Salford's SEVEN BRO7HERS BREWERY launched Crowdfund Campaign to build 'Forever Home" and boost production

Salford's SEVEN BRO7HERS BREWING CO is aiming to raise half a million Pounds via a crowd funding campaign in an exciting bid to build a new 'forever home' as it expands to meet rapidly growing production demands.

The much-loved Salford-based brewery is looking to invest in “near-term” production, as well as launching the process to build a larger brewery and distillery site in city.

The crowd funding callout promises a big investment in the north – aiming to provide more jobs for the region, as well as revenue.

The initial wave of funding would support the implementation of an upgraded canning line, as well as new tanks. This upgrade will caterer to the brand's growing production demands from major retailers, like ASDA and ALDI, as well as supporting its capacity to fulfil new craft beer arena tenders and contracts.  

As part of the expansion plans, SEVEN BRO7HERS is looking to secure brand-new location to build their 'forever home' by 2026. The new site will be the base for a brewhouse, a custom-made distillery, packaging, and operations, plus an onsite taproom and restaurant.

CEO Keith McAvoy, said: “We don't expect this funding round to be able to finance all our ambitious plans, but this round will lay the groundwork. It will allow us to staff and resource the right team to make this dream into a reality. ​

“It's our ambition to have a new venue operational by 2026, and this new premises would support group revenue to exceed £30m before 2030.”

The latest crowd fund is targeted to raise £500,000 at a valuation of £12m – this is up 50% from when SEVEN BRO7HERS crowdfunded in 2020.

Keith McAvoy, went on to say: “We've operated from the same brewery since 2017, we're  now nearing operational capacity.​ We have two investment scenarios available to us; one is an overhaul and increase of capacity within our current premises, the second is to invest in a new destination brewery in Manchester, suitable for growth over the next two decades.​

“We have several retail opportunities available to us, not only in Manchester but cities across the north including Sheffield, Leeds, Nottingham and York and further south into Birmingham and London. ​Which, of course, we can only explore with more operational space.”

He added: “Initially we're raising to support the current production site; increasing volume and speed of packaging, then looking to invest significantly in a future home for the business this year and in 2024.”

The brewery was founded in 2014 by McAvoy brothers, Guy, Keith, Luke, Daniel, Nathan, Kit, and Greg, inspired by their dad's home-brewing efforts in their cellar at home.

Since crowd funding in 2020, the brewery has utilised every penny invested to maximise the return on investment and promote growth within the business. The total investment, including founder funding is £1.3m from which the company has generated cumulative revenues of more than £14m.

SEVEN BRO7HERS have four successful beer houses and a taproom across Salford, Manchester, and Liverpool. Most recently the brothers opened a summer pop-up in Manchester City Centre within the 'Kampus' residential complex, there are currently discussions in place to make this a permanent fixture in the portfolio.

In July 2020 they opened their partnership bar at Manchester Airports new T2 Departure Lounge, operated by HMS Host International.

This Summer SEVEN BRO7HERS and SIS4ERS DISTILLERY will be collaborating on the launch of a new brand “ELEVEN CENTRAL” this will include a range of spirits.

SEVEN BRO7HERS will be offering 'investor rewards' to those who support the crowd fund. A £25 investment will get you a free pint at one of the SEVEN BRO7HERS beer houses, with £100 securing you dinner as a thank you.

Larger investments mean greater perks, £250 a 5% off investors card for the webshop and bars, £1,000 will get you 10% off. For those investing over £10k you will receive a monthly case of beers for 12 months plus discounts.

To invest in the crowd fund, head to https://www.crowdcube.com/early-access/seven-bro7hers.

(That's Food and Drink: I'll be working in Liverpool city centre this week. I'll pop in for a drink if I can.)

‘Beer Gate’ and ‘Party Gate’ venues shortlisted in Asian Restaurant Awards

Two curry houses thought to have provided the takeaways for controversial political party meetings, have both been shortlisted for this year’s Asian Restaurant Awards, being held in Manchester on 27th June, which is today.

The Spice Lounge in Durham, which is believed to have provided the food for Labour leader Keir Starmer and other party members during the evening of the so called ‘Beer Gate’ meeting, has been nominated for Best Indian in the North East.

Dishoom, whose takeaway box is evident in a photo of Boris Johnson at a leaving event inside 10 Downing Street, is shortlisted in the Best Restaurant Group category. The Irani-café style restaurants have branches in Manchester, Edinburgh and London.

The shortlist was determined by over 100,000 votes from members of the public.  A panel of judges for the Asian Catering Federation (ACF), which hosts the awards, are currently touring the country to determine the eventual victors.  Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony, sponsored by Just East and Booker Wholesale, being held at the Manchester Hilton on Monday 27th June.

The prestigious Fine Dining Category will be contested by Benares, Cinnamon Club, Grand Trunk Road, Heritage Dulwich, Indian Essence in Orpington, and Quilon in London, Ambrette in Canterbury, Indian Essence in Orpington, Mint Room in Bath Navadhanya in Cambridge and Prithvi in Cheltenham.

The full list is online at www.asianrestaurantawards.org

Winner at the year’s event will be included in the ACF’s new ‘One Hundred Top Curry Restaurants’ guide, which is being published currently, region–by–region, at www.Top100curryRestaurants.co.uk, with a printed version being available next year.

Later this year the ACF will also be hosting the 6th Asian Restaurant Awards (Scotland) in Edinburgh at the Sheraton Grand on 19th September and the 12th Asian Curry Awards at the Grosvenor House in London, on 20th November 2022. 

Incidentally, these are the UK’s only restaurant awards open to all Asian cuisines, including: Bangladeshi, Burmese, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Middle Eastern, Pakistani, Singaporean, Sri Lankan, Thai, Turkish and Vietnamese.

ACF’s chairman Yawar Khan says that many curry restaurants are facing an existential crisis: “Soaring food, energy and salary costs, combined with rising National Insurance and VAT rates, plus severe staff shortages, compounded by customers having less money to spend on restaurant visits and takeaways, is seeing record numbers closures,” he said.

Khan urged customers to support their favourite restaurants by nominating them for this year’s awards via www.asianrestaurantawards.org/scotland-nomination-form and www.asiancurryawards.com

The Asian Catering Federation (ACF), which represents the nation’s 30,000 Asian and Oriental restaurants organises the only awards open to all Asian cuisines: Bangladeshi, Burmese, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Middle Eastern, Pakistani, Singaporean, Sri Lankan, Thai, Turkish and Vietnamese.

The Awards’ main sponsor is Just Eat, the market-leading online food ordering and delivery platform.  The awards are also supported by Booker Wholesale.

The ACF strives to deliver real returns for its members within the Asian catering industry, helping them to find financial success, achieve excellence, and build customer loyalty. It aims to unite Asian caterers on one platform; campaign for greater recognition; achieve members’ common goals through partnerships with government and other organisations; provide help with training and create rewarding careers in Asian catering.

The sector employs over 100,000 people and contributes more than £5 billion to the UK economy.

 (Illustration courtesy of  Pete Linforth and Pixabay)

Quorn, pioneer of meat substitutes, joins Plant-based Food Alliance UK

Quorn, which is the pioneer of plant-based meat substitutes, has joined the UK Plant-based Food Alliance (PBFA) as a full member. It's believed this will strengthen the Alliance’s clout in Westminster. 

“It’s fantastic to have such a strong player in the market such as Quorn join us in our push for policies that promote plant-based eating in the UK,” Marisa Heath, PBFA CEO, said. 

“There's so much the Government can do to encourage climate-friendly diets, in the form of trade, public procurement, research, marketing, plus regulation. And it's vital for us to have the big plant-based companies by our side as we negotiate our way there,” Heath added.

