Tues 18th Nov, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London

Riverside Foods employee Lesley Hammam is hiking 200km for charity!

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Riverside Foods employee Lesley Hammam is hiking 200km for charity!

Lesley Hammam will be undertaking two huge charity challenges in August and September and hiking 200km to raise money for a fantastic charity Animal Care in Egypt (ACE) based in Luxor, Egypt where Lesley lives and works for Riverside Foods, suppliers of premium coated chicken products.

Lesley’s first mission is the South Coast Challenge on the 26th August, hiking 100km from Eastbourne to Arundel with stunning views along coastal paths and the South Downs passing Beachy Head and the 7 Sisters.

Part two is the Thames Path Challenge on the 9th September and another 100km hike from Putney Bridge to Henley with beautiful scenery steeped in history.

Lesley is taking on this massive hiking challenge for Animal Care in Egypt (ACE) a charity dedicated to helping stop the suffering of thousands of animals in the poorest communities of Luxor by providing free veterinary care and education. Alongside providing free veterinary treatment, ACE use and teach preventative methods, as well as educate children and adults on care and welfare of animals. ACE makes a real difference to the lives of animals and people in and around Luxor where the charity’s work secures the livelihoods of people in poor communities who are so reliant on their animals. Actor, Martin Clunes, has been a patron of ACE since 2011 when he visited the charity in Luxor.

To donate to Lesley’s charity challenge go to www.outofshapeonahike.com/donate

You can follow Lesley’s training and progress at

www.outofshapeonahike.com

www.outofshapeonahikeblog.com

www.facebook.com/outofshapeonahike

For more information on Animal Care in Egypt (ACE) go to www.ace-egypt.org.uk

And for more information on the Action Challenges Lesley is undertaking go to

http://www.southcoastchallenge.com/     http://www.thamespathchallenge.com/

 

Country Range’s Latest Launches S-cream of Summer

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Country Range’s Latest Launches S-cream of Summer

The UK’s leading independent foodservice brand Country Range has added to its dairy ice-cream range in time for the heat of summer with the launch of two new luxurious flavours – Honeycomb and Salted Caramel Ripple.

The two new arrivals join Strawberry, Vanilla, Triple Chocolate and Mint Chocolate Chunk and are available immediately to cafes, restaurants, pubs and hotels looking to invigorate their ice cream selection.

Country Range’s ice cream is made with double cream so is perfect served as a standalone dessert in a cone or bowl, but can also be an indulgent accompaniment to many a pudding or cake.

 

HONEYCOMB

Our signature dairy ice cream flavoured with honeycomb. Crunchy nuggets of honeycomb are added for that extra indulgence and texture. Available in 4 litre tubs in cases of 6.

 

 

 

SALTED CARAMEL RIPPLE

This deluxe ice cream is made with double cream and salted caramel before being lavished with extra salted caramel for a sumptuous ripple effect. Available in 4 litre tubs in cases of 6.

 

 

Martin Ward, Country Range Group’s Trading Director, said:

“High quality, exciting ice cream products can be the perfect sales tool for operators, especially if we see more of this heat.  They’re easy to serve and sell but operators must entice consumers with exciting flavours, combinations and toppings. Our two latest additions are bang on trend and we’re thrilled to launch them in time for the prime summer months.”

Crown Foods MSC Gluten Free Bubble Coated Salmon Wins Gold

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Crown Foods MSC Gluten Free Bubble Coated Salmon Wins Gold

Crown Foods are delighted to announce that they have won a Gold Award in the British Frozen Foods Federation Annual Awards 2017; Foodservice Best British New Main Course/Meal Centre Product for their MSC Gluten Free Bubble Coated Salmon Fillets.

Jonathan Baker of Yearsley Group (l), James and Trisha Rasor of Crown Foods (c) and John Hyman of BFFF (r)

The award was presented at BFFF’s Annual Awards 2017 this month and accepted on behalf of Crown Foods by Trisha Rasor, Marketing Director and James Rasor, Product Assurance Director.

The winning MSC Gluten Free Bubble Coated Salmon as judged by The Craft Guild of Chefs, are coated in a unique, crispy & crunchy Gluten Free coating, that are perfect for intolerances and can also be served as an inclusive meal for everyone. The bubbly texture as well as being delicious, adds real visual interest and appeal.

The judges thought it was absolutely delightful and stated, “Fantastic sized salmon that fills the crumb well, crumb crispy – fish flakes well,” whilst another said, “Excellent crumb casing. Plump salmon fillet, still moist and flavoursome.”

Their Award Winning MSC Gluten Free Bubble Coated Salmon Fillet is a part of a fantastic collection of Gluten Free Fish products which include salmon and pollock and are perfect for children who love the satisfying “rice crispy crunch” of the gluten free coating. Their MSC Gluten Free Bubble Coated Pollock Fillet also received a nomination and became a finalist for the 2016 ASSIST Innovation Award.

