Food and drink news for the discerning consumer
Thursday, 18 September 2025
That's Christmas 365: Have a Cracking Christmas with Bonne Maman
That's Christmas 365: Have a Cracking Christmas with Bonne Maman: Surprise, surprise… revealing new, limited edition Christmas Crackers Surprise from Bonne Maman. A festive celebration of flavour and tradit...
Wednesday, 17 September 2025
That's Business: MEIKO Group Taps Fizyr and Yaskawa Europe For Auto...
That's Business: MEIKO Group Taps Fizyr and Yaskawa Europe For Auto...: Fizyr, providing the world’s most capable vision AI , and Yaskawa Europe , one of the world’s leading manufacturers in the fields of drive t...
Recipes with a Story – ChefDeik
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| Chef Deik |
Written by Emilio Deik, known to his readers as ChefDeik, this work blends carefully tested recipes with the rich stories behind them, brought to life through exquisite hand-painted botanical illustrations.
A Cookbook Four Years in the Making
This project took more than four years to complete, not because of the recipes alone, but because of the artistry that accompanies them.
Each of the 80+ dishes is paired with a unique story and a meticulously painted illustration, some of which took over eight weeks to create. The result is more than a cookbook: it is a work of art that can be read, cooked from, and admired.
More Than Recipes
Recipes with a Story rests on three pillars:
Delicious recipes – well-tested and written with clarity for home cooks.
Stories with flavour – cultural histories and humorous anecdotes that enrich each dish.
Botanical-style illustrations – replacing conventional food photography with artwork that captures the soul of the recipe.
The book also introduces a recipe-building matrix system that allows readers to create countless variations of classics such as quiche, risotto, pizza, and sandwiches with freedom and confidence.
Why It Matters
In an age of quick food videos and fleeting trends, this book brings back the depth of culinary heritage. It explores identity, cultural memory, and the traditions that shape the way we cook today. Early readers and local chefs have praised its authenticity, heartfelt tone, and artistic beauty.
About the Author
Emilio Deik is an avid amateur cook who turned his passion for food into an online brand and now a book. Having a business and innovation background, he infuses storytelling, flavour, and creativity in each project. He has appeared on radio, podcasts, and on social media and will be conducting launch events and online sessions to reach readers.
Availability
Recipes with a Story – ChefDeik has been published in 2025 by London Book Publisher. The book will be available worldwide through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and www.chefdeik.com.
Purchase the book, visit www.chefdeik.com, and follow @chefdeik on Instagram for updates, events, and behind-the-scenes stories.
Elevate Your Dairy Brand: How Small and Medium-Sized Dairies Can Partner with Wares of Knutsford for Custom Milk Bottles
For small and medium-sized dairies looking to stand out, partnering with Wares of Knutsford for bespoke milk bottle design, printing, and production is an opportunity that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Why Custom Milk Bottles Matter
Your milk bottle isn’t just a container – it’s a statement of quality and brand identity. Custom bottles can help:
Enhance brand recognition – A unique design ensures your milk stands out on crowded shelves.
Convey your story – Your bottle can reflect the heritage of your dairy, local provenance, or ethical practices.
Increase customer loyalty – Consumers are more likely to remember and return to a product with appealing packaging.
How Wares of Knutsford Can Help
Wares of Knutsford specialises in helping dairies bring their packaging vision to life, from initial concept to the final product. Here’s how the process works:
Design Consultation
Wares’ expert team works with your dairy to understand your brand, values, and target audience. They help translate this into eye-catching bottle designs that reflect your unique identity.
Printing & Labelling Solutions
Whether you’re looking for full-colour printed bottles, embossed logos, or sustainable labelling options, Wares can provide solutions tailored to your needs and budget.
Production & Delivery
With experience producing high-quality bottles in various sizes and materials, Wares ensures your products are delivered efficiently and ready for retail or direct-to-consumer distribution.
Why Small and Medium Dairies Benefit
Partnering with a specialist like Wares of Knutsford gives smaller dairies access to the same professional packaging standards as large brands, without the overheads or complex supply chains. Whether you’re a local dairy looking to strengthen your presence in farmer’s markets or an online subscription milk service, high-quality custom bottles make your brand memorable and trusted.
Take the Next Step
Investing in custom milk bottles isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about positioning your dairy as a brand that cares about quality, presentation, and the customer experience. Reach out to Wares of Knutsford today to discuss how they can help your dairy create packaging that truly stands out.
