US brand Loma Linda debuts in the UK with a range of products including a seafood-free tuna alternative ('Tuno'); the importance of on-the-go and convenience trends is evident in Euryza's new range of rice cups in Germany; while the 'craft' craze continues to sweep France with the introduction of buckwheat biscuits. Here is FoodNavigator's weekly round-up of some of the most interesting product launches to hit Europe.
US brand Loma Linda debuts in the UK with a range of products including a seafood-free tuna alternative ('Tuno'); the importance of on-the-go and convenience trends is evident in Euryza's new range of rice cups in Germany; while the 'craft' craze continues to sweep France with the introduction of buckwheat biscuits. Here is FoodNavigator's weekly round-up of some of the most interesting product launches to hit Europe. ©iStock
Loma Linda, the vegan brand owned by US-based Atlantic Natural Foods (ANF), is preparing to launch in the UK.
All About Healthy Foods Holdings (AAHF), the principle owner of ANF, revealed it has entered an agreement with Liverpool-based Worldwide Food Associates to introduce, market and distribute the Loma Linda brand of shelf stable meal solutions, including the newly launched ‘TUNO’ plant-based tuna alternative, in the country.
According to AAHF, the product is the first plant-based seafood available in the UK. Over the past 12 months, AAHF has prepared flavor profiles tailored to British palate preferences, the group added.
“In Worldwide Food Associates we have found a true partner who shares our commitment to producing and distributing high-quality, sustainable, and tasty foods that are good for you and our planet,” said Chris Solly, EVP of sales and marketing at ANF.
WFA managing director Eric Woods added: “We’re thrilled to utilize our relationships and experience to bring shelf stable, plant-based foods to the UK consumer. Loma Linda® products are healthy, easy to carry, prepare in two minutes, and taste great, too.”
The companies anticipate products hitting the shelves in January.
“As we continue our journey in food development, we are pleased with the enthusiastic consumer reception of our ready-to-eat meals, and we’re exceptionally bullish on our newest creation, TUNO,” said AAHF chairman Douglas Hines.
“Tuna to TUNO is a culmination of years of development. Going forward, we will continue to innovate and create long-term, sustainable protein sources and resources to support growing populations around the world.”
UK Pukka Pies is expanding its range of pies this Autumn, with the addition of three new varieties.
The company is revamping its steak and ale pie with a new recipe that includes “high quality, prime cuts of beef steak” with St Peter’s Bitter.
Pukka is also extending its meat-free offering with the launch of a veggie, leek and potato pie, which is approved by the Vegetarian Society.
Additionally, Pukka is launching a range of frozen sharing pies in three varieties: steak, mined beef & vegetable and chicken & vegetable.
German food maker Euryza is launching a new brand: Reis-Fit.
The Reis-Fit product line consists of a range of convenient rice cup products. The company said the microwaveable cups are ready to eat in just 90 seconds.
The range consists of four internationally inspired flavours, including Mexican rice with paprika & corn, Indian rice with curry and lentils and Tuscan rice with herbs & tomatoes. The line also includes one ‘superfood’ option: Crete quinoa with tomatoes and olives.
Announcing the launch, Euryza said the range is “fast food that lasts longer”.
Euryza is targeting nationwide distribution through supermarket and hypermarket retail channels. Reis-Fit cups have a recommended retail price of €1.49.
Breton-based baker Mademoiselle Breizh has developed two new craft sweet treat recipes using buckwheat, a naturally gluten-free ingredient.
The company has developed a shortbread recipe containing simple ingredients: buckwheat flour, sugar, salted butter and baking powder.
Likewise, its cookies contain buckwheat flour, sugar, salted butter, eggs, chocolate chips and eggs.
The new items are available through Printemps du Goût and online at: www.mademoiselle-breizh.fr
UK seafood brand Young’s is expanding its Gastro range with the launch of a fish pie topped with pastry.
The company said the “restaurant quality” pie offers consumers a wider choice of “indulgent mid-week meals” that tap into gastro pub trends.
The 375g pie contains chunks of fish in a mature cheddar, smoked fish and chive sauce with florets of broccoli. It is topped with puff pastry. .
Marketing director at Young’s, Yvonne Adam, said: “The frozen fish ready meals category is worth £44m, and our Gastro Pastry Topped Fish Pie is a truly indulgent addition that gives consumers more choice and taps into the trend towards premiumisation’’.
The Gastro Pastry Topped Fish Pie has an MRSP of £2.20 and is available from Morrisons now.
The new launch comes shortly after Young’s introduced premium quality to the fish ready meals category with Simply Steam; a range of low fat, high protein meals.
Birds Eye is launching a range of takeaway-style frozen chicken products targeted at in-home sharing occasions.
The brand, owned by Nomad Foods, is rolling out the Chicken Shop range next month (November). The line includes four varieties: buttermilk strips, hot & fiery chunks, maple & BBQ wings and southern fried wings, all with a recommended price of £4.
Markos Papavlasopoulos, senior brand manager, commented: “We’re seeing an increasing trend towards the informal eating occasion – ‘movie nights in with friends and family’ is a prime example. These occasions lend themselves to foods that are great for sharing, easy to prepare and you can eat quite happily with your hands.
“We see a great opportunity with the launch of our new Birds Eye Chicken Shop range, which will be hitting shelves from early November. The succulent chicken pieces are combined with seriously delicious coatings and marinades, delivering the same great taste and experience of a takeaway.”
The launch will be supported with a £3.5m promotional spend, spanning TV advertising, digital, social, point-of-sale activity.
