Dr Oetker Professional Sweetens Up Pizza Offerings

Posted on August 1, 2018 by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Dr Oetker Professional Sweetens Up Pizza Offerings

With 78% of consumers wanting to see more exciting desserts available on menus, Dr. Oetker Professional – the pizza and bakery specialist – is satisfying demand with the launch of two new sweet pizzas.

The latest research* from Dr. Oetker Professional shows that over half of UK consumers are bored with traditional dessert options and three out of four people would like to see menus refreshed. The Chocolate and Caramel Dessert Pizzas support Dr. Oetker Professional’s existing Chocolate Dessert Pizza and will enable operators to boost profits by appealing to consumers looking for the ultimate indulgent treat.

Richard Cooper, Senior Brand Manager, Dr. Oetker Professional (UK) said: “Our new findings show that consumers are increasingly searching for desserts that will truly excite them. With 89% saying the top reason for choosing a dessert was for an indulgent treat, the arrival of the new pizzas is sure to prove a big profit opportunity for operators.”

Using a unique sweet base, the Chocolate Dessert Pizza has a signature chocolate crust that is topped with gooey chocolate sauce and a trio of dark, white and milk chocolate chunks. Starting with a sweet dough base, the Salted Caramel Dessert Pizza includes a delicious combination of milk and white chocolate chips with chunks of salted caramel.

Richard adds: “The new additions to the range provide a delicious sweet twist to pizza. In fact, with 71% of consumers saying they would order the Chocolate or Salted Caramel Dessert pizzas if they saw them on a menu, operators can start to benefit from this popularity to drive dessert sales.”

Individually portioned, the fully-loaded dessert pizzas simply cook in the oven with no special equipment or kitchen skills required, making them the ideal addition to dessert menus.

A leading family pizza and baking business, Dr. Oetker was founded in 1891 and has a dedicated professional range working to provide quality solutions that add excitement to menus with total ease and reassurance.

For more information please visit www.oetker-professional.co.uk

Double Top for CoolKit

Posted on August 1, 2018 by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Double Top for CoolKit for CoolKit’s Quality & Environmental Commitment

CoolKit’s new Quality Manager John Drummond

Market-leading refrigerated vehicle converter CoolKit has been certified as ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 compliant after an extensive audit of the company’s internal operations.

The company has achieved a 100% pass rate, and the accreditation will supersede the previous 9001:2008 and 14001:2008 standard achieved.

The combined accreditation evaluates compliance of a company’s quality management system and environmental management standard.

Inspectors said: “The quality management system developed by CoolKit has been comprehensively reviewed and updated to ensure that the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 have been addressed.

“Operational control measures have been established for all processes undertaken and implementation was found to be good in all areas visited, with high priority given to quality consistency, waste segregation and minimisation, pollution prevention, reduction in resource use and continual improvement.

“The company strives to meet client needs and expectations by ensuring that they keep abreast of market developments and new products by being proactive with R&D.”

Lancashire-based CoolKit, established 13 years ago, has also secured individual accreditations from world-class van manufacturers including Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Ford Motor Company, Vauxhall, Renault UK, Toyota and Renault Trucks.

This is the first inspection overseen by CoolKit’s new Quality Manager John Drummond.

He said: “In a competitive environment, those businesses who want to get ahead need to stand out from the crowd. By achieving this latest accreditation CoolKit has demonstrated its commitment to being sustainable, with customer satisfaction at the heart of their business.

“When I joined CoolKit it was evident that quality and standards were the backbone of the organisation. By setting the bar high everyone knows what standard is expected, and our customers can buy from us in the knowledge that our products were created to the highest quality.”

Vegan Ice Cream Freezing Out Dairy

Posted on August 1, 2018 by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Vegan Ice Cream Freezing Out Dairy

Flexitarian, plant based food, vegan; words that continue to infiltrate our language on a daily basis and with retailers and foodservice operators dialing up the options for ‘free from’, the industry is embracing all things plant. As a nation our love affair with ice cream can also now be sated as the vegan trend has taken on ice cream and delivered an outstandingly delicious option for those wanting to indulge.

Newly ranged by Thomas Ridley Foodservice, a vegan ice cream from Food Heaven, a Crewe based company aiming to change the way we eat for the better by creating delicious, naturally healthy plant-based foods. The range is available in some of the nation’s favourite flavours – Raspberry, Vanilla and Blueberry and with a soy base to give a creamy taste to the dessert; the Food Heaven range is already winning fans at Thomas Ridley.

Steve Lyon, Thomas Ridley Foodservice Sales Director is impressed,

“We monitor trends and sales continually and we are always on the lookout for innovative new products that are made locally by specialist producers who have a passion for their creations. The range from Food Heaven fits our brief perfectly. Vegan food is driving considerable growth for our industry at the moment and with this perfect summer weather we are seeing ice cream sales soar too so a vegan ice cream that tastes delicious is a match made in (Food) Heaven!”

