Food & Drink Matters Issue 159

Importaco Group expands its agricultural integration programme

Importaco, the European leader in the production of nuts and dried fruit, has expanded its agricultural integration programme

dedicated to ensuring the responsible sourcing of its produce. This year, the company introduced a new element to its farming integration project – established in 2013 – with the creation of its FEED agricultural programme. The programme aims to align strategies and priorities across Importaco’s different product-origin countries to guarantee the supply of raw materials with assurances relating to quality and food safety and the implementation of environmentally friendlier agricultural practices.

FEED sees Importaco carry out a rigorous process of risk assessment. The company monitors agricultural situations, draws up profiles for each crop, determines the risks related to the varieties of crop used, growing techniques, and the causes of crop defects.

Importaco collaborates with and supports farmers as part of the FEED process. The company operates business partnerships, runs training sessions for growers, provides ad hoc support to farmers, and stipulates environmental and quality requirements.

Currently, FEED is being applied in Spain, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and China. In Spain, Importaco is working with more than 100 producers across 7,500 hectares; in Latin America, 10 farmers and 10,800 hectares; and in China, 267 farmers and 1,132 hectares. In total, FEED comprises agreements with over 450 farmers, covering 10,000 hectares of farmland, and affecting the production of 35,900 tonnes of nuts and dried fruit.

https://importaco.com/en/home/

Washoku World Challenge

Washoku World Challenge, the international Japanese cuisine contest organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan, is delighted to announce the six finalists for its 9th edition. They are:

● Mr Wing Chun Wilson CHAN – Kiyoi Inc, USA

● Mr Mike CHU Pui Hei – MIZUTANI at ALVA HOTEL BY ROYAL, Hong Kong

● Mr Evandro Hidetoshi KAWANAMI – YUNAGI EDOMAE-ZUSHI, Brazil

● Ms LEE Hyeon Jeong – NAKAMURA ACADEMY, South Korea

● Mr Paride PASETTI – Maru, UK

● Mr YANG Peishih – Tsukiyoiwa, Taiwan

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the final tournament, which had been planned to be held in Tokyo, has been cancelled. In its place, the six finalists will have the opportunity to attend a special online lesson with a top Japanese Chef, where they will receive advice on the recipes and dishes they each submitted in the video screening round of the contest.

Comments from Head Judge, Mr Yoshihiro MURATA, were filmed and are available to watch on YouTube, and an accompanying film featuring photos of the finalists and their culinary creations, together with comments on each of the dishes from the Judges, is available to watch on YouTube

All six finalists will now enjoy a special online lesson with one of three top Japanese Chefs. These special online lessons will offer each finalist an exceptional opportunity to receive advice. Furthermore, and for the first time in the history of the contest, these special online lessons will be live-streamed and open to audiences around the world. All six will be free to watch online, available to enjoy live or on-demand on the Washoku World Challenge YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/channel/ UC4REO4qPFXYgL-rCCKNuSNg

Editor Recommends

Favrit launches its guest experience platform in the UK

Favrit, the successful Nordic technology company, has recently launched in the UK market. Favrit aims to revolutionise the way restaurants and bars are run by making operations simple and profitable via its hybrid mobile ordering solution which uniquely combines a digital and personal service to ensure the best guest experience.

Differentiating itself from its POS and digital competitors, Favrit is a guest experience platform that can be used by food and beverage brands, hotels, restaurants, and consumers alike, all in one simple, easy to use platform.

Hotels, restaurants, and bars using Favrit can choose how they want guests to order and pay.

The company provides a hybrid ordering combination where

both server and guests can add orders to the open bill and guests can easily pay when they are ready to leave without waiting for a server to become free. Or a traditional server service where waiters take all orders and payments can be in operation.

Alternatively, guests can use the self-service QR code option to order and pay via mobile phone, giving waiters more time to provide a personal service to those guests that want it.

Favrit helps venues focus on delivering an outstanding guest experience by allowing staff to focus on giving guests a personable experience by upselling and offering recommendations.

www.web.favrit.com/uk

Artisan Food Producer of

Roni B’s Kitchen, born in Manila, made in UK

In this issue of Food and Drink Matters, we are pleased to announce Roni B’s Kitchen as our Artisan Food Producer of the Month.

Established in 2017, Roni B’s Kitchen has distinctively scaled up over the past five years. In 2019 and 2020, the company received two Great Taste Awards, and last year, its Garlic Chilli Oil received 1-star award, which led to a third consecutive year of winning this award, and because of this Roni B’s Kitchen was officially branded a Great Taste Producer.

Despite the obvious challenges from COVID19, Roni B’s Kitchen has successfully managed a 10% growth. Stocked in 27 shops and online retailers, the range currently includes eight

products categorised as sauces, chillies, jams and marmalades.

Roni Bandong, founder of Roni B’s Kitchen, explained the company in more detail. “We are an artisan food producer championing the flavours of the Philippines. One of the things we want to do besides producing good tasting products is to educate people about Filipino cuisine and how it interacts and blends with other Southeast Asian cuisines. We do this through the recipes we post on our website and social media platforms.”

Boasting five-star reviews, customers have remarked its products as “Versatile with excellent taste” and “exceptional sauces that are delicious and a fantastic gift”. With the recent popularity of Asian Cuisine due to the late success of hit TV show Squid Game, Roni is hoping this will have a knock-on effect for other world foods such as Filipino cuisine.

Currently based in Walton on Thames,

In this issue of Food and Drink Matters, we are pleased to announce 8Foods as our Ketogenic Wholefoods Company of the Month.

The ketogenic diet (keto) has been a topical subject in the diet industry for many years. Through a change of diet, lifestyle and eating habits, the Keto diet essentially forces the body to run off stored fats for energy rather than carbohydrates.

The diet requires a high fat, low carb and moderate protein intake and has been highlighted by medical professionals who have endorsed the benefits of a near zero-carb diet that has been proven to reverse and prevent certain illnesses such as diabetes by lowering the overall level of sugar in the blood. This type of diet can be extremely monotonous, leading to cravings that could knock you off track.

Surrey, you will find Roni B’s Kitchen at many farmers and artisan markets across Sussex, South London, Buckinghamshire, and Hampshire. The entire range is vegan friendly and includes Philippine Adobo Sauce – created from a family recipe, Ihaw Ihaw BBQ Sauce, Black Bean Chilli Oil which has been featured in BBC Good Food Magazine, Amazon Top Seller Black Bean Chilli Paste, Garlic Chilli Oil winner of 1-star Great Taste Award 2021, Garlic Chilli Paste, Tamarind Jam, and two-star Great Taste Award winner 2020 Kalamansi Marmalade –which is a Philippine lime marmalade.

cafés, and one day we hope to be in mainstream UK supermarkets. We are also exploring the possibility of other distribution channels so we can export to SEA, the Middle East and USA,” stated Roni.

In addition to a website-based loyalty programme that is soon to launch, Roni B’s Kitchen is also looking to expand its promotional merchandise as part of its Merch With A Cause campaign where each promotional product sold, £1 goes to Purple Community Fund, a charity set up to help marginalised Filipino families.

“We cater to all consumers from expats, world travellers and foodies, to culinary explorers. For trade we are looking to increase our presence in farm and fine food shops, delis and

Ketogenic Wholefoods Company of the Month

In recent product innovation, Roni B’s Kitchen is adding two more products to the range. A new Hot Pepper Chilli Sauce, “It’s my answer to Tabasco,” said Roni, and currently in development is one of the Philippines best loved sauces, Banana Ketchup. A popular fruit ketchup that has recently become popular in the UK market and will be a great addition to the range.

M 07474 891166

sales@ronibkitchen.co.uk www.ronibkitchen.co.uk

Fuel your health with 8Foods

Let us introduce 8Foods, a natural producer of gluten, grain, dairy and refined-sugar free products that are also keto and paleo friendly. With no fillers, additives, preservatives or artificial sweeteners, 8Foods has developed an extensive product range that is 100% natural and seductively tasty.

After single-handedly reversing her pre-diabetic symptoms by taking the approach of a ketogenic diet and lifestyle, Alexi established the business in 2014. With proven experience and expertise of the benefits of a high-raw, gluten, dairy and refined-sugar free diet, Alexi started out making products from her home kitchen in Battersea, and today, has turned 8Foods into a multi-award-winning business with multiple retail partners including Wholefoods, Planet Organic, Revital, and Selfridges.

Designed to offer healthy and tasty alternatives, the Keto8 brand depicts longevity, health and vitality.

Two new products recently added to the range are Keto Pizza Bases and Keto Raspberry Chia Jam. The pizza base is only 7.7g net carbs versus 50g for a regular base.

“We use clean, nutritious ingredients to create an excellent, high-quality product that tastes amazing. It’s also gut friendly, due to its high fibre content, and a good source of vitamin E, riboflavin, magnesium and manganese,” stated Alexi.

8Foods began as a raw food company, Cru8, and in 2021 evolved to add a sister brand, Keto8. Keto8 has quickly turned into one of the UK’s most promising and sought-after brands in the ketogenic, health food market. Keto8 is a low carb, low sugar, gluten and dairy-free range of products that are great for on-the-go and suitable for diabetics. Its product range includes sweet snacks, brownies, cakes, savoury snacks, breads, and bagels.

Made with three ingredients, the Keto Raspberry Chia Jam is the ideal low carb, low sugar alternative to standard jam. Alexi commented, “It’s only 5.4g carbs per 100g versus normal jam that is around 57g per 100g. It has a deliciously rich raspberry flavour and is wonderful on toast or swirled into a Keto Eton Mess.”

8Foods has grown considerably, doubling sales throughout 2020 and 2021. Hoping for greater expansion with the possibility of new recruitment, Alexi explained what the company aspires to achieve, “We hope to inspire and empower our customers on their quest for boundless

health and wellbeing. We’re constantly looking at NPD to expand the range and are looking to get our products into supermarkets to make them more widely available. I believe an antiinflammatory diet that is low carb is something one needs to follow for a healthy lifestyle. It’s not a fad, it’s here to stay and there is huge scope within this space. Our products are differentiated by the fact that they are packed with nutrients, are clean and taste great. Not only do they support physical health but one’s emotional wellbeing.”

Contact T 020 3794 6361 www.8foods.co.uk

BBC Good Food Show Winter Review – Top

All the ingredients for the ultimate festive foodie day out!

The ultimate day out for food-lovers returned to Birmingham from 25-28 November 2021 with an incredible range of independent, artisan food and drink producers, well known brands, live stages and a sensational Big Kitchen where an unrivalled line-up of top chefs cooked live on stage.

With so much to taste, buy, indulge in, entertain and inspire visitors, it was the perfect way to start a Christmas countdown and enjoy a foodie’s dream day out! In the Big Kitchen, visitors could watch all their favourite celebrity chefs and experts cooking delicious dishes live on stage, as they showed off their culinary skills and fed the imagination with gastronomic ideas.

The BBC Good Food Show Winter is the original and biggest consumer food and drink show in the UK; with over 85,000 visitors and 450 exhibitors, the show is the perfect platform to promote your company to a dedicated and passionate audience of food lovers.

The Winter Show returns to Birmingham’s NEC next year from 24-27 November 2022. The Summer Show turns up sooner at the NEC from 16-19 June 2022. This is our pick of the best exhibitors from last year’s Winter show, listed here in alphabetical order: The Brownie Box, Chamberlin & Hill, Cheese Nibbles, The Cornish Biltong Company, Jack Berry™, JonoKnife, Munchy Seeds, Simply Grow Ltd & Trekco Ltd. Further details can be found on this page and the next.

www.bbcgoodfoodshow.com

Baking a healthier, tastier and brighter future

Jack Berry is a wholefoods supplier and an ethical company, that delivers a range of healthy gluten-free, organic and vegan flours. Its range consists of gluten-free flours, speciality flours, bread mixes, raw seeds and honeys.

The company’s ethos is echoed throughout its operations, which is to promote good health and wellbeing for all and to encourage individuals to make good, informed nutritional choices, based on the latest medical advice.

With meticulous attention to detail, Jack Berry™ ensures that it selects the highest quality grains and seeds which are delivered to you in the form of a varied selection of flours. These flours include: chickpea, spelt, red lentil, rye, amaranth, buckwheat, oat, green pea, emmer and einkorn.

The company works closely with the Vegan Society UK and Coeliac UK, providing assurance for its customers that its flours are fully regulated and endorsed by these societies. Furthermore, all of Jack Berry™ flours are natural and additive and preservative-free.

At Jack Berry™, customers’ health is of the utmost importance and the company constantly increases and updates its product offering, to ensure optimal nutritional value at an affordable price. In addition to the company’s passion about health, Jack Berry™ takes pride in how its food is produced, tastes, and its effect on the environment. As such, the company aims to deliver a diverse range of high quality ethically sourced products in eco-friendly and recyclable packaging.

Munchy Seeds

Originating in New Zealand, Munchy Seeds is a family run business with expertise in natural gluten free seed mixes. Based in sunny Suffolk since 1999, they have been toasting, roasting and flavouring different seed blends in small batches to become the UK’s No.1 artisan seed specialists. They source the best British seeds with other indigenous varieties grown in Europe and South America. Their delicious seed mixes are all GLUTEN FREE with choices from: sweet, savoury, spicy and chocolate coated!

Perfect for sprinkling, snacking and of course ‘munching’ on, their roasted seeds add a lovely healthy boost to any meal and can be just as easily eaten on the go. Vegetarians, vegans and plantbased eaters love the added crunch and texture they bring to every occasion.

