Introducing the New Thatchers Vintage Cider

Utilising only the very best pick of the crop from its 2022 harvest, Thatchers has unveiled a new look for its premium bottled Vintage Cider.

Pressed, blended, matured and bottled at Myrtle Farm, Thatchers Vintage uses traditional bittersweet apples including Tremlett's Bitter and Somerset Redstreak, plus some lighter, more modern varieties including Three Counties and Prince William, to create a premium cider that's deep in flavour, yet with an appealing light colour, its richness rounded off with a satisfyingly crispy sparkle.

Plus, a new label featuring its founder, William Thatcher, highlights the provenance and heritage of the brand.

And the new look for Vintage includes a higher ABV at 8.3% to reflect its premium positioning and stronger appeal to vintage cider connoisseurs.

This is a premium bottled vintage cider with a distinctive character, and with a premium ABV to match.

Thatchers Vintage has been a much-loved part of the Thatchers range for many years, and with this 2022 harvest, the ABV has been increased to 8.3% to further appeal to cider drinkers in the growing premium bottled cider category.

This is a very special, timeless cider and Thatchers has taken the utmost care to ensure it maintains its depth of character. It's a premium cider with a medium dry, crisp flavour, rounded aroma and gentle sparkle.

Thatchers Vintage Cider sits alongside Thatchers Katy (7.4% abv) in Thatchers premium bottled cider range.

With an RRP of £2.30 for 500ml bottle, Thatchers Vintage will also be available in a new 6 bottle pack.

Thatchers Vintage is available in high street retailers nationwide.

Devon Winery's Support for Gold-Winning Horatio's Garden at Chelsea Flower Show

The head of a Devon winery has spoken of his deep pride for supporting Horatio's Garden charity, which won gold and Best in Show at the Chelsea Flower Show with a wheelchair accessible design by Exeter and London-based landscape design duo Charlotte Harris and Hugo Bugg.

Horatio's Garden is a charitable organisation which creates and maintains beautiful and accessible gardens at NHS spinal injury centres. It's designed to be a sanctuary for patients with a therapeutic outdoor space specially designed to be wheelchair accessible where they can relax, escape the clinical environment, and engage with nature.

Duncan Schwab, CEO and head winemaker at Sandridge Barton, the home of Sharpham Wine, has supported the charity by offering celebratory wine. 

He said: “We're so proud to be supporting Horatio's Garden charity which provides beautiful spaces to help with the well-being and quality of life for people who have spinal injuries. 

“We believe that connecting with nature and the healing power of gardens positively impacts the lives of patients and their families and we were delighted to support them in a small way with some wine for their VIP visitors to the Chelsea Flower Show, and even more delighted that this beautiful garden won Best in Show.”

The garden was designed to be experienced by spinal injury patients from a bed or wheelchair. It will be relocated to the Princess Royal Spinal Injuries Centre in Sheffield in 2024, offering an area of sanctuary to long-term patients, families and NHS staff and improve their wellbeing.

Horatio's Garden charity has gardens at six other NHS spinal injury centres across the UK including Horatio's Garden South West, based at Salisbury District Hospital. 

The charity is named in memory of Horatio Chapple, who had the original idea to create a garden for patients with spinal injuries and their loved ones while volunteering at the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre in Salisbury during his school holidays. The first garden opened in 2012 and following its enormous success, a nationwide charity was formed with the mission to open a Horatio's Garden in all 11 UK spinal injury centres.

SRSLY Low Carb Launches Large Torpedo-Shaped Hotdog Rolls for BBQ Season

The month of June sees SRSLY Low Carb launching its next keto-friendly bread offering in the shape of a torpedo shaped hotdog roll that has all the taste and texture of a traditional hotdog roll, but which has an impressive protein count and only a fraction of the 'lazy' carbs you'd get in a traditional, wheat-based hot dog roll.

Says SRSLY Low Carb founder, Andy Welch: "By utilising the enviable protein prowess of egg, pea protein and wheat gluten we've managed to create a BBQ ready roll that offers only a miserly 1.3 carbs per roll, which is significantly less (90%) than their everyday alternatives.  Better than that each rolls offers 12g of protein, which is 170% more protein and 400% more fibre than a typical off-the-shelf bready hot dog holder.

According to SRSLY founder, Andy Welch, "When we travel up and down the country attending consumer events like Ketofest and IFE it's great to talk to both new converts and committed die-hards about what's missing from our range. 

"Consistently conversations have turned to us creating hot dog rolls that are not only immeasurably healthier but keep you fuller-for-longer.  

