The Food & Drink Innovation Network

STONES GINGER WINE GETS NEW PACKAGING FOR SUMMER 2012

newsdesk — Thu, 17 May 2012 06:36:17 +0000

Stone’s Ginger Wine has launched a limited edition bottles of its Ginger Wine with the Union Jack on the label, inviting consumers to celebrate a season of British success.

Stone’s Ginger Wine’s traditional recipe which has been handed down from generation to generation.

Dating back to the mid-nineteenth century, Stone’s is a British brand rooted in the nation’s history.

To encourage sale, as well as the new British themed packaging, Stones has created a range of cocktails to encourage drinkers to see the versatility of the wine.

Stone’s Ginger Lemonade Cup:

This alternative cocktail from Stone’s Ginger Wine and is featured exclusively on the back of the limited edition label.

Pour one measure (50ml) of Stone’s Ginger Wine, per person, into a jug, top with lemonade and add lots of ice.

Pop in a few slices of cucumber and ripe fruits, add mint to garnish and serve.

For more information or recipe ideas click here to visit the website.

NEW GREEK YOGHURT RANGE FROM DANONE

newsdesk — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:30:12 +0000

Danone is jumping on the trend for Greek, with the launch of a new standalone brand entirely devoted to Greek-style yoghurt.

Oykos is being marketed as a luxury Greek-style yoghurt layered with fruit, targeting younger women.

the new range launched this month and comes in three variants – peach, pear and strawberry – all available in four-packs with a rsp of £2.19.

Danone has been offering Greek-style variants under its Activia brand since September 2011 but said now wants to capitalise on growing consumer interest in Greek-style yoghurt with a more dedicated offering.

Design agency Dragon Rouge, which worked on the Oykos brand and packaging, said Greek-style was an “area of big opportunity” for Danone.

The company wanted to tap into with a brand of creamy Greek-style yoghurts with fruit which would be “premium, distinctive and with strong potential for long-term success”.

The Greek-style yoghurt market has seen a large amount of activity recently.

In addition to Danone launching Activia Greek Style, Müller launched Corner Greek Style split pots in 2010 and added Greek-style variants to its low-fat Müllerlight range earlier this year.

MORRISONS UNVEILS NEW FROZEN DESSERTS RANGE

newsdesk — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:21:28 +0000

Morrisons is relaunching its own-label ice cream and frozen desserts ranges.

The ranges feature new products as well as improvements to existing lines.

The new Mor ice cream range consists of 19 flavours, eight of which are new, as well as 24 types of ice lollies, sorbets and frozen yoghurts.

New flavours include Salted Caramel & Crunchy Hazelnut and Peanut Butter.

The ranges feature new products as well as improvements to existing lines.

Morrisons strategic brand manager Charlotte Dewhurst said:

“Purchase in the ice cream category is often driven by new and exciting flavours and products – something we kept front of mind when developing the new lines.”

The 44-strong Morrisons frozen desserts range includes 20 new lines.

The retailer said it had focused on re-inventing classics such as Tarte au Citron and White Chocolate & Passionfruit Cheesecake.

NEW MINT AERO FINESSE UNVEILED

newsdesk — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:10:44 +0000

Following receipt of the accolade Product of the Year 2012 – just four months after launch – Aero Finesse, chilled dairy mousse dessert is adding a third, new variant in Aero Finesse Mint from May.

Holding company Lactalis Nestlé Chilled Dairy was the winner of the chilled dairy category of the independent study inviting over 9,000 UK consumers to vote on product innovation.

First introduced in September 2011, Aero Finesse is a combination of Aero’s bubbly texture and solid, dark chocolate swirled layers.

The 57g pot of new Aero Finesse Mint contains 137 calories.

Aero Finesse Mint, Chocolate and Vanilla variants will all now feature on pack the ‘Product of the Year’ flash from competition organisers the Consumer Survey of Product Innovation, to alert consumers of the accolade at point of sale.

Delphine Boursier, Junior Brand Manager of Aero Finesse, Lactalis Nestlé Chilled Dairy said:

“It is always an honour to win awards for innovation but especially gratifying when the end consumer gives you a huge vote of confidence.

