you receive nothing but the finest and most authentic Mexican ingredients available So, dive into the diverse world of Mexican gastronomy and discover the wonders that Tajin and MexGrocer have to offer Your taste buds will thank you for the delicious adventure that awaits!

Where to buy Tajin in the UK?

Until recently it was quite a challenge to get your hands on Tajin products in the UK However, all thanks to MexGrocer, the leading Mexican company based right here in the UK , Tajin is now readily available in the UK market MexGrocer takes pride in being the exclusive importer and distributor of Tajin products, bringing a burst of Mexican zing to your culinary adventures Beyond Tajin, MexGrocer has curated an impressive collection of other authentic Mexican groceries and ingredients, perfect for your traditional Mexican cooking or mixing them with other recipes From aromatic Tajin Seasoning to an array of chillies, tortillas tomatillos and even cactus leaves – their selection promises an authentic Mexican experience with every bite

For those eager to explore the depths of Mexican

Meet Gabriel, Tajin’s UK Brand Ambassador

At the heart of this wonderful Mexican brand stands Gabriel Ayala, a passionate and knowledgeable ambassador who takes pride in representing Tajin and spreading its flavourful influence throughout the country With an unparalleled expertise in everything Tajin, Gabriel’s dedication to the brand is second to none His profound knowledge about Tajin s exquisite range of products adds a special touch to his ambassadorial role, making him a true connoisseur of Mexican flavours One can often spot Gabriel attending various food events and festivals across the UK where he wholeheartedly promotes Tajin products and generously offers samples to those eager to embark on a flavour-filled journey So, if you ’ re curious about this wonderful Mexican brand and have any questions keep an eye out for Gabriel at these exciting festivals Don t hesitate to say “Hi!” because he’s incredibly approachable and might just surprise you with a delightful Tajin sample

So, venture forth into the world of Tajin, guided by the friendly face of Gabriel, and let the flavours of Mexico awaken your taste buds like never before Embrace the fusion of tradition and innovation and let Tajin be your passport to a culinary adventure like no other

Summer wine initiatives as big event secured for next year

The London Wine Fair is returning to London’s Olympia next year, it has been announced. It follows a successful 2023 event which hosted more than 400 exhibitors and more than 10,000 visitors.

The 2024 show will take place from 20 to 22 May 2024 Amongst several others, the UK’s leading agents, including Hatch Mansfield, Enotria&Coe, ABS Wine Agencies, Felix Solis, Richmond Wine Agencies, Ellis Wines Friarwood Fine Wine and EWGA have already confirmed they will return next year

In further response to the success of the 2023 edition key players in the industry will be returning to the show for the first time in several years Mentzendorff have confirmed participation, with other big suppliers preparing to sign up in the coming weeks

In terms of exciting content from further afield New Zealand Wines have confirmed their intent to have a strong presence after a staggering response to their pop-up tasting this year, plus a large-scale Chinese wine pavilion is joining the event to further seal the Fair s already strong reputation for representing emerging territories

Organisers are also excited to announce an inspiring new feature for 2024 - The Judgement of London This will be a re-enactment of the historic 1976 Judgement of Paris and will see top Bordeaux estates tasted blind against their New World counterparts on the first day of the Fair The event will be co-curated and hosted by Ronan Sayburn MS, CEO at The Court of Master Sommeliers Europe, and will be by invitation-only

Meanwhile wine continues to be big news in 2023 with several exciting and interesting new initiatives this summer

Most Wanted Wines is launching their second most Wanted Collective ; a series of limited edition labels for three of their most popular wines designed by artists from lesser-represented communities celebrating diversity through creativity

After an incredibly successful launch of Collective 1 0 in October 2021, which featured labels created by five incredibly talented artists, the brand continues in its mission to combine great wine with original, contemporary and meaningful art striving for less exclusivity and more inclusivity when it comes to the wine industry

The labels have been designed for Most Wanted

Collective 2 0 by three talented and diverse artists Ana Curbelo’s artwork features on their Pinot Grigio, Tejumola Butler Adenuga’s artwork features on their Malbec and Anishika Khullar s artwork features on their Malbec Rosé thanks to the support of Creative Debuts who curated a shortlist of artists from thousands of emerging talent from all over the world Creative Debuts is an art platform that provides opportunity and support to thousands of emerging artists from all over the world