Their seeds are available online and in retail. They also have their own state-of-the-art roastery where they blend exclusive mixes for foodservice and the catering sectors.

Trekco Ltd

Founded in 2019, Trekco Ltd has come a long way for such a young company. With the expertise of its founders behind it, this company benefits from its team’s combined 25 years of experience in the industry of sourcing, developing, and producing food and drink products.

Overall, Trekco’s main goal is to develop products that are environmentally friendly and naturally produced. This has developed Trekco’s staunch dedication to environmental responsibility when it comes to the products they work with, partnering with farmers directly.

Trekco therefore has taken note of this focus, with a positive approach on developing products that contain natural, organic ingredients, without chemicals, sweeteners, or additives. This has most recently spurred forward its partnership with the Gkotzas Family, working in collaboration in order to produce our first range of branded Troy Raw Greek Medicinal Honeys.

For convenient, tasty snacks anytime anywhere, or for an excellent addition to all your cooking, Munchy Seeds has the ideal answer for your needs.

T 01728 833004 trade@munchyseeds.co.uk www.munchyseeds.co.uk

With

The Gkotzas Family has been producing raw honey for centuries using traditional methods and recipes that have been passed down through the family. Our Raw Greek Mountain Honey in 2021 was awarded Gold Medal for the quality of honey by the London International Honey Awards. Our honey range consists of the Mountain, Pine, Oak & most recently added natural Orange Vitamin C honey.

think

T 01253 370083 www.jack-berry.com Br-W0W-nie

In 2016, owner Emily started her journey into baking when she decided to sell a few Mother’s Day cupcakes from Coventry, UK. Gaining popularity and becoming a beloved business, Emily established The Brownie Box in 2021 with a premises in FarGo Village.

Baked to perfection, The Brownie Box is an indulgent experience, delivering devilishly delicious bakes in a variety of flavours and options. Offering a tempting menu consisting of favourites such as brownies, cookies, stuffed cookies, blondies and even celebration cakes, The Brownie Box delivers scrumptious goodies for all occasions.

Whether it’s a birthday cake, a present for a loved one or just to enjoy for yourself; The Brownie Box has something for everyone. With favourite flavours and toppings including hazelnut, Biscoff, Kinder Bueno, Ferrero Rocher, salted caramel, Oreo and many more.

One of its many notable goodies is its Brownie Mountain, a sculpted structure of brownies, made from a selection of flavoured brownies, cookies, chocolate bars and biscuits. An over the top brownie sensation, the Brownie Mountain is the perfect way to celebrate an occasion and, (if you want to) share with friends and family. They also come with a card topper as standard.

If you would like to find out any more information, please see the details below. www.thebrownieboxbyemily.com

T 0800 043 3014 M 07932 763778 info@trekcoltd.co.uk www.troyrawgreekhoney.com www.trekcoltd.co.uk

this alongside its work in essential oils, partnering with M & A doo Stolac from Bosnia & Herzegovina, Trekco Ltd is excited to continue making waves in its industry, with many big plans in the works.

BBC Good Food Show Winter Review – Top Exhibitors

Cheese Nibbles

Cheese Nibbles are from the heart of the Shropshire Hills, and lovingly created by cheese lovers! The business was started in 2012 by farmers’ son, Ed, in order to fill the quieter times with his outside catering company. At first the Nibbles were sold to farm shops and delis around Shropshire; the business has expanded rapidly, and they are now available up and down the country.

We have four delicious flavours in the range. Parmesan and Chilli Sables, which are perfect for canapes or as a quick snack – incredibly moreish. Pistachio and Parmesan Sables, which are created using the finest ingredients for a delicious melt in your mouth flavour. Our Emmental Amulets are simple, versatile and bursting with flavour. Finally, our Stilton

& Almond Sables can be perfectly paired with Port and Artisan cheeses. At the Farm Shop and Deli Show 2020 we are launching four NEW flavours to add to the range – so watch this space!

Although our pot is plastic the uses are endless – eating the Nibbles is the hardest part. The pot can be used as a soup, paint,

and storage pot or even use for your overnight oats.

Contact T 01694 731305 enquiries@cheesenibbles.co.uk www.cheesenibbles.co.uk www.facebook.com/ CheeseNibbles www.instagram.com/cheese. nibbles

Grow Health, Grow Life, Grow Together

Simply Grow Ltd provides you with fresh, organic microgreens that are jam-packed with nutrients and vitamins. Our hydroponically grown microgreens are perfect for commercial or domestic clients. You can even grow your own microgreens at home with our home growing kits, gift boxes and organic seeds.

At Simply Grow we’re committed to providing fresh, healthy and organic food to people and helping them take control of what they eat. Our microgreens are perfect for everyone to enjoy, learn about the growing process and get the nutrients & vitamins they need. No chemicals are used on our seeds, we source locally from 100% non-GMO organic suppliers, and we’re committed to zero waste.

By growing our microgreens to order we’re able to reduce our waste and cut down on our carbon footprint. Meaning not only are our microgreens great for you, but they're also great for the planet. Microgreens are young vegetable greens that are highly nutritious, easy to grow and great for the environment. Studies have shown that microgreens contain up to 40 times more nutrients than mature leaves of the same plant.

More information about who we are: Sylwia – I grew up in Poland, where we ate fresh, flavourful, local food daily. So when I moved to the UK, the difference in food intake was a shock. That’s why Max and I want to bring delicious, healthy, organic local

produce to the UK and help transform people’s eating habits.

Max – I’m the ‘geek’ – the inventor. I love sharing the same vision as Sylwia, to bring fantastic, fresh foods to the UK. But I want to do it using as few resources and with as little waste as possible. We believe it’s everyone’s responsibility to look after each other and the planet. That’s why we’re bringing this fresh approach to the UK.

www.simplygrowshop.co.uk www.instagram.com/simply_growltd www.facebook.com/SimplyGrowLtd

Cooking up a storm at the Good Food Show

Emba Cookware is a range of cast iron cookware developed and manufactured by Chamberlin & Hill, a leading UK Cast Iron foundry, with an impressive history of manufacturing castings on its site for over 125 years. Since its inception, Chamberlin & Hill has been producing high quality iron castings and precision components, from its Walsall foundry. The company supplies first class engineering solutions to a diverse range of industry sectors including: automotive, construction, power generation, steel, rail, hydraulics and industrial product sectors.

Serving such a breadth of industry sectors, Chamberlin & Hill has been able to diversify to meet growing demands in consumer-led products. Through this demand, the company created its cookware brand: Emba Cookware.

Cast iron has proven itself to be an incredible material for cookware, providing high durability and longevity. Using the company’s expertise in cast iron, Emba Cookware was launched to provide one of the finest ranges of cast iron cookware.

Emba Cookware exhibited at the Good Food Show 2021, Emba Cookware used the opportunity to

launch its first two items; the cast iron skillet and cast iron reversible griddle.

The reversible griddle consists of a ribbed side and smooth side, which enables it to be able to provide a great char look and tasting quality, making it the perfect tool for meat, and the smooth side is ideal for food such as pizzas or pancakes. The 10” skillet is ideal for cooking many dishes and creates great tasting meals, including favourites such as a full English breakfast.

For more information, please see below.

https://embacookware.co.uk/

The Cornish Biltong Company

Seriously good biltong needs seriously good beef. That’s why we only use the finest cuts of beef from Cornwall and Devon to make our delicious biltong. Free from artificial chemicals and preservatives, we do everything we can to ensure that our biltong not only tastes great, but makes you feel great too.

Established in Launceston, North Cornwall, in 2016, we have worked tirelessly to bring our customers the absolute crème de la crème of biltong: tender, delicately seasoned, rich slices of beef that have been gently marinated in our unique blend of herbs and spices, before being dry cured to an exact degree of tender deliciousness, to bring you the absolute best.

Our journey began when our two rugby-playing founders decided to feed their craving for high quality, yet nutritious snacks, that are easy to prepare, and most importantly eat... And so it was

info@cornishbiltong.co.uk www.cornishbiltong.co.uk

is a handcrafted bread saw, which has been expertly crafted to incorporate an extra thin, Sheffield made blade to slice bread.

Specifically designed to slice every section of the loaf perfectly (from crust to soft), the JonoKnife is a swift, gliding tool and is one of the best bread knives on the market.

The JonoKnife is handcrafted on a small farm in the English countryside. The design was inspired by an age-old bow bread saw or fiddle bow knife design, originating from the Appalachian Mountains in America.

It utilises a Sheffield made scalloped blade, which is about six times thinner than that of a normal bread knife blade. This thinness enables the knife to be able to cut both soft and fresh breads effortlessly, requiring little to no pressure and can just as easily slice through hard crustier breads such as tiger bread or sourdough.

JonoKnife provides its knives in a variety of wood finishes and are available in both left and right-handed versions.

For any more information, please see below. T +44 (0)1183 527343 www.jonoknife.co.uk

born, The Cornish Biltong Company. Dreamed up, developed, sourced, curated, matured, sliced, packed and distributed in Cornwall – the heart of Britain’s best produce.

Healthy Living Matters

New at VOG Products: Dried apples and vinegar base

VOG Products, the innovative fruit processing company from Trentino-South Tyrol, is known for its apple juices and purées. The company now offers an even broader spectrum of healthy natural products, primarily targeting the baked goods and sweets industries, alongside the vinegar industry.

Thanks to continuous investment in new technologies and work on innovations, VOG Products successfully develops customer-specific solutions and products. “As experts in apple processing, we intensively explore the spectrum of product innovations that we can use to satisfy our customers’ specific needs even better or address new customer segments,” explained Christoph Tappeiner, CEO of VOG Products.

This year, the fruit processing company headquartered in Laives (South Tyrol – Südtirol)

produced a base for apple vinegar (cider) for the first time. After all, a current development in the market shows that the trend is moving from balsamic vinegar towards apple vinegar. For apple vinegar, VOG Products has special tanks for fermentation. Concentrate and juice from high-quality raw goods are used as base for the cider that is further processed by the vinegar industry.

Another new addition to the VOG Products assortment: apple flour and dried apples in the form of rings or cubes – as our customers wish –from various apple varieties. With these products, VOG Products primarily targets the baked goods and sweets industries, as well as granola producers and suppliers of fruit preparations.

The continuous availability of premium raw goods, traceability and the highest quality and

safety standards are important components of VOG Products’ recipe for success. At the same time, the fruit processing company established in 1967 values innovation and further development highly. VOG Products now belongs to 4 producers’ organisations from South Tyrol and Trentino plus 18 co-operatives from South Tyrol with a total of around 10,000 members.

Practical bag-in-box

VOG Products provides healthy, safe and highquality products that are individually adapted to customer requirements and wishes. That principally applies to the company’s products, but includes packaging as well.

VOG Products recently acquired an aseptic filling plant for small containers (bag-in-box). After all, bakeries, pastry shops, ice cream manufacturers, catering companies, cafeterias and many others

often require small packages in order to produce desserts, ice cream or other products and dishes based on fruit.

After successfully completed tests and product validations, VOG Products launched the first filling processes in late summer of this year. Direct juice, concentrate, purée or chunky products can now be filled into small containers of 3 to 25kg.

Alongside apples, VOG Products processes and refines pears, kiwi, peaches and apricots for filling the small containers. Depending on customer requirements, all products are available from integrated production or organic cultivation, monovarietal or combined. info@vog-products.it www.vog-products.it

Investment for the 2022 Dried Fruit Alliance campaign is doubled due to 2021 success

● The International Nut and Dried Fruit Council boost funding for this year’s campaign

● Olympian and I’m a Celeb star Matty Lee MBE is fronting the campaign

The Dried Fruit Alliance is joining forces once again in 2022 with its third campaign to raise awareness and re-educate consumers about the health benefits and versatility of eating more dried fruit.

On the committee this year is dried fruit heavy-weight brands Whitworths, California Prune Board, Dried Fruits Australia, Raisins South Africa, Aegean Exporters Union, International Dried Grape Conference and Community Foods UK. With the support of the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC), the total campaign investment in 2022 has grown by 90%, nearly doubling the budget from last year.

2021’s #EatMoreDriedFruit campaign, fronted by TV personality Denise Van Outen, reached over 26 million people across trade, national and consumer press, and social media. The success of this campaign in generating positive social sentiment and communicating key health benefits of eating dried fruit has encouraged further investment in 2022.

This year’s campaign is fronted by Tokyo Olympic Gold Medallist, and I’m a Celebrity star, Matty Lee MBE, supported by a mix of lifestyle, foodie, nutrition, and medical influencers including TV medic, Dr Zoe Williams. The line-up of talent is helping to deliver key messaging around the versatility and health benefits of eating dried fruit to their engaged community of social followers.

Matty Lee comments, “I’ve always loved dried fruit; it was an essential fuel while I was training for the Olympics last year. I literally add it to anything and everything – from my morning smoothie to salads. So when the Dried Fruit Alliance approached me to work with them, I was over the moon. There are so many health benefits to eating dried fruit. Just 30g counts as one of your 5-a-day, and with important nutrients to help maintain healthy

immune and digestive systems, it really is the gold medal of snacks.”

Over the last year, changes in consumer attitudes were closely correlated to lockdown announcements, with health moving down

the list of importance as lockdown periods continued. As restrictions have eased, the importance of health has recovered and it is now at its highest level since the start of the pandemic, and above the five-year average (Kantar usage panel 21st March 2021). The Dried Fruit Alliance has identified this as an opportunity to establish dried fruit’s position in the market as a versatile, healthy cooking and snacking essential.