“Aero Finesse has had a tremendous reception and we are confident that there will be a similar appetite for new Mint.

“No artificial colours, flavours or preservatives are used and all without sacrificing on taste and product delivery.

“Aero Finesse was created with today’s discerning consumer in mind.

“The Product of the Year Award has a proven track record of delivering at least a 10% increase in sales among its award winners.”

The Total Mousse market is worth £66.6m, growing at 8.6% YOY.

The Aero brand (including sub brand Finesse) is the number one in Mousse and holds 34% of the category, worth £22.97m and growing strong with 12.7% growth YOY.

With Aero confectionary having TV exposure this year, brand awareness is high.

Aero Finesse Mint with Dark Chocolate Swirls joins a portfolio of two variants: Aero Finesse Chocolate and Aero Finesse Vanilla.

Each pack of 4 x 57g pots has a RRP of £1.69.

SKITTLES LAUNCHES BIGGEST EVER ON PACK PROMOTION

newsdesk — Wed, 16 May 2012 08:18:39 +0000

This month, Skittles is launching its biggest ever on-pack promotion that will start ‘a rush to find 500 golden Skittles’ sweated out by the latest character from the brand; Grant Britton.

With a £50,000 prize pot up for grabs, consumers who find a golden Skittle will win nearly £50, with more prizes available on-line.

Available across all 55g and 174g variants, the on-pack promotion is backed by a massive through-the-line marketing campaign.

Fronted by its star, Grant Britton, the activity will be supported on TV from June and also tap the 3 million Skittles Facebook fans in the UK.

Throughout the campaign consumers will be encouraged to help Grant train.

By doing so fans can win limited edition merchandise such as sweatbands, water bottles and t-shirts, as well as the Skittles that Grant sweats, including the golden Skittles worth nearly £50.

Matt Austin, Wrigley Confections Business Unit Director, said:

“This is the biggest on-pack promotion for Skittles ever, and with a massive loyal fan base and through-the- line support, sales are really going to soar.

“Skittles is already outperforming the category with sales up 58% on last year 1 making this promotion a golden profit opportunity for retailers. For retailers there really is gold at the end of the rainbow, go Grant go.”

Skittles is the fastest growing major Fruit Confectionery brand with over 9 million Skittles eaten every day in the UK.

For more information on the re-launch, or to request point of sale material for your

NEW CHILDREN’S YOGURTS FROM FAYREFIELD

newsdesk — Wed, 16 May 2012 06:09:52 +0000

Fayrefield Foods have joined forces with Dairy4Fun to launch a new range of children’s yogurts.

The first two lines in the range of licensed products will be two 100ml yogurtsbranded with Hello Kitty for girls and Gormiti for boys.

The yogurts will be launched later this month in Morrisons and Asda at RSP 79p.

It is a new concept for the dairy fixture in the UK, which follows successful launches on the continent.

The products are a split pot with a collectable toy

The products are a split pot containing strawberry yogurt in the top half and a collectable toy in the bottom half.

Dan Harper, Sales Director at Fayrefield Foods said:

“We are pleased to be working with children’s dairy products company Dairy4Fun to bring something entirely new to the children’s dairy fixture.

“The yogurts are aimed at driving premium growth in the fixture through the collectability aspect of the toys and we hope to replicate the success in the UK that they have had in other European countries.”

For more information click here to visit the website.

PIZZA EXPRESS UNVEILS NEW LOOK RANGE

newsdesk — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:09:13 +0000

The Pizza Express range is being re-launches with a new design and eight new product lines.

The look – inspired by the black and white striped shirts worn by pizza makers in Pizza Express restaurants – is being applied to 47 retail lines.

The new look range is rolling out to stores this month.

It is an extension of the new brand identity given to the restaurant chain last year.

A large window has been added to packaging, which combines the Pizza Express stripes with flashes of colour.

Eight new products are being added to the range, with thin Romana bases being introduced for the first time.

Also joining the retail line-up is the spicy Calabrese pizza and Pizza Express fresh pasta sauces.

NEW MOET & CHANDON DIAMOND JUBILEE CHAMPAGNE LAUNCHES IN WAITROSE

newsdesk — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:09:05 +0000

A Diamond Jubliee Champagne created by Moët & Chandon for the Royal family is going on sale in Waitrose.