With veganism on the rise and estimated to hit a global value of $2.45 billion by 2027*, it’s time for operators to try this delicious non-dairy iced dessert on their menus.

For more information and to order from Thomas Ridley Foodservice who have over 200 types of ice cream, sorbet, gelato and delicious desserts that will satisfy any customer please contact us on 01359 270536 or order online at www.thomasridley.co.uk

*November 2017 FMI report: Plant Based Ice Cream

‘Meals & More’ Becomes a Charity to end Holiday Hunger

Posted on August 1, 2018 by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

‘Meals & More’ Becomes a Charity to end Holiday Hunger

Meals & More, the initiative created to put an end to holiday hunger, has been awarded charitable status.

Initially set up three years ago by Brakes, a leading foodservice company, and a number of its suppliers, Meals & More was created to alleviate the risk of children going hungry during the holidays when the school support network is not accessible. Partnering with suppliers and local charities/community organisations, Meals & More allows local groups to run holiday clubs – providing grants, tasty, nutritious food and enrichment activities within a safe, stimulating environment.

Becoming a charity in its own right is an important step in Meals & More’s development, enabling it to build on the ongoing support of Brakes, and raise funds and apply for funding from other sources as well as being recognised for the work it does.

Pem Hulusi, Meals & More Programme Manager, said: “The sad news is that rather than becoming a thing of the past, child poverty is predicted to grow, with the number of children living in poverty set to rise to more than five million over the next five years. That is a million more children living in poverty.

“We believe that charities like Meals & More are becoming increasingly important, as well as providing for children’s nutritional needs, we are also providing the stimulating environment which supports their emotional needs, which are needed now more than ever.

“We are grateful for the ongoing support of Brakes and its suppliers who remain an important part of the Meals & More story. We hope that we can continue to work together to put an end to holiday hunger.”

Meals & More is supported by Trustees from a range of professional backgrounds and with a wealth of experience within their respective sectors; Kate Woodhouse, HR Director at Brakes, Ken McMeikan, former Brakes’ CEO, James Mannering, Brakes’ Operational Finance Director, Peter McGrath former LACA Chair (Lead Association for Catering in Education) and Kevin Coles, a Director at Nexus Communications.

Increased sales for seafood alternatives

Posted on August 1, 2018 by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Increased sales for seafood alternatives

A UK salmon company is witnessing increasing sales for its seafood alternatives to traditional meat products.

MacKnight’s smoked salmon bacon is a healthy alternative to traditional pork rashers, while its award-winning salmon mignons have been designed to have the same luxurious taste and texture of the beef mignon.

Salmon sausages and salmon burgers are also on the Cumbrian firm’s product list

MacKnight sales director Tim Barrah said: “Everyone is aware of the health benefits of eating salmon, from its high Omega 3 content to its low fats.

“We are not trying to challenge the supremacy of pork or beef on British dining tables, they are rightly far too much of a national institution to do that. However, with the medical experts urging people to eat more fish, these are healthy, tasty alternatives.

“Our salmon bacon is cured with rock salt, molasses, maple syrup and an array of specially selected spices. It is then air dried and gently smoked for 48 hours.

“It is high in Omega 3 and contains no Trans or polyunsaturated fats. But most importantly, it tastes great too. The same is also crucial in our sausages and burgers. Experience shows that is the most important factor in any “free from” product, if the taste is not right, the majority of consumers won’t make the change.

“We have also gone to great lengths to make the sure our salmon alternatives to traditional meat products are comparable in terms of look, texture and the whole gourmet experience.

“For example, our salmon mignons are flavour infused for succulence and have an outer coating of cracked peppercorn and zesty lemon, topped with a pat of savoury herb infused butter.

“As the butter melts during baking it continually bastes the salmon, producing a moist and delicious product.

“As a food company, we live in an age of ever-increasing consumer choice and demand. At MacKnight we have long been advocates of only using Atlantic salmon raised to the highest aqualculture standards, and these salmon products also tick all the right boxes in terms of health, taste and price. We anticipate demand will only continue to grow.”

Visit www.macknight.eu for more details.

FULTON FOODS LAUNCH ONLINE STORE

Posted on August 1, 2018 by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

FULTON FOODS LAUNCH ONLINE STORE

Star Bargains will offer everyday products at discounted prices

Heritage value retailer, Fulton Foods has announced the launch of its online store trading as Star Bargains.

Fulton Foods, a family run and owned company, originally founded by Jack Fulton and which has been trading for 58 years, employs over 1,000 staff who work in more than 100 stores across Yorkshire, Lancashire, Nottingham and Teesside.

