Showing posts with label Free From. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Free From. Show all posts

Friday 16 February 2024

Free-from Disruptor brand 'We Love Cake' Gets major Makeover to Kick Off 2024

Bells of Lazonby's iconic We Love Cake has undergone a branding and packaging overhaul in a bid to excite loyal shoppers and attract a younger demographic in 2024.

The rebrand is backed by a new campaign 'Baked in Joy' that will celebrate those who have found We Love Cake after diagnosis of Coeliac disease (such as my wife) or a newfound lifestyle choice, and it'll be deployed through digital channels.

The new-look packs are to be on shelf in supermarkets from later this month and in-foodservice during this year.

To date the free-from bakery, based in Lazonby Cumbria, has been noted for its disruptive and innovative take on the category, recreating iconic, household favourites in vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free varieties. 

We Love Cake has seen rapid growth in recent years showing a staggering growth of in excess of  370% since 2020 in value and volume.

Operating in UK Frozen Foodservice, Australian and UK retail, it's on track with its mission to become the biggest brand in value sales in Free From Sweet Bakery in the UK having achieved this already in Australia. 

Initially launched in 2012 in UK foodservice, the brand became a success due to its quality, taste credentials and allergen integrity.

Having been a disruptor to UK retail in 2019, We Love Cake was selling under 1,000 packs per week, by the end of 2023 it sold over 25,000 packs in UK retail in one week.

The rebrand aims to be a step change for We Love Cake. In-market sales estimated for 2024 are believed to be worth over 4M Australian Dollars in Australia and over £7M in the UK.

Head of Brand and Marketing, Josh Boydell-Smith, said: “The rebrand and marketing campaign 'Baked in Joy' is the absolutely perfect opportunity to celebrate those who have found the brand through Coeliac disease or lifestyle choice, it aims to normalise free-from sweet bakery and remind people how good it can taste.

“We are rebranding to drive growth and gain further distribution, but mainly to better tell our our story and open ourselves up to younger shoppers. Five years ago we looked bold and new on shelf, since others have followed, we realised that it was time for a refresh and to stand out once again.”

Speaking on the brands rapid growth, Josh added: “Based out of Lazonby in Cumbria, we pride ourselves on being a brand that's punching well above our weight. To date our success has been driven by innovation and strong distribution, we now have 33 lines in our portfolio across the UK and Australia spanning frozen, ambient and chilled foods." 

Josh went on to say: “Our branding needed to support our presence in the free-from category, it was time for us to shake things up, and remind our shoppers why they really do love cake.”

Bells of Lazonby will be investing in digital markerting that will reach over five million consumers with the new 'Baked in Joy' campaign. The product rebrand is going to be heaviily supported by PR and social media outreach though all operating channels.

FACTFILE: Back in 202 The We Love Cake journey began when second-generation family business owner, Michael Bell, took the decision to try to live as a coeliac for a week. 

Michael was totally dissatisfied with anything he ate, not least the free from cakes he reluctantly attempted.

By only day two of the week-log trial he decided to build a dedicated Gluten, wheat, and milk free bakery.  After years of honing gluten free bakery, he introduced We Love Cake to the UK foodservice in 2012.

We Love Cake are registered with Coeliac UK and declared as suitable for those with coeliac disease.

We love Cake is sold across the UK in Major Retail, Cafés and restaurants and Australia. Constantly re-working and revisiting the recipes, in 2019 We Love Cake rebranded and reduced sugar content across its portfolio.

For more information: https://we-love-cake.co.uk/delicious-gluten-free-cakes/ or follow on Instagram @welovecakeuk.

Saturday 9 December 2023

Crave End a Successful 2023 With the Launch of Bisco's; a Free-from Twist on the Dunkable Cookie Sandwich Biscuit

CRAVE, the renowned pioneers of free-from snacking, proudly introduces its latest masterpiece; Bisco's, a golden biscuit sandwich with a vanilla cream filling and sprinkles. This launch marks the latest new product development in CRAVE's free-from range, launching into Sainsbury's from 31st December 2023.  

Following Sainsbury's announcement of a new format that combines frozen, ambient, and chilled free-from products all in one aisle, CRAVE is set to launch a range of new products into Sainsbury's this year to help bolster the options for their free-from customers.   

Bisco's is the first new product in a new series of NPD for 2024, launching into Sainsburys from 31st December 2023. 

PRODUCT: Bisco's 

DESCRIPTION: Golden sandwich biscuits filled with a vanilla cream and sprinkle centre 

PRICE: RRP £3.50 

PACK SIZE: 130g 


RETAILER: Available from Sainsbury's from 31st December 2023  

Continuing to battle against and challenge the status quo, CRAVE came under scrutiny earlier in the year for some of their products getting rather close to the branding of other big multinational brands. 

