Food and drink industry bulletins: round-up
Nestlé reformulates recipes and noodles range
Nestlé has reformulated its Maggi noodle range and recipe mixes.Maggi Fusian and the Maggi 3 Minute noodle block range now contain 25% less salt compared with the market average.
About 760kg of salt and 5t of saturated fat have been removed as a result. Daniel Wheeler, Maggi marketing manager at Nestlé UK and Ireland said: “Maggi is making it that little bit easier for families to understand exactly what goes into the food they are preparing for their loved ones and be confident they are making a good choice.”
Frozen retail sales break £6bn
Retail sales of frozen food grew to £6.2bn in the 52 weeks to 9 September 2018, breaking through previous ‘record sales’. The latest statistics from Kantar Worldpanel found sales grew 4.8% year-on-year, up from £6bn reported in October last year.
The summer heatwave provided a boost for the market, supported by consumers spending £74m more on ice cream – an increase of 13.2% year-on-year.
John Hyman, chief executive of the British Frozen Food Federation, said: “What we’re seeing is testament to the fact that frozen food ... is ideally placed to tap into the trends underpinning consumer eating habits during the warm seasons.”
Fox’s expands Party range
Fox’s Biscuits has launched a new range of milkshake-inspired biscuits under its Party brand. The new Party Milkshakes biscuits come in strawberry and banana flavours to counter-balance a category “dominated by chocolate flavoured biscuits”, according to the company.
Fox’s Biscuits brand manager Depa Patel said: “Fox’s Party Milkshakes will look to meet demand for healthier snacks, under 100 calories. The popular milkshake flavours will aim to appeal to a wider audience.”
Chefs’ Choice returns for 2019
The Chefs’ Choice Awards return in 2019 to celebrate and reward high-quality products and innovation in the foodservice sector.
The deadline for entries has now been extended. Companies that create and supply frozen, fresh, chilled or ambient products to foodservice are invited to enter any number of ready-to-use products into 26 different categories by 26 November. New categories for 2019 include vegan/plant-based and chocolate.
Event director Sonia Young said: “Winning one of these awards is proven to re-energise sales of existing products and deliver enhanced market visibility to new lines.”
Handtmann makes senior hire
Food manufacturing equipment supplier Handtmann has appointed Anthony Daniels as managing director.
Daniels joined the firm in 1997 and, has served as sales manager for the UK and Ireland for the past two years. He replaces Martyn Garrod, who has held the position of managing director since 2005.
Commenting on the appointment, Garrod said: “This change represents a new phase in the history of Handtmann, and I wish Anthony every success in his new position.”
