Editor ’s Foreword
PUBLISHER
Planet Media & Design Ltd
Brooke’s Mill Huddersfield HD4 7NR
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Jillian Evans
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER
Shazia Hussain
CHIEF EDITOR
David Barnett
SUB-EDITOR
Abigail Wears
CONTACT US:
FACEBOOK @food&drinkmagazine
INSTAGRAM @foodanddrinknews
TWITTER @food drink news
CONTRIBUTE info@planet-media co uk
ADVERTISING advertising@planet-media co uk
EDITORIAL
editorial@planet-media co uk
MAG SUBSCRIPTIONS subscriptions@planet-media co uk
One thing we see a lot at Food & Drink News is that the sector doesn t often stand still
Consumer tastes change, trends come and go, and external influences mean that the industry has to rise to challenges
In the past five years we ’ ve seen a lot of challenges the Covid pandemic the war in Ukraine spiralling fuel and energy costs and high inflation
This has meant that many companies have been forced to change the way they operate albeit for a temporary period in many cases
But the sector is nothing but nimble, and we see time and time again that changes that were brought in to cope with, say, the pandemic have been absorbed into the day-to-day business as ongoing measures
It is this willingness to change, and to learn, and to react quickly, which keeps the industry strong
David Barnett CHIEF EDITOR
CHRISTMAS THEMED LABELLING
Whether you are looking for festive labels to enhance your regular packaging, or Christmas stickers as a little ’extra’ for your clients, or labels with the name of the recipient on them as a way to offer bespoke products – the LX610e Color Label Printer is a great tool enabling you to produce not just Christmas labels on-demand
The LX610e is a full-colour desktop label printer/plotter that delivers photo-quality labels in any size and shape It combines colour inkjet label printing with a built-in digital die-cutting mechanism
The printer includes the easy-to-use software PTCreate Pro that allows a fast production of custom labels of virtually any
size or shape all in one process An autotrace cut function in PTCreate Pro will automatically find the edges of the artwork
regardless of the complexity shape or size Think of labels in the shape of a snowflake, Christmas tree or Santa Claus – all is possible
Businesses can print their own short runs of hundreds or a few thousand custom labels, without incurring delays and additional costs The LX610e gives them the freedom to respond to trends and demands quickly, ensuring their products stand out on the shelves or under the tree
More information: https://dtm-print.eu/
BABCOCK WANSON UK EXPANDS ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS WITH DCT REGENERATIVE OXIDISERS & SOLVENT RECOVERY SYSTEMS
Following the acquisition of Donau Carbon Technologies (DCT) by the Babcock Wanson Group in 2022, industrial process heating equipment and solutions specialist Babcock Wanson UK has expanded its range of regenerative oxidisers and is now able to offer complete solvent recovery systems to help reduce customers carbon footprint and meet increasingly stringent emission limits for solvents and volatile organic compounds (VOC )
DCT solvent recovery systems feature activated carbon adsorption, using steam or inert gas for the regeneration A distillation section (batch or multi-columns) allows for a very high level of purity – frequently exceeding international standards – for the recovered solvents to then be reused in production, making for a rapid return on investment These solvent recovery systems are easy to use and, because they are modular, can be expanded and reconfigured to meet changing site requirements With its compact size plug and play design plus easy maintenance, the latest solvent recovery system, the X- CSR , has been specifically designed for printers using smaller solvent quantities (as little as 300 tonnes/y), extending this valuable
technology beyond the traditional large print plants
Babcock Wanson UK has been providing oxidisers for many years but with the addition of DCT regenerative and recuperative oxidisers can now meet a wider range of industries and requirements than ever before DCT regenerative oxidisers enable up to 99% VOC abatement by increasing the polluted air temperature to over 750-800°C with a high efficiency (up to 95%) heat recovery system based on the use of ceramic material; all whilst using minimal energy DCT regenerative oxidiser capacities range from 3,000 to 300,000 Nm3/h They boast low maintenance costs and consistency of performance across their lifetime
Additional DCT products supported by Babcock Wanson UK include VOC concentrator units for the purification of polluted air with low solvent concentration; catalytic oxidation to treat waste air or gases; and scrubber and filter treatment systems for inorganic polluted fumes
The DCT range has already proven extremely popular in the UK and Babcock Wanson is currently working on a number of high profile projects, including its largest ever oxidation project with a building materials manufacturer
The DCT range of oxidisers and solvent recovery systems are one of the latest additions to Babcock Wanson s comprehensive range of products and services for boiler houses and other process heating needs, including firetube boilers, coil type steam generators thermal fluid heaters hot water boilers, VOC and odour treatment by thermal oxidation, water treatment and process air heating solutions The company aims to not only help optimise customers energy production but to also be the European leader in environmental solutions for industry
EXPANSION FOLLOWING STRONG INITIAL SALES GROWTH, 2022 TO 2023, OF 185%
