Hello Foodie Friends,
Welcome to this week’s edition of GRATE! I’m excited to share my insights from the LUNCH trade show in London last week, where I explored a vibrant showcase of innovative products and propositions to help build your Food-to-Go business. With over 300 leading and emerging operators present, the event was a goldmine of inspiration and new ideas.
Key trends stood out, from ultra-convenient, long-shelf-life items like Yogoody and toddler meals MORE, to clean-label innovations like DOT DOT Tea's natural bubble tea. Health continues to be a major focus, particularly gut-friendly products with big names like Yeo Valley stepping into the space. Global snacking also shone through, with new brands like Desilicious and savoury introductions from Presteez leading the charge, and beverage innovation, especially in water, caught attention with Juno Brand's Bamboo water, and Win Win Water the UK's first 100% Plant Based & Fully Biodegradable Alkaline Electrolyte Mineral Spring Water
Gavin Rothwell from Future Food Insights talk added further depth, highlighting key trends in cities like New York, Paris, and Copenhagen—think the evolution of bowls, healthier global flavours, and smaller-sized "shoulder" missions.
It was great to see Irish brands making their mark, including Deli Lites, Green Fingers Family, Forest Feast, Blanco Niño , CheesO's and Ballymaloe Relish.
If your business is in the Food to GO space, and you missed the show, be sure to note it for next year.
Keep reading for a spotlight on five standout products from the show that I believe will inspire your next move!
Have a super weekend,
Annie x
DOT DOT - UK's FIRST READY-TO-DRINK BUBBLE TEA
DOT DOT Bubble Tea is a well established Bubble Tea brand, with over 200 locations nationwide in the UK. At the show, they launched UK's first read-to-drink Bubble Tea in a bottle, crafted with premium ingredients and low sugar. I have to say I don't like Bubble Tea, but this tasted great, just the right amount of sweetness and some really exciting flavours, such as Lychee Rose, Mango and Yuzu Lemon. The bottle has the fun popping juice balls and a 12 month ambient shelf-life.
MORE - INSTANT TODDLER MEALS
Ed, founder of MORE, and proud father of two boys wanted to find a way to help out his wife at home, whilst he was away at war, but quickly realised there were no products on the market that offered genuinely nutritious, tasty and convenient meals for toddlers of busy parents. So he went about creating some, investing in a freeze dryer and creating a range which he very cleverly branded MORE. Super convenient for busy parents, as all you have to do is add water. The passion from Ed and his wife at the show was super, and I have no doubt they'll make this new brand launch a success.
YOGOODY PROBIOTICS SHAKES
Yogoody Shake is a protein-rich, fermented dairy drink designed to enhance gut health by restoring gut flora. It is made using advanced freeze-drying technology (lyophilization) to preserve the natural flavours, colours, and nutritional value of our fruit powders. YOGOODY SHAKE is crafted by a team of dedicated food scientists, technologists, and nutritionists. Their probiotics are gut friendly and aid in the digestion of food, reducing symptoms of bloating. It is shelf-stable, making it super convenient to throw the sachets in your gym bag or handbag.
SHOTT - ENERGY BOOST SYRUP
According to SHOTT, there is a growing number of consumers who aren’t reaching for traditional coffee. SHOTT Energy Boost combines dual caffeine sources (guarana & coffee extract) in a sugar syrup base, creating a booster that can be added to any existing beverage. These active ingredients give a natural surge of energy in every 10ml serve, with each super concentrated bottle of SHOTT Energy Boost containing the equivalent of 100 cups of coffee.
PRESTEEZ - SAVOURY SNACK BARS
Presteez launched a savoury bar at the show, and I must say I really enjoyed it. They have a patented iWeld technology that uses sonic waves to blend veggies, seeds, fruits and nuts without any sticky sugary binders, dates or artificial sweeteners. Great to see a savoury minimally processed snack that is HFSS compliant and bursting with authentic flavours. I can highly recommend the
Olive & Seeds.
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