Kick off the Women's World Cup in Aldi style

Mornings in the UK will be getting off to an exciting start with the Women’s World Cup hitting screens throughout July. 

You'll be able to kick off the World Cup in style with your own brunch grazing board from Aldi for less than £15.

With prices starting from as little as 45p, these fantastic bites won’t have you footing a costly bill. 

From waffles and pancakes to eggs and bacon, Aldi has shoppers covered for all those morning get-togethers this World Cup season. The full brunch shopping list can be found here and is available in all Aldi branches stores nationwide now:

Six British Free Range Eggs – £1.29

Everyday Essentials Smoked Bacon – £1.45

Specially Selected Smoked Salmon Slices – £3.49

Natures Pick Ripe and Ready Avocado – £0.99

Everyday Essentials Cream Cheese – £0.83

Village Bakery Toasting Waffles – £1.49

Village Bakery Scotch Pancakes – £0.49

Everyday Essentials Raspberries – £1.49

Everyday Essentials Sliced Wholemeal Bread – £0.45

Bucks Fizz – £2.49

Total: £14.46

Luxury plant-based cream liqueur range LUSTRE launches across UK venues

My wife and I were wondering yesterday if there were any non-dairy, plant-based cream liqueurs available and the answer is yes, very much so!

Because a new range of luxury cream liqueurs has launched, following a 36% rise in demand for easy-drinking, luxury shots year-on-year.

The range also champions sustainability, opting for an innovative plant base rather than dairy, producing 3x fewer CO2 emissions, with 85% of consumers preferring the taste, too.

71% of consumers are seeking out more sustainable options, while a Global Brands consumer survey also discovered that 75% prefer easy-drinking shots with less alcohol warmth to them.

Three flavours are being released based on category favourites - a strawberry cream with tequila, pineapple cream with rum, and a caffe latte cream with vodka.

A new range of plant-based cream liqueurs from independent drinks producer and distributor Global Brands is launching across the UK.

LUSTRE, which is a luxury cream liqueur, is hitting the UK this summer and will be available in popular bars, pubs, and late night venues all over across the country. You'll also be able to buy the range directly from Good Time In for £16.50 inc. VAT per 70cl bottle.

The creamy liqueur category is currently growing 36% year-on-year, with this new range expanding on the success of other offerings while delivering an innovative completely vegan, plant-based product.

What's it like? It's an easy-drinking, premium liqueur that’s inclusive of vegan consumers (and also loved by non-vegans, too!) and has a reduced environmental impact over dairy products.

A study undertaken by the brand showed that a massive 75% of consumers prefer easy-drinking shots with less alcohol warmth,7 opting for lighter cream liqueurs over spirits.

Also a further 71% of consumers are seeking out more sustainable options in their daily lives. The sustainable plant base, made from an innovative soya protein and coconut oil blend, produces three times less CO2 emissions and 95% less water per litre than dairy-based liquids.

Following extensive product development, a sensory survey by the brand proved that 85% of consumers prefer the taste of the innovative plant-based range.

The premium packaging and inclusivity of the fully-vegan product will be sure to make the product popular among groups and for in-venue bottle-to-table serves. 1 in 2 (46%) of consumers are willing to pay more for high quality, premium products.

The range consists of three flavours, each championing luxury, indulgence, and sustainability, but with a different spirit base.

Pineapple cream with rum has notes of pineapple and lush coconut, with the body of rum.

Strawberry cream with tequila contains strawberry paired with classic cream, and underpinned by the earthy warmth of a high-quality tequila.

Caffe Latte cream with vodka uses subtle coffee notes, swathed in cream and paired with clean vodka to create a silky smooth and sophisticated liquid.

Charlie Leaver, who is Head of Brand said: “Post-pandemic, we've seen demand for lower ABV shots shoot up as an affordable and fun way to celebrate with friends and family members."

Charlie went on to say: "LUSTRE provides an opportunity to share a little luxury with friends in the form of a delicious creamy shot, which, because it is plant-based is truly inclusive. We’re excited for LUSTRE to add its sheen to nights out in the UK.”

All cream liqueurs have a 15% ABV and are available to the on-trade in 70cl x 6 bottles.

