The ‘hero’ ingredient

the ‘hero’

ingredient

Availability of takeaway and delivery options provide an important service and welcome treat for consumers during the pandemic restrictions, with restaurants, bars and cafes adjusting their set up to offer this service as a vital solution to continue trading.

Catering professionals will be searching out products that aid fast service, are simple and quick to use and provide a good return on profit, as a vast majority of operators are finding the switch to delivery and takeout an essential avenue to attract custom.

Consumer demand for hot eating cheese choices has been highlighted by Kantar stating this is ‘a growth category showing a 72% rise YOY’*. Another strong menu influence lies in the undisputed rise of vegetarian and flexitarian diets; a ‘UK Diet Trends’ survey** of 2,000 adults states, ‘more than one in five Brits will be meatfree by 2020’ and shows vegetarianism has 3.6 million followers with a further 1.5 million intending to follow suit.

For vegetarian consumers, cheese in particular, offers an important source of protein and is often used as an alternative to meat. The rise of cheese as the ‘hero’ ingredient in vegetarian and flexitarian meals is evident – meat patties are replaced with grilled Halloumi chunks in burgers, menus feature hot cheese eats such as ‘mac and cheese’ and the increasing popularity of continental cheeses is apparent as consumers look to more varied dairy options

Eurilait’s Alfresco range comprises of a delicious selection of hot eating cheese options, which provides caterers with a variety of all year-round meal solutions to address these trends. Offering the ultimate in convenience for busy caterers (especially if experiencing skill shortages) all variants in the Alfresco range are ideal for either meal kits for delivery or are easily prepared for on-site dining.

Customers can choose from two flavours of Cheese Steaks for their burger – Original, made with unctuous natural Gouda cheese or spice it up with the Chilli variety! These innovative cheese steaks are a quick and easy family favourite, developed specifically to be grilled, pan fried or barbecued.

Accompany this with some flavourful Halloumi Fries, the Mediterranean Style Cypriot Halloumi batons come with a herb seasoning and a pomegranate glaze, alternatively go for the Spicy Halloumi Fries, which are seasoned with a harissa blend and finished with a drizzle of garlic mayo – delicious! Both available in an oven or BBQ ready foil tray.

For an indulgent treat from the Alfresco range, why not try the Baking Camembert Carbonara Style – a tasty combo of rich oozing camembert generously sprinkled