3 minute read
New products
WORLD-CLASS KEYNOTE PROGRAMMES
Renowned for attracting some of the best names in business, 2022 speakers included senior representatives from Pizza Pilgrims, UKHospitality, Wahaca, Brewdog, Subway, Greggs, Marks & Spencer and PizzaExpress, and who all shared their insights in a range of keynotes and panel sessions.
The theatres drew in the crowds for exclusive interviews with Ganan Kanagathurai (UK CEO of Itsu), Will Stratton-Morris (UK CEO of Caffè Nero), Tim Martin (chairman of JD Wetherspoon), Marta Pogroszewska (MD of GAIL’s), chef Tom Aikens, Brian Trollip (MD of Dishoom) and many more.
“Commercial Kitchen is one of the best shows I have attended, and you would be foolish to miss it. It showcases the very latest technology, as well as being able to mingle with like-minded people from the industry, which truly helps you to keep ahead of the competition,” said Tom Aikens, chef patron, Muse by Tom Aikens.
“Casual Dining is the biggest and most comprehensive event of its type in the UK. Everyone’s here, so it’s a great opportunity to catch up with all the suppliers to see what’s new in the industry. It’s a fun place to be as well,” said Brian Trollip, MD of Dishoom.
“Attending Commercial Kitchen is extremely important to discover industry innovations. A must attend for chefs to help improve their kitchens,” said Cyrus Todiwala OBE DL DBA, Chef Patron, Café Spice Namasté.
“These shows provide the perfect opportunity to come together and share experiences. The more we talk, the more we share. lunch! is a great place to get exposure, from the small guys to the big guys, and it’s important for leaders to get in touch with these up-andcoming brands and talk to young entrepreneurs in the industry face to face. That’s why this show is so important!” said Ganan Kanagathurai, UK CEO, Itsu.
INNOVATION CHALLENGE WINNERS
The three exciting Innovation Challenges celebrated new products launched in the last 12 months. The shortlisted finalists were decided by popular vote at the Innovation Challenge Gallery on the show’s opening day. A panel of judges then decided if the innovation was worth a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award on day two.
The Coconut Collab, Huel, LOVE CORN, Ombar Chocolate, GW Projects, Unox UK, Welbilt, Hoshizaki UK, Clean Co, The Meatless Farm, OGGS, The Simple Root, La Vie Foods and others all received Gold in the Innovation Challenge.
To see the full results for each show, visit: lunch! - www.lunchshow.co.uk/innovation-challenge
Commercial kitchen
www.commercialkitchenshow.co.uk/innovation-challenge
Casual Dining
www.casualdiningshow.co.uk/innovation-challenge-2022
THE FOOD SHOWS LONDON
Casual Dining, lunch! and Commercial Kitchen will return in 2023, co-located at ExCeL London on 27-28 September 2023. Diversified Communications say that they will also be bringing back the prestigious Casual Dining Awards. Taking place on 27 April 2023, these awards are a celebration of the best multi-site restaurants, pubs and bars in the UK.
Futura Foods, Mediterranean dairy specialists launch RAGAZZI! – a new Italian cheese range for UK convenience retail
Futura Foods has launched a family of Italian dairy products under a distinctive new brand.
RAGAZZI!, coming from an Italian phrase used to address a group of familiar people, similar to Brit’s saying “hey guys”, is making its debut in Spar stores across the South West. With a focus on provenance and quality, the RAGAZZI! range features premium Italian classics in convenient and accessible formats for consumers.
The range includes Parmigiano Reggiano DOP in both wedge and grated formats, a creamy mozzarella ball and bite-sized pearls, as well as a classic hard cheese shaker for adding those finishing touches to dishes like spaghetti Bolognese. Products come from carefully selected partner dairies across Italy, each with a passion for their craft and years of experience.
Italian food remains a staple within UK households, with research from Hello Fresh this year confirming that “Italian food is the most popular for the second year running”. It looks set to remain this way with research from thefoodpeopleTM (2022-23 UK Trends) reporting that Italian cuisine ranks highest for both ‘mass appeal’ and in ‘evidence of trend setting influence’.
Furthermore, speciality hard cheese is a growth area within UK retail with Nielsen data (4 Weeks to 27 August 2022) showing the category grew by 6.5%. Add in the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium reporting the British consumed over 150,000 wheels of the cheese through 2021, and UK sales were up a further 7.3% in the first quarter of this year, makes it the perfect opportunity for retailers to expand their offering.
“RAGAZZI! now gives consumers a fantastic option on the shelves. It is perfectly positioned between the market leading brand and own label, in ideal formats for convenience,” said Rhian Kinman, senior marketing manager for Futura Foods.