What is Global Brands Ltd? It was launched in 1997 by entrepreneur Steve Perez. It's the UK's leading independent drinks business. 

It owns, markets and distributes a wide portfolio of products across the ready to drink, premium mixer, spirit and beer categories internationally. The Global Brands Ltd line-up of brands now includes VK, Hooch, Franklin & Sons, Shake Baby Shake, Hooper's and more. Visit www.globalbrands.co.uk to learn more, place orders, etc.

Alternatives to milk?

There are many alternatives to cow's milk. Goat and Ewe's milk are two that are also from lactating animals. Ideal if someone in your family is allergic to cow's milk.

However, if you are looking for non-dairy replacements you can try Soya milk, oat milk, pea protein milk and now there is also potato milk substitute for dairy milk.

There are also plant-based non-dairy butter substitutes, non-dairy cream substitutes and also non-dairy cheese substitutes, too.

Farm shops, delicatessens, wholefood shops and also most supermarkets stock these non-dairy alternatives, Plus you can buy them online from specialist retailers and also from Amazon who stock a wide and growing range of grocery items and foodstuffs.

One thing that does puzzle me, however, is why there aren't, as yet, any non-dairy liquors to go up against Sheridan's, Bailey's Irish Cream, Carolans, Kerrygold and St Brendan's? 

Or perhaps these do already exist and I just haven't come across them yet? I'll start doing some research and I'll let you know what I find out!

Kellogg's fan goes nuts over delivery

One fan of Kellogg's cereals has received the surprise of a lifetime. An absolutely gigantic box of Crunchy Nut -Salted Caramel Flavour Twist, plus enough cereal to last 12 months, was delivered direct to their door.

The competition, which was run in order to celebrate the release of Kellogg’s new Crunchy Nut flavour – Salted.

Benny Thomson who is from Blackfield near Southampton was the excited winner of a giant delivery of an 8.2ft box and a year’s supply of cereal.

A delivery truck, manned by two Crunchy Nut delivery drivers, made the winning journey to delight

Benny with the surprise enormous box, weighing in at a whopping 45kg.

The mega delivery coincides with research released revealing that we are a nation of cereal fanatics, getting through 15.4 billion bowls per year, approximately 462 thousand tonnes, which is enough to fill 185 Olympic swimming pools!

The average Brit munches through some18,124 bowls of cereal over their lifetime, which would weigh in at over half a tonne.

So it's no surprise cereal was crowned Britain’s favourite breakfast in a new survey (which found it’s regularly eaten by 82% of Brits) ahead of toast (64%) and porridge (47%), taking second and third place respectively.

But whilst the nation is agreed on their favourite breakfast, –the question of what to pair it with, and how, is another matter. Milk remains the most popular accompaniment, with 89% revealing this as their go-to.

However, the order in which the cereal and milk are poured, is up for debate. Proving a bone of contention, the research revealed 41% of Brits wouldn’t trust someone who puts their milk in first, whilst a quarter of Brits (25%) admitted they pour their milk in before their cereal.

Not tied down by tradition, the study revealed that Brits are keen to look beyond the classic milk pairing, with yoghurt (24%), coffee or tea (13%), fruit juice (8%), and even eating cereal with water (9%), as alternatives.

Whilst known as a popular choice for breakfast, 40% revealed they eat cereal before bed and a further 43% enjoy a bowl after breakfast, as a mid-morning snack.

Crunchy Nut holds the number one spot as Kellogg’s biggest cereal brand¹, and was invented in Manchester over 40 years ago, with the cereal still being made in the same factory to this day. Salted Caramel Flavour Twist is the first adaptation of Kellogg’s classic honey-nut coated, golden flakes since it was launched back in 1980.

Kellogg’s produces around 20 million kilograms of Crunchy Nut using over 1.3 million kilograms of peanuts each year, which is almost 600,000 boxes per week.

Rui Frias, Crunchy Nut senior brand manager, opined: “We've seen increasing demand for salted caramel options, so it made perfect sense when developing a new Crunchy Nut flavour that we give it a try - and we’re glad we did as the result is irresistible! We put a lot of care into each box of Crunchy Nut Salted Caramel – it takes around five hours to take a grain of corn and turn it into a Crunchy Nut flake, boxed up and ready to go.”

