Empire Bespoke Foods, the leading speciality global food importer and distributor, has launched its Master Cook ‘Asia’ collection of authentic, easy-to-cook meal kits, noodles and condiments inspired by the evocative flavours and recipes of Japan, Korea and India.
The rangecomprises four easy to prepare Japanese meal kits (Katsu Curry, Sesame Teriyaki, Curry Udon and Yaki Soba), plus Ramen, Udon and Sobadry noodles (ideal for soup or stir-fries), Soy sauces (Premium, Dark and Light), Ramen Broth and Classic Kimchi (spicy fermented vegetables). The meal kits and the condiments (excluding Ramen broth) are all suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
Created by chefs to blend authentic flavours with convenience for taste-seeking, time-poor consumers keen to recreate their favourite dishes at home, each kit contains pre-measured ingredients to add to the consumer’s preferred protein or vegetables, to help create chef-crafted meals, at home, within 15 minutes.
Master Cook ‘Asia’ is the first range extension to the original Master Cook brand launched last year.
“Our long-standing relationships with the finest Asian suppliers have helped us create this truly authentic and high-quality range,” commented Upuli Ambawatta, brand nanager at Empire Bespoke Foods.
“The Master Cook recipes have been developed by chefs who possess a deep understanding of aromatic ingredients and traditional culinary techniques, and who have drawn on their extensive knowledge and experience to create these delicious and convenient meal solutions.
“For consumers, the kits help deliver authentic and delicious meals while empowering them to confidently explore bold Asian flavours without spending excessive time or effort in the kitchen,” added Upuli. “For retailers, the range offers a valuable opportunity to make the most of growing consumer demand for high quality authentic Asian meals and convenient ‘at home’ taste adventures.”
KP Snacks today announces the latest addition to its market-leading PMP range with the launch of Space Raiders Saucy BBQ £1.25 PMP. Available in stores from early November, the new launch combines the fastest-growing Space Raiders flavour with the strength of the £1.25 PMP format.
Capitalising on the growth of “barbecue” flavours, the new launch is well-positioned to engage shoppers and drive impulse sales, with 57% of impulse shoppers purchasing PMPs. The £1.25 PMP format is strong and KP Snacks’ £1.25 PMP portfolio is growing ahead of the segment at +5.2 per cent (vs +4.2 per cent), bolstering sales. By launching Space Raiders Saucy BBQ £1.25 PMP, KP Snacks is tapping into the strength of the segment and appealing to consumer demand for great value and clear pricing.
The new PMP expands the Space Raiders portfolio. Worth £25m, the Space Raiders range includes Space Raiders 40p PMPs, the UK’s number one best-value singles PMP[5], as well as existing £1.25 PMPs: Beef and Pickled Onion.
“At KP Snacks, we are committed to delivering NPD in the right formats and flavours to support our retailer partners and drive consumer demand,” said Stuart Graham, Head of Convenience and Impulse. “The launch of Space Raiders Saucy BBQ £1.25 PMP leverages the strength of this format and the popularity of barbecue flavours to drive impulse sales.”
Win £5,000 to donate to a local football initiative
Guinness is kicking off the Autumn with a new Premier League partnership. The four-year agreement will see Guinness become the Official Beer of the Premier League, and Guinness 0.0 as the Official Non-Alcoholic Beer. The partnership comes with Guinness looking to tap into culturally relevant occasions throughout the year and engage with a wider audience, reminding shoppers that football is a lovely game for a Guinness.
To recognise the vital role retailers play within communities, Guinness is giving one lucky retailer the chance to win a prize of £5,000 to donate to a local football initiative. From investing in training, to upgrading sports equipment, or purchasing new football kit, the £5,000 prize will help to improve access and enjoyment of the game locally. To enter the competition, existing Diageo One retailers simply have to visit Diageo One and complete a short form. If not yet a Diageo One member, all other retailers can enter by clicking here, and filling out a short form with their details.
