NPD Trend Tracker: From plant-based treats to snacks that are perfect for pairing
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Summer snacks to pair with summer wines
New Zealand winemaker, Brancott Estate, has collaborated with snacks brand, Made for Drink, to launch a range of crisps made to pair with its Sauvignon Blancs.
“We wanted to create the perfect pairing for New Zealand’s most popular wine, Sauvignon Blanc,” says Dan Featherstone, founder at Made for Drink. “So we’re buzzing to partner with the pioneers in the iconic Marlborough region, Brancott Estate.”
He explains that white wines, like Sauvignon Blanc, have more acidity than red wines or sweet wines, which in turn cleanse the palate, particularly with fatty or oily foods such as crisps. The saltiness of the crisp also is also said to emphasise the richness of the Sauvignon Blanc.
“As a brand, Brancott Estate is all about how seeing the world differently can lead to wonderful things - an approach that led the brand to be the first to plant Sauvignon Blanc vines in Marlborough” says Lucy Bearman, wine portfolio director at Pernod Ricard. “So, our latest collab with Made for Drink is all about savouring the unconventional and inviting crisp and wine lovers to taste life on the flipside.”
Available in Pickled Onion, and Chilli & Lemon, the range is available for purchase online.
Photo credit: Made for Drink
Plant-based milk putting sustainability first
Framptons, an independent plant-based drinks company, is launching The Wessex Oat Company, a new range of British-farmed oat drinks. The new line is aimed at satisfying the growing consumer interest in sustainable, plant-based options.
Sourced exclusively from the fields of Wessex, and processed in Somerset, these products are said to emphasise traceability and eco-friendly practices. And it comes in a fairly extensive range of styles and flavours: Unsweetened Oat, Barista Oat, Chocolate Oat, Oat Latte, Caramel Latte, and Creamy Oat (launching later this year).
"The Wessex Oat Company range offers retailers an opportunity to align with consumer demands for ethical, sustainable, and delicious plant-based options at affordable prices below the level of major brands," says Andrew Rimell, managing director of Framptons.
Available for purchase online.
Photo credit: Framptons
Plant-based ice cream bites
Over the Moo launches plant-based ice cream bites. The dairy-free treats comprise chocolate ice cream wrapped in chocolate, and join the existing range, containing vanilla and caramel ice creams.
“Of course, we have nothing but admiration for a number of the quirkier tub flavours currently in circulation” says Simon Goodman, founder of Over the Moo. “However latest flavour forecasts suggest that one in three ice creams sold continues to be vanilla, with chocolate a very respectable second. Reassuringly familiar flavours are particularly pertinent in pioneering categories like plant based, and bite sized, where Over the Moo continues to make significant strides.”
Available for purchase online.
Photo credit: Over the Moo
Espresso martini in a can
Café Solo, is launching espresso martini cans. Café Solo Espresso Martini is made with Café Solo’s Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, Espresso Strength Cold Brew and Premium British Vodka, and is said to offer a full-bodied flavour profile, rich acidity, and a refreshingly clean finish.
Developed by former baristas, Café Solo uses ethically sourced beans from Brazil and Colombia.
“We are really excited to launch our Café Solo Espresso Martini cans in time for summer,” says Holly Harwood, brand manager for Café Solo. “We have worked with award-winning Solo Cold Brew Coffee to focus on the quality of the coffee used in the Espresso Martini cans, which ensures we deliver the ultimate ready-to-drink Espresso Martini - perfect for coffee and bar-quality cocktail lovers.”
Photo credit: Café Solo
Dessert-inspired coffee
Nescafé is launching its new Vanilla Cookie Dough Latte, this month. The indulgent drink combines Nescafé coffee with the flavour of vanilla cookie dough and is presented in sachets for easy preparation. It’s also only 80 calories per serving, contains no artificial flavours, and is HFSS compliant.
The new Nescafé Vanilla Cookie Dough Latte joins Sticky Toffee Pudding Latte and replaces Chocolate Caramel Brownie Mocha, as part of the Nescafé Dessert Edition collection.
"We are delighted to introduce the Vanilla Cookie Dough Latte as the newest addition to our Nescafé Dessert Edition collection,” says Ingrid Hayes, marketing director for Nescafé Soluble Coffee at Nestlé UK & Ireland. “We believe this new delicious coffee will captivate taste buds and provide a unique and satisfying experience. Get ready to indulge in the irresistible combination of coffee and dessert with the Vanilla Cookie Dough Latte."
Photo credit: Nescafé