Competition winner Benny, said: “I'm really thrilled to have a won a year’s supply of Crunchy Nut Salted Caramel Flavour Twist! I have a been a fan of the cereal for as long as I can remember. Thank you, Crunchy Nut!”

Crunchy Nut Salted Caramel Flavour Twist is available now from most major supermarkets (£2.99 RRP)

Asda earns four awards at the prestigious 2023 Grocer Golds

Asda took home the title of the lowest price traditional supermarket for the 26th year in a row at renowned industry awards, The Grocer Gold Awards, which reinforces its position as the best priced traditional supermarket for consumers.

Despite inflation reaching a 40-year high, Asda’s focus on providing great value for its customers was clear as the retailer won the Grocer’s weekly price comparison survey 32 out of a possible 50 times during the last 12 months, beating its nearest competitor by 20 wins. Asda had the lowest average basket price of £67.31 during this period, with its nearest rival over £3 more expensive.

Asda also won a further three awards at the event, many of which celebrated the initiatives the retailer launched to support consumers through the current cost-of-living crisis.

Asda’s new Just Essentials value range won best own brand range of the year following an incredibly successful launch. 

The Just Essentials range comprises of 285 products specially formulated and designed to keep households running on tight budgets. Just Essentials has become a firm favourite with many families with over10m customers regularly shopping from this range.

The supermarket’s leading Kid’s eat for £1 café deal, developed to support communities by providing affordable meals for children, was also awarded Initiative of the Year. Launched to support families across the key holiday periods, the retailer has served over 1.7 million meals to date, which peak to over 80,000 a week during the school holidays. 

Due to its popularity, the initiative has now been extended until the end of the year. The scheme was lauded by the judges for its ambition, reach and longevity. It was a worthy follow-up to Marcus Rashford’s campaign to tackle holiday hunger, according to the judges and evolved into something more multifaceted offering continued support for customers.

To top it off, Asda was also crowned Online supermarket of the year, beating the competition thanks to its appetite for growth and innovation. Thanks to its operational developments, Asda’s online offering now covers 99.5% of the population across the UK and delivered more than 39 million orders last year. The supermarket also cemented its position in the quick-commerce market throughout 2022, running partnerships with third-party platforms across most of its stores. These quick-commerce offerings resulted in a 164% sales uplift year on year.

Commenting on the wins, Mohsin Issa, Asda co-owner, said: “We’re obviously incredibly proud to have been recognised with so many awards at this year’s Grocer Golds, especially for the initiatives we’ve launched to support shoppers though these challenging times.

“Offering customers great quality at affordable prices is at the heart of what we do – and we’re delighted to have been recognised by the Grocer as the lowest priced supermarket for the 26th year in a row. Initiatives like Just Essentials and Kids Eat for £1 are just some of the innovative new ways we’re driving even better value for Asda shoppers."

He went on to say: “These wins are all testament to all our colleagues who work incredibly hard every day to help us keep the quality of our products high and the prices reliably low for customers – so I wanted to say a huge thank you for their continued dedication.”

In addition to The Grocer Gold wins, Asda was also named the UK’s lowest-priced supermarket for the ‘big weekly shop’ by Which? in June, a title that the retailer has held every month for the past three and a half years.

www.asda.com

Asda and BBC Children in Need work together

BBC Children in Need and Asda have launched Fuelling Potential, which is a brand-new campaign to ensure that no child is ever held back by food insecurity. 

Over the next three years Asda & BBC Children in Need are aiming to change the lives of 100,000 children by helping to ensure they have access to nutritious meals while having fun at BBC Children in Need funded holiday sessions that help to boost their mental health and physical wellbeing. 

The campaign is part of Asda’s broader Better Starts campaign, the aim of which is to improve outcomes for five million young people over five years.

As part of the campaign, BBC Children in Need have released findings of a new Censuswide survey which sheds light on how children and their parents are feeling in the lead up to the summer holidays, about food insecurity and their ability to entertain their children throughout the holidays.

