On the Road to Success! Goodrays Outselling Energy Drinks on the Forecourt

Goodrays has produced delicious drinks which have a market-leading dose of 30mg of premium Colorado-grown CBD per can. The CBD ready-to-drinks come in four unique flavours; Raspberry & Guava, Blood Orange & Grapefruit, Passionfruit & Pomelo and Elderflower & Yuzu. Each 250ml can has a daily recommended dose of Vitamin D in each and with just 33 calories. All the drinks are 100% vegan and cost £2.99 each.

Hockenhull garages are premium sites in Leicestershire. Forecourt trader of the year in 2021, they offer consumers options not found in most forecourts, like smoothie and salad bars, and now functional drinks for the consumer concerned with wellness and relaxation. 

Goodrays will provide sampling opportunities throughout the year at Hockenhull's 8 sites , bollard covers, shelf-talkers, digital screen media at the pump, digital screen media at the entrance.

Henry Colyer, Head of Marketing Goodrays says: “It is fantastic to see that we are out-selling some major energy drinks within our first few weeks of launch. Functionality shouldn't mean you have to reach for a sugary drink full of additives - you can continue to be healthy yet feeling good with our beverages which promote calm and clarity. 

"We're really delighted to be launching our CBD Drinks with Hockenhull Garages, offering choice to customers, and putting health and wellness into the driving seat. MD Joe Hockenhull shares our vision of offering effective, premium CBD products to help with everyday stresses. 

"We want drivers and passengers to have a functional drinks option that isn't an unhealthy energy drink full of additives. Goodrays CBD drinks offer functionality, clarity, calm and amazing flavours for road trips. Studies have revealed that taking CBD has no effect on your ability to drive. We've got a robust marketing plan in place - we're delighted to go the extra mile for Hockenhull!” 

Eoin Keenan, Founder of Goodrays and expert in global CBD legislation says: “We are delighted that Hockenhull has decided to work with us on their first CBD drinks stockist. We cannot overstate the importance of buying your CBD from brands that are trustworthy manufacturers. Goodrays is third-party tested and contains all-natural, Colorado-grown CBD and are THC free. It is important to point out that side effects are incredibly rare. 

"The CBD industry is growing at a rapid rate with new brands popping up everywhere so it is fantastic for us to partner with Hockenhull as space on their shelves means we're safe.This early data shows the potential for retailers if they diversify their functional drinks offering.”

Joe Hockenhull, Managing Director of Hockenhull Garages says: “At Hockenhull Garages, we're keen to make sure there are healthy options available to our customers. We're thrilled to be working with Goodrays to offer effective and premium doses of CBD alongside other wellness drinks.”

For more information on off-trade sales please contact Lee Gurteen,  Goodrays Head of Sales lee@goodrays.com. 

CRAVE Now In Morrisons!

CRAVE, the popular free-from food brand, has announced the launch of their latest free-from nutty products, Big Dipper and Notella.

Notella, which is a delicious, smooth choc hazelnut spread is now available in Morrisons stores across the UK. Now everyone can indulge in the irresistible taste of choclate hazelnut spread!

Big Dipper, as the name suggests tastes out of this world and is definitely not a constellation prize! A snacking pot featuring mini breadsticks with a smooth choc, hazelnut dip.

Made with hazelnuts and dairy free choc, with a smooth and rich texture that melts in your mouth. These two new products from CRAVE are 100% vegan, free from egg, milk, gluten, and any other nasties that could spoil your fun.

Rob Brice, founder of CRAVE comments "We've gone utterly nuts and created two delicious and indulgent products that you can enjoy as part of a gluten free or vegan diet. Notella is the perfect tasty staple for your cupboard for toast or pancakes, Big Dipper is perfect for a touch of naughtiness to their day."

CRAVE's Notella is available now from 491 Morrisons stores across the country

Available in a 225g jar, priced from £3.50

Please note this product does contain nuts.

CRAVE's The Big Dipper is available now from 291 Morrisons stores across the country.

Available in a 48g packet, priced from £1.65

Please note this product does contain nuts.

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

Good times are here with two New Virgin Cocktails from Mavrik Drinks

The clever folks at the non-alcoholic cocktail brand, Mavrik, have launched two new great-tasting flavours.  

