The latest round-up of innovation from around Europe spotlights a new line of 'fresh frozen' pasta in what the manufacturer claims is a UK first and details Mars' efforts to develop recyclable packaging in France with the launch of its new M&M's 'mono-material' pouch.
Pic: GettyImages-BrianAJackson
The latest round-up of innovation from around Europe spotlights a new line of 'fresh frozen' pasta in what the manufacturer claims is a UK first and details Mars' efforts to develop recyclable packaging in France with the launch of its new M&M's 'mono-material' pouch.
Pic: GettyImages-BrianAJackson
Mars Wrigley France is launching a new M&M's pouch that is recyclable in France as part of its commitment to ensure 100% of its plastic packaging will be reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.
The experimental pouch aims to reduce the complexity of the packaging layers required for its production, while guaranteeing the same quality and food safety standards for grilled products.
The new M&M’s Choco mono-material pouch is made of polyethylene instead of the multilayer polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) packaging.
M&M's in the experimental pouch are available for a recommended price of €2.89 at Carrefour stores.
This pilot project is part of Mars Wrigley's European research program to identify alternative solutions to complex plastics. After testing, Mars Wrigley will determine the most viable options to sustain in its various markets.
According to the company, the M&M’s Choco mono-material pouch is the 'first eco-design pilot project' to be launched in Europe.
“Our priority is to develop circular packaging which respects the environment. This is why we are exploring several eco-design solutions with the aim of improving the recyclability of our packaging, while at the same time contributing to the development of new recycling channels,” explained Feliks Bezati, Global Sustainable Packaging Senior Manager, Mars Incorporated.
Image source: Mars Wrigley
The UK's 'first' fresh frozen pasta will roll out in the new year under the Beroni brand of 'restaurant quality pasta'.
Beroni pasta dough is prepared using durum wheat semolina and water. It contains no preservatives or additives. It is also suitable for vegans. The dough is shaped into penne, fusilli or macaroni formats before being cooked 'al dente' and immediately frozen.
Beroni pasta can be cooked at home in boiling water in 30 seconds; microwaved for 2 minutes and 30 seconds or pan or wok-fried in 3 minutes. It is produced in recyclable 1kg bags with an estimated RRP of under £3 per pack.
Beroni is already in 'advanced discussions' with retail multiples about listings, with decisions anticipated before the end of the year.
Ebrofrost has supplied fresh frozen pasta to restaurants around the world since 1998. Beroni is a three-way joint venture between Ebrofrost FMCG and retail specialist Bridgethorne, which will handle commercial and marketing activity, and Food Team International, which will handle retail distribution and logistics.
Image source: Beroni
Sports nutrition brand brand MyProtein is launching 'healthy' high-protein chips and wafers.
The company said the chips deliver a 'crunchy, well-seasoned taste' and, at 120 calories per bag, are available in two flavours: salt & vinegar and barbeque.
The wafers are made from a blend of milk and whey protein isolate, contain 15g of protein and 5g of sugar. They will be available in two flavours: chocolate and vanilla.
"Getting the right amount of protein is vital to improving health and meeting fitness goals and both products have high protein content in order to keep you fuller for longer. Available in easy grab and go packets these revolutionary items are perfect for consumers to enjoy their favourite snacks as low-calorie alternatives."
Image source: My Protein
Dutch chocolate maker Tony's Chocolonely wants to help French consumers celebrate Christmas with its slavery free chocolate products.
The B Corp and Fair Trade certified social impact company wants to 'end the exploitation of cocoa farmers' by making chocolate products based on 'fair sourcing principles'.
The company's 180g bars are now available in Monoprix and Franprix throughout France for an RRP of € 3.79.
Image source: Tony's Chocolonely
UK food retailer Eat 17 has launched its own chocolate range handmade in one of its stores and a percentage of profits will be donated to anti-slavery and Fairtrade charities.
The chocolate is made in front of customers in the Bishops Stortford store by resident chocolatier Jade Alterman.
The bars are thicker than average chocolate bars and are packed with flavour including Plain White, Plain Milk, Plain Dark, Neapolitan White, Lotus White, Dark Hazelnut Caramel, Salted Caramel Milk, Milk Honeycomb and Milk Banoffee.
Eat 17 have also partnered with Jackpot Peanut Butter to create a Milk Peanut Butter Chocolate Bar.
The Milk Honeycomb and Lotus White chocolate are already available for customers to buy in Eat 17 stores in Bishops Stortford, Hammersmith, Hackney and Walthamstow.
They come in two sizes. The small bar, weighing 45g retails at £2 with the larger, approximately 132g bars retailing from £4.
There are plans to wholesale the product and offer to independent retailers across the UK.
Co-founder of Eat 17, James Brundle said: “We’re delighted to launch our first range of chocolate. We wanted to create a bar full of flavour and by creating a larger bar, we’re able to pack it with all the flavour it deserves."
“As retailers we are always striving to plug gaps in the market and we wanted to create something nobody else was doing. Being able to make it in front of customers is an added bonus and one they’re loving."
The 'long-term' goal is to launch the chocolate as a wholesale range and offer to independent retailers across the UK, the founder added.
“Our goal is to sell amazing chocolate at a reasonable price and offer customers something different – the same principles we carry in the rest of our business.”
Image source: Eat 17
Fermented foods producer, Eaten Alive, is expanding its presence in foodservice channels having secured a listing with restaurant chain Gail's.
Eaten Alive worked with Gail’s to create a custom-made spiced sauerkraut to accompany sandwiches the ‘Reuben’ and the ‘Cheese and Leek’, both of which feature Eaten Alive Classic Kimchi, pickles and a proprietary raw hot sauce.
Pat Bingley, Eaten Alive Managing Director, commented: “We’re delighted to be working with Gail’s to bring a burst of fermented flavour to their menu. Adding fermented ingredients to dishes brings layers of complexity and umami that really make the finished dishes zing - we hope their customers enjoy the new addition.”
Image source: Eaten Alive
