Food and drink news for the discerning consumer
Thursday, 25 September 2025
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Gateway to the world of Food and Drink: Krombacher International presents itself at Anuga 2025
The Krombacher Group will also be represented by its foreign subsidiary Krombacher International. The focus will be on the international core portfolio of Krombacher Pils and the Bavarian speciality Starnberger Hell. The brand belongs to Starnberger Brauerei, a strategic partner of Krombacher Brauerei.
"Anuga is a gateway to the world for us. Although Germany is a large market, it accounts for less than five per cent of global beer consumption.
"That's why we use the trade fair to get to know new partners and strengthen existing relationships," Dirk Nuber, Head of Marketing Krombacher International told That's Food and Drink.
"Our aim is to further establish Krombacher and Starnberger internationally and to grow into new markets together with strong partners," told That's Food and Drink.
Besides its proven beer portfolio, the company is bringing the trendy "Beer & Food Pairing" trend to the Anuga stand. Together with one of the world's best pizza masters Sasà Martucci, a Krombacher customer from the Naples region, Krombacher International will be demonstrating the perfect combination of pizza and beer.
Market leader in Germany - challenger internationally
While Krombacher has been the market leader in Germany for over a quarter of a century, Krombacher International is working to further establish the brand worldwide. The focus is on naturalness and authenticity. "Our partners keep telling us: Please send us the original. And that's exactly what we do. We bring Krombacher beers from the Krombach Valley to the world," explains Dirk Nuber.
Krombacher International prioritises long-term relationships. Krombacher's international business, which has been growing steadily for years, is based on strong partners, reliability and the highest product quality. Whether in Europe, Asia or America, at major festivals, in urban catering establishments or on supermarket shelves, Krombacher relies on its greatest strength worldwide: natural, authentic encounters and shared experiences.
Visitors will find Krombacher International and Starnberger at Anuga 2025 in Cologne in Hall 07.1, Stand E011.
To learn more about Anuga visit https://www.anuga.com
Celebrate Oatmeal Day: A Comforting Classic with Endless Possibilities
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While oatmeal might be more associated with American kitchens, here in the UK we know it better as porridge – a wholesome, hearty dish that has been a staple for centuries.
Whether you enjoy yours in a steaming bowl on a frosty morning or use oats in baking, Oatmeal Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate this versatile grain.
Why Oatmeal Deserves Its Own Day
Oatmeal isn’t just a comfort food – it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Oats are naturally high in fibre, which supports digestion and helps you feel full for longer.
They’re also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a brilliant choice for anyone looking to start the day on a healthy note. Studies have even shown that oats can help reduce cholesterol levels and support heart health.
The Many Ways to Enjoy Oatmeal
One of the best things about oats is their versatility. Here are a few delicious ideas for Oatmeal Day:
Classic Porridge – Cooked with milk or water and topped with a drizzle of honey, a spoonful of jam, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Overnight Oats – Prep them the night before with yoghurt, fruit, and nuts for a grab-and-go breakfast.
Baked Oats – A trend that’s gone viral on TikTok, these are more like a cake than a breakfast!
Flapjacks – A British teatime favourite made with oats, golden syrup, and butter.
Savoury Oats – Try them with a soft-boiled egg, cheese, and herbs for a warming lunch.
Oatmeal Beyond the Bowl
Oats aren’t just for eating. Did you know they’re often used in skincare? Their soothing properties make them a common ingredient in bath soaks and lotions, particularly for sensitive skin.
Celebrate Oatmeal Day in Style
Here are a few simple ways you can mark the occasion:
Try a new oatmeal recipe you’ve never made before.
Swap your usual breakfast for porridge and experiment with toppings.
Bake a batch of flapjacks to share with family, friends, or colleagues.
Share your oatmeal creations on social media with the hashtag #OatmealDay.
Final Oaty Thoughts
Oatmeal Day is more than just about celebrating a humble grain – it’s about embracing comfort, health, and creativity in the kitchen. From traditional porridge to indulgent bakes, oats are endlessly adaptable and always nourishing.
So, this 29th October, raise a spoon (or fork!) to oatmeal – and enjoy every warming, wholesome mouthful.
Matthews Cotswold Flour Enjoys Category-Leading Sales Growth and New Tesco Listings
Sales of its five flours available in Tesco have grown by nearly 20% year on year, outperforming other flour brands.
Bertie Matthews, eighth generation Managing Director of family business Matthews Cotswold Flour, told That's Food and Drink: “We rerally pride ourselves on quality and consistency and being on the shelves in Tesco has allowed us to put our outstanding products in the hands of new customers. The sales have demonstrated that once they try our flour, they love it and keep coming back for more.”