Phil Gowland, Commerical Director at Whitworths, said, “We’ve once again partnered with our allies in the dried fruit industry to actively encourage wider category growth. After the success of our #EatMoreDriedFruit campaign in 2021, we can really see the value in working with high-profile talent to communicate the benefits of dried fruit and reach a new audience that may not have considered adding dried fruit to their diets.

“As it stands, 92% of children aged 11-18 years and 73% of adults are not getting their five a day. With just 30g of dried fruit counting towards one of the 5-a-day, this year we’re conducting consumer research to add insight as an extra layer to the campaign to firstly understand what the barrier to reaching these guidelines are, and then offer dried fruit as an achievable solution.

“As we emerge from lockdown, we have already seen a shift in consumer behaviour toward dried fruit to improve nutritional intake. With its naturally healthy credentials and broad range of nutritional benefits, we see now as being a really key time to push positive messaging to consumers.”

Food-To-Go Solutions Company of the Month

Advancing the world of food-to-go

In this issue of Food and Drink Matters, we are pleased to announce Flexeserve as our Food-ToGo Solutions Company of the Month.

“We are the hot food-to-go experts and are the leading supplier to supermarket retail, convenience, hospitality and quick-serve/food-to-go sectors. Our product enables our customers to serve their customers with high quality hot food. We are able to significantly extend food shelf-life by utilising our unique technology meaning our customers can benefit from drastically reduced food waste and improved customer experience,” stated Warwick Wakefield, Customer Experience Director.

Flexeserve is a brand of The Alan Nuttall Partnership and is an industry leader in hotholding units and food-to-go solutions. Flexeserve has dedicated over 25 years of extensive research and development within the heated displays and hot food merchandising market, being the only company capable of delivering true hot-holding for

its customers through its trademarked Flexeserve Solution. “This all-encompassing approach to supporting our customers includes packaging advice, cook method recommendations, recipe development & operational support. By helping our customers with all of the essential items to deliver a successful hot-holding programme, we are able to ensure that hot food-to-go is launched in any environment without any problems,” said Warwick.

Operating out of its 40,000ft2 headquarters in Hinckley, Leicestershire, Flexeserve has recently

opened a brand-new partner area called The Hive, an inclusive place to bring their people together. Flexeserve is part of an employee-owned business comprised of 150 Partners of staff and is set to expand throughout North America. “The changes we have made throughout our business have enabled us to more than double our output in a year and win the Leicestershire Live Business Award for Excellence in Manufacturing,” said Warwick.

Flexeserve has a unique and patented range of heating units that are ideal for use in any environment where hot food can be served. The Flexeserve Hub® is the only unit that can hothold packaged food orders – ready for purchase, pickup or delivery. Using the same patented air recirculation technology found in the Flexeserve Zone®, it can hot-hold packaged food products of any shape or size in large quantities. “We launched Flexeserve Hub during the height of the pandemic, we have already seen incredible sales growth for this new product,” said Warwick.

Its flagship heated display, the Flexeserve Zone®, remains the world’s number one hot food unit. Utilising hot air recirculation technology, it delivers true hot-holding at different temperatures within the same unit enabling a wider variety of food storage.

In closing Warwick explained Flexeserve’s next steps, “We are developing our growth plans across North America as well as a strategy for Europe, with some new products to assist our customers in delivering the best hot food possible.”

T 01455 638300 info@flexeserve.com www.flexeserve.com

Imbibe Live Review – Top Exhibitors

Imbibe Live’s bumper line-up

Taking place from 13-14 September 2021 at Olympia London, Imbibe Live, the UK’s leading drinks industry event, reunited the industry with a fantastic line-up of tutored tastings, insightful panel sessions and world class cocktail demonstrations, all curated in partnership with Imbibe Live’s ambassadors and leading industry experts.

A jam-packed line-up of interactive, industry-leading content took place across three theatres over two whole days – the ‘Cocktail Lounge’, the ‘Tasting Room’ and ‘Industry Matters’. This is where the movers and shakers of the industry served delicious drinks while sharing their knowledge and expertise, and providing invaluable insight into the hot topics, business

needs, and trends that are shaping a post-COVID world.

The ‘Cocktail Lounge’ played host to a dynamic mixology lab where some of the UK’s most renowned bartenders took to the stage to showcase and share their skills.

In the ‘Tasting Room’, visitors were treated to a series of tutored tastings, in a place where visitors could refine their palates, discover new and

Franklin & Sons

Franklin & Sons is an awardwinning brand which brings innovation and incredible taste to tonic water, soft drinks, sodas and pre-mixed cans. Founded in London in 1886 by the three Franklin brothers, Albert, Frederick and George, they began creating soft drinks after a trip to America and over 130 years later, we stay true to the family’s passion for authentic and great-tasting drinks.

Our products contain 100% natural flavours and never include preservatives or sweeteners so when adding to a spirit or cocktail, we won’t ever compromise the flavour, only enhance it and because of this

we’ve been recognised for several awards over the last few years.

Franklin & Sons is proud to have been recognised for quality and taste at some of the most prestigious industry awards, including most recently winning and maintaining our Great Producer stance at the Great Taste Awards, bringing back another 4 awards.

exciting brands while improving their understanding of a number of key categories including Craft Beer, modern British Cider, Wine, Sour Beer and Sake.

Some of the industry’s most influential leaders came together to debate and explore some of the most significant trends and topics of today on the ‘Industry Matters’ stage.

Imbibe Live returns to London’s Olympia this year from 4-5 July 2022. This is our pick of the best exhibitors from last year’s show, listed here in alphabetical order: Franklin & Sons. Further details can be found on this page.

https://live.imbibe.com/en-gb.html

Our latest innovations include our Pineapple Mixer with Almond and

their flavour and what they can add to a serve or cocktail.

www.franklinandsons.co.uk

Grain Wheat Products Matters

our Mandarin Mixer with Ginger which were showcased at the latest Imbibe event and were complimented incredibly due to

Artisan Alcohol Company of the Month

Distinctively different handcrafted Cornish gins

In this issue of Food and Drink Matters, we are pleased to announce G&Tea as our Artisan Alcohol Company of the Month.

Are you bored of the same flavours of Gin? Looking to break free from the bar and find a drink that’s worth staying in for? Let us introduce to you the next innovation and mastery in gin distillery. With no colourings or flavourings all G&Tea add is the cork and label to their gins created with tea blends and botanicals that have been sourced

both locally and from around the world for the very best in flavour and quality.

“We are distillers of unique tea distilled gin. Using our own tea blends as botanicals, we create an incredible depth of flavour and smoothness. As artisan alcohol producers and distributors, our unique difference is the smoothness and depth of flavour our gins and tea have. We use only the freshest of ingredients and finest botanicals from around the globe with each product containing a Cornish grown element too. There are several tea-infused gins on the market that are used as a base gin which is then flavoured with tea and often coloured. Our gins are purely distilled and crystal clear with all our incredible flavours within the gin, meaning they do not dilute when a mixer is added giving a full flavour and freshness like no other,” stated Chris Robinson-Brown, Managing Director.

G&Tea was established in July 2020 by Chris Robinson-Brown, his husband Jason and their lifelong friend Elizabeth Hyde. The company has hit the UK by drinks market by storm. G&Tea is headquartered in Liskeard Cornwall with one distillery based in Lostwithiel.

G&Tea offer a truly unique concept for all fellow gin lovers, with a selection of four distinct tea inspired craft gins. The Great Earl Gin, Cornish Cream Tea

Gin, 80Days Gin, and its most recent addition Winter Blend Gin, which sold out immediately after featuring on the Alan Titchmarsh ‘Something for the Weekend’ TV show. There are also nonalcoholic beverages available offering G&Tea’s

Fermented Foods Company of the Month

Got that gut feeling?

In this issue of Food and Drink Matters, we are pleased to announce Bottlebrush Ferments as our Fermented Foods Company of the Month.

Bottlebrush Ferments was established in 2017 by co-founders Ben and Hesh. Amongst many things they had in common, a passion for health and nutrition bought them together. Working as a personal trainer Ben witnessed first-hand the problems many people struggle with when it comes to gut and digestive health.

Chef Hesh has vast experience of working within the food industries most prestigious restaurants, therefore, after combining their separate individual health experiences and nutritional knowledge of such a niche area of health foods, Ferments food was born.

Based in Spa Terminus, South East London, Bottlebrush Ferments has a broad range of gut friendly products that are vegan, free from and packed with some of the healthiest vegetables in the world. Specialising in fermented foods including live, raw kimchi and sauerkraut, Bottlebrush Ferments products can be found across various wholefoods markets and health food stores across London.

“Honestly, our products are perfect for anyone looking to add some great tasting food to their diet whilst also doing them some good. We have customers who are vegan, vegetarian or people who just want a healthy addition to their burger, charcuterie or cheese board,” stated Ben.

Made from natural ingredients with an emphasis on fermentation, its kimchi and sauerkraut are the easiest way to meet your recommended daily portion of vegetables. Just one tablespoon delivers an abundance of flavour and high-quality nutritional ingredients that awaken the taste buds.

There are currently six products in the range. The three original flavours are: The Yellow One,

unique tea blends in tea form for the perfect brew.

“From the success of our Winter Blend Gin, we now plan to introduce a seasonal gin blend twice a year. We are growing quickly, with demand for our gins spreading throughout the UK and Europe and so we plan to continue growing whilst retaining our artisan roots,” said Chris.

Exceeding expectations for its first year of business, G&Tea has since established a customer base of over 300 outlets across the UK through its network of retailers. Furthermore, it has been the receivers of some of the food and drink industry’s most prestigious awards. “We have won double gold and a commended at Taste of The West awards for our three gins in our first year, along with Global Spirit Masters silver award and been featured on ITV as well as working with local charities on fund raising gin tasting events. We take great pride in our South West roots and are excited to grow and share or gin with the rest of the UK and beyond in 2022,” explained Chris.

For more information, see below.

www.gandtea.uk

inspired by their Aussie heritage, depicts a sweet pineapple, ginger and turmeric flavour, The Purple One is great on eggs, smoked salmon or avocado, and boasts an earthy yet versatile flavour with red cabbage, beetroot and caraway, and thirdly The Red One, that is their take on Kimchi with lots of fresh Chinese cabbage, moolie, carrot, spring onion, garlic and chilli.

with distinct flavours of horseradish and dill. Each product has won numerous Great Taste Awards since launch and are completely versatile. Can be used as an addition to salads, buffets, meat dishes or even simply, spooned straight out the jar.

The latest additions are The HOT Red one, which is their usual kimchi recipe with added Thai Birdseye chillies. The Green One, includes the same Kimchi base but with added fresh cucumber, pak choi and coriander for a clean, fresh taste. Finally, The White One, is a classic sauerkraut

Bringing humble and misunderstood fermented foods to the masses, pure and simply Bottlebrush Ferments make looking after your gut health easy. Ben and Hesh have achieved an incredible range of products that are not only packed with gut friendly superfoods, but also taste amazing. Ben commented, “We both have a genuine love for fermented foods and have eaten them for years. Our knowledge of the health benefits of including these types of food in your daily diet are tried and tested by ourselves. The fact that they also taste great is just a bonus.”

With lots of new products and concepts in the pipeline, the future of good gut health is in safe hands with Bottlebrush Ferments.

For more information, see below.

benpayne@bottlebrushferments.com www.bottlebrushferments.com

Food and drink for future generations

We’ve just seen the return of BlasCymru/ TasteWales, Wales’ largest international food and drink event, held under strict COVID-19 guidelines.

BlasCymru/TasteWales, staged for the third time by Food and Drink Wales, the Welsh Government’s food division, brought together buyers, food industry professionals and a broad range of Welsh producers – from large-scale companies to artisan brands to showcase world-class produce and help open new markets and trade relationships.

One of the main draws of the event was the conference, titled ‘Food and Drink for Future Generations’ which primarily focused on sustainability and climate change and inspired delegates to take action in their organisations and their lives to address the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change.

Key themes highlighted at this year’s conference included ‘How Wales is addressing the sustainability challenge’ and ‘Making food manufacturing more sustainable’, with keynote addresses from Adam Henson, Countryfile presenter and farmer, and Professor Mike Berners-Lee, author and leading expert in sustainability and carbon footprinting.

During the event, over 200 new products were showcased that highlighted the best of the best from across the industry. Products ranged from plant-based desserts to the UK’s first carbon-neutral potatoes and alcohol free botanic drinks.

The number of products developed during what has been an incredibly challenging year is clear proof of the resilience and innovation within the sector in Wales.

Food and Drink Wales along with Food Innovation Wales have played an important role in supporting businesses to develop these products including bringing companies together to share and develop new ideas. This has been boosted further by a wealth of support on offer including start-ups through Cywain and training and skills development through Food Skills Cymru.

One of the companies showcasing their new range of vegan potted plant based desserts is Daffodil Foods. Director, Lynne Rowlands, said, “We have a range of plant based chocolate truffle desserts, which taste fantastically rich and indulgent with a melt-in-the mouth silky texture. Made to a vegan recipe in Wales to reduce food miles.

“Potted Plants desserts are naturally better for you and better for the environment. Their specialised heat treatment extends the shelf life to reduce the risk of contributing to food waste. The desserts are packed in glass ramekin jars with metal caps, which are currently more effectively recycled in the UK than most plastics.

“BlasCymru/TasteWales provided us with a great opportunity for us to showcase our sustainable chocolate desserts as well as our wider offer.”

