This week’s most eye-catching product news features a line of sweet gyoza in the UK, a new range of Sara Lee frozen desserts in Australia, a “super-hot” range from Seabrook Crisps, and meatfree meals from Pinnacle Foods’ Gardein.

Symington’s takes Mug Shot into soups

UK-based manufacturer Symington’s has decided to expand its Mug Shot range into a new category.

Asda, the UK arm of Walmart, will be the first retailer to stock Mug Shot Soups, sold in cup format.

Symington’s sought to emphasise the ingredients of the new product, pointing out it contains “natural ingredients” and is “low in fat, contains less than 100 calories and is a source of both fibre and protein”.

Mike Benton, the head of Symington’s snacking business unit, said: “The work we’ve done from a GDA perspective with our pasta and noodle snacks has been replicated in the development of the cup soup range, and we’re confident that we’ve arrived at a set of nutritionals that really make us stand out from the pack.”

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just-food interview from January: “We are doing so many things differently” – CEO John Power on the upturn in fortunes at Symington’s and its prospects

Mars Milk Snacks chilled desserts to hit UK

Mars is introducing a new chocolate, sponge-type chilled dessert – Mars Milk Snacks.

Each of the milk snacks from Mars Chocolate Drinks and Treats feature a soft sponge topped with a malted chocolate mousse, finished with a layer of caramel coated in milk chocolate.

Boxes of six will launch in UK Asda stores on 13 October at a recommended retail price of GBP3.00 (US$3.97).

Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar with Reese’s candy to hit shelves

Hershey, the largest confectionery make in the US, is bringing together two of its brands to create a new chocolate bar with candy pieces.

Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar with Reese’s Pieces candy will be available in US retailers nationwide late in November.

The bars come in two sizes, a standard 1.55 ounce and a king size 2.55 ounce carrying respective retail prices of US$0.99 and $1.69.

Atlantic Natural Foods unveils Loma Linda plant-based range

US-based Atlantic Natural Foods has launched a line of shelf-stable, plant protein-based meals under the Loma Linda brand.

The Loma Linda Plant-Based Protein Meal Solutions range is also non-GMO and gluten-free.

The line from features ten SKUs covering a variety of flavours. They include Spicy Pad Thai, Thai Green Curry, Tikka Masala, Mediterranean Tomato & Olive, Chipotle Bowl, Hearty Stew and Southwest Chunky Stew.

There are also a number of starters as part of the range.

Laura Lapp, innovation brand manager for the Nashville-based company, said: “We set out to develop a lifestyle brand with Loma Linda, featuring healthful, plant-based products to meet all consumers’ needs.”

The Loma Linda line will be sold via retailers including Walmart, Wegmans and Safeway and have a RRP ranging between US$2.99 and $4.49.

UK’s Graham’s the Family Dairy launches Protein 40 milk

Graham’s the Family Dairy is extending its range with the launch of Protein 40, a high protein, low fat milk. 

The Scotland-based business’s new product is 100% Jersey milk and contains only 1% fat and 40 grams of protein per bottle. It has no additives or preservatives, 

It is available now from Sainsbury’s stores across the UK with an introductory offer of GBP1.00 (US$1.32), rising to GBP1.15.

Robert Graham, managing director of the firm, said: “Protein 40 is a fresh and natural product that we wanted to add to our current protein range. With 40 grams of protein in every bottle and only 1% fat, its an easy option for those who want to add extra protein into their day-to-day life or as part of their workout regime.

“High quality, great tasting, local produce has always been at the heart of our range and this is no different. Our protein range which launched in 2017 has been incredibly well received, and we’re delighted to be entering the market with another healthy and natural, high protein product.”

HKScan launches Kariniemen poultry products in Sweden

Nordic food group HKScan has begun exporting Finnish poultry products to Sweden.

They will initially be sold through the largest retailer ICA’s outlets under the Karinäs (Kariniemen) brand.

The Helsinki-based company said the launch gives Swedish consumers access to high welfare, farm-born poultry that is hatched on the farm where it is raised. 

Sofia Hyleén Toresson, the company’s EVP for Sweden, said: “Swedish consumers have high standards in terms of the quality and origin of the food they eat. I am delighted that HKScan’s Finnish products can meet those demands by bringing responsibly produced Karinäs products to the growing Swedish poultry market. 

“This also marks the launch of farm-born poultry products in Sweden.”

The poultry products exported to Sweden are produced at HKScan’s Rauma production unit in Finland.

Pinnacle Foods’ meat-free brand Gardein introduces single-serve meal range

Pinnacle Foods’ meat-free brand Gardein is rolling out a new range of plant-based meals in the US, along with breakfast patties.

The meals – Single Serve Bowls – are suitable for vegans and are made with 100% non-GMO ingredients. 

