Hampshire Food Festival 2023 Goes Big!

Hampshire Fare is thrilled to be able to announce that this year's 21st Hampshire Food Festival will be  even bigger with a whole summertime of events running from 1st July to 31st August.

Says Tracy Nash, who is the Commercial Manager for Hampshire Fare: “The Hampshire Food Festival has always been one of the most ambitious in the whole country in terms of scale and reach. 

"However, this year we've decided to make it an even bigger celebration of food and drink running across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight throughout the entire summer. 

“People love local! We have seen a growing interest in provenance and an increase in staycation experiences which means that there is a huge hunger out there for food and drink events and experiences. 

"Hampshire Food Festival's engaging and exciting programme is just what everyone needs! The Festival is this summer's must-visit with a great line-up of top chefs, involvement from Hampshire's buzziest cafes, pubs and restaurants, and a showcase of some of the best food and drink from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”

Hampshire Fare's award-winning Hampshire Food Festival has been helping to put Hampshire on the map as a foodie destination for over two decades, providing farmers, growers, makers and producers with an opportunity to showcase their produce to a wider audience through a varied programme that includes tours, tastings, chef demos, markets, menus, workshops and more. 

This year's Festival features two brand new events organised by Hampshire Fare. These are Celebrate Hampshire, a two-day event (1st-2nd July) hosted by Festival Place, Basingstoke, that launches the Festival and is centred round a lively Chefs' Kitchen, and the first ever Winchester Food Festival (9th July). 

To be held in the Cathedral's Outer Close, Winchester Food Festival includes a produce market, demos by local chefs, among them Lenny Carr-Roberts, who is a familiar face due to his television appearances on James Martin's Saturday Morning show on ITV, plus there's a spotlight on creating delicious budget-friendly and healthy dishes with nutritionist Mary Needham of social enterprise, Munch.

Altogether there are over 230 diary dates with events for everyone from foodies to families, those looking to upskill, as well as others who want to chill to a relaxed party vibe. The diverse range of events includes Shakespeare in pub gardens, supper clubs and sausage-making demos. There are BBQ masterclasses, brewery and vineyard tours, farm open days wild foraging experiences, pop-ups in cherry orchards, a special tasting menu in an art gallery, plus the brand-new New Forest Food Festival.

Tracy Nash, concludes: “This year the Hampshire Food Festival is bigger than ever and packed with new events and great fun entertainment. The Festival has become a well-established highlight of the summer calendar and gives everyone, locals and visitors, a delicious opportunity to discover the area's cities, countryside, market towns and villages through the region's exceptional abundance of food and drink.

“Thank you to all our partners and supporters, in particular the Festival's headline sponsor this year, SoCal BBQ Kitchen. This event wouldn't be possible without their generous assistance.”

A digital version of the Hampshire Food Festival Programme is available on the Hampshire Fare website (hampshirefare.co.uk/local-produce/publications). Festival events will also be posted on the Events page of the website and highlighted by #HantsFoodFest23 across social media.

Hampshire Food Festival was established by Hampshire Fare in 2000 with an ambition and scale not seen elsewhere. It ran for a fortnight during summer and included walks, talks, tours, tastings and cookery demonstrations as well as produce markets and special menus. By 2008 it had evolved into a month of activities during July. This year, for the first time, the programme of food and drink-related activities runs across two months, July and August. 

Hampshire Fare works strategically with Hampshire County Council, along with Corporate Partners: Clarke & Son, Festival Place, Fuller Smith & Turner, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, Ideal Collection, Rownhams House & Gardens, SOCAL, Southern Co-Op, Starfish Creative Design, and our Corporate Friends: Bankbrokers, Harvest, Menzies, NFU Mutual New Forest, Bournemouth & Isle of Wight, and Upham Group. Business South, University of Portsmouth and Breckenridge are Strategic Partners.

Hampshire Fare is a not-for-profit CIC working with nearly 400 members. These encompass food, drink and craft producers, and hospitality businesses, including cafes, caterers, pubs, restaurants and retailers such as box schemes, butchers, farm shops and village stores. They all share a commitment to sourcing local, supporting their communities and contributing to a sustainable future for the county's food and farming industries. 

