Tues 18th Nov, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London

PETIT FORESTIER IS ON A MISSION TO ACCELERATE THE REFRIGERATION SECTOR ENERGY TRANSITION

Posted on by Andrew Morley

For over 115 years, Petit Forestier has kept pace with changes throughout society, consistently evolving to meet the challenges of its sector.

Today the European leader in refrigeration continues to reinvent itself and has set ambitious targets to switch 40% of its fleet to electric power and 70% of its new vehicles by 2030 to reduce its carbon footprint by 25%.

In pursuit of these objectives, Petit Forestier is providing further training for all its employees, on topics ranging from the challenges of the energy transition to the fundamentals of electric vehicles including recharging facilities and customer relations.

Sam Hargreaves, Regional Business Development Manager (North) and Ian Derrick, Refrigeration Director at Petit Forestier recently attended one of the group’s training sessions in Villepinte, France. Sam said: “It was a great opportunity to learn more about the group’s electric vehicle offerings. There are lots of changes to things such as insurance with electric vehicles, so it’s great to have that first-hand knowledge to be able to guide our customers and help them make informed decisions for their business.”

Neale Brothwood, Managing Director at Petit Forestier UK and Ireland explained: “As a business, we’re seeing a change in the customer landscape. Businesses have their own sustainability targets they need to meet, and by adapting and meeting their demand we can help them on this journey. The investment goes beyond our vehicle offering we are also upskilling staff at all our depots to provide the same level of expert knowledge across both vehicle types and improving our depot infrastructures to support customers in-house.”

Additionally, Petit Forestier is launching a range of tools to guide customers on transitioning from Diesel to Electric vehicles. This includes a guide, offering one-to-one workshops and a total cost of ownership tool that enables the Sales team to demonstrate to operators the difference in cost per mile/ km and the carbon emission savings that can be achieved when adopting electric vehicles. Not only does the tool consider the vehicle itself, but also the size of the refrigerated body, refrigeration unit and drops per day.

Customers are already starting to benefit from this support. The group recently instigated a ‘Go Green’ workshop to guide their long-standing customer Greencore through a transition to an alternative-fuelled vehicle leading to the purchase of its first 3.5t Renault Master ZE. Jeremy Fitton, Head of Logistics, Network and Transport for Greencore, added: “Petit Forestier truly understands the alternative fuelled vehicles landscape, including the additional requirements of BEV, CNG and Hydrogen vehicles, both fiscally and operationally.”

BRAKES LAUNCHES NEW PLANT BASED RANGE FOR VEGANUARY

Posted on by clare.twiss@brake.co.uk

Brakes has kicked off its Veganuary campaign with the launch of a new Sysco Simply Plant Based range.

The Sysco Simply Plant Based range will initially launch with five plant-based centre of plate products that provide delicious alternatives to meat, including savoury tarts like Sysco Simply Sweet Potato & Red Onion Marmalade Seeded Tart as well as a Sysco Simply Chestnut & Seed Roast.

Over the next 18 months, Sysco Simply Plant Based will grow to more than 50 products as it expands to include cakes and desserts, vegan sausage rolls and other meat-free alternatives.

Supporting the launch is a broader, comprehensive programme to allow foodservice businesses to capitalise on Veganuary, the annual celebration of plant-based food.

With around one in every 10 Brits previously having taken part in Veganuary*, the event has become an important feature on January menus. In response to the increasing popularity, Brakes has created a Veganuary 2024 section of its website, showcasing the reasons to get involved and offering a support package for customers who want to.

From recipe ideas to videos and from menu templates to promotions, the extensive new section brings together everything customers could want to capitalise on Veganuary. There are even some cocktail ideas to beat the post-Christmas blues.

With a growing interest in healthy lifestyle choices and the reduction of meat and animal product consumption in the UK, particularly among young consumers, meat-free food ranges and healthier options will become even more important in the British market in years to come.