"We're proud to have a created yet another superb bready alternative that over-indexes in taste without causing the sugar crash so commonly associated with everyday white bread offerings."

https://seriouslylowcarb.com.

Goodrays CBD Expands Waitrose Listing With CBD Oils and Gummies

A box of Mixed CBD Gummies (RRP £24.95), CBD Zen Drops (RRP £24.95), CBD Night Drops (£24.95) and Mixed Pack of CBD Drinks (RRP: £7.50) will now be available across 263 stores. The range increase means customers will now have a CBD option for every part of their day.

Henry Colver, Head of Marketing, says: “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.  

"The CBD industry has its challenges - our digital advertising is heavily restricted, so we rely on word-of-mouth advertising and strong retail presence. There is still a huge amount of work to be done around educating around what CBD is - some recent research we conducted showed that 33% of CBD users thought that CBD products had THC in them, however, CBD in its purest form contains zero THC and will not make you 'high'. We look forward to working with the team at Waitrose to educate consumers on this amazing compound.”

In the research conducted 2023 by Goodrays, these are the main reasons customers are using CBD:

To help with stress and anxiety (45%)

For pain relief (42%)

To aid and improved sleep (38%)

Medical Reasons (29%)

To help with depression (25%)

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, and set up his own business in 2020 focusing on high quality CBD products, at accessible price point, such as oils and RTD canned drinks, that gained listings in Tesco and Waitrose last year.

Like many young people, anxiety started to become an issue for Eoin in his early 20s and part of his mission now is to educate on how CBD usage can be helpful to deal with conditions such as anxiety through natural and holistic methods. During Mental Health Week (15-21 May) Goodrays donated 100% of its online profits to mental health charity Mind, Tower Hamlets, which is a five minute walk from their offices.

That's the Ticket! Ticket makes its low alcohol debut with refreshing lemongrass beer

There was never any question, lemongrass would be the new heroic ingredient when Ticket launched its eagerly anticipated low alcohol lager; a fragrant, tropical grass admired for its welcome presence in Southeast Asian cuisine (broths, curries, marinades and even delicious tea infusions) yet perfectly adept at making the transition to flavourful, non-alcoholic beer.

Looking past its uniquely refreshing taste and distinct uplifting benefits, lemongrass has an enviable reputation for amplifying the wow factor in other 'hero' ingredients, which in Ticket's case is saffron.

As with its pale ale before, Ticket is all about creating a meticulously crafted non-alcoholic beer that perfectly mirrors the tastes, aromas and mouthfeel associated with everyday beers, but at less than 0.5% ABV. 

Besides creating refreshing, well-rounded craft beers, Ticket's other priority is actively championing ingredients which have added health and wellness benefits.  Lemongrass is universally admired for tackling digestive issues (gastrointestinal problems) including cramps and gastric ulcers.

Faeghe Solemani, who is Ticket co-founder feels very strongly that its perfectly plausible for any well-balanced recipe to simultaneously champion great taste and functional benefits. Faeghe said: "Like saffron before it, lemongrass has a proud track record in medicinal & wellness circles; in this particular instance supporting good immune health and digestion.  

"It's a clean, lingering flavour and scent readily associated with far-flung holidays, full spread BBQs and lazy summery weekends, which is why we wanted to launch our feelgood lager at the very beginning of summer, not simply to provide greater non-alcoholic choice but also to show that we're anything but a one-way ticket."

T-cket.co.uk 

The RSP is £2.99.

Fishes without bones come to Tesco

It’s been the quest for UK fisheries for decades. Discovering a way to remove the tiny bones found in whole raw mackerel which is one of the most nutritious fish to eat.

Now Scottish fish supplier Nor Sea Foods Ltd have been able to develop a method to remove the tiny bones, and it's all due to a new state-of-the-art ‘pin boning’ machine.

The new boneless mackerel will be going on sale exclusively at Tesco stores all over the UK, and that'll be great news to the large number of shoppers who make it one of the most popular food fish species.

Tesco fish buyer Christarose Maphosa said: “This achievement by Nor Sea Foods Ltd is a huge breakthrough as it makes one of the most nutritious of all fish varieties more attractive to shoppers.

“We're aware some people aren’t confident about preparing or eating certain types of fish because of the matter of the bones, so the launch of these boneless mackerel fillets is a real game-changer, we believe.” 

Nor Sea Foods Ltd, a family owned and operated business based in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, has supplied Tesco with UK wild caught, oil-rich mackerel and herring for in excess of 30 years. 

The business is situated in the heart of the UK’s North Atlantic mackerel sector, close to the rich fishing grounds around the coast of Scotland where the fleet operates.

