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AVIKO AND WADWORTH: A MATCH MADE IN POTATO HEAVEN!

Posted on by Shah Khan

Head of Food at Wadworth Pubs, Andrew Scott, swaps to Aviko’s SuperCrunch Fries to serve up menu success with traditional pub classics done right.

 

Award-winning chef, Andrew Scott joined Wadworth Pubs in 2021 with a burning desire to move into pub food and improve guest experience. Stepping into a developmental role, he’s implemented changes to the menus of 19 managed pubs, making a noticeable upgrade to the pub’s biggest lines, chips – which make up 51.8% of sides, by swapping to Aviko SuperCrunch Fries. Aviko’s Fries, made with superior spuds, are now used across Wadworth’s menu, from the signature pub burger to more premium options like Steak Frites.

 

Due to their formulation, the fries guarantee a quality flavour, rustic and homemade feel and most importantly, a crunch that lasts. Following the burst in popularity of Loaded Fries (92% of consumers said they would order them from a pub or restaurant*), Wadworth can tap into this growing consumer trend, and minimise send-backs from soggy chips, thanks to Aviko SuperCrunch Fries which remain hot and crispy, even when loaded.

 

Matthew Akehurst, Key Account Manager at Aviko, who works with Wadworth commented:

“Here at Aviko, we couldn’t be more excited that Wadworth, and Andrew, have chosen SuperCrunch as their go-to chip. We know that customers visit Wadworth pubs expecting high-quality food and drink, and we’re so pleased that our premium chips will accompany the mouthwatering menu offerings! Our SuperCrunch Fries offer versatility across menus, from sides or sharing platters to being a main on their own, and thanks to their unique coating, they stay hot and crunchy for up to 30 minutes, so not only do they help elevate the dining-in experience, but they’re perfect for takeaway businesses too!”

 

Aviko fries are naturally vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free making them the ultimate product to work across a range of menu offerings. Additionally, as SuperCrunch Fries are made from a premium potato variety that produces longer cut chips, Wadworth can benefit from a better yield per bag, helping to achieve those all-important profit margins.

 

Speaking about his choice to upgrade the chip offering to SuperCrunch, Andrew Scott said:

“When cooking, if you start with a really good core ingredient, you get a great end result, and that’s what happens with these fries. The crunch, the coating, the flavour – it’s second to none. I would recommend Aviko SuperCrunch Fries to any chef, our feedback from guests has been brilliant.”

 

With SuperCrunch taking the guests, and Wadworth staff by storm, diners may even see more of Aviko’s portfolio, including Snackables, on menus in the near future.

 

Aviko has been the resolute potato partner for foodservice for over sixty years, bringing quality and smart solutions to menus all over the world. With a range of frozen potato specialities made by chefs, for chefs, Aviko’s extensive range includes Hash Browns, SuperCrunch Fries, Mash, Snackables and much more.

 

For more information on Aviko visit www.aviko.co.uk

 

*Aviko, Independent Research, 500 Participants 18-65, UK-based, April 2024

 

TILDA AND LOVO UNITE TO PROMOTE WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT AND CELEBRATE CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Posted on by Jean-Philippe Laborde

Tilda is proud to announce its partnership with Ladies of Virtue Outreach CIC (LOVO), a non-profit organisation dedicated to engaging, equipping, and inspiring women and their families. As part of this partnership, Tilda will donate £10,000 to support LOVO’s initiatives over the next 12 months. The partnership will involve multiple joint community initiatives aimed at celebrating cultural diversity and empowering women.

Ladies of Virtue Outreach CIC (LOVO) is at the forefront of community empowerment, tackling challenges like poverty, unemployment, domestic violence. LOVO nurtures individual potential through its core pillars: Community, Growth, Gratitude, Self-Care, Wisdom. A cornerstone of LOVO’s mission is their weekly global lunch in Peckham, where women from diverse cultural backgrounds come together to share traditional dishes. Given that rice is a common ingredient in these meals, Tilda’s support aligns perfectly with LOVO’s celebration of cultural diversity and unity.

The £10,000 donation from Tilda will fund LOVO’s English language programmes and the weekly global lunches for 12 months, expanding their ability to reach and support more women in need. “This partnership with Tilda is a significant step forward for our organisation,” said Ola Olive Stephen, Founder & Director of LOVO. “The funds will enable us to reach more women and provide them with the tools and support they need to overcome their challenges and lead fulfilling lives.”

The Tilda x LOVO collaboration will include a series of community events in 2024, engaging local communities. The first joint event in June featured a vibrant community gathering, with activities such as a Zumba class, a nutritionist talk, and a well-being session. The partnership will continue with a second event in September to further amplify this collaboration.