Hampshire-based Wine That’s Fruit (WTF) announces its expansion plans following strong initial sales growth from 2022 to 2023 with a further 200% sales growth projected for 2024 Being the only UK company producing fruit wines in cans, this new entry to the sector is now a proven success with consumers who as well as appreciating the quality and taste, clearly like the 250ml cans, their portability and the minimised carbon footprint of these preservative free vegan-friendly fruit wines
The company is now reaching out to gain more trade stockists who want to engage with the fast-growing RTD market
After undertaking extensive consumer research/testing and adapting flavours in response to consumer preferences, the WTF range now comprises five fruit wines based on whitecurrants
Apples, strawberries, raspberries and blackcurrants (the last being their bestseller)
With the addition of winter spices and through gentle warming the Blackcurrant wine converts to a delectable, mulled wine, perfect for Christmas – a very adaptable, award-winning brand champion (2023 ICWA Silver award – Independent Canned Wine Awards) Sales analysis has confirmed the initial research on the potential target market which defined millennials (aged 25 – 45) as being the most enthusiastic about the products
Speaking today, founder Peter Allen comments: I am proud to have launched WTF into the market to take wine beyond grapes, exploring the wonderful flavours of the myriad of other fruits out there We are delighted to have received awards for our wines, and, having met thousands of eager
customers directly at events, we are now perfectly placed to make WTF more widely accessible through the trade
More product information can be found on the company ’s website or by emailing – see links below: www.winethatsfruit.com sales@winethatsfruit.com
BRITS SAY GOODBYE TO SUMMER WITH A SWEET TREAT
Candy floss, ice cream with a flake, cream teas – they are all iconic treats associated with the Great British seaside and days out–but a nice slice of cheesecake is about to dislodge these classics as Brits enjoy the final curtain-call of summer before the kids go back to school
Research by The Delicious Dessert Company asked Brits which sweet treats they d most like to enjoy on a Great British day out A slice of cheesecake with some summer fruits or a choc drizzle topped the wish list for a moment of indulgence with one in four Brits (24%) Doughnuts and yum yums were a big hit with Londoners (29%) along with eclairs (22%) – whilst the Scots would ditch their beloved shortbread for an indulgent ice cream treat (28%) In comparison, the traditional cream tea was a
favourite for just 15% of people and only 12% would opt for a carton of popcorn to enliven their day out
And it may not be Mother ’ s Day, but it’s the nation’s mums that are most up for a sweet treat Nationally 73% of those polled said they would be buying their mum a
delicious ‘thank you ’ surprise – and topping this list was luxury ice cream (14%) cheesecake (13%), scones (14%), eclairs (12%) and fudge (11%) Dads, in contrast, are in line for a more modest helping of shortbread (11%) fruit cake (10%) and boiled sweets (10%)
Claire Smith, Head of Insight at The Delicious Dessert Company, commented: We all live busy lives work hard and are conscious of the need to follow a balanced diet but we are allowed those occasional indulgent treats Whatever your top choice, do enjoy the last week of the summer and have a great time with family and loved ones ”
High-tec h doors in one of t he most cutting-edge pr ivately owned brewer ies in Europe
The C. & A . VELTINS brewer y in Grevenst ein incor porat es mac hine saf e ty doors from EFAFLEX in its highl y sensitive processes.
It ’ s almost 200 years old But today the C & A VELTINS brewer y in Grevenstein numbers among t he most cutting-edge privately owned brewer ies in Europe When you ent er t he traditional Sauerland brewer y, it is hard to miss that all signals are pointing towards growth and innovation As if controlled by an invisible hand, the gondolas of a monorail overhead conveyor move in a never-ending sequence t hrough t he hall in front of t he empties high-bay warehouse. Some bring empties in crates of 40, others are loaded with full containers. Where the crates come from or go to remains hidden from view. This is because the EFA -SRT-MS mac hine safety doors from EFAFLEX only open for brief moments for the crates to pass through and then completely automatically close again immediately, so that people cannot come into contact with the transpor t systems
“In 2019, we were looking for a manufacturer who produced reliable high- speed doors for a renovation The machine safety doors from EfAfLEx met our requirements perfectly here,” explains Martin findeklee He was responsible for all project planning for the new systems in logistics “The doors needed to be very fast They also needed to handle a very high number of opening cycles in a day for filling of up to 80,000 bottles per hour, 24 hours a day, with multiple filling systems Some doors open and close every 40 seconds ” Others already have well above 100,000 opening cycles behind them in two years “ The doors meet all of our expectations perfectly.” And they must. Because in the worst case, the entire system would grind to a halt if one of the doors failed
Installation of the new machine safety doors in the existing building was by no means an easy process The installation situation was very restricted, and the doors had to be precisely aligned with the vertical and horizontal clearance of the Euro pallets loaded with reusable crates “Despite all that, installation went very well,” Martin findeklee emphasizes.
