Tues 18th Nov, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London

OPERATION BROCK TO BE STOOD UP FROM 10TH JULY

Posted on by Georgia Oxspring

We have received confirmation from Defra Officials that Operation BROCK is being stood up by the DfT/Highways England from 10 July 2024.

Analysis suggests that Saturday 13 July 2024 will be the first big peak for summer getaway traffic, thereafter, most days until the end of July 2024 are flagged as RED days for heavy traffic. During August 2024, the weekends are flagged as RED days for heavy traffic.

BROCK will run from 10th July to the end of July 2024 without review. Then reviewed on a weekly basis throughout August 2024 – Realistically it is expected BROCK will be in place for 7/8 weeks.

It is intended to introduce a permit system for traffic heading to Dover for this deployment period, available only from the correct lanes, to ensure better traffic discipline.

More updates can be found here: Operation Brock – National Highways.

All enquiries/issues should be directed to the DfT/Highways England.

NOTICE OF SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE ON CUSTOMS DECLARATION SERVICE 6-7TH JULY

Posted on by Georgia Oxspring

Due to scheduled maintenance on the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), the CDS service will be unavailable to all users from 9.30pm on Saturday 6 July to 5:30am on Sunday 7 July.

Declarations submitted during this timeframe will be processed at the end of the downtime.

Please ask your agent to follow HMRC’s technical guidance on how to prevent and resolve a ‘no ‘match’ to resolve any SPS error messages on CDS your agent may see, once the declarations have been processed.

Creating, updating, or embarking a goods movement reference (GMR) that are linked to CDS could be affected during the times listed. For guidance on GVMS, your agent should refer to the GVMS service availability and issues page.

Please continue to monitor the inspection status of CHED import notifications submitted for consignments arriving during this time period on the IPAFFS dashboard. Port health authorities, local authorities and APHA will still be able to call consignments for SPS inspections independently of CDS.

For further information and updates visit HMRCs CDS service availability and status page.

EXPAND YOUR SEAFOOD OFFERINGS WITH CLEARWATER’S PREMIUM WILD-CAUGH PATAGONIAN SCALLOPS NOW AVAILABLE IN A 1KG FORMAT

Posted on by Georgia Oxspring

SEE GIVEAWAY DETAILS BELOW!

Harvesting & Processing

Wild-caught from the temperate waters of the Argentine Continental Shelf, Clearwater Patagonian (Argentine) Scallops are Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified and 100% natural, with no chemicals or additives. Within 60 minutes of harvesting, Patagonian scallops are shucked and individually-quick-frozen (IQF) on board Clearwater’s state-of-the-art factory vessels, locking in incredible freshness and flavour. Freezing-at-sea is the preferred scallop processing method, with independent research showing that frozen-at-sea scallops outperform land-frozen scallops on drip loss, cooked yield, flavour, texture, appearance, and shelf life.

Key Benefits

  • Cost effective
  • Frozen-at-sea freshness
  • Dry product – no additives or preservatives
  • Various formats
  • MSC-certified
  • BRCGS-certified

Sustainability

The Patagonian scallop fishery was the first scallop fishery in the world to receive certification from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), the industry’s gold standard for third party verification. Products displaying the MSC logo give consumers assurance that their seafood originates from a sustainable and well-managed fishery as set by the MSC’s strict environmental standards.

In the kitchen

Pure and natural with a sweet, succulent taste, Clearwater Patagonian Scallops are typically smaller than sea scallops, offering an excellent value proposition and menu costing benefits compared to larger and typically more expensive formats. Patagonian scallops feature perfectly in a variety of applications, including pastas, risottos, salads, and more.

Formats

Now available in a 1 kg format for both retail and foodservice. All sizes are subject to availability: 60/80, 80/120 and 120/150 count per pound.

Patagonian Scallops Giveaway!