Quorn joins the Alliance, which includes industry heavyweights such as Alpro, Oatly and Upfield, at a time when the labelling of plant-based foods is under threat of restrictions. New guidance, aimed at trading standards officials but, as yet, unpublished, looks to restrict dairy descriptor terms used by plant-based products, such as “m*lk” or “alternative to X” or “yoghurt-style”. 

“We've been fighting the proposed guidance to restrict plant-based labelling for over a year now and we will continue to do this because we believe the Government should be doing all it can to promote the sector rather than hindering it,” she pointed out.

She went on to explain: “The sector very much represents the future of food, producing far less greenhouse gas emissions than the meat and dairy sector, and maturing to provide a huge range of alternatives to conventional meat and dairy products." 

Plant-based diets are also a key to global food security: researchers have found growing food exclusively for direct human consumption, rather than as animal feed and for biofuel production, could potentially increase available food calories by up to 70%, which could feed an additional 4 billion people, worldwide. 

Food security was the reason Quorn came into existence when Lord Rank recognised in the 1960s that conventional farming wouldn't be able to keep up with food shortages and a rapidly growing population and that a new, sustainable protein source was needed. Quorn was born out of research to find a solution to that problem.

“Quorn is such an excellent example of a company using the power of science to come up with sustainable solutions to global crises. We know policy makers will take notice of what Quorn has to say as a member of the Alliance going forward,” Heath added. 

Tess Kelly, Head of External Engagement, at Quorn Foods, said: “Quorn Foods shares the conviction that making positive change happen on our plates is a vital step to regenerating human and planetary health. We look forward to contributing to the work of the PbFA, and are proud to stand alongside fellow pioneering organisations that are at the forefront of providing the solutions needed to speed the transition to a food future that is healthy, sustainable, equitable, and absolutely delicious.”

Goodrays Reports Growth of 1,491% as Waitrose Expands CBD Range

Waitrose supermarkets are taking four new products this month (June) which Goodrays predicts will contribute to the brand tripling its revenue over this next financial year.

A four flavour mixed pack will be sold exclusively through Waitrose as a permanent SKU, RRP £7.50. It contains 250ml cans of Elderflower & Yuzu, Blood Orange & Grapefruit, Raspberry & Guava and Passionfruit & Pomelo. It is completely plastic-free, vegan and low calorie, and each can contains a market-leading 30mg of CBD.

Waitrose has also taken CBD Zen Drops and CBD Night Drops Oil and 'anytime' CBD Gummies. CBD Oils, as recent research by Goodrays shows, are currently the most popular way for the UK to consume CBD. 

Goodways Head of Marketing Henry Colyer said: “For Waitrose to have taken on our whole range is game-changing for us - it supports our brand mission to educate on the benefits of CBD and provide daily calm and clarity to people all over the UK. We are excited to have launched the mixed four pack of our delicious flavours - just in time for the festival and summer party season in the UK. Our fully recyclable pack allows you to enjoy relaxation without the toxification. 

"Goodrays is the perfect alternative to a four pack of beer or cider when you want to take a break and achieve a bit of balance. Waitrose now offers an option for multiple moments of the customer's daily routine, thanks to our oils designed for day and night, and tasty gummies that can be enjoyed when needed.”

Goodrays recent research of 2000 CBD users showed that the most popular way to consume CBD is:

Oils and Tinctures (54% reported this was their preferred way to consume CBD)

Drinks (40%)

Gummies (32%)

Coffee (26%)

Balm (24%)

Other (6%)

Goodrays now has a team of ten and is based in Shoreditch, London.

Awareness around mental wellbeing has been a huge driving force for Goodrays' founder Eoin Keenan. Keenan has been a vocal advocate of the power of the hemp plant for over a decade.  He launched Goodrays in 2021 to focus on high quality CBD products at an accessible price point, such as oils and RTD canned drinks. Goodrays is now available at Waitrose and Tesco and other major retailers such as WH Smith.

Marks and Spencer latest retailer to lock down prices

M&S Food is investing in the price of over 200 products as part of its promise to deliver trusted value to its 30 million customers.

The investment will see the store reduce the prices of over 70 family staples and extend its price lock on 150 customer favourites, whilst still upholding its market leading quality and welfare standards.

M&S Food is cutting the price on some of its more popular cupboard staples to support its customers, including products like M&S Select Farms DNA traceable Beef Mince, Avocados, Greek style yoghurt and Ciabatta rolls. These are some of M&S’ most popular lines, with in excess of 400,000 Avocado packs and 140,000 Greek Style Yogurt pots sold by M&S in the last four weeks alone.

Also M&S Food is extending its price lock on 150 products which will be in place right through to the autumn, and features a number of essential food items that customers can rely on at M&S for great value right through the summer months.

This includes M&S Select Farms RSPCA Assured outdoor-bred British Pork Sausages (pack of eight - £2.00), Super Sweet Corn on the Cob (pack of two - £1.40), Traditional Coleslaw (225g - £1.25) the price lock bestseller, British Mature Cheddar (10 Slices 250g - £2.80) and Select Farms Season's Gold Potatoes (1kg - £1.65).

This initiative is in tandem with the retailer’s Remarksable Value range of everyday staples, first launched back in 2019, which are continuously benchmarked against key competitors to guarantee the best value for its customers. The range continues to grow in appeal among M&S shoppers, with Remarksable sales up 40%, and in over 20% of customer baskets over the past year.

Alex Freudmann, who is the MD at M&S Food: opined: “We know value is everything to our customers especially at the moment and while they’re looking forward to a great summer, they’re also looking for certainty on spending. Our latest price investment across 200 products upholds our trusted value promise and delivers on that certainty.

“Trusted value means offering the best possible quality at the best possible price. I’m proud we're the number one retailer for farm animal welfare, selling the biggest range of RSPCA Assured products, including our Scottish Smoked Salmon fillets and British Pork Sausages, alongside our DNA traceable Beef mince, able to be traced back to the individual farm and animal."

He went on to say: "We’re determined to keep up the pace for our customers. Our value perception is at its highest point in six years because we relentlessly focus on price with no compromise to the magic of M&S Food, our market leading product quality, innovation and sourcing standards.”

In February this year, M&S topped consumer group Which?’s annual supermarket satisfaction survey, achieving the highest overall customer score of 77% and receiving five star ratings for store appearance, customer service and quality of own label and fresh products.

marksandspencer.com

I'm officially joyful! Aldi launched Ballycastle that tastes exactly like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups!

Fans of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (like me!) will be thrilled with the news Aldi is launching a totally new Ballycastle flavour, the Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter Cream Liqueur (£7.49, 70cl) which will  be in stores from Thursday 29th June.

It's a luxurious blend of Irish whisky, rich chocolate and salty-sweet peanut butter notes, fans will be certain to notice flavour similarities to Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, but with a nifty alcoholic twist.

Serve it neat, with ice or why not create your deliciously boozy milkshake?

Ingredients:

100ml Ballycastle Chocolate & Peanut Butter Cream Liqueur

100ml Cowbelle Chocolate Fudge Milk

500ml water

60g The Pantry Cocoa Powder

Moser Roth Milk Chocolate, shaved

Peanuts to garnish

Method:

In a small saucepan, boil 250ml of water then remove from heat and add The Pantry Cocoa Powder 

Stir to dissolve and then add the remaining 250ml cup of water 

Once it's cool, add the Ballycastle Chocolate & Peanut Butter Cream Liqueur to the mixture and leave to infuse

Once successfully infused (this will take ten minutes) shake all the ingredients up in a cocktail shaker with ice. 

Pour into your preferred glasses and top up with whipped cream, grated Moser Roth Milk Chocolate and the peanuts!

The latest addition follows the success of Aldi’s Ballycastle Hazelnut Chocolate Cream Liqueur (£7.49, 70cl), which was noted as a delicious alcoholic twist on the much-loved spread, Nutella.

