Unilever is switching out 93% of its plastic from Carte D’Or ice cream tubs in the UK and replacing it with responsibly sourced paper. In Israel, Capsoil FoodTech has developed technology that enables coffee brands to fortify their pods, and Italian chocolate maker Venchi is preparing for Easter. Scroll through the photo gallery for the latest new product development across Europe.
GettyImages/Agustin Vai
Unilever is switching out 93% of its plastic from Carte D’Or ice cream tubs in the UK and replacing it with responsibly sourced paper. In Israel, Capsoil FoodTech has developed technology that enables coffee brands to fortify their pods, and Italian chocolate maker Venchi is preparing for Easter. Scroll through the photo gallery for the latest new product development across Europe.
GettyImages/Agustin Vai
Pladis has changed the recipe of its Go Ahead Fruit & Oat Bakes.
The non-HFSS range reformulation has reduced its saturated fat content, which means it is now classed as ‘low in saturated fat’. Sugar content has also been reduced. A source of fibre, the bar comes in at 128 kcal.
“Healthier biscuits are perfectly placed for grab-and-go snacking – and Go Ahead is already one of the top 5 brands in healthier snacking,” said Fran Hiebert, Senior Brand Manager, Go Ahead, pladis UK&I.
“Taking all of this into account, we’ve spotted an opportunity to drive share and help our retail customers unlock incremental sales by updating some of our popular recipes and adding even more of the health benefits we know consumers are looking out for.”
The brand manager continued: “By rejuvenating this popular product, we’ll re-establish brand relevance within our established shopper base, all whilst recruiting a new generation of health-conscious consumers, which will continue to promote category growth.”
Go Ahead non-HFSS Fruit & Oat Bakes have an RRP of £1.59.
Image source: pladis
Bottle Up’s reusable pre-filled bottled waters have secured a listing via WHSmith, to be stocked in 35 European international airports this spring.
The bottle maker uses 97% bio-based materials and 3% natural colouring. They are made from sugar cane, meaning they require less water and energy to produce than single-use bottles. Bottle Up says its products are ‘carbon negative’, recyclable, BPA free and reusable.
“Our reusable bottles are a great alternative to single-use bottles and cans, and we can’t wait to offer international travellers the chance to choose a more sustainable option on the go and one they can refill time and time again,” said Andrew Eversden from Bottle Up.
Bottle Up has an RRP of £2.00.
Image source: Bottle Up
In Israel, Capsoil FoodTech is developing lipid-based functional inclusions for coffee pods.
Owned by Prodalim, the start-up is using coffee pods as a ‘unique delivery system’ to infuse coffee with multiple ingredients adding wellness benefits.
While oil and nature do not mix by nature, Capsoil claims to have ‘cracked the code’ to incorporate oil-based nutrients into coffee pods.
This ‘opens the doors’ to coffee fortified with oil-soluble ingredients, such as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), CBD, vitamins A, D, E, and K, and others.
“Coffee is a functional drink by definition. This is why it is the perfect vehicle for added functional ingredients,” said Itay Shafat, scientific director for Capsoil FoodTech.
“You get up in the morning and your first act is to drink a cup of coffee to perk you up and help you focus on your daily routine. Consumers already link coffee with functionality.”
Capsoil’s technology can convert any oil or oil-soluble ingredient into a water-soluble powder that can be incorporated into a hot beverage. The start-up says it demonstrates high stability, even in hot temperatures.
“Capsoil powders tick all the right boxes for today’s competitive coffee producers seeking a cutting-edge differentiation in the marketplace.”
Image source: Capsoil FoodTech
In the UK, Unilever is switching out the tubs and lids used for its range of Carte D’Or ice cream for responsibly sourced, recycled paper.
Compared to its previous Carte D’Or packaging, the move will see the brand use 93% less plastic per pack. That makes for an annual saving of more than 900 tons of virgin plastic in the UK.
The paper is certified by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). Both the tub and lid can be put into the normal household paper recycling stream.
Not all the plastic has been replaced by paper. According to Uilever, some plastic is still required to ensure its ice cream stays fresh and so its packs remain ‘durable’ and sturdy’.
“For over 40 years, Carte D’Or has been committed to crafting delicious desserts made with some of the finest quality ingredients, which we strive to source in a sustainable way,” said Horacio Cal, Ice Cream Marketing Director for Unilever in the UK and Ireland.
“Now we’re proud to have made this move to paper tubs, helping shoppers to reduce their plastic packaging footprint at home.”
The plastic seal is non-recyclable, but Unilever said it has a ‘team of experts’ working on the transition to a ‘fully recyclable solution’.
Image source: Unilever
Oumph! is partnering with UK restaurant chain Chiquito to make a Chiquito Vegan Burrito Bowl for customers of Iceland and Food Warehouse.
The product is made from Oumph!’s ‘salty’ and ‘smoky’ soya chunks, alongside a tortilla, vegetable basmati rice, bean chilli sauce, and is topped with salsa, jalapenos, and crushed tortilla chips.
“This dish is perfect for those trying to cut down on meat who don’t want to miss out on feasts with friends and delicious dinners, we are really proud of this new dish, and look forward to bringing restaurant quality plant-based Mexican food to the high street,” said Anders ‘Ankan’ Linden, co-founder, corporate chef and head of innovation at Oumph! – one of LIVEKINDLY Collective’s brands.
A 450g Chiquito Vegan Burrito Bowl retails at £4.
Image source: LIVEKINDLY Collective
Mr Lee is rolling out a new range of products: Mr Lee’s Ramen.
Comprised of three flavours – Krazy about Katsu, Kicking Korean Beef, and Golden Veggie Curry – the line is made with ‘authentic’ Asian-style flavours, as well as ‘all natural’ ingredients.
It is low in sugar and saturated fats and contains ‘no nasties’.
“Ramen is a staple in Asian cuisine, it’s been a popular street food in Japan since the 1950s and such an important addition to the Mr Lee’s Range,” said Andy Chu, executive chef and Mr Lee’s Pure Foods.
“[Mr Lee founder] Damien Lee and I worked on these ramen recipes together making sure we have that all important authentic heritage while still being a quick and healthy way to eat a snack or meal that packs a punch flavour-wise.”
The new line comes in at under 276 kcal per cut and is available direct-to-consumer for £12 per box. The range is also coming soon on Amazon.
Image source: Mr Lee