Successful installation even under difficult conditions
Over the course of two years, another completely new five - storey building has now gone up at the brewery site There is space for two filling lines there, among other things. The situation here is similar to the one before the empties warehouse Using conveyor technology, the pallets with the crates are pushed through the machine safety doors from EfAfLEx onto vertical conveyors so that the bottles can reach the filling system There, they travel to the appropriate level In each case, the fully automated system controls which pallets go into production depending on the conveyor technology occupancy rate
“ The doors for the lifts in which the pallets are moved up to 25 metres upwards or downwards could not be attached to the hall floor in some places The EfAfLEx fitters screwed them onto special metal plates in the shaft ”
Protection for people, mac hines and logistics lines
Due to their space - saving, self- contained design, the machine safety doors from EfAfLEx can be adapted perfectly to the required protective devices They stand out due to their extraordinary resilience and stability The standard EfA-SRT-MS door curtain is fully transparent and equipped with warning stripes as a standard Coloured, highly tear-resistant and transversely stable curtains are also readily available All curtain versions are free from substances that interfere with the lacquering process The interplay between a high-performance frequency inverter controller and a functionally adapted drive enables the high cycle rate of up to seven
cycles per minute in production processes. The doors are designed so that a weight counterbalance mechanism is not necessary, which enables a slimline design of the side door cases This significantly reduces the maintenance work and spare parts required A transparent covering provides a clear view of the integrated safety limit switch of cat 4 / Pl “ e ” in accordance with DIN EN ISO 13849-1 Thanks to the optional floor supports, the safety devices can be installed as a stand-alone system Uneven ground is compensated by levelling screws
VELTINS company information
Clemens Veltins took over a small rural brewery in Grevenstein in 1852 Beer had been being brewed there in accordance with the German Purity Law since 1824 Almost 200 years later, the C & A VELTINS brewery still produces fresh VELTINS pilsner, as one of the most cutting- edge and largest privately owned breweries in Germany. These being the Grevensteiner speciality country style beer and Pülleken pale beer Other varieties and the V+ beer mix range are part of the C & A VELTINS brewery beverage portfolio
By now, the Veltins family have run the company for five generations The owners have turned the traditional brewery into one of the bestknown and most popular breweries in Europe with a passion for the art of brewing, willingness to innovate, and entrepreneurial courage and foresightedness. Characterised by the highest quality standards, the premium beer is still brewed today with exclusively high- quality ingredients – malt, hops, yeast and pure exceptionally soft spring water – strictly in accordance with the 1516 purity law
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 high- speed 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
AKZONOBEL LAUNCHES NEW HIGH-PERFORMANCE INTERNAL CAN BODY COATING TO ADDRESS LONG-TERM REGULATORY CHALLENGES
AkzoNobel Packaging Coatings has launched AccelshieldTM 300 internal coating for beverage cans that is free of bisphenols (non-intent) and styrene delivering superior levels of corrosion protection while providing manufacturers with a long-term, reliable solution to address current and future regulation with respect to materials of concern
Accelshield™ 300 goes well beyond established technologies in the industry and features a completely novel acrylic resin network interwoven with a unique crosslinked polymer matrix This innovative combination delivers advanced corrosion protection flexibility and sensory performance
It is part of a growing portfolio of new generation internal and external coatings for beverage cans to support coil coaters can manufacturers and brands as they navigate the future regulatory landscape, and fulfil their environmental responsibilities The coatings are not only free from BPA but also other materials of concern
Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and key beverage brands, and it is compliant with current and future EU regulations, AccelshieldTM 300 provides the metal can packaging industry
with a viable and safe alternative for most challenging liquids Laboratory and brand testing also points to an improved flavour performance compared to earlier solutions on the market
Accelshield™ 300 seamlessly integrates into existing production lines without disruptions It provides enhanced production efficiency by curing rapidly, while reducing energy costs and consumption compared to epoxy-based coatings
Chris Bradford Industrial Coatings Marketing Director at AkzoNobel, says the new coating is further proof of the company ’ s commitment to help customers make the transition to a bisphenol-free world:
“With AccelshieldTM 300, we are using our expertise and experience to address a range of
motivations and concerns beyond those of safety and regulatory compliance or driving greater cost efficiencies he explains With Accelshield™ 300 we are providing the market with the cleanest coating that comes with even better performance, and because it far exceeds current regulations we know this will be a long-term solution ”
The introduction of Accelshield™ 300 for internal beverage can bodies closely follows last year s launch of Accelshield™ 700 for internal beverage can ends and Accelstyle™ 100/200 for external beverage can bodies Soon Accelstyle™ 700/800 for external beverage can ends will be added to the portfolio which will allow customers to transition to a bisphenol, PFAS and styrenefree future for the entire can
Our new technologies will ensure continuity of supply to keep the canning lines running,” Chris continues, helping some of the world s biggest brands to stay ahead of the curve and seize the competitive advantage Our goal is to shape the future together, developing coatings that deliver long-term compliance and performance that really matters
ST MICHEL LAUNCHES CHOCO CAKES IN UK
St Michel, France s leading cake and biscuit brand, has launched its popular Choco Cakes range into the UK
Made in France using French wheat and cage-free eggs the collection is made from tasty combinations of soft sponge, airy biscuits, chocolate mousse and smooth milk chocolate Containing no palm oil or artificial preservatives
• Choco Burger: a delightful soft cake made of two slices of airy biscuits filled with chocolate mousse
• Choco Donut: a fun and light sponge cake, made in a donut shape and coated with irresistible, thick milk chocolate
• Choco Muffin: scrumptious fluffy dough dipped in milk chocolate giving a tasty topping
• Choco Waffle: an exquisite little sponge
cake with three soft squares filled with smooth chocolate
St Michel International Marketing Manager Theo Chaineau describes the launch “ as the first of many innovations St Michel is planning for the UK market this year ” He continued: “ We believe the UK is a prime market for us not simply for the St Michel range which is a market leader in France, but also for the increasingly popular cakes and biscuits range under our Bonne Maman brand
