UniCarriers wins Materials Handling Equipment Provider of the Year

Posted on October 1, 2018 by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Temperature Controlled Storage & Distribution Awards

UniCarriers wins Materials Handling Equipment Provider of the Year

left to right: Dominic Holland, Comedian, Chris Bates, Sales Director, UniCarriers UK, Martyn Cogan, Publisher, TCS&D)

Second victory in a row: As in the previous year, UniCarriers was able to prevail against the competition at the Temperature Controlled Storage & Distribution (TCS&D) Awards. The company received the award in the Materials Handling Equipment Provider of the Year category. The international manufacturer of material handling equipment convinced the jury with an overall solution comprising of trucks and services for complex temperature-controlled logistics processes. The winners were announced on 13 September 2018 at the TCS&D Awards Dinner at the Midland Hotel, Manchester. UniCarriers attended the awards whilst UK Sales Director Chris Bates accepted the award.

The Temperature Controlled Storage and Distribution Magazine annually presents the awards of the same name to companies and individuals who significantly support and improve temperature-controlled processes with innovative products and services. UniCarriers was able to assert itself in the Materials Handling Equipment Provider of the Year category with its comprehensive range of solutions. UniCarriers offer a full range of forklift trucks optimized for use in temperature-controlled areas – such as rust protection, protected electrical connections and a long service life for mixed use in normal temperature and cooling areas. The state-of-the-art heated cold store cabins and the industry’s most ergonomic working environment combine for optimum performance. Additionally, by selecting the UniCarriers 360° service module, customers can significantly improve the truck uptime in their facility and support all work processes in temperature-sensitive areas. “UniCarriers has maintained a close partnership with the temperature-controlled logistics sector for over 50 years. Last year alone, we implemented 22 new projects in this area in Great Britain. Even more reason for us to be delighted with the TCS&D Award once again. The recognition by high-ranking business leaders in temperature-controlled logistics shows that our solutions precisely meet the requirements of this demanding industry,” explained Chris Bates, Sales Director at UniCarriers UK, at the award ceremony.

Security Operations Team complete 3 peaks target in under 24 hours

Posted on October 1, 2018 by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Security Operations Team complete 3 peaks target in under 24 hours

GMS Operations Director Ben Neate and National Contract Manager Matt Prokopowicz completed the national 3 peaks challenge in 23 hours 50 mins and 42 seconds on Saturday.

The team decided to take on the challenge as part of GMS’s 20 year celebrations where the Bromsgrove based security experts are supporting 20 charities throughout 2018.

The Operations team decided to ‘do their bit’ and chose the National Autistic Society to fundraise for as one of the team has a child with autism so it is a charity close to their hearts. Security officer Colin Holloyoak made up the trio from GMS by driving Ben & Matt across the UK from peak to peak.

Setting off at 5am on Saturday morning Ben Nevis was the first of the three peaks. Ex-marine Matt reached the summit in just 2 ½ hours, just 1 hour behind the fastest time ever recorded. Scarfell Pike was the next summit to be conquered, with the guys completing the round trip in just over 3 hours. They finally arrived at Snowdon at 2.30 am and despite torrential rain thick fog they completed the entire challenge just under 24 hours with 9 minutes to go.

The challenge has raised £1,100 so far with more money still coming in. Ben commented “it was a gruelling challenge but we’re delighted to have completed it and raised a fantastic amount for the National Autistic Society”.

Other charities supported by Bromsgrove based security services expert GMS Group so far this year include Midlands Air Ambulance, Zoes Place Hospice, Help for Heroes and Guide Dogs for the Blind where they have sponsored guide dog pup Oscar.

For more information on GMS Group’s expert services, or to find out about current vacancies, head to www.gms-group.co.uk or call 01527 889180.

BigFish Brand Breaded range now available in Ocado

Posted on October 1, 2018 by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

BigFish Brand Breaded range now available in Ocado

JCS Fish has achieved national distribution in Ocado, for its range of BigFish Brand Salmon Bites and Goujons. This exciting idea from the Grimsby-based salmon specialist takes salmon into the fast-growing territory of breaded fish, sales of which are currently well ahead of the total seafood market.[i]

BigFish Brand Salmon Bites and Goujons are ultra-convenient, made with premium salmon fillet and coated in a deliciously crispy breadcrumb. Three products are listed in Ocado, Salmon Bites and Salmon Goujons with a plain golden crumb and Salmon Bites with Lemon & Pepper crumb.

Louise Coulbeck, director of JCS Fish, says, “We are delighted to have achieved national distribution with Ocado for these products, which takes salmon into the same territory as fish fingers and scampi. Breaded products are very much part of a fast-growing consumer trend for ‘comfort’ foods, so this range is a great fit with the market.”

All the BigFish Brand products cook from frozen in minutes (oven, grill or fry), making them ideal for lunches, midweek meals or fast suppers, including for kids.

www.bigfishbrand.co.uk

www.jcsfish.co.uk

[i] Sales of Breaded fish up +8.8% (chilled) and + 2.4% (frozen) by volume (MAT to 14.7.18). Total volume sales of seafood were down -2.9% over the same period. Source: Seafish/Nielsen Scantrack.

Country Range’s Festive Offering Boosted with a Quartet of Quality Desserts

Posted on October 1, 2018 by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Country Range’s Festive Offering Boosted with a Quartet of Quality Desserts

Country Range’s Christmas catalogue of desserts has been enhanced further with the addition of a showstopping Premium Mint Chocolate Shard Cake and three stunning Roulades – Black Cherry & Cream, Pecan Toffee and Raspberry, Prosecco & Milk Chocolate.