The nationwide survey found that:

79% of parents surveyed say that rising costs are likely to affect their plans this summer

63% of parents surveyed are concerned about being able to provide food for the family this summer

66% of parents surveyed have cut down on spending on activities and trips due to the rise in the cost of living

63% of parents surveyed have changed the type of food they buy

A quarter of children surveyed (25%) worry at least once a week about having enough food to eat

1 in 5 (22%) of children surveyed say they have missed or had a smaller meal at least once in the last month because their family didn't have enough food.

BBC Children in Need’s CEO Simon Antrobus, said: "We're obviously enormously grateful to our longstanding partner, Asda, for their continued backing and support and their commitment to making a difference to young lives. 

"Over the next three years Fuelling Potential will help us support even more local charities and projects working to combat food insecurity in communities all over the UK, helping more children and young people to thrive and be the very best they can be."

As part of the Fuelling Potential campaign, Asda will offer £1 meals to all children who visit the Asda café throughout the school holidays during the summer and half price adult meals from 3pm daily. And throughout the school summer holidays, selected Asda Stores will be hosting various Pudsey Themed activities and summer clubs.

Jo Warner, Senior Director of Corporate Responsibility and ESG at Asda, said: "We know this year will be particularly hard for families facing increased costs over the Summer holiday period, so we’re really delighted to partner with BBC Children in Need to provide meals and activities over the summer holidays. Also, low-cost meals will be available in Asda cafés throughout the summer, with a family of four being able to access a hot, nutritious meal for as little as £8.50."

Supporting the campaign, Rachel Stevens said: "It's vital children and young people aren’t held back by food insecurity, which is why I’m delighted to be supporting BBC Children in Need and Asda’s Fuelling Potential campaign. 

"Providing children with a positive start in life is key to their development and overall wellbeing and ensuring their basic needs are met with a nutritious meal helps them thrive. I’m calling on families, colleagues, and customers to get behind this campaign and help make a difference to the lives of vulnerable young people in local communities across the UK."

For details please visit https://rb.gy/n4wv1.

Specialist Food, Drink and Lifestyle PR Agency Raw Expands at Pace

Our friends over at Specialist Devon-based food, drink and lifestyle PR agency RAW are expanding at great pace and, amongst a number of recent new business wins, is now working splendidly with The Collective at Woolsery.  

And to ensure it can properly resource its growing client base, RAW has recruited highly experienced PR practitioner and influencer Cheska Hull. 

Commenting on behalf of RAW, co-director Hayley Reynolds, says: “We're delighted to not only be growing in line with our current clients, but also adding to our portfolio of award-winning businesses which are leading the way in their various categories."

Hayley went on to say: "We're in the fortunate position of only working with those who we truly believe in, who share similar values and ethos as RAW, with sustainability and the pursuit of excellence as key drivers.”  

Hayley continued“ It is exciting to have Cheska on our ever growing team.  Cheska previously starred in BAFTA award-winning reality show 'Made In Chelsea' as well as running her own PR company for five years and she's a popular influencer in her own right, with an incredible black book of highly valuable contacts.”

Cheska added: “It's brilliant to be working with such a creative and vibrant team here in Devon.  We represent the best food, drink and lifestyle brands from both the South West region and further afield. Although based in Devon, RAW has the same skills, contacts and resources as any London based agencies. It also has the added knowledge of the Westcountry. It's great to have found a company like that in the county I love living and raising a family in.”

Cheska joins the already vibrant and incredibly talented team which includes the outstanding Lucy Johnson, Harry Hook, Kath Hope, Martin Hesp, Danielle Merchant, Emilie Morris, Hanna China and Anna Roses. 

Commenting on its appointment of RAW for all its PR activity, Emily Harmon, who oversees the project at The Collective at Woolsery in North Devon, says: “RAW is truly passionate about all they do and, within a few short weeks of working together, have already gained national coverage for our newly launched accommodation.  I'm looking forward to the months ahead working with the team, there.” 

The Collective at Woolsery is now offering the choice of seven utterly stunning places to stay that are luxurious, opulent and beautifully designed and well-appointed. 

Each has its own unique character, drawing on the history and heritage of the village and telling its own story through a stunning aesthetic carefully designed by New Heritage Design. With the on-site The Farmers Arms, Woolsery is rapidly becoming one of Devon's most exciting culinary destinations. To find out more about The Collective at Woolsery please visit the website, here https://woolsery.com.