Here’s your chance to receive one complimentary case (10 bags) of Clearwater Patagonian Scallops in our new 1 kg format. Please send your entry to socialmarketing@clearwater.ca and follow these simple steps: 

  • Include in the email subject line: Patagonian Scallop Giveaway.
  • Review the content in this mailing and provide answers to these two questions in the body of your email message:
    • Are Clearwater’s Patagonian Scallops frozen-at-sea?
    • What is the new packaging format size of Clearwater’s Patagonian Scallops?
  • Please also include your name and company contact information in the body of your email message.
  • You will receive a confirmation email upon submitting your entry.
  • Twenty customers will be selected to receive one case and further instructions on entering a final draw for a grand prize!

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS

  • One entry per customer.
  • Offer limited to 20 customers.
  • Entries will be accepted from Wednesday, July 3rd to Tuesday, July 16th.
  • Winners will be contacted directly on Friday, July 19th.

SIZZLING CHICKEN STRIKES GOLD AT THE NATIONAL FROZEN FOOD AWARDS

Posted on by Lewis Wantling

Meadow Vale Foods are delighted to announce that our Sizzling Shawarma Chargrilled Chicken Boneless Thigh saw off fierce competition to win Gold in the category of Best New Meat Main at the annual British Frozen Food (BFFF) Awards held in London last week.

The award is testament to the quality of the Sizzling Chicken range and rounds off our most successful launch of a new brand to date. The BFFF is celebrating its 100th year anniversary in 2024, and these annual awards are the most prestigious in frozen food, having been set up in the late 1980’s to reward the most innovative and creative frozen food products to enter the market each calendar year.

 

Speaking of his delight at winning the award, Meadow Vale managing director Nigel O’Donnell stated,

“We are absolutely thrilled to win such a coveted award, and it is testament to the overall quality of our latest Meadow Vale Foods range, Sizzling Chicken. 

We were particularly pleased with the judges’ comments, including, good flavour delivery and holds its shape and texture well, excellent portion sizing, very consistent and high-end packaging. 

A lot of time and effort has gone into the conception of this highly exciting and innovative new range of fully cooked chargrilled chicken, and it acts as a fine example of how a collaborative effort to create something industry leading can yield great success.”

The Sizzling Chicken Shawarma Boneless Thigh brings flavours of the Mediterranean direct to the kitchens of many businesses in the food service industry, and speaking on the award win our Development Chef Christoper Moyes said,

“I’m delighted that the Shawarma Boneless Thigh won Gold at the BFFF awards as it’s a great product that has been extremely well received by chefs and other food service professionals right across the country. 

The feedback we’ve received has been extremely positive with lots of praise for the full depth of flavour that comes from a frozen product. The brand-new Sizzling Chicken range is delivering a bold and exciting set of products to the market, opening up a wide range of exciting new menu options that can be created quickly back of house, with all the benefits of a premium, fully cooked, quick cook from frozen product. Winning such a sought-after award will only support the range to go from strength to strength.”

This award for the Sizzling Chicken Shawarma Thigh is the latest Meadow Vale product to win big at the BFFF awards, with recent accolades for the Homestyle Salt & Chilli Shredded, Meadow Vale Vegan Chick’n Strips and our Homestyle Salt & Pepper Shredded Chicken.

To request a sample of our award winning Sizzling Chicken range please follow the link HERE, and for all other enquires about how Meadow Vale’s award winning chicken can provide a boost to your business our Development Chefs will be happy to take all enquiries HERE.

BFFF PACKAGING GROUP VISIT MARKET LEADERS, SMURFIT KAPPA

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

On Tuesday 25th June members of the BFFF Packaging Special Interest Group were invited to spend the day at the Northampton site of BFFF member, Smurfit Kappa – market leaders and innovators in paper-packaging solutions.

And what a constructive and insightful day it was!

With over 350 production sites around the world, located in no less than 36 different countries spanning Europe, the Americas and Africa, you quickly start to realise just how impressive an establishment Smurfit Kappa really is. They even own their own forestry and paper mills!

It was great to spend time in their ISTA Certified Lab learning about the in-depth work they carry out with customers to understand their supply chains and ultimately offer the most effective and innovate solutions. From drop tests and vibration tests to research on barrier coatings and climatic chamber tests – this truly is an impressive set up.