Hampshire Fare was established in 1991 with an evolving role to champion local food, drink and craft, increase awareness among the public and trade of the wide range of local produce available, encourage high standards and best practice, assist producers to compete as viable enterprises, and foster all members' development. This is achieved through business opportunities, routes to markets, events, marketing and publicity.

This week is British Sandwich Week

So, what exactly is British Sandwich Week? It's a special week-long celebration of the world's greatest food to go and quite possibly the most iconic British culinary invention, the Sandwich.

The sandwich is celebrated in all its towering glory during British Sandwich Week and year-on-year the buzz around the week seems to grow, with more and more companies using the week to promote their business. 

#BritishSandwichWeek trends across Twitter during the week and newspapers, magazines, TV shows and radio programmes join in celebrating what is a staple part of the British diet.

Sandwich manufacturers and retailers all over Britain all have their own unique and special ways of celebrating this fantastic food item, many are offering special promotions and new ranges during British Sandwich Week. 

Several are also building on their charitable links by donating some of their proceeds or even having buy-one-donate-one initiatives for customers to take participate in.

On the theme of celebrating, the sandwich industry also holds its annual Awards, the Sammies, where the best New Sandwich, Sandwich Retailer of the Year and many more are crowned. Like the Oscars, we recognise that there’s so much that goes on behind the scenes, with awards in technical, marketing and environmental categories.

Visit the Sammies Awards Website to learn more awards.sandwich.org.uk.

Yorkshire Pudding Beer back at Aldi following huge success

Malton Brewery was one of seven suppliers to be awarded a massive, life changing contract in Channel 4’s hit show Aldi’s Next Big Thing.

Back on shelves nationwide from 25th May, it was the supermarket’s fastest selling product of the entire series.

Aldi is bringing back Malton Brewery’s Yorkshire Pudding Beer (£1.75, 500ml) following its sell out success last year.  

The delicious ale, made with real Yorkshire Puddings, hit the headlines following its big win in Channel 4’s ‘Aldi’s Next Big Thing’ a six-part series which gave small businesses a chance to be listed on Aldi’s shelves nationwide.  

Father and son duo Harry and Howard Kinder wowed Julie Ashfield, MD of Buying at Aldi, with their intriguing creation, which was described as ‘deliciously creamy’.  

A solid favourite with Aldi shoppers, it virtually sold out within the first week.

Promising to be a popular choice once again as it hits shelves from 25th May, (that's two days time!) the beer is made in the foothills of North Yorkshire with real Yorkshire puddings, to give its creamy, light quality that is both soft and delicious on the palate. 

Julie Ashfield, says: “The innovation behind Malton Brewery’s Yorkshire Pudding Beer is really outstanding. Our shoppers absolutely loved its unique taste, so it’s only right that we have returned it to our stores.” 

Howard Kinder, of Malton Brewery and creator of the Yorkshire Pudding Beer says: “Appearing on the show was absolutely life changing for us. Not only did we land our biggest contract ever, supplying one of the nation’s favourite supermarkets, but orders also went through the roof. It catapulted us into a whole new chapter.” 

The launch comes as Channel 4 confirms a second series of Aldi’s Next Big Thing.   

The supermarket is calling on suppliers of all shapes and sizes to get involved. Applications can be made via https://www.aldi.co.uk/next-big-thing. Entries close on 12th June.   

Malton Brewery’s Yorkshire Pudding Beer will be available in stores nationwide and via Click & Collect from 25th May, while stocks last. 

www.aldi.co.uk

Pineapple Pale from SEVEN BRO7HERS Brewing is an idea Summer Drink

SEVEN BRO7HERS BREWING CO is launching a Pineapple Pale Ale for Summer 2023 exclusively in ASDA stores.

The Salford-based brewery will hit shelves from May 25th with its fruity 440ml pale as part of the supermarket's seasonal rotation on craft beers. The new beer will join the brewery's popular Juicy IPA which has been permanent fixture in stores since 2021.

The Pineapple Pale Ale will be available in 280 of ASDA stores across the UK, RRP £3.00. Ready for BBQ season, this beer is a fruity explosion. At 5% ABV, it packs a nifty and tangy pineapple punch, perfect for drinkers who are looking for a light and fresh drink.

