Cakes, hard seltzer and meat alternatives lead product launches
New better-for-you crisp brand
A new range of better-for-you crisps that contain 50% less fat, significantly less salt and only 99 calories than average has been launched by start-up Mindful Snacker.
Simply Roasted is the first product from the new snacking brand, led by chief snacker Tara Quick, marketing director Ruth Fittock (previously Popchips) and RTM lead Nat Cooper (previously Vita Coco).
Four flavours have been launched: Sea Salt, Mature Cheddar & Red Onion, Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar, and Black Truffle. An extended range will follow and will include Korean BBQ, Katsu Curry and Thai Green Curry.
Quick said: “Our aim is to provide delicious better-for-you snacks that bring the pleasure back to snacking. We focus on all natural ingredients that you recognise, minimal processing, no additives. We’re conscious of salt content, but ultimately we are driven by taste – everything we do is delicious, we’re obsessed with flavour and quality.”
Meat alternatives launch from Finnebrogue
Finnebrogue Artisan has announced the launch of three new plant-based products under its Naked brand in Tesco, Sainsbury and Morrisons stores.
The new products include No Beef Teriyaki Strips, No Fish Goujons and Southern Fried No Chicken Goujons. They join Finnebrogue’s Naked ‘without’ range, including its Without the Oink Bacon.
Commenting on the launches, head of new product development Sarah Savage said: “These latest additions to the Naked range not only extend the choice of delicious plant-based foods for our very loyal Naked consumers, but mark our entry into all four key plant-based categories – imitation pork, chicken, beef and fish.
“These launches are only the start of what we intend to develop over the coming months and years to come, with our restless innovation focused on making plant-based food as nutritious, delicious and sustainable as it can possibly be.”
Gü announces two new launches
Dessert brand Gü has expanded its Mousse and Light ranges with the launch of two new products over the next month.
A new Double Chocolate flavour was introduced to the Gü Light range from 21 April, while Gü Milk Chocolate Mousse with Caramelised Biscuit will hit shelves from 10 May.
Gü Mousses has achieved £4.3m in value sales since launch and have been a driving force behind the brand’s recent success. Gü Light gained £1.9m in sales over the past year.
Amy Heap, marketing director at Gü, said: “We have seen consumers embracing our new products and we’re keen to keep momentum going by capitalising on demand for more premium choice and flavours.
“The Milk Chocolate Mousse with Caramelised Biscuit is the first of its kind in the UK market, with a biscuit layer underneath the mousse. By offering something different, we’re helping increase purchase frequency within the category and continuing to drive growth.”
Retro-inspired desserts launched by Bakkavor
Bakkavor has launched a trio of new desserts inspired by nostalgic British flavours under its own The Delicious Dessert Company brand.
Strawberries and Cream Éclair, Sticky Toffee Éclair and Triple Chocolate Éclair all feature a double injected centre and aim to meet a demand for treats and cakes established during COVID-19 restrictions.
Bakkavor’s research during the pandemic found that 75% of Brits regularly turned to food treats to help them through lockdown and lift spirits. Of these, one in seven (14%) specifically treated themselves to cream éclairs on a regular basis.
Marcus Birkin, commercial controller at Bakkavor, commented: “With warm weather around the corner, and a renewed sense of optimism in the air, now is a great time to be celebrating the Great British summer.
“We are extremely proud to launch three products that, with their fillings and flavours, are unique in retail, and delighted to be working with Sainsbury’s to bring them to market.”
Direct to consumer hard seltzer launch
A new hard seltzer made from traditional spirits has launched onto the direct to consumer (DTC) market from drinks producer Gerry’s.
The seltzer is made by blending real fruit flavours, sparkling water and premium spirits as opposed to distilled alcohol from sugar cane.
Gerry’s offers six flavour combinations: Watermelon & Mint Vodka Seltzer, Cucumber & Lemon Gin Seltzer, Pineapple & Coconut Rum Seltzer, Passionfruit & Lime Vodka Seltzer, Strawberry & Kiwi Gin Seltzer, and Apple & Lime Rum Seltzer.
Paul Wyber, founder and chief executive of Gerry’s, said: “We’re really excited to launch a fun and great tasting hard seltzer for those who want to enjoy having a good time with their friends, without all the calories that other alcoholic drinks have.
“We want to bring people together as part of Gerry's Social Club, host regular events, reward them for their loyalty and be known as more than a drink brand, but as the purveyor of good times. We have some exciting plans ahead, and we can’t wait to announce more soon.”
Limited edition blackcurrant yogurt joins Yeo Valley range
Yeo Valley Organic has partnered with The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) to launch a limited-edition garden-inspired yogurt.
The Yeo Valley Organic RHS Limited Edition British Blackcurrant Yogurt is available from Waitrose and Sainsbury’s stores nationwide and celebrates the brand’s first organic garden at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower show.
Each blackcurrant in the British Blackcurrant flavour is sourced exclusively from a family-run blackcurrant farm in Herefordshire which has been supplying Yeo Valley Organic for nearly 20 years.
Sarah Mead, head of gardening at Yeo Valley Organic and creator of the Organic Garden commented: “The launch of our British Blackcurrant yogurt is a celebration of organic farming, and we can’t wait for people to try it.
“We’re bringing a slice of our Somerset organic garden to the first autumn edition of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this September, and this special hedgerow-inspired limited edition seems a fitting way to kick things off.”
