Comfort to go in a crisis with Hot2HomeTM

Hungry Brits have turned to food for comfort during the pandemic with traditional fish and chips proving by far the most popular

ales figures from online takeaway delivery platform Foodhub have revealed demand for the nation’s favourite has more than doubled since lockdown kicked in, with a 208% increase in S orders. [Foodhub May 2020]. This is followed by Quarter Pounder Burgers (158%) and Doner Kebabs (156%) as homebound Brits look for ways to satisfy their taste for fast food.

Other foods on the up include Sausage and chips (up 152%), Chicken Burgers (147%) and Chicken Nuggets (146%). And you can bet your bottom dollar that fries will have been added to many of those fast food orders!

Even in ‘normal’ times, chips, wedges and fries make up 60% of potato servings out of home, accounting for the lion’s share of both value and volume, most being sold through fast food outlets and pub restaurants. [ADHB UK FoodServiceReview nov 2019]

But takeaway and home delivery operators still have to solve a soggy problem to keep everyone satisfied. Because fries don’t travel well. However crisp, golden and delicious they might be at the restaurant, they reach their destination cold and soggy.

That’s why Lamb Weston developed the exciting, unique concept that is Hot2Home™ Fries – currently shaking up the fries’ home delivery and takeaway market.

Andrea Deutschmanek, Lamb Weston’s Country Marketing Manager UK & ROI gives some expert insight…

“August and September were brilliant for foodservice in general, not just because of ‘Eat Out to Help Out’, although it was a massive factor. People were sitting outside due to great weather and foodservice was picking up nicely. We will, however, be keeping our eyes on the ever-changing situation. We’ve also seen an increase in the demand for frozen food – the advantages being that the produce is frozen at the peak of its quality, hygiene factors come into play and also longer Best Before Dates, just in case of further lockdown restrictions.

“Our exciting, award winning Hot2Home fries have revolutionised the delivery market, solving the soggy fries problem by staying hot and crispy for an amazing 20 minutes! And our newest launch, The Dukes of

Chippingdom, is hugely popular and on trend – a super tasty, thick-cut, homemade looking, proper pub chip. Cut from 100% British potatoes, it’s big on provenance as well as flavour and appearance.

“Both products deliver on the post-Covid trends; people ordering more food for delivery, and wanting it locally produced to help British businesses. Furthermore, a lot of businesses, and even pubs, moved away from their usual service and across to delivery and takeaway, to keep up with their sales when people were not allowed to dine in.

“Frozen food in general, including frozen potato products, will over-perform in foodservice as a relatively low cost item that brings healthy revenues for restaurants. Economy will also be important for consumers in a recession, so frozen will win in retail too.

“Frozen potato products tick the box when thinking about veganism and vegetarians too. As mentioned above, provenance is a key factor that will remain strong and grow even stronger. This will be especially significant for the UK given the Brexit situation and costs that may come along with import and export duties. Also, technology development and increased use in our daily lives will play an even greater role in the near future while virtual distance and contact and contactless payments will remain!”

For innovative ideas, recipes and potato inspiration, head over to www.lambweston.eu/uk , call 0800 963962 or email us at salesUK@lambweston.eu

Heinz “Click & Chips” Apps Are Working Hard To Save British Fish & Chip Shops

Following the Government’s recent announcement regarding a second national lockdown, it is more important than ever for fish and chip shops to adapt to the current climate and ensure they are able to operate through take-away and delivery

Since launching its “Click & Chips” campaign in September, Heinz has so far helped British chip shops to take over 6,000 orders, generating £80,000 worth of revenue.

Heinz teamed up with fish and chip shops up and down the country to launch a series of brand-new apps to celebrate the great British chippie and help save businesses from closure. There are now close to 30 “Click & Chips” apps actively taking orders, enabling chip shops to have their very own service where customers can pre-order from their smartphones.

The campaign set out to help get Britain’s chip shops back on their feet after the initial lockdown earlier this year, which saw a staggering 80% close . At the beginning of lockdown one of the biggest issues facing chip shops was a lack of infrastructure to launch delivery and click and collect services . With more uncertainty on the horizon, the campaign will continue to help to support chip shops during these challenging times.

Claire Traynor, Head of Foodservice at Heinz, says: “Fish suppers from the local chippy are a much-loved British institution - especially when paired with a dollop of Heinz sauce. But chippies, like many of us, haven’t had it easy this year. So, here at Heinz, we wanted to do something to help get them back on their feet.”

“By working together with fish and chip shop owners across the UK we’ve been delighted to help them start their own apps in the hope it encourages people to order directly from their favorite chippy and support them through these uncertain times.”

All apps are free to download on Apple and Android.

For more information and a full list of participating stores visit www.clicknchips.co.uk.