The Champagne house produced exclusive labels for the Silver and Golden Jubilees.

This is the first time the Royal family has approved the sale of one to the public.

Diamond Jubilee Brut Impérial is rolling out to Waitrose this week (£33.49/75cl) and will also be on sale in retailers including Selfridges and Harvey Nichols.

JACOB’S CREEK UNVEILS NEW RANGE TO THE ON-TRADE

newsdesk — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:09:11 +0000

Australian wine brand Jacob’s Creek is launching a new, exclusively-branded range of wines to the on-trade – Jacob’s Creek Winemaker’s Collection.

The range has been developed to meet demand for recognised branded wines in bars and restaurants, whilst providing on-trade retailers with an exclusive offering.

Over half of on-trade consumers like seeing brands they recognise when in bars or restaurants, as it provides them with a re-assurance.

Lucy Bearman, Head of Marketing for Wines, Pernod Ricard UK said:

“We believe strongly in the potential of branded wines in the on-trade and many of our customers are already experiencing the sales potential that recognised brands offer.

The Winemaker’s Collection - Shiraz, Chardonnay and Shiraz Rosé.

“This exclusively-branded range offers consumers wines from an award-winning producer that they know, love and trust, but serves as a point of difference on the wine list.”

The Jacob’s Creek Winemaker’s Collection includes three wines – Shiraz, Chardonnay and Shiraz Rosé.

Crafted by winemaker Bernard Hickin using selected grapes, the wines are medium-bodied.

Bearman concluded: “Jacob’s Creek Winemaker’s Collection will provide consumers with the re-assurance and confidence they are looking for when purchasing wine in the on-trade, whilst offering licensees a range that will drive value sales and deliver bottom-line profitability.”

COUNTRY LIFE RELEASES LIMITED EDITION PACKS

newsdesk — Tue, 15 May 2012 08:08:10 +0000

Dairy Crest’s British butter brand, Country Life, is joining in with the British celebrations this summer by creating limited edition Great British butter packs, adorned with a full colour Union Jack.

The special packs will be in store from the end of May for 12 weeks.

The limited edition packs will be supported by a new burst of TV during the week of the jubilee, to make the most of the brand’s British credentials.

The brand’s ads, featuring former Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon, will air throughout the first week of June.

Louise Pike, Head of Marketing for Butters and Spreads at Dairy Crest, said:

“The new special packs have been created to celebrate this great British occasion and Country Life butter’s British credentials.

“The packs will have fantastic standout on shelf and increased shopper appeal.”

Country Life is the only major butter brand made exclusively with milk from British dairy farmers.

Country Life butter is currently worth £68.8 million, growing 7% year on year.

NEW LIMITED EDITION JUBILEE BOTTLE FROM GOOD OIL

newsdesk — Tue, 15 May 2012 06:09:49 +0000

Designed with the Diamond Jubilee in mind, Good Oil has launched a new limited edition bottle to appeal for British kitchen’s and street parties this summer.

With 26 times more Omega 3 and half the saturated fat of olive oil, hemp oil is the healthiest of culinary oils with essential amino acids.

The oil is good for heart and joints and because it’s rich in GLA, it helps combating dry skin too and the new bottle design hopes to stand out to consumers as a British brand and increase stand out on shelf.

The oil can be used as a companion in salad dressings and consumers can fry with it too.

Available from Tesco, Waitrose Sainsbury’s, Ocado, Good Oil has an RRP of £5.99.

For more information click here to visit the website.

NEW LIMITED EDITION PHILADELPHIA PACKS

newsdesk — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:12:48 +0000

Philadelphia, the soft white cheese brand, is launching three new limited edition lenticular lid designs on 300g packs of Light, Original and Garlic and Herb variants – the first of their kind in the cheese category.

When tilted, the packs use lenticular technology to reveal images of three dishes that can be made with Philly.

These packs aim to catch customers’ attention as they pass them on shelf as well as reminding them of the versatility of Philadelphia in cooking.

The reverse of the lenticular provides full details of the recipe, so consumers can replicate the dish in their own kitchen.