Perfect for non-drinkers and the sober-curious, or the night's designated driver, who still want to enjoy their favourite cocktails, Mavrik's new Passion Star Martini and Espresso Martini are now available to taste alongside the four other great founding flavours.

According to The Portman Group, the no/low drinks category is growing, with 32% of UK drinkers now semi-regularly consuming low or no alcohol products. 

With 18% of people also classed as non-drinkers, Mavrik's alcohol-free cocktails are the perfect option for those searching for a cocktail alternative that still looks good and tastes divine.

Alongside its four original flavours, the new Passion Star Martini and Espresso Martini promise to bring the same 'wow' factor that Mavrik fans have come to expect and fill a demand for virgin versions of these hugely popular combinations.

“We already have four delicious, low-calorie non-alcoholic cocktails, but with the rise in popularity for Martini-based drinks, we wanted to give our customers two new indulgent alternatives they can happily enjoy over the summer months,” says Mavrik director, Andrew Mallinson.

Mavrik's Passion Star Martini is inspired by the much-loved Pornstar Martini - the UK's favourite cocktail for millennial women- and is a smooth and fruity nitrogen-infused passion fruit and vanilla cocktail featuring a rich rum flavouring and sophisticated exotic juices. The perfect super convenient summer cocktail for the free-spirited.

The new Espresso Martini is also nitro-infused to produce a velvety smooth indulgent espresso cocktail with scrumptious coffee flavours, backed with subtle dark chocolate, caramel and vanilla notes, providing customers all the great flavour of a traditional Espresso Martini, but without the alcohol content.

“Our non-alcoholic cocktails are made from the best-quality ingredients, so customers can enjoy all the fabulous flavour combinations whilst still feeling fresh, alert and free from the typical sugary aftertaste you can get from alcoholic cocktails. With our virgin cocktails there is zero compromise on taste or enjoyment,” adds Mallinson.

Each 200ml can offers two servings, when poured into a traditional Martini glass. Alongside its new Martini variants the four original delicious alcohol-free combinations are available in 250ml cans:

AROMATIC G&T: a sublime and refined low calorie pink G&T, without the naughty ingredients (currently shortlisted in the Scottish Retail Food and Drink Awards)

CUBAN MOJITO: a totally gorgeous, low calorie, indulgent alcohol-free Mojito cocktail inspired by the renowned Cuban highball.

VENETIAN SPRITZ: a refreshing, spirit lifting, low calorie Spritz that takes its cues from the classic Venetian cocktail.

STORM & SPICE: a fiery, tongue tickling, low calorie Dark & Stormy type drink; the alcohol-free version of the classic and spicy Bermudan rum cocktail.

Mavrik's Passion Star Martini and Espresso Martini drinks are available to stock from https://www.mavrik-drinks.com, RRP £11.80 for a pack of 4.

Core Mavrik drinks have a RRP £9.75 for a tasting pack of all four flavours or a mixed case of 12 for £23.80. All Mavrik drinks are gluten free and suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

How a humble apple could cost you dear

Here's a word of caution from LeaseCar.uk:

If you eat an apple or any other fruit if you toss the core or any uneaten portion of the apple, banana or  other fruit out of your car, van, lorry, bus or whatever, you could end up with a hefty sum of money for littering.

A spokesperson for Leasecaruk told That's Food and Drink: "Drivers could be given an on-the-spot fine of up to £150 if caught throwing an old apple core out of the window.

"Although having a quick snack on the go is common for most of us, throwing something outside can be classed as littering - even if the item is biodegradable or an animal comes along and eats it."

This law also covers half-eaten sandwiches, etc, so to be safe rather than sorry, take your food  waste home with you or bin it responsibly at the next available waste bin. 

(Image courtesy of Golda and Pixabay)

Fever-Tree Shakes It Up With Launch of New Cocktail Mixers Range

Fever-Tree, the UK's top-selling mixer brand, has today unveiled an exciting new range of three cocktail mixers expertly crafted to take the fuss out of making cocktails at home. 

The brand's track record for putting quality, taste and choice back into the mixer aisle now sees them expand beyond carbonated mixers for the first time, to offer cocktail lovers more choice in this exciting, fast-growing category.

Cocktail consumption has been skyrocketing in bars and restaurants since reopening post-Covid, with the market doubling in value over the past year.12 months. 

But consumers thirst for cocktails doesn't stop as they leave the bar.  While the more adventurous will continue to treat themselves at home and shake from scratch, many are still put off by the quantity of ingredients required as well as by the time, effort and knowhow needed to recreate their favourite cocktails.

