NPD Trend Tracker: From recyclable Smarties packaging to new coffee in Europe

NPD-Trend-Tracker-From-recyclable-Smarties-packaging-to-new-coffee-in-Europe.jpg
GettyImages/peshkov (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

What’s the latest in new product development? Nestlé is rolling out recyclable paper packing for its Smarties brand worldwide, UCC Group is launching a new coffee brand into Europe, and Nestlé Cereals has announced plans to cut packaging from its core brands in the UK. Scroll through the photo gallery for more…

What’s the latest in new product development? Nestlé is rolling out recyclable paper packing for its Smarties brand worldwide, UCC Group is launching a new coffee brand into Europe, and Nestlé Cereals has announced plans to cut packaging from its core brands in the UK. Scroll through the photo gallery for more…

GettyImages/peshkov

NPD Trend Tracker: From recyclable Smarties packaging to new coffee in Europe
NPD Trend Tracker: From recyclable Smarties packaging to new coffee in Europe (peshkov/Getty Images/iStockphoto)

What’s the latest in new product development? Nestlé is rolling out recyclable paper packing for its Smarties brand worldwide, UCC Group is launching a new coffee brand into Europe, and Nestlé Cereals has announced plans to cut packaging from its core brands in the UK. Scroll through the photo gallery for more…

GettyImages/peshkov

New recyclable packaging for Nestlé Smarties
New recyclable packaging for Nestlé Smarties

Nestlé is rolling out recyclable paper packaging for its Smarties brand worldwide.

The new Smarties packaging is make from a coated paper, paper labels or carton board – all sourced sustainably.

“Developing safe and convenient paper-based solutions for Smarties has required the pioneering of new materials and testing by Nestlé packaging experts at our R&D Centre for confectionary in York, UK and the Swiss-based Institute of Packaging Sciences,” said Louise Barrett, Head of the Nestlé Confectionery Product Technology Centre in York.

“We adapted our existing manufacturing lines to allow for the careful handling that is required for paper, while also ensuring recyclability across all formats.”

For Alexander von Maillot, Global Head of Confectionery at Nestlé, the move marks one of the company’s key sustainable packaging initiatives in the confectionery category.

“It is a further step in realizing Nestlé’s ambition to make all of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025 and to reduce its use of virgin plastics by one third in the same period.”

Image source: Nestlé

Alcohol-free beer launch
Alcohol-free beer launch (Oliver Morrison)

Alcohol-free brewer Big Drop has teamed up with four leading Nordic breweries to launch a limited-edition range of 0.5% abv collaboration brews.

The range is the second in Big Drop’s ‘World Collab Series’, curated with renowned beer expert, Melissa Cole, and a showcase for demonstrating the heights that alcohol-free craft beer has reached.

"Big Drop is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of alcohol-free beers and its World Collab Series does this by only inviting leading breweries with a reputation for experimentation to participate," the company said. "The resulting beers often make eyes widen, pique curiosity and bring a smile but, most importantly, they demonstrate to new communities of craft beer fans what’s possible with alcohol-free."

Available from mid-January, the four beers (all 0.5% abv) include: a Coconut Stout, an Elderflower IPA, a Juniper Rye IPA and a vegan-friendly Peach Melba Pastry Sour.

Image supplied by Big Drop

UCC Coffee Europe launches new coffee brand
UCC Coffee Europe launches new coffee brand

UCC Coffee Europe, which is backed by UCC Group (Japan), is launching a new coffee brand: Ueshima Coffee Company.

The launch range includes beans roast and ground coffee, Nespresso-compatible aluminium capsules and coffee bags in three blends: Tokyo Roast, House Blend and Fuji Mountain.

The line has been described by UCC Coffee Group as ‘characteristically smooth’, ‘bold in flavour’ and ‘low in acidity’.

“The Ueshima launch is a key move for UCC. We have capitalised on the rich experience of our Japanese coffee business to develop the brand; which having been honing its craft and expertise for over eight decades, has unrivalled heritage in Asian coffee,” said UCC Coffee Europe CEO, Paul Molyneux.

Image source: UCC Coffee Group

Nestlé Cereals repackages core brands
Nestlé Cereals repackages core brands

Nestlé Cereals has announced plans to cut the amount of packaging used across its core brands in the UK: Cheerios, Shreddies, Shredded Wheat, Shredded Wheat Bitesize, and Honey Nut Shredded Wheat.

The cereals will use between 13% and 15% less packaging than before.

The new packages will save an estimated 618 tonnes of plastic and cardboard packaging every year, which Nestlé Cereals said will mean using fewer lorries to transport products to store. This in itself is expected to save an estimated total of 115,000 road miles – resulting in a reduction of 180 tonnes of CO₂ per year.

“Our goal has been to create the ‘perfect box’ and I’m extremely proud we have achieved this huge milestone in our journey to reduce our impact on the planet,” said Gharry Eccles, Vice President UK & Oceania, Cereal Partners Worldwide (Nestlé and General Mills).

“This is all part of our mission to both reduce and improve our packaging and will complement our commitment to making 100% of our breakfast cereals’ packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025, which we are already well on our way to achieving.”

Eccles continued: “While the dimensions of our packs might have changed slightly, consumers can continue to enjoy the same breakfast cereals they know and love, while knowing excess packaging has been removed too.”

The new packs are available in Asda and Morrisons, before rolling out into Sainsbury’s in March and Tesco in April.

Image source: Nestlé Cereals

Italian hot sauce
Italian hot sauce

Firelli has launched its exciting all-natural Italian hot sauce from Parma, Italy. Launching in the UK on Amazon, Firelli will be rolling out globally later this month and is part of the Biggar & Leith portfolio of fine food and drink brands, which includes Hotel Starlino Vermouths, Aperitivos and cherries and Stambecco Amaro from Italy.

Firelli is an artisan hot sauce, hand-crafted from natural ingredients in Parma, including Calabrian Chilli Peppers, Roasted Red Peppers, Porcini Mushrooms, Balsamic Vinegar and a touch of Italian Sea Salt.

Luca Zucatto, Firelli Producer based in Parma, said “Firelli stands out from the crowd of other hot sauces that are too spicy or too vinegary and fills a gap in the market for an all-natural Italian hot sauce. We decided to launch Firelli because the chilli sauce and the pizza occasion are both growing globally and becoming more premium. There is also an increased demand for all-natural products and exportable Italian cuisine.”

Firelli Hot Sauce is beautifully packaged in an iconic cone-shaped glass bottle, with a stunning blue cap and is designed to replicate a vintage Italian fire extinguisher. The bottle design includes the icon “Ash" - symbolising a character with a hot head.

All natural Firelli Hot Sauce is low calorie, gluten free and vegan with no added sugar. Firelli is also low in sodium (40mg per 5ml) and free from cholesterol, fat and GMOs. Firelli is suitable for any diet including Keto, Paleo, low and no carbs.

Image supplied by Firelli

Vegan schnitzels introduced
Vegan schnitzels introduced

Iglo is expanding the Green Cuisine range in Germany with a new vegan consumer favorite: vegan "Chicken" schnitzel from the freezer. According to Iglo, the vegan "Chicken" Schnitzel is a particularly convenient solution for quick, meat-free enjoyment. 

"The newcomers from the frozen food chest convince with plant-based protein from wheat. The typical Iglo breading ensures a meatless taste experience without compromises and additives - unmistakably crispy and tasty."

Image supplied by Iglo