The vegan beer was initially designed by head brewer Jack Dixon as part of a celebration series for the brand in 2021. Back by popular demand, tweaked and reworked for ASDA's dedicated customer profile, the beer will be available until November.

Jack, who's has been with SEVEN BRO7HERS for in excess of six years, is part of the talented team behind some of the company's most exciting brews, including the Kellogg's upcycled cereal beers, and the award-winning Honeycomb Pale Ale which has also featured instore as an ASDA special.

CEO of SEVEN BRO7HERS BREWING CO, Keith McAvoy said: “The launch of Pineapple Pale Ale in ASDA really speaks to the talent of our brewing team, its fresh, fun, and sessionable, perfect for summer drinking. We're proud to see it revisited, the recipe reworked to be the best it can be and ready for ASDA shoppers.

“To see another of our special edition range appear in ASDA stores is a great moment for our business. As one of the UK's biggest superstores, it's a fantastic platform for customers to explore all SEVEN BRO7HERS has to offer and makes craft beers more accessible for everyone. In a tough climate for the beer industry, this is a win for our brand and supports our growth.”

In March, SEVEN BRO7HERS collaborated with ALDI to produce two unique beers for the discount retailer. The Watermelon Pale Ale and Passion Fruit Pale Ale, under the 'Hop Foundry' banner, are now available in 850 ALDI stores all over the country.

This month the brewery has also launched its first 'Helles' lager, adding it to its core range. The beer is aimed at appealing to everyone who loves to drink a lager and rivals the best in the business, it's now available via the brand's new redesigned webstore and trade buyers.

SEVEN BRO7HERS BREWING CO was founded in 2014 by McAvoy brothers, Guy, Keith, Luke, Daniel, Nathan, Kit, and Greg, inspired by their dad's home-brewing in their cellar at home. In January 2023, the brewery joined forces SIS4RS DISTILLERY putting all 11 McAvoy siblings under one roof in Salford – making SEVEN BRO7HERS BREWING CO home to largest alcohol family business in Europe.

In the last two years SEVEN BRO7HERS has significantly grown its listings portfolio. The brewery is also currently listed select Co-Op & SPAR stores, Booths Supermarket and Amazon.

https://www.sevenbro7hers.com

www.asda.com

SEVEN BRO7HERS Adds Brand New Lager to Its Core Family Range

SEVEN BRO7HERS BREWING CO is launching its first ever Helles Lager, the new beer will sit proudly in the family core range.

Their Helles Lager is set to rival the best in the business, the new offering and promises to be perfect pint for lager lovers ready to kick back in the beer garden this summer.

Available in 330ml cans and on tap in the brothers SEVEN BRO7HERS BEERHOUSES, this 4.6% ABV beer is an ideal refreshing summer time drink.

It's a bright, golden lager, with a rich nutty sweetness. You'll find notes of lightly toasted bread, harmonious malts, and zippy bubbles with each sip. The beer promises to be both satisfying and moreish.

Keith McAvoy, CEO of SEVEN BRO7HERS BREWING CO, said: “We believe it's vital our core range remains fresh and relevant, so we've given it a small shake up based on consumer trends and our  customer feedback.

“Helles Lager is growing rapidly popular as the UK's go-to session beer, and it's exciting to put our spin on it as we evolve our core range of beers.”

Helles Lager is available via SEVEN BRO7HERS brand new web shop for £2.20 per can, or in multiple buy bundles. The lager is also available to hospitality and bar trade via the buying team.

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

The brothers currently run successful beer houses in Middlewood Locks and MediaCityUK in Salford, Ancoats and Liverpool. They also operate a taproom bar in the brewery and a pop-up at Kampus in Manchester City Centre. In July 2020 they opened their partnership bar at Manchester Airports new T2 Departure Lounge. The beer is available on tap at all these sites.

https://www.sevenbro7hers.com/products/helles-lager

Morrisons More Card launches nationwide with the return of Morrisons Fivers

Morrisons is once again giving customers “More Reasons To Shop At Morrisons” with the national rollout of its new Morrisons More Card loyalty programme, which includes the return of the popular Morrisons Fivers. 

