In this week's NPD trend tracker we hear about an ethical Dutch chocolate brand's move into France to the launch of a plant-based meat range into Sainsbury’s stores in the UK.
Image: Getty/ra2studio
In this week's NPD trend tracker we hear about an ethical Dutch chocolate brand's move into France to the launch of a plant-based meat range into Sainsbury’s stores in the UK.
Image: Getty/ra2studio
UK independent drinks company Kingsland Drinks has launched a range of gin and vodka pre-mixed cocktails.
The four-can range, Mix Up, boasts premium flavour for an affordable price. The collection includes a classic gin and tonic, as well as a diet tonic offering, a strawberry infused ‘pink’ gin and tonic and a refreshing vodka, lemonade, and lime.
Mix Up is a spirit mix in a can aimed at shoppers looking for a value on-the-go drinks experience – that does not skimp on quality.
This year the pre-mix category has grown by more than two million shopper occasions and is currently the second largest alcohol occasion after single spirits.
Nathan McGivern, Marketing Manager for Mix Up, Kingsland Drinks said: “With consumers increasingly shopping to ‘stock up’ their cupboards we have seen the pre-mix cocktail category grow due to the demand for multi-buys.
“Much like shopping for beer; pre-mix consumers are looking for the convenience of having their go-to spirit combination in the fridge for when they fancy one.”
He added: “Mix Up has been developed to tap into informal drinking occasions where convenient, lower calorie options are in strong demand.
“We know consumers are looking for value. This range is an attractive entry-level, branded option, that looks and tastes premium, aimed at winning shoppers who are looking to have fun with their favourite drinks at an affordable price point.”
The drinks are currently available in 250ml cans, in Co-Op, Nisa and Costcutter stores, RRP £1 per can.
Image: supplied by Kingsland Drinks
UK snack bar brand KIND has rolled a new Christmas-season inspired limited-edition variant in Sainsbury’s, Ocado and WH Smiths (RRP:£1.50).
The new flavour is a blend of sweet apples, almonds, cashews, pecans and cinnamon spice.
As with the rest of the range, it is made using whole and natural ingredients and is gluten-free.
John McManus, UK Marketing Director said: “We’re really excited to be launching our first Limited Edition bar, which has been designed to satisfy those seasonal cravings with the carefully crafted combination of flavours, fruits and spices. We pride ourselves in creating snacks that are healthy, minimally processed and taste great. This new series will give us a platform to keep coming up with new and exciting flavours. As part of our marketing campaign ‘get cosy with KIND’ we are encouraging consumers to enjoy their favourite seasonal flavours, in a healthier way.”
Image: supplied by KIND
Meat alternative brand THIS has launched into 544 Sainsbury’s stores. Sainsbury’s will stock the company’s bestseller, THIS Isn't Bacon (RRP £3), which has already sold 4.5million portions in the past year, plus THIS Isn't Chicken Salt & Pepper pieces, (RRP £3.85).
Andy Shovel, Co-Founder of THIS, said: "It’s an absolutely massive milestone for THIS™ to be launching into Sainsbury’s and it forms a significant part of our growth plans. We’re grateful that we can add something new and exciting to the supermarket’s plant-based offering with our bacon and chicken alternatives, which mimic meat in taste, texture, appearance and high protein content. Hopefully, we can onboard even more meat-lovers who haven’t yet been won over by plant-based food.”
The news comes as the realistic plant-based meat company continues to cross boundaries. THIS recently became the first vegan meat to feature on a UK Michelin star restaurant menu, The Harwood Arms, and attracted investment from international footballer, Chris Smalling, when the brand raised £4m in a crowd-funded Seedrs campaign.
To accelerate growth, THIS also plans to invest £1m into a plant-based innovation centre.
Image source: THIS
Launching in seven UK airports, Hotel Chocolat is introducing a collection of luxury chocolates in premium reusable tins embossed with the outline of Saint Lucia, the Caribbean island home to their cocoa farm.
Hotel Chocolat prides itself on authentic, original, and ethical products.
Director of Global Wholesale, Melissa Shackleton said: “Launching this exclusive travel retail range for the first time is hugely exciting for Hotel Chocolat, opening up a world of possibilities. Our premium brand offers affordable, beautifully designed luxury and the robust packaging makes them perfect for travel. Our success in train station locations has shown a strong appetite for impulse purchased ‘ready to gift’ chocolates
whilst consumers are on the move.”
Image source: Hotel Chocolat
Agriton UK has launched a fermented probiotic drink called EM Drink which it says provides health conscious individuals with a hydrating, tasty, and easy to consume option that supports natural immune resistance and helps balance digestive bacteria.
EM Drink contains a mixture of naturally occurring organisms including lactic acid bacteria and yeasts. In addition, it also includes multiple nutrients such as vitamin C, zinc, potassium, malic acid, and citric acid which support healthy digestion.
The inclusion of Aronia berries supports the taste of the drink, as well as providing a high content of antioxidants.
Linda Weller, Agriton UK Home and Garden sales manager, said. “The presence of effective microorganisms and the fermentation process that this culture facilitates, creates a product that is rich in substances with antioxidant properties. This can help to positively influence and regenerate microbial environments such as the gut, and even help improve the elasticity of blood vessels and lower cholesterol.
“The health benefits of EM Drink really are noticeable, and Beccy is just one of the many people finding this out for themselves.”
Image source: Agriton UK
Dutch ethical chocolate brand Tony’s Chocolonely has launched in France.
The company was founded in 2005 by three journalists. The brand has since established long-term direct relationships with cocoa farmers in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, by paying a higher price for their beans and working together to resolve the underlying causes of modern slavery. In addition, 1% of Tony’s Chocolonely revenue is donated to the Chocolonely Foundation which supports projects to eradicate modern slavery.
The certified B Corp brand, which has become the best-selling chocolate brand in the Netherlands, has launched its 180g tablets and 50g bars in 750 Monoprix and Franprix supermarkets in France.
Tony’s Chocolonely is available in worldwide and has offices in the Netherlands, the United States, the United Kingdom and the DACH region.
Image source: Tony's Chocolonely