After sourcing a number of artists for the campaign, the final three were selected by actor Russell Tovey and his Talk Art co-host Gallerist Rob Diament

Russell Tovey comments on the final selection process: “ We chose the three artists because we felt their work would connect with diverse audiences and inspire people with their symbolic captivating and striking artwork Each artist has a very unique perspective and style which will create a very special series of designs for each wine bottle From bold colour combinations to highly detailed, skilful drawings, we are so proud to be supporting emerging talent and sharing their stories with the world”

Also TV wine expert Helen McGinn and This Morning fashion presenter Kat Farmer have teamed up with Côte restaurants to host their popular WineTime event

Hosted by Helen and Kat the celebration of wine focused on a Summer of Rosé Guests were treated to a variety of rosé wines specially selected by Helen as well as tasting Côte’s seasonal specials including the summer rosé dessert which features a rosé granita

The event in July featured Helen and Kat winepairing to Côte’s innovate menu designed by executive chef Steve Allen who previously worked alongside Gordon Ramsay at his Michelin-starred restaurants

Claridges and Petrus

This was the second WineTime event in partnership with Côte restaurants after the first event at London’s Barbican earlier this year was a massive success

Helen McGinn, author of The Knackered Mother ’ s Wine Club, an award-winning wine blog and bestselling wine book, said: “ We’re really excited to be

working with Côte again for our next WineTime live

The success of the last event was huge ”

Kat Farmer who is also known by her social media handle DoesMyBumLook40 is a TV fashion stylist digital first talent and established author, added: “ This

one felt particularly exciting with Côte’s new summer menu including a dessert with rosé wine, what could be better!

Twenty years on Port Royal Patties have cornered the market in this Caribbean treat, developed by Edward using the traditional recipes from his youth in Jamaica

Each patty inside its golden flaky pastry crust is filled with spicy goodness carefully constructed from aromatic herbs and spices

Now Port Royal Patties has grown to become a major supplier to Tesco Asda and Morrisons supermarket chains from its home in Wembley, London

Edward says: The patty is the perfect on-the-go food for people living busy lives and it s really taken off here

“Jamaica has such a strong connection with the UK and Port Royal make truly authentic patties that even Jamaican s say are the best they have ever had – and that is saying something!

Flavours range from the classic beef high grade meat combined with fresh thyme and scotch bonnet pepper and chicken to beef & cheese the latest taste trend direct from Jamaica, and sailfish boned, salted cod, a real Jamaican favourite The company has also recently introduced vegan options, including Jerk Bean and Butternut Squash & Lentil varieties

Port Royal patties have trade accreditations from SALSA, the Vegetarian Society, The Halal Society and COMPASS, and are also stocked in a wide range of independent retailers universities schools and Caribbean restaurants

The company has also developed a ready meal range called Cookin’ Edward says: “ They ’ re based on recipes that have been cooked by our families and friends going back generations

“ We’ve utilised everything we know about combining herbs and Jamaican spices to create the ultimate taste you can enjoy at home and feel like you re in the Caribbean ”

And if you think Edward is just bringing the taste of Jamaica to the UK , think again: he’s also bringing the

Port Royal — not just bringing the sunshine, but harnessing it too

When Edward Johnston set out to find the perfect Jamaican patty in the UK , he couldn’t quite find anything that matched up to the delicacy from his hometown of Kingston. So he set out to rectify that by making his own.

sunshine well, at least making use of what we have here in Britain!

Port Royal Patties has just installed 268 solar panels on its warehouse, using a five-figure funding package from the HSBC bank

The huge array of solar panels on the Wembley warehouse is a commitment to the company s mission to improve its sustainability credentials

And it’s a canny financial move as well, as with energy costs spiralling for everyone Port Royal Patties has managed to slash its energy bills by 25% in the first month of use, with further savings predicted over the rest of summer

This huge saving means that Port Royal has been able to invest extra funds in other areas, mainly boosting its brand presence at prominent events such as the Notting Hill Carnival, making sure its patties are the name and taste on a growing number of lips

But they re also putting back into the community as well Port Royal supports various charity efforts, including Angel Foundation UKJA, which supports hospitals and schools in Jamaica and the Erma s Jamaica Hospital Appeal Fund, a charity which provides aid and support to disabled and disadvantaged people internationally