Bertie went on to tell us: “The past year has been a whirlwind for us with appearances on Prue Leith's and James Martin's ITV shows, as well as Amazon Prime's Clarkson's Farm. This has all helped raise our brand recognition and Tesco has made it easy for new customers that have seen our television appearances to find our flour in store.
"We are delighted our near 20% growth in sales has led to a significant expansion in the number of stores where our flour will be made available.”
The five flours sold in Tesco stores are Strong White, Strong Wholemeal, Cotswold Crunch, Eight Grain and Churchill. Matthews Cotswold Flour has long advocated for regenerative farming practices, which prioritise soil health, biodiversity, and carbon capture.
Through its Cotswold Grain Partnership, Matthews Cotswold Flour works closely with local farmers to ensure they adopt practices that protect the environment.
They also help identify specialty grains and diversification options that allow farmers and soil systems to thrive. Their aim is for all their flours to be wholly produced from regeneratively farmed grains in the next ten years.
That's Christmas 365: Ooh La La… What's New Under the Tree? Delicious St...
That's Christmas 365: Ooh La La… What's New Under the Tree? Delicious St...: Bonne Maman is introducing delicious new limited edition treats and beautiful Christmas packs for the festive season – all the perfect size ...
Wednesday, 24 September 2025
Raise a Glass: Wetherspoon’s Autumn Beer Festival Returns (1–12 October)
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Here’s what to expect, why it’s worth a visit, and tips to help you make the most of the festival.
What to Expect
A Broad and Bold Line-up of Ales
Across the 12 days, up to 30 real ales will be available.
Of those, five will be from international brewers — from Australia, India, France and two from the USA.
26 of the festival beers will be new to Wetherspoon — that’s a chance to try ales you may not have seen before in your local.
Expect a variety of intriguing flavours and ingredients: beers with cucumber, lime, vanilla, blackberries and spices are part of the selection.
Also included are vegan-friendly options.
Value for Money
Wetherspoon’s festivals are known for offering good value. While the precise pricing at each pub may vary slightly, the festival is designed to showcase interesting beers without breaking the bank.
Wide Coverage & Participation
In Nottingham, a number of city centre branches (and surrounding ones) are listed as participating.
In Durham, The Bishops Mill is one example of a local pub joining in, showcasing overseas real ales.
Walkergate Durham
In Slough and Windsor, the Moon & Spoon / King & Castle pubs are part of the branch offering.
So wherever you are, there’s a good chance your nearby Spoons will be involved.
Why It’s a Must-Visit
Discover new ales
Even regulars of real ale may find brews they’ve never tried before. With many festival beers being new to Wetherspoon, it’s an opportunity to explore.
International reach in your local pub
A beer from India or France in your local Spoons? It stretches the global reach of craft brewing into your neighbourhood.
Want to sample several without committing to full pints? Most Spoons beer festivals offer third-of-a-pint tastings (or “tasters”) at fair rates. (This has been standard in past festivals.)
Community & camaraderie
Festivals bring a buzz — regulars meet new faces, beer enthusiasts chat over tastings, and some pubs host special events during the festival period (e.g. CAMRA socials).
Seasonal timing
Early October is a sweet spot: not quite winter, but autumnal enough to make a cosy pub evening extra inviting.
Tips to Get the Most from the 12 Days
Check your local pub ahead
Some pubs may rotate which ales they carry, or whether they stock all 30. It’s worth checking the “guest ale” board or Spoons’ own app or website for details.
Start with tasters
If available, third-of-a-pint tasters let you try several beers without overdoing it. Use them to find a favourite before ordering a full pint.
Pace yourself
12 days is a long stretch — no need to rush through them all. Spread your visits out, and include rest days for your palate.
Take note of beer categories / symbols
Festival magazines (printed or digital) often include symbols or codes indicating which beers are exclusive, international, brewed especially for the festival, or include unusual ingredients.
Pair with food
Wetherspoon pubs also offer full menus. Try pairing your ales with hearty dishes — cheese, meat pies, or even vegetarian/vegan options — to balance flavours.
Bring friends / share
Going as a group means you can try more styles and compare notes. If a beer is available in half or sharing sizes, it lets you explore without overindulgence.
Watch for special events
Some branches host extra events (e.g. CAMRA socials, brewery collaborations) during the festival. For instance, in the Moon & Spoon area, there’s a “branch social” event on 10 October.
Use the digital resources
Wetherspoon often publishes festival magazines and ale lists digitally, and you may find tasting notes, allergen info and beer background online or in the app.
Sample Beers Worth Keeping an Eye On
While the full list often comes closer to the festival start, here are some of the intriguing details already announced:
The festival will include beers made with cucumber, lime, vanilla, blackberries, spices.