The supermarket’s Ballycastle range has scooped a series of awards. The Specially Selected Irish Cream (£7.99, 70cl) landed a ‘Great Value’ accolade in the 2022 prestigious Which? ‘Irish Cream Liqueur’ taste test, whilst the Ballycastle White Chocolate Cream (£7.49, 70cl) and the Ballycastle Chocolate, Caramel and Hazelnut Cream (£7.49, 70cl) BOTH won medals at this year’s International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC).

Aldi’s Ballycastle Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter Cream Liqueur is available in-stores and via Click & Collect nationwide from Thursday 29th June.

Actually, when I make this milkshake, I'm seriously thinking of adding some Reese's Peanut Butter Cups into the mix! 

A shopping trip to our nearest Aldi is certainly on the cards for next Thursday!

Free Armed Forces breakfasts at Tesco

Members of the UK Armed Forces will be able to get a free hot breakfast at Tesco cafes across Great Britain to mark the Armed Forces Day celebrations.

As a thank you for their service, on Sunday June 25, all serving Armed Forces personnel, that's around 159,000 regulars and 32,000 reservists, can present their MOD90 identification card at any Tesco café and get a free full cooked breakfast, vegan cooked breakfast, sausage bap or a bacon bap.

All 295 Tesco cafes across England, Scotland and Wales will be offering the promotion, which is limited to one free breakfast per cardholder.

The initiative is part of Tesco's sponsorship of Armed Forces Day for the second year running. The event took place in Falmouth today, Saturday June 24, to recognise the incredible contribution that members of the Armed Forces community make to our lives.

Ashwin Prasad, Chief Product Officer at Tesco and Exec Sponsor of the Armed Forces Network, said: “Once again, we’re proud to be the headline sponsor of Armed Forces Day. Everyone loves a free breakfast and it’s a great way of showing how much we value members of the Armed Forces.”

Rhys Little, Chair of the Tesco Armed Forces Network, said: “We take great pride in our connection with the Armed Forces and we're the number one employer in the UK for veterans when they leave the armed forces."

He went on to say: "We've received the Gold award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme twice now (in 2016 and 2020), and we were also the first retailer to sign the Armed Forces Covenant in 2014.”

Over the weekend of June 24 and 25, Local events are taking place in towns, cities, and villages up and down the country, with Falmouth at the heart of the celebrations. It promises to be a spectacular event, with parades through the town, displays by the Red Arrows, the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team, and a series of thrilling flypasts.

As well as sponsoring the event, Tesco stores will be holding a nationwide collection for Help for Heroes the weekend prior on June 17 and 18 including a round-up at till option so customers can easily donate while shop with us.

For more information on Armed Forces Day please visit https://www.armedforcesday.org.uk

Charity urges supporters to send Eid eCard to raise funds for clean water

Clean water advocacy charity, Hope Spring, has urged its supporters, Muslim and non-Muslims alike, to send Eid Adha electronic greetings cards, to wish people celebrating the Islamic festival a happy Eid. 

The lunar calendar based annual festivity, is expected to be on the 29th or 30th of June 2023. It is the second most important festival in the islamic calendar, after the Eid Kabir, celebrated at the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Hope Spring eCards raises a significant part of the donations Hope Spring Water is used to fund their clean water, sanitation and hygiene advocacy projects. Such donations have helped the charity to build five boreholes, they have also run a number of menstrual hygiene workshops. Communities in West Africa with strong clean water and sanitation challenges tend to be Hope Spring beneficiaries.

The charity hopes the Eid Adha fundraising campaign will raise enough money to build a borehole or a well for one of the communities they hope to help with clean water later this year. Significant religion linked celebrations such as Eid Adha and Christmas tend to be the most successful fundraisers for Hope Spring. A significant portion of the funds used to complete their projects this year came from funds raised by their corporate charity ecard campaign last year.

According to Hope Spring eCards platform manager, Seun Olonade her organisation had a great Eid Fitr fundraising campaign, they are looking to top it off with an equally successful Eid Adha campaign. She urged their supporters and visitors to their website to send Eid Adha eCard and make a donation. She added that people may also send an Eid Adha card without making a donation via their free ecards page.

You can find more information about Hope Spring Eid Adha, their projects and other information about the charity on their website and social media page.

hello@hopespring.org.uk

http://www.hopespring.org.uk

Living off the grid? Jackery could help you

Some readers of That's Food and Drink live off the grid, meaning that they aren't connected to power systems or, sometimes, even water or sewerage systems.

This can cause problems because a lack of electrical power can mean that they are limited in storage of food because refrigeration and freezing isn't readily available. 

However, there are options that are available to provide off grid homes with mains quality electricity supplies so that using fridges, freezers and even cooking with electricity is possible.

Jackery, which is a truly global leader in innovative portable power and green outdoor energy solutions, is genuinely pleased and thrilled to announce their Solar Generator 2000 Plus has been awarded the esteemed SEAL Sustainable Product Award for 2023. 

This prestigious accolade brings great emphasis that Jackery's dedication to offering sustainable energy solutions that empower individuals and contribute to a greener future is well-deserved.

The SEAL Sustainable Products Award is a globally recognised honour that celebrates products and services with outstanding sustainability attributes. Annually, the SEAL Awards organisation conducts a rigorous evaluation process to identify and honour companies and products which prioritise sustainability, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility.

The SG 2000 Plus is a revolutionary solar generator that employs the sun's energy to provide clean and renewable power for a variety of applications. Equipped with high-efficiency IBC solar panels and a durable LiFePO4 battery for storage of electrical energy, this advanced generator offers a reliable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional petrol generators.

"We're truly honoured and pleased to receive the SEAL Sustainable Products Award 2023 for our SG 2000 Plus," said Lara Luo, Head of Branding at Jackery. 

"Here at Jackery, we believe in the power of innovation to drive positive change. This recognition underscores our commitment to developing sustainable, portable power solutions that enable individuals to embrace renewable energy sources and reduce their carbon footprint."

The SG 2000 Plus is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts, home backup, emergency preparedness, and off-grid adventures. Its versatile AC, DC, and USB ports provide ample connectivity options for a wide variety of electronic devices and equipment, making it an all-in-one power solution for any situation. 

It's carefully designed for user convenience and the transportation-friendly generator is easy to use and offers reliable performance in challenging environments.

For more information about Jackery's Solar Generator 2000 Plus and other innovative portable power solutions, please visit uk.jackery.com.

Incidentally, I first became aware of the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus by chance when a YouTuber I follow, Nate Petroski of @Narrowayhomestead, described setting up and using one of these devices.

Food producers. Please DO NOT use pea protein in your products if you can avoid it

Why are we at That's Food and Drink asking food producers to avoid using pea protein in your products?

Firstly, yes we recognise that pea protein is a very important source of protein and is very good for people who are on vegetarian or vegan diets and for ecological reasons, too.

However! This evening I was having a drink of potato-based milk. It was OK, it sort of looked like cow's milk, had a reasonably good mouthfeel but there was something that I was not enjoying. Why? The taste! Because it had an under taste of weak, wishy-washy pea soup.

I took the carton out of the 'fridge and yes, listed right there was pea protein.

But that, dear readers, is the problem with anything that has pea protein in. It always tastes of pea soup, sometimes stronger, sometimes weaker.

I like milk on my breakfast cereals. Cow's milk, ewe's milk, oat milk are all tasting reasonably fine on my breakfast cereal. But if I wouldn't put weak pea soup on my breakfast cereal I'm certainly not going to pour pea protein milk on them!

Pea protein belongs in savoury items including pea soup. But please not in milk and not in flour. 

There are alternatives that you could get your development kitchen chefs and food scientists to use, instead, including: Hemp protein, Pumpkin Seed Protein, Brown Rice Protein, Soy Protein, Sunflower Seed Protein, Sacha Inchi Protein, Chia Protein and others, too.

(Image courtesy of StockSnap and Pixabay)

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!)

