The Foodex, Farm Shop & Deli Show, Food & Drink Expo, and Ingredients exhibition at the National Exhibition Centre on the outskirts of Birmingham never fails to deliver. It is four sizeable shows all under one roof. We covered the three day of the 16th to the 18th April 2018 Indeed, there is so much to see that the shoe leather was fairly well worn and would not have done anybody’s bunions that much good nor their waistline. Boy, there is so much to sample!
My first thought is what a great opportunity it is to catch up with clients, old and new and to network with suppliers, especially food businesses and the like. If you into B2B then this is the event where food is concerned. We at Foodwrite value our relationships so seeing many of our friends there is of real value.
Some days are busier than others. Monday was quiet whilst Tuesday was just thrumming with visitors. Wednesday, being the last day and shutting an hour earlier than the previous two days always seems to be a little like the end of the party especially towards the last three hours of the afternoon. However, it’s a great opportunity to get in those discussions when the stands have been packed and literally blocked off by all of us with overbrimming bags of samples and literature.
Along with the other shows at the same venue and in the same week, I would say it is the premier event. I love the appearance of the really big bits of processing kit. Apart from ANUGA in Frankfurt, it is probably the only chance to see all that stainless steel in its pristine glory. I also find great interest in the smaller stands which offer straightforward and sophisticated pieces of machinery.
Thoughts & Trends
Beverages
Generally, there seems to be no shortage of new enterprises. There is plenty to see especially where beverages are concerned. It’s a good starting point and one of great familiarity to me.
Juice drinks often contains novel ingredients. None more intriguing than in the Naïve brand. We samples four variants with ‘basil seeds & aloe vera’, ‘aloe vera’, ‘chia seeds & pomegranate’ and finally ‘orange’. One significant claim for three except for chia seeds was a source of vitamin C whilst the seed variant was a source of fibre. Beverages with bits are not always straightforward to consume but thye do lend a distinct texture to the product. They also have a great taste.
Gin is probably one of the main interests. This iconic UK drink has become one of the alcoholic main stays and is now overtaking whisky as the tipple of choice. It allows for much greater product development in terms of taste and flavour. We have looked at gin in the past because of the way in which the botanicals are distilled with the grain to create a wealth of different flavours.
What variety at this show ! I’m always pleased at the clean, straightforward labelling that is seen with gin packaging. It is a very traditional alcoholic beverage. There is always novelty. Pinkster based in Cambridge infuse their gin with raspberries which are grown locally in the fields of the Fens. Pink gin is extremely dry but the fruit adds a hint of sweetness which is excellent with a sprig of mint. They also produce alcohol infused raspberries – ideal for desserts like Eton mess, a gin jam which really is delicious and their Hedgepig Fruit gin liqueurs using wild bullace, quince and of course raspberries.
Another East Anglian gin producer, Bullards based in Norwich showed two products in their range. We tried their Norwich Dry Gin which was infused with Tonka beans and botanicals, and a gin infused with strawberry and black pepper.
On the non-alcoholic front, there is plenty of vibrancy in the product development of beverages. Whilst definitely non-alcoholic, apple cider vinegar seems to be highly popular, not just as an ingredient for dropping pH and creating flavour but also for drinking. The Extraordinary John Starkey offers a 100% fermented apple juice which contains what is known as the ‘mother’. These are the white, wispy strands that contain the fermenting organisms. Best way to drink it is to dilute just 1 cupful with 100mls of warm water at least 20 minutes before breakfast. It doesn’t require refrigeration and is used for weight loss. Mind you enjoy their apple juice which comes from orchards in Nottinghamshire. They have a range of five flavours including Bramley apple and blends with other fruits such as blackberry.
Drinking vinegars have not wholly set the world alight although they rank very highly on Amazon. Cue an interesting concept combining vinegar with honey – manuka honey in fact. Comvita from New Zealand presented a drinking vinegar with this honey and one with the added benefits of golden kiwifruit. Packaged in 250ml screw-top glass bottles.
Some exhibitors really do tweak the British theme. Pennington’s Premium Spirits and Liqueurs showed off three liqueurs, Bakewell, Gingerbread and Kendal Mint Cake. These are very iconic names for truly British flavours and with their distinctive colouring are unmistakeable. Kendal Mint Cake Liqueur is a vibrant green, reminiscent of Chartreuse or Benedictine but very British. The liqueur has a fresh peppermint with chocolate finish.
Straightforward beverages are always worth chewing the cud over. KiGo presented a fun energy drink called Berry Boost based on natural caffeine and fruits such as strawberry, with cherry and blueberry overtones in a 250ml glass bottle. The cap is an aluminium screw-top which helps you retain the drink’s carbonation if you do not need it all in one go. The flash-pasteurised drink was slightly carbonated and the vibrant lime green packaging just emphasised the fun element. KiGo state ‘Our purpose is to redefine the energy drink market with a natural, great tasting and socially conscious energy product.’ Their marketing team has done a fine job – what a quirky design which combines both modern and old-fashioned within the same illustrations. KiGo are looking to develop their wholesale distribution by offering a distinctive packaging that certainly stands out on the retailer’s shelf. As they say ‘playful and creative yet adult brand.’
When it comes to colas, then The Juice Shed Company offer their Juicy Fuel. Cola in three distinct flavours, a straightforward cola fruit, a variant with cherry and one with blueberry. The beverages are lightly carbonated and should be chilled before drinking. Whilst the main flavour feature is kola nut, extra body is given by a barley malt lift which provides a distinctive note.
