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DARÉGAL announces the acquisition of the A L’OLIVIER group

DARÉGAL announces the acquisition of the A L’OLIVIER group

From the left to the right, Mrs. Nathalie David, Mr. Jérôme Blanvillain, Mr. Benoît Blanvillain and Mr. Charles Darbonne

World leader in culinary herbs, the DARÉGAL Group has recently announced the acquisition of À L’OLIVIER group units. Expert in olive oils, infused oils and vinegars, À L’OLIVIER is made up of the Huilerie de Bailly, Huilerie de Neuville, Huilerie Sainte-Anne, the À l’Olivier company, and its stores.

“This is a very important development for the group which brings our number of employees to over 500, and takes us past the 150 million euro turnover mark,” says Charles Darbonne, DARÉGAL Group President.

À L’OLIVIER’s story began in 1822 in Paris, with the creation of its first shop dedicated to olive oil and its natural properties. Owned by the Blanvillain family since 1978, the À L’OLIVIER group has grown worldwide and now has 4 sites in France and 5 prestigious stores. It selects and provides Grand crus of olive oil, offering the finest quality taste. The group also specialises in the flavouring of olive oils, with a range that today constitutes an essential point of reference on the infused oils market. Elsewhere, with its Poitou mill and Sainte-Anne mill in Grasse it holds renowned expertise in making virgin nut, seed and olive oils.

The coming together of the 2 groups rests first and foremost upon a similar family business culture that places the values of integrity, work and passion around natural products of a high aromatic value, with an emphasis on origin, tradition and the geographic footprint.

Benoît Blanvillain, Bailly Managing Director adds: “Our integration into the DARÉGAL family represents real added value for our customers and employees. They are a trusted partner who share our culture and our values. The coming together of our two entities is an asset in providing high quality services and products worldwide.”

There is no doubt that each entity’s expertise offers strong complementarities. Commercial synergies will enable the À L’OLIVIER group to grow sales through the DARÉGAL group’s international commercial network spanning 46 countries. In addition, synergies on high-end products will serve to fuel future growth and value creation.

About DARÉGAL

Founded in 1887, the DARÉGAL group is based in Milly-la-Forêt in the Paris region, where its headquarters and production site dedicated to the cultivation, transformation and sale of culinary herbs are located. Its longstanding agricultural expertise together with its cutting-edge facilities have given the Group its reputation as a world leader. With a strong international presence, it currently has 4 production sites in Europe and the USA. A leading player in its market, the Group dedicates a large part of its turnover to research and innovation.

UK Foodservice Buying Group reveals biggest ever conference for 2019

UK Foodservice Buying Group reveals biggest ever conference for 2019

Caterforce announces Sir Ranulph Fiennes as the keynote speaker for this year’s event, ‘The Market Uncovered’

Leading foodservice group, Caterforce, has announced details of its 2019 conference, named ‘The Market Uncovered’ and it is making the event the largest of its kind.

On 14th November, Caterforce will be transforming the world-famous Celtic Manor Resort into the ultimate market experience. As well as fabulous street food markets, there’ll be a taste of key food trends, a feast of insights into the foodservice market and a look at how Caterforce and its member businesses are shaping up for 2020 and beyond.

Following the success of previous years, more than 250 suppliers and delegates are expected to attend to gain insight from Caterforces’ seven wholesale members as well as a number of industry speakers.

World renowned British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes has already been confirmed as the keynote speaker. Reflecting one of Caterforce’s key values of working as a team, Sir Ranulph will discuss how teamwork, from crew and expedition supporters, has contributed to his success in the toughest expeditions in the world.

Liam Halligan, British Economist, Journalist and Broadcaster, will be returning to the stage to discuss life after Brexit and other speakers, yet to be announced, will cover the future of foodservice. This will include anticipated food trends, the latest industry data that the foodservice sector needs to consider and specialist views of what to expect up to 2025.

Finally, after the conference closes, there is time allocated to a ‘meet the member’ session where delegates get to spend time with the members.

Nick Redford, Managing Director of Caterforce, said: “The Market Uncovered will be the largest Caterforce conference to date. We’ve invested a lot this year to offer our guests an event that isn’t to be missed. The conference has proved a huge success over previous years, and it’s become a key calendar date for the industry to come together.”

The conference takes place this year on Thursday 14th November at Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, South Wales. Tickets are still available to book online. For more information including the full itinerary on the day and to purchase tickets visit https://www.caterforce.co.uk/conference2019.

Sweet Success for Lamb Weston with Another Craft Guild of Chefs Product Endorsement

Sweet Success for Lamb Weston with Another Craft Guild of Chefs Product Endorsement

Products from Lamb Weston’s range of Sweet Potato Fries have achieved an above average rating under the Craft Guild of Chefs Product Endorsement Scheme, enabling use of the esteemed ‘Approved Product’ logo.

Lamb Weston’s Sweet Potato Fries and Sweet Potato Shoestring Fries join the Company’s Connoisseur range, already in Lamb Weston’s Product Endorsement camp.

During the product endorsement assessment, one chef said they already used Lamb Weston’s skin on fries ‘as they offer great value and yield’.