We were then treated to a full factory tour where we followed the hugest rolls of paper ever imaginable through the process of being made into corrugated board to then being cut, folded, glued and printed. Suffice to say once you’ve visited here, you’ll never look at a cardboard box in quite the same way again!

On behalf of the British frozen Food Federation and the members of the Packaging Special Interest Group, we would like to extend a huge thank you to all our colleagues at Smurfit Kappa, Fiona MacDougall and Wesley Donlon for organising such an excellent day!

ASDA AND CO-OP RETAIN CROWNS AT FREE FROM FOOD AWARDS 2024

Posted on by duncan.cross@asda.co.uk

Retaining their titles for another year, ASDA as ‘Retailer of The Year’ whilst Co-op retained the ‘Convenience Retailer of the Year’ award at this year’s Free From Foods Awards 2024 celebration party.

The Free From Food Awards is the UK’s only industry awards for ‘free from’ food and drink and was launched in 2008 to encourage innovation and celebrate excellence in the free from food and drink industry.

Other winners on the night included Crave securing Free From Small Brand of the Year, whilst The Big Dipper won the coveted title of Free From Food Product of the Year.

Oakland International Co-Founder and Retailer of the Year category sponsor, Sallie Attwell, commented: “Our congratulations to ASDA, Co-op and to all Free From Food Award category winners and finalists. As a total supply chain business we have seen first-hand how demand has increased for free from food across all service platforms thanks to consumer demand, so it was our pleasure to once again support the Free From Food Awards.”

A Certified B Corporation business Oakland International is a leader in direct to consumer, case consolidation, contract packing, storage and distribution, food tempering and brand development support for all types of food, serving various markets in the UK and Ireland. They are also experts in saving food and non-food products from being wasted via their distress load management service and are aiming to be the first in their sector to reach net zero.

Awards’ CEO Cressida Langlands commented: “Year on year the quality of entries increases, with the focus moving from showstopping, groundbreaking innovation, to product delivery – such as packaging and quality evolution, which is closing the gap between free from and main category alternatives.

“But for that food to be truly safe we believe that everyone in the industry should be collaborating to ensure a uniform approach to clear ingredient labelling.”

The full list of winners can be found on the awards website www.freefromfoodawards.co.uk

BIDCORP UK APPOINTS ANDY FARNWORTH AS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF BIDFRESH

Posted on by Billy Moone

Bidcorp UK is proud to announce the appointment of Andy Farnworth as the new Managing Director of its fresh food division, Bidfresh. From 1st July 2024, Andy will replace Brian Hall, who after nearly 20 years at the company, will retire this summer.

In a move to further cement Bidfresh’s position as the market leader for fresh produce in foodservice, Andy brings with him a wealth of experience as well as some ambitious new targets, including aspirations to double the size of the business over the next five years.

Prior to his move to Bidfresh, Andy spent 16 years at Fresh Direct, most recently serving as Managing Director for all of the UK’s fresh operations, and before that, Sales & Marketing Director overseeing a decade of unprecedented revenue and profit growth.

Commenting on his appointment, Andy said: “It’s great to have joined such a successful business with a fantastic team of passionate experts. I feel incredibly privileged to lead the fresh team and to be the custodian of such terrific brands.”

“Our proposition is truly unique in fresh foodservice. We have ten independent businesses, led by local people, operating autonomously in their regional markets, each with a team of highly skilled fishmongers, butchers and greengrocers. They are essentially standalone SME’s with full autonomy, but they are backed by the support and investment from our parent Bidcorp UK, it is a powerful combination.”

“We want Bidfresh to be every chef and caterer’s go-to supplier for all of their fresh requirements; fish, seafood, produce, dairy and meat. We will continue to passionately serve our fantastic customers and will be looking to grow into new territories through organic development and acquisitions of like-minded regional fresh businesses, who share our passion and beliefs and will improve our proposition.”

Andrew Selley, CEO of Bidcorp UK added: “We’re delighted to welcome Andy into the Bidcorp UK family as the new Managing Director of Bidfresh. Andy is a focused, value-driven and passionate leader with a great deal of experience in the industry, as well as maintaining excellent customer relationships. His work on strategy, operations, sales and marketing will be a great asset to Bidfresh and its independent brands.