The company doesn’t want to reveal too much about the new pin boning machine because the information is a closely-guarded trade secret. 

Nor Sea Foods Ltd Group Sales and Marketing manager Philip Andrade said: “Boneless natural mackerel hasn’t been available in shops until now because it is not an easy matter to achieve. 

“Mackerel fillets are relatively small and the tiny bones run right down the centre of the fish. As a result removing them by hand is a very slow, costly process and there has not been a viable way to do it mechanically until now.

“Nor Sea Foods Ltd has partnered closely with experts over the last several years to find a solution that has allowed us to offer Tesco this first to market opportunity.” 

Both Nor Sea and Tesco believe this new boneless option could encourage more people to include this healthy variety of fish in their diets.

Tesco nutritionist Laura Farrell pointed out: “Mackerel is an oily fish. Generally we are recommended to consume two portions of fish each week and one of these portions should be oily fish. The UK adult population (19-64 years) on average only consumes 56g per week oily fish – so well under one portion per week.” 

Tesco ‘Two Boneless Mackerel Fillets’ launch this week in more than 800 stores across the UK. They will cost £2.25 for a pack of two. 

DC Brau Penn Quarter Porter

DC Brau Penn Quarter Porter is described as a "robust porter.

It is brewed and canned in Washington DC by the DC Brau Brewing company LLC.

It is made using barley, oats, hops yeast and water. 

It has an alcohol level by vol of 5.5%, so is a medium strength porter.

How does it taste? Absolutely delicious! Yes, it's a very decent porter which is robust and very well-rounded. It leaves a very pleasant aftertaste. 

Penn Quarter is a part of Washington DC famed for being the home of Ford's Theatre, where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.

Where did I find this delicious porter? In my local Home Bargains branch! Home Bargains happens to stock an interesting range of bottled and canned beers and ales. Even more than some wine and spirit merchants.

It cost £1.49, I recall.

Coming to a Show Near You: Foodie Dates Announced for Great Taste Markets 2023

Food lovers all over our nation will be able to experience an array of award-winning artisan food and drink products.

The Guild of Fine Food is absolutely thrilled to present its 2023 Great Taste Market line up to kick off the summer season.

Great Taste is the world's largest food and drink accreditation scheme where every product is judged on taste alone, the Great Taste Markets showcase a curated selection of the award-winning products, and their producers, at some of the best shows and events across the country.

From sumptuous savoury foods and exquisite confectioneries and impressive drinks, the markets promise an extraordinary, flavour-filled experience for all visitors.

The markets offer a unique opportunity for food enthusiasts from all corners of the UK to:

Experience some of the best tasting food and drink products in the whole world.

Purchase directly from the talented artisans who are behind the products.

Engage with the makers and discover how to best serve and savour their exceptional creations at home.

The confirmed dates and venues for the Great Taste Markets 2023 are:

Taste of Summer: Regent's Park, London, 14 – 18 June 2023 https://london.tastefestivals.com

Scottish Game Fair: Scone Palace, Perth, 30 June – 2 July 2023 https://www.scottishfair.com

Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival: Surrey, 4 – 9 July 2023 https://rb.gy/l7v1y 

RHS Flower Show: Tatton Park, Cheshire, 19 - 23 July 2023 https://rb.gy/qronb

The Game Fair: Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, 28 - 30 July 2023 https://thegamefair.org

The Big Feastival: Oxfordshire, 25 - 27 August 2023 https://thebigfeastival.com

Carfest South: Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire, 25 - 27 August 2023 https://carfest.org

Welsh Game Fair: Vaynol Estate, Bangor, 9 - 10 September 2023 https://www.welshgamefair.org

Malvern Autumn Show: Three Counties Show, Worcestershire, 22 - 24 September 2023 https://www.malvernautumn.co.uk

Spirit of Christmas: Olympia, London, 30 October - 5 November 2023 https://www.spiritofchristmasfair.co.uk

Country Living Christmas Fair: Business Design Centre, London, 8 – 12 November 2023 https://www.countrylivingfair.com

Woman & Home Christmas Live: County Hall, London, 18 November 2023 https://www.womanandhomechristmas.com

Christabel Cairns, who has the enviable job ar operations & marketing director at the Guild of Fine Food, says: "This is our biggest year yet for Great Taste Markets. We will be showing Great Taste food and drink products to a potential 600,000 visitors. We really just can't wait for food and drink lovers across the country to have the chance to taste some Great Taste winners for themselves.

“The markets are a brilliant opportunity not only to try and buy award-winning products, but also to meet the makers themselves. Every product is not only delicious but has a story behind it and what better way to find out than by meeting and supporting the producers in person?”