Each Choco Cake pack carries six individually foil-wrapped cakes at an rrp of £2 00 per pack
DARÉGAL GOURMET UK UNVEILS FOOD TRENDS REPORT FOR 2025 AND BEYOND WITH KEY INSIGHTS FOR CHEFS AND FOOD MANUFACTURERS
An insightful trends report has been unveiled by the team at Darégal Gourmet UK following extensive research with chefs and consumers The report highlights some of the key food trends which will be driving menu planning, product development and consumer food choices in 2025 and beyond
Following in-depth analysis using The Food People’s Trends Hub, the team at Darégal Gourmet UK worked with the Craft Guild of Chefs to run a roundtable discussion at Westminster Kingsway College This debate provided lots of food for thought on the trends coming through and some of the key takeaways from this session have been included in the report to inspire other chefs To ensure the report was relevant for all working in food manufacturing and hospitality Darégal Gourmet also completed a nationally representative independent study with 1,000 UK consumers
Some of the trends explored in the report include stimulating the senses, remembering retro, humble ingredients, going global with local twists using whole ingredients the theatre of food and real food rules The consumer survey revealed some important data that food manufacturers, chefs and retailers will need to consider in 2025
A few takeaways include:
50% of consumers have made changes to food purchasing choices because of the economic challenges
40% of consumers are looking for cuisines from other countries when they eat out
When eating British dishes, 52% of consumers prefer the traditional British classics
For male consumers, food aroma (38%) has a bigger impact than presentation (29%) on how they feel
30% of females want to reduce their consumption of ultra-processed food
To help chefs and food manufacturers learn how they can use the insight from this report in their own businesses, culinary tips have been provided throughout by Darégal Gourmet UK Development Chef, Mark Owen He said: I loved having the opportunity to hear the views of some of the rising stars in
the industry which included former National Chef of the Year winners and finalists, members of the Craft Guild of Chefs Culinary team and other talented chefs working in a variety of sectors I believe it is vital that we are aware of the food and drink trends for the years ahead so the consumer insight was equally important for ensuring all the information we are providing the industry will help drive sales ”
Martin McIlroy
Managing Director at Darégal Gourmet UK , commented: “ This has been a fascinating and valuable process for us, and we have loved engaging with chefs and consumers to get their thoughts on the latest food and drink trends By putting ourselves at the heart of the industry, we know we are creating products that food manufacturers and chefs really need and want Exploring the trends that are currently gaining interest or are likely to be a hot topic in the future can help food manufacturers and chefs to get ahead and create products and dishes that will excite and entice
customers to buy ”
The consumer survey also revealed the most commonly used herbs with garlic ginger, basil and coriander proving popular in adding flavour and aroma to dishes
Darégal Gourmet’s frozen herbs are a tasty and convenient culinary addition to freezers as they are washed, chopped and ready to use with zero waste Chefs can discover innovative and creative ways for using these products in their dishes throughout this report
To request a copy of the report you can email Kirsty Bell, Commercial Project Manager at Darégal Gourmet UK via Kirsty Bell@daregalgourmet co uk
PEPPERSMITH EXPANDS INTO STARBUCKS LOCATIONS ACROSS THE UK
Peppersmith, one of the UK’s leading providers of premium, naturally sourced mints, is thrilled to announce its new partnership with Starbucks Starting this month Peppersmith mints will be available at Starbucks stores throughout the United Kingdom, bringing a new impulse option to customers nationwide
This exciting partnership aligns two brands committed to delivering high-quality products that prioritise both taste and responsible sourcing Peppersmith s range of mints and chewing gum have been endorsed by the Oral Health Foundation as they are made with 100% xylitol a plant-based sweetener derived from gluten-free oats
The peppermint and spearmint used in Peppersmith products are sourced from a small farm in Hampshire building on
Starbucks’ previous work supporting exceptional British brands
Partnering with Starbucks marks a significant milestone in Peppersmith s journey,” said Kevin Grant, CEO of Peppersmith “We’re delighted that Starbucks shares our vision We look forward to enhancing the Starbucks experience
The partnership will see Peppersmith’s best-selling Peppermint Mints available at Starbucks locations across the UK This launch
allows Peppersmith to reach a broader audience, continuing their mission to promote healthier, tasty alternatives in the confectionery market
Peppersmith is a leading British brand specialising in naturally sourced, premium mints and chewing gum Since its inception, Peppersmith has been committed to offering customers healthier choices by using only the finest natural ingredients Their products are vegan, free from artificial sweeteners and come in recyclable packaging
Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to responsibly sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee since 1971 Today with stores around the globe the company is the premier roaster and retailer of speciality coffee in the world
UK BAKERS URGE SOCIAL MEDIA GIANTS TO CRACK DOWN ON ILLEGAL SELLING OF GROCERY DELIVERY EQUIPMENT ON THEIR SITES
The rise of online marketplaces has provided a platform for individuals to sell unused items, contributing to the circular economy and giving second lives to many products However, this trend has also led to a troubling increase in the illicit sale of grocery delivery equipment, which threatens the UK’s grocery industry and undermines plastic recycling efforts
Following Bakers Basco s PR campaign in August 2023, the situation has only worsened A recent search for plastic bread trays revealed thousands of items being sold on platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace These trays, clearly marked with Bakers Basco’s name, address and contact details, are vital for the daily transportation of bread across the country
Over the past year, Bakers Basco identified 89 adverts across various online platforms, including Facebook Marketplace, eBay and auction sites These adverts accounted for the attempted sale of a total of 2,864 baskets and 386 dollies When contacted, a few sellers agreed to remove the equipment from Facebook and allowed Bakers Basco to collect the items
Unfortunately the majority of sellers ignored messages or claimed that the equipment did not belong to the company, despite the items being emblazoned with Bakers Basco’s logo
In one notable case, a seller who refused to provide collection details or delist the item had their personal account linked to the advert revealing their place of employment Bakers Basco officers visited the location and issued a charge as the seller was found to be misusing the equipment This intervention led to the recovery of 228 Omega dollies