On the launch of Bisco's Rob Brice said, “In the office, we had lots of fun coming up with a name for our first biscuit product, we toyed with 'Noreo', but after our accountant advised us, we don't have budget for another lawsuit this year, we settled on Bisco's! 

"We really like to think they encapsulate the fun of a Disco with the taste of a Birthday cake. Obviously Bisco's are very different from any other circular biscuit, being vegan and free from the top 14 most common allergens, whilst still being tasty and ready to dunk (if you like that sort of thing)!” 

Rob, who is an expert in food development, founded CRAVE in 2020. Following on from his appearance on the TV Show Aldi's Next Big Thing in 2022 with his free-from maize snacks, CRAVE has gone on to secure listings with major retailers such as Asda, Morrisons, Ocado and more recently, Sainsbury's. 

Standing up for inclusivity, CRAVE's products are designed to be enjoyed by everyone. They are gluten-free, vegan, and free from milk, egg, and lactose, ensuring that individuals with dietary restrictions never experience that FOMO. 

Want to join the CRAVE revolution and become a stockist? Please email hello@cravenomore.co.uk 

https://cravefreefrom.co.uk

Thursday 22 June 2023

Asda earns 86 product awards in Free From Awards

Asda was awarded a very impressive 86 product awards at this year’s Free From Food Awards including 4 Golds, 27 Silvers, 36 Bronze, 19 Commended as well as the top accolade of the night, Free From Retailer of the Year.

The awards mark a celebration of Asda’s own brand Free From products, which strive to offer great quality and value for all customers. 

Judges were reportedly wowed by Asda’s impressive range, stating: “Between their vegan and their free from ranges Asda now offer a really impressive selection of foods for the allergic community - and at really competitive prices while still maintaining the quality of their products. A massive step towards including those on free from diets in the general community.”

Asda Free From, Chow Mein Stir-Fry Sauce

Free From: Gluten Free, Soya Free

Retail: £0.50

Asda’s Free From, Chow Mein Stir-Fry Sauce, with a hint of garlic and warming ginger is bound to spice up a mid-week dinner. Awarded Gold, this product was described by the judging panel as: “Lovely colour, aroma, consistency & flavour profile. A great balance of flavours with the perfect spice heat at the end. Very impressive to be gluten free, sesame free and soya free. And the price point is equally impressive”.

Asda Free From, Salad Cream

Free From: Egg Free

Retail: £1.10

The perfect condiment to accompany a summer salad in this hot weather, Asda Free From Salad Cream was awarded Gold by the expert panel, described as:

“This tastes just like the real thing. Impressive that this delivers the same flavour and consistency whilst being gluten free, milk free and egg free! Great price. A credible & accessible alternative”.

Asda Free From Extra Special, 8 Sicilian Orange & Belgian Dark Chocolate Cookies

Free From: Gluten

Retail: £2.00

Looking to brighten up your coffee break? made using an all-butter recipe and studded with Belgian chocolate this gold awarded product really is an extra special treat!

Asda Extra Special, 12 Classic Pork Chipolata Sausages

Free From: Gluten Free

Retail: £3.25

The perfect banger on your BBQ, full breakfast or roll to go, Asda’s Extra Special Classic Pork Chipolata sausages are gold awarded by Free From Food Awards panel. As well as great quality, customers can also pick up a bargain, two packs for only £5

Asda Free From, Vanilla Flavoured Ice Cream

Free From: Gluten, Milk and Soya

Retail: £2.20

Everyone can cool down this summer and enjoy Asda Free From Vanilla Flavour Ice Cream.

 OMV! Deliciously Vegan By Asda,  Burger Mayo

Free From: Egg

Retail: £1.50

The perfect accompaniment to BBQ season, this 100% vegan burger mayo with flavours of gherkin, American style mustard and tomato impressed judges and won Silver at the Free From Food Awards. It’s sure to be a winner with all guests at summer gatherings.

OMV! Deliciously Vegan By Asda Saag Masala Cooking Sauce

Retail: £2.00

Everyone can enjoy curry night with OMV! Deliciously Vegan Saag Masala Cooking Sauce. A tomato, spinach and creamed coconut sauce with a blend of spices, guests will be left wanting more!

Asda Free From 4 White Rolls

Free From: Gluten, Milk and Egg

Retail: £1.75

BBQ, picnics or mid-week lunch, enjoy all the flavour without missing out with Silver awarded Free From White Rolls.

Shop in store and online at asda.com.

(That's Food and Drink says: "It's good to know that major retailers are working so hard to provide good quality Free From Foods. My wife needs to avoid gluten and soya, so we are aware of the Free From struggle. Well done, Asda!)