Another chef commended the Company as supplying products that add value saying that, ‘vegetarian and vegan food is big at the moment, we need products that can tick a lot of boxes, for example, your crumb is gluten free’.

All three chefs agreed that with regards to sweet potato products, quality is the most important factor as it is easier for operators to charge a premium for them over regular fries, that having different shapes and cut sizes can help to drive additional sales and margin, and that they see sweet potato products as an alternative, upsell to regular fries, as they are on trend.

Andrea Deutschmanek, Lamb Weston’s Country Marketing Manager UK & ROI, says: “We are thrilled to be able to add our Sweet Potato products to the Connoisseur range, all of which have received the Craft Guild of Chefs Product Endorsement accolade.

“Being inventive is part of our customer promise – that’s what they know and love us for.  By carrying out activities such as this with bodies like the Craft Guild of Chefs we get to fully understand our customers’ needs, enabling us to explore further and create products that offer menu solutions for them.”

The sweet potato range is part of Lamb Weston’s vast and exciting range of quality fries and potato products offering a unique mix of sweet potato taste with a savoury coating, to ensure crispness.

In all styles and cuts, sweet potato fries appeal to an ever-expanding audience looking to try something a little different, a little tastier, a little better for you.  Based on global research, their sweet taste and variety of cuts, forms and seasonings makes them a strong alternative to what customers would eat at home.

As an additional side dish on the menu, they offer even more variety and choice, and with even more servings per kg they guarantee customer satisfaction.

For innovative ideas, recipes and potato inspiration, head over to www.lambweston.eu/uk , call 0800 963962 or email us at salesUK@lambweston.eu

Kara announces relaunch of new Baker’s Basket product

Kara announces relaunch of new Baker’s Basket product

Kara, the foodservice specialists of the Finsbury Food Group, has announced the relaunch of its new and improved baker’s basket, a selection of five premium dinner rolls. The basket, which is available now, has been developed to suit operators looking to offer a premium range of bread options in one serving.

This popular and well-known bake is well-liked amongst chefs, restaurateurs and caterers alike, as it offers a convenient bakery selection to suit all. The baker’s basket works great as part of a starter, as a side dish, or served as it comes, to be shared on a table.

The selection includes one seeded roll, a wholemeal roll, a poppy seed roll, a seed and malt roll, and a new white sourdough roll. The entire product is suitable for vegetarians and has a 12 month shelf life (two days once defrosted). Kara has upgraded each individual recipe to improve both softness and quality, using the latest technology and ingredients. Most significantly, the recipe of the white roll has been adapted to have a subtle sourdough flavour in line with popular trends and consumer demand. It also has a water split and light flour dusting.

Jane Olney, Commercial Director at Kara, commented: “We’re always looking for ways in which we can enhance our range and the baker’s basket gives us a perfect opportunity to do so. The aim with this basket is to offer a taste of five of our much-loved recipes, all in one package. We’re thrilled with the outcome and hope operators will be too!”

The rolls are supplied frozen and can be served in two different ways; either defrosted, for a soft eat or baked from frozen, for a crusty finish.

For more information on Kara, please visit https://karafs.co.uk/.

BFFF confirms appointment of new chief executive

BFFF confirms appointment of new chief executive

Richard Harrow, former MD of Freiberger UK, has succeeded John Hyman as the chief executive of the British Frozen Food Federation.

A frozen industry expert, for over 20 years Harrow was managing director of Freiberger UK, helping build the business to become the UK’s leading supplier of private label frozen pizza. Since 2017, he has worked as a consultant to private label food businesses.

Harrow takes over after Hyman decided to return to a senior role in the food and drink industry, having spent three years leading the federation introducing new events, member benefits and an updated industry-wide promotional campaign.

Prior to joining BFFF, Hyman was UK group commercial director at Adelie Foods and also held senior roles at William Grant, Dairy Crest, Heinz and Arla.

Harrow commented: “At a time of major economic challenges and political uncertainty for our members, we need to ensure the BFFF is offering them the very best support and advice and championing their interests as strongly as possible.

“The BFFF is widely respected throughout the food industry and I plan to build and develop that reputation further.”

Nigel Broadhurst, BFFF president commented: “John has made a significant contribution to the BFFF, we wish him every success in his next role.”

Hyman said: “I’m really proud of what the BFFF team has achieved in the last three years and I’m glad to have played a role in the development of one of the most respected trade associations in the food industry. It’s been very enjoyable, but it’s time to return to industry.”

GMS launch first annual food logistics and distribution security survey

GMS launch first annual food logistics and distribution security survey

Companies from across the food, logistics and distribution sector are being asked to take part in the first annual security survey.

The security of storing and transporting food and beverages can be a major security challenge for companies in this industry.   Leading security expect GMS Security want to build a bigger picture of all the key security issues facing your industry and also capture the success stories on how these can be prevented. The survey will go out to more than 300 companies nationwide and is supported by the British Frozen Food Federation and Food Storage & Distribution Federation.  When the survey is complete GMS will publish a report of the findings, sharing these with all those who helped provide the information.
Are you responsible for security on your warehouse or site?  If so, take part in the survey and help identify key trends around security issues in your sector.  
Click on this link to take part https://www.gms-group.co.uk/food-survey-2019/

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
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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.

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