Tuesday, 16 September 2025
The Chartered Institute of Brewers & Distillers launches updated Master Brewer and Master Distiller Programmes for the Industry
The CIBD is the established, trusted expert in developing education in the sciences of brewing, distillation and associated areas world-wide. Shaped by comprehensive input from business leaders, Learning & Development professionals, academics, and Masters candidates, the two new Master programmes are built to meet real-world needs.
This engagement confirmed that the skill sets required by the industry have evolved and the relevance of key topics such as sustainability, digitisation, continual improvement and critical thinking are more important than ever in day-to-day brewing and distilling operations.
To ensure the updated Master qualifications are of the highest standards the CIBD engaged with a cohort of leading ‘unique contributors’, experts in their fields, to write the specialist content for the revised syllabi.
An additional cohort of industry leading experts and academics was used to carry out a peer review process to ensure that the specialist content was ‘applied learning’ and relevant to the new industry skills and role requirements identified.
In addition to significant content changes the new Master programmes will also be assessed differently. This will involve a combination of controlled assignments, formal examinations, the creation of an ‘evidence of learning’ portfolio and will ultimately culminate in a viva with industry experts who will assess each candidates’ skills, knowledge and overall readiness to meet CIBD Master level qualification and be prepared for key roles in the workplace.
On this announcement, Deborah Kennedy, CIBD Chair of the Board of Examiners, who over the past 18 months has led the development of the two new Master programmes, told That's Food and Drink: “Today’s senior brewers and distillers must have an applied understanding of new technological advancements being made within brewing and distilling operations.
"However, it is no longer enough just to have strong technical knowledge and competence, a successful leader, must be able to operationalise and lead across the end-to-end value chain.
The new qualifications test application and leadership, contain electives that reinforce expertise, and have new assessment methodologies that help examiners’ gauge candidate’s skills, knowledge, and overall readiness to lead within the workplace.
Knowledge of disciplines such as finance, procurement, and governance together with the opportunities presented by digital & AI technologies, sustainability and operational excellence will be how our successful Master candidates will differentiate themselves from others as they develop their careers”.
Dr Megan Sheehy, CIBD President added: “The input, and support, we have had from industry and academia in shaping the syllabi for the Masters, our flagship qualification, has been detailed and insightful and we are very appreciative of those who have been involved.
"The new programmes have been developed by the industry for the industry to meet the needs of not only today but the future. This launch follows on from the institute being granted Royal Charter and reinforces how the CIBD is committed to continually raising the standards of scientific, technical and operational understanding within the industry”.
Join us for a live webinar on 29th September at 10am BST (GMT +1) to know more about the changes to the Master syllabi, the process we followed and how the changes affect you.
In a Market Lacking Innovation, Plamil Launches Bold New Vegan Chocolate Bars
Ethical chocolate pioneer Plamil Foods is breaking new ground with the launch of a range of innovative vegan chocolate bars that deliver on size, taste, and value.
At a time when chocolate prices have surged and many brands have shrunk their bars, Plamil stands out by offering these new generously sized 40g bars at an accessible RRP of £1.75. This makes them a smart, great-value choice for consumers looking for some indulgence without compromise.
The launch also reveals fresh, modern packaging that reflects Plamil’s move in a bold, contemporary direction, ensuring strong standout on shelves and reinforcing the brand’s reputation for innovation.
Among the highlights is the Hazelnot Praline Flavour Bar – a rich, nut-free creation that captures the indulgent taste of hazelnut praline without allergens.
Plamil Foods - prepare to be delighted
The full line-up includes:
● Hazelnot Praline Flavour Bar – A rich, nut-free indulgence with all the taste of hazelnut praline.
● Low Sugar Dark Chocolate Bar (72% Cocoa) – A sophisticated, intense chocolate with reduced sugar for mindful enjoyment.
● Salted Caramel Bar – A luxuriously smooth vegan “m!!ky” chocolate with golden, sea-salted caramel.
● Coffee Chocolate Bar – A bold, aromatic blend of robust coffee notes and silky vegan chocolate.
● Extra Dark Chocolate Bar (87% Cocoa) – An exceptionally deep, powerful cocoa experience for true purists.
Every bar is 100% vegan, dairy-free, and produced in Plamil’s nut-free UK facility powered entirely by renewable energy, using Rainforest Alliance certified cocoa.
“In a market where many brands have disappeared, we’re proud that Plamil is still going strong” said Adrian Ling, Managing Director of Plamil Foods told That's Food and Drink.
“We’ve drawn on our long heritage of innovation to develop products that look and taste great, offer value for our customers, and are uncompromising on taste, ethics, and size.”