Assisting with RAW's growth plan, Hayley recently completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses programme which helps entrepreneurs create jobs and economic opportunities by providing access to education and business support.  

It equips them with the tools to grow sustainably and unlock their full potential.  The course has helped cement RAW's position as one of the country's leading food, drink and lifestyle PR agencies. Hayley founded RAW in 2011 and now runs the business with her husband Jonathan Reynolds. Hayley is also on the board of Food Drink Devon, a membership of the county's leading food and drink producers, retailers, hospitality venues and related businesses dedicated to serving up the best produce from the county.  

RAW's current clients include Trewithen Dairy, Salcombe Gin, Kamado Joe, Flapjackery, Luscombe Drinks, Masterbuilt, Matthews Cotswolds Flour, The Collective at Woolsery, Sandford Orchards, Hattiers Rum, Darts Farm, Hub RWY, Sandridge Barton, Salcombe Brewery, Devonia Water, Owens Coffee, Food Drink Devon, The Food Works SW, Blackpool Sands, New London Light, England's Seafood Feast, Taste East Devon and South West Wine School. 

https://rawfoodanddrinkpr.co.uk.

Leisure Inn Penny Royal, Tasmania, unveils exciting upgrades

The historically significant and heritage listed Launceston hotel, Leisure Inn Penny Royal, is thrilled to unveil its eagerly anticipated recent upgrades. 

Offering an enhanced guest experience, the hotel's undergone a complete top to bottom refresh which is designed to leave guests feeling equally just as rejuvenated. 

Part of the StayWell Holdings hotel property portfolio, Leisure Inn Penny Royal is a unique offering as the only hotel in Launceston that can boast a four-bedroom apartment, catering to families and groups seeking spacious and comfortable accommodation.

The recently revealed hotel upgrades include beautifully redesigned lounges featuring contemporary furnishings with new smart TVs in line with modern technological advances. 

Refreshed kitchen spaces provide guests with a home away from home option for self catering. To further enhance guest experiences, the hotel has also installed new carpets throughout, new shower screens in bathrooms, and noise cancelling windows throughout the apartments and hotel rooms. Future updates include the addition of a lift near the reception area by mid-September, ensuring increased convenience for guests.

Beginning life as a corn mill back in 1840, the hotel has a rich, varied history and unique charm. Adjacent to the Tamar River, Leisure Inn Penny Royal combines the allure of its heritage with modern comforts and amenities.

The hotel's recent upgrades are part of StayWell's ongoing development plan, representative of strong growth and performance YoY. The next two years will see upgrades to more of the Group's hotels, with Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill to follow and new hotels being added to the Australian portfolio.

There's also fine, modern Australian cuisine using locally sourced produce in the Alida Restaurant.

+61 3 6332 1011

info@alidarestaurant.com.au

https://alidarestaurant.com.au

For more information on Leisure Inn Penny Royal, visit:

https://www.leisureinnpennyroyal.com.au/

The General Wins for Sandford Orchards

Leading and fully independent family-owned Sandford Orchards has just scooped a host of accolades at the 2023 International Cider Challenge. These include a gold medal and the category trophy for its vintage cider, The General, making it officially the best tannin led cider in the entire world. 

An obviously delighted Barny Butterfield, Chief Cidermaker at Sandford Orchards said: “We're really over the moon to have our ciders recognised at such a prestigious competition which judged a huge range of ciders from more than 20 different countries across the globe." 

He went on to add: "At 8.4%, we like to see our The General is the Godfather of our vintage ciders. It's aged for a minimum of six months in our ancient oak vat. It has already won gold at The World Cider Awards in 2021 so winning another gold and then the category trophy has confirmed that the cider experts really think this is a very special drink, indeed.” 

Barny continued: “The icing on the cake is the fact that we won the same Tannin Led category trophy last year, with our Sandford Reserve, so we're retaining our status as reigning category champions. We fought off stiff competition from over 20 ciders from five different countries all over the globe to win the trophy for the second time in a row.