Mandy Van Hagen, Marketing Food Manager, Brakes commented: “Veganuary is a great time to showcase plant-based menus and appeal to a wide audience of not only non-meat eaters, but also those looking for a healthy start to the year. Our new Sysco Simply Plant plant-based products can elevate menus, provide choices, and meet the demand for diverse and sustainable food options.”

Visit https://www.brake.co.uk/inspirational-food/special-occasions/veganuary for more information and to access the support materials.

WINTER COATS CAMPAIGN EXTENDED

Posted on by hayley.smith@oakland-international.com

Due to an influx of donations Oakland International and Attwell Farm Park’s support of Hope4’s Winter Coats Campaign has been extended and will now finish on Wednesday 17th January.

Lorry loads of warm coats and clothing have already made their way to children and vulnerable people, including adults, in the Ukraine and Moldova, and as winter temperatures start to drop time is of the essence. Partnering in support of Hope4’s Winter Coats Campaign, Oakland International is providing the transport to its partner depot in Chisinau, Moldova, from where all donations will be distributed to help children keep warm this winter.

Hope4 Trustee Laura Croudace said: “As a parent it has been overwhelming to see people supporting the work of Hope4 to ensure children and vulnerable people in Moldova, and Ukrainian refugees, are kept warm this winter. No parent ever wants to see their child suffering and cold, and the team at Hope4 are doing everything possible to keep children warm.

“It has been amazing to partner with Attwell Farm Park and Oakland International to collaborate with communities sending in coats and warm clothes, seeing people drop off items at the farm. Thank you to everyone who donated coats.”

Oakland International have several collection points around the UK and through their direct Hope4 supply route guarantee all donations will reach those in need.

Please donate any unwanted good quality used winter coats, warm clothing, hats, scarves, and gloves, which can all be dropped off at Attwell Farm Park in Beoley, Redditch, and new items can be ordered online and sent direct to Oakland International at the following address: Winter Coat Campaign, Oakland International, Seafield Lane, Beoley, Redditch, B98 9DB.

People can also donate via their fundraising page to enable them to buy children’s coats: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/coats4christmas

Laura added: “We are still fundraising to buy snowsuits for babies and toddlers, as this was a gap in our collection of used items. Anyone able to donate will ensure we can buy items needed to ensure little noses and toes are kept warm as temperatures continue to drop to -10c currently. And above all, thank you to everyone for helping Hope4.”

Supported by private donors who cover all operating costs Hope4 provides immediate and urgent support to Ukrainian refugees and very poor families in Moldova and the Ukraine, and works to change the impact of poverty, crime, and conflict for so many people here in the UK, Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania

WRAP CONSULTATION ON A 2025 SUCCESSOR AGREEMENT TO THE UK PLASTIC PACT

Posted on by Georgia Oxspring

WRAP is seeking input from industry on a successor agreement to The UK Plastics Pact which runs until the end of 2025.

Over the past 9 months WRAP has been working with a temporary Steering Group of Plastic Pact members to progress a target framework for a successor agreement to the UK Plastics Pact. At the Steering Group meeting in December, members provided a clear steer on a draft targets paper which outlined headline objectives and proposed target areas. WRAP is now seeking input from wider industry on the proposed target framework through this online Survey which will run from 12 January to 23 February 2024. The survey will take around 15 minutes to complete.

A paper has also been produced which provides further context and is designed to be read ahead of completion of the survey. This supporting document also contains the key survey questions. Please feel free to share within your networks.

WRAP will continue to refine the proposal throughout 2024 and 2025 and detail of the successor agreement and industry input will be sought throughout.

If you would like a 1-2-1 conversation or have any queries at all, please reach out to the WRAP team at UKPlasticsPact@wrap.org.uk

ICY CONDITIONS AND WINTER WEATHER

Posted on by Georgia Oxspring

As the temperatures start to plummet BFFF reminds its members of the guidance available to protect its employees both in the workplace and on the roads.