Bakers Basco, a leading provider and controller of returnable transit packaging (RTP) for the bakery industry, has appointed a dedicated team to track and combat these illegal online sales Despite their efforts, the proliferation of online marketplaces has made it increasingly difficult to recover stolen equipment, posing significant challenges for the industry
The illicit sale of these baskets not only costs the baking industry considerably each year but also disrupts the supply chain, affecting bakeries, retailers and consumers alike Sellers who refuse to return the equipment and demand payment exacerbate the problem, causing additional financial strain and operational disruptions
In response Bakers Basco is intensifying its efforts to monitor all social media sites and will take legal action against anyone found selling their equipment online The company calls on consumers to recognise the impact of such actions on the circular economy and plastic recycling efforts, and urges responsible behaviour to preserve the integrity of the supply chain and protect the environment
INTRODUCING BOLLE: A FRESH PERSPECTIVE ON ALCOHOL-FREE WINE
Bolle is thrilled to unveil its innovative non-alcoholic (<0 5% ABV) wine brand, poised to redefine the industry with a fresh technique and process as the world s first and only non-alcoholic wine to introduce secondary fermentation Departing from conventional norms, Bolle has multiple patents filed and pending on its winemaking techniques as it aspires to challenge perceptions and offer a distinctive experience for wine enthusiasts without any compromise on taste or quality
In a recent successful £800,000 ($1m) funding round, Bolle secured essential financial support towards its growth initiatives Simultaneously the company reinforced its leadership team with the appointment of a new CEO and Head of US Operations underlining its unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional products and services This collaboration brings together a group of seasoned professionals in winemaking business and innovation Roberto Vanin s expertise in oenology, chemistry and R&D, complemented by CEO Gary Read’s go-tomarket and company-building acumen and Head of US Operations Steve Burch s extensive background as a Napa Valley winemaker
We believe that Bolle can play a significant role in reshaping the wine industry by attracting new drinkers, retaining existing ones, and encouraging responsible consumption said Gary Read CEO of Bolle
Our mission is to introduce a range of alcohol-free wines that cater to diverse lifestyles and occasions, from enjoying a glass at lunch to savouring it at social events We d love to see the wine industry embrace the trend to drink less alcohol and see it as an opportunity not a threat ”
He continues: Over 40% of people are looking to cut down on alcohol and providing high-quality options like Bolle can attract this significant market segment Studies show that restaurants and bars increase revenue and margins by offering
good quality alcohol-free options –switching customers from water/juice/soda into a premium product Bolle has initially released two cuvées to market: a Sparkling Rosé and a Blanc de Blancs The wine making process includes using a meticulous de-alcoholisation process using the world s most advanced de-alcoholisation technology Unfortunately, this process still causes loss of character, aroma and flavour so Bolle distinguishes itself as the only global provider to incorporate a second fermentation step This unique method ensures that all the wine s characteristics stem exclusively from the grapes and fermentation process itself, rather than from any additional flavours or ingredients
Our shared passion for excellence and innovation drives us to create the world’s finest alcohol-free wines,” explained Roberto Vanin Founder of Bolle As the first and only non-alcoholic brand to fully embrace secondary fermentation, Bolle captures the essence of traditional wine, offering a non-alcoholic option that maintains the same depth, complexity, and enjoyment as its alcoholic equivalent We believe this distinctive approach sets Bolle apart as a trailblazer in the realm of non-alcoholic wines
With an RRP of £19 99 Bolle seeks to establish itself as the go-to choice for both on-trade establishments and independent retailers looking to offer their clientele an exceptional non-alcoholic wine experience Any interested trade customers can register their interest here or email info@bolledrinks com
For more information about Bolle and its range of alcoholfree sparkling wines, please visit www.bolledrinks.com and explore the future of wine without limits.
G ressingham Foods launches Chef ’s G uide as demand for duck grows
Duck and speciality poultry producer Gressingham Foods has launched a new Chef ’ s Guide, as demand for premium duck dishes on menus increases. At the same time, Gressingham is offering the chance to win Duck for a Year in a new foodservice-only prize draw.
Cooking With Duck – A Chef ’ s Guide is available as a free PDF download from the Gressingham Foods website to any business entering the competition The Guide includes ideas for appealing and profitable starters and mains, all using the family-owned company ’ s Red Tractor Assured duck
Rebecca Alderton Marketing Manager of East Angliabased Gressingham Foods, said: Interest in duck has grown amongst chefs and consumers over the past few years, and with supplies back to normal following the avian flu outbreak and the festive season looming it’s the right time to add duck dishes to menus right across the foodservice sector
“Duck is versatile and tasty It has a healthy fat-tomeat ratio and is sustainable not only in the way it’s reared on our Red Tractor farms, in airy barns with access to fresh air and light, but also in reducing food waste, as the whole bird can be used right across the menu
She added: “Duck adds ‘ wow factor ’ to menus as it’s something consumers are less likely to have prepared and cooked at home, but that puts an added onus on chefs to offer dishes that are genuinely special
“Many of the restaurants we supply are already serving duck dishes that demonstrate flair and passion, and our new Chef ’ s Guide is designed to deliver the
same inspiration to every operator
“From a delicate tea-smoked duck breast salad starter via classic confit duck leg to a succulent whole roast duck served as a Sunday lunch, we ve come up with menu ideas that deliver both in terms of customer appeal and on the all-important bottom line on profit ”
As an added incentive one foodservice business will win a year s supply of premium Red Tractor Assured Gressingham Duck for their business, by entering the prize draw which is featured on Gressingham’s foodservice packs as well as online at https://foodservice gressinghamduck co uk/competition s/winduck/, where full terms and conditions are also available Competition entrants will also be able to claim a free download of Cooking With Duck – A Chef ’s Guide
Gressingham Foods Red Tractor Assured duck, as well as goose and turkey, are available through foodservice wholesalers. Chefs can access Gressingham’s full foodservice recipe bank at https://foodservice.gressinghamduck.co. uk/recipes/
Confectioner y market remains strong in face of rising costs
Younger consumers are driving a growth in the confectionery sector with a lot of brand loyalty – but rising prices of raw materials are cause for concern.