Gluten Free Now Mainstream

Eating something different to everyone else at the table is a frequent reality to those with a gluten intolerance or celiac disease.  Gluten free foods have come a long way and the category is shaking off previous perceptions of dry and inferior taste. With more and more schools and indeed counties turning their menu’s entirely gluten free, these products are a great addition to any menu.

Their MSC Gluten Free Fish Range was primarily created to meet school standards and has already proven successful and well established, being particularly popular in Primary Schools. The 60g portions are a perfect size for children added 4-10 and are ready after 20 minutes baking in the oven.

Trisha Rasor, Marketing Director at Crown Foods says “We hope to stepchange perceptions and expectations on the quality of gluten free products. Many of our customers love the range so much that they offer as part of main menus. Meaning whether you have gluten intolerance or not, it is the centre of plate fish dish of choice. It’s such an inclusive product.”

Following the successful launch, this product is widely available through Charles Sanders, Brakes, Bidfood, Holdsworth, Hopwells and Thomas Ridley.

 

Poised to take advantage of huge growth in frozen food transport

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Cold chain companies with European networks poised to take advantage of huge growth in frozen food transport

NewCold Advanced Cold Logistics, which is experiencing strong growth in the movement of frozen product being transported into and out of the UK, predicts that supply chain companies with established European coldstore networks and temperature-controlled fleets will be well placed to take advantage of a predicted upsurge in volumes.

That is the opinion of NewCold’s Country Director, Jon Miles, who says that NewCold UK has noticed a strong increase in the amount of frozen food products being transported from the Continent to the UK and vice-versa.

“There is quite a lot of product moved both ways but in particular there’s an unbelievable amount of frozen food that comes into the UK from Europe, particularly from Eastern Europe, including lots of vegetables, etc.

“For NewCold we’re now working with major ice-cream company Froneri, bringing product into the UK from their European factories. They are based all over Europe but we are predominantly bringing a lot of products over from Germany.”

Unlike many other temperature-controlled supply chain operators, NewCold has an established European network of coldstores in place, along with a substantial distribution fleet to serve UK food producers transporting frozen food products from the Continent to the UK and back again.

NewCold has a network of coldstores in France, Germany and Poland along with its highly automated coldstore in Wakefield, UK, where the company recently took delivery of 36 new Euro V1 Volvo FH tractors, as part of a fleet upgrade to meet increased demand for its services. Additionally, NewCold has extended its cold store with 87,500 pallet locations to reach a total storage capacity of over 143,000 pallets with frozen food produce.

“NewCold can help UK customers use our entire European network and our own fleet to move frozen food product around Europe, which can reduce food miles and lead to a more cost-effective operation” says Miles.

Recent figures on the frozen food market underline the strong growth in volumes. A new report by Grand View Research expects the global frozen food market to reach $360.36 billion (£289.2bn) by 2024.

Reasons for this growth have been attributed to changing perceptions of frozen food, according to Brian Young, chief executive of British Frozen Food Federation. Research has helped to prove that frozen food retains more nutrients than fresh food, reduces food bills and reduces food waste in professional and domestic kitchens.

Robert Hardy Joins Oakland Team

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Robert Hardy Joins Oakland Team

Robert Hardy, former Director of P&O Ferries and EurotunnelPlus, has joined Oakland International to help create Oakland Invicta, a new company specialising in maintaining European supply chain integrity.

Robert has spent the last 5 years developing and running the Customs clearance and truckstop facility at the Port of Dover and has worked closely with the lead Government Agencies involved with international trade, including Border Force, DEFRA, Environment Agency and FSA.

Having identified elements that could be improved upon, Robert felt it was time to offer the market something different. Dean Attwell, Chief Executive and Co-Founder of Oakland International agreed.  Oakland, based in Redditch, are specialists in dealing with import loads contaminated by stowaway incursion and their award winning Distress Load Management Service is seen by many as the industry benchmark.

Together they have created Oakland Invicta, a 24 hour border checkpoint in Kent.  This amnesty service is offered on a commercial basis and is already attracting keen interest from major brands looking to protect the integrity of their inbound supply chain.

“Border Force can’t check every vehicle.  The majority go unchecked,” explains Robert Hardy, Operations Director of Oakland Invicta.  “It takes us just 15 minutes to check the cargo and many clients are considering making it a mandatory process.”

Robert added; “I am delighted to have joined Oakland, one of the warmest and most progressive companies I have come across.  I am confident that our partnership will bring the solution and the problem closer together so that our clients can expect import goods to arrive in the same condition they were despatched without risk or exposure.”

Family Distribution Company Making a Difference in the Community

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Family Distribution Company Making a Difference in the Community

Known for innovation and a strong social conscience, supply chain specialist Oakland International has been confirmed as a finalist in the Corporate Social Responsibility Award category of The Logistics Awards, which will be held in London on Thursday 21st September.