But thanks to Fever-Tree's new range, consumers no longer have to squeeze copious amounts of limes or buy niche liqueurs and syrups that end up being half used and gathering dust in the back of a cupboard. 

Using only the finest naturally sourced ingredients including zesty limes from Mexico, Italian Blood Oranges and Kenyan coffee beans, Fever-Tree have created the ideal mixer bases to create fantastic, delicious cocktails.  All that's left for the consumer to do is combine them with their favourite brand of rum, vodka or tequila and delight their friends and families with the very best quality cocktails, with no degree in mixology required! 

Said Rose Cottingham, Head of Innovation at Fever-Tree: “We know our consumers love the idea of re-creating an 'at bar' experience at home nowhere more so than with a  premium G&T but when it comes to cocktails they can often be put off by feeling they don't have the knowhow or struggle to replicate the quality and taste of what is on offer in their favourite bar or pub. 

"We have spent many months and countless hours refining our new cocktail range, ensuring we have arrived at three fantastic mixers that will give consumers the confidence to create enticing and sophisticated cocktails with ease. 

After all, we know cocktails are the perfect way to elevate any occasion, so we wanted to create something for consumers which meant they could spend less time worrying about the drinks and more time enjoying them with friends and family.”

Fever-Tree cocktail mixers:

Espresso Martini - Made with the finest Kenyan Coffee extracts with notes of vanilla. Simply add vodka and shake over ice, for a rich and smooth Espresso Martini. 

Classic Mojito - For a zesty & refreshing Mojito, we've combined the finest Mexican Limes with fresh Moroccan Mint. Simply add rum and plenty of ice and stir for a mojito in minutes, 

Classic Margarita - Crafted with the finest Mexican Limes blended with juicy Italian Blood Orange & delicate Scottish sea salt. Simply add tequila and shake or stir over ice for a deliciously zesty & authentic margarita.

Available nationwide in Sainsburys, Waitrose and online at Ocado. RRP £4.50 for 500ml.

What is the Fever-Tree story?

Back in 2005, Fever-Tree co-founders Charles Rolls and Tim Warrillow pioneered the premium mixer category, bringing choice, quality, and excitement back into the category. 

They travelled to the ends of the earth to source the finest ingredients, including quinine from the border of Rwanda/Democratic Republic of Congo, ginger from the Ivory Coast, India and Nigeria, and lemons from the slopes of Mount Etna, Sicily.

Fever-Tree is now the world's leading supplier of premium carbonated mixers for alcoholic spirits by retail sales value, with distribution to almost 80 countries worldwide. The company sells a range of carbonated mixers to hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes, and retailers.

Fever-Tree was recently voted as the bestselling and top trending mixer brand by Drinks International for the ninth year running.

https://fever-tree.com/en_GB

May News from Masons of Yorkshire

A decade ago, Karl and Cathy Mason set up a facebook page about one of their favourite topics: gin.

They began posting reviews of their favourite finds, followers followed, and soon 10k people were on the page. It started to take up a lot of time and they had the lightbulb moment: what if we did this all the time? 

And Masons of Yorkshire was born. And in June 2023 the company, now employing 24 people, celebrates ten years in the business and is based in beautiful Bedale, and exports all over the world. The original distillery was destroyed by a fire in 2019, and the brand has grown back bigger and stronger.

This year sees the first foray into Tropical - a London Dry infused with mango, pineapple has been massively well received all over the country. With big brands such as Strongbow and Sierra Tequila coming through with great new products with tropical flavours, this is the summer to go full-on feel good flavour.  

This month also heralds a collaboration with Magic Rock Brewery: the Botanicalist Gin & Tonic IPA.

Launched just in time for Beer Day Britain, (15 June 2023) and Father's Day (18 June 2023) these two Northern English powerhouses Masons of Yorkshire and Magic Rock Brewery have paired up to launch Botanicalist, a zesty Gin & Tonic IPA, packed to the brim with juniper and hops, all brewed and canned in Yorkshire. Combining state-of-the-art distilling with cutting-edge brewing techniques, this is a delicious mix of eight different botanicals made into a clean and crisp classic IPA.