Port Royal Patties has banked with HSBC UK since its inception in 1998 A seven-figure HSBC UK-funded mortgage enabled the business to purchase its warehouse in Wembley in 2021, securing the business’s

location and enabling the company to benefit from the increase in value of the building each year

Edward says: Not only has installing the solar panels made our business more sustainable, it has also allowed us to cut energy costs by a quarter while energy prices are high and set to rise even further in July

“I’m grateful for the support of HSBC UK , and in particular my Relationship Manager at the bank, Rico Lee who enabled us to install the panels ahead of the summer months when our energy generation will soar As well as easing our running costs, the money saved will go towards two charities very close to my heart ”

Jason Mowe Area Director for S&E London Business Banking at HSBC UK , added: Port Royal Patties is a market leader in bringing authentic Jamaican flavours to stores across the UK HSBC UK is proud to support the business as it boosts its sustainability credentials and increases its efficiency, enabling the company to invest more in building its profile and donating to its charity partnerships ”

It s all helping to secure Port Royal s position as not only a leading purveyor of Caribbean delicacies but a company with a strong social conscience both in ecological and humanitarian terms

For the future Edward wants to consolidate the company ’ s already impressive successes and continue to serve the major retailers and the independent stores, building on and expanding their customer base

Water, water ever ywhere…

Classic Mineral Water does exactly what it says on the tin… or rather bottle. As Ireland’s oldest water bottling company,

But the very foundations of the company are its still and sparkling mixers foundations being the operative word, because the firm is literally sitting on its own product in the ground beneath them

Classic Mineral Water is one of the very few companies that hold Mineral Water status and they have access to over 100 000 litres of water per hour from the four on-site borewells

These were discovered more than 40 years ago when, in 1980, the company carried out extensive geological research in their local area of Lurgan

This resulted in the discovery of a chalk aquifer 150 metres below ground level, which has a water source that is extremely palatable and of high beneficial mineral content

The composition and quality of this water source has remained unchanged for centuries because of the geological structure of the surrounding area

The unique location of Ireland on the western edge of Europe has resulted in an environment that is unspoilt and high in natural resources

For more than 60 million years, basalt lava overlaying chalk has been subject to weathering and erosion which has resulted in the formation of a multi-layered mass of rock – an excellent filter 150 meters deep which permits only slow percolation of ground water It is this long slow filtration that gives Classic Mineral Water its exceptional purity and unique mineral composition Mineral Water status is recognised as the highest standard for bottled water

That s the science bit The human story began in 1948, when James McKee founded the company, originally to sell soft drinks directly to customers in their homes The products at this time were originally made from water supplied to the nearby town

And it was a success, but the discovery of the mineral water source in 1980 was a game-changer

The McKee family decided to diversify its product range and commenced production of bottled and flavoured water

This allowed the company to start supplying directly to shops and supermarkets which resulted in The

Classic Mineral Water being listed as a preferred supplier to all the key retailers in Ireland

During the subsequent 40 years, the company has developed a wide portfolio of quality products and to this day is one of the few bottling companies that can produce a full suite of products to its customers

In 2018, the McKee family decided to retire from the business and sold the company to Liam Duffy and Gerard Watters, two friends Since 2019, a total of £6m has been invested in installing three high-speed bottling lines and ancillary services to meet customer demands This investment has seen the company s turnover rise from £2m in 2018 to more than £15m in 2023 The owners are confident that they will reach over £20m in 2024

That resulted in recently a £3 4m investment to develop a third bottling line that will enable the production of isotonic beverages for the private label market for the first time in Ireland

The move follows significant investments in recent years, which have seen Classic Mineral Water increase capacity and efficiency, and reduce production costs

Liam Duffy, CEO and owner of Classic Mineral Water, said: Through investment in innovative technology and skills we have transformed Classic Mineral Water into a high-speed, state-of-the-art, soft drink processing facility and have achieved a six-fold increase in sales to £15m in just a few years

“ This latest investment, which includes the installation of a new pasteurisation system, supports our next growth phase, enabling us to respond to

but only one company has the vision to make it pay

it has a hugely diverse range of products, including mixers, glucose drinks and isotonic.

market demand for high-value isotonic products We are confident that this will push our overall sales up significantly, reaching over £20m by 2024, and vastly increase our productivity

The investment will create 16 jobs bringing the company ’ s total employment figure to 76, with 10 of the new jobs already in place