Five overseas brewers are represented — including the first time ever a real ale from India and France appear in a Spoons festival.
Many of the ales will be fresh to Wetherspoon.
These teasers suggest a bold, adventurous mix that should delight fans of traditional ales and curious drinkers alike.
The Wetherspoon Autumn Beer Festival (1–12 October) promises to be a highlight of the cider-and-brew calendar this year, offering a wide range of ales (including daring international brews) at reasonable prices, in the welcoming ambience of your local Spoons.
Whether you’re a real ale stalwart or a casual pub-goer wanting to broaden your palette, it’s a chance to explore, compare, and enjoy. Mark your calendars, scope out your nearest participating pub, and get ready to raise a glass (or three) in the name of festival fun.
Tuesday, 23 September 2025
Vegan Chocolat Launches Innovative Coffee Bean Confectionery Chips – Real Coffee, Real Creativity for Food Professionals
Product Highlights
● Made with real coffee beans, in a similar way to chocolate for a smooth, creamy texture with a genuine coffee kick.
● Solution for adding real coffee flavour - enables companies to replace coffee flavourings with real coffee for authenticity.
● Use like chocolate
● Ideal for inclusions, drizzles, coatings, decorations
● No allergens;- Suitable for all, including vegans and vegetarians.
● Made at Plamil’s BRCGS certified factory.
Pricing & Formats
Coffee Bean Confectionery Chips are available in two bulk sizes:
● 1 kg bag – price: £19.680 per kg (standard trade rate)
● 7.5 kg bulk pack – price: £106.38. (Quantity Discounts available = 2-4 Cases = 5% 5-9 Cases = 9% and 10+ Cases =12%)
Special Launch Offer: 20% Off Trade Prices
For a limited time only, Vegan Chocolat is offering 20% off on both 1 kg and 7.5 kg trade orders of Coffee Bean Confectionery Chips.
Order & Contact
Orders can be placed at veganchocolat.co.uk, with free shipping on all orders across mainland UK. Manufacturers, cafes, and food-product businesses interested in samples, specification sheets, or bespoke supply should contact the team directly.
Learn more at plamilfoods.co.uk.
A Day Out at Love Lane Brewery and the Baltic Triangle, Liverpool
At its heart lies Love Lane Brewery, a venue that blends history, flavour, and atmosphere.
Whether you’re a local planning a Saturday outing or a visitor keen to experience Liverpool beyond the Albert Dock, here’s how to make the most of your time at Love Lane and its surroundings.
Morning: Explore the Baltic Triangle
Start your day by wandering the Baltic Triangle.
Baltic Market — Liverpool’s first street food market, housed in the Cains Brewery complex, perfect for a coffee or brunch.
Street art — the Baltic is known for its bold murals and creative installations, making it ideal for a slow stroll and some Instagram-worthy shots.
Independent shops — browse through quirky vintage stores and creative studios before heading to Love Lane.
At midday, make your way to Love Lane Brewery on Bridgewater Street.
Food: Expect hearty, seasonal dishes. Their Sunday roasts are legendary, but on weekdays you’ll find small plates, burgers, and locally inspired specials.
Drink: Pair your meal with a pint of their flagship Love Lane Pale Ale or the refreshing Baltic Lager. Non-beer drinkers can enjoy house-distilled gins from the Ginsmiths of Liverpool.
Afternoon: Brewery Tour & Tasting
Love Lane offers guided brewery and distillery tours most weekends.
Learn about the building’s transformation from an old rubber factory to a modern brewery.
Finish with a full pint of your choice in the bar.
It’s a fun and informative way to appreciate the craft that goes into your glass.
Evening: Drinks & Live Music
As the evening sets in, Love Lane often has a lively but relaxed atmosphere — great for another drink before exploring more of the Baltic Triangle’s nightlife.
Camp and Furnace — known for its large-scale events, live music, and themed nights.
24 Kitchen Street — for underground music and DJs.
Baltic Social — a cosy bar with great cocktails and a strong local following.
Practical Details
Address: Love Lane Brewery, 62-64 Bridgewater Street, Liverpool, L1 0AY
Tours: Usually weekends, 12pm & 2pm (book in advance)
Website: lovelanebrewing.com
Final Love Lane Thoughts?
Love Lane Brewery is more than just a place to grab a pint — it’s a taste of Liverpool’s brewing history, a hub of creativity, and a perfect base to explore one of the city’s most vibrant districts. Pair it with a wander around the Baltic Triangle, and you’ve got yourself a day out that blends food, drink, culture, and community.
It's also a few steps away from the UK HQ of my day job, which is how I learned of the Love Lane Brewery.
The delicious Love Lane beers can also be bought at Home Bargains branches throughout the UK.
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