BBQ to drinks: the NPD trends as food firms prep for summer

By Gwen Ridler

- Last updated on GMT

Summer is coming and food and drink manufacturers are getting prepared
Summer is coming and food and drink manufacturers are getting prepared

Related tags Npd

From BBQ meat to cold drinks, food and drink firms are preparing for the hot summer months with a wide range of new product development, captured here in this round-up of recent launches.
Wild and Game

Wild and Game reveals BBQ packs

Game specialist Wild and Game has launched a new, expanded BBQ offering. The new range includes garlic and herb pheasant breasts, chilli and lemon partridge breasts, steaks, burgers and sausages.

Wild and Game has created two BBQ variety packs – a large pack priced at £69.99 and a small pack priced £35. All items are being delivered frozen direct to the consumer.

Co-founder Steven Frampton said: “Wild and Game is all about creating new ways to enjoy these lean, healthy meats which have low food miles and are in plentiful supply in the UK.

“Game meat works beautifully on the barbeque and brings a bit of variety to your summer meals. I’m delighted to say more people are embracing game and these new products really showcase British wild game at its best.”

 

Nescafé capitalises on summer with new coffee range

Nescafé Gold Iced range

Nescafé is hoping to capitalise on the hotter weather with the launch of a new range of iced coffees under the Nescafé Gold brand.

Available in two flavours – Iced Cappuccino and Iced Latte Salted Caramel – the range comes in pre-portioned sachets and can be made using cold water and ice.

The drinks have been positioned as a low calorie option, boasting just 54kcal and 57kcal for the iced latte and iced cappuccino respectively.

Laura Branch-Parker, senior brand manager for Nescafé Gold Frothy Coffee at Nestlé UK and Ireland, ​said: “We have seen a huge growth in the popularity of iced coffee in cafés and coffee shops as people look for a delicious, refreshing iced frothy coffee on the go.

“With our new launch, coffee fans can now enjoy a mouth-wateringly delicious, coffee-shop style iced coffee at home. No matter where you are, it’s easy to take some time out and savour the aroma and refreshing taste of your favourite iced coffee.”

 

plant bacon

Richmond extends meat-free range

Pork processor Richmond has extended its meat-free range with the launch of Meat-Free Smoked Bacon Rashers.

Available in a pack of eight rashers, this plant-based alternative to the breakfast staple has been positioned to capitalise on a gap in the market for similar meat replacement products.

Victoria Southern, category and marketing director at Richmond parent Kerry Foods, said: “Bacon is a British family favourite, beloved at breakfast time – so we wanted to create something that mimics its meat counterpart and, most importantly, tastes amazing, giving shoppers a meat-free alternative they can rely on.

“This launch is an exciting milestone for us as we continue to develop meat-free products that directly cater to the demands of families and support retailers in expanding their ranges in store.”

 

British summer inspires cheese launches

Ilchester-ProseccoWheeler-MarketingBG2-LR

Blended and snacking cheese supplier Ilchester has launched four new products to celebrate the summer.

In honour of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, Ilchester has launched a Wensleydale cheese with Prosecco, Strawberry and White Chocolate. Available in 90g wheelers, the cheese will launch in Co-op stores across Central London.

The cheese maker is also partnering with retailer Waitrose to launch a seasonal Wensleydale Cheese with Apricot, Orange and Honey.

Ilchester is also offering a taste of the Mediterranean with its Italian-inspired Truffle Cheddar and Mediterranean Cheddar, Both products will launch into Co-op stores in Central London in July and August respectively.

 

Sq Root

New canned format from Square Root

Soft drinks brand Square Root has launched a new 250ml canned variant of its range with a novel ‘upside down’ design on its packaging.

Through what the supplier claims is an accident in the design process, the brand’s name is printed both ways up on the can, allowing the product to be stored upside down on store shelves.

Flavours available in the range included Lemonade, Ginger Beer, Cola and Rhubarb Soda.

Commercial director Nick McKay said: “We’re seeing a rise in demand from many of our customers looking for premium drinks to-go, and our new cans are the perfect solution for them. They’re light, widely recycled and can be sold in many venues where glass bottles aren’t allowed.

“While we remain committed to bottling our drinks, we foresee cans becoming a key part of our offering this summer and beyond.”

Square Root launched the cans into 50 venues across London, including bars, cafes, convenience stores and street food traders.

 

Pladis reveals Jaffa Cake/Doughnut fusion

42180 - Jaffa Jonut Carton Front View No Nutritionals

Biscuit specialist Pladis has unveiled a fusion of its bestselling McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes with doughnuts in the form of Jaffa Jonuts.

Available in a 4x 43g box (RRP: £1.99) and individual 43g packs (RRP: £0.60), McVitie’s Jaffa Jonuts first appeared in the Tesco biscuit aisle from 16 May. The products will be rolled out to other multiple retailers, convenience stores and wholesalers from the end of June.

Emma Stowers, brand director for McVitie’s at Pladis UK&I, said: “One in three UK households already purchase McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes3 and we know this brand has scores of ‘Jaffanatics’ up and down the country who can’t wait to get their hands on our latest NPD. We hope they’re as excited as we are about this launch.”

 

plain white background with lids on

Meadow Foods plant-based yoghurt launch

Meadow Foods has introduced a plant-based yoghurt range following a £5m investment in its Chester site.

Made from a blend of British oats and rice, the yoghurts are available in four flavours – strawberry, raspberry, peach and natural – and are the result of 12 months of development by Meadow.

The products were made at Meadow Foods’ Chester site, in a segregated facility, built specifically for plant-based product creation.

Mark Chantler, chief executive of Meadow Foods, said: “We’re looking forward to extending our portfolio to accommodate the dairy alternatives and plant-based market. 

“Dairy continues to be at the core of our business and we are passionate about reflecting the quality of taste from our dairy division in our plant-based products too.”

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