Starbargains.co.ukwill offer UK and overseas customers a variety of food, drinks and home basics at low prices, every day. Providing the option for savvy UK shoppers to top up their discounted supermarket shop from the likes of Aldi and Lidl with family favourite brands.

The site will offer products under four different brands including the iconic Fultons Foods which offers well-known brands at amazingly low value, Posh Nosh which stocks premium brands at discounted prices, Waste Not Want Not which stocks a variety of food that’s close to or just past it’s ‘best before date’, and Home Basics which are every day lines at competitive prices.

To celebrate the launch of Star Bargains, customers can benefit from free delivery for all orders of £30 or more*.

Karen Gunter, Director at StarBargains.co.uk said: “Fulton Foods has delivered great value products to customers who visit our stores for almost 60 years and it’s fantastic that we can now pass these fantastic savings on to customers nationwide who haven’t had the opportunity to visit one of our stores.

“As a result of purchasing surplus supermarket stock, buying direct from manufacturers and products or packaging that could potentially end up as waste, this allows us to offer our customers such low prices on great quality products and brands.

“As a deal-based business, we add around 250 new products every month to the site. We are aiming to be the first port of call for people’s monthly or weekly shop. We offer a large range of fast moving deals – customers can come to us to both buy their favourite brands and also to try something a little different – all at heavily discounted ‘Yorkshire’ prices.”

Star Bargains offers an ever-changing selection of the best brand name food & drink products at significantly discounted prices compared to leading supermarkets online, everyday. The full range of products currently available can be found at www.starbargains.co.uk.

A few reasons to become a member of BFFF

To find out more about becoming a member call 01400 283 095 or email the team

Join BFFF

Member profile on BFFF website

Free BFFF Member List

Free listing in the annual Member Directory

Access to latest industry news and information

Weekly newsletter, press and media opportunities

Press and media opportunities

Marketing, sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities

Networking via opportunities at BFFF events

Free market data provided by Circana and World Panel

Access to industry specialists

Expert guidance from Technical and Health & Safety teams

Access to Primary Authority schemes and assured advice

H&S Audit Service/Advice

Free access to HR and legal guidance and advice line

Training and Education

Member Benefits

Exclusive Partnership deals on key products and services:

BFFF energy deals and rates
Vypr member deals and introduction
Defib Plus deals
Company Shop – membership
Mentor – MHE training health check

Exclusive access to networking opportunities and events:

Meet the Buyer events (retail & foodservice)
Annual Business Conference with networking dinner
Specialist H&S and Technical Conferences
Special interest groups (packaging, frozen food temperatures)
Annual Lunch
Awards Night

Become a member

Sponsorship Packages

We offer a range of sponsorship opportunities to BFFF members across our events throughout the year, with flexible packages that can be tailored to suit your business objectives.

Need a comment from the BFFF?

The voice of the frozen food industry
Representing over 340 businesses in the frozen food industry
Available out of hours

Contact the BFFF PR Team

what our members say...

Helen Atkinson

Wakefield Council

“What an amazing piece of work and indicative of how BFFF respond to the concerns of their members and make an impact on the whole industry sector.”

See Full Quote
Paul Duncalf

Sysco

“You guys really ‘Do The Right Thing’ for the good of the industry”

See Full Quote
Co-CEO Dries Talpe

Darta

“The BFFF awards night is becoming an “appointment not to miss” on our calendar and we again enjoyed it immensely together with lots of well-known people from our industry. The…

See Full Quote
Lewis Kain

Kantar Worldpanel

“The Business Conference was an excellent day that was very well organised and allowed so many likeminded individuals in the room to learn so much more around the Frozen industry….

See Full Quote
Gail Hodson - Technical Director

Lakeside Food Group Ltd

“This Not For EU labelling situation alarmed us and quickly became a major worry to our business. These are times when you really rely on some support and from previous…

See Full Quote
Domenic Granelli - Financial Controller

Meadow Vale Foods Limited

“We had a few questions with respect to the new EPR waste packaging legislative changes. I know some of my colleagues have been assisted by BFFF in the past so…

See Full Quote
Dave Griffiths, General Manager

Newberry International Produce Ltd

“I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the outstanding event you organised. I have only worked in this sector for the past nineteen months coming from twenty-five years…

See Full Quote
Liam, Commerical Director

Place UK Ltd

“The BFFF 2024 Conference was compelling and thought provoking, with a many relevant and interesting topics covered at great pace and some depth by excellent speakers – will certainly attend…

See Full Quote
Peter Bambury

Roswel Spedition GMBH

“Thank you and the team for rushing around so brilliantly before, during and after the conference. It was pleasure to be part of the conference.”

See Full Quote
Alexandre Alves De Mattos

Seara

“The event was great, in my opinion. Not only it was very well organised, but the venue and the catering were excellent too. Furthermore, the content of the presentations was…

See Full Quote