At the Workplace

The HSE reiterates the increase in slips and trips during the winter months with effective actions that can be taken in their guidance below:

https://www.hse.gov.uk/logistics/slips-trips-bad-weather.htm

 

On the Roads

ROSPA also reiterates a similar story for road traffic collisions, based on 2022 statistics 14 people were killed and 379 seriously injured with 1227 other injuries on Great Britain’s roads when there was rain, snow, sleet or foggy conditions. ROSPA have provided a free downloadable driving tips fact sheet, follow the link below:

https://www.rospa.com/road-safety/advice/drivers/winter-driving

 

FREE WEBINAR ON “HOW TO AVOID BTOM PITFALLS AND ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE POAO IMPORTS IN 2024”

Posted on by Georgia Oxspring

On 24th January, colleagues at Unsworth will be hosting an online webinar dedicated to highlighting how imports from the EU into the UK will be affected by the forthcoming Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) legislation.

On January 31st 2024, the first phase of the BTOM will come into effect, and will see the introduction of significant changes to the way POAO goods are imported from Europe to the UK.

Ensuring compliance ahead of these changes is essential and information shared in the webinar will allow for proper preparation. The event features a Q+A session with Corporate Director, Anthony Baldock, where you can get answers to your most pressing questions on this important topic and keep your POAO shipments flowing freely into the UK.

To register and take part click on the link below:

Registration (gotowebinar.com)

BIRDS EYE TURNS UP THE HEAT WITH LAUNCH OF NEW SEASONED POTATO BITES

Posted on by Pete.Johnson@birdseye.co.uk

Birds Eye is kicking off the new year by expanding its potato range with the launch of their new Seasoned Potato Bites – mini bitesize hashbrowns with a hint of chilli. Inspired by the proven success of the American-style mini potato format– taking the well-loved Birds Eye Chicken Shop’s plain Hash Brown Bites to a new level.

The Seasoned Potato Bites will drive excitement within the frozen potato segment, an area that has seen a value growth of+21.2% MAT1. With taste being the number one driver in added value potatoes2, the launch aims to attract younger adults and offer them the perfect companion to a meal or a quick and convenient snack.

Charlotte Pask, senior brand manager for Potatoes at Birds Eye said, “At Birds Eye, we are always looking for new ways to make mealtimes and snacking occasions more exciting for shoppers. The bitesize potato format is already proven to be a favourite, as bestsellers within the Birds Eye Chicken Shop portfolio3. However, our new Seasoned Potato Bites aim to go one step further by adding a flavour kick which aims to appeal to younger consumers looking for new flavour options within the segment.”

The seasoned potato bites will be available in Iceland, Morrisons and Farmfoods from the beginning of January, with an MRSP of £2.80*. They are vegan, gluten free and suitable for air frying.

*Pricing at sole discretion of retailer

MEADOW VALE FOODS LAUNCHES A BRAND NEW RANGE OF 6 CHARGRILLED CHICKEN LINES

Posted on by Lewis Wantling

The Sizzling Chicken range is the next generation of added value frozen poultry.

Featuring 6 new lines of hand cut and boneless chargrilled fillets, thighs and skewers, the Sizzling Range is bursting with flavour and offers the ultimate uncoated chicken option for menus across the food service industry.

The succulent pieces of breast fillet and thigh are marinated in a variety of authentic herbs and spices, before going through a unique chargrill process over mangrove and coconut shell to provide the ultimate smoky finish. The individually quick-frozen pieces are then number counted into a range of vibrant, fully printed foil bags that lock in the flavour, ready to be reheated straight from the freezer to a happy customer’s plate in minutes!

Grilled chicken is growing in popularity, particularly for those with special dietary requirements and the health conscious. The Sizzling range therefore allows chefs to grow sales by creating a balanced menu with a seriously tasty uncoated option that appeals to wider audiences.