There was also a chance to meet with industry professionals who were able to advise businesses with on-hand expert advice and knowledge at bespoke zones which included Innovation, Skills and Business, Cluster Network, Tourism, International, Sustainability, Investor, and Advanced Manufacturing.

The two-day event, with key sponsor being Princes Limited, took place at the International Convention Centre (ICC Wales), adjacent to the world renowned five-star Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, south Wales on 27 and 28 October 2021.

For information about Food and Drink Wales, visit: http://gov.wales/foodanddrinkwales

Food & Drink Products Matters

Creative bakers win NESCAFÉ Showstopper challenge

The Eurest catering team at Cambridge Consultants has won gold, having impressed judges with their showstopping baking skills to raise vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

NESCAFÉ Original, part of Nestlé Professional, is an official sponsor of Macmillan Cancer Support’s Coffee Mornings, and invited all Compass sites, which includes leading workplace caterer Eurest, to participate in the Showstopper competition. The competition set out to give one workplace the chance to win the Ultimate

Macmillan Coffee Morning hosted by Celebrity Masterchef winner Lisa Faulkner, and Nestlé Professional, to raise vital funds for the charity.

Denise Jenkinson, who baked the winning cake, not only stole the show with her inspirational cake design, but also helped the team raise £1,417 from their coffee morning. Members of the winning team, led by Sally West, have all been affected by cancer and impressed judges with their delicious fondanttopped Victoria sponge. The cake was decorated with a

bell, symbolising the tradition of ringing a bell to mark the milestone of ending cancer treatment.

Sally said, “The Macmillan Coffee Morning really brought us together as a team after being split up by COVID. Seeing all our customers back in the dining room, having coffee and cake was really special.”

To find out more about Macmillan Cancer Support, and access its services, please visit: www.macmillan.org.uk

For more information about NESCAFÉ Original’s official sponsorship of Macmillan Cancer Support’s Coffee Mornings, visit: www.nestle.co.uk/en-gb/media/ pressreleases/allpressreleases/nescafe-original-proudlysponsors-macmillans-coffee-morning

Gin Company of the Month

A taste of Essex

In this issue of Food and Drink Matters, we have selected the only way is Gin as the recipient of our Gin Company of the Month.

Based in Essex, the only way is Gin was established by Nikki Mendes in 2020 and its name, authentic flavour and extravagant product designs, embody its proud Essex roots. Starting out, the only way is Gin has undergone many changes since Nikki’s original concept.

Nikki explained, “My initial plan for the company was to open in 2020/21 as a gin school, distillery and gin bar, then COVID-19 hit. I had previously never planned to be online trading, but after I came up with the recipe, being without premises,

I took the decision to outsource the distillation of the gin. We launched to sell the product online during the depths of lockdown. We currently sell our one signature gin which is a classic London dry gin; the only way is Gin. We also launched online cocktail masterclasses and sell cocktail boxes with all the ingredients inside. These have remained popular following lockdown. I now offer live gin cocktail party classes, so COVID-19 has completely changed the business.”

The only way is Gin currently provides its one signature flavour which is a luxuriously smooth and premium tasting London dry gin. The only way is Gin is a beautiful recipe, comprised of a plethora of natural botanical flavours. Renowned for its smoothness, the only way is Gin is different to that of other gins and does not produce the same burn type of sensation and harshness, which is often associate with gin.

“Our gin is very smooth which is produced by using poppy seeds. Essex’s county flower is the poppy and we use poppy seeds in the distillation process. Poppy seeds release an oil during distillation which coats the palate. It makes the flavour of the gin long lasting and the gin tastes creamy and smooth, almost like a liqueur,” said Nikki.

Celebrating its culture, the only way is Gin takes pride in its Essex roots and its signature gin is currently featured in many local Essex shops, restaurants and bars. This is one of the areas in which the company plans to expand more widely upon this year, and the company maintains many more exciting plans for 2022 and beyond.

“Six months ago I started presenting the product publicly and not just online by attending trade shows and events to offer samplings and selling our products directly to customers. This year is the year of opportunity for us; we have lots of plans to get out there with product stands at trade events, gin stands at festivals and fayres, and expanding our range to add three more flavours, with the first one launching in February.”

Nikki continued, “We have our own distillery opening this year in Essex, which is more inline

with my original plan and will allow us to create more gins. Having a physical base and location will also allow people to come and see us, and experience our gins.”

If you’re thirsty for more information, visit the company’s website or give them a call.

M 07729 337488

info@theonlywayisgin.co.uk www.theonlywayisgin.co.uk

Chocolate Confectionery Company of the Month

Quality, passion and taste assured in every single bite!

In this issue of Food and Drink Matter, we have selected Bella Chocolate as our Chocolate Confectionery Company of the Month.

Bella Chocolate was established in 2020 by Anna Sanina. Inspired by her passion for simplicity and beautiful designs, Anna drew inspiration from some of the finest chocolatiers and created a stunning, flavoursome range of Belgium chocolate products.

“We create unique chocolate creations, all handmade using highest quality ingredients. We only use the highest quality couverture chocolate and finest natural ingredients. We make the fine art of hand tempering to create something extra special,” added Anna.

Based in Lanarkshire, Scotland, Bella Chocolate provides its products throughout the UK, and is in several deli shops across the country.

One of the main aspects which sets Bella Chocolate apart from its competitors is

its commitment to sustainable, high quality chocolate. As such, the company only sources 100% sustainable cocoa for its finest Belgian chocolate from Callebaut, which is considered one of the finest Belgian purveyors of chocolate and funds the Cocoa Horizons Foundation. The Cocoa Horizons Foundation is a fully transparent and verified third party organisation which is dedicated to supporting sustainable farming. The foundation invests in training programmes, community projects and helps cocoa farmers develop tools, to help them to become better craftsmen and improve their income and livelihoods. This is something that Bella

Chocolate is extremely passionate about, and the company is proud to be supporting the implementation of productivity and community developments set up by the Cocoa Horizons Foundation.

In addition to its commitment to sustainability, Bella Chocolate places the utmost importance on sourcing sustainably grown, well-fermented and sun-dried main crop cocoa beans, which is fully traceable to farmer communities in Ghana, Ivory Coast and Ecuador. Ensuring quality throughout, Bella Chocolate uses main crop beans, which provider a richer flavour and yield a better taste. Furthermore, farmers pack these beans in jute bags, which are specifically designed to protect them against humidity and drying out, during the journey to the company’s roastery.

Resonating quality throughout its service, Bella Chocolate is also one of few chocolate shops that makes everything fresh to order, to ensure freshness of its products.

In term of its range, Bella Chocolate maintains a delectable, beautiful range of chocolate goodies, comprised of bonbons – both sphere and heart shaped, luxury chocolate and coffee hampers, handmade truffles, chocolate clusters, orange candied peels in dark orange (vegan) chocolate, cosmic 30g bars, bonbons heaven bars with fillings and chocolate heart with filling.

Two of the bonbons received Great Taste awards in 2021 & more have been submitted for 2022. Bella Chocolate is also going to be part of 2022’s Golden Jubilee publication ‘Strive for Perfection’.

Sharing its latest developments, Bella Chocolate is consistently evolving and growing, and the company has plans to increase its range further in 2022. “2022 is the year when we will introduce a line of new products, but first in the queue is unveiling our vegan range.” Anna continued, “we have huge plans this year with a lot of shows and fairs, and we are adding more deli shops to our database to sell our products.”

www.bella-chocolate.co.uk

Food Entrepreneur Show Review – Top Exhibitors

Five shows, one unmissable event

Held at London’s ExCeL from 9-10 November 2021, the Food Entrepreneur Show is the biggest business growth event for the world of food and drink. With five co-located shows, the event brings together 1,000 exhibitors, 500 seminars and 15,000 visitors with innovation awards, 200 live panel debates, and unlimited networking opportunities to build brands and boost profits.

The five shows Street Food Live is Europe’s only B2B event for street food and catering professionals. Restaurant & Bar Tech Live is Europe’s leading event for the technologies driving the profits of restaurants & bars. The International Drink Expo is the UK’s only event dedicated to maximising your drinks sales. Coffee Shop Innovation Expo is Europe’s leading event for coffee shop business owners. Restaurant & Takeaway Innovation Expo is Europe’s leading event for takeaway and restaurant owners looking to boost their profits.

The Food Entrepreneur Show returns with all five

shows this year to London’s ExCeL from 19-20 October 2022.

This is our pick of the best exhibitors from last year’s show, listed here in alphabetical order: The Alcohol Free Brewing Co, Allergen Checker, Allergy Menu, BIO-CUP, Cambridge Scientific Solutions, Cocoa Libre, Dometic, Pact Coffee & ThinK Wine. Further details can be found on this page and the next.

www.foodentrepreneurshow.co.uk

A box for the future

“52% would order more home delivery if food was delivered at the right temperature.”

This is one of the findings of a unique white paper featuring profitable growth opportunities in the home food delivery businesses.

There is a huge demand for high-end food delivery, yet physical products are lagging behind. So, what does the future of food delivery look like?

Dometic used its expertise in temperaturecontrolled solutions to create something new and unique that fills an important market need in the food and beverage industry.

Its industry-first Dometic DeliBox is designed to preserve the quality and temperature of food and perishables seamlessly throughout the delivery process. It keeps the air inside clear, hot items hot, cold as cold and guarantees a better customer experience.

Meals are stored in the temperature-retention box system during delivery and arrive on a customer’s doorstep just as they left the kitchen. It maintains full flavour and safe delivery.

This means restaurateurs, ghost kitchens, and

of food delivery

last mile delivery platforms get an opportunity to build trust and brand loyalty. The solution can be a real differentiator.

By taking in this future of delivery, a business can stand out in the crowd.

www.dometic.com

Reduce beer wastage by 90%

Cambridge Scientific Solutions is leading the way with science based innovative technology. Its particular strengths come from an enviable combination of world class scientists and state of the art science facilities. Its research is current, up-to-date and ongoing, and its products are extensively tested and endorsed by independent experts and microbiologists, enabling Cambridge Scientific Solutions to present the most effective microbial inhibiting technology in the world.

BeerSaver™ 6 Plus provides extended line cleaning cycle of up to eight weeks, without any compromise to beer quality. BeerSaver™ 6 Plus guarantees the highest possible beer quality, as the beer lines are kept astonishingly clean, the quality of the beer reaches the glass in the exact way the brewer intended. Ensuring a 90% REDUCTION IN BEER WASTAGE, it is the most cost-effective solution resulting in higher savings than any other system in the marketplace.

BeerSaver™ 7 Pro is their most impressive system providing an extended line cleaning cycle of up to 12 weeks, without any compromise on

BIO-CUP

BIO-CUP delivers a realistic, sustainable solution for paper cups. We can provide high volume and small volume solutions to distributors whose clients want a genuine biodegradable product using our unique aqueous coating technology.

BIO-CUP will decompose in a domestic compost heap within 90 days, unlike PLA-lined cups. The cups will decompose in landfill and the sea or watercourse. Moreover, our cups can be recycled with general wastepaper.

With an available production capacity of over 1 billion cups, we can meet the demand of any major coffee brand or fast-food outlet in a wide range of sizes and finishes.

We also have a complimentary range of food containers, chicken buckets, and popcorn tubs benefiting from our aqueous coating technology.

Our latest developments include new paper lids

Crowds flock to Allergen Checker stand at Restaurant & Takeaway Innovation Expo

Thousands of business owners in the catering and restaurant industry had the opportunity to learn more about their new responsibilities since ‘Natasha’s Law’ became legally binding in the UK earlier this year.

Mark Morgan-Huntley, owner of Allergen Checker, exhibited at the Restaurant & Takeaway Innovation Expo in November and was on hand to demonstrate how Allergen Checker software can help businesses maintain compliance with the new law.

Natasha’s Law requires food outlets to provide full ingredient lists with clear

Allergy Menu

Allergy Menu provides an interactive menu for your customers to make their menu choices easily, filtered by allergens and food preferences.

With an easy to manage system, it helps keep all your menu information in one place, while offering your customers a great experience.

By allowing staff to use the app as well as directly by your customers, it ensures you reduce the communication error risk when managing customers with allergies.

The system features:

allergen labelling on all food that is pre-packed for direct sale, giving more protection for people with food allergies and intolerances.

Mark said of the event, “The expo was amazing, our stand was incredibly busy and it was great to see so many people

● Easy Filtering by Allergies & Food Preferences

● Free to use app

● Your venue(s) on interactive map

● Add your logo to the app

● Manage ingredient information

● Upload labelling photos

● Printable labels for Natasha’s Law

● Tap for menu nearfield stickers

● QR Codes

● API Integration

● Website widget Only £10 a month per menu, you can sign up online and enjoy a 1 month free trial and see how the system works for your business.

approaching us with a positive attitude and a desire to comply with the rules and keep their customers safe.”

Allergen Checker enables business owners to easily identify and display all allergens and ingredients in their food products. It allows users to create their own virtual store cupboard, input ingredients, identify allergens and print customised menus and full ingredient labels to attach to items, so customers know exactly what’s in their food.

Contact mark@allergenchecker.co.uk www.allergenchecker.co.uk

app

beer quality. BeerSaver™ 7 Pro comes with all the following benefits of the BeerSaver 6 Plus including additional innovative technology. Its predictive analytics and remote triage ensure proactive cellar maintenance, limiting any adverse impact on trade. The Beer Saver™ 7 Pro Line Clean monitoring system provides detailed line clean analysis to ensure lines are cleaned properly. Monitoring frequency, soak times and overall length of cleans Beer Saver™ 7 Pro offers the latest, most effective, risk free solution in beer technology.