Philadelphia Original will feature the Philadelphia meatballs recipe, Philadelphia Light will show how to make macaroni cheese with ham and sweetcorn and Philadelphia Garlic and Herb will show a chilli Philly pasta bake.

To coincide with this on pack activity, the brand will have the support of a £1.8 million media campaign featuring the macaroni cheese recipe for two months this spring.

The launch of the packs follows success for Philadelphia over the last 12 months, during which time its total brand value has risen to more than £100 million.

The first quarter of 2012 has been characterised by category leadership, with Philadelphia with Cadbury causing a buzz in the market and among consumers – 3.5 million units have already been sold, and the launch generated 16,000 Tweets in the UK.

Bruce Newman, Cheese and Dairy Marketing Manager at Kraft Foods UK, said:

“This is the latest part of our strategy to highlight the versatility of Philadelphia in new and exciting ways and to remain at the forefront of category innovation.

“The recipes we have selected are both delicious and simple, making them perfect dishes for all the family.

“It’s been a great year for Philadelphia already, and we are confident that the next six months are going to be even better as we continue to inspire consumers who are currently spreading with Philadelphia to start cooking with it.”

Holmes & Marchant were the company behind the new pack creative.

NEW DELI BOX RANGE FROM PREMIER FOODS

newsdesk — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:06:48 +0000

Premier Foods is growing the Pot Snacks category with the introduction of a new Batchelors Deli Box range designed to appeal to women.

The six strong range of Noodle and Pasta Deli Boxes is available in Chicken, Cheese & Broccoli, Mild Curry, Chicken & Mushroom, BBQ Beef and Chow Mein flavours.

The 75g portion comes in a New York style cardboard takeaway noodle box in a bid to demonstrate quality and relevance, with a modern design that matches the rest of the Batchelors range.

Batchelors Deli Boxes hope to capture the attention of women as they contain 2% fat per box, as well as being a warm light meal, convenient whether at home or work.

The launch is supported by a national campaign later in the year.

The Deli Box range is available in Tesco now and will then launch nationwide in all channels from July with an RRP of £1.19.

THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET – THE NEXT BIG TREND

newsdesk — Mon, 14 May 2012 08:11:29 +0000

It seems that as an industry we’re always on the back-foot being blamed for making people fat and shortening their lives, but here’s our chance to get on the front-foot and run with a really good way-of-eating which ticks all the health boxes and is delicious and convenient.

So why The Mediterranean Diet and why now … because our researchers tell us that The Mediterranean Diet is a perfect point where scientific understanding meets consumer needs.

And when it makes headlines like Mediterranean Diet can add 15 years to life” we know it’s something worth looking into.

Consumers already know a healthy diet means eating more salad, fruit, veg, beans, fish and white meat.

They also think they should eating less red meat, dairy and carbs … but they don’t yet realise that these life-style trends are the essence of The Mediterranean Diet.

And they also don’t know that really robust euro-science is proving that eating and drinking the Mediterranean way reduces cancer, stroke, diabetes and heart problems.

Not only that but a Mediterranean Diet is easy to follow, tastes wonderful and has a lower impact on the planet so it’s bang on trend.

So we asked the eminent Dr Simon Poole to design and chair a seminar for us. Simon is not only an acclaimed speaker and author on the subject of diet and health but he works closely with the BMA and he’s also a busy GP and in his spare time has written The Taste Of The Mediterranean “Ten Steps To A Healthier Life” which you can download by clicking here.

Simon has invited his international collaborators to speak at our seminar.

Dr Antonia Trichopoulou is joining us from The University Of Athens to give us the science directly from the source. Antonia is leading the Greek segment of EPIC which is the biggest study ever into the links between nutrition and other diseases.

Also Sara Baer-Sinnot President of Oldways is flying over from the US to brief us. Oldways is America’s leading nutrition and health NGO> Sara has been instrumental in popularising Diet Pyramids.

In addition to these international speakers, Simon has brought together retailers, researchers and case studies to create a brilliant day which will make sure we are totally inspired by this subject and able to take it back profitably into our businesses.

PLUS
Simon and his colleagues are producing a report on The Opportunity For Mediterranean Foods, and you’ll get a free copy when you come to the seminar.

