Vegan pepperoni to plant-based pizza: New product launches
Plant-based peperoni hits store shelves
Verdino Green Foods UK has unveiled a new plant-based chilled range hitting Asda stores this month with the launch of two new SKUs, plant-based pepperoni and plant-based salami.
Developed to be reminiscent of an authentic slice of meat, both slices are made with pea protein and spiced and smoked to provide a similar taste and texture to their meat counterparts.
As well as being free from meat and dairy, the Verdino chilled range is GMO-free, lactose-free, soy-free and vegan certified.
Ian Bailey, Verdino Green Foods UK country manager UK & Ireland, commented: “Following the successful launch of our frozen range, we’re pleased to be able to extend the Verdino range into chilled and expand the availability with this retail listing.
“We have dedicated a lot of time in perfecting both the pepperoni and salami slices to offer truly authentic vegan sliced ‘meat’ and are delighted to be in a position to introduce these to UK consumers.”
New flavours in Squeaky Bean slices range
Plant-based food firm Squeaky Bean has launched three new flavours into its range of sandwich slices.
Vegan Roast Chicken, Honey Roast Ham and Applewood Smoked Ham Style Slices are now available in Sainsbury’s stores across the country.
Squeaky Bean hoped to capitalise on the gap present in the vegan ready-to-eat market for pre-sliced meat style products – a 1% share compared with the 5% enjoyed by the more established burger and sausage categories.
Sarah Augustine, Squeaky Bean Brand Manager, said: “We have only just scratched the surface of what’s possible for vegan Squeaky Bean options at lunch and we’re very excited about this launch and pumped to give everyone another tasty, easy switch.
“This will be an area of real innovation as the sector growth accelerates and Squeaky Bean will continue to be at the forefront with a game changing product pipeline.”
‘UK’s First’ vegan Hawaiian pizza
Plant-based pizza maker One Planet Pizza has partnered with meat alternatives brand This to launch the UK’s ‘first’ vegan Hawaiian pizza to be stocked in retail.
The Hawaiian pizza – topped with This Bacon Lardons – is the first in a new range of Thin and Crispy pizzas now available via Whole Foods, The Vegan Kind and wholesalers.
Other flavours included Spicy Peppernomi, Roasted Mediterranean Vegetable, Three Cheeze Margherita and Gluten-free Three Cheeze Margherita.
Each pizza featured ‘realistic’ melting vegan cheese on top of a thin-crust base infused with extra virgin olive oil and stone baked.
One Plant Pizza co-founder Joe Hill said: “We know that leaving meat and dairy free off your plate is probably the single biggest way to reduce your environmental impact, and we want to show how epic food made in this way can be – all through the power of our Thin and Crispy range.”
World flavours inspired new Ginsters launch
Savoury pastry brand Ginsters has taken inspiration from world flavours for its latest launch of ready-to-eat slices.
The Ginsters Bakes range draws from US and North African Cuisine and are made with 100% British farmed meat. The bakes can also be consumed hot or cold.
Four flavours launch this new range – Cajun Spiced Chicken Bake, Philly Cheese Steak Bake, Mac & Cheese Bake and Harissa Spiced Chicken Bake.
Mitchell, Ginsters managing director, said: “Following a raft of successful NPD, including our Ginsters Smoky Steak and Guinness Slice and new plant-based products, the new Ginsters Bakes Range, taps into yet another growing occasion to broaden appeal with younger, pre-family consumers and provide a pick-me up.
“Perfectly portioned as a light-bite between mealtimes – whenever that might be – Ginsters Bakes provide more opportunity for retailers to reach shoppers across the day.”
Fox’s Biscuits unveils festive selection
Fox’s Biscuits has revealed two new festive biscuit assortments aimed at consumers looking for a ‘premium’ treat option this Christmas.
The Chocolatey Winter Desserts Assortment includes Millionaire’s Shortbread, Chocolate Brownie, White Chocolate & Raspberry Cheesecake and Sticky Toffee Pudding flavours.
It builds off the popularity of Fox’s Chocolatey Tin Assortment, which was a bestseller in Christmas 2020.
Meanwhile, The Snowman Biscuit Selection is inspired by the artwork from Raymond Briggs’ children’s picture book, The Snowman. The selection includes Crunch Creams, Fabulous Triple Chocolate Cookies and a Chocolately Fudge Sundae in a specially designed foil wrapper bearing illustrations of The Snowman.
Senior Brand Manager Bronwen Arthur said: “This Christmas presents a huge opportunity for retailers to drive growth in premium biscuit sales with delicious and innovative biscuit assortments for everyone to enjoy.
“With 64% of consumers telling us that they specifically associate Fox’s Biscuits with Christmas3 and demand for high quality treats rising, we are confident that the coming festive season will be a real treat for our brand and our retail partners.”