The competition aims to bring communities together and harness the power of sport to do so. As a brand, Guinness continues to invest in driving relevancy and use dedicated support for the impulse channel to tap into the match-day occasion
Five retailers around the country have been chosen to host football takeovers within their stores. Each will have football themed giveaways, Guinness-branded merchandise, free street-food and football-themed games. To get a slice of the match-day action, retailers can download their own "Lovely Game for a Guinness" POS via Diageo One.
“Whether you’re a spectator or a player, football has the power to bring people together," said David Mills, Commercial Sales Manager, Diageo. "Our new partnership with the Premier League represents a huge opportunity for Guinness to engage at not only a global level but also more locally too. Retailers and local football clubs sit at the heart of their communities, and we want to support them and give something back. The £5,000 grant will be awarded to one retailer and their chosen football initiative to make a positive difference.”
To enter the Guinness x Premier League community fund competition, and not already a Diageo One user, convenience retailers must visit Diageo One and fill out a short form with their details between 23rd October 2024 at 00:01am and 20th November 2024 at 23:59pm. Existing Diageo One retailers to visit Diageo One and complete the short form. Winners will be contacted via email and follow up phone call within 48 hours of being randomly selected. For full terms and conditions visit Diageo One.
*Retail businesses UK 18+. Opens 23 October 2024 at 00:01am closes 20 November 2024 at 23:59pm. Purchase not necessary. To enter simply Diageo One and fill out a short form. One winner total. Winners to receive £5,000 cash prize to donate to a local community, made via bank transfer.
Snack manufacturer Kestrel Foods has acquired Indie Bay Snacks from Nurture Brands. The brand will join Kestrel Foods' award-winning portfolio of Forest Feast, ACTI-SNACK and Just Live a Little, continuing its trajectory to become a leading player in the snacking category.
Indie Bay Snacks offers consumers tasty and healthier savoury snacks within the grocery, travel and DTC channels. Its pretzel thins are a lighter, fun way to enjoy pretzels, with 70 per cent less fat than crisps.
"As Nurture Brands consolidates its resources around Rebel Kitchen, EMILY and Jax Coco, I am happy to see Indie Bay go forward and become an important part of the Kestrel Foods portfolio," said Adam Draper, Managing Director of Nurture Brands.
Michael Hall MBE, founder and CEO of Kestrel Foods said, “The acquisition of Indie Bay is aligned to our ambition of creating a fast paced and innovative snacking business. We believe Indie Bay offers consumers and customers something different in our portfolio, and we see great potential for growth through our strong brand, innovation and go to market capability.”
Kestrel Foods' own flagship brand, Forest Feast, has grown over 30 per cent in the last year, a result of increased brand awareness and penetration, and further gains in distribution.
Reviva – the vibrant coffee brand owned by Gulf – has announced it has signed a multi-year deal with the Williams Racing Formula 1 team.
The new partnership is a celebration of a shared commitment to high quality performance. Crafted exclusively from 100 per cent Arabica beans, Reviva’s balanced yet bold and vibrant taste makes it the perfect partner for the Williams Racing team, to keep them fuelled in the fast-paced world of motorsport.
As of 1 January, 2025, when the partnership goes live, Reviva will feature across the Formula 1 calendar, at the Williams Racing motorhome, at flyaway races as well as the Williams Experience Centre in Oxfordshire. The logo will also be prominently positioned on the nose of the two cars, taking the Reviva brand all over the world.
“We are excited to announce this partnership of Reviva Coffee and Williams Racing," said Mike Jones, CEO, Gulf Oil International UK Limited. "Reviva is expanding Gulf’s footprint into the speciality coffee sector, and we look forward to seeing it on the world stage of Formula 1 through the Williams Racing partnership. We are also delighted to extend the partnership between Gulf and Williams Racing, building on what we have achieved in our first two seasons together, and our commitment to continue bringing engaging activations for the fans, including iconic Gulf liveries and F1 demos in our key markets”.