World Cocktail Day 13 May, 2023: Masons of Yorkshire also creates outstanding vodkas. Masons has just launched a delicious twist on the negroni at the Henrietta Hotel in Covent Garden. Out of the Night is their version of a Negroni but made with Mason's Espresso Vodka, Punt e Mes, Luxardo Maraschino Liquer and garnished with a cherry. 

It is the perfect drink for a pick-me-up and the end of the night, or a post-dinner cocktail, but with the crispness of the Espresso Vodka and the cherry flavours we're seeing people enjoy them in the summer sunshine too. A deliciously indulgent drink that can be enjoyed all day. It is so popular they ran out of our vodka the other day, and someone had to run to an independent down the road and top up stocks. I visited last week - such a great spot to go if you're in town with exceptional staff - and drinks!

B2B wise, Karl says: "This year we're ensuring that we'll attend as many trade shows as possible. It's been incredible for us to get back out on the road and meet customers face to face again and letting them taste our products. 

"As the big retailers only do range reviews twice a year, it's vital for us to keep the momentum going with our small independents as they are the backbone of our business. We've just attended the Harrogate Flower Show, about to go to the Lichfield Food Festival, RHS Flower Show, Hampton Court Palace Food Festival, and many more - it's going to be a busy summer. Come and say hello if you're around."

https://www.masonsofyorkshire.com.

Kaytea Leads the Iced Tea Charge With a New White Peach and a Re-Energised Sparkling Rosay

Hot on the heels of its NEW game-changing Sainsbury's, Deliveroo, M&S, Zapp & Spinneys listings, Kaytea coldbrew teas drinks is fulfilling its 2023 pledge to not only continue innovating but move 100% from glass to aluminium.

June 23 will see the arrival of a NEW flavour:

WHITE PEACH (new): Showcasing green tea's unheralded prowess as the perfect light yet refreshing setting for white peach to prosper.

N.B. Did you know white peach is more delicate than yellow peach & blends seamlessly with our sublime cold brewed green tea

SPARKLING ROSAY (repackage): There's also a TASTEFUL repackage for Sparkling Rosay, quite possibly the most sophisticated iced tea within the Kaytea stable! Inspired by the unique flavour profile of a well-balanced Rose; Rosay is a 95% rose tea infusion that combines with pink guava and cherry, apple, radish and sweet potato concentrate to create an effortlessly effervescent iced tea.

According to Kaytea founder, Kevin Tang, 'Having underpinned our reputation as a perfect 'soft drink that can pair with delicate foods (tie-ups with Sainsbury's & M&S's sushi counters), we've now backing our urban listings with a move from glass to aluminium which is better suited to more urban focused retailers like Zapp, WeWork & Deliveroo.

Kaytea is a leading voice in the UK's growing iced tea movement that is predicted to exceed £285m by 2024.  For all kombucha's chiller cabinet momentum the fact remains that functional drinks are not everyone's cup of tea.

According to Kevin, "I realised long ago that there's a si
gnificant void in the soft drinks aisle that resides between bland sugary pop and overtly worthy functional brews.  Our primary focus has always been our tea prowess, which is why we visited over 250 tea estates to unearth the best providers of quality teas (black, white & green).  Yes, we could have easily added blends of lab made vitamins & minerals to claim some arbitrary health claims but that seemed counter-intuitive to our quest to be known for best-in-class, organic ingredients."

White Peach & Sparkling Rosay move to striking slimline cans will broaden Kaytea's reach and extend its appeal among farmshop & deli,  airlines, catering, vending & festival operators.

Kaytea.co.uk

Both 330ml lines will retail £1.60-£1.80 a can

Clearspring Launches UK-First Caffeine-Free Organic Japanese Kuwa Matcha

Top authentic Japanese and Organic fine foods specialist Clearspring is launching the UK's first Organic Japanese Kuwa Matcha. Kuwa (桑) is Japanese for mulberry and Matcha (抹茶) is Japanese for powdered tea. 

Just like traditional Matcha, Kuwa Matcha is a vibrant green, finely ground powder. Instead of tea leaves it is made using mulberry leaves and unlike green tea Matcha, it is naturally caffeine free.  

Clearspring Organic Japanese Kuwa Matcha is made using the finest quality organic and sustainably grown mulberry leaves that are grown in Kagoshima, Japan, where volcanic soils and humid climates make for ideal growing conditions. Once harvested the leaves are steamed, dried and ground into a fine powder which is just as versatile and delicious as traditional Matcha.

