Round up
NPD: Warburtons, I.T.S and Wall’s announce product launches
Warburtons launches gluten free pitta breads
Leading UK bakery brand Warburtons has announced the launch of its ‘Gluten Free Soft Pittas’.
The four packs are now available through Sainsbury’s, Asda and Ocado at an RRP of £3, and will shortly be rolled out at other retailers including Tesco, Morrisons and Co-op.
Warburtons has invested significantly in the gluten-free category, with the new pittas coming after the launches including ‘Cinnamon and Raisin Fruity Buns’ and ‘Super Soft Seeded Rolls’.
As well as being gluten, wheat and milk free, the new pittas are high in calcium, a great source of fibre and are Coeliac UK certified, and will be baked in Warburtons’ dedicated gluten free bakery in Newburn.
Commenting on the launch, the firm’s chair Jonathan Warburton said: “Everyone should be able to enjoy high-quality bakery products, regardless of dietary restrictions. Gluten free shoppers shouldn’t have to compromise on quality and taste, and our Warburtons Gluten Free range delivers on both. We are thrilled we have been able to recreate a gluten free alternative to our core range favourite.
“Innovation is critical to the growth of the free from category and to help meet what can often be an uncatered need for many. This is why at Warburtons we are investing significantly over the next three years in our Gluten Free range to grow, evolve and meet ongoing demand to introduce versatile and convenient free-from products.”
I.T.S expands natural fruit puree range
Flavour specialist I.T.S has expanded its range of natural fruit puree flavours with its new ‘just crushed fruit taste’.
The flavours have been designed to help food and beverage manufacturers boost real fruit flavour without the cost and supply issues associated with the use of real fruit puree.
I.T.S is launching pear, apple, blueberry, pineapple and guava, to accompany the strawberry, raspberry, passionfruit, peach, apricot, banana, blackberry and mango flavours which were released last year.
Suitable for use across a range of applications including fruit beer, ice cream, yoghurt and baked treats, the new natural fruit puree flavours are allergen free and suitable for vegan.
“Consumer desire or natural flavour profiles that move away from sweeter confectionery styles means there is a big drive for authentic fruit flavours,” said I.T.S founder Mike Bagshaw.
“Real fruit puree flavours – nothing fancy but pure and authentic – are trending as demand from consumers to ‘keep it real’ continues. The reality is though that there can be limited availability and fluctuating prices associated with supply of some fruits and, as a result, costs for fruit puree can be high. As a result, manufacturers working with fruit flavours, look for a more cost-effective and cost-stable approach to getting that natural tasting flavour into food and drink products”.
Wall’s unveils three new ice creams ahead of summer
Wall’s has announced three new launches in the run up to summer with its new ‘Twister Berry-licious’, ‘Cornetto Soft Stracciatella and Caramel’ and three new ‘GUUUD Greek Style Yoghurt Ice Cream’ flavours: raspberry, salted caramel and passionfruit.
The Twisters come in four packs or as singles at an RRP of £2.50 and £1.40 respectively, while the Cornetto are only sold in four packs priced at £3.75. Meanwhile, the GUUUD ice creams are available in three packs at £3 or alone for £1.80.
According to Wall’s, the new Twister is made with real fruit juice and no artificial flavours or colours and at 68 calories per stick, it is HFSS compliant.
The GUUUD ice creams are also 68 calories per stick, while the new Cornetto variation is described as a more luxurious ice cream experience.
“We’re proud to be able to bring this innovation to the category and expect Twister Berry-licious to get tongues wagging across the country,” said Wall’s handheld marketing manager Rhiannon Lines.
Commenting on the other launches, Lines added: “This indulgent new Cornetto Soft recipe offers a convenient way for consumers to treat themselves and is perfect for the growing sofa snacking occasion.
“[And] GUUUD is a key player in our strategy to de-seasonalise ice cream. Through the brand, we’re creating new all year-round occasions for ice cream as it offers the perfect alternative to a traditional yoghurt.”
Purity Brewing launches new 4% pilsner
Purity Brewing Company has announced the launch of its latest release, the ‘Pure Pilsner’.
At 4%, it is the brewery’s first entry into the lower ABV category for lagers. Each batch is lagered for four weeks and made from only four key ingredients, the beer follows an authentic pilsner recipe with that distinctive Purity twist.
The launch reflects consumers’ changing consumption habits, with the increase in daytime and early-evening food and experience-led social activities driving demand for high quality, lower ABV drinks.
Pure Pilsner will be available in 12 x 440ml cans and 30L/50L kegs, catering to both individual consumers looking to buy direct and hospitality venues, while it was made available at pubs, bars and online across the UK on 16 April 2024.
Flo Vialan, head brewer at Purity Brewing, commented on this latest launch: "Our new Pilsner embodies the essence of Purity Brewing Company – exceptional quality product, with a focus on sustainability, whilst remaining committed to the community in our heartland.
"With Pure Pilsner, we're not only honouring tradition but also staying true to our sustainability roots. Made with locally sourced ingredients and lagered for no less than four weeks, it's a testament to our unwavering dedication to crafting only the finest beers."
The Flava People partners with Pinch of Nom on seasoning mix sachets
The Flava People has linked up with Pinch of Nom to unveil a range of seasoning mix sachets inspired by their most popular recipes.
Having seen success with the launch of its cookbook, Pinch of Nom is now bringing its recipes to life with a first food product launch alongside The Flava People, with a range of five items set to hit retail shelves this summer.
The five new ‘Pinch of Nom x Flava It!’ sachets will be available in the following flavours: creamy garlic chicken, campfire stew, Cajun-style dirty rice, Mediterranean-style chicken traybake and chip shop curry sauce.
The Flava People is in active conversations with retailers ahead of the official launch of the new range.
Michelle Rowley, brand and product director at The Flava People, commented: “Our collaboration between Flava It! and Pinch of Nom will revolutionise the ease in which consumers can cook accessible, delicious slimming-friendly recipes at home.”
“We are extremely excited to be working with such a passionate brand that holds their unrivalled community and fan base at the heart of everything they do in a truly authentic way.”
Synergy Flavours launches new gin and tequila flavours
Synergy Flavours is releasing a new set of gin and tequila flavours which are suitable for both alcoholic and low- and no-alcohol products.
The gin range features six new gin flavourings, a complete negroni cocktail flavouring, and a crème de mure flavouring for gin bramble cocktails, while the tequila range offers two tequila flavourings to help manufacturers develop authentic tequila cocktails, plus a complete margarita flavouring.
Both flavour ranges are the result of Synergy’s extensive analysis into spirit flavour profiles, with the goal of allowing manufacturers to deliver authentic gin and tequila flavours across a wide variety of beverages. Synergy’s new flavours can be used by themselves or in conjunction with other flavours and extracts.
The firm also launched a whisky flavour range in December 2023, comprising five whisky flavours and an old-fashioned cocktail flavour.
Commenting on the launches, Synergy senior European business development manager Vicky Berry said: “Both spirits have very complex flavours which vary depending on how they’re developed, and this is an example where we’ve used analytical techniques to understand and emulate, so manufacturers have more choice when selecting gin or tequila profiles.
“Not only can these flavours help manufacturers appeal to consumers looking for authentic spirit flavours in RTD alcohol products, but they also allow them to target the growing market for low- and no-alcohol.”
In other news, UK supplier JJ Foodservice has announced the acquisition of Gatelands Supplies Ltd for an undisclosed fee.
