Great news! Mandira Sarkar of Mandira's Kitchen Wins Surrey Business Award

Mandira Sarkar, who is the founder of Mandira's Kitchen based at Silent Pool in Albury, has been named Businessperson of the Year 2022 in the prestigious Surrey Business Awards.

The business, based in a 400 year old outbuilding overlooking the idyllic Silent Pool produces authentic Indian cuisine, cookery lessons and catering for events of all sizes.  

It's already been a busy year with Mandira's Kitchen food attracting the attention of Nigella Lawson, the Countryfile team and culminating in a feature on Channel 4's Aldi, The Next Best Thing.

The award was presented to Mandira at a prestigious and glitzy black-tie event which took place on third November at G Live Guildford, recognising the achievements and resilience of the county's business community.

British actress, writer and comedian Jo Caulfield hosted the ceremony, which brought together some of the most successful companies, and their leaders, in Surrey.

Mandira was in excellent good company, with strong competition from across a wide range of sectors including technology, pharmaceutical, retail, law and marketing.

Maarten Hoffmann, who i s the MD of Platinum Media Group and organiser of the awards said:“ The Surrey Business Awards celebrate all the remarkable businesses in our region, plus all the people who work for them!  

“Everyone should be justifiably proud of their achievements, and it's these businesses which are putting Surrey on the map, adding weight to the county's burgeoning reputation for innovation, creativity and excellence.”

Although the award has her name on it, Mandira insists it's very much been a team effort.

'I think any good company should be judged on the company it keeps, and to have prevailed over such outstanding fellow nominees makes this award even more remarkable, and special," said Mandira.

She went on to say: "The Mandira's Kitchen team is almost exclusively female and we work hard as a collective, covering for each other and sharing skills. The award will take pride of place in our shop, I would like to thank everyone involved with Mandira's Kitchen, our hugely loyal customers and brilliant suppliers. 

"Thanks also to Platinum Media for staging such a well-organised event, and for giving us a reason to put our posh frocks on!"

https://www.mandiraskitchen.com

That's Food and Drink would like to add our congratulations to Mandira and her team for winning this well-deserved award.

Just in time for Christmas. New Zealand Pōkeno Whisky

From the farthest corner of the world comes an exciting and utterly authentic newcomer to the global whisky stage. 

Launching with a trio of bold, creative single malts made uniquely from only New Zealand ingredients, Pōkeno (pronounced Paw-Que-No) is the latest brand to be available from UK Spirits Distributor of the Year, Mangrove Global.

Pōkeno whisky honours the pure spirit of Aotearoa (New Zealand) by using only volcanic spring water from the North Island distillery's surrounding volcanic hills and family-farmed barley from New Zealand's rich, fertile South Island. The lovingly-crafted result is a range of bold, creative full-bodied single malts that capture the essence of this extraordinary, remote and beautiful land.

Pōkeno is what founder Matt Johns refers to as his "passion project." With in excess of  a quarter century of experience in the global whisky industry behind him, he, together with his wife Celine, set out nearly a decade ago with a vision to achieve two things: to create some of the world's finest single malts using only New Zealand ingredients; and in doing so, to put New Zealand on the map as a whiskyproducing nation.

This vision ultimately led them to Pōkeno, a small rural town which is an hour's drive south of the country's biggest city, Auckland.

“For us as craft distillers, Pōkeno is an absolute hidden treasure,” explains Matt. “Not only do we have the privilege of using the pure spring water that has been drawn over centuries from the surrounding volcanic hills, but these same hills work with the sub-tropical climate to create conditions that accelerate the spirit's maturation and flavour development in the barrel. In Pōkeno, the angels don't like to wait for their share!”

The state-of-the-art distillery is in line with some of the best and most established around the globe. But without the same volume pressures that big brand producers face, Matt says he and head distiller Rohan McGowan are enjoying the freedom to ferment for longer, distil more slowly and experiment to extract the maximum body and flavour from their New Zealand barley.

“As an independent distillery, and a small team passionate about our craft, we're entirely driven by quality, not volume; on doing things our way, not the easy way, with no compromise on any part of the process at all,” says Matt.

“Over the last few years there's been a growing appreciation of the role fermentation and distillation plays in the development of body and flavour before the spirit is barrelled. With our focus on quality over volume, we're able to ferment for a minimum of 72 hours and then double distil incredibly slowly, maximising copper contact through the process to refine our profile and then ensure that only the purest spirit is taken for maturation.”

Mangrove Global's Nick Gillett says: “We really thrilled to be adding this delicious brand to our portfolio. The three malts are really in a class of their own. As world whiskies are growing massively in popularity it's really a very natural step to include Pōkeno single malts into our increasing portfolio of world whiskies from places as diverse as Mexico, Denmark and Australia.”

To honour the quality of the spirit, 80% of Pōkeno single malt is matured in first fill casks, leaving the barrel to enhance rather than dominate the flavour profile of each whisky. While they may carry their own localised geographic marker with the Pōkeno name, Matt says the new single malts capture the pure spirit of Aotearoa.