“We are honoured to partner with LOVO on its mission to empower women now and in the future,” said Jean Phillipe, Managing Director of Tilda. “At Tilda, we are committed to supporting initiatives that align with our belief in the importance of strengthening our community and cultural diversity.”

Tilda’s B Corp certification in 2023 underscores its commitment to meeting high standards of social and environmental responsibility.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in Tilda’s efforts to contribute to society by supporting organisations championing diversity. Together with LOVO, Tilda looks forward to making a difference in the lives of women and their families, creating a future where life in all its flavours can thrive.

 

BIDFOOD BOOSTS LOCAL JOBS AND INCREASES CONNECTIVITY TO BUSINESSES WITH NEW SITE IN NORTH CORNWALL

Posted on by Billy Moone

Leading foodservice provider, Bidfood, is creating up to 30 new jobs for local drivers with its new 15,000 sq. ft depot on the Cooksland Industrial Estate in Bodmin.

In addition, the new site will also help to connect the South West and ease some of the seasonal pressures on Bidfood’s Lee Mill depot, as well as reduce delivery miles and enhance the customer experience for those furthest away from Lee Mill.

Bidfood’s new Bodmin site has already implemented a bespoke Independent Service which allows existing and new customers to order online and via Telesales up to 10pm each day, for next-day delivery.

To start, Bidfood will be operating the unit for van routes to complement the road network in Cornwall and North Devon, with the aim to migrate some HGVS to it once an ‘O’ licence for the site is secured.

Richard Dow, Business Unit Director at for Chepstow, Swansea and Lee Mill commented:

“As part of our strategy to grow sales and deliver service excellence to our customers we’re always reviewing our infrastructure and where we can be expand the local depot network.

“With that in mind, we recognised the opportunity to improve in the South West and I’m incredibly excited to assemble this new team to provide an even better service to the Devon and Cornwall area.

“I’m also delighted that we’re able to give back to the local community, the added jobs coupled with reinforced abilities to support local businesses will give the local economy a great chance to grow.”

WORKPLACE NOISE HINDERING WORKERS IN WAREHOUSES, MANUFACTURING AND LOGISTICS ACCORDING TO NEW RESEARCH

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Acute levels of noise in factories, workshops and warehouses are impeding productivity, according to new research which also shows that two in three workers (66%), rising to 70% of forklift drivers, said workplace noise is an issue.

Despite the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 coming into effect 36 years ago, the survey findings suggest on-site decibels from machinery and vehicles are causing a decline in output, as well as impacting worker wellbeing.

The research focuses on the concerns of employees, particularly those working in loud manufacturing and logistics environments. Some 250 employers and 500 employees took part in the study, which revealed the majority of workplace settings simply aren’t cut out for dealing with mechanical and vehicular noise.

Over half of those surveyed (52%) said that their working environment is either not well (23%) or not very well designed (29%), to do their jobs safely. One in six (16%) say their building has neither been constructed nor significantly refurbished in the last 10 years suggesting outdated occupational design.

The research shows the impact excessive noise at work can have on employee actions. Almost a quarter (23%) of employees surveyed have snapped at a co-worker, whilst the same percentage (23%) have snapped at a manager due to excessive noise.

In addition, a fifth (20%) of employees surveyed have resorted to physical violence, whilst the same percentage (20%) have quit their job, and just under a fifth (19%) of employees surveyed have made a formal complaint due to excessive noise at work.

Respondents commonly reported negative health effects due to high noise levels, such as headaches (26%), hearing difficulties/tinnitus/hearing loss (25%), and stress/anxiety (24%).

The two biggest noise bugbears were heavy machinery and a lack of noise control. Two in five workers (40%) agreed these elements were the most frustrating aspects of workplace noise. Unsurprisingly, a quarter of staff (25%) were delivering poor quality work as a result of high noise levels at work.

The research also flags a perceived lack of empathy amongst employers. A significant portion of employees questioned (35%) felt a complaint would have “no influence on management to address the matter.”

What’s also clear is that bosses largely remain in the dark about the issue. When asked if they recognise how noise in their work environment can lead to a variety of health issues, the percentage that understood potential health implications never rose above a third. This is despite half of employers (49%) believing that acoustic design is important in the workplace.

Less than three in ten (28%) had introduced protective equipment such as ear defenders but these can pose other health and safety risks, with employees not being able to hear important warning signals and oncoming vehicles.

For more information on managing noise please contact: simonbrentnall@bfff.co.uk