“I would also like to express my gratitude to Brian Hall, who has been at the helm of Bidfresh for the past four and a half years. The positive changes Brian has made to Bidfresh have been phenomenal, from navigating through Brexit and the pandemic, to steering the business towards record levels of profitability. On behalf of all the team, we wish him a very happy and well-deserved retirement.”

SCHULSTAD BAKERY SOLUTIONS LAUNCH A NEW DANISH PASTRY RANGE INSPIRED BY NOSTALGIC DESSERT FLAVOURS FEATURING VISIBLE PIECES OF FRUIT

Posted on by kate.sykes@lantmannen.com

Lantmännen Unibake’s Schulstad Bakery Solutions brand has launched its Signature Fruit Danish Selection, a new range of decadent Danish pastries with visible fruit pieces on display – a sign of quality coveted by 69% of consumers[1].

 

It brings an on-trend, affordable, artisan, sweet bakery opportunity to support out of home (OOH) operators in maximising their revenue potential, by exploring the opportunity provided by exceptional baked goods.

 

Featuring three high-quality recipes, this Danish pastry range is set to attract new consumers into the category by tapping into trends seen across artisan bakeries for dessert-inspired nostalgic flavours, and sweet pastries that feature visible fruit pieces. In fact, 97% of consumers would buy a Signature Fruit Danish Selection pastry in an OOH setting[2], bringing fresh appeal to any café or coffee shop bakery offering. In addition, research shows that 91% of consumers would purchase a high quality, luxury Danish pastry as a dessert in a pub or restaurant[3], showing the significant demand for Danish pastries on menus.

 

These Danish pastries are filled with a quality that founder Viggo Schulstad would be proud of over 140 years later. Featuring a unique square shape authentically made with 24 layers of light, crisp and flaky Danish pastry, each pastry is dual filled, including a fruit compote featuring visible pieces of fruit to give a more artisan bakery look. The flavour combinations are inspired by the latest artisan bakery and dessert trends.

 

The brand-new Morello Cherry & Almond Bakewell is a Danish Pastry square filled with Morello Cherry and Almond frangipane, topped with crisp, toasted almonds and a drizzle of icing for a sweet finish. Equally delicious is the Apple & Cinnamon Custard Square. Filled with pieces of apple in a cinnamon-infused crème anglaise and topped with a caramelised biscuit crumb, it gives a modern twist to the well-loved apple pie flavour. The fruity trio is completed by a Rhubarb Madagascan Vanilla Custard & Meringue. A Danish pastry square filled with pieces of tart rhubarb in a Madagascan vanilla custard, topped with sweet crunchy pieces of meringue for a melt-in-the-mouth finish.

 

The decadent new range continues Schulstad Bakery Solutions’ spirit of innovation and has been developed to help OOH operators drive revenue and increase penetration. It capitalises on the 69% of consumers that would be more likely to buy a Danish pastry with visible fruit pieces thanks to the visual appeal (46%), flavour (32%) and enhanced quality (25%) that the visible fruit pieces provide[4]. The Signature Fruit Danish Selection also ticks the box for more than half of consumers (52%) tempted by retro flavours[5].

 

The coffee shop appeal

Research by Schulstad Bakery Solutions into consumer preferences reveals that 59% of consumers are most likely to reach for a premium Danish pastry in a coffee shop or café[6]. This highlights the opportunity for coffee shops and cafés to increase market share against bakeries where 64% of consumers opt to go premium[7].

 

When considering the new Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish Selection specifically, the research also shows that it would tempt 91% of consumers to trade up to more luxury products in a café or coffee shop[8]. This highlights the revenue opportunity created for operators by stocking this decadent trio of Danish pastries. In fact, almost half (49%) of consumers would be willing to pay £3.49 for a luxury Signature Fruit Danish Selection pastry in a coffee shop – £1.99 more than a standard supermarket price of £1.50. In addition, consumers are happy to pay £3.33 for a high-end Danish pastry compared to £2.72 for a classic counterpart[9].