That sounds sweet! Sainsbury’s Nectar Prices now available on fresh fruit and vegetables

Following the launch of Nectar Prices earlier this year, Sainsbury’s is now expanding its loyalty programme by introducing offers on fresh produce for the first time ever.

Nectar’s 18 million users can now access a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables at a lower price, helping them make big savings when shopping in Sainsbury’s supermarkets or online.

As of now, customers can get great Nectar Prices on a variety of popular fresh fruit and veg items including by Sainsbury’s Strawberries (usually £2.25, Nectar Price £1.75), by Sainsbury's Easy Peelers (usually £1.35, Nectar Price £1), Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Vittoria Cherry Vine Tomatoes (usually £2.25, Nectar Price £1.75) and by Sainsbury’s Medium Ripe & Ready Avocados (usually £1.60, Nectar Price £1.20).

Customers will also be able to enjoy up to half price on selected products like household staples such as by Sainsbury’s Best of British apples (usually £1.70, Nectar Price 85p) and Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Jersey Royal Potatoes (usually £3, Nectar Price £1.50).

For the first time ever, Nectar Prices will also be available on a selection of branded ready meals like Wasabi Chicken Katsu Curry with Rice (usually £4.25, Nectar Price £3.75) and Charlie Bigham's Lasagne (usually £9.50, Nectar Price £7). 

Sainsbury’s own-brand ready meals including Taste the Difference and by Sainsbury’s products will also be included with great offers on family favourites like Taste the Difference Fish Pie (usually £4.25, Nectar Price £3.75), by Sainsbury’s Chicken Tikka Masala (usually £4.25, Nectar Price £3.75) and by Sainsbury’s Stonebaked Margherita Pizza (usually £3.50, Nectar Price £1.75).

As a result of the expansion into two new categories Sainsbury’s now has over 2,800 products included in Nectar Prices, helping millions of customers to save money whenever they shop with the retailer. Since the launch of Nectar Prices in April, shoppers have saved over £83 million, with customers saving an average of £3.20 each and every time they shop.

Sam Burston, Director of Nectar & Loyalty at Sainsbury’s, said: “We’re always looking for new ways to provide great value to our customers all-year round, helping customers make their money go further. With new offers now available on fresh produce and ready meals, shoppers can now access lower prices on a wider range of essential everyday items. We’re delighted that Nectar Prices has proven popular with our customers so far, and we’ll continue to expand it further in the future.”

Already a Nectar customer? All existing Nectar customers need to do to benefit from Nectar Prices is scan their app or swipe their card at checkout to save. Customers shopping online will have their discounts applied automatically if their Nectar and Sainsbury’s accounts are linked.

Want to become a Nectar customer? Shoppers can sign up to Nectar Prices by joining on the Nectar app, online at www.nectar.com, or by picking up a Nectar card in store.

Tesco backs healthy eating

Tesco has announced its voluntary commitment to not sell HFSS products through volume-led promotions, as part of its ongoing plans to help customers eat a more healthy diet.

Following the Government announcement that restrictions on multibuy deals on foods high in fat, salt or sugar (HFSS) are to be delayed further until 2025, Tesco confirmed it will continue to keep volume-led promotions on HFSS products off its shelves. This will support its commitment to make Tesco the easiest place for customers to shop for affordable, healthy, sustainable food.​

While Tesco will continue to offer value on products across the entire store, this move means customers will not have to purchase more HFSS products than they need to access great value. 

A spokesman said: "With household budgets stretched, it’s more important than ever that Tesco invests in competitive prices. In response, Tesco has further increased Aldi Price Match to around 700 products, price-locked over 1,000 products at Low Everyday Prices and extended Clubcard Prices to over 8,000 lines.

"Also, we’ve made it even easier for customers to access healthy and affordable food through our Better Baskets campaign, which helps remove price as a barrier to making healthier, more sustainable choices. The majority of products highlighted as part of the Better Basket’s promotion will be at Clubcard Prices, Low Everyday Prices or in Aldi Price Match items".

Today’s announcement is part of its broader commitment to support customers to lead healthier and more sustainable lives and achieve the goal to boost sales of healthy products to 65% as a proportion of total sales by 2025. 

It's consistent with the work Tesco has been doing for many years, including Reformulation of its Own Brand ranges which has contributed to the removal of 71 billion calories so far, putting it well on track to delivering its 100 billion calorie reduction ambition by 2025. 

Tesco Group Chief Product Officer Ashwin Prasad said: “ Tesco will continue to offer great value on products across the entire store, so customers won’t have to purchase more food than they need to access great value. Our mission is to make Tesco the easiest place to shop for a healthy, more sustainable basket – while keeping the cost of the weekly shop in check. We know that customers want to eat a more healthy, sustainable diet, but without having to stretch the weekly shopping budget and we are really proud to be leading the way in maintaining our commitment”

www.tesco.com

Price cuts in Morrisons

In line with a number of other supermarket chains, Morrisons has announced cuts in the prices of nearly 50 food items, with an average price cut by over 25% 

As part of what it's dubbing "a rolling wave of price cuts to help with the cost of living", Morrisons has announced a new round of reductions, the sixth so far this year, which will apply to products in all its supermarkets and includes summer favourites, cupboard fillers and fresh essentials.

47 high-volume products have been cut in price by an average of over 25%, with the new prices being held for a minimum of eight weeks to help customers get more for their money.  Morrisons has invested £26 million in today's cuts to deliver market leading prices on key products and reinforce its commitment to saving customers money wherever possible. 

The price cuts include fresh items such as mince, tomatoes and butter, cupboard staples such as squash and cereal and picnic classics like pitta breads and scotch eggs.

Last month, Morrisons reduced or held the price of a further 1,000 products which will remain locked low until mid July. Offers have also been applied to fuel in recent weeks with customers being able to get 5p off every litre after spending £35 in store or online. 

As well as cutting the prices on products, Morrisons recently relaunched its More Card loyalty programme to allow customers to collect points on fuel and selected products in store which can be converted into ‘Morrisons Fivers’ and spent in store or online.  Morrisons programme of market-leading exclusive offers, which launched last October for loyalty card members, also remains a key feature of the new scheme.  

Rachel Eyre, who is the Chief Customer and Marketing Officer at Morrisons, said: “Providing great quality products at affordable prices for our customers is a key priority at Morrisons. Our steady flow of deep and broad price cutting programmes, together with our new More Card loyalty scheme, are helping customers save money on their weekly shop. Today’s price cuts include picnic items to help our customers make the most of the warm weather and we’ve not forgotten the fridge and cupboard essentials either.”

www.morrisons.com

Armed Forces Day special deal from Morrisons

Morrisons has announced it's offering servicemen and women and veterans 50% off in cafés nationwide for Armed Forces Day. 

On Saturday June 24th, anyone who comes into a Morrisons café dressed in their armed forces uniform or with a valid form of ID or a medal/badge can receive 50% off all hot meals, hot drinks and cakes. 

Available for one day only, this heroic deal is to thank the thousands of military personnel who have gone above and beyond for their country. 

Military personnel can enjoy hot menu favourites including a Roast Beef or Half Roast Chicken Dinner for just £3.74, Fish and Chips for £3.49 or Bangers and Mash for just £2.49.  

To make the deal even sweeter, those in the forces and veterans can choose from a selection of cakes such as Victoria Sponge or Chocolate Fudge cake for just £1.44.

Chris Strong, Morrisons Café Buying Manager, says: “We’re honoured to be offering those currently serving in the armed forces and veterans 50% off all hot meals, hot drinks and cakes in our cafés as a thank you for all that they have done and continue to do for us all.”

Customers who scan their Morrisons More card at the till will also receive 600 points when spending £6 or more in a Morrisons café.

Morrisons Armed Forces Day deal will be available in all Morrisons cafés on Saturday June 24th and can't be used with any other offer or promotion. 