And we like it when confectionery manufacturers do something special with the wrappers according to new research Market analyst Mordor Intelligence says in its latest look at UK confectionary market trends that innovation in packaging formats, coupled with the wide availability of premium confectionery products across the United Kingdom, drives sales
The consumption of confectionery products is high in individuals of different ages in the United Kingdom with chocolate consumption being particularly prevalent among those aged 25 to 34, says the report
Under the confectionery section, consumers are mainly affected by brand loyalty In the United Kingdom Gen Z and millennial consumers professed the highest brand loyalty among other age groups
About 73% of UK consumers consider themselves loyal to certain retailers brands and stores Packaging is considered the second most important product attribute for confectionery products, which determines the likelihood of purchasing It is observed that around 65% of consumers in the United Kingdom are attracted to innovative packaging In the UK , the majority of confectionery products are consumed by consumers between 25 and 45 years of age, with those aged 34 and over purchasing more candy than those aged 18 to 34 Individuals in the United Kingdom tend to enjoy confectionery products at a frequency of 3-4 times per week Additionally, 23% purchase it as a gift for family members and up to 33% always place it in their shopping cart when they go grocery shopping
Popular brands, including Lindt, Mars, Ferrero, Cadbury, etc, hold the highest share in the confectionery segment These brands have been offering their products in various formats, such as balls, bars and circles, to expand their consumer base
In 2023, confectionery products witnessed a hike in their sales The sales growth was linked to the changing eating habits of consumers In 2023, under the confectionery segment, snack bars gained a significant volume of popularity as people preferred them over oily snacks
However, this has come with rising costs as well
According to a recent report by International Confectionery magazine, quoting latest data from the Food and Drink Federation s July 2024 prices
dashboard, there have been significant fluctuations in the UK confectionery market The report says: Notably the price of cocoa, a key ingredient in chocolate production, saw a drastic annual increase of 114%, despite a 14 5% decline in the past month
Sugar prices essential for all confectionery products remained relatively stable, with a slight monthly increase of 0 2% but an 18 3% decrease year on year These trends are shaping the cost dynamics in the confectionery sector impacting both manufacturers and retailers ”
Additionally, the dairy sector, critical for products like chocolate experienced significant shifts Butter prices surged by 49 9% year on year which the report said could exert further pressure on confectionery margins
However, skimmed milk powder saw a more moderate increase of 5 8% annually but a monthly decline of 2 4% reflecting mixed signals for dairydependent confectionery production The magazine says: “ This environment presents challenges for confectionery businesses as they navigate fluctuating input costs while maintaining competitive pricing strategies The ongoing volatility in essential commodities like cocoa and sugar underscores the importance of agile supply chain management and cost optimisation for manufacturers in this sector
“As the market adjusts, stakeholders in the confectionery industry must stay informed and adapt to these dynamic pricing conditions to sustain profitability and market share
According to Mordor Intelligence, supermarkets and convenience stores collectively account for more than 75% of the market share due to their longer opening hours and access to a wide range of confectionery brands
Convenience stores are the leading distribution channels for confectionery products in the country The sales value of confectionery products through convenience stores increased by 4 3% in 2023 compared to the previous year The major factor behind this growth was the ease of access and longer opening hours compared to modern stores These factors boost the sales of confectionery products
A heritage of delivering the finest foods with a human touch
In an era dominated by technology and the rise of artificial intelligence, one thing remains constant at Heritage Fine Foods: you ’ ll always receive the human touch. No chatbots or endless phone menus – just real people, dedicated to ser ving you.