As well as the new loyalty scheme, a major new advertising and brand campaign launches today which revives the “More Reasons To Shop At Morrisons” strapline, which was introduced in Sir Ken Morrison’s time and still resonates strongly despite last being used in 2006. 

Rachel Eyre, Chief Customer and Marketing Officer at Morrisons, said: “Customers have been telling us how much they've missed the Morrisons Fivers and so we’ve brought them back as part of a radical overhaul of the Morrisons loyalty scheme.  

"The new More Card, which replaces the My Morrisons scheme, -will enable customers to earn points on selected purchases, including fuel, and redeem those points for fivers off their shopping.  The card will also give customers access to exclusive More Card prices with market-leading discounts on our  customers’ favourites."  

She went on to say: “Alongside the launch of the new loyalty programme, we're also thrilled to announce our new brand campaign, “More Reasons To Shop at Morrisons”. Customers tell us there are so many distinctive and motivating reasons to choose Morrisons, such as helpful tips from our expert butchers and fishmongers, our commitment to British meat and produce or fan-favourite freshly baked doughnuts, and so despite not being used for a long time, “More Reasons” still really resonates with our customers.  We’ve brought it back in a major new campaign which celebrates customers' real reasons for choosing Morrisons, in a funny, yet relatable way. And yes - even the iconic jingle is back!”

Today's announcement demonstrates that Morrisons is committed to offering customers great value and follows four waves of price cuts this year already.  As well as the loyalty programme, Morrisons will continue to offer customers “More Reasons To Shop at Morrisons” with great deals on a wide variety  of products that are vital to customers, including big brands and Morrisons unique Market Street counters, where skilled colleagues, including butchers and bakers, prepare fresh food for customers.  

This week, for example, customers can pick up a 20-piece British BBQ meat pack for £9.99, enjoy two breakfasts for £10 in a Morrisons café or buy six bottles of wine and save 25%. 

The new More Card, which can be used as a physical card or app, has been trialled in a number of stores over the last few weeks and feedback from customers has been extremely positive.  Customers will be able to earn points on selected products and counters in store and online as well as earning five points for every litre of fuel purchased in a Morrisons petrol filling station.   Examples of points available this week include:

100 More Points for every five pack of doughnuts (89p)

500 More Points for every £5 spent at the pizza counter

600 More Points for every £6 spent in a Morrisons café

100 More Points for every British BBQ meat pack from the butcher’s counter.

Once a customer has saved 5,000 points, they will receive a Morrisons Fiver which can be redeemed on a future shop, in store or online. 

Morrisons programme of market leading exclusive offers which launched last October for loyalty card members remains a key feature of the new scheme and the range of offers will continue to grow.  The More Card Exclusives enable customers to benefit from industry leading deals and discounts, which in launch week include:

1 litre Spirits for £17

Nescafé Gold 300g and Nescafé Original 200g for £4.99

Pringles for £1.25

Cathedral City Cheese 350g for £3.00

Fish Friday - 20% off fresh fish from the Market Street fish counter each Friday

Steak Saturdays - 20% of British steaks from the Market Street butcher’s counter each Saturday.

More Card customers can also benefit from:

Personalised offers - App users will be able to activate their offers on their device while card users will receive vouchers at the till that can be redeemed on a future purchase

Surprises - Surprise offers will help make the most of key moments such as flowers at Mother’s Day or sweet treats at Halloween

Basket Bonus - When a customer scans the app or swipes their card they may be in with a chance to ‘bag a bonus’ offer.  It might be money off a shop or a treat from a Market Street counter.

The new “More Reasons To Shop At Morrisons” brand campaign, created with Leo Burnett,  debuted today on Coronation Street.  The campaign, which includes a brand new look and feel, will run across TV, radio, press, digital display, social media and out of home as well as in Morrisons stores and online.

(Please note extra points do not apply at franchised petrol stations.)

As a loyal Morrisons' shopper (my late parents both worked at Morrisons) I'm pleased to see the return of the Morrisons More Card!

Dip & Dollop in Style This Summer With New! Limited Edition White Truffle Mayonnaise from Hunter & Gather

Why not go for a touch of excellent and tasty sophistication to your summer BBQ's with New! Limited Edition White Truffle Mayonnaise from Hunter & Gather.