Something different for single malt fans. Morris Single Malt Australian Whisky

Lovers of single malts can indulge in a taste of Australian sunshine with Morris Australian Single Malt Whisky this summer, launching with two exceptional core expressions: Morris Whisky - Signature and Morris Whisky - Muscat Barrel. 

Crafted using 100% Australian only ingredients, then finished in award-winning Morris fortified wine barrels producing an extraordinary and unique flavour, typically found in fine aged spirits.

Crafted in Victoria, at their world-famed distillery Morris Whisky is the creation of the Morris Family, recognised and famed for making award-winning fortified wines since 1859, regarded as one the best fortified wine producers in the entire world. 

The Morris distillery boasts an impressive history, housing an original 1930's hybrid copper-pot and column still, blending tradition with cutting edge distilling techniques.

What truly sets Morris Whisky apart is their eagerness and commitment to excellence in aging to create a distinct style of Australian single malt whisky. The whiskies use100% premium Australian malted barley, distilled with pure water from the Snowy Mountains, matured in wine barrels sourced from their very own family-owned Barossa and Coonawarra wineries which are prepared to a specific method by the Morris' own private cooperage. Finally, Morris whiskies are skilfully matured in carefully selected award-winning Morris fortified wine barrels.

A team of highly regarded whisky experts united to craft this distinct style of Australian single malt whisky in 2016. Morris enlisted the support of John McDougall, one of the world's most renowned whisky makers, with previous experience with Balvenie, Laphroaig and Springbank, as well as the late Dr Jim Swan, described as the 'Einstein of whisky' for his technical expertise in wood selection and barrel preparation.

Darren Peck (ex-Diageo) is the Morris Head Distiller and has worked under the tutelage of McDougall for the last seven years to craft the whiskies. 

Morris Australian Single Malt Signature Whisky:

The Signature Whisky is finished in a combination of Morris fortified barrels. The Signature expression shows bright topaz hues on appearance which open a door to orchard fruit profiles, macerated black cherry and biscuit notes balancing the zest of marmalade jam, lingering cocoa and dark-berry flavours.

It's distilled in an original 1930s Whitehill hybrid copper-pot and column still. Aged in a combination of French and American oak ex-wine barrels and finished in premium Morris Fortified barrels.

Morris Whisky Highball – Signature Serve

45ml Morris Whisky Signature Malt 

Topped with sparkling water 

Garnish with a lemon wedge

Morris Australian Single Malt Muscat Barrel Whisky:

The premium Muscat Barrel Whisky is finished in rare Morris Muscat barrels, that gift remarkable flavours. Creamy mouthful packed full of rich dark fruits and sweet malt notes, which give way to sweet vanilla and cocoa interspersed with cinnamon spice. The Whisky is matured in a combination of French and American oak ex-wine barrels plus finished on rare Morris Muscat barrels, previously used to create multi-award-winning Muscat.

Morris Whiskies offer an unrivalled Australian Whisky experience, showcasing authentic character and a true expression of Australia.

www.morriswhisky.com

Morris Australian Single Malt Signature Whisky, 40% ABV 700ml, RRP: £51.00 

Available from Master of Malt, The Whisky Exchange and Ocado

Morris Australian Single Malt Muscat Barrel Whisky, 46%ABV, 700ml, RRP: £74.00 

Available from Master of Malt, The Whisky Exchange and Ocado

Add an Unforgettable, Finishing Touch to Your Wedding Day by Creating a Bespoke Spirit With Salcombe Distilling Co.

What better way could there be to celebrate your nuptials than with your very own bespoke spirits, created by you and the one you love ready for your wedding day?

Dedicated to craftsmanship and sustainability, the famous Salcombe Distilling Co. is absolutely thrilled to be able to announce the introduction of an exciting opportunity for couples to create their own bespoke spirits, adding a unique and personal touch to their wedding day. 

The award-winning Salcombe Gin School and newly launched Salcombe Rum School provides an immersive and interactive space for couples to craft their very own unique spirit with flavours that reflect their individual tastes and preferences. From seasonal flavours to clever naming conventions, your chosen drink is guaranteed to add a unique layer of personalisation to your big day. 

First, create your bespoke drink.

With expert guidance from the expert, knowledgeable team, you'll both embark on a hands-on journey, taking charge of a beautiful fully-working mini copper pot still to develop and distil your very own 70cl bottle of gin or rum at Salcombe Distilling Co.'s waterside distillery in Salcombe. 

During the experience, you'll be able to unleash your creativity, creating your very own special recipe by choosing from an extensive range of botanicals that are specially and carefully sourced for their quality and uniqueness, or get imaginative and experiment by bringing your own. 

During distillation, couples will be able to sample and refine their unique creation before naming and bottling their specially made and chosen drink. 

The finished product is then presented in a beautifully crafted presentation box, making it an exquisite memento to cherish and share on their wedding day. 

A Gin School lesson is three hours long and are typically available on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons at 2pm and Saturday mornings at 10am. Salcombe Rum School runs every Thursday from 2pm-5pm. A Gin or Rum School lesson for two people sharing a still is £160. 

Now, let's get wedding ready.

Ready for your special day? Salcombe Distilling Co. offers a service to distil more of your bespoke gin or rum.  If you're a former guest of the schools, simply visit salcombegin.com and fill out the online form listing your chosen botanicals and quantities noted during your previous Salcombe School visit. 

Salcombe Distilling Co.'s team of expert distillers will then re-create two 70cl bottles of gin or rum (from £95). If you're looking to make your day really special, get in touch with their team to discuss larger quantities.

By choosing Salcombe Distilling Co, you are not only embarking on a truly unique and memorable experience, you can indulge in exceptional quality whilst also supporting their commitment to ocean conservation and a cleaner planet.

For more information about Salcombe Gin School and Salcombe Rum School experiences you can call 01548 288 180, email customerservice@salcombedistilling.com or visit www.salcombegin.com.  

Drink Seedlip this Summer!

Join Seedlip this summer and savour and enjoy the unparalleled taste, indulge in the alluring botanicals, and create some delicious alcohol-free cocktails.

These will be great for BBQs and summer parties, for people who don't want to consume, or over-consume, alcohol.

So, what does Seedlip have on offer? There's Seedlip Spice 94, Seedlip Garden 108, and Seedlip Grove 42, and enjoy sophisticated summery cocktails without the booze!

You can buy Seedlip alcohol-free spirits on Amazon. But if you'd like someone else to create Seedlip cocktails for you, visit The Ivy, Bacchanalia, Sexy Fish, Hakkasan, Yauatcha, Public, Gatsby, Cottonopolis or New Century Kitchen.

Seedlip Grove 42 (0% ABV)

If a burst of zest and vibrancy is what you desire, look no further than Seedlip Grove 42. Crafted with a tantalizing blend of sun-ripened oranges, mandarins, and lemons, this invigorating nectar awakens the senses and brings forth a radiant burst of citrusy joy. Seedlip Grove 42 will be your trusted ally in making the most of the sunny days, infusing your summer with a delicious taste.

RRP: 70cl, £22*, ABV: 0%, Available at Amazon

Seedlip Spice 94 (0% ABV)

Seedlip Spice 94 boasts an enchanting fusion of warm, aromatic spices, beckons adventurers and connoisseurs alike to embark on a sensory journey. This refined alcohol-free spirit tantalizes the taste buds with the aromatic harmony of allspice berries, cardamom, and pepper, perfectly balanced to deliver a distinctive, full-bodied experience. So create a delicious cocktail with Seedlip Spice 94 this summer, and stir up your spirit of wanderlust.

RRP: 70cl, £22*, ABV: 0%, Available at Amazon

Seedlip Garden 108 (0% ABV)

For those seeking the essence of tranquillity and serenity, Seedlip Garden 108 beckons with its vibrant, herbaceous blend. Immerse yourself in the refreshing notes of hand-picked peas, rosemary, and thyme, masterfully crafted to deliver a crisp and invigorating sensation. This revitalizing alcohol-free spirit is the ultimate companion for moments of relaxation, be it basking in the sun or enjoying a laid-back picnic.