“Unlike anywhere else in the world, the New Zealand spirit is forged through a unique marriage of culture and landscape, which creates a sense of place that Kiwis take with them wherever they go in the world,” he says.

“From the outset, we have been guided by a commitment to honouring this pure New Zealand spirit and are delighted that we can now invite whisky lovers from around the world to dare to discover different.”

Do you have a whiskey or whisky aficionado you will be looking to buy a bottle or two this Christmas?  Then we think New Zealand Pōkeno Whisky will be an admirable choice. 

www.mangroveuk.com

www.pokenowhisky.co.nz

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Remember when milk was delivered to your door? It's happening again with the Modern Milkman!

You can Plant-ify your breakfast with delicious vegan options delivered directly to your door.

Homeowners can now upgrade their breakfast routine this World Vegan Month with mouth-watering vegan brownies, creamy oat drinks, cold-pressed juices and real oaty porridge, all delivered single-use and plastic free.

Sustainable grocery delivery service, Modern Milkman, has highlighted its best vegan options, which are available for delivery right to doorsteps nationwide

The typical breakfast fare often includes everything from eggs and pancakes to milky porridge and all the meaty trimmings of a classic English fry-up, which is limiting for those choosing to follow a vegan or flexitarian diet. 

So in order to help make mornings that little bit easier, but just as delicious this World Vegan Month, Modern Milkman, the 21st century’s answer to the traditional milkround, is showcasing its delicious range of vegan options, offering plant-based fans a convenient and eco-conscious breakfast choice and all delivered directly to your doorstep.

From a velvety oat drink and fresh fruit juice classics to real oaty porridge and indulgent dark chocolate brownies, the award-winning grocery delivery service has teamed up with independent British food brands in a sustainable effort to offer customers a plant-based selection of guilt-free, environmentally-friendly treats that can be enjoyed by everyone from the comfort of their home.

Available to order from themodernmilkman.co.uk, the plant-based drinks are delivered in returnable glass bottles, which are collected, washed, and reused or in single-use plastic free, recyclable, or home-compostable packaging - offering a convenient way to adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle and preserve our planet’s resources.

Modern Milkman’s perfect oat drink comes from Oato, the first and the original oat-based dairy alternative. 

For those looking for a dairy-free option without missing out on vital vitamins and minerals including; calcium, D3, B12. B2 and iodine, this deliciously creamy, sustainably dreamy oat drink works just like dairy milk. Whether it’s for your coffee, tea or cereal, it uses 100% British oats, providing an original milky texture for both new and experienced vegans as well as those who are lactose intolerant. Plus, it’s delivered in a reusable glass bottle! Who knew being sustainable could be so tasty?

Yockenthwaite real oaty porridge

The ultimate cosy comfort food, Yockenthwaite Farm real oaty wholegrain porridge, has a multitude of goodness. The freshly rolled oats have a high fibre layer and retained natural oils and flavours, which make them creamier than ever and a delectable start to the day! 

Packaged in home compostable, plastic-free packaging the real oaty porridge is perfectly paired with the oat drink.

Cold-pressed Fruit Juice Bundle

Packed with nutritious fruity flavours suitable for everybody’s lifestyle, the Flawsome Cold-pressed Fruit Juice Bundle comes in three mouthwatering flavours; apple and strawberry, apple and superberry and sweet and sour apple. 

These eco-friendly, tasty fruit drinks not only arrive in returnable glass bottles but prevent fruits going to waste, with each wonderful bundle saving seven-and-a-half apples, 45 chokeberries and five strawberries from being wasted.

Vegan Dark Chocolate Brownies

For those with a sweet tooth who aren't keen on abandoning their chocolate fix, the Modern Milkman and Grazed Brownies has the perfect vegan option, guaranteed to provide a very special treat for the tastebuds. 

These luxuriously decadent vegan dark chocolate brownies are available on the milkround – which delivers up to three times a week. So, the chocaholics among us can devour these guilt-free, gooey brownies whilst taking care of the planet, as they’re delivered in eco-conscious paper packaging, with home compostable lining!  

Simon Mellin, who is the CEO and Founder at Modern Milkman, said: “We believe it’s vitally  important that everyone can enjoy sustainably sourced and eco-conscious products, no matter their diet or lifestyle. We believe that sustainable choices should be convenient and accessible to all – no matter your diet.”

For more information and to join the Modern Milkman milkround, visit: themodernmilkman.co.uk or sign-up via the Modern Milkman’s easy-to-use free app which is available on iOS or Android.

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Inspiring Documentary About the Origin of Coffee Premieres at the University of Plymouth

Over 200 individuals gathered at the University of Plymouth late last month for the premiere of a special documentary, commissioned by Plymouth-based food court, Jabulani. 

The documentary film told the origin story of Jabulani Coffee, which is an organic specialty coffee, produced as a result of a partnership between Owens Coffee and the Diversity Business Incubator (DBI), a business hub for minority ethnicity entrepreneurs. 

The food court, which the coffee was originally roasted for, was established by husband-and-wife team Jabo Butera and Liliane Uwimana as part of a DBI project focused on regenerating Plymouth’s Union Street area. 

