Wensleydale Creamery links up with Aardman
Wensleydale Creamery has released five limited-edition Wallace & Gromit themed cheese truckles as part of a partnership with Aardman.
Inspired by the characters, the collection celebrates the duo ahead of their new film ‘Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl’, which is due for release on the BBC this Christmas.
Based at Hawes in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, Wensleydale Creamery handcrafts a range of cheeses made with milk sourced from local farms.
The range includes a selection of 150g and 200g cheese truckles, three of which are shaped in the likeness of the eponymous characters. The original ‘Yorkshire Wensleydale’ variety, as well as the ‘Yorkshire Wensleydale & Cranberries’ and ‘Mature Cheddar’ cheeses are available in 150g truckles, while the two Wensleydale options are also on sale in the larger format.
Available now from select UK supermarkets and independent retailers, the 150g and 200g truckles retail at £3.59 and £4.75 respectively.
“Wallace’s fondness for cheese has helped raise awareness for our classic Yorkshire Wensleydale, and we’re proud to be partnering with Aardman again to celebrate the release of the new film by creating a unique range for our original cheeses,” said Wensleydale Creamery marketing manager Sandra Bell.
Urban Farm-It unveils Lion’s Mane mushroom range
Kent-based mushroom producer Urban Farm-It has introduced its organic Lion’s Mane mushrooms to the UK market.
Available fresh and dried, these premium mushrooms are now available directly from Urban Farm-It’s website, providing UK businesses with a unique product aimed at meeting the growing demand for healthy and sustainable ingredients.
Recent studies show that Lion’s Mane mushrooms contain anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, while their versatility and meat-like texture makes them “an ideal product for food manufacturers, restaurants, and health-conscious consumers”.
The fresh Lion’s Mane is hand-harvested at peak maturity to ensure maximum flavour and quality and are sold in 250g, 500g, and 1kg packs. Meanwhile, the dried range is available in 25g, 50g and 150g packs.
Urban Farm-It offers direct delivery, with the mushrooms sold in eco-friendly packaging that includes recyclable materials and ice packs to maintain freshness. Wholesale options are also available upon request.
Elliot Webb, founder of Urban Farm-It, commented: “Not only are these mushrooms a versatile plant-based meat alternative, but they also offer significant health benefits, which is why we’ve worked so hard to make them widely available in the UK.
“We’re proud to bring this high-quality, locally grown product to the market.”
The Gym Kitchen festive sandwich goes on sale
Food manufacturer The Gym Kitchen has launched its first Christmas sandwich in time for the festive season.
The high protein, wholemeal sandwich is filled with chicken breast, smoked bacon, cranberry and traditional stuffing.
Each sandwich contains 24g of protein and 372 calories, while it is low in sugar and saturated fat and acts as a source of fibre.
Available now in Tesco stores across the UK, it retails at £3.40 but can also be included in the meal deal as a main.
“Christmas sandwiches are a huge trend, and we’re excited to share a wholesome and nutritious option, helping health-conscious consumers to stay on top of their goals, whilst enjoying a tasty festive lunchtime treat,” said Gym Kitchen founder Segun Akinwoleola.
CMBC releases new Shipyard session pale ale
Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) has rolled out the new ‘Shipyard American Session Pale Ale’ in the UK.
The session ale offers a twist on the already available IPA and pale ale SKUs produced by Shipyard, a family-owned brewer based in Portland, Maine.
Featuring fruity aromas of papaya, lychee and passionfruit, the new session pale ale is dry hopped with a quartet of four American hop varieties – Chinook, Cascade, Columbus and Centennial.
The beer, which has an ABV of 3.4%, is available now with major retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons and Waitrose in 440ml can multipacks and single 500ml bottles.
“We’re proud to take another fantastic step by sharing the new Shipyard American Session Pale Ale with British fans,” commented Jo Marshall, director of marketing for ales and craft at CMBC.
“Beer drinkers increasingly want more choice and high-quality experiences with their drinks, whilst they are also more aware of moderation. As shared in the name, the new beer is a delightfully sessionable ale that fulfils both these needs, using bold American hops and fine ingredients to craft a brew that is perfect for enjoying with family and friends.”
Arla expands yogurt range with three fresh launches
UK dairy cooperative Arla Foods has added three new products to its portfolio of branded yoghurts.
The first is the Arla LactoFREE natural yogurt, which is high in protein and contains added vitamin D. Sold in 400g pots at £1.85, it aims to offer all the taste of dairy without any lactose.
Next, the Arla Skyr Whipped comes in three flavours – ‘Strawberries and Cream’, ‘Caramelised Orange’ and ‘Coconut and White Chocolate’. Available now for £1.25 in 128g pots, it is also protein rich and contains a burst of fruit compote.
Finally, Arla Protein has launched a 450g pot in vanilla and strawberry flavours. Containing 45g of protein, the bigger pot retails at £2.25 and ideal for breakfast and snacks.
Commenting on Arla’s aim to grow its yogurt portfolio, associate category director Catriona Mantle said: “It’s been nearly 10 years since we brought our first Arla yogurt to the UK market, and we are proud to offer increased choice for those looking for natural and nutritious food options.
“Health and taste are the biggest reasons that shoppers are generally consuming yogurts, but we also know that shoppers aren’t shopping for ‘yogurts’, they’re shopping for specific occasions. We are therefore offering shoppers a choice; whether they’re looking for a yogurt to meet functional needs, big or small serving sizes, or for a particular level of indulgence.”