Oakland International Chief Executive and Co-Founder, Dean Attwell, stated: “We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for the Corporate Social Responsibility Award as it acknowledges our commitment and passion as a forward thinking, responsible family business to the communities in which we operate.”

Oakland operates depots and facilities in the UK, Ireland and has an overseas partner in Spain, providing brokerage, contract packing, storage, picking and food distribution for ambient, chilled and frozen food for the retail, convenience, discount, wholesale and food service markets.

The company formalised their charitable activities through the Oakland Foundation, officially launched by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal in 2013. The charity’s aim is to support and help underprivileged children in need by reason of disadvantage or financial hardship in the local Redditch and Bromsgrove communities and surrounding area, through activities based around four core initiatives of Health, Nutrition, Education and Sport.

Through the Foundation, Oakland International donates money and offers all employees the chance to volunteer for the Oakland Foundation in company time. Since launching, every year more of Oakland’s employees participate and support the charity’s work within the local community.

Dean added: “Launching the Foundation meant it gave us more control of how our money was spent and it provided a formal platform from which we are able to support a range of community initiatives for the benefit of many young people.

“The Foundation has also provided positive employee engagement in the work of the charity and contributed to creating a highly motivated team which gains significantly from the opportunity of taking part in a variety of new experiences and helps them to develop new skills through their time volunteering for the Oakland Foundation.”

The Logistics Awards celebrate operational excellence within the industry, with finalists across 12 categories.

Kara introduces three new autumn cakes to their Indulgent Cake Collection

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Kara introduces three new autumn cakes to their Indulgent Cake Collection

Kara, the innovative food service brand of the Finsbury group, has extended  their successful Indulgent Cake Collection with three new 10 inch round cakes for Autumn.

Kara’s Indulgent Cake Collection now includes a decadent, triple layered Banana and Toffee Kiss; three banana sponges,  topped with toffee buttercream, decorated with toffee buttercream ‘kisses,’ caramel and chocolate curls,  banana pieces and a chocolate compound drizzle. With nostalgia currently driving purchases this cake is the perfect example of taking a childhood classic and turning it into a memorizing sensory modern indulgence; it’ll set menus alight, a classic reinvented.

With millennial continuing to drive the ‘foodie culture’ the three new cakes make for perfect ‘social media’ snaps and the quality and taste of all three will keep them coming back for more, in particular Kara’s Rose and Vanilla Shimmer cake, which, with pink food catching the eyes of millennials this cake will make for picturesque cabinet display, or will take centre stage in a desert menu. Three soft vanilla sponges sandwiched between rich rose flavored frosting, enrobed with rose ganache, topped with hand piped pink flavoured roses, raspberry pieces and finished with sparkle dusting; see how this shimmer cake is stealing centre stage in our new video on www.karafs.co.uk

To finish off the new trio Kara’s finale is a Dulce de Leche which translated means “candy of milk” this cake will keep customers yearning for more, simply delicious and something caramel lovers will dream about. A double layer toffee flavoured sponge cake all topped with indulgent Dulce de Leche Buttercream, caramel and dark chocolate curls and soft fudge pieces.

Jane Deegan, Marketing Manager said, ‘the launch of the new autumn cakes are perfect for our Indulgent Cake Collection, it demonstrates the innovative and exciting cakes Kara produces, and we can’t wait to see them in foodservice outlets, all three are available to order early August.  With deserts increasing on menus by 18%* this past year, and customers continually seeking new and interesting sweet dishes the three cakes are a great addition to the Indulgent Cake Collection, aiding outlets in having tempting offering to get a slice of sweet market sales.’.

To see the full Indulgent Cake Range or for more information on Kara, visit www.karafs.co.uk or call 0161 351 2399 to speak to a member of the Customer Care team

Keep up-to-date with Kara’s latest news by following us on Twitter @karafsbakery

WAGNER UK presents intelligent fire protection solutions to audience of the Business Debate

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Carl Bryan, Managing Director WAGNER UK, presents intelligent fire protection solutions to audience of the Business Debate

Carl Bryan, Managing Director WAGNER UK, discusses with Sarah Locket from the Business Debate the latest generation of fire protection concepts.

In spring 2017 Carl Bryan, Managing Director, Wagner UK was welcomed to the London Stock Exchange Studios by presenter Sarah Locket to discuss the latest generation of fire protection concepts. During the interview Carl Bryan explained the concept behind active fire prevention with oxygen reduction and where WAGNER’s oxygen reduction systems are useful to install in. Aim of the interview was also to clear up with prejudices against hypoxia and working in oxygen reduced areas.
The interview published online for The Times and The Wall Street Journal, forms part of a series of interviews where organisations put forward their visions for the future and of their business but at the same time have an open conversation, where the why behind visions and their direction can be answered.
See the interview at http://partners.wsj.com/the-business-debate/tomorrows-business-today/social/innovative-fire-protection-concepts-wagner-one-approach-stop-fire-even-starts/