The brand behind the UK's first and only Avocado Oil Mayonnaise range (and the number one challenger condiment brand at Ocado) is launching a delicious truffle mayonnaise that will cater to the growing demand for super premium and fully natural condiments. 

The New! Avocado Oil White Truffle Mayonnaise is made in the UK from Avocado Oil, delicate White Truffle Oil, Pasteurised British free range egg yolk, Apple Cider Vinegar, Pink Himalayan Salt, Garlic Powder and Black Pepper, with absolutely no seed or sunflower oils, sugar, grains or added nasties.

The result is an exquisite, delicious, creamy mayonnaise that is the perfect accompaniment to summer salads, steaks, or sweet potato fries.

 Amy Moring, Co-founder of Hunter & Gather, says: “We searched high and low to find a high-quality, natural, white truffle oil for our mayonnaise, which is rarer than black truffle, which has a more subtle, garlicky flavour. 

 “The result is an exquisite, delicate truffle oil mayonnaise that's not only absolutely bursting with flavour, but is also packed with healthful, real food ingredients.

"From British Free Range Eggs to Avocado Oil with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamins, mayo lovers can be guaranteed that they are getting the best there is."

She went on to explain: “As a brand, we believe a healthier lifestyle starts with simple healthy swaps, which is why our mayonnaise range is perfect for everyone, from foodies and families looking to make healthier choices, through to those following keto or paleo lifestyles.

“We believe that this is about as special as a mayo can  get, so grab one whilst you can! Each jar is made by hand in the UK, with its own number, meaning every single one is unique and when they are gone, they really are gone.”

NEW! Hunter & Gather Limited Edition Avocado Oil White Truffle Mayonnaise is available to buy from the new Hunter & Gather app from 22nd May (today!) and online at www.hunterandgatherfoods.com from 24th May. The RRP is £10 for a 250g glass jar.

Hunter & Gather is a real food and supplements brand, founded in 2017 by dynamic entrepreneurs, Jeff Webster and Amy Moring.

It is the brand's ethos and mission is to make healthy living understandable, accessible, and enjoyable through its award-winning real food & supplements, which are always made from real food ingredients and are free from refined sugar, grains and seed oils.

I am Doner signs first forecourt franchise deal

I am Doner, the superior and award winning better kebab brand backed by Think Hospitality, has signed a new franchise deal for a site in Windsor, to open later this summer.

The latest franchise deal, facilitated by Seeds Consulting, will see Four Crosses Filling Station Limited, a multi-site fuel station operator in the South East of England, operate the first I am Doner on a roadside forecourt.

I am Döner Chairman, James Hacon says ‘We are thrilled to sign this latest franchise deal and look forward to working together with Lawrence Wells and the team at Four Crosses. 

"This deal perfectly aligns to our strategic vision of proving the flexibility of our brand not only on high street and in neighbourhoods locations, but into roadside locations, travel hubs, universities and other concession environments. 

"Our franchise-first expansion plans are rapidly building pace with unprecedented interest in both the UK and overseas, but we like to keep our powder dry when it comes to our growth ambitions, focusing on delivering positive outcomes for our partners, proving our model through our actions, not big headlines numbers. There'll be more exciting news coming soon!"

Seeds Consulting Founder Matteo Frigeri adds: “We are seeing a lot of traction with the I am Döner's franchise programme, very few brands out there can claim to offer a quick-service concept with such moderate capex requirements and intrinsically lean operation, supported by the very latest technology. Here we demonstrate how the concept can flex to seize opportunities also in non-traditional sites.”

Lawrence Wells said: “I have been on the hunt for a food brand to go on my forecourt and when I came across I am Döner I knew it was a great fit with nothing like it in the area, I really can’t wait to showcase the brand later this summer."

Introducing the First Winchester Food Festival

For many people of a certain age mention of Winchester Cathedral evokes memories of the hit 1960s song "Winchester Cathedral, written by Geoff Stephens and performed by his The New Vaudeville Band.

However, Winchester has a greater interest to readers of That's Food and drink, as the Cathedral City long been known as a great place for foodies.

And this summer the city will have its first dedicated free festival showcasing its fabulous local producers and talented chefs. 

And That's Food and Drink is pleased to hear this news and pleased to be able to share it with our readers.