Based in Wiltshire, Heritage Fine Foods delivers across the south-west, and they take pride in their hands-on, human-centred approach At any time, a friendly voice is ready to answer your call ensuring that every query, concern or request is handled with care and expertise Their 12-strong management team brings together decades of combined experience meaning there s always someone available to assist no matter the issue
“ We’re all about keeping it human,” says Managing Director Darren Powell It s what sets us apart
As a SALSA-certified wholesaler Heritage Fine Foods provides a vast range of products – fresh produce, dairy, bakery, ambient goods, and even cleaning products to restaurants pubs cafés care homes and schools across the south-west But more than just delivering food, they ’ re delivering a service experience that’s rooted in relationships Every customer, client and supplier gets to speak to someone who truly understands their needs
“ We build strong relationships by really listening to what our customers want,” Darren explains “ That’s how
we ensure we consistently meet their unique requirements And we are passionate about sustainability, which is a value our customers share ”
Like many companies, the challenges of the Covid pandemic pushed Heritage Fine Foods into new areas
As the foodservice industry slowed to a crawl, the company saw an opportunity to expand their home delivery service – a move that not only sustained the business but also introduced them to a wider audience
Thankfully, we had already established home deliveries, and when Covid hit, we quickly ramped up our efforts,” says Darren “ That flexibility allowed us to make better use of our resources and continue providing excellent service
By diversifying their offerings, Heritage Fine Foods made sure they could keep supporting their foodservice clients while tapping into the retail market
And this agile approach continues to fuel their success today, ensuring their resources are maximised from dawn to dusk
Supporting local, delivering excellence
Heritage Fine Foods has always championed local suppliers, working with nearby growers to offer the freshest seasonal produce We re proud to support local farms and artisans,” Darren notes “By sourcing locally, we reduce food miles and deliver the best quality, while also promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship
With a fleet of 23 refrigerated vans making deliveries across the south-west and a 20-tonne lorry collecting fresh produce from local suppliers, Heritage Fine Foods ensures that food arrives on time while keeping food miles low Their logistics are fine-tuned for perfection –from a dedicated driver in the London markets every night to a state-of-the-art tablet system that tracks every order, ensuring nothing but the freshest, handpicked ingredients arrive at your door At Heritage Fine Foods, we don’t just deliver produce; we deliver on our promises,” Darren adds “Our fleet is monitored 24/7, so you ’ ll always know where your delivery is, in real time We re committed to making sure your order arrives fresh and on time, every time ”
Caring about more than just taste
Today s customers particularly chefs are more discerning than ever They don’t just care about how food tastes – they want to know where it comes from and how it s grown Heritage Fine Foods understands this shift and helps customers build trust by offering the best local ingredients, from farm to fork
“ When we source locally, we ’ re not just getting fresher produce; we re also supporting the farmers and producers who uphold traditional practices Darren explains “ Take Sunbeam watercress, for example It’s still harvested by hand using time-honoured methods By using local we re preserving these traditions and
cutting down on the environmental impact of longdistance transportation
The benefits of local sourcing are clear: reduced carbon footprints, stronger communities and fresher, tastier dishes As chefs look to create menus that celebrate the region s flavours sourcing locally through Heritage Fine Foods allows them to offer authentic seasonal dishes that resonate with customers
“Imagine the difference between a salad made with lettuce picked just hours ago versus one made with greens that travelled for days before reaching your kitchen,” says Darren “ That’s the kind of quality we ’ re committed to delivering ”
And it s not just about freshness Local produce often retains more nutrients, giving chefs the opportunity to create healthier dishes without sacrificing on taste Heritage Fine Foods’ dedication to quality means every dish served by their clients can meet the high standards today s diners expect
“ We’re here to make sure you always get the best From the quality of our produce to the service you receive our goal is to make every customer experience exceptional, Darren concludes
Milk ... but supercharged!
For almost 40 years, St Helen’s Farm in the Vale of York has been passionate about goat’s milk. Owners Angus and Kathleen Wielkopolski have made it their mission to promote the health benefits and versatility of this lesser-known dair y product, and with stunning results.
Backed by their team, they are now applying their knowledge expertise and love of dairy to a new emerging theme – High Protein Milk With years of precision attention to effective processes and equipment to get the freshest, tastiest, most premium products from their goat s milk it made sense to use innovative filtration and concentration processes that they ’ ve developed on the more common cow ’ s milk product A new product has been born, improving the dietary and health benefits of the humble cow s milk by vastly increasing the protein and calcium content and it’s called SuperNutrio
Officially launched this month and now on supermarket shelves SuperNutrio is milk that is packed with essential nutrients and boasting a protein content that is double ordinary cow ’ s milk
SuperNutrio has been designed to be the perfect way to make healthier choices without compromising on flavour or texture
SuperNutrio does everything milk can – whether enjoyed straight from a glass, in cereal or as a base for smoothies it s rich and creamy with a delicious flavour
It comes in three varieties: SuperNutrio Whole contains more saturated fats and slightly more fat soluble vitamins compared to Semi-Skimmed With double the protein of standard cow ’ s milk and 80% more calcium, but with nothing added
According to Angus and Kathleen Semi-Skimmed tastes just like standard whole cow ’ s milk but with less saturated fat (typically only 1 7% versus 3 6%) With a lighter taste and texture to SuperNutrio Whole, it still has a great amount of essential vitamins plus the double protein and 80% more calcium than standard semi-skimmed Perfect for pouring liberally over cereal, in hot and cold drink’s and in cooking and baking
Creamy and tasty SuperNutrio Skimmed is says Angus, a game-changer in the world of fat-fee dairy Not only does it taste creamier than standard skimmed milk, it offers a superior nutrient delivery system, especially for athletes requiring rapid recovery and muscle synthesis, and older adults needing to maintain muscle mass and overall health And unlike alternatives, it works brilliantly in hot and cold drinks, and poured liberally over cereal
