The more notable new products to be pushed out food companies’ doors include a move into vegan from Wessanen’s UK brand Mrs Crimble’s and a similar debut by Mars’ Galaxy.
Upfield brings Blue Band margarine back to UK
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataPlant-based spreads business Upfield Group has revealed it is bringing Blue Band margarine back to the UK after a 15-year hiatus.
The Amsterdam-headquartered business, behind brands such as Flora and Becel, is to launch the product at retailer Iceland.
The vegan product has been widely sold in Europe in various guises despite its disappearance from UK shelves, including in Germany where, branded as Rama, it has been sold since 1924.
Upfield said: “The unique spread is opening up ambient for the first time as it can be stored in or out of the chiller, making it highly versatile for spreading, baking and cooking.”
Blue Band will be available in 500g packs with an RRP of GBP0.89 (US$1.14).
The Saucy Fish Co. launches in Australia
Hilton Food Group, the UK manufacturer, has taken its The Saucy Fish Co. brand to Australia.
The company, which acquired The Saucy Fish Co. through its purchase of fish business Seachill in 2018, has secured listings for The Saucy Fish Co. frozen fishcakes at 900 Woolworths stores.
Three flavours are available. Each pack has an RRP of AUD5.50 (US$3.73).
James Bigg, seafood category manager at Woolworths, said: “The Saucy Fish Co. offers time-saving convenience whilst still delivering great flavours, which we know customers at Woolworths will love.”
UK’s Wensleydale Dairy Products launches The Yorkshire Creamery cheese range
Wensleydale Dairy Products has launched a new cheese range called The Yorkshire Creamery.
The company, based in Yorkshire in northern England, said the launch is a key element of its growth plans
Its new range, made with Yorkshire milk, consists of an Extra Mature Yorkshire Cheddar, a Yorkshire Red and a Double Yorkshire.
David Hartley, managing director of Wensleydale Dairy Products, said: “The Yorkshire Creamery is a range of, honest, tasty, authentic products made with character and integrity.”
The products will initially be available from retailers including Morrisons and Asda.
Mars-owned chocolate brand Galaxy launches vegan bars
The Mars-owned chocolate brand Galaxy is launching its first-ever vegan bars in the UK with a three-strong line-up of flavours.
The new range, which utilises a hazelnut paste, will roll out in Tesco on 18 November at a recommended retail price of GBP3.00 (US$3.84) for a 100-gram bar.
They will be available in orange, caramel and sea salt, and caramelised hazelnut, with future launches planned for online retailers Ocado and Amazon.
Kerry Cavanaugh, marketing director at Mars Wrigley in the UK, said: “We’re so excited to be bringing these delicious treats to Galaxy’s range using a vegan recipe that doesn’t compromise on the brand’s signature smooth and creamy characteristics. Wherever you look you can’t avoid the vegan buzz in the UK.”
UK DTC sports nutrition brand Myprotein launches products into retail
Myprotein, a UK-based sports nutrition brand that has so far been sold via the direct-to-consumer route, has inked a deal with local retailer the Co-op.
From 18 November its Birthday Cake flavour Layer Bar, a Double Chocolate and Caramel Filled Protein Cookie, and its Carb Crusher in Fudge Brownie flavour will be available at the grocer’s stores.
The RRP for all three products will be GBP2.50 (US$3.21).
Myprotein, owned by The Hut Group, has eight million customers globally but said this expansion is set to meet wider consumer and retailer demands.
Matthew Moulding, founder and CEO of The Hut Group, said: “This change in consumer behaviour is something we have seen through our online audience and the demand for our bars and snacks in an easily accessible on-the-go format is in higher demand than ever as people see them playing a role as a healthy alternative to traditional confectionery.
“Launching into retail presents the perfect opportunity to cater to those consumer demands and move beyond that to a broader audience.”
First vegan product from Mrs Crimble’s hits market
Wessanen, the Netherlands-based food group, is taking Mrs Crimble’s vegan.
Mrs Crimble’s, the UK gluten-free baker Wessanen acquired in 2016, now has vegan versions of flagship product Choc Macaroons.
Bryan Martins, marketing director at Wessanen’s UK arm, said the new product takes “the Mrs Crimble’s brand on to the next stage of free-from indulgence”.
He added: “The challenge was to remove the egg ingredients while maintaining the same delicious taste and wonderful texture.”
The macaroons have been listed by Tesco. A 175g pack has an RRP of GBP1.79 (US$2.30).
Mara Seaweed gets major UK listing
Tesco has decided to stock sachets of ground seaweed from Mara Seaweed, a Scottish business that joined the retail giant’s incubator earlier in the year.
Roughly two large handfuls pf seaweed are eventually ground down to make one 20g sachet.
Three seaweed flake products from Mara Seaweed have gone on sale this week in more than 500 Tesco stores. The 20g sachets are all priced at GBP2.99 each.
Angus McSporran, Tesco’s herbs and spices buyer, said the seaweed could be used by consumers to season their food instead of salt.
“Using seaweed as a seasoning is not only a great way to cut down on your sodium intake but one that can add a real ‘wow’ factor when added to other foods,” McSporran said. “It has a subtle salty taste which has been compared to umami – the fifth basic taste we can sense after salt, sweet, sour and bitter.”
Mara Seaweed owner Fiona Houston described the listing as “not only a game-changer for us but for the whole, growing, seaweed industry”.
She added: “Our goal has always been to be a household name – Mara Seaweed on your table alongside Heinz Ketchup, Marmite. Maybe one day soon people be will be shaking our products on their chips instead of salt.”