The four new divine desserts come frozen so are perfect for caterers under time, waste and money constraints and are available through the 12 independent wholesalers which make up the Country Range Group.

The Quality Quartet

Country Range Premium Mint Chocolate Shard Cake – White and dark chocolate peppermint mousses on chocolate sponge decorated with a mirror glaze and chocolate shards. Pack size: 1 x 14 Pre-portioned

Country Range Black Cherry and Cream Roulade – Chocolate sponge spread with fruit jam and stabilised whipped cream sprinkled with dark cherries, rolled then covered with chocolate icing dusted with snow and decorated with white chocolate shavings. Pack size: 1 x whole

Country Range Pecan Toffee Roulade – Meringue sheet spread with toffee filling and fresh cream, sprinkled with pecan pieces then rolled. Pack size: 2 x whole

Country Range Raspberry, Prosecco and Milk Chocolate Roulade – Meringue rolled with prosecco raspberry jam filling, fresh cream and raspberries then drizzled with milk chocolate. Pack size: 2 x whole

Martin Ward, Trading Director at Country Range Group, commented:

“Using frozen desserts means caterers have a constant supply of stock and are vital in helping them reduce waste and cut costs. At Christmas time this is even more important but that doesn’t mean the quality has to be compromised. Our four new desserts look stunning when served and as they are freshly frozen all the flavour is locked in until they are served meaning they taste out of this world too. We believe they will be very popular with our customers looking for premium quality retro desserts this Christmas.”

About Country Range

With 25 years of heritage servicing the UK’s innovative foodservice sector, the Country Range Group is made up of 12 independent wholesalers – Birchall Foodservice, Caterite Foodservice, Creed Foodservice, Dunns Food and Drinks, EFG Foodservice, Harvest Fine Foods, Henderson Foodservice, Savona South West, Savona Foodservice, Thomas Ridley Foodservice, Trevors Foodservice and Turner & Price. In addition to offering the leading brands from around the globe, the Group also provides over 800 products, all developed exclusively for professional caterers under the Country Range brand. Covering grocery, chilled, frozen and non-food, Country Range is widely recognised by caterers as a trusted and reliable brand delivering consistent quality and value for money without compromising on taste and flavour.

Website: www.countryrange.co.uk

Twitter/Instagram: @countryrangeuk

NEW SUSTAINABILITY REPORT FROM BAKKAFROST

Posted on October 1, 2018 by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

NEW SUSTAINABILITY REPORT FROM BAKKAFROST

Bakkafrost has underlined the growing importance to the UK market of its expanding salmon farming operation, the largest in the Faroe Islands, with the publication of a two year plan which addresses important sustainability issues.

Against a background of very high (96%) customer satisfaction, the employment of more than 1,100 people on the islands and the successful roll out of cleaner fish its salmon farms, Bakkafrost has opened one of the most modern processing plants in the world.

The company has now announced plans for a new biogas plant, using waste products from fish and dairy farming, to produce energy and fertiliser, thus further enabling the implementation of a sustainable feed policy.

Bakkafrost produced almost 700,000 salmon meals, fillets and portions a day for the UK and other global markets in 2017 an is currently growing its market share worldwide.

“Operating in a small country like the Faroe Islands restricts growth so it is important for us to be as efficient and sustainable as possible and to continually innovate,” said Torkil Davidsen, head of UK operations.

He added that through 2018 the company would be looking for additional customers for its unique breed of salmon, which are high in Omega-3, whilst starting production of exciting new salmon fresh fillets and portions.

The full report is available on the internet at: www.bakkafrost.com/sustainability

Speciality Breads Launches Duo of Southern-Style Grillhouse Burger Buns

Posted on October 1, 2018 by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Speciality Breads Launches Duo of Southern-Style Grillhouse Burger Buns

Artisan baker Speciality Breads is helping the nation’s burger purveyors stay ahead of the latest meat-flipping trends and offer patty perfection this ‘National Burger Day’ on 23^rd August with the launch of its new duo of southern-style grillhouse burger buns

Available through the Red Tractor-certified baker’s network of wholesalers, the new grillhouse range provides a point of difference to the other carriers on the market and include:

Alabama Grillhouse Burger Bun (80g in cases of 45) – the ultimate burger bun for operators looking to stay ahead of the latest trends and keep their offering unique, these boisterous beauties are made with free-range eggs and a hint of red malt for flavour and colour. A heavy glaze and a deep dark crust makes them a great choice for burger connoisseurs.

Tennessee Grillhouse Burger Bun (80g each in cases of 45) – made the same way as the Alabama, the Tennessee has that same structure which helps absorb the juiciest of patties and the sloppiest sauces and sides but is finished with poppy seeds and sesame seeds to provide added texture and a nuttier flavour.

Speciality Breads Managing Director Simon Cannell said:

“The trend for US-inspired behemoth burgers means operators can no longer offer an uninspiring burger on a plain bun with some salad, sauce and cheese. It’s about going big and impressing. Brioche buns continue to be popular but we always have one eye on the future so our innovation team has been hard at work researching and testing to find the next big bun. Our new Grillhouse buns are the ultimate carrier for quality burgers with bags of flavour and the strength to hold all types of fillings without losing its shape. With the August bank holiday and more importantly National Burger Day, on the horizon we are confident these beauties will become the burger’s best mate.”

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