Kuwa Matcha has a delicious, balanced flavour that's less astringent than the taste normally associated with green teas and Matcha tea powder. It's the perfect zero caffeine alternative for consumers who enjoy the taste of Matcha but wish to reduce or avoid caffeine in their diet.

Maria Dawson, who is the Managing Director at Clearspring said about the new addition: “Mulberry leaves have been enjoyed in Japan for centuries in either loose leaf or ground powder form. We're extremely excited to be the first to offer a premium quality authentic and Organic Japanese Kuwa Matcha in the UK. It perfectly complements our existing organic Matcha range whilst tapping into the growing demand for low or no-caffeine hot and cold beverages.

“Clearspring Organic Japanese Kuwa Matcha also delivers on flavour. It has a very similar taste to our premium Matcha, with a mellower taste that is smoother on the palate, especially when enjoyed as a latte. You can also use it for cooking and baking!”

Clearspring's existing offering includes several popular Matcha products such as Organic Japanese Ceremonial Grade Matcha, Premium Grade Matcha, Matcha Shots and a range of Organic Matcha-blend teabags with flavours including Matcha Sencha, Matcha Ginger, Matcha Turmeric, Matcha Three Mint and Matcha Genmaicha.

Treat Your Dad to a Father's Day Gift from Salcombe Brewery Co.

Salcombe Brewery Co. has a range of fantastic presents for beer-loving Dads this Father's Day. Our favourites include a Brewery Tour Voucher (£20), a Pub in a Box (£19.99) and a Gift Pack of 6 Beers (£12), all available to order online from www.salcombebrewery.com for delivery to Dad's door.

Brewery Tour Vouchers (£20.00 from salcombebrewery.com) 

The ideal gift for anyone who would enjoy a behind the scenes tour of an award-winning brewery and an extended tasting session. The ninety minute brewery tour starts with a welcome drink in the taproom. This is followed by a tour of the brewhouse and the chance to grill the experts on any beer-related topics. The tour ends in the taproom, where visitors enjoy a flight of Salcombe beers. Brewery tour vouchers cost £20* and can be bought online at www.salcombebrewery.com.

Salcombe Brewery Co. Pub in a Box (£19.99 from salcombebrewery.com)

A Salcombe Brewery Co. 'Pub in a Box' is the perfect gift for any beer fan and includes everything they need for a quiet night in. There are three different options in the range, including a gluten-free set, and each contains some of Salcombe Brewery Co.'s fabulous beer, tasty snacks from the west country, branded glasses, beer mats and bar towels.

Six Beer Gift Pack (£12.00 from salcombebrewery.com) 

You can mix and match six cans of beer from Salcombe Brewery Co.'s Discovery range to create your own very special gift pack for Dad. The Discovery range includes Salcombe Pilsner, Salcombe Pale Ale, Breeze and Island Street Porter so there is something to suit all tastes.

Salcombe Brewery's range of beer gifts and merchandise is available from www.salcombebrewery.com and the on site brewery shop. For further information on Salcombe Brewery Co. please visit www.salcombebrewery.com follow Salcombe Brewery Co. on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.  

* Brewery tour vouchers are valid for one year and can be used to book tours within that period. All brewery tours must be booked in advance.

 

Sandford Orchards' Father's Day Gifts

Sandford Orchards has a wonderful and fantastic range of gifts ready to be delivered to your dad this Father's Day. 

Devon Red Mini Keg & Glass Set (£23.00 from www.sandfordorchards.co.uk)

Perfect for parties and sharing with his friends, the Devon Red Mini-Keg gives Dad the chance to practise his pint pouring skills at home. This kit contains a 5 litre Devon Red Mini-Keg and a Sandford Orchards branded pint glass.

Pub in a Box  (£22.00 from www.sandfordorchards.co.uk)

Treat Dad to Sandford Orchards' Pub in a Box, which is filled with Devon cider and snacks. This hamper contains: a 500ml bottle of Devon Mist, Shaky Bridge and Fanny's Bramble plus a 440ml can of Devon Red, a packet of Burts Crisps and Burts Popcorn, Pork Scratchings, a Sandford Orchards pint glass, some beer mats and either a bottle opener or sunglasses.

For their full gift range and for further information on Sandford Orchards please visit www.sandfordorchards.co.uk, follow Sandford Orchards on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.