Coffee is normally considered a hot drink but Liver Health UK Ltd has produced an antioxidant coffee drink which in our example was salted caramel. The beverage has a fruit juice content based on apple and date although it is mainly coffee (81%). It is sweetened with stevia and also contains milk thistle extract. The drink is sold in support of Liver4Life and The Liver Group Charity. The product comes in a 250ml plastic bottle and appears to be aseptic filled. It too is claimed to be also low fat, low calorie and low sugar.
Hot drinks were well represented at the show. I alighted on Dreamtea’s Jasmine tea because the tea was already in the cardboard cup separated by a mesh. In other words a permanent teabag at the bottom to which you added your hot water and swirled a bit to get all the flavour, for a refreshing brew. I’ve not seen this idea before but I can see the fit with the move away from the plastic cup culture. There is no need for a teabag so it also wins on convenience. Looks like one for the food service sectors.
Oils
Rapeseed oil is still being produce at pace and seriously rivals olive oil. Summer Harvest up in Scotland produce not only the oil but a range of condiments and sauces including their Summer Harvest mayonnaise and over five dressings. Rapeseed oil is better than olive oil for frying and for creating granolas and breakfast cereals.
Dairy
If you are looking for novel dairy products then you might not think about cheese given the age of the tradition of its manufacture. One business, Brazzale made great play of its Gran Moravia hard cheese and the manner in which it was produced. The business beats the drum for its Eco-Sustainable Chain which is a theme many suppliers are latching onto generally. Brazzale is an eighth generation dairy business producing a range of products. Its Gran Moravia is a very long-aged cheese which uses milk collected from Czech dairies using Italian techniques for its production. Moravia is one of the important agricultural regions of central Europe which was once allied with Bohemia. (It’s still possible to find stamps for Bohemia-Moravia). The cheese is ideal for catering and could be a replacement for Parmesan (not as salty) or Gran Padano in cooking. The stand-out feature is the traceability and level of certification for the cheese. Their supply chain of 80 farms means they have a consistent and ready supply of Czech milk for Gran Moravia production. The web-site states the cheese is Halal certified and naturally lactose free.
Snacks
If you enjoy snacks then there was plenty to be excited about, especially at the Food & Drink Expo. Snatts, which is part of Grefusa and a family owned business in Valencia, Spain provided plenty of examples of what is possible when combining baked goods with alternative grain or carbohydrate sources. What a range ! The flavours all play on a Mediterranean theme and cover breadsticks and other bread based snacks. We had Hummus Sticks made from wholegrain chickpea flour in a basil and parsley flavour, breads with tomato and oregano, paprika flavour and mixed herbs, and olive oil and sea salt. I like the idea of trying other flours too: lentil chips for example flavoured with cheese and herbs and they also offered quinoa chips with tomato and basil. Where possible these snacks cater for vegans, are gluten free and not fried which implies they do not carry residual oil. Clearly, the range is designed for snacking but with a healthy twist. The textures are ‘right’ because they have avoided frying and preferred baking the products instead. The other key claims are that are free from colourings and preservatives, no added MSG or palm oil.
No shortage of innovation from HIPPEAS who showcased their chickpea snacks with less than 91 calories, 3 grams of fibre and 4 grams of protein per single-serve bag (22g). So – high in fibre and a good source of protein. The brand is backed by Leonardo DiCaprio which gives the offering some star quality. As well as their classic Cheese & Love flavour, we have sweet & smokin’ which is based on paprika and ‘salt & vinegar’.
We were fascinated by protein balls from boost ball™. These come in various flavours including lemon Drizzle Cake, Coconut Fudge Cake, Peanut Butter Cookie Dough and Maple & Cinnamon Roll. The serving size is 42g and uses dates as the main ingredient. There is nearly 21g of protein in 100g which compares with many high protein beverages.
Pasta
Pasta has enjoyed recent success. It isn’t just about Durum wheat however. There are many types using gluten-free grains and cereals. The Italian section of the exhibition have produced some excellent little recipe books to show off their beautiful products. Risotto is a really favourite in the household and there is no doubting the tremendous range of flavours to be packed into their Arborio, Carnaroli and Vialone Nano rice.
Nomad had a small stand but one which showed their full range of pastas.
Nuts & Seeds
If you like nuts and seeds the show really had something interesting to show us. Nuto Snacks had their popped lotus seeds which to me look a great alternative to popcorn. I’m not familiar with this particular seed but it is high in protein, low calorie and gluten free so suitable for vegetarians and vegans in good measure. The seeds are flavoured with Himalayan salt & Black pepper, and maple Syrup & Smoked Paprika. There is some similarity with Tiger Nuts which is turned into that wonderful product horchata. Unfortunately there is an opportunity there for anyone looking to introduce a healthy nutritious drink into the marketplace.
Bars
Look no further than Grenade which has recently revamped its whole offering and moved it into a more mainstream positioning. These are currently number one on the Amazon purchasing list where their bars are concerned in the UK. Truly quite an inspiring story really as they are competing a in a very congested market. They have grown in size and range and it is clear that to continue this growth they have moved their whole proposition away from sports to a more nutritious front.
Ingredients
Maple syrup really only comes from Canada. Pure Maple have a butter and a vinegar. The butter is ideal for vegans and is excellent on crusty bread and toasted crumpets. The syrup would be an excellent alternative to honey but with less calories. However, honey has a number of nutritional benefits which maple syrup butter has yet to yield up. It certainly gives birch sap and syrup a run for their money although it doesn’t play too heavily on the nutrition front.
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