AGENDA

THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET, NEW SCIENCE, NEW TRENDS.
Dr Simon Poole GP, and author of The Taste Of The Mediterranean – Ten Steps To A Healther Life.
• Why The Mediterranean Diet is set to be the next big food and drink trend.
• Consumer awareness, health communication and opportunities for innovation.
• Oils and individual components of the diet – the antioxidant story.
• The role for Public Health, Government and Industry.
• Special occasion and everyday, it’s about ingredients not recipes.

WHY THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET IS THE GOLD STANDARD.
Dr. Antonia Trichopoulou, Associate Professor of Preventive Medicine and Nutrition, University of Athens.
• The Mediterranean Diet, health and longevity.
• Busting the myths of dietary fats.
• The Mediterranean Diet and diabetes.
• The Mediterranean Diet and weight maintenance.
• A review of global research.

CONSUMER SEGMENTATION AND SENTIMENT ON MEDITERRANEAN INGREDIENTS AND EATING.
Sally Campbell, Research Director, Ipsos MORI.
• Specially commissioned research for the FDIN Mediterranean Diet Seminar which will be conducted in May 2012.
• 1000 respondents involved in the Ipsos MORI on-line social space.
• Quant data enriched by consumer engagement and sentiment.
This research alone would cost you many times the seminar price. By coming to the seminar de-brief you have access to the researchers themselves for further clarification and detail.

THE ASDA APPROACH TO SPECIALITY PRODUCT LAUNCHES.
Mehul Patel and Catherine Sordy, ASDA Category Specialists.
• Mediterranean Products getting them Right First Time.
• The rise in demand for authentic Mediterranean products.
• Being truly local – connecting with the community and meeting their shopping needs.
• A retailers view of “The Mediterranean Consumer”.
• How ASDA identifies upcoming trends and markets.

THE MEDITERRANEAN FOODS ALLIANCE – HOW ANCIENT WISDOM FEEDS MODERN IDEAS.
Sara Baer-Sinnot President of Oldways, A nonprofit food and nutrition education organisation.
• Insight into the benefits of the Pyramid and discussing the growth of the Mediterranean Foods Alliance.
• Promoting the science of diet and lifestyle.
• Dietary pyramids – visual communication.
• Engaging the public and consumers – the experience from the USA.
• The Oldways initiative – how it works.
• Oldways and the Mediterranean Food Alliance – partnership working with industry.

CAPITALISING ON THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET – FROM TREND TO REVENUE.
Sam Waterfall – Senior Partner, Healthy Marketing Team.
• Previous food trends and how you can use them to profit.
• How to position your Mediterranean Diet concept.
• How to test your Med Diet concept before you launch.
• Transparency and sustainability – when and how to use them (and when not to).
• 4 Rules for successfully commercialising a trend (3 case studies).

LOW FAT & LOW SODIUM AND CURED MEATS IN THE MED COUNTRIES.
Mandy Collins, National Accounts Manager, The Food Resource..
• What’s on sale in the Med Countries and why.
• Producing new healthy produces, some pro’s and con’s.
• Consumer’s perception: does the UK need/want “healthier” cured meats?
• Are “healthier” meats affordable for the UK?
• What about pizza toppings/ready meals – a willingness to change.

PLUS.
Plus more case studies to be confirmed.
PLUS.
• Three table team brainstormings so you can work with peers on how to take forward your new ideas.
• End of the day Q & A … a chance to pose your questions to the panel of experts.
• A chance to win a Magnum of Finest Champagne.

VENUE
Staverton Park Conference Centre, Daventry, Northants.
Directions are on the Staverton Park Website

TIMINGS.
Doors open for early birds: 8:00 am
Breakfast for all from: 8:00 am
Seminar begins: 9:00 am
Coffee/Buffet Lunch/Tea: TBC
Seminar finishes: 4:45 pm latest

PRICE.
£425 + VAT.
(Don’t let the low price fool you, we’re a non commercial best practice club and run the best attended seminars in the industry).

DISCOUNTS.
10% early bird discount if you book on before the end of April.
IN ADDITION.
20% discount for booking two places at the same time.
30% discount for booking three places.

For more information or to book a place please click here to visit the seminar page.

