Hello Foodie Friends!
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Summer is here (we hope!), and so are some exciting new product launches that promise to make your sunny days even brighter! This week, we're diving into five standout releases that I believe capture the essence of the season, blending innovation, indulgence, and trendsetting flavours. From AI-curated delights at Waitrose to Italian-inspired gelato at Sainsbury's and Caffè Nero, Tesco's new plant-based line, Root & Soul, champions wholesome, sustainable eating. And for those who love a bit of tangy zest, Fairmental Lab & Deli in Dublin offers an artisanal fermented foods range that's making waves.
As always, enjoy the read and drop me a line with feedback or any interesting Summer launches, you've spotted.
Annie x
AI INSPIRED SUMMER RANGE FROM WAITROSE
Using AI tools, social media trends, and customer data, Waitrose has launched a new “summer-inspired” seasonal own-label range, comprising of 65-items. The range reflects what we see in restaurants, food pop-ups, travels abroad, and social media, focusing on both international flavours and the best of British. American-style meals play a big role in the range, including Smokin’ Hot Honey Pork Belly Slices, American Style Pork Melt Burgers, Mac n Cheese Quiche, and Tex Mex Creamed Corn Dip. Other themes include “Best of British with a Twist” and “Borrowed Nostalgia,” which recreates flavours from popular British holidays. These themes are reflected in products like Nduja & Mozzarella Calzones, Caprese Inspired Aperitivo Platter and Aleppo Chilli & Lemon Domat Olives. "Good for right now’ is the campaign supporting the launch, based on Waitrose's insights that customers are embracing spontaneity in the summer months, seeking less prep and the best food at the right moment.
ITALIAN INSPIRED MARITOZZI BUNS FROM CAFFE NERO
Caffè Nero has unveiled its new summer menu, bringing a taste of Italian decadence to the UK. The menu features the Iced Velvet Americano, fruity spritzes, and indulgent desserts, including the Maritozzi Bun, a soft sourdough brioche filled with sweetened cream and dusted with icing sugar. One of all my time favourite pastries and a current TikTok phenomenon. The Italian Sweet Range also includes the Italian Blueberry Mousse Cake, a sponge with layers of blueberry mousse, white chocolate crispy balls, fruity jelly, and hand-decorated blueberries. For citrus lovers, the Sicilian Lemon Meringue Cheesecake offers creamy lemon cheesecake, Sicilian lemon curd on a crunchy biscuit base, topped with Italian meringue.
ITALIAN INSPIRED GELATO DESSERTS FOR SAINSBURYS
Italy takes over for Sainsburys Taste the Difference desserts with new layered gelato pots. The Italian-inspired gelato desserts perfectly capture the latest trend in indulgent, authentic flavours. Gelato boasts a denser, creamier texture. This secret lies in the churning process, which incorporates less air, resulting in a more intense flavour payoff. The range features luxurious options like Tiramisu Gelato with coffee sauce, marsala wine, and mascarpone, Raspberry & Mascarpone Gelato with layers of mascarpone ice cream and raspberry sauce, and a rich Caramel & Peanut Butter Gelato. These desserts offer a decadent taste of Italy in every bite, ideal for satisfying sweet cravings with a sophisticated twist.
ROOT & SOUL - NEW PLANT-BASED LAUNCH FOR TESCO
Tesco took a big step in its 'plant-forward' initiative by launching Root & Soul recently, a range of plant-based products that include milk alternatives, seitan, tempeh & fresh produce. They are offering meals packed with a variety of vegetables, grains and seeds in a bit to appeal to flexitarian diets. It's all part of Tesco's plan to make it easier for people to eat the foods they need. Root & Soul is a celebration of the craft, passion and creativity that comes together to transform humble produce into flavoursome dishes. With a range of 12 products, they showcases vegetables, pulses, grains, and nuts as the heroes of the range and offer customers exciting, tasty options for them to add easily into their eating habits and lifestyles. Nice move Tesco!
FERMENTED FOODS RANGE BY FAIRMENTAL LAB & DELI
Fairmental, the first fermentation lab & deli in Dublin have launched a range of their house ferments into retail stores, including local independents and Supervalu. Fermented foods is a growing trend, and it is great to see an independent cafe diversifying into retail as another revenue stream and bringing their delicious products to a wider audience. Val, founder of Fairmental, is super knowledgeable about fermentation and is constantly experimenting with new ideas, and is passionate about showing that fermented foods are no longer niche or standalone products, but instead can be incorporated into family favourite recipes to add depth and flavour.
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