 

The opportunity for pubs, hotels and restaurants

97% of consumers would most likely trade up to a luxury Danish pastry OOH, and half of consumers (50%) would purchase a premium pastry as an indulgence or me-time treat in a restaurant or pub[10]. This highlights the opportunity for hospitality operators to increase revenue by harnessing a product traditionally served in other OOH settings.

Combining this with the finding that 91% of consumers would purchase a luxury Danish pastry as a dessert in a pub or restaurant, it is clear to see significant demand for a luxury Danish pastry on menus. What’s more, 77% of consumers would like a Danish pastry dessert to be served hot with ice cream (36%), custard (36%) or cream/whipped cream (30%)[11]. In terms of price, consumers are willing to pay for quality too – £5.37 on average, for a high-end Danish pastry served as a dessert in a restaurant or pub[12].

 

Samantha Winsor, Marketing Manager at Schulstad Bakery Solutions, comments: “Our Signature Fruit Danish Selection range has been designed to drive customer demand and create a premium tiering within the pastry category, tempting consumers to trade up and choose a more decadent treat. The range aims to expand consumption occasions beyond morning sales when 43% of Danish pastries are purchased as breakfast, brunch or a morning treat[13]. The Signature Fruit Danish Selection is also likely to be purchased as an afternoon treat by 20% of consumers[14], giving it a place on the all-day menu.”

 

Almost a third (32%) of frequent Danish pastry purchasers are under 24, compared to 21% who are 45 plus[15]. This appetite among Gen Z consumers highlights an opportunity for OOH operators to attract a new, younger demographic and grow their potential customer base, especially when leveraging trends that appeal to younger consumers.

 

“The new Signature Fruit Danish Selection was designed to appeal to a younger demographic,” continues Winsor. “With a filling of visible fruit pieces, the quality of the new range is easy to see and features on-trend flavours to appeal to younger shoppers and ‘glow up’ the category.”

 

Operators can maximise the Signature Fruit Danish Selection’s revenue opportunity by pairing these Danish pastries with drinks. In cafés and coffee shops, almost all consumers (97%) buy a drink with their Danish pastry and for over a third (36%), it’s a weekly – if not, more frequent – combination purchase[16]. Sales promotions encourage this, 88% of consumers are tempted to buy a Danish pastry with a drink if the duo is offered in a promo deal.

 

The most popular drink to pair with the new Signature Fruit Danish Selection range is a Latte, Hot Chocolate, Cappuccino, or English breakfast tea[17]. To drive incremental sales, each recipe in the new range is best paired with…

 

Apple & Cinnamon Custard Square and a Latte

For a rich and smooth pairing, a Latte is the ultimate match for the Schulstad Bakery Solutions Apple & Cinnamon Custard Square. Decadent, mildly sweet and creamy, they work together to provide the perfect pairing.

 

Rhubarb, Madagascan Vanilla Custard & Meringue Square and a Cappuccino

Opposites attract with this delicious duo. Contrasting the fruity yet sharp tartness of the rhubarb with the creamy coffee notes of the cappuccino. The new Rhubarb, Madagascan Vanilla Custard & Meringue Square served with a smooth Cappuccino offers customers a full flavour experience.

 

 

Morello Cherry & Almond Bakewell Square and a Hot Chocolate

For double indulgence, a sweet Morello Cherry & Almond Bakewell Square with Hot Chocolate is a winning combination. The flaky pastry melts in the mouth when dipped in Hot Chocolate while the rich cherry provides zesty top notes.

 

The new Signature Fruit Danish Selection is available in a mixed case of 36 pastries (12 of each) and 110 cases per pallet. For more information, visit https://www.schulstadbakerysolutions.co.uk/insights/signature-fruit-danish-selection/

[1] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[2] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[3] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[4] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[5] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[6] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[7] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[8] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[9] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[10] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[11] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[12] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[13] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[14] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[15] Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[16] Source: Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024

[17] Source: Schulstad Bakery Solutions Signature Fruit Danish consumer research, May 2024