"The judges tried and tasted ciders from all over the world and then returned to award the prize to the cider that was made in a vat a mere six feet away from the cider that won last year! This is something that no other cidermaker has ever achieved, so we are, clearly, incredibly proud.”

The General - Mighty Vat-Aged Cider (ABV 8.4%)

The General is viewed as the Imperial Stout of Sandford Orchards' vintage range. This super rich cider is bold and satisfying with the flavours of Seville orange, plum and baked apple. It's rich and rewarding with a long finish and is a superb complement to gamey meats or a full Sunday roast.

The judges said: “The General is bright and pleasing with a great bittersweet flavour with dried fruit and hints of spice, married with toffee apple. Good clean tannin interlaced with balancing acid and a wonderful textural quality, this is a fantastic cider!”

Now in its 13th year, The International Cider Challenge is the most authoritative, respected and influential cider competition in the entire world. The International Cider Challenge is founded on a rigorous and independent judging process, which serves to reward and celebrate the diversity and range of styles of international cider. Ciders entered into the tasting categories are blind tasted by an expert panel of independent judges and assessed according to their taste, appearance and aroma. 

Founded in 2002, independent, family-owned Sandford Orchards is based in Crediton, Mid Devon in the oldest working cider mill in the UK. The area has long been known as one of the most fertile parishes in all of Britain, both for its grazing and ability to grow apples. Crediton sits in the lee of the moors, so receives the right amount of rain and the right units of heat in summer.

For further information on Sandford Orchards please visit www.sandfordorchards.co.uk, follow Sandford Orchards on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

Celebrating National Wine and Cheese Day

As we are nearing National Wine and Cheese Day, Henry Harris, the much-celebrated and well-loved chef and co-owner of the National Restaurant Award winning Bouchon Racine in London, tells of his love of cheese and offers some wine pairing suggestions for those wishing to celebrate on Tuesday 25th July.

Henry's love of cheese began as a child when his father, who operated a French restaurant in Brighton, introduced him to Gaperon a cow's milk cheese with garlic and peppercorns it was this moment when he realised there was another world of cheese. 

Henry recalls trying Brie de Meaux for the first time; “It seemed to have a life of its own, oozing, runny and making its way off the board whilst I scooped up mouthfuls of this liquid joy with pieces of bread.” 

Now running a restaurant himself that is known for the quality of its produce and its authentic French cooking Henry says: “Europeans are remarkable producers of great cheese and they know how to make their cheeses stand out, offering a wonderful basket of options for a restaurant that changes its menu on a daily basis.”

Cheeses will vary according to their terroir, location and climate and vary according to the seasons. Hard cheeses mature for some 12 months and benefit from the qualities of summer milk (more flowers in the cows' feed, more carotene, etc.), the same applies to shorter maturing cheeses which are produced in spring.

One of Henry's choices for the restaurant would be Époisses, a soft-ripened, washed-rind cheese made from raw cow's milk in the city of the same name.

Époisses has a strong flavour profile and an almost melting quality and is also known for its strong aroma. According to Henry, the cheese would be lovely served with a White Burgundy perhaps like a cellar-aged Montrachet or a Côtes Catalanes for its minerality.

He loves a Camembert paired with a vin jaune and for those who are looking to try something different for National Wine and Cheese Day, he'd suggest opting for a St. Marcellin, which is a soft, creamy cheese with gentle acidity, served simply with a crusty baguette paired with a Mâcon Chardonnay.

When it comes to harder cheeses, Henry would suggest a Tomme de Savoie, which is the oldest of the region's cheeses and with its straightforward taste and delicate, subtle flavours the cheese would pair perfectly with a glass of Roussette de Savoie.

For a ready and easy summer meal, place a slice of Bleu des Causses onto a freshly grilled steak, as the meat rests the cheese will melt to become a deliciously creamy sauce. Very good when served with a crisp green salad and a glass of lightly chilled Fleurie.

For more information and details of the French cheeses available in the UK visit: https://dairy-products-from-france.com/cheese/all-cheeses/

Incidentally, Henry is chef and co-owner of London's award-winning restaurant, Bouchon Racine which opened to great critical acclaim in November 2022. He has worked as a chef and chef consultant for forty years and is admired by chefs, critics, food writers and French food lovers.