Product Highlights
● Value for Money: 40g bars at RRP £1.75
● Innovative Flavours: Including the allergen-friendly Hazelnot Praline Flavour
● New Packaging: Modern, bold designs steering the brand in a new, fresh direction
● Allergen-Friendly: Made in a fully nut-free environment
● Ethically Sourced: Rainforest Alliance certified cocoa
● Sustainably Made: Produced with 100% renewable energy
Available now via plamilfoods.co.uk, select UK retailers and Independent Health Food Stores. Stockists - CLF, Suma, Dundeis, Green City and Independent Irish.
This innovative new collection brings much-needed excitement to the plant-based confectionery market.
Incidentally Plamil, having being launched in 1957 is the same age as me.
Russell & Atwell Launch Cornish Dream New Limited Edition Fresh Clotted Cream Chocolates
The new chocolates officially launch on 5th September.
Encased in a silky milk chocolate shell, the centre blends thick white chocolate with the unmistakable richness of clotted cream, offering a uniquely indulgent chocolate experience.
And, in a possible world first, these chocolates are designed to be enjoyed both chilled - like the rest of the Russell & Atwell range - and also frozen, straight from the freezer, where the clotted cream centres give them a deliciously rich and artisanal ice-creamy taste and texture.
Steve Russell, co-founder and chocolatier at Russell & Atwell, told That's Food and Drink: “We've always believed that fresh ingredients make better chocolates, and with Cornish Dream, we've taken that to the next level.
"Real Cornish clotted cream brings a depth of flavour and unmistakable richness that works beautifully with our blend of white and milk chocolate - it's decadently fresh and distinctly British, bringing everyone a touch of Cornwall to their every day. It's not just a new flavour, this is a whole new taste experience.“
Made with real foodie ingredients, and never with palm oil, Russell & Atwell's hand-finished fresh chocolates have an irresistible 'double crack' bite sensation. Each chocolate has a thin outer chocolate shell that once cracked open, leads to a smooth, scrumptious centre, packed with flavour and created with Fino de Aroma Colombian cocoa, finishing with a deeply indulgent bottom layer of chocolate.
Russell & Atwell use the highest quality sustainable ingredients from small ethical, predominantly British producers. Their chocolates are made from responsibly sourced cocoa, fresh organic British cream and butter, Essex Borage and Salisbury Plain wildflower honey and just a pinch of Dorset Sea Salt. This award-winning combination creates a moreish blend of taste and texture, making every bite a truly indulgent experience.
With British honey a key ingredient in their chocolate, Russell & Atwell also supports the Buglife charity which plants vital wildflower B-Lines for bees and other pollinators with every pouch sold.
Founded by former Cadbury and Godiva employees Giles Atwell and Steve Russell who have a combined 35 years experience of working on world famous chocolate brands and 103 years heritage in the industry, Russell & Atwell became a runaway success on BBC1's Dragon Den, securing investment from entrepreneurs Steven Bartlett and Peter Jones.
Russell & Atwell's full range is available online at russellandatwell.com or in select delicatessens including Panzer's and Booths supermarkets.
Celebrate the Flavours of Autumn with Roly's Fudge
The new range of fudge starts at £19.50 for a 300g gift box (inclusive of all postage and packaging) and is available from www.rolysfudge.co.uk/shop.
This year's Autumn selection features rich and warming favourites, including classic Toffee Apple Fudge, indulgent Chocolate Sea Salt Fudge, and the very moreish Chocolate Orange Fudge. Each flavour is handmade using traditional recipes and the finest natural ingredients, offering that signature smooth, crumbly texture which is much loved.
Presented in beautifully designed gift bags, the Autumn range is perfect for sharing at cosy gatherings, gifting to friends and family, or simply enjoying a little seasonal treat yourself. Whether you pick up a loose selection or opt for one of the stylish gift bags, these flavours promise to bring a taste of autumnal warmth to every occasion.
Roly's Fudge is a family-run business that has been handcrafting traditional fudge since 1987. Using a classic West Country recipe, each batch is made in small quantities with natural ingredients, creating rich, crumbly fudge with a unique texture. With over 40 fudge pantries across the UK, Roly's Fudge makes fresh fudge daily, often in full view of customers. Their wide range of flavours has made them a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike.
Find your nearest pantry at rolysfudge.co.uk/stores or visit rolysfudge.co.uk/shop for more information and to order online.
My wife and I love Roly's Fudge!