Contact T 01780 767561 www.beer-saver.co.uk

and a first in the market, our reverse ripple cups providing a competitive alternative to a ripple cup but with decorative print designs.

Our products are already on sale in the UK, and we wish to engage with distributors interested in stocking our products. For more information, please email us at: biocupenquiries@gmail.com

Rum-based Drink Company of the Month

Ride the Rum Wave

In this issue of Food and Drink Matters, we have selected Uncle Ernie’s Rum Punch as our Rum-based Drink Company of the Month.

Uncle Ernie’s Rum Punch is not just a label on a bottle, it’s a long established, family run business, with roots dating back to 1984 and spanning continents.

“Uncle Ernie’s Rum Punch comes from a family recipe, which my mom would mix up and take to my father’s beach bar to serve it where they lived, on an island in the Caribbean called Anguilla,” mentioned Silma Ramsaywack, Owner.

A vibrant beach bar which is still running to this day, Silma’s father (Ernest Harrigan), affectionately known as Uncle Ernie, started Uncle Ernie’s Beach Bar and with his wife Catherine, developed his signature, world famous rum punch. Inspired by her father’s legacy, Silma set out to continue to provide his legendary rum punch recipe and launched Uncle Ernie’s Rum Punch in 2020. Since then, the company has been run by Silma, Silma’s three children, Esther Lea, Josh Ramsaywack and pro skateboarder Benny Fairfax, who is also a brand ambassador.

“The beach bar had been

something that had been left to us by my parents, and I wanted to have something that I could pass onto my children. That’s when it occurred to me to bring the rum punch to the UK and put it in a can or bottle,” added Silma.

After building a renowned reputation among visitors of Uncle Ernie’s Beach Bar, Uncle Ernie’s Rum Punch’s distinctive brand is already a favourite for tourists, especially from the US.

Determined to push the brand’s awareness further, Silma has been helping to ‘Ride the Rum Wave’ here in the UK and has received recognition on a global scale.

“Last year, we won a double silver medal in the Proof Awards in Las Vegas.” Silma continued, “We are famous on the island and many of our visitors are from the US, and we are becoming well known around the world. I’ve been attending various events in the UK over the last year and I supplied drinks for London Fashion Week,” said Silma.

Uncle Ernie’s Rum Punch’s range currently consists of two drinks; the signature Rum Punch and Rum Cocktail; a slightly sweeter, clearer version. From its natural ingredients to its vibrant packaging, Uncle Ernie’s Rum Punch’s recipes transports you to the white sand beaches of Shoal Bay.

“The authenticity of the drinks can be traced back to the original recipe and the real back story of Uncle Ernie’s Beach Bar, which is really important to us. Anguilla is a small island which is dependent on tourism and has been hit hard by COVID-19 travel restrictions. We want to build a brand which as a family we are proud of and encourage tourism and raise the profile for the island,” mentioned Silma.

From a beach bar in Anguilla, to the homes, shelves and restaurants of the UK, Uncle Ernie’s Rum Punch legacy lives on and its journey does not end here!

Silma explained, “We are currently working on two new flavours and we are attending the International Food and Drink Event at the ExCeL London in March 2022, in the Speciality Food section at Stand number 3606, where we hope to be able to offer samples. We are expecting many more events this year and our next plan will be looking at expanding our presence in the US and abroad.”

For any further information, please see below. www.uncleerniesrumco.com

Food Entrepreneur Show Review – Top Exhibitors

UNLTD. is the multi award winning alcohol free beer with benefits

Love beer but hate hangovers? It’s an age-old dilemma but to the dull, bland & watery alcohol-free beers of old we say HELL NO! Combining the finest ingredients with modern brewing techniques, UNLTD. offers award-winning drinks that have the delicious taste of a full-strength beer, while being alcohol-free, gluten-free, low-calorie, high in vitamins & vegan. It’s freedom without compromise – or a sore head.

The social & downtime experience matters, whether it’s catching up with friends over a pint in the pub or kicking back at home and unwinding with a beer or 3. But for many, such as the 8.5M UK Dry January participants, the lifestyle we lead is changing. There’s a growing focus on wellness, and a bigger awareness than ever of the impact alcohol can have on our health.

UNLTD.’s passion for quality ingredients & brewing techniques means people no longer need to feel like they’re missing out or giving up something they enjoy.

Pact Coffee

Specialising in world-class coffee from 9+ origins, Pact is on a mission to make the industry a better place for everyone.

We’re celebrating our 10th birthday this year and from our humble beginnings in founder Stephen Rapoport’s home kitchen, we now work with more than 150 farmers and run one of the UK’s largest independent roasteries.

In the last six months alone we’ve seen huge growth in the hospitality sector and we now provide award-winning coffee to over 200 customers in the UK, including Curzon Cinemas, Story Coffee, The Larder and Cinnamon Café.

Our priority is to help our customers serve better coffee – freshly roasted, ethically sourced and 100% speciality grade. But making knockout brews is about more than just beans, which is why we also offer barista training, machine installation and maintenance and on-demand support.

As we grow, our mission remains the same: to make the coffee industry a better place for farmers, for customers and for the planet.

With UNLTD., the only thing you’ll lose is the hangover. For more information, please contact: Johnny Johnson, Founder M 07535 895282 contact@unltd.beer www.UNLTD.beer

Come and join us for a coffee and a chat at one of this year’s trade shows – the next one is The Hotel, Restaurant and Catering at London ExCeL, Stand F317, from 21-23 March.

Contact T 0203 936 3316 businesscoffee@pactcoffee.com www.pactcoffee.com

Cocoa Libre

At Cocoa Libre our mission is to produce exciting, delicious chocolates that can be enjoyed by everyone regardless of your health, lifestyle choices or beliefs. In short, we believe eating chocolate should be an inclusive experience enjoyed by all. We realise it can be difficult to navigate both the vegan and allergen-free market, so we guarantee our chocolates are free from gluten/dairy/nuts and always vegan.

Our products are high quality products that don’t sacrifice the taste or sense of indulgence. Our milk chocolate is made with rice-milk, a sustainable plant-based alternative to dairy that makes our chocolate creamy and indistinguishable from conventional milk chocolate.

We offer a range of products, the bestsellers being our handmade slabs, in a variety of different flavours from Rice Milk Honeycomb to Dark Raspberry.

T 01934 832958

info@cocoalibre.co.uk www.cocoalibre.co.uk

At ThinK Wine we do things a little differently

We love luxury products, Prosecco, sparkling Rosé & our planet. And we love caring for our healthconscious global community of customers. When it comes to drinking alcohol, our health & our waistlines are at the forefront of our minds more than ever.

We’re partnered with a highly regarded, vegan and organic vineyard in Treviso, bringing to the public two bespoke reduced calorie sparkling wines. ThinK Prosecco and ThinK Pinot Grigio Sparkling Rosé – both drinks have reduced sugar levels and reduced calories but most importantly, there is NO compromise on the taste. Why should people have to compromise on taste to live a healthier lifestyle? It took 2 years of extensive research to find the right vineyard, one which matched the ethical values of the company, as well being able to produce a delicious palatable taste,

ThinK Wine is the home of luxury bubbles and a deliciously high-quality experience from grape to glass. We’re very picky about our grapes with only the very best making it into each bottle. Our wines are Vegan, organic, gluten free, reduced calories and reduced sugar – making every glass mouth-wateringly guilt-free as there’s only 450 calories in a full 75cl bottle!

Print & Packaging Matters

Next generation innovation extends aluminiumfree solution to more food & beverage products

SIG announces SIGNATURE EVO, the world’s first full barrier aluminium-free aseptic carton solutions for a wide range of products

SIG recently announced the launch of SIGNATURE EVO, the world’s first aluminium-free full barrier packaging materials for aseptic carton packs. SIGNATURE EVO extends SIG’s lower-carbon aluminium-free packaging materials – already available for plain white milk – for wider use with oxygen-sensitive products such as fruit juices, nectars, flavoured milk or plant-based beverages.

“By extending our SIGNATURE portfolio with SIGNATURE EVO – the world’s first aluminiumfree packaging materials for aseptic cartons with full barrier protection – we are taking the next step in our aluminium-free journey and underlining our position as an industry leader in sustainable innovations,” said Ali Kaylan, SVP Innovation at SIG. “We are delighted to give our customers additional opportunities to bring low-impact packaging solutions to more categories and more consumers around the world. Sustainable innovations like this are central to SIG’s commitment to partner with customers and go Way Beyond Good for people and the planet.”

Industry-leading sustainable innovation

SIGNATURE EVO is the latest evolution in the SIGNATURE portfolio – SIG’s innovative offering of the most sustainable packaging materials available for aseptic carton packs.

SIG led the industry with the first ever aluminiumfree solutions for aseptic cartons. By eliminating the need for an aluminium foil barrier layer, combibloc ECOPLUS cut the carbon footprint of SIG’s standard packaging material by 27% when launched in 2010.

SIGNATURE 100 cut this further in 2017, offering a 58% lower carbon footprint than SIG’s standard packaging material by linking the polymers to 100% renewable forest-based materials via a certified mass-balance system (results based on ISO-compliant life-cycle assessment CB-100732c for Europe).

With more than 1.9 billion packs now sold with these aluminium-free long-life packaging solutions for liquid dairy products, SIG has built on this success to create the first full barrier aluminium-free solutions for aseptic cartons.

SIGNATURE EVO packaging materials are expected to offer a similar carbon footprint reduction to combibloc ECOPLUS, to be confirmed through an independent, critically-reviewed life-cycle assessment. Like all SIG packs, SIGNATURE EVO is fully recyclable in existing recycling streams.

Extending aluminium-free solutions to more products With barrier properties comparable to standard aseptic cartons that include an aluminium foil barrier layer, SIGNATURE EVO packaging materials ensure that even oxygen-sensitive products are protected over long periods of time without the need for refrigeration. This enables customers to bring the

Chocolaterie Guylian unleashes its global ambitions

Chocolaterie Guylian, world famous for its chocolate sea shells, is carrying out a thorough modernisation. The chocolate with hazelnut praliné, sold across four continents and in 120 countries, now comes in new packaging and with an upgraded recipe. Guylian is also taking its responsibility regarding sustainability seriously and has the ambition to be the sustainability leader in the chocolate industry.

After almost 60 years of conquering the world, the Guylian brand is in need of a metamorphosis, in more ways than one. “By changing our design and brand, we also want to introduce a broader target group to the unrivalled taste of our premium Belgian chocolate,” says Tom Snick, CEO of Guylian. “The packaging will have a more contemporary and fresh design, while retaining the luxurious look.”

From relaunch, Guylian will offer a selected limited curated range, which will

Recyclable pouches join the family of McCoos

How can a recyclable pouch possible do justice to the Steven Brown Art's – the McCoos?

When Deans of Huntly wanted to launch their range of Cookies in a recyclable pouch, they approached National Flexible for ideas. They had the designs which are incredible, incorporating Steven Brown Art’s McCoos but were worried that a recyclable laminated pouch wouldn’t do the designs justice as some recyclable materials can have a ‘dull’ finish similar to polyethylene.

National Flexible had already had extensive experience of recyclable films and pouches and were able to help. The pouches needed to have intensity of colour not only in the main design but also in the photographs of the small packs on the front.

“We needn’t have worried. National Flexible understood exactly what we wanted to achieve. We are extremely happy with the pouches – they look amazing!” said Michael from Deans of Huntly. T

environmental benefits to many more food and beverage categories.

SIGNATURE EVO will initially be launched in the combiblocMini portion-sized format before being extended to other formats. It is suitable for both oxygen-insensitive products like plain white UHT milk and oxygen-sensitive products like fruit juices, nectars, flavoured milk or plant-based beverages.

Standing out with SIG’s most sustainable packaging solutions

SIGNATURE EVO enhances opportunities for customers to differentiate their products with an aluminium-free pack that offers both on-shelf appeal and stand-out environmental credentials.

In the future, it will also be available in more options such as SIGNATURE EVO 100 – SIG’s full barrier solution for aseptic carton packs linked to 100% renewable forest-based materials.

This announcement not only reinforces SIG’s position as the leading supplier of aluminium-free aseptic carton packaging solutions, it also underlines SIG’s commitment to offer the most sustainable food packaging solutions on the market as it goes Way Beyond Good for customers, society and the environment.

Find out more about SIG’s way beyond good commitment: www.sig.biz/en/responsibility/ way-beyond-good

be available all year round. The focus is on the seashells and seahorses, as well as on the ‘Temptations’ (individually wrapped seahorses) and our range of 100g premium bars. In addition, Guylian will be launching themed packaging around the key gifting occasions of Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter and Christmas. Finally, the packaging for the duty-free channel will also get a makeover. The new packaging will be available in store from April.

As one of the most influential names in the Belgian chocolate industry, Guylian also has a responsibility to strive for a better planet for future generations. That is why it puts sustainability high on the agenda. “We want to set the tone for all chocolate brands with these developments,” says Tom Snick. “Guylian consciously chooses a pioneering role by going completely for sustainability in terms of raw materials, packaging, CO2 emissions and Fairtrade.” www.guylian.com

Print & Packaging Matters

On a roll! Printed laminate has over 30% PCR content

Cake

Décor is the UK’s largest manufacturer of cake decorations, producing extensive ranges for Plant Bakeries, Blue Chip Food Manufacturers, Artisan Businesses and Major UK Supermarkets.