It's schedules to happen on Sunday, 9th July, and the new Winchester Food Festival is being organised by Hampshire Fare and will showcase delicious produce from the Winchester District and the wider Hampshire area.

Winchester Food Festival will be held in the Cathedral's Outer Close, and will open from 10.00am with a Chefs' Kitchen running from 12 noon. 

Top chefs from favourite restaurants will be sharing tips and creating tasty recipes using local produce provided by Festival sponsor Quob Park Free Range & Organic.

The line-up will include Damian Brown from Chesil Rectory, Miff Kayum from Kyoto Kitchen, and Lenny Carr-Roberts, of The Bugle, Twyford, The Fox, Crawley, and Shoal, Winchester, who started his career at Le Gavroche, but is probably best known for his television appearances alongside TV Chef James Martin.

Tracy Nash, of Hampshire Fare, said: “Winchester Cathedral provides the perfect backdrop to this new FREE festival. We have been wanting to hold a truly local summertime food festival in Winchester for a long time. 

"And we're We are really pleased and delighted that so many businesses from across the Winchester District have stepped forward to help us hold what will be a key event in the Hampshire Food Festival calendar, and a new event for Winchester, going forwards.”

Available produce will range from superfood micro-greens to locally caught trout, coffee, orchard juices and no-alcohol cocktails to gins infused with local botanicals, plus fudge, fizz, fresh veg, breads, honey and cheeses. 

There will be BBQ cooking with SOCAL, plus there will be a big focus on community and green issues with Winchester Beacon, the local homeless charity and the Festival's charity partner, collaborating with the social enterprise, Munch, to shine a spotlight on creating delicious budget-friendly dishes. Registered nutritionist Mary Needham will be sharing tips on getting the most from ingredients, how to reduce food bills without compromising on flavour and simple ways to make healthy dishes.

Dr Paul Spencer, Winchester Business Improvement District (BID), said: “Winchester BID is really delighted to be supporting the Winchester Food Festival as part of the Hampshire Food Festival. Winchester is a fantastic place for foodies and this new event will celebrate local producers and businesses in the beautiful setting of Winchester Cathedral. Come along! Visitors can also visit the Hampshire Farmer's Market and explore the city centre. It will be a fantastic day to be in Winchester!”

John Blake, of Winchester Cathedral added: “We are thrilled to host the inaugural Winchester Food Festival in the Cathedral's historic grounds and are excited to partner with Hampshire Fare for what, we sincerely hope, will become an annual event in the city's festival calendar.”

The event is free for the public to attend and has been made possible thanks to much-valued support from local businesses, including Quob Park Free Range & Organic; NFU Mutual Winchester & Wickham; The Winchester Bakery and Shorewood Homes.

For more information about Winchester Food Festival follow @winchesterfoodfestival on social media or visit www.winchesterfoodfestival.co.uk.

A Sweet Chilli Sauce With a Low Sugar Footprint & a Lively Fruity Kick

With ordinary ketchup lacking the cache it once did, it's maybe not a shock to learn UK taste buds have once again ventured overseas when it comes to finding the perfect dipping/dressing condiment for making anything BBQ, stir-fry or starter feel a million dollars!

Sweet chilli sauce or Nam Jim Kai as it's better known in its mother country Thailand, has been on an upward trajectory for several years.   

The Lockdown years brought about a significant increases in sales, no doubt fuelled by the electric orange dip's unrivalled versatility and the deep-rooted feelgood associated with world cuisine.

The only problem with Sweet chilli sauce? Normal everyday sweet chilli sauce has a potential problem. It's full of refined sugars, (that's not good for diabetics and other people who need to keep a close eye on their sugar intake) which is why SRSLY Low Carb decided that Spring 23 (BBQ & picnic) season, was the perfect time to trumpet its low-calorie alternative that combines low carbs with a vibrant fruity slam dunk.

Made with a wonderful blend of chillies, ginger, paprika & garlic SRSLY's sweet chilli sauce contains only 14 kcals (per 100ml), 1.9g carbs and 0.3g sugar (per 100ml), which compares very favourably to a typical Sweet Chilli sauce which contains 230kcals per 100ml, 55g carbs and 55g sugars.

150ml (£3.99)

Seriouslylowcarb.com