Angus says, “ We’ve been working for so long making top quality goat’s milk and suddenly one day it hit us; we can use all our knowledge and expertise to innovate these processes and create something new and exciting for the dairy market
“In retail terms, protein is flavour of the month and we knew that if we could improve the protein levels in milk we had a major market opportunity there
Specialist transport you can trust
From temperature controlled to ambient goods and bulk liquids, we provide innovative solutions for efficient and safe transport of food products
Our long-standing reputation backed by quality assurance enables us to provide the very best service to food producers
Proudly family owned, we are celebrating 100 years of supporting food businesses just like yours
With all the major supermarkets jumping on board with SuperNutrio, the hunch was a good one, and production is working flat out now to meet demand
Which is not to say Angus and Kathleen have turned their back on their beloved goats -- their full range of goat products is being produced alongside the new SuperNutrio cow ’ s milk brand
Angus and Kathleen fell for all things goat nearly 40 years ago lovingly building their business in the
stunning Vale of York They founded the brand before goat’s milk was really a thing people knew about, and now we ’ re the UK’s favourite goat’s milk dairy
Angus says At one point goat s milk was just something you saw advertised on a hand-written sign stuck on a farmer ’ s gate We saw the wider potential in that and built up a range of milk, butter, yoghurt and cheese
Customers are more discerning these days and we knew we had to give them the quality they demanded Our mission was to be to goat’s milk what Kellogg ’ s is
to cornflakes and we think we succeeded in that and built tremendous customer loyalty as a result
“ We will continue to serve those customers with the goat s milk they have come to expect from us running our business alongside the new SuperNutrio brand
That attention to both detail and the customer experience has always been at the heart of everything the business has done
Angus adds: St Helen s Farm is a family-owned and run farm where we do everything with integrity We’re respectful to our goats, who make all this possible, to
people and the planet As an independent business our thinking is as fresh as our milk We make our products with less intervention, for way less impact all round When it comes to development, new ideas are never far from our minds We know how rewarding goat’s milk dairy is, we want the rewards to keep flowing So, we always go above and beyond for our goats, and our customers ”
St Helen s farm is independent and proud of it And doing things their own way means they can do them right Angus says: “St Helen’s Farm goats get a deliciously balanced diet of silage made from grass and red clover straight from our Yorkshire farmland This super-nutritious feed keeps them in top health and our milk tasting fresh, clean and milder than other brands We chill our milk to 2°C within just five minutes of milking and pack our milk daily so it finds its way to you fresher than fresh ”
After selling the dairy to a large corporate company in 2013 Angus and Kathleen took the dairy back in 2021 They had begun the business 36 years previously and Angus said at the time: “Now we can go back to managing everything from the goat’s to producing the best goat s milk products possible The brand is built on
quality and taste which is why it s so loved We love serving our loyal consumers and bringing even more into goat’s milk dairy ”
He adds: We believe running a business and giving back go hand in hand We support our local community by donating to charities, causes and organisations close to the hearts of those here at St Helen s Farm We like to think it s an extra reward for their hard work and lets us listen and learn more about the amazing community around us ”
www.sthelensfarm.co.uk
Conquest of France on the horizon for Jamaican patty pur veyor
Not content with bringing a taste of the Caribbean to the UK , Port Royal Patties now has its sights set on France – and beyond.
The company based in Wembley, London, has just signed a deal with a major French supplier, Isla Delice, which has cornered 40% of the French market in Muslim and halal foods
Edward Johnston, who set up the company, explained that they had been exporting small amounts to Holland but after Brexit the numbers they were dealing with proved to be not worth the paperwork and tariffs
He said, “ We’d pretty much given up on Europe after Brexit and then a company we had been dealing with was taken over by the Isla Delice brand They came to see what we were doing, really liked it, and then we signed this deal
They supply around 400 stores in France which is great for us, and now we re feeling really optimistic about being able to expand our brand further into Europe ”
The company has also moved into supplying frozen versions of its patties, in boxes of four, which is proving really popular And they started their own Deliveroo kitchen which has been serving the community around their Wembley base It s proving so popular they are now looking at establishing further kitchens around London
“ Things are looking good,” said Edward “ We’re getting more demand for mail order deliveries which
we ’ ve been doing quite informally for a while, but now we ’ re going to make that more of a thing
And our products are going really well in supermarkets, with our regular sales increasing and our turnover significantly growing ”
The business came about when Edward set out to find the perfect Jamaican patty in the UK but 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
Now 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
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 sunshine well at least making use of what we have here in Britain!
Port Royal Patties has 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 managed to slash its energy bills by 25% in the first month of use
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
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
www.portroyalpatties.com
Wine merchant raises a glass to the past while toasting the future
Friar wood is an independent fine wine and spirit merchant which honours its rich heritage while looking firmly to the future.
With two London shops, in Parsons Green and Wimbledon Village, the company is building on almost 60 years of history Founded in 1967 Friarwood Wines & Spirits has an illustrious history as a family-run business Ben Carfagnini took over Friarwood in 2015 and began expanding the business The team is now 18-people strong and serves more than 200 on-trade clients
Ben said, “Despite modernising, Friarwood is still very much in touch with its heritage We continue to cherish our long-standing relationships with distinguished producers in Bordeaux and Burgundy, but have since expanded our portfolio to include talented, independent producers from across the old and new world
With the help of its Head Buyer Auriane D’Aramon, Friarwood has expanded its portfolio to include wines from Italy, South Africa, Australia and the USA
Friarwood says it is firmly poised to take advantage of its rich heritage in the wine industry while still maintaining a keen eye on the future and the everchanging landscape
Ben added: We establish long-lasting relationships
with our producers, and have a deep connection with some of the most famous regions from Bordeaux to Tuscany and beyond www.friarwood.com