RRP: 70cl, £22*, ABV: 0%, Available at Amazon Amazon

Please be aware, prices may vary, check with the relevant retailer.

https://www.seedlipdrinks.com

Incidentally, That's Food and Drink first became aware of Seedlip via this company https://wisebartender.co.uk, who also stock the range.

Reduce Your Bills By Up To £500 Per Year - Hard water and the little known trick to reducing your energy bills

With inflation high, many people are wondering what they can do to reduce their household bills. 

For 60% of the UK, there's a little known trick which can cut energy bills immediately and for the next 30+ years, and it comes down to solving one simple problem in the home: hard water. Hard water affects millions of homes in the UK and while you may not think it has any effect on your energy consumption, it really does.

For many, the limescale caused by hard water is simply an irritation and another minor issue in the home. Dealing with blocked shower heads, unsightly scale on your taps and in your kettle, and cleaning soap scum are relatively low on most people’s list of priorities, especially when many of us are dealing with escalating prices and inflation. However, the by-products of hard water are causing more harm than you could ever imagine, and costing you money in the process.

Treating hard water can save you money in your home by reducing energy consumption, increasing the lifespan of appliances, and minimising the need for aggressive cleaning products.

So, how does hard water increase energy bills?

Higher temperatures cause limescale to form more readily, meaning heating elements in expensive equipment such as your boiler, dishwasher and washing machine are especially susceptible to limescale build-up. For every 1mm of limescale on a heating element the amount of energy required to heat water increases by 7-10%. 

Just look inside your kettle to see how much limescale build-up there is – we’re willing to bet it’s more than 1mm if you live in a hard water area. And, if like many homes you have just 3mm of limescale built up on your heating elements, the cost of your energy to heat your hot water can be as much as 25% higher than they should be. For as long as your hard water remains untreated, limescale will continue to accumulate and bills will continue to increase.

Eventually this build up will also damage your appliances. In hard water areas you can expect to replace equipment such as your boiler twice as often as someone in a soft water area. So not only are your bills going up throughout the lifespan of this equipment, but you can expect to undertake expensive replacements and repairs more often as well.

How can you treat your hard water?

Your hard water treatment options can be put into three categories: Water Softeners, Water Conditioners and Scale Inhibitors. They all work in different ways and with varying results, so it’s important you do your research before making a decision.

In a nutshell, here are the differences:

Water Softeners – These large units use ion exchange and need power and regular salt top-ups to remain effective. Users often install a separate drinking water tap to avoid consuming the salt-softened water.

Cost - £299 to £1,800

Lifespan – 10 to 20 years

Water Conditioners – These in-line devices treat water as it enters the home and require no chemicals, salt or power. Water treated in this way is safe for consumption and for your pets and plants.

Cost - £450 to £999

Lifespan – 4 to 30+ years

Scale Inhibitors – Scale inhibitors protect one piece of equipment, for a short period of time and are typically fitted when boilers are installed.

Cost – up to £120

Lifespan – 1 to 10 years

Halcyan Water Conditioner’s CEO, Samantha Mant, sums up the effects of hard water on energy bills: “As energy prices continue to soar, households are running out of ways to save money on their bills. However one way to achieve a more energy-efficient home is to install a sustainable water conditioner which can save households hundreds of pounds per year. 

"The Halcyan is a small device which takes under an hour to install and requires no additional cupboard space. It not only prevents future limescale but also removes existing limescale in your system. For a £770 investment, customers receive a 30 year warranty and can expect to achieve a potential saving of up to £15,000, on energy bills at today’s prices, savings on appliance maintenance and replacement, and a reduction in detergents required, over the lifetime of the device.”

Incidentally, That's Food and Drink is based in a very hard water area so are interested in anything that can help reduced limescale in our kitchen and our home. 

halcyanwater.com

Introducing the New 'Sandridge Barton' Collection - First Wine to Be Released Wins Master Medal at the Global Sparkling Masters 2023

Top English wine producer, Sandridge Barton, is pleased and delighted to unveil its highly anticipated premium range, under the 'Sandridge Barton' label. Known for its commitment to producing exceptional English wines, Sandridge Barton, the home of Sharpham Wine, has introduced the first wines under the label of its new location near Stoke Gabriel, which is in South Devon. 

The first wine in the collection to be released, Sandridge Barton 'Blanc de Noir', was recently recognised as one of the best Sparkling wines in the whole world at the Global Sparkling Masters 2023 after being awarded a Master Medal. 

An award which is only given to wines which are an outstanding example of its type, showing impeccable winemaking. It must demonstrate a wonderful texture, a perfect balance and a broad range of delicious, persistent flavours to the panel of expert judges, including Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers.

Duncan Schwab, CEO and Head Winemaker at Sandridge Barton, said: “This bottling run is part of our Sandridge Barton range, for wines we firmly believe are truly unique. 

"Sandridge Barton 'Blanc de Noir' is the first to be released and is made with Pinot Noir fruit harvested in 2020 from our vineyards overlooking the river Dart in South Devon. It's a cracking wine and we are extremely proud to receive a Master Medal and are delighted to introduce it to our range of English wines, which has now grown to over 15 wines.”

At this competition, judges sought out the very best Sparkling wines that were on the market, judging them blind with no knowledge as to their origin. The contest was open to any sparkling or semi-sparkling wine made anywhere in the whole world. 

The judges tasted 230 entries from 14 different countries, with seven master medalists in total, including three from Champagne, two from Asti, one from California and one from Sandridge Barton in Devon.

Sandridge Barton 'Blanc de Noir' is priced at £45. Of a golden colour, inviting rich nose with good autolysis, clean fresh fruit with a lime, gooseberry and raspberry palate and ripe balanced finish. 

This is not the only success for Sandridge Barton this month, the WineGB Awards results were announced last week and the Devon-based winery was awarded seven medals, including a Gold medal for the Sandridge Barton Pinot Noir 2020, four silvers and two bronze medals, too.

Over the course of the summer, Sandridge Barton will add three more wines to its 'Sandridge Barton' label range. A Bacchus, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, all of which are still wines will join the 'Blanc de Noir'. Bottles will vary in price and will be available to buy from Sandridge Barton, from their cellar door and through their website. 

With over 40 years of producing award-winning English wines, previously under the Sharpham Wine brand, Sandridge Barton has continued to be at the forefront of crafting exceptional wines that embody the unique marriage of climate, soil and grape varieties in this region of England.

The Global Sparkling Masters took place in London on 10 May. It is one of the 27 Global Wine Masters competitions taking place in 2023, run by industry-leading publication the drinks business.

For more information please visit sandridgebarton.com or to stay up to date like/follow Sandridge Barton Wines on Facebook, Sandridge_Barton on Instagram and @SharphamWines on Twitter.

Double Dutch Secures £4m Funding to massively boost business growth

Double Dutch, the outstanding producers of award-winning premium mixers and tonics, has announced the completion of its latest funding round, securing a £4m investment. The news comes after the female-founded brand grew distribution by a stunning 63% in the last year alone. 

As the market player with the fastest volume growth in the category, the premium drinks brand has completed this latest round of funding to grow the brand in the UK, strengthen its sales team and drive growth in export, with a primary focus on its secondary home market, Benelux, the UAE, and planning entry to the APAC region.

As part of its mission to double the expectations of mixers, Double Dutch has now secured the backing of over 40 F&B and hospitality industry investors, including the likes of the Heineken - De Carvalho Family. 

The new funding is part of plans to ready the drinks brand for its next stage of growth, where Double Dutch will be using a proportion of the £4m funding secured towards strengthening the brand in its UK domestic market to further build brand awareness. 