Butter Bike's Rugged Peanut Butter Scoops 3-Stars in the 2025 Great Taste Awards
Now, it's received the ultimate seal of approval - a 3-star rating in the 2025 Great Taste Awards, the highest honour from the world's largest and most trusted food and drink awards.
One of Butter Bike's hero products, and a consistent best-seller, Rugged Peanut Butter is so much more than your average crunchy blend. As the name suggests, it's packed with the finest, deeply roasted peanuts, carefully chosen not just for their bold flavour, but also for their impressive nutritional profile.
Made with just two ingredients, this blend leaves no room to hide. Butter Bike uses premium-grade hi-oleic peanuts sourced from Argentina, known for their naturally higher levels of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats - the same beneficial fats found in olive oil and avocados.
When richly toasted, they develop a subtly sweet, deeply nutty flavour that's incredibly moreish. A touch of Cornish sea salt balances the richness perfectly, delivering a creamy, full-bodied mouthfeel that keeps people coming back for more. Butter Bike Rugged Peanut Butter is suitable for vegans.
What truly sets Rugged apart is its distinctive, satisfying crunch. Butter Bike's unique grind captures everything from fine, delicate shavings to boldly scattered chunks, resulting in a texture that's layered, complex, and unlike anything else. Every jar is crafted in small batches to ensure flavour, texture and freshness are second to none.
And the judges agreed. Describing it as a “truly exceptional peanut butter with little or no room for improvement,” the panel praised its “great depth of aroma,” “pleasingly glossy look” and “terrific” texture.
They highlighted its balance of “deeply peanut-rich” flavour with the right level of seasoning, calling it “something of a naughty, grown-up peanut butter.” The combination of smooth base and chunky pieces wowed the judges, who commended it as “indulgent and luxurious,” with one summing it up simply as: “a terrific product.”
This 3-star win marks a major milestone, recognising not only the care and precision behind every jar, but the strength of Butter Bike's flavour-first approach.
It wasn't just Rugged turning heads as Butter Bike's Hot Jalapeño Peanut Butter also earned a 1-star award, highlighting it as a standout product. The judges described it as “gorgeous,” praising its glossy texture, natural feel, and “wonderful roast peanut scent.” They loved the freshness of the chilli and said they “could eat it by the spoonful.” While the jalapeño heat packed a punch, the panel admired the concept and saw potential for even greater things with a slightly more delicate flavour balance.
Butter Bike is known for its bold take on peanut butter. With its punchy flavours, ever-evolving range of limited edition products, stand-out packaging and fresh take on nut butters, Butter Bike offers wildly different peanut butter for the adventurous eater. From the savoury hit of Everything Bagel to festive favourites like Gingerbread and Chocolate Orange, which make the perfect gift for foodie friends, each blend is crafted with premium peanuts, all-natural ingredients, and no palm oil or additives.
With its eye-catching look and a passion for pushing flavour boundaries, Butter Bike continues to create peanut butters that go far beyond the expected.
For more information, visit www.butterbike.co.uk or follow @butterbikeco on social media. In addition to ordering online on the Butter Bike site, it is also available from Not On The High Street, DELLI, Whole Foods London, Selfridges, and a wealth of independent delis, farm shops and speciality stores across the UK.
Rich Notes of Treacle: Black Bee Honey's Autumn Honey
Known as the British Manuka, this dark coloured honey is sourced from hives placed on the moors of North Yorkshire and Scotland in late summer, where bees forage on blooming Ling Heather throughout August.
The result is a distinctive, robust honey with a silky, spreadable consistency that's as perfect on a crumpet as it is added to recipes for Autumn Fruit & Honey Galette and Warm Honey Spiced Apple & Blackberry Punch (recipes below and linked here).
Black Bee Honey is a B Corp certified British beekeeper collective founded by beekeepers Paul Webb and Chris Barnes who met in an office 20 years ago but left their design jobs for the rooftops and gardens of London where they cared for over a million bees and went on to establish Black Bee Honey.
Their range of award-winning 'flower to jar' seasonal honey is produced throughout the year, with each honey reflecting the flavours of its season. Their honeys are never blended and are fully traceable, with the name of the beekeeper printed on every jar's label.
Black Bee Honey also donates 2% of its turnover to the charity Plantlife which goes towards the creation of wildflower meadows, so by purchasing any of their honey you'll be helping bees and other pollinators.
Black Bee Honey is available to buy at www.blackbeehoney.com. Keep updated with Black Bee Honey via @blackbeehoneycompany (Instagram) and @blackbeehoney (X), or visit www.blackbeehoney.com
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