It was supported by a capital grant from Invest Northern Ireland which has worked closely with Classic Mineral Water over a number of years, providing a range of financial and non-financial support

This has included strategic advice and guidance, access to leadership programmes, consultancy support, and assistance with resource efficiency job creation and management information systems

John Hood, Director of Food & Drink Invest NI said: This investment has enabled Classic Mineral Water to manufacture a high value-added product and to increase output and productivity It positions it strongly to increase sales into Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, potentially resulting in a 70% increase in turnover

Through a range of support Invest NI has helped the company to develop the infrastructure, expertise and support systems that are essential to enable it to realise its vision of becoming a major player in export markets

Classic Mineral Water is the oldest water bottling company on the island of Ireland and is an approved supplier of ALDI, Lidl, Dunnes Stores, Musgraves, Bestways and Tesco It recently announced that it has signed a new £3 8m deal with ALDI Ireland

Duffy added: “ We have been working with ALDI since July 2019, developing a strong business relationship over the past three and a half years

Despite all the challenges that we have faced as a business over the past few years, we have continued to work together to ensure that ALDI customers have access to high-quality products at an affordable price

Pragmatic growth continues as Classic Mineral Water invests in production capabilities to allow the business to continue to grow and adapt over the coming years

John Curtin ALDI Group Buying Director said: “Classic Mineral Water has supplied our Irish stores for three and half a years and we are delighted to extend our partnership for a further year At ALDI we are committed to working with Irish producers like Classic Mineral Water who continue to expand and grow their business to deliver customers with a wide range of highquality products ”

Duffy added: After the installation of our third bottling line in early 2023, we can now offer our customers various bottle sizes from 250ml up to 5 litre bottles

We are one of the few water bottling companies that have the expertise and capabilities to produce the complete suite of products for our customers which includes Still & Sparkling Water, Still & Sparkling Flavoured Water, Full Range Of Mixer Drinks Isotonic Range & Glucose Range

This investment in the third production line is just the latest forward-thinking plan in a programme of expansion and modernisation that began when Duffy and Watters took over the company in 2018

By 2019 they were investing more than £3 7m in the factory, tripling the workforce and improving efficiency and sales

At the time, John Hood, Director of Food & Drink,

Invest NI said: This investment will allow the company to build on fresh opportunities within the sector and capitalise on the growth of the bottled soft drink business across Ireland and Europe Along with creating 39 jobs Classic Mineral Water is introducing new innovative technology to reduce costs and streamline production processes

“As well as providing financial support we have worked closely with the company providing strategic advice and guidance

This access to leadership programmes, consultancy support and strategic advice, ensures the company has the skills and knowledge to maximise this investment I wish the company success as it grows sales and profitability

The new roles include opportunities in administration, sales, maintenance and production, and will lead to additional salaries of £785 200 per year in the NI economy it was said back in 2019

Announcing the investment back then, Duffy said: “ We have over 70 years of expertise within the market We plan to expand on this through innovation and development delivering

growth in export markets by increasing capacity and efficiency, alongside reducing production costs

“Invest NI’s support means we can make the investment quicker and respond to market demand for new products We are also able to expand our team in Lurgan, developing a strong skillset to help our company succeed as a major competitor in export markets ”

Food safety is of critical importance when working in the food supply chain and Classic Mineral Water take their responsibilities around quality assurance very seriously Every batch of product produced is lab tested before release for public consumption

They recently retained their AA BRC accreditation achieved by undertaking a third-party audit against standard requirements set by an accredited certification body The AA accreditation currently held by Classic Mineral Water is the highest grade achievable and this gives the Classic brand an internationally recognised mark of food quality safety and responsibility

THAT

the

Clear vision means future bright for commercial kitchen specialist

Since being founded in 2002 the company based in Heywood, Lancashire has grown significantly over several years, developing a comprehensive infrastructure and client base

Their team have an in-depth knowledge of varying styles of operation which gives them the edge when it comes to understanding how a commercial kitchen should look, feel and operate

Vision covers a wide range of market sectors including restaurants, hotels, schools, colleges, care homes, garden centres and arenas, with access to all the major equipment manufacturers in the industry as well as an extensive network of service and installation engineers across the country

They manage every step of the project, ranging from operator, architect and main contractor to the electrician plumber and shop fitter