JACK DANIEL’S TENNESSEE HONEY LAUNCHES

newsdesk — Mon, 14 May 2012 06:16:41 +0000

Jack Daniel’s is launching Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey in the UK, available to the on-trade this May and the off-trade in August.

Already launched in the US, Tennessee Honey is the first new expression from the Jack Daniel Distillery in more than a decade.

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey is crafted with Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey.

The whiskey is mingled with a honey liqueur resulting in a taste that is authentically Jack.

Bottled at 70 proof it provides a balance of honey notes while retaining the taste of Jack Daniel’s.

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey was crafted for those whose palates desire a different way to drink whiskey.

New Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey aims to offer an exciting new dimension in the emerging flavoured whiskey category in the UK.

LAMBRINI UNVEILS LIMITED EDITION COMMEMORATIVE BOTTLE

newsdesk — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:14:02 +0000

Marking the past 60 years on the throne – the Diamond Jubilee is creating a mid year party season for 2012.

To celebrate, Lambrini is launching a new limited edition bottle.

The limited edition design, featured on 75cl bottles of Lambrini Original, will hit the shops in May, just in time for the royal celebrations.

So, whether it’s a dinner with friends, a street party with neighbours or a more relaxed summer picnic – Lambrini hopes to appeal to ladies across the nation.

Priced at £2.99 a bottle, it aims to deliver both fun and glamour, without breaking the bank.

The full range of Lambrini flavours is available at all major supermarkets nationwide, except Apple and Blackcurrant which is only available at Asda.

APPLETISER UNVEILS NEW CAMPAIGN FOR SUMMER

newsdesk — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:01:39 +0000

Appletiser, distributed by Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd (CCE), is encouraging women to ‘Sparkle on’ in 2012 with its new integrated brand marketing activity.

The £3m campaign, which includes digital, PR and national sampling, has been developed to not only resonate with Appletiser’s core consumers of women aged 30 – 40, but also to engage a wider audience of women aged 25 – 50.

This campaign supports the recent launch of the 350ml handbag sized and 1.25L take-home PET packs of Appletiser and Grapetiser.

This new ‘Sparkle on’ brand positioning has been developed following consumer research, in a bid to engage with and inspire Appletiser’s core target consumers on an emotional level.

This campaign supports the recent launch of the 350ml handbag sized bottle

It’s about the simple things that give women their sparkle back and feel more confident about themselves.

The digital aspect of the activity launches this month.

A Facebook application and advertising, as well as a viral video, will aims to drive awareness, of the ‘Sparkle on’ message and begin to establish the new brand positioning.

The re-launched Facebook page aims to mirror the entertaining, editorial approach of a lifestyle magazine, featuring relevant content for the audience, such as: fashion, culture and career advice.

The Facebook page will evolve, providing new content and activities for fans, as well as competitions and money-off coupons for associated fashion and beauty brands.

Appletiser kicked off its national sampling campaign in the main atrium of Westfield London Shepherd’s Bush from the 4th – 6th May and distributed its new Appletiser handbag sized 350ml PET bottle, sampled the new White and Red Grapetiser flavours and raised awareness of the ‘Sparkle on’ message.

Bruce Scott, Cross-Franchise Brands Senior Marketing Manager at Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd, said:

“Our new ‘Sparkle on’ campaign, aims to help women to realize their inner sparkle, by providing a product and digital content that is relevant as well as generating interest and excitement.

“With the national sampling campaign we will be driving trial, with over 900,000 samples to demonstrate the convenience of the new handbag size pack, the delicious new White and Red Grapetiser flavours as well as establishing a brand personality with the ‘Sparkle on’ experiences available on-stand.”

Brands2Life is managing the social media and PR activation for the ‘Sparkle on’ campaign.

Appletiser is available in 350ml and 1.25L PET packs, as well as 750ml and 275ml glass bottles, and 330ml cans.

Additionally, the brand introduced Red Grapetiser and White Grapetiser in March, which are also available in 275ml glass bottles and 1.35L PET packs.

The new PET format aims to complete the range making it suitable for all occasions.

SHLOER RE-LAUNCHES FRUIT PUNCH

newsdesk — Fri, 11 May 2012 08:09:58 +0000

This year the Diamond Jubilee and London 2012 are taking over the British summer.