Innovation continues to be a key focus of the brand, with new trending mixer flavours planned over the next two years to meet consumers' tastes. The brand also plans to expand the drinking occasions for Double Dutch consumers, expanding into new adult soft drink categories, and supported with a social-first strategy and integrated marketing campaigns to ensure the brand remains first-to-market with innovative new product development. 

The investment will be used to drive deeper distribution in the on and off-trade, including new markets, with the UAE pinpointed as a key target for its all-year-round no/low opportunity. 

The rapid growth has also led the inspiring drinks brand to expand the Double Dutch team across sales and HR, both in the UK and within in export markets. The appointment of an HR manager brings with it a new global recruitment strategy.   

To cement its position in the UAE region, Double Dutch has appointed Benita Bohsali as its Head of International Growth, who has previously supported businesses including MMI, Red Bull and Heineken. 

In her new role, Bohsali will be responsible for strategic and commercial planning, with a focus on the key cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi to increase on and off-trade listings and drive overall growth for the brand. 

Raissa & Joyce de Haas, co-founders of Double Dutch, said: “We're really delighted with the continued support from our investor partners and we are really looking forward to them being a part of the next stage of our exciting journey. We're super proud to now be one of the fastest-growing mixer brands and can't wait to see our further growth in the UK, Benelux and beyond.” 

Ewan Venters, CEO at Hauser & Wirth and Investment Director at Double Dutch, added: “Watching Double Dutch grow into one of the most dynamic businesses in the drinks industry today has been a real pleasure. 

"Their stratospheric rise in the world of mixers has been through incredible hard work, a robust strategy and an unwavering vision to shake up the mixer market. As their Investor Director, it's been really exciting to help shape the next stage of business acceleration with the planned impact of this fundraise on their growth ambitions. This brand is one to watch.”

Double Dutch is now stocked in over 45 countries around the globe, including as the exclusive tonic for Soho House, worldwide.

The Double Dutch drinks take inspiration from the world of natural flavours, with unique, bold and sometimes unexpected flavour pairings, are always produced employing only high quality ingredients and have absolutely zero artificial flavouring, colours or preservatives whatsoever. 

All the products are naturally vegan and are also gluten free, and as part of the twin founders' mission to do business the right way, the brand is proudly Carbon Neutral and is pursuing B-corp status.  

The full range of Double Dutch flavours are available via the Double Dutch website or Amazon, with a select range of the brand's mixers available at Waitrose or Ocado and Tesco.

To stock Double Dutch, email sales@doubledutchdrinks.com  

www.doubledutchdrinks.com 

Aldi faces down council in ice cream wars

What’s even better, customers can secure a £5 voucher to purchase their own ice-cream, simply by emailing freealdiicecream@clarioncomms.co.uk. (T&C comply)

Aldi is offering free ice-cream outside its Brocklebank Road store on Friday 16th June, following the news that Greenwich Council will be banning ice-cream vans in the borough during the summer months.

Pictured: Aldi giveaway ice creams outside the store in Greenwich.  Leading budget supermarket Aldi has come to the rescue for people in a London Borough where ice cream vans have been banned, by simply handing out free frozen desserts.  

Greenwich Council shocked local residents when it published a list of streets across Greenwich and Woolwich town centres where ice cream vans could be prohibited from trading during the summer months.

But Aldi stepped in to counter this ban help and offered Londoners the cool treats as the warm weather continues, even going so far as offering shoppers the chance to win free ice cream.  

Visitors to the Greenwich store on Brocklebank Road could be lucky enough to scoop up to 23 ice creams with a £5 voucher.

Even better, UK Aldi shoppers will be in with a chance to bag some free ice-cream, simply by emailing freealdiicecream@clarioncomms.co.uk to secure a £5 voucher.

The decision to ban ice-cream vans, which was announced by Greenwich Council this week, was met with a frosty reception by Greenwich residents. Thankfully, Aldi has moved in to save the day with the offer of an abundance of ice cool treats for free from its Brocklebank Road store.

With Aldi prices starting from just 21p per ice-lolly, lucky winners will be able to scoop  up to 23 ice-creams with their free voucher. All customers need do is send an email to this to email address: freealdiicecream@clarioncomms.co.uk along with their name and address.

Julie Ashfield, who is the Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, said: “We’d like to reassure ice-cream fans, not just in Greenwich, but across the nation, that they can still enjoy a delicious summertime treat as we head into another weekend of heatwave weather!”

Customers can use their voucher to try Aldi’s extensive range of delicious ice-creams, which includes shopper favourites such as the Gianni’s Caramelised Biscuit Chocsticks (£2.49, 3 pack), Gianni’s Strawberry & Vanilla Ice Blitz (£1.15, 6 pack) and Gianni’s Mini Whirlz (£1.99, 8 pack).

Aldi’s ice-cream range is available in store and via Click & Collect now.

www.facebook.com/AldiUK   

www.twitter.com/AldiUK   

www.instagram.com/AldiUk   

Full T&Cs apply, visit: https://www.aldi.co.uk/free-ice-creams

Aldi is switching to colourless, greener, milktops in all its 990 UK stores

Following last year's successful trial, Aldi, the UK’s fourth largest supermarket, is introducing the easier to recycle caps on all its milk lines in a bid to further boost the recyclability of the bottles.

Partnering with several suppliers, the new milk caps have started to appear in stores this week onward.

The roll out will mean a further 200 tonnes of High-Density Polythene (rHDPE) in the bottle tops can be reused to create new milk bottles.  

Customers will still be able to distinguish the milk type via the labels, which will remain red, green or blue depending on the fat content of the milk it contains.

Luke Emery, Aldi's Plastics and Packaging Director said: “At Aldi we are constantly reviewing ways to become a more sustainable supermarket and cut down on single-use plastic. That means working closely with all our suppliers to find solutions that will make a real difference.

“Improving the recyclability of packaging on an everyday product like milk has been well received by our customers, who are increasingly aware of products being environmentally friendly.”

Aldi brings out a real Wimbledon Winner with the return of Baileys Extra Thick Strawberry Cream

Back by popular customer demand, the limited-edition Baileys Extra Thick Strawberry Cream (£2.19) has returned exclusively to Aldi stores ahead of the Wimbledon season. And Aldi shoppers can bag this treat now.

Following its great success last year, the supermarket predicts it will sell enough of the cream to fill around 10 swimming pools!

Made with 100% yummy British cream, it’s deliciously rich and indulgently thick which makes it a perfect doubles partner with Aldi’s Specially Selected Strawberries (£2.85, 400g). And with strawberries expected to be bigger and sweeter than previous years due to the cooler spring weather, Aldi's shoppers will be in for the ultimate treat when paired with this decedent summer topping.

For those who want something even sweeter, why not try pairing it with Aldi’s Dessert Menu Strawberry Cheesecake (£0.85, 400g) for an overload of creamy strawberry delight?

The launch comes as Aldi serves up its first ever Swing Ball Championships, which is open and free to book during 3rd – 7th July.

Baileys Extra Thick Strawberry Cream is available in Aldi stores now, while stocks last, of course!

Kings Cross Commuters to team up with Sainsbury and Comic Relief

Sainsbury’s ‘DINspiration’ pop-up launches 26 and 27 June in London Kings Cross, giving busy workers dinner inspiration by offering grab-and-go meal kits.

This pop-up follows research by Sainsbury’s revealing a massive 74% of commuters think about what they'll be having for dinner on their homeward commute.

For a mere 50p, commuters can purchase a complete meal kit inspired by Sainsbury’s Inspired to Cook range, with all the proceeds being donated to Comic Relief.

Sainsbury's is donating 50p to Comic Relief for every Inspired to Cook product sold until 11th July.

Research by Sainsbury’s has revealed that deciding what to cook for dinner is high on the agenda for commuters, with 74% saying they think about their evening mealtime on their journey home.

Mid-week dinners seem to be missing variety due to this on-the-go attitude, with 63% of Brits admitting they struggle to come up with healthy meal options for dinner, citing lack of inspiration as the key reason behind this issue (32%).

