News
NPD launches: Limited edition Netflix popcorn and vegan Nutella
PROPER and Netflix collaborate
Snack brand PROPER has partnered with streaming giant Netflix on the launch of its new, limited edition ‘Netflix and Chilli Caramel’ popcorn flavour.
Combining the sweetness of caramel with a kick of chilli, the product is high in fibre, made with natural flavouring and under 100kcal per serving. It also meets HFSS standards and is vegan and gluten-free.
To mark the launch, the brands are running an on-pack competition across all PROPER popcorn and lentil chip packs enabling certain contestants to win a home cinema bundle worth £5,000, including a 12-month Netflix subscription.
The flavour will be available in major retailers (including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Morrisons) at an RRP of £1.90 per 90g pack from 11 September.
"Partnering with Netflix is a huge moment for PROPER,” said founder Cassandra Stavrou.
“It directly speaks to our rapid growth over the past decade. For two brands that are synonymous with the night-in, it's a natural fit. We plan to go even bigger, with this campaign alone getting 10m packs into the hands of the nation.
"We strive to shake up the category, driving growth and keeping it fresh and flavour-packed. 'Netflix and Chilli Caramel' is the perfect addition to watching your favourite Netflix shows for a proper night. We can’t wait for fans to try it."
Nutella Plant-Based launching across Europe
Ferrero has announced the launch of Nutella Plant-Based to mark the brand’s 60th anniversary.
The product is made with roasted hazelnuts and cocoa as well as chickpeas and rice syrup and has earned vegan accreditation from the Vegetarian Society.
Sold in 350g recyclable jars, Nutella Plant-Based is being rolled out in selected European markets from 3 September.
Global president of Nutella Thomas Chatenier said that Ferrero was excited to welcome the new product to the “growing Nutella family”.
“We developed this innovation to provide a delicious new choice that delivers the unmistakable Nutella experience in a plant-based version, removing milk and adding other vegetal ingredients,” Chatenier continued.
“Offering the same great taste, smooth texture and excellent quality that the Nutella brand is known and loved for. We are happy to have had Nutella Plant-Based independently checked and displaying the Vegetarian Society approved vegan trademark.”
Vanessa Brown, head of trademarks at the Vegetarian Society, added: “We welcome Ferrero’s efforts to meet the needs and expectations of the millions of consumers following plant-based and vegan diets. We are pleased to announce that the new Nutella Plant-Based meets the Vegetarian Society’s strict criteria for vegan accreditation. One of the world’s most loved brands is now offering a plant-based option.”
Glenfiddich unveils Grand Château whisky
Glenfiddich has announced the launch of Grand Château, a 31-year-old limited edition whisky made using red wine casks from the Bordeaux region.
The liquid was matured in American oak before being finished for nine years in Bordeaux red wine casks, a process designed to create layers of “new and unexpected” flavour.
To celebrate the launch, Glenfiddich has collaborated with French artist André Saraiva to create a unique packaging design.
Grand Château is part of The Glenfiddich Grand Series, a collection that celebrates the fusion of single malt with different cultures from around the world.
Glenfiddich malt master Brian Kinsman commented: “Bordeaux red wine casks are incredibly versatile sources of flavour and recognised widely for their outstanding quality, providing the perfect opportunity for experimentation to develop a profound spirit. Nine years spent cocooned in these extraordinary Bordeaux red wine casks results in an exceptionally vibrant liquid which intensifies Glenfiddich’s classic fruity character balanced somewhat unusually with notes of deep oak and warming vanilla.
“Although wine is becoming an increasingly popular choice for maturation within the single malt category, it remains relatively rare to see whiskies finished in a Bordeaux red wine cask, making this an incredibly intriguing and collectable bottling.”
Celebrity chef partners with allplants on new meals
Ready meal manufacturer allplants has announced a chef-in-residence collaboration with real food activist and celebrity chef Melissa Hemsley.
The collaboration has seen Hemsley work directly with allplants’ team of chefs to create an original collection of meals made with whole foods.
The new collection features five plant-based meals, including Tricolore Orzo with Cashew Stracciatella, Golden Laksa with Sweet Potato, Okonomiyaki Rainbow Bowl, Green Harissa and Black Bean Koftas, and Paradise Dessert Pot.
Retailing from £7.50 for main meals and £4.50 for the dessert pot, the collection is available exclusively at the allplants website from 5 September.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Hemsley said: “Each dish is packed with vibrant flavours and real, wholefood ingredients. I want to help people to eat more real food; real plants that taste deliciously feel-good, and without any hidden ultra-processed ingredients.”
Founder of allplants Jonathan Petrides added: “It has been a total blast secretly developing these creations with Melissa Hemsley in our kitchen. Her passion for real food and dedication to healthy eating aligns perfectly with our values at allplants. As our new chef-in-residence she’s bringing food that’s not only packed with flavour but also showcases the nutritious potential of plants.”
The Gym Kitchen launches high protein pancake
Meal kit manufacturer The Gym Kitchen is launching a new range of high protein pancakes with selected UK retailers.
Available in Tesco and Sainsbury’s stores from 2 September and 23 September respectively, the pancakes are enriched with wheat and pea protein.
Sold in packs of four, the Maple flavour includes 26g of protein per 200g pack and the Banana variety features 24g of protein per pack.
Founded in 2020, The Gym Kitchen manufactures chilled and frozen ready meals and pizzas, pulses and grains, yoghurts and desserts.
Commenting on the launch, founder, Segun Akinwoleola, said: “Expanding into functional breakfast and all-day snacking is a natural stretch for the brand and our consumers have been asking for us to launch a pancake range for a while, so we are delighted to share this offer with them.
“Bringing nutritious, convenient food solutions that deliver on taste sits at the heart of everything we do at The Gym Kitchen. We’re on a mission to expand our offer to a broader target audience of health-focused foodies, catering for different meal occasions.”
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