They were founded in 2006, owned by Orkla since April 2021 and have built a strong reputation for quality product and the highest customer service. They have a ‘right first time’ approach to NPD and have innovation at their very core, so when Waitrose wanted to change to printed film for their Ready to Roll Icing it was an easy discussion to have to suggest changing from a traditional laminate to one with post-consumer recyclate to beat the Plastic Tax being introduced in April next year.

According to the Government website, the new tax is being introduced to “encourage the use of recycled rather than new plastic within plastic packaging. This will in turn stimulate increased levels of recycling and collection of plastic waste, diverting it away from landfill or incineration”.

“Moving to a PCR film was made easy by working with National Flexible. It ran first time on our packing lines and both we and Waitrose are very happy with the result,” said Robert Simpson, Cake Décor.

T 01274 685566 sales@nationalflexible.net www.nationalflexible.co.uk

New cavitated brilliant white gloss film for pressure sensitive label applications

Innovia films has recently developed a uniquely engineered uncoated cavitated BOPP base film, Rayoface QB designed for pressure sensitive labelling (PSL) applications. The film is available today in both 57 and 40 micron thicknesses and has a coating receptive surface on one side. This allows customers to add their own preferred topcoat.

QB is suitable for use within a wide range of market segments such as Household and Personal Care, Food and Beverage, and other consumer packaged goods sectors.

The 5-layer technology of the Innovia Films Polish line means QB is a high-performance product, that gives both superb economics and a high yield. With an extremely high opacity of 91%, Rayoface™ QB provides a brilliant white surface, which has excellent compatibility to top-coatings and PSL adhesives. Importantly, QB also has EU food contact compliance.

To help increase efficiencies by reducing changeover times, QB can be manufactured and shipped in large jumbo vertical rolls of 16,300 metres (QB57).This film has already undergone in-depth trialling and shown excellent results throughout the PSL supply chain and is available immediately.

To find out more, contact your local Innovia Films Sales Manager or email: labels@innoviafilms.com

New cast polypropylene film for lamination

Innovia Films’ latest development is Propacast™ KF a clear cast polypropylene film that has been specifically designed as a lamination solution for HFFS, VFFS and lidding applications.

Stephen Langstaff, Business Development Manager, Packaging at Innovia Films, explains, “With the drive towards simplified packaging formats, and the need to develop mono material structures, we developed this cast polypropylene film to act as an inner sealing layer. This low temperature sealing film when laminated to other polypropylene films, such as our Propafilm™ CHS BOPP film with improved thermal resistance and shrinkage properties, creates an ideal structure for pouches. In the UK this structure would be recognised by OPRL as fully recyclable.”

Propacast KF is available as a 30, 50 and 70 micron film which has a wide heat seal range. It offers good coefficient of friction and anti-block properties which ensures easy processing on a range of packaging machines. KF has also been corona treated on one side to ensure suitable adhesion during lamination.

Langstaff confirmed, “This development will enable better recyclable formats to be created, ensuring the circularity of flexible packaging. So far, all the feedback we have received about KF has been very positive.”

Propacast KF as a polyolefin film is fully recyclable, especially in countries which already have the infrastructure to recycle polypropylene films.

If you want more information, or to trial this new film for your products then contact: packaging@innoviafilms.com

Fine Food Show North 2021 Review – Top Exhibitors

Supporting independent food & drink

The Fine Food Show North, held at Harrogate’s Yorkshire Event Centre from 17-18 October 2021, showcased more than 150 food and drink exhibitors for trade buyers looking to source new products.

It is organised by the Guild of Fine Food which provides a voice for independent food retailers and producers, lobbying the government through the Independent Retail Consortium and providing access to expert industry advice.

A highlight was an industry debate involving food and drink leaders about the future of the sector on Monday 18 October. Future policy making and the importance of food and drink businesses’ contribution to the economy was also on the agenda

in the State of the Market panel discussion.

Using the Guild’s sector survey findings, the panel reflected on the industry’s positive impact on regional employment and domestic supply chains during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as its role in safeguarding specialist food and drink skills.

The panel addressed opportunities for the sector to reclaim a central position on the high street, collaborate on sustainability initiatives and bring in new talent. It also considered the sector’s responsibility to help tackle obesity, ensure diversity and improve education.

Fine Food Show North returns to Harrogate’s Yorkshire Event

Calder’s Kitchen

Calder’s Kitchen was founded in 2015 after discovering our founder Andrew’s Grandad’s favourite Piccalilli recipe.

Although our business wasn’t planned, it evolved by attending farmers markets, food festivals and a couple of local shops who agreed to give it a chance! Initially producing just three Piccalilli products, we won Great Taste awards for each flavour before branching out into chutneys during the pandemic; our four new flavours are also inspired by Grandad Charlie’s passion for growing tomatoes and beetroots.

In the last 18 months the business has really taken off and we now supply around 200 independent shops, delis, restaurants & pubs. We really enjoy working with like-minded people with a passion for food & drink and the response from new stockists across the UK has been incredible.

Following feedback at the Fine Food Show in

Centre this year from 27-28 June 2022. This is our pick of the best exhibitors from last year’s show, listed here in alphabetical order: Calder’s Kitchen, Conchita’s Chipotle, Curious Cat, 47 Degrees Coffee, KC Caviar, .pepper..field, The Slow Vinegar Company & Vegware. Further details can be found on this page and the next.

Contact https://gff.co.uk/shows/ffsn/

Harrogate, we are now launching food service catering packs for kitchens and are on the lookout for new businesses to work with. We welcome orders of any size, are happy to supply directly or can fulfil through local or national distributors including Cress and Turner Price.

To find out more, request our trade presentation or complimentary samples, call 01325 344833 or email: sales@calderskitchen.co.uk

Cats are very particular creatures

Curious Cat’s artisan gin is created to exacting standards. Lovingly hand crafted in his small copper stills.

The botanicals are carefully chosen from around the world and infused with the finest neutral grain spirit creating a distinctive, rich and smooth flavour. His gins are loved by all across Wonderland. From his Distillery, Curious Cat lovingly creates his award winning artisan gin in small batches with the help of his friends: White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts, Caterpillar and the Queen’s Soldiers.

KC Caviar

The Fine Food Show at Harrogate kickstarted the KC Caviar season. Days later the Kate Humble ‘Back to the Land’ programme featured KC Caviar and its process. Two days later KC was on prime time BBC 2 TV again, this time with the Hairy Bikers. Sales were going through the roof!

Spending time with these guys while the programme is being filmed is a great privilege. When all is said and done, these guys are doing a job, but they are so genuine and 100% authentic, and they can eat a lot of Caviar in a day!

Since filming the programme KC

“The best way to explain it is to do it”

Join us for a trip down the rabbit hole

had to find a new location. This required dismantling the old farm and rebuilding down the road. One of the highlights of moving was that we have been successful in breeding our own sturgeon, here in the UK and they will be providing us ‘British’ ethical and

Vegware’s plant-based packaging

With polystyrene bans coming in, there has never been a better time to switch to Vegware’s plant-based packaging.

Vegware has a wide range of over 500 products made from renewable, lower carbon, recycled or reclaimed materials. In making sustainable choices, you don’t have to compromise style or practicality.

Vegware’s bagasse takeaway boxes are stylish eco alternatives to polystyrene. Reclaimed sugarcane produces sturdy, breathable takeaway boxes in a range of shapes and sizes.

Looking for something a bit different? Vegware’s new microflute and premium burger boxes are great options for takeaway or delivery. Suitable for hot cabinets, the microflute boxes are durable, lightweight and well-insulated thanks to its corrugate board.

The premium burger boxes are made from highquality unbleached board and come in two sizes: for individual burgers and for burger meals. A simple fold-out design means your customers can easily turn their boxes into plates.

Vegware’s kraft Bon Appetit bowls are available in 26, 32 or 48oz

offer

and versatility.

Vegware’s waste management experts can help you start composting, with collections in dozens of UK towns. Input your postcode at: www.vegware.com/ KeenToCompost to discover your options. Ask your regional and national distributor for Vegware, or email: sales@vegware.co.uk with any questions.

Great tasting wine vinegars

Based in Yorkshire, The Slow Vinegar Company was created to combine a love of creativity and interest in food culture, to produce flavoursome, natural, high quality wine vinegars.

Using a meticulous process, The Slow Vinegar Company hand makes small batches from scratch. Utilising humble ingredients, the company takes roots, fruits, berries and blossoms, and follows an age old process where natural produce is transformed through double fermentations, to create wine vinegars that are unique, flavourful and delicious.

The use of double fermentation and ageing creates complex tasting vinegars which effortlessly combines sweet and sour in a perfect balance. All of The Slow Vinegar Company’s vinegars are live, contain the mother (aceto bacteria), and are packed full of natural goodness.

A beautiful complement to an array of dishes, the vinegars are perfect for salad dressings, marinades, cooking and much more. The Slow Vinegar Company offers a selection of different flavours including Strawberry and Raspberry Wine Vinegar, Tomato Wine Vinegar, Wild Garlic Wine Vinegar,

away from reality and enjoy some tantalising hand crafted spirits. Curious Cat insists on an exacting process to imbue a rich and smooth flavour.

Find out more about our exceptional, unique collection of London Dry Gins, Flavoured Gins and Rums by visiting our website at: www.curiouscatdrinks.co.uk –for trade enquiries, simply email us at: enquiries@curiouscatdistillery.co.uk

“A change from your usual can be beautiful...”

sustainable caviar in the future.

2022 will see the Caviar types grow. We started with (Baerii) Siberian sturgeon, 2022 will see the introduction of (Osietra) Russian sturgeon Caviar with the KC branding.

KC remains the only sturgeon Caviar farm in the world that can produce Caviar without killing the sturgeon and proudly attaches the Ethical and Sustainable emblem on every tin.

To sample our Caviar, please go to: www.kccaviar.co.uk or call 01748 517112.

For more information, please see below. M 07775 561220 www.theslowvinegarcompany.co.uk

Rhubarb Wine Vinegar, Orange and Lemon Wine Vinegar and many more.

Delicious curries, hearty salads? Vegware’s kraft Bon Appetit bowls

the ultimate in style

Premium Beverage Company of the Month

NIO Cocktails: Bringing the bar experience to your home

In this issue of Food and Drink Matters, we are pleased to announce NIO Cocktails as our Premium Beverage Company of the Month.

NIO Cocktails, with NIO standing for Needs Ice Only, is driving a cocktail revolution, amazing consumers worldwide with its fabulous readyto-savour cocktails that are delivered to peoples’ homes through their letterboxes.

Crafted and made in Italy, NIO Cocktails operates in several countries across the world including Italy, Germany, UK and Australia. Developed by Luca and Alessandro from Italy in 2017, NIO Cocktails was bought over to the UK in 2019 and has since hit the premium ready to drink cocktails market by storm.

“We craft incredible ready-to-savour cocktails. Our head professional mixologist Patrick Pistolesi, who is the founder of Drink Kong voted the 19th best bar in the world 2021, designs and crafts all our cocktails and he is vital to our success. We sell via our website directly to consumers, and we also cater to many businesses in retail, hospitality and entertainment venues. Our main aim is to create fabulous cocktails and

amaze consumers,” stated Richard Sager, General Manager of NIO Cocktails UK.

With a vision to drive a cocktail revolution throughout the world, NIO Cocktails launched in the UK before COVID-19 was even known about. But with the resulting shutdown and closure of all bars and restaurants, NIO Cocktails received much interest from consumers wanting to continue their cocktail drinking from their own homes, building on its already successful new market launch. NIO Cocktails soon became the most sought-after product in the UK leaving

postmen and women inundated with home deliveries.

The cocktail letterboxes offer a stylish, effortless and superior taste experience with each cocktail packaged in its own single serving uniquelydesigned-sleeve. Each box holds three, six or nine cocktails that customers can choose off the online menu.

convenience. Designed to fit through a letterbox, and completely customisable, we offer an easy, premium quality opportunity that brings the bar to your home,” stated Richard.

With more consumers embracing the alcoholfree life, a third non-alcoholic cocktail is now available. “We are always creating products and ideas. We have just begun developing our gift packages for cocktails for Christmas 2022. It’s important we remain ahead of schedule so we can react to the latest in market trends and opportunities,” said Richard.

www.niococktails.co.uk

“Customers have the choice of over 20 cocktails including classics, signature – which Patrick designs himself, and alcohol free. By having a single serve cocktail it allows everyone to choose their own drink leaving no waste. The quality of our cocktails is second to none, seeing us receive over 2,000 five-star reviews and recently win the award for Best New Product 2021 by the Spirits Business. Lastly, we offer

Fine Food Show North 2021 Review – Top Exhibitors

A spoonful of family history in every bite

Conchita’s Chipotle is a young, family run business which provides an artisanal, authentic and handcrafted chipotle which has been created from a 100 year-old recipe.

The recipe originates from Mexico and is as deep and rich in flavour, as it is in history. The origin of its recipe was passed down by Conchita, who was born in the 1920s in the state of Hidalgo, in Mexico. Conchita grew up in a hacienda, where she learned Spanish pickling techniques that would later influence her cooking. She lived with her family who were descendants of a mining magnate and philanthropist that had arrived from Spain in the 1700s. Conchita was a beloved family member and became the matriarch of her family, leaving behind a legacy which her family wanted to share with the world.

Conchita’s Chipotle provides a sweet taste, mixed with hot and smoky undertones which have been expertly combined to make the perfect addition to any meal as a condiment, a sauce or for use as a marinade.

Great taste award winning coffee

47 Degrees Coffee was established by Aidy in 2017, after being made redundant and making the decision to change his career path and move in a new direction, following his love of fresh, great tasting coffee.

