In FoodNavigator's weekly round up of new product development we spotlight some of the most interesting product launches from across Europe. This week, UK staple Jacob's gets a Mexican makeover and Aldi launches its first online delivery boxes in response to the COVID-crisis.
Pic: iStock/Creditphive2015
In FoodNavigator's weekly round up of new product development we spotlight some of the most interesting product launches from across Europe. This week, UK staple Jacob's gets a Mexican makeover and Aldi launches its first online delivery boxes in response to the COVID crisis.
Pic: iStock/Creditphive2015
Snack maker Pladis unveiled new Jacob’s Mini Cheddars Mexican flavours, which will be available in the UK in late April.
The Jacob's Mini Cheddars brand is valued at £68.4m and growing at 7.6%, the company revealed. The new products are expected to accelerate growth by unlocking incremental sales and appealing to 'younger shoppers'.
Pladis is rolling out three new varieties: Lime & Chilli, Nacho Cheese & Jalapeno and Chipotle Chicken Wings.
“Our core range of Jacob’s Mini Cheddars includes Original, Red Leicester, and BBQ flavours, which remain incredibly popular with shoppers and have helped the brand reinforce its position as a store-cupboard staple for 35% of UK households,” said Christopher Owen, Marketing Controller at pladis UK&I. “And to help us to broaden the appeal of the brand even further – especially among younger consumers – we’ve taken it on a trip around the world, with the first stop being the USA with our American Cheese range.
“Fast forward to 2020 and we’re seeing a whole host of global cuisines making their way into British snacks and – with 41% of consumers between 16-44 actively seeking spicy foods – it felt only right for Mexico to be the next stop on Mini Cheddar’s world trip.”
“We know that chilli is an important flavour within the Crisps and Snacks category, so with this new, spicy take on Jacob’s Mini Cheddars, retailers have the opportunity to drive incremental sales by introducing the brand to new shoppers and re-engaging shoppers who may not have bought into the brand for quite some time. We’re confident that the launch of Jacob’s Mini Cheddars Mexican flavours will help the brand appeal to both a new generation of consumers, as well as existing Mini Cheddars fans seeking something a little bit different.”
The new range will be available in multipacks – containing 6 individual 25g packs – at an RRP of £1.89 across major grocery retailers – including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons – as well as Co-op, from late April.
March Wrigley is launching a new ice cream bar in France, Snickers Crisp.
The company said it is France's largest ice cream company with an 18% share in 2019. Despite a tough year for ice cream sales - with weather slowing demand - Mars Wrigley was able to grow its bar sales during the period thanks to a focus on innovation. The company's ice cream bar brands include Mars, Snickers, Twix, Bounty and M&M sticks.
To continue this 'great' momentum, Mars Wrigley France is expanding its range in 2020 with the arrival of a new bar, Snickers Crisp, developed and produced in the Alsatian factory in Steinbourg.
Everfresh Natural Foods is extending its range of loaves and cakes.
The Everfresh sprouted grains range is free from dairy, sugar and preservatives. The UK bakery leverages ‘minimal processing’ and, in conjunction with Holmach, the company has developed improved quality sprouted grain products.
This has resulted in the introduction of four new lines: banana and walnut, date and orange and vegan chocolate cake, along with some wheat-free loaves.
For the first time, Aldi UK will sell own-label food products online.
The initiative, which launched on Friday (17 April), is designed to help vulnerable people and those self-isolating due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The parcels retail at £24.99 and are limited to one per customer. Each parcel contains 22 own-label products, including chocolate, UHT milk, rice pudding, salted peanuts, tea, and biscuits. Canned goods include baked beans, plum tomatoes, and tuna chunks in brine. The parcel also contains sliced carrots and a four-pack of sweetcorn.
Fritz Walleczek, Managing Director for Corporate Responsibility at Aldi said: “We are committed to providing quick, safe and affordable access to food for all our customers and understand that, for some, visiting one of our stores is not an option at the moment.
“We’re constantly looking for new and better ways to support our customers in these uncertain times and I’m hopeful that these food parcels will make life a little easier for some of the country’s most at-risk people.”
Picture: copyright iStock/Sean Pavone
Ombar is launching its newest cacao bar - Salt & Nibs.
The new product is a 'creamy, crunchy and completely irresistible' blend of rich 64% cacao dark chocolate, fruity cacao nibs and a touch of salt, according to the company. It offers 'the perfect balance of sweet and salty', Ombar added.
Ombar Salt & Nibs is certified organic, fair trade and vegan and is free of refined sugar.