Managing Director Jack Sharkey said: “Our key added value services are our consultation and advise, design,

project management and after sales service

Vision have a clear policy operating in multiple market sectors with multiple clients The size varies from small companies to large national companies with projects ranging from £5k up to £7m and everything in between

Vision was recently shortlisted in five out of six categories at the recent Ceda Grand Prix awards, with a total of 10 shortlisted projects

This resulted in Vision being awarded the ultimate overall winner for the project at Manchester College, as well as winners of the over £500k category Vision also received two judge s commendations for Lu s Place in the projects under £100k category, and their work with HMS Host in the outstanding customer service category

The new Manchester College campus named City Campus Manchester, is located in the city centre, offering state-of-the-art facilities Their foodservice

Vision Commercial Kitchens is one of the UK’s leading specialists in the design, supply and installation of commercial kitchen and bar equipment.

facilities include a modern coffee shop a 40-seat restaurant and bar run by students in an Industry Excellence Academy for Hospitality and Catering Vision worked closely with the Main Contractor, Willmott Dixon throughout the project

Vision’s brief for the project was for two training kitchens, food court kitchen, ground floor restaurant bar, student union bar, theatre bar and kitchen servery

As this was a large project with multiple areas it required an extensive amount of design work, and due to the scale of the project, there was a lot of coordination involved from both a design and project management perspective

Niall Wright, Director of Estate Redevelopment, at the Manchester College, said: “ The Manchester College have worked with Vision Commercial Kitchens over the past three years to deliver the refectory cafe and training kitchens for our new City Campus together

with a new cafe facility for our Openshaw campus The design work for these facilities was developed in collaboration with our catering and curriculum teams and Vision were very adaptive and reactive to the

teams requirements including developing a number of options for layouts and equipment that could be considered by the teams prior to sign-off The site installation works were completed to a very high standard and have been operational since September 2022 with great feedback from both staff and students

Vision have just completed work at the new Raffles hotel, located at The Old War Office in London and are currently working on the largest project to date which is due to be completed in early 2024

Jack said: “ Vision have worked tirelessly over the last 20 years to build an enviable reputation for the quality of our work project management and designs

“ The last five years have seen us really invest in our design capabilities and software, and we are one of the few companies in our sector that can operate to BIM Level 2

“Innovation is something that is inherent within the business and is encouraged in all areas of the business to ensure we ’ re at the forefront of our industry ”

Vision have the capability to operate both nationally and internationally, and have undertaken design and projects in Europe, the Middle East, Hong Kong and the Caribbean

Inox Fabrications supply a range of products from benches and sinks to counters and bar systems via our trade partners and distributors In addition to our fabrication offering we cover every aspect of kitchen ventilation, from a dishwasher hood to a ventilated ceiling and anything in between.

Please contact info@inoxfabrications.com

They have recently increased their warehouse capacity at their Heywood Head Office, and have staff based throughout the country to serve their nationwide customers

Vision currently employ 48 staff across sales consultancy, design, project management, sales support, after sales support, marketing and admin

Jack said: “Staff training is an integral ethos within the business and is something that we constantly invest in across all areas of the business At the end of the day, knowledgeable and motivated staff will enjoy their work and this comes across to the customer It’s also important to get the work-life balance right that goes a long way to help with staff retention ”

Quality is important to Vision in all things Vision were early adopters of ISO standards and they invested heavily in IT infrastructure to ensure they had the capability to expand the business They became members of the industry body ceda (Catering Equipment Distributors Association) in 2005 Within five years they broke the £5m turnover threshold and are now set to break the £20m mark this year

In terms of the future, Jack said: “Our current focus

on expansion is within our service offering which we are looking to grow over the next two to three years As well as continuing to develop and enhance our projects and capital replacement offering

In say five years time we would like to see it still at the forefront of our industry and still leading the way in our design and project management capabilities Of course, we do have plans for growth, as mentioned previously in our service projects and capital equipment offering

“ The business is probably in better shape than it’s ever been, we managed to retain all of our staff and have subsequently since the pandemic recruited additional staff to cope with the increased levels of business that we seem to be attracting

Our 2022 returns have seen a significant improvement over our pre-pandemic results which is testament to this strategy and the staff Our 2023 forecast and beyond are extremely strong and encouraging

www.visionck.co.uk