.pepper..field

Czech Fairtrade project .pepper.. field brings premium Kampot pepper to Europe and wins world-renowned gastronomic awards with it

great taste, but also a globally unique one as well, which it is.

Determined to continue Conchita’s legacy, the company used the family recipe, passed down by Conchita and made it available to be purchased domestically through its selected stockists and online store.

Handmade by the family, the recipe is completely organic, vegan and sustainable and contains no artificial preservatives or sweeteners. The legacy of recipes left behind by Conchita herself continues on, and the family has big plans for the new year. Digging deep into her recipe book, the family hints that her infamous chipotle, will not stand alone. But more on that down the road.

www.conchitaschipotle.com

Leading onto today, 47 Degrees Coffee is now the recipient and proud winner of 17 Great Taste Awards from the Guild of Fine Food. In addition to these accolades, the company has also been mentioned and featured in the Times Newspaper.

The main ambition for Aidy was to produce a great tasting product at a fair price to the trade and direct to consumers, that’s always made with love, and supplied with great customer service.

47 Degrees Coffee is roasted in small batches each week

which ensures it always reaches you at its peak of freshness.

47 Degrees Coffee source all their coffee from the 47º strip that stretches 23.5º north and south of the equator and covers the America’s, Africa, Arabia, Southern Asia and the Pacific islands, which is known by coffee lovers as the bean belt.

If you would like to find out more about the company, please see below.

M 07508 701919

info@47degreescoffee.com www.47degreescoffee.com

Since 2018, .pepper..field has been supporting over 200 small farming families in the Kampot region of Cambodia by buying Kampot pepper in the fairest and most sustainable way possible. From the very beginning, the project has been buying pepper from them at 100% fair trade prices. This ensures economic self-sufficiency and growth not only for them, but for the entire region.

The most recent year of the world gastronomic competition GREAT TASTE AWARDS 2021 recognised the project with the highest decoration, the GOLDEN FORK trophy, for their freezedried Kampot pepper. The jury of the Guild of Fine Foods found in it not only an extraordinarily

In the entire 27 year history of the Great Taste Awards, no other product from the Czech Republic has managed to win this prize.

By developing this product and launching it on the European market, the co-founders of the project hope in particular to give their farming families a chance to be more competitive while offering something unique on the local market.

.pepper..field project is also famous for the unique personalised gifts from Kampot Pepper that are luxurious, sustainable and created in collaboration with local producers and available for B2C and B2B customers all around the world.

You can find the full story at: www.pepperfield.com

Research holds the key to more efficient crossflow membrane filtration

As the increasing use of crossflow membrane filtration becomes ever more beneficial to manufacturing companies, Axium Process actively encourage end users to investigate further the wide range of filtration options available for their applications.

The filtration specialist says that tailored research involving pilot trials can result in a more efficient solution that optimises separation performance and productivity.

Derek Davies, Business Development Director at Axium Process, said, “Crossflow membrane technology is used in almost every industry and has many advantages. However, identifying the ideal membrane and operating conditions is key to success. There are four levels of filtration with many variables to consider, including factors such as media type, temperature, pressure, and the pH range of the environment.

“Research can help end users make the right decision and will result in a customised solution more tailored to their needs. The research involves pilot plant trials that more closely replicate real-life conditions and detailed performance analysis that helps identify optimal parameters, with the most effective membrane.”

Axium Process operates independently of membrane manufacturers and can carry out pilot trials at its test facility in Swansea or at end users’ premises. The trials help eliminate uncertainty and operational issues by accurately predicting separation performance, process viability, system design parameters & operational costs.

The company’s highly experienced team have the skills to design and manufacture crossflow membrane filtration solutions for a wide variety of applications which meet international regulations and recognised hygienic standards.

T 01798 883882 info@axiumprocess.com www.axiumprocess.com

Flowmeter solutions for highspeed batch dosing

TitanEnterprises has published a white paper reporting on an investigation into the use of electronic flow meters in highspeed batching processes.

For processes requiring high-speed integrated batch dosing, ultrasonic flow meters, such as Titan’s Atrato® flow meter, provide an easy-to-clean system with no moving parts. However, as with all electronic flow devices, there is a trade-off between response time and affordability.

Titan’s white paper highlights some of the issues raised when using electronic flow meters for high-speed batching. The aim of the investigative trials was to determine the optimum results for high-speed (at sub three second) batching using an electronic flow meter that can be achieved with an accuracy higher than ±0.5%. Titan worked with its ultrasonic device, the Atrato®, to resolve these and achieve a cost-effective solution for high accuracy, rapid batch control.

Significant increases in high-speed batching performance were shown using the Atrato® ultrasonic flowmeter, together with bespoke AI learning software, and an appropriate system set-up in laboratory conditions.

To read the full article on High-Speed Batching, visit: https://flowmeters.co.uk/flowmeter-solutions-for-highspeed-batch-dosing/ For further information on the Atrato® ultrasonic flowmeter, please visit: https://flowmeters.co.uk/atrato-ultrasonic-flowmeters/ To discuss an optimised flow measurement device for your liquid dispensing application, please contact Titan Enterprises on +44 (0)1935 812790 or email: sales@flowmeters.co.uk

Manufacturing & Machinery Matters

New year brings new website

Interfood Technology has launched a brand new website and in doing so has provided an exciting new resource for food manufacturers looking to find the latest information on equipment and services that can add value to their processing operations.

The new platform – optimised for desktops, mobiles, and tablets – has been developed for easy user experience and with improved navigation very much in mind. Those looking for equipment related to a particular ‘Process’, for example butchery, or packing, can quickly navigate through a drop-down menu to find the most suitable solutions for their

requirements.

The ‘Application’ menu allows food manufacturers to search by application, including meat, fish, plantbased, and pet food. The site showcases Interfood Technology’s ‘Partners’ – 20 world-leading equipment manufacturers for whom the business is the distributor in the UK and Ireland, along with an overview of the optimisation services offered by the company. Visitors can stay up to date with the latest developments and initiatives through the ‘News’ section.

A ‘Product Search’ facility provides another means for users to drill down quickly to the relevant information based on their particular area of interest. More extensive details of the range of machines available have been added, with videos providing the opportunity to see the equipment in action.

The new website can be found at: www.interfoodtechnology.com

Manufacturing & Machinery Matters

ADM Food Engineering Case Study

The LOBO System is a re-configurable work platform product that combines the flexibility and strength of traditional scaffolding with the simplicity and mobility of tower systems. This combination provides a versatile access system that has applications right across Maintenance, Cleaning and Process Industries.

Key problems: Maintenance

Food processing machines are often difficult to access for maintenance or cleaning tasks. Traditional

scaffolding or aluminium tower systems could be used, but as they cannot be quickly or easily assembled, they cannot be deployed from one machine to another.

For this reason, they do not meet the industry’s changing requirements. Outsourced scaffolding labour is expensive and not available 24/7, aluminium frame systems are cumbersome, inflexible, and will not adjust to fit into awkward areas. When not in use, they take up a lot of space and cannot

be easily transported around the production areas. Regular access to elevated areas for example, above conveyors is awkward and difficult to reach.

The Solution

The LOBO System, utilising its unique patented clamp, can be reconfigured and adjusted, without the need for tools, into any shape or size required. This simple system can be assembled by anyone, as the components are modular. LOBO’s steel legs and components can be flat packed when not in use and

Handling & Storage Matters

transported easily for storage or utilisation elsewhere.

Your own in-house maintenance crews can assemble the LOBO System quickly, easily and safely around, under or above machinery or conveyors. This means outsourced scaffolding labour costs can be reduced without comprising safety. Areas, previously considered difficult to get to, can now be accessed with ease for maintenance and cleaning purposes. In addition, it is available 24/7 and so puts you in control of what and when you schedule your maintenance tasks.

Product benefits

LOBO is scalable, adaptable and adjustable to meet your ongoing and changing requirements. Simply add more components or alter your existing configuration to satisfy the demands of the next task. Protect your initial investment with a product that will meet all your access needs safely. LOBO is a rigid and stable product, which meets or exceeds current safety regulations. Handrails can be fitted in seconds, at any point in the erection process.

LOBO’s steel structure ensures many years of product life cycle and a system that will not shake or rattle. The system also includes antisway braces and outriggers for total rigidity on taller systems. LOBO’s modular approach means components are fully integrated and can be handcarried. Fully constructed systems can also be made mobile by the addition of wheels.

Cost benefits

Experience shows that deploying the LOBO system reduces the costs associated with hiring scaffolding and constructing bespoke access systems. By reducing your reliance on outsourced scaffolding and engineering companies cost savings will be achieved – easily in a 12 month period! With this quantifiable reduction in costs comes the added savings associated with reduced downtime and greater productivity from your maintenance department!

Available 24/7, quick to erect – and above all safe! – it is immediately adjustable for your next job with no staff waiting time while new fixed-frame structures are built. Re-configurable, again and again, this product comes with no disposal costs and minimal replacement and ongoing training costs.

For further specific information, contact: Robert Bokros, Managing Director, LOBO Systems Ltd T +44 (0)1332 365666 sales@lobosystems.com www.lobosystems.com

Food Testing Matters

Experts in thermal control and measurement

LAUDA continues to provide an expanding range of feature-rich, future proof solutions with energy efficiency and connectivity front of mind, serving a diverse range of industries including food & beverage, brewing, chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, oil and gas, composites, automotive, aerospace, digital printing, laser and beyond.

From food and drink research laboratories to pilot plant and full-scale production, with typical applications from rotary evaporators, incubators, stills and freezers to autoclaves, fermentation chambers and brewing vessels, LAUDA can supply the right temperature control or measurement solution matched to the precise equipment need.

LAUDA’s new range of water chillers has been designed not only to comply with the new Ecodesign directive, but to surpass it through the innovative use of variable speed modules that automatically reduce their duty cycle in line with the cooling demand hence reducing energy consumption and running costs, giving a tangible return on investment for the user, while ensuring full compliance with the latest regulations on refrigerant (fluorinated) gases.

Further portfolio expansion delivers the new LAUDA ‘Versafreeze’ ultra-freezers, (deep-freeze storage down to -85°C), and higher power ‘Integral’ process circulators, (process control from -90 to 320°C with >25kW of cooling @20°C), with pressure overlay options to increase the working range of water/glycol up to 140°C.

Furthermore, for applications requiring customised solutions tailored to individual requirements, we offer a made-to-measure design service using a long-established and highly skilled team. Project engineering is a core competence of LAUDA and using the modular engineering approach we can design and scale a system specifically matched to the application needs.

With the capability to provide accurate heating and cooling in the range -150 to +550°C using a variety of proven modules including heat transfer systems, process cooling systems, secondary

circuit systems, fired heaters and molten salt plants, we are able to provide unique, cost-effective solutions unparalleled by others.

Beyond temperature control, LAUDA has a well-established suite of solutions for measuring viscosity and surface/interfacial tension aimed at the development of surfactants, oils, and polymers.

LAUDA is here to assist with your technical requirements from the first stage of the application discussion, all the way through the process to the final commissioning, and after-care services throughout the lifetime of the equipment.

A strong and experienced after-sales service function provides further peace of mind, with

Brewing Matters

impressive first-time fix rates, and backed up by a fully kitted workshop at our newly configured facilities near Stamford.

We look forward to hearing from you: T +44 (0)1780 243118 info@lauda-technology.co.uk www.lauda-technology.co.uk

Brewing Technology Matters

Sustaining the ‘pour’ & saving water

Bell’s Brewery knows beer. With the eight different beers they brew year-round and even more seasonal and specialty brews, you could say they have a passion for making high-quality, consistently satisfying beer.

Walking through Bell’s state-of-the-art brewery in Comstock, Michigan, visitors are dwarfed by the lines of massive stainless steel tanks –some a story or two high. More observant eyes will notice the significantly smaller sensors and transmitters providing vital data enabling operators to control the multiple ongoing brewing processes.

Of all the sensors inside Bell’s Brewery, however, only one is highlighted with a bright LED indication ring – the VEGAPOINT 21. This point level switch is special for a couple of reasons. It’s the first of its kind to be installed in the United States, and it’s located on a foam trap tank in the newest addition of the growing brewery.

The foam trap – achieving the perfect pour With every batch, beer ingredients ferment, and as they ferment, carbon dioxide (CO2) forms. The right amount of CO2 is good for beer. It’s a sign of healthy fermentation, which turns sugars into alcohol and gives it the sudsy quality we all know and love. During this process, however, excess CO2 forms, and it needs a place to go. That’s where the foam trap comes in.

The CO2 gas can’t be directly vented into the cellar space where people are working because it would create a dangerous work environment. The CO2 can’t be directly vented outside, either, because beer foam commonly travels with the gas. Instead, as pressure builds in the fermentation vessel, the excess CO2 and some foam travel into the foam trap.

As the excess CO2 and the foam fill the foam trap vessel, the foam is suppressed by spraying water on top of it with a spray ball. At the same time, a valve at the bottom of the vessel opens and drains the excess water.

Without any instrumentation on this vessel, the spray ball would constantly run water, whether excess foam was present or not, only to eventually flow down the drain. Operating the foam trap this way wastes water, and Bell’s saw this as an opportunity to reduce their water consumption. Operators worked with their sustainability department to find a solution.

A new innovative, sustainable solution Brewery operators recognised they only needed to spray water when the foam rose too high, but they also needed to maintain a certain water level to prevent any CO2 from escaping through a side vent pipe and into the cellar space. To achieve overall control of the process, they

needed two point level switches – one that could switch the spray ball on when it sensed the foam was too high and another that would switch the spray ball on if the water level dropped too low.