Jabo and Liliane have since worked tirelessly to bring people together and support local communities in both the UK and Rwanda, through social impact projects funded by profits made in their shop. Their mission is to raise awareness of the effect of the Rwandan genocide as well as the social importance and impact of how coffee connects communities and cultures.

In June, Jabo set off on a trip to Rwanda, along with Liz Orgill of Owens Coffee, Christina Wilkins of Brand Biscuit Studio and Tom Carder of Tom Carder Media, to film ‘The Jabulani Coffee Origin Story’, a film about how a remarkable spirit of togetherness inspires a nation and binds this coffee with a purpose.  

To coincide with the premiere of the film, Brand Biscuit Studio rebranded the speciality grade Rwandan single origin coffee. 

Jabulani, an organic coffee with purpose

Jabulani beans are grown in the Gakenke District of Rwanda. The coffee offers a juicy, black tea finish with sweet notes of cherry, hibiscus and vanilla. It’s recommended for both filter and espresso.

Coffee from Rwanda is mainly produced by smallholders who own the land, normally under one hectare per family.

This organic single origin coffee is produced by the Twongerekawa Coko Cooperative: a group of 204 members, of which 169 are female, who grow their coffee at unusually high levels (2,000m above sea level) so the beans are slowly ripened and, as a result, filled with flavour. 

The Coko Cooperative is a small cooperative of mostly women, based in Northern Rwanda and found in the highest areas of the Gakenke District. These women are celebrated community leaders: supporting them supports their communities. 

Using regenerative and organic farming methods to sustainable standards, the community takes meticulous care to ensure the annual harvest makes speciality grading, which puts Jabulani Coffee in the top 10% of quality coffee in the world. The plantation is high up in the green Rwandan hills and provides ideal conditions for shade-grown Arabica coffee. 

Owens Coffee and Jabo have a direct relationship with the Twongerekawa Coko Cooperative. Sales of the beans support an initiative which connects ambassadors from the UK and Rwanda to exchange knowledge, nurture leadership and encourage positive global change.

Currently roasted and distributed by Owens Coffee, Jabulani Coffee is available to buy from the online shop (owenscoffee.com) or The Roastery shop in Ivybridge (200g for £7.76 and 1kg for £27.00).

Since 2010, Owens Coffee has supported the aims of the Fairtrade Foundation and is proud that 100% of its coffee range is certified Fairtrade and organic.  After hearing the story through Owens Coffee and Jabo, Alison Derrick and Sue Errington of Fairtrade Devon visited the cooperative in October. And, following talks with Fairtrade South West, Alison attended the premiere to announce that the cooperative’s President Thaerese Nyirangwabije and Manager Vincent Nsengiyumva have been invited to visit the UK in 2023, to support Fairtrade Devon during Fairtrade Fortnight (27 February to 12 March 2023).

To watch the documentary or to find out more please visit www.jabulanicoffee.com and to stay up-to-date, follow @jabulanicoffee on Instagram and Jabulani Coffee on Facebook.

To learn more about Owens Coffee, please visit owenscoffee.com. 

Fudge Kitchen Goes Employee Owned

For almost 40 years Fudge Kitchen has been a trailblazer in the confectionery world, driven by a simple mission, to make the world sweeter; by making nice things, while making things better along the way. 

From their multi-award-winning confectionery to the iconic retail theatre that put them on the map throughout the UK's most popular historic cities, their reputation amongst customers and other confectioners alike is one they're, justifiably, extremely proud of.

In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, Fudge Kitchen reaffirmed the three pillars upon which their business is built. Their product, the planet, and the people who made the company what it is today.

With the future and the sustainability of the business kept firmly in mind, MD Sian Holt decided made this year to ensure Fudge Kitchen would be in the best hands to deliver their future mission. As of October 28th, Fudge Kitchen has been an employee-owned business.

Through an Employee Ownership Trust, Fudge Kitchen hopes to ensure that as a purpose-driven business they're able to continue delivering on their mission whilst affording all their staff greater equity in the business.

In Sian's words, “You can't make the best products without exceptional fudge makers, nor deliver amazing customer experiences and service without energised and passionate entertainers with a love of people. 

"And you can't hope to create a better business for the planet without a commitment from a united community. It's thanks to those amazing teams that we are where we are today, and who we look to for the next four decades of innovation.”

Employee ownership is one of the UKs fastest-growing business succession solutions. In fact there are now in excess of 1,000 employee-owned businesses, with the sector more than doubling in the past three years. 

James de le Vingne, who is the CEO of the Employee Ownership Association said: “Businesses that give employees a stake and a say build trust and shared responsibility, uniting leaders and employees behind a common purpose, and leaving businesses in a better position to flex and adapt.”

The fast pace of growth amongst businesses has taken off with the use of the employee ownership trust (EOT), introduced by the government in 2014 to encourage long-term employee ownership, and one in every 20 private company sales is now to an EOT, with Fudge Kitchen joining a network of EOTs in the UK that include Richer Sounds and Go Ape.

As Fudge Kitchen stands on the cusp of their 40th year, this is an exciting time for everyone at Fudge Kitchen and the whole team are looking forward to all the sweet things that are yet to come!