To celebrate Shloer is re-launching its limited edition Fruit Punch.

The Fruit Punch was launched last Spring as a limited edition flavour, and is now back on shelf encouraging consumers to share at social occasions.

The natural alcohol alternative uses natural ingredients to create a non-alcoholic sparkling juice drink.

All varieties make a grape-based alternative to alcohol and are suitable for all the family – including those who want to enjoy social events without drinking alcohol.

Shloer contains no preservatives, artificial colours, sweeteners or flavourings and is available from all major supermarkets.

For more information click here to visit the facebook page.

CADBURY HIGHLIGHTS NOW AVAILABLE IN SINGLE SERVE FORMAT

newsdesk — Fri, 11 May 2012 06:12:48 +0000

This month Kraft Foods has announced the launch of its new single serve format, for both the Cadbury Highlights range and Cadbury Hot Chocolate Instant.

The range, which makes a move from sachets to sticks, includes Cadbury Highlights Milk Chocolate, Cadbury Highlights Fudge (previously Chocolate Fudge) and Cadbury Highlights Bournville (previously Dark Chocolate).

The new portable format packaging has a brighter look that aims to increase stand out on-shelf as a convenience product for consumers at only 40 calories per serving, offering a serving suggestion for both the away from home (AFH) and retail channels.

The new portable format packaging has a brighter look

Jill McCall, Senior Brand Manager Hot Beverages, from Kraft Foods said:

“Cadbury is the number one hot chocolate brand, worth £42m.

“To benefit from strong sales we recommend that retailers increase their existing core range of Cadbury products by offering Cadbury Hot Chocolate Sticks to ensure the strongest sales return for your fixture.”

BRITISH CONSUMERS DEVELOP A TASTE FOR EXOTIC FRUIT

newsdesk — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:02:32 +0000

Sales of tropical fruit juices are soaring in the UK as Britons develop a taste for more exotic drinks.

According to IRI EPOS data sales of mango juice blends have seen the biggest growth over the last year of any flavour (30%).

The tropical fruit juice market is now estimated to be worth around £140m annually in Britain.

It’s not just exotic fruit juices that are becoming mainstream; last month pineapples were added to the “typical” basket of goods and services used by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to calculate inflation.

In order to meet growing demand, juice brand Sunpride is launching a range of exotic fruit juice drinks including a unique new flavour for the UK which combines grapes, guava and raspberry from selected growers around the world.

Available from Sainsbury’s the juice drink comes in a 1 litre carton and the RSP is £1.39.

Other flavours launching into Sainsbury’s include pineapple juice; mango; apple and lychee; pineapple and coconut and pineapple and passion fruit juice drinks – all available in 1 litre cartons.

Sunpride Tropical is also available from cash and carry, wholesale and convenience sector, and the Foodservice sector.

CHAPEL DOWN TEAMS WITH HARVERY NICHOLS FOR NEW WINE LAUNCH

newsdesk — Thu, 10 May 2012 12:00:18 +0000

Chapel Down, the English winery, has tied up with Harvey Nichols to launch its two newest wines – a Blanc de Blancs 2007 and a Chardonnay Reserve 2010.

The wines will be exclusively available in all Harvey Nichols Wineshops, restaurants and bars (Knightsbridge, Bristol, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Leeds) from early May.

This is the first time a premier retailer has shown such significant support to an English wine marque and the launch will be part of Harvey Nichols’ “Drool Britannia” promotion that is taking place over the Jubilee and Olympic celebrations and throughout the summer (1 May – 31 August).

Chapel Down will be further supporting the activity with a series of wine tastings during English Wine Week (2 – 10 June) in all stores.

Significantly for Chapel Down, the partnership will also see the retailer stock its Union Red and Late Harvest Nectar wines along with its Curious Brew (lager) and Curious IPA (pale ale) beers.

To encourage people new to English wines to try them during the four–month celebration, all Harvey Nichols restaurants and bars will be offering Chapel Down wines by the glass as well as by the bottle.

The dual-wine launch will be further supported online through the Harvey Nichols website and customer newsletter and through a staff incentive scheme.