At the same time, VEGA was preparing to launch a new set of compact, affordable point level switches specifically designed for the food and beverage industries.

The VEGAPOINT series of capacitance switches hadn’t been launched yet, but VEGA Americas had a few early samples available. After learning about Bell’s Brewery’s latest challenge, VEGA recommended the upcoming VEGAPOINT 21 to ensure the water level remained at a safe level.

The VEGAPOINT 21 is a capacitance point level switch for the detection of water-based liquids. Capacitance technology measures a medium’s ability to hold an electrical charge, which gives sensors using this technology the unique ability to differentiate between liquid and foam. Plus, the VEGAPOINT sensors come equipped with a three-wire transistor output –perfect for controlling the spray ball.

Bell’s installed the new VEGAPOINT 21 at the side of the foam trap vessel, and since every VEGAPOINT sensor is equipped with secure Bluetooth connectivity, installers quickly configured and set up the sensor using their smartphone. With accessibility right at the sensor, setup was easy – no need to make multiple trips between the sensor and the controls system during commissioning.

And finally, the VEGAPOINT 21 comes equipped with a bright LED ring, which can be seen from any direction and in any light. Operators can choose from 256 different colours to coincide with their process status: process is running, sensor is switched, or process error. With a quick look, operators can see the colour of the light and know what’s happening with their process.

This final feature was especially helpful to Bell’s Brewery, adding another layer of safety to the foam trap. When the LED is on, operators know the tank’s water level is at a safe level, and thus preventing any CO2 from escaping into the cellar space.

Conserving water wherever possible

With the sprayer recently automated using the VEGAPOINT 21, Bell’s was using less water,

and operators were confident the water inside the foam trap remained at a safe level. The VEGAPOINT 21 was able to differentiate between the foam and the water in the tank, only switching the spray ball on when it was necessary. By installing sensors and automated valves and programming all their foam traps to run this way – instead of 24/7 – Bell’s Brewery has saved 15 million gallons of water.

The foam trap is a small, but important, process. And for Bell’s Brewery, no process is too small to improve upon. Every day, they focus on brewing the best beer possible using systems and processes that provide economic, environmental, and social benefits. By working with VEGA, a company dedicated to helping industries operate more efficiently through innovative solutions, Bell’s Brewery created an opportunity to reduce their environmental footprint even further.

T +44 (0)1444 870055

info.uk@vega.com www.vega.com/uk

VEGAPOINT Low cost smart level switch

Casual Dining Review – Top Exhibitors

A buzzing return to face-to-face business

The hospitality and foodservice industry experienced an injection of inspiration, togetherness, and a newfound business confidence at the return editions of Casual Dining, lunch! and Commercial Kitchen over 23-24 September 2021 at ExCeL London.

Food and drink industry leaders, trailblazers, and senior decision makers came in their thousands across the two days, with a strong and positive appetite for face-to-face business. lunch! welcomed 5,561 visitors, Casual Dining welcomed 4,707 visitors, and Commercial Kitchen saw a huge increase, welcoming 4,295 visitors at its debut London show.

The positive buzz across the showfloor certainly didn’t go unnoticed as exhibitor testimonials echoed the “quality” of contacts they met and “genuine enquiries” they made – concluding that the co-located ‘supershow’ was the “best show yet!”

The multiple Keynote Theatres were packed full of inspiring talks,

interviews, and business advice from senior professionals in the business. FutureFoodservice.com, Food Future Insights, IGD, UKHospitality, and CGA shared essential market updates and overviews, plus strategies needed to help the sector recover and build resilience after the pandemic and deliver a return to growth ahead of forecast.

Casual Dining et al return to London’s ExCeL this year from 14-15 September 2022. This is our pick of the best exhibitors from last year’s show, listed here in alphabetical order: Better Nature & Toschi. Further details can be found on this page.

www.casualdiningshow.co.uk

Toschi

Toschi offers a range of high quality gourmet syrups and sweet sauces for drink and coffee preparations.

The company’s mission is to offer high quality products combining tradition and innovation.

Discover Toschi gourmet concentrated syrups, with high percentage of fruit inside and only the best ingredients, choosing among more than 60 different flavours, from the most classic to the most innovative ones.

From the Toschi experience in syrup production Toschi sweet sauces are born to provide a must-have ingredient in the cafeteria: their high quality recipe and their solubility make them perfect for the preparation of coffee, cappuccinos, lattes and much more.

All the Toschi products are 100% Made in Italy and Gluten Free.

Contact M 07773 462976 philip@toschi.co.uk www.toschiuk.co.uk

Better Nature Tempeh

At Better Nature, our mission is for everyone to be and feel well, through making nourishing food accessible to all, using one of the most naturally nutritious foods in the world: tempeh.

ingredients in our tempeh. And it is all high in protein, fibre and Omega-3, and contributes to one of your five a day.

Tempeh is an Indonesian miracle food made from nothing but cultured soybeans and water.

A hyper nutritious plant-based food so good you’ll be baking it, frying it or stirring it into all your favourite dishes. Guided by our Indonesian roots and tempeh know-how, we’ve become experts at making simple things extraordinarily better... naturally.

From our Organic Tempeh to our Smoky Tempeh Rashers to our BBQ Tempeh Strips, we use only simple and recognisable

LACA Main Event Review – Top Exhibitors

Everything you need is there

The LACA Main Event is the ONLY national event dedicated to the school food sector. Taking place over three days from 12-14 October 2021 at Birmingham’s NEC, the Main Event includes a packed speaker programme, live demonstrations and free to attend, interactive workshops.

The School Food Show which runs alongside the Forum is the only exhibition dedicated 100% to the school food sector, with over 180 exhibitors it is the ideal place to find solutions to a wide range of requirements from food and beverage products which all help education caterers meet the nutrient guidelines in place, cashless payment and nutrition software solutions to furniture and dining room marketing.

The Show is open to all school caterers, managers and contract caterers to attend free of charge.

One of the greatest benefits of being at the Main Event is the unrivalled networking opportunities it offers. The School Food Show is the chance to catch up with your suppliers and discuss new products, as well as source new ideas. For Forum delegates arriving on Wednedsay, the accommodation package includes a place at the LACA icebreaker evening and

of course there’s the LACA Awards for Excellence dinner once again on Thursday night where you can celebrate the achievements of industry colleagues.

The LACA Main Event returns to Birmingham’s NEC this year from 6-8 July 2022. This is our pick of the best exhibitors from last year’s show, listed here in alphabetical order: Green Gourmet, Generation Juice & Rational. Further details can be found on this page.

Contact https://lacamainevent.co.uk/

Consistent quality on a grand scale: the Rational solution

More banquet chefs are relying on modern technology to ensure ‘no compromise’ results

Hotels, sports venues, event caterers – all face similar challenges. On the one hand, there’s the need to serve hundreds of diners, at the same time, with all the food having to be consistent quality and at exactly the same high standard. On the other, there’s frequently changing staff, some temporary, others of differing abilities, an issue that has been highlighted by the pandemic and Brexit. However, Rational says that modern multifunctional cooking systems, such as the iCombi Pro and iVario Pro, have advanced cooking systems that can deliver effective solutions with maximum benefit to their customers.

“At large catering events, consistent quality and presentation are essential,” says Adam Knights, marketing director at Rational UK. “All those diners will be checking their neighbours’ plates to make sure they haven’t been short changed! To ensure there’s no compromise on quality and quantity, more and more chefs are relying on modern technology.”

Rational’s iCombi Pro combi steamer and

the iVario multifunctional cooking system, which replaces tilting fryers, boiling pans and pressure cookers, are both intuitive to use, work independently, and automatically adjust the cooking process to the current circumstances.

In the iCombi Pro, the intelligent assistant technology recognises the size and load quantity of the food, adjusts the cooking process accordingly and reliably delivers the desired result.

For information and brochures, or to find out about free Rational Live online demonstrations, call +44 (0)1582 480388, freephone 0800 389 2944 or visit: www.rational-online.com

It’s time to put some

Beyond this, truly extraordinary food has to do good by the planet. That’s why our tempeh has earned a Foodsteps top A-rating for its low carbon footprint. And we remove from the environment twice as much carbon and plastic as we use to make our tempeh, making it Carbon and Plastic Negative. We want to give back to nature just as much as it’s giving to us through tempeh.

sales@betternaturetempeh.co

music in your food!

Green Gourmet is a dynamic food innovation company, trusted to create and deliver unique and innovative products for the foodservice market.

Our extensive range includes Red Tractor meat and poultry and MSC accredited fish products available via your chosen wholesale distributor.

With broad appeal and fabulicious flavas, Levi Roots and Green Gourmet’s collaboration has brought a fresh and new Caribbean offering to foodservice. Fall in love with Caribbean food.

The number 1 Caribbean brand in the UK, Levi Roots encapsulates Levi’s love and passion for Caribbean food and is the vibe of Jamaican way of life and the happiness it brings.

Who’s ready for Reggae Reggae? The Levi Roots brand has a wide-ranging family appeal, with flavas that are exciting and inspiring they appeal to curious customers who look to spice up their food and encourage their experimental attitude to try something new.

For more information, please email: delicious@greengourmet.co.uk or visit: www.greengourmet.co.uk

Powerful, compact and a fast queue buster

Generation Juice is one of the UK’s leading producers of refreshing juice dispensers and fruit juices for customers involved in the hotel, restaurant, catering and food service sector. With over 35 years of industry knowledge in providing fruit juice systems to the food service sector, Generation Juice offers hygienic, modern and sleek technology that is environmentally friendly and proven to reduce carbon footprint.

The T300 Drinks Hub is a neat, modern, fast and clean dispenser that offers an unparalleled choice of healthy hydration. Its ground breaking drinks hub technology is proven to reduce 97% of your carbon footprint that is created by the use of plastic, and the other 3% is collected and recycled by them. One small juice box yields up to 18 times more drinks compared to a standard sized plastic bottle case.

The patented Truedose™ technology ensures the T300 Drinks Hub serves delicious, healthy drinks into reusable bottles using natural fruit juice and purees, where the user can mix on demand with fresh filtered water. With 1-9 different drink options on the standard touch screen menu from

only 1-3 juice products, including lighter, lowcalorie options, ‘mocktail’ combinations, the drink blends are ideal for all ages.

With no need for on site engineers, the clever modular design means quick and simple module replacement and off-site repair.

For more information, see below.

T 020 7859 4180

hello@generationjuice.co.uk www.generationjuice.co.uk

The fabulicious range includes Levi Roots Jerk Breaded Chicken Fillet 90g, West Indian Breaded Chicken Fillet 90g, and BBQ Breaded Chicken Goujon 35g.

Non-alcoholic Drinks Company of the Month

Immerse yourself and experience the authentic tastes of the Caribbean

In this issue of Food and Drink Matters we have chosen to select O.T.C Beverages Limited as our Non-alcoholic Drinks Company of the Month.

O.T.C Beverages Limited (OTC Beverages) was established in August 2018 by Shirley White. The company manufacturers non-alcoholic drinks comprised of its signature drinks; non-alcoholic Ginger Beer and Sorrel drink.

OTC Beverages is a family-run business that offers authentic, organic and most of all, tasty Caribbean drinks the traditional way. Starting out, the company came to fruition after Shirley attended her father’s 80th Birthday in 2017.

Inspired by her father’s legacy and that of his generation, it was at the party that Shirley made the realisation that the generation who had created the culture, food and beverages that she had grown up drinking and eating, were getting older and passing away at an increasing rate.

Determined to capture the authentic flavours of her childhood, Shirley created OTC Beverages and perfected her recipes to reflect a mix of the traditional, organic and natural flavours.

“Our drinks are made from high quality ingredients. They contain major health benefits and support a healthy lifestyle. Harnessing ingredients such as ginger, which is great for your immune system and joints, sorrel/hibiscus which is known for lowering blood pressure and flushing out the urethra and butterfly pea flower with Lime – the pea flower is ideal for reducing hair loss, greying and great for the immune system, while the lime is a good alkaline ingredient for the body,” added Shirley.

OTC stands for Original Traditional Concoctions, and the company ensures that its drinks are created in the most authentic way possible.

To lock in the ingredients natural goodness, OTC Beverages uses a cold-pressing technique to preserve 100% of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.

“At OTC we use the second most expensive ingredient in all of our drinks; organic Madagascan vanilla extract.” Shirley continued, “All of our ingredients are extracts of product, NOT natural flavourings. We also use Organic Cane sugar and all of our product range is recyclable/sustainable and our packaging is fully recyclable. To further support the sustainable objective, we will be moving to a PLA sleeve on our bottles which means the sleeve will be biodegradable.”

Although the company is relatively new, OTC

Beverages is gaining industry recognition for its products. Since launching in 2019 the company has been nominated for two awards, with its most latest feat being the winner of an award with Lux Life Magazine. In 2019, OTC Beverages was also a finalist in the Best Drinks Food Matters.

As the company looks to its future, after facing an initial slowdown due to the pandemic, OTC Beverages is pushing forward and maintains ambitious growth plans, that see an increase in its operations on a global scale. Shirley stated, “I am planning to add my son as a Director of the company and we have a plan to add a new flavour as part of our ongoing NPD. We are also looking at trade financing to launch in the USA and the Caribbean, as these jurisdictions are my initial focus for our global growth.”

Contact T +44 (0)8443 570441 M +44 (0)7801 940392 www.otcbeverages.com