They are available in four varieties: Italian Saus’age & Pasta Bowl; Chick’n Fajita Bowl; Orange Beefless Bowl; and Teriyaki Chick’n Bowl.

Alongside the meal bowls, Gardein is also launching meatless Breakfast Saus’age Patties containing six grams of plant-based protein and 75% less fat than a regular, pork-based sausage.

Both products are available at select grocers and will launch in major supermarkets nationwide in the “coming months”. 

The Meatless Farm Co. marks UK debut

Plant-based start-up The Meatless Farm Co. will debut its mince and burgers in the UK in October.

Founded by Morten Toft Bech in 2015 and located in the city of Leeds, West Yorkshire, The Meatless Farm Co. is launching the products in Sainsbury’s accompanied by a national marketing campaign. 

The products are suitable for vegans and are high in protein, and both wheat and gluten free. The Meatless Farm Co.’s 400-gram mince carries a recommended retail price of GBP3.00 (US$3.94), while the 227-gram burger packs will retail at GBP2.50. 

Toft Bech said: “We have spent the past two years developing a product that is delicious and unique in its category. We are entering the market at a time when demand is growing and meat-free alternatives are becoming increasingly mainstream.”

Calbee-owned Seabrook Crisps offers “super-hot” Fire Eaters

UK snack brand Seabrook Crisps is adding a new “super-hot” range – Fire Eaters – which the company says use chillies that are so spicy production staff have to wear protective clothing.

Recently-acquired by Japanese firm Calbee, Seabrook Crisps is offering three varieties: Searin’ Hot in Chilli and Lemon flavour; Smokin’ Hot – Smokehouse Cayenne; and Scorchin’ Hot – Trinidad Scorpion Chilli.   

The company says the Trinidad Scorpion Chilli is classed as the second-hottest variety in the world and features a five-chilli rating and carries an extreme heat warning on the pack.  

Fire Eaters will be available in 150-gram bags in Tesco from mid-October at a recommended retail price of GBP1.59 (US$2.09).

Itsu rolls out sweet gyoza in UK

Itsu Grocery has added to the products it sells through UK supermarkets with the launch of sweet gyoza.

The company made its debut in the UK frozen-food aisle last year with savoury gyoza and is now rolling out “dessert dumplings” for sale at Tesco, Waitrose and Ocado.

The gyoza come in three flavours: chocolate and banana; caramelised Apple; and sweet berry. The chocolate-and-banana and
sweet berry are available at more than 480 Tesco stores, with all three at more than 230 Waitrose outlets and online at Ocado.

Itsu said the gyoza has a recommended retail price of GBP3.50.

Julian Metcalfe, the founder of Itsu, said the products are “the first of their kind here in the UK” and added: “With the frozen dessert category also in growth, now worth GBP319.5m (up 7.3% year-on-year), we believe innovative premium products like ours will continue to drive this further, offering a huge opportunity for retailers.”

Itsu Grocery was formed in 2015 when UK snacks maker Metcalfe’s Food Co. divided in two to support what its owners said was the “fast growth” of the company’s two flagship brands. Itsu focuses on Metcalfe’s range of Asian food products while Metcalfe’s Skinny sells the group’s line of snacks.

In September 2016, US snack maker Snyder’s-Lance acquired full ownership of privately-controlled UK popcorn firm Metcalfe’s Skinny. Snyder’s-Lance was in turn acquired by Campbell Soup Co. last year.

McCain launches Sara Lee Deep Dish desserts in Australia

Canada’s McCain Foods has launched a range of frozen desserts under the Sara Lee brand in Australia.

McCain, which has the licence for the brand Down Under, said the new line responds to the need to deliver quick and convenient desserts that mirror the portion size and flavours of traditional home-made and slow-baked desserts.

The range is made up of Rich Chocolate Ganache Cheesecake, Saucy Double Chocolate Pudding, Sticky Butterscotch and Apple Pudding and Rustic Apple Crumble Pie.

McCain Foods desserts product manager, Alexandra Kevork, said: “With larger portion sizes, our new Deep Dish range satisfies that desire, serving up firsts – and seconds.

“Closest-to-homemade is a new occasion for Sara Lee. As our consumers continue to desire convenient, family-sized desserts with flavours and aromas that take them back to their childhoods, we intend to expand the category.”

This new dessert range is now available in the freezer aisle of Coles, Woolworths and Metcash stores nationally. It has a RRP of AUD7.99 (US$5.64).

Mondelez introduces Cadbury Dairy Milk Crispello to India

Snacks giant Mondelez International is rolling out Cadbury Dairy Milk Crispello in India in a shareable finger format.

Crispello features crunchy wheat crispies and smooth chocolate cream coated in Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate.

The marketing director for India, Anil Viswanathan, said the product is particularly targeted at the younger generation and will be supported by an advertising campaign on television and digital media.

Cadbury Dairy Milk Crispello will carry a recommended retail price of INR30 (US$0.40).