Over a quarter (27%) of us confirmed they we'd vary our meals more often if it was quick and easy to do, with an additional 25% saying we'd like to introduce healthy recipes and variety into mealtimes. Over 50% of Brits confirmed we cook between one and four dishes on repeat each month.

Sainsbury’s is serving up a dose of ‘DINspiration’ and helping to solve this commuter's dilemma with a new two-day pop-up in London’s Kings Cross, offering commuters a flavourful, healthful grab-and-go meal kit for two, containing ingredients from its Inspired to Cook range, alongside fresh ingredients and recipes needed to cook the meals at home.

Peckish commuters can pick up a meal kit for a mere 50p, with all proceeds donated directly to Comic Relief. The amount raised from these sales highlights a wider initiative by Sainsbury’s, in which the retailer will donate 50p for every product sold from its Inspired to Cook range in store and online from now until 11th July.

This forms part of Sainsbury's Nourish the Nation programme with Comic Relief which aims to tackle food poverty now and in the future. Overall, it's hoped this six-week drive, which launched on 31st May, will contribute at least £3million to the programme this summer.

The DINspiration pop-up will be available to commuters outside London Kings Cross station on 26 and 27 June from 5pm to 7pm. The kits will contain complete ingredients for recipes such as Teriyaki Stir Fry and Harissa Chicken Traybake, helping busy commuters find inspiration for their dinners in a convenient, nutritious, and time-effective way.

Ruth Cranston, who is Sainsbury’s Director of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability said: “With so many people lacking dinner inspiration, we hope our pop-up adds a bit of flavour to commuters' mealtimes. 

"Our Inspired to Cook range is designed to inspire our customers’ food choices, helping them to cook fresh, nutritional meals with ease. And now, with Sainsbury's donating 50p from every Inspired To Cook product sold until 11th July, this popular range not only tastes good, but does good too. All funds raised will go to our long-standing charity partner Comic Relief as part of our Nourish the Nation initiative, which seeks to prevent people falling into food poverty now and in the future."

Working in partnership with Comic Relief, Sainsbury’s Nourish the Nation programme supports organisations such as Feeding Britain and The Bread and Butter Thing in their work to help alleviate food poverty in communities across the country.

www.sainsbury.com.

Baking Yesteryear

Baking Yesteryear is a baking cookery book written by baking enthusiast and TikTok and YouTube star B. Dylan Hollis. 

It covers interesting baking recipes from throughout the 20th century

If you'd like to know what baking recipes that your grandparents and great-grandparents made and have a go at baking them for yourself, then this book is for you. 

In it B. Dylan Hollis highlights some of the most unique baking treats of yesteryear.

Take a trip back in time on a delicious jaunt through the 100 years of the 20th century as Dylan shows you how to bake vintage treats, many of them long-forgotten baking gems.

With Dylan's quirky humour and baking gusto, you'll find yourself baking savoury and sweet forgotten treats. 

Over the years Bermudian Dylan has baked hundreds of recipes from scores of antique cookbooks and recipe booklets and official government publications.

He has selected the top of these recipes for this bakebook, with top recipes from each decade.

However, there are some recipes included that might not have stood the test (or taste?) of time as they are said to be spectacularly dreadful! But why not give these a try, too? You can't say you weren't warned!

A few of Dylan's favourites are:

- 1900s Cornflake Macaroons

- 1910s ANZAC Biscuits

- 1930s Peanut Butter Bread

- 1940s Chocolate Sauerkraut Cake

- 1950s Tomato Soup Cake

- 1970s Potato Chip Cookies

It's available on pre-order from Amazon.co.uk in hardback at £17.60.

FPA issues guidance on packaging claiming to be ‘plastic-free’

The Foodservice Packaging Association (FPA) has issued key guidance to address the claims made by producers of ‘plastic-free’ packaging.

In response to the big increase in foodservice packaging claiming to be plastic-free, linked with the confusion and misunderstanding surrounding the validity of plastic-free packaging claims, the FPA has published a list of requirements to help inform packaging buyers conducting due diligence prior to  purchase.

“Our members, foodservice retailers and the general public need clarity”, says Martin Kersh, Executive Director at the FPA (pictured.) 

He went on to say: “FPA members need to know what evidence they should be looking for to validate packaging, while foodservice retailers must be confident they're making buying decisions based on evidence that's valid in the UK.

“Having board-based packaging that can hold hot fluids, sauces and oils in safety, without some form of plastic lining or coating, is a huge attraction for retailers”, Kersh continues. “However, while plastic-free packs don’t contain the polyethylene (PE) or PLA most often used to make packs effective, many do use other plastics, like acrylic, as part of what's known as a dispersion coating. As such, there are packs that claim to be plastic-free, when they're not."

There is much confusion regarding the certification used to evidence claims of ‘plastic-free’ and symbols used to demonstrate conformity. Some certificates are produced by organisations that aren't  recognised by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) – and there are other symbols which are totally fictitious and are a total and clear breach of the Competition & Markets Authority Green Claims Code.

The FPA guidance for plastic-free packaging is summarised below:

1. Plastic-free must mean 100% plastic-free – with no intentionally added plastic present – either in the principal substrate or within the lining/coating.

2. The finished pack (not only the material it consists of) must be independently tested and certified to be 100% plastic-free by a certification body recognised by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).

3. The testing must identify the presence of any plastic, and not just those plastics that might be present in the packaging the ‘plastic-free’ pack is seeking to replace.

4. Certification issued by a country outside the UK does not necessarily validate a claim made in the UK. The due diligence for packaging being marketed in the UK needs to ensure the evidence/certification is accredited by UKAS.

5. The only symbols shown must be those of the UKAS-accredited certifying body, accompanied by a license number.

“The guidance for plastic-free packaging falls into the same category as that required for all other claims regarding the origin and credentials of the certifying body”, adds Kersh. “All our members are required to operate their businesses in accordance with the FPA Code of Practice, which expressly forbids the use of any unsubstantiated claims”.

A full copy of the FPA guidance can be viewed at the FBA website. Businesses seeking certification can visit the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) website to source accredited organisations. UKAS is appointed by government to assess and accredit organisations providing certification and testing facilities.

https://foodservicepackaging.org.uk

Spanish dining proving a hit with Waitrose shoppers

With the warmer, summer weather hitting the UK it seems that living the Mediterranean lifestyle is proving popular, with Waitrose reporting an increase in demand for Spanish dining. 

Spanish tapas is also a top pick during the heatwave, with #SpanishTapas gaining 10.4 million views on TikTok and 57k views in only the last 30 days. On Waitrose.com searches for ‘Spanish tortilla’, ‘patatas bravas’, and ‘manchego’ are up 82%, 20% and 50% respectively. 

Said Jane Whitehead, who is the Waitrose deli buyer: “As soon as the temperatures begin to rise we see many of our customers heading straight to our deli section to create the perfect tapas style dinner, or ‘picky tea’ as some people like to call it. 

"95% of the range on our deli counters are exclusive to us, with flavoured hams and olives proving especially popular at the moment as our customers create tapas boards for their alfresco dining experience.”

Sales of gazpacho have also risen by a staggering 146% in the last week alone as more and more of opt for lighter and more refreshing lunches. Paella is also on many menus with searches on Waitrose.com for their Chicken & Chorizo Paella recipe up by an impressive 89% over the last month, and sales of their paella rice are also up by 16% compared against last year.  

Jamie Matthewson, their head of wine buying, recommends the Loved & Found Treixadura as the perfect paella pairing, with its floral aromas and citrus notes matching perfectly with the rich chorizo flavours.

Why might this be happening? That's Food and Drink can think of two explanations. People wish to recreate their Spanish holiday meals at home. And others are aware that due to the fact that Spain is much warmer than Britain all year round, Spanish cuisine is more suited to being eaten during warmer weather.