FUTURA FOODS ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF YAMAS! CHEESE

newsdesk — Thu, 10 May 2012 10:34:02 +0000

Cheese importer Futura Foods has announced the launch of Yamas!, the UK’s widest range of branded Greek and Cypriot cheeses.

Aiming to widen the appeal of Greek cheeses, the Gloucester-based company will be stocked in Tesco, Morrisons and Ocado from May.

It’s an addition to its current portfolio of Italian, French, Spanish, Swiss, Danish, Dutch and German cheeses, as well as private-labelled Greek cheeses for UK supermarkets.

The initial launch will feature four Yamas! cheeses, from traditional UK favourites Feta and Halloumi to lesser known varieties, such as Graviera, which despite being Greece’s second most popular cheese, has never been sold in UK supermarkets.

- Mild Feta – a light, tangy flavor made from 100% sheep milk
- Smoked Greek Cheese – a new, smoky cheese made from authentic Feta
- Halloumi Burger Slices – a vegetarian alternative
- Graviera – a buttery, delicate cheese

There are plans to introduce further cheeses later in the year under the Yamas! brand.

Halloumi and Feta are respectively the second and fourth fastest growing European cheeses in the UK respectively, and with sales worth £14.5m in 2010-11.

Feta is also the sixth most popular overall.

Yet despite this interest, only 11 per cent of British households regularly buy Feta, and less than 5% regularly buy Halloumi, highlighting a significant opportunity for growth.

The Yamas! range will be available from Tesco and Morrisons and Ocado nationwide.

ENGLISH CHEESECAKE COMPANY RELEASES NEW HANDMADE LOAF

newsdesk — Thu, 10 May 2012 06:26:32 +0000

English Cheesecake Company has launched a range of handmade individual loaf tin cakes.

The range comprises; Lemon & Ginger Stem, Chocolate Sachertorte, Banana Pecan Maple, Sicilian Lemon Drizzle, Icky Sticky Toffee and Bells of St Clements.

The new sponge cakes, which are ambient for five days, are each supplied in ready to display and serve attractive packaging.

They feature a unique portion marker for exact slices every time.

English Cheesecake Company has been making cheesecakes for the past 20 years and the newest additions to the range hope to encourage new consumers to buy into the brand.

For more information click here to visit the website.

ASDA LAUNCHES SOUTH AFRICAN SAUSAGES

newsdesk — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:03:33 +0000

Asda has announced it is trialling boerewors – a traditional South African sausage.

Appearing in 50 stores, the move comes as the retailer attempts to boost its range of South African foods.

Aunty Joan’s Boerewors Sausages have been added to stores that Asda has identified as being near to South African communities nearby, priced at £2.58 for a 400g pack.

An Asda spokeswoman said:

“The sausage had been listed on a trial basis after customer feedback suggested Asda did not have strong ranges of South African products.

“We are keen to get customer feedback on this product and any other South African products which customers think should be in this range.”

Boerewors is highly popular in South Africa, where it is traditionally formed into a spiral and barbecued on a braai.

HARIBO’S UNVEILS NEW FOOTBALL MIX

newsdesk — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:12:34 +0000

Haribo the gums and jellies brand has announced that its limited edition red and white packaging for itsFootball Mix is back on shelf now.

The football themed gums and jellies have again received a makeover with limited edition packaging in national colours, featuring the brand’s Goldbear character.

Free from artificial colours, Football Mix is on shelves from May in 160g packs and in 220g, £1 price marked packs – designed for sharing with friends whilst watching the football.

Katy Clark, Marketing Manager for Haribo said:

“Haribo Limited Edition Football Mix did extremely well in 2010, demonstrating how popular themed treats are, in particular themed gums and jellies.

“With fun football themed shapes, including shirts, boots, trophies and footballs, limited edition Football Mix is a firm family favourite.

“The fruit flavoured foam and jelly sweets are a real treat, and the white and red themed packets are sure to be a real winner again with Haribo and football fans alike.

“Football Mix will be an eye-catching addition to the confectionery aisle, supporting themed displays, and offering shoppers a great way to join in the football fun.”

For more information about Limited Edition Football Mix or Haribo’s full range of products click here to visit the website.