James Vowles, Team Principal, added, "We are thrilled to deepen and extend our partnership with Gulf Oil International, a brand with a motorsport heritage to match our own and one that is synonymous with excellence and innovation. Together we have put captivating fan engagement and developing the next generation at the heart of our partnership, and this extension is another vote of confidence in Williams’ ongoing transformation. The introduction of Reviva as our Official Coffee Partner will mark the start of our next chapter together, bringing together two brands with bold ambition and strong momentum.”
Reviva, which launched in 2023, is dedicated to providing responsibly sourced specialty and premium coffee. Crafted exclusively from Arabica beans to ensure the highest quality, its perfectly balanced flavour profile, with notes of chocolate, caramel, roasted almonds and red fruits provides a smooth, vibrant taste.
“The Reviva Signature range is sourced from Rainforest Alliance-certified farms in Brazil, Colombia and Honduras and is roasted in small batches to maintain the highest levels of freshness and quality," said Sara Trioni, Head of Marketing & NPD for Reviva. "We are passionate about flavour and the expertly crafted specialty coffee has been developed to create an opportunity for enjoyment, refreshment and revival.”
The Reviva range is available in whole beans, ground and Nespresso compatible capsules. It’s ideal for independent cafés, catering, hospitality, hotels and event venues.
Sweet-maker Swizzels has unveiled brand-new limited-edition Naughty & Nice Squashies in time for Christmas.
Squashies continue to be the No.1 Sugar Confectionery brand in the market, which has prompted Swizzels to introduce its first-ever Christmas-themed Squashies to keep up with the increasing demand during the festive period.
The 120g, elf-shaped Squashies are available to purchase now, with a MRSP of £1.15, sold in cases of 12.
The product features two popular flavours: Strawberry Ice Cream and Apple Pie – and boasts a bright, eye-catching design that has been created to stand out on shelves.
Designed to elevate retailers’ festive offering this Christmas, the Naughty & Nice Squashies feature two elves in each bag – one on the ‘naughty’ list and one on the "nice" list – bringing a playful and personalised touch to the festive season.
Swizzels is also bringing back its popular Sweet Shop Advent Calendar which has seen a remarkable 41 per cent year-on-year growth and features 24 fan favourites to delight and surprise throughout the festive season.
The Sweet Shop Favourites range remains a festive staple, including the popular Sweet Shop Favourites Tub, currently the No.1 selling sugar tub along with Sweet Shop Favourites Pouches, and the Squashies Carton.
To cater to the increasing popularity of plant-based diets, and ensure everyone can enjoy a sweet treat, the Swizzels’ festive range also includes several vegan options:
Party Mix, 785g, with a MRSP £5, Sweet Treat Tub, 600g, with a MRSP £4 Sweet Shop Favourites Carton, 324g, with a MRSP £3
“Each year, we strive to enhance our Christmas offering to help the wonderful retailers we work with boost sales," said trade manager Clare Newton. "This year, we’re excited to introduce our brand new Naughty & Nice Squashies, shaking up the Christmas sugar confectionery NPD category.
“This Christmas, we anticipate indulgence to be a key trend, with consumers seeking comforting and delightful treats to enjoy with family and friends. With festive flavours that promise to steal the spotlight, such as Strawberry Ice Cream & Apple Pie, this new product perfectly aligns with the growing consumer interest in unique flavour experiences.
“Our new Naughty & Nice Squashies are designed to add a fun, personalised twist to festive gifting. By incorporating both ‘naughty’ and ‘nice’ elements, we’re embracing the trend for novelty and personalisation in confectionery, which enhances the excitement and appeal of our products.
“We know that shoppers are keen to make a start on their Christmas shopping early this year, so we’re encouraging retailers to stock up on our festive range to cater to those seeking to embrace the Christmas spirit as soon as possible.”