Be sure to mark your calendars for the Great Taste Markets and experience the exceptional craftsmanship and unrivalled flavours that have earned these artisans their well-deserved Great Taste accolades.

So, exactly what is Great Taste? 

It's recognised as a stamp of excellence and actively sought out by food lovers and retailers alike, Great Taste, organised by the Guild of Fine Food, values taste above all else. All products in the line-up for judging are blind-tasted: every product is removed from its packaging so it can't be identified, before entering a robust, layered judging process.

New for this year and to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Great Taste, the Guild of Fine Food offered 50 micro producers the chance to put one new product in front of its expert panel of Great Taste judges for free. 

The bursary was aimed at micro producers who have never entered Great Taste before or have a new product, which has never been entered before. The bursary panel, which consisted of Adrian Boswell, buyer at Selfridges, industry commentator and food entrepreneur Mallika Basu, and PR & marketing expert AJ Sharp, selected the 50 most eligible entries.

(These look very exciting events to look forward to!)

Swedish-Owned Sussex Wine Wins Trophy in Top Wine Competition

Busi Jacobsohn is an English Sparkling Wine producer in the High Weald of East Sussex, and is making dazzling wines and all from estate-grown fruit.

Today the debut vintage of Busi Jacobsohn's Blanc de Noirs 2018 has been announced as the winner of the Sparkling Wine Trophy at the Independent English Wine Awards (IEWA) 2023.

Chair of the judges and Master of Wine Liam Steevenson MW described it as "Absolutely stunning and perhaps the best fizz from anywhere I have tasted this year."

The Blanc de Noirs 2018 also performed brilliantly at this year's International Wine Challenge, bagging another Gold medal there.

Estate owner Susannah Busi Jacobsohn, when asked how this achievement ranked on a scale of 1 to 10, said simply "11"!

Susanna and her husband Douglas Jacobsohn planted the vineyard in 2015, and since then have been winning many awards for their wines. But this latest trophy is the greatest to date.

Busi Jacobsohn Blanc de Noirs 2018  £48, is available at Yapp.co.uk, Harvey Nichols, busijacobsohn.com.

You'll go Bananas for Pukpip frozen bananas in chocolate

Challenger brand Pukpip has announced its Real Frozen Bananas Dipped in Chocolate are now stocked in Whole Foods Market, just in time for ice cream season. 

Pukpip is challenging the traditional ice cream category by tapping into the rise of permissible yet indulgent frozen fruit snacks. Breaking the mould for frozen treats, Pukpip's frozen bananas are a real fruit alternative to traditional ice cream.

“We believe that Whole Foods Market is the perfect fit for Pukpip, as we strive to help people eat more fruit in ways that are fun, delicious and convenient, providing indulgent fruit snacks that don't compromise on taste,” explains Zara Godfrey, who is the MD at Pukpip.

The London retailer which specialises in responsibly sourced, high-quality foods has added Pukpip's first two products, Milk and Dark Chocolate Dipped Bananas to the frozen section in all seven of it stores.

To celebrate the launch into Whole Foods Market, Pukpip has invested in an eye-catching window display in the Flagship Kensington High Street store, plus OOH media in July around prime London locations to drive awareness of the product listing.

Zara went on to say: “Nine out of ten of us are looking to add more fruit into our diet, and we want to make it easy, fun, and delicious. The creaminess of a frozen banana combined with the tasty, smooth satisfying chocolate makes for an irresistible treat that consumers will be keen to get their hands on this summer. Real fruit, that's indulgent so consumers can feel good about treating themselves!”

Obviously, Pukpip's bananas are responsibly sourced and freshly frozen at source in the coastal region of Ecuador. Using bananas rejected from export due to minor blemishes on their skin, because they're the wrong shape or size, or simply because there are too many on a bunch; Pukpip rescues these wonky bananas that would otherwise be wasted, helping them find their true calling as tasty, chocolate-covered treats. The banana peels are recycled back into the ecosystem.

Pukpip Real Frozen Bananas are only 152-161 calories each, contain no artificial and are ideally positioned as a snack, treat or dessert. The Milk Chocolate Dipped Bananas have picked up a 2022 Great Taste Award and the Dark Chocolate Dipped Bananas are Vegan Certified. Pukpip's frozen bananas are available to retail in milk chocolate and dark chocolate, in multipacks of 3 at an RRP of £3.99

Want to become a stockist? Need to learn  more? Email hello@pukpip.com or visit www.pukpip.com. Follow @hellopukpip for news and updates.

(This is making me feel hungry for frozen bananas in chocolate!)