NPD Trend Tracker: From prickly pear drinks to a Tony's Chocolonely pancake partnership

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GettyImages/Canan turan (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

This week’s trend tracker includes a variety of new beverage flavours, including a refreshing prickly pear juice and a Valentine’s gin from the Cornish coast. There’s also have an incredibly indulgent collaboration from KitKat and a chocolatey pairing for pancake day. Scroll through the photo gallery for more…

This week’s trend tracker includes a variety of new beverage flavours, including a refreshing prickly pear juice and a Valentine’s gin from the Cornish coast. There’s also have an incredibly indulgent collaboration from KitKat and a chocolatey pairing for pancake day. Scroll through the photo gallery for more…

GettyImages/Canan turan

NPD Trend Tracker: From prickly pear drinks to a Tony's Chocolonely pancake partnership
NPD Trend Tracker: From prickly pear drinks to a Tony's Chocolonely pancake partnership (Canan turan/Getty Images/iStockphoto)

This week’s trend tracker includes a variety of new beverage flavours, including a refreshing prickly pear juice and a Valentine’s gin from the Cornish coast. There’s also have an incredibly indulgent collaboration from KitKat and a chocolatey pairing for pancake day. Scroll through the photo gallery for more…

GettyImages/Canan turan

Give your Valentine a Rose Gin this February 14th
Give your Valentine a Rose Gin this February 14th

A distillery hailing from the heart of Cornwall’s culinary capitol, Padstow, has launched a small-batch Rose gin. Created from ocean-swept barley, grown on the Camel Estuary, the Rose Gin combines the hand-picked petals of the Rosa Rugosa with the delicate spice of pink peppercorns and creators say it reflects the natural beauty of North Cornwall. 

Distiller, David McWilliam, uses high-quality, local ingredients, grown and foraged in Cornwall and says the gin is the perfect choice for this year’s Valentine’s celebration,

Padstow Gin Rose 70cl is available for purchase online for RRP £48.00.

Photo credit: Padstow Spirits

Prickly pear drink is a California Dream
Prickly pear drink is a California Dream

Cacto, the innovative natural prickly pear drinks company, has launched its latest drink, California Dream. It’s a strawberry and watermelon flavoured prickly pear juice and embodies the essence of California sunshine.

Crafted from 70% pureed prickly pear juice (not from concentrate) and premium, fresh, natural ingredients, California Dream is a rich source of magnesium, potassium, fibre, plant-based calcium, and antioxidants, and it does it all without any added sugars.

Having recently won funding from the University of West England, the brand is rolling out Cacto’s rebrand as well as launching four new products throughout 2024.

Cacto’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond its products with 5% of Cacto’s profits being donated to Water.org, a global nonprofit organization working towards universal access to clean water and sanitation.

“I am incredibly excited to unveil California Dream and mark the beginning of a new era for Cacto. This launch is more than just a delicious addition to our product line – it represents a step forward in expanding our brand and our commitment to providing unique and health-conscious beverages. Not just for people but the planet too. With this launch, we’re not only introducing a refreshing drink but also showcasing the evolution of Cacto through our rebrand. Our aim is to make prickly pear juice a staple for all, and California Dream is a key part of that journey,” added Sam Jukes, founder of Cacto.

California Dream is available for purchase online for RRP of £2.60.

Photo credit: Cacto

KitKat Chunky White and Lotus Biscoff are reunited
KitKat Chunky White and Lotus Biscoff are reunited (Content Studio UK)

The KitKat Chunky White with Lotus Biscoff is making a comeback. After an exclusive run in Tesco last year, the bar is set to return for a twelve-week run, starting from February, before hitting shelves nationwide.

The bar combines the original KitKat Chunky with a Lotus Biscoff caramelised biscuit crumb, wrapped in a white chocolate coating.

As part of Nestlé’s commitment to reducing the use of virgin plastic and boosting recycling the packaging for the KitKat Chunky White with Lotus Biscoff is made with 80% recycled plastic and is fully recyclable.

“We know KitKat enthusiasts nationwide look forward to exciting new products and this collaboration between KitKat and Lotus Biscoff is truly iconic, bringing together two beloved brands to create an unforgettable taste experience.” said assistant brand manager for KitKat, Torin Zieboll

Photo credit: Nestlé UK & Ireland

Walker’s flies into Gatwick for Lunar New Year
Walker’s flies into Gatwick for Lunar New Year

Walker’s Shortbread is heading to London Gatwick this month in celebration of Lunar New Year and the start of the Year of the Dragon.

The family-run, Scottish shortbread makers are working in partnership with global travel experience company Avolta to create an experiential retail space inside the World Duty Free store in London Gatwick’s North Terminal. Travellers will have the chance to purchase Walker’s shortbread and celebrate Lunar New Year traditions throughout the month of February, as well as enjoying complimentary shortbread samples.

The site will also house a replica of the business’ founder Joseph Walker’s original delivery van, dating from over 100 years ago, will also be situated at the experiential site to drive excitement among customers.

“Lunar New Year is about celebrating new beginnings and bringing loved ones together, so there’s a real synergy with shortbread which is shared with family and friends the world over, particularly during times of celebration,” said Bryony Walker, head of commercial strategy at Walker’s Shortbread. “Walker’s is a Scottish brand, but we have a truly global reach with customers from across the world. It’s important to us that we share in special moments which mean something to our customers, honouring our own heritage while respecting and celebrating the customs and traditions of the different markets in which we’re sold.”

Those who spend over £18 will receive a gift packet of red envelopes emblazoned with a golden dragon design – a Lunar New Year tradition which involves gifting money in a red envelope, symbolising good wishes and luck for the new year ahead.

Photo credit: Walker’s Shortbread

The Breakfast Club and Tony’s Chocolonely have big plans for pancakes
The Breakfast Club and Tony’s Chocolonely have big plans for pancakes

The Breakfast Club and Tony’s Chocolonely are collaborating to make pancake dreams come true with a limited-edition menu in celebration of Pancake Day on February 13th.

The specials, which will be available in all The Breakfast Club ‘cafs’, are inspired by Tony’s chocolate bars, using elements from Tony’s Milk Chocolate Salted Caramel bar and Tony’s White Strawberry Cheesecake & White Raspberry Chocolate Popping Candy bar.

Tony’s Chocolonely and The Breakfast Club are known for promoting ethical values and say they, “share a mission to make the world a better place.”

The Breakfast Club ‘cafs’ will serve the specials from 13th - 29th February at all 15 ‘cafs’.

Photo credit: The Breakfast Club and Tony’s Chocolonely