From the upmarket restaurant to the high street takeaway, it’s never been easier for chefs to create the ultimate menu without the need to prepare with fresh ingredients.

Less fats, less salts and packed with protein, here’s an in depth look into the three cuts on offer from this groundbreaking new chicken range…

 

The Sizzling Chicken Thigh range

Defining succulence. Three lines of seriously tasty boneless chicken thigh fillets, marinated in an authentic mix of herbs and spices before being chargrilled on both sides over mangrove and coconut shell.

No longer is it required to hand prepare and cook chicken thighs from fresh… the Sizzling Chicken range brings all the fresh appeal required without the risks of using raw chicken and consistently provides a melt-in-the-mouth experience.

With three authentic flavours to choose from including Original, Shawarma and Piri Piri, the Sizzling thighs are 120g of succulent boneless chicken that are a perfect fit for a wide variety of dishes straight from the freezer, from the wholesome Shawarma wrap to the piquant Piri Piri rice box.

One of the best qualities of chicken thighs is that it is very difficult to overcook them. Whether chefs choose to oven cook, grill, Merry Chef or BBQ the Sizzling Chicken Thighs, the crispy skin and succulent centre will hold out if the cooking time goes over by several minutes, meaning chefs can be rest assured of a quality product in busy service periods.

Shawarma and Piri Piri flavours are trending on high streets across Britain, reflected in some of the largest high street food outlets including German Doner Kebab and Nandos. Shawarma boasts a traditional well-seasoned flavour that compliments the succulent thigh perfectly, and Peri-Peri is a flavour profile synonymous with chicken thighs. The initial juicy bite, followed by a slow building kick of spice and citrusy aftertaste will keep your customers coming back for more, whether you’re a QSR, street food vendor or takeaway shop.

 

The Sizzling Chicken Fillet range

The Sizzling Original and Piri Piri Chicken Fillets truly offer a product for all purposes in food service, from the ultimate chicken burger to chicken salads. These 150g chargrilled chicken fillets are hand butterflied, marinated and charcoal grilled before being individually quick frozen and placed into foil sealed bags 13 pieces at a time.

The uncoated profile offers a healthier option and a lower calorie count without compromising on flavour, meaning opportunities increase for a wider menu offering and a broadened interest from customers.

Meadow Vale is the one stop shop for those seeking the perfect grilled chicken burger option. The chargrilled fillets offer a consistent large bun coverage due to the 150g hand-butterflied portion sizes, that also provide a rustic home-made feel. The flavour is all in the chicken, simply add any salads, sauces and garnishes to create a vibrant tower of burger brilliance.

Alternatively, the fillets can be sliced into visually appealing strips or bite size pieces and added to a wide variety of great tasting dishes from a loaded chicken fries or nachos, to salads, rice boxes, wraps, noodles, pizza toppings and many more!

 

The Sizzling Original Chargrilled Chicken Skewers

Marinated for 20 hours in an authentic blend of herbs and spices, the Sizzling Chicken Skewers provide a chargrilled flavour to savour.

Featuring a succulent mix of thigh and breast fillet, with a perfectly balanced flavour including garlic, cumin, paprika, chilli, oregano and coriander, chefs are presented with a versatile product with multiple menu applications, on or off the stick.

Using just one Chicken Skewer can create the perfect kebab, wrap or gyros by reheating straight from the freezer via the griddle, Merry Chef or oven. Once cooked, the chicken easily slips off the uncharred bamboo sticks straight on to the plate, providing the ultimate fresh chargrilled experience.

Each bag holds ten skewers, with the flavours locked in to the vibrant foil packaging. Experience a 100% yield with zero waste by simply taking what is needed from the freezer over a long shelf-life period, without compromising the quality, taste or fresh appeal of the chicken.

Enquire today!

To find out more details and receive support with product information, pricing, marketing and much more, get in touch with our friendly team today by contacting 019786 66100 or fill out the contact form at www.meadowvalefoods.co.uk