There was a plethora of innovation showcased at the recent William Reed UK Food & Drink Shows
Visitors were spoilt for choice when it came to NPD, with functional drinks, curry sauces, mocktails and protein bars making up just some of the exciting launches on display across The National Convenience Show held in association with Convenience Store, The UK Food & Drink Expo and The Farm & Deli Show.
Here are a few products that caught our eye:
Quirky functional drinks range supports gut health
Manchester-based soft drinks company Hip Pop has developed a Gut Lovin’ Soda. Comprising Lemonade, Cola and Orange flavours, each can is packed with a quarter of a person’s daily fibre requirement and living cultures (Bacillus Coagulans) for supporting gut health. The 100% natural drinks contain chicory root prebiotic fibre and are vegan and gluten free. They are low sugar and contain no stevia or artificial sweeteners.
Wacky creations from World of Sweets
World of Sweets certainly lived up to its name at the National Convenience Show with a host of new lines set to hit the market this summer.
Warheads Candy Pops, features the brand’s frontman, Wally, with a push ‘n’ twist head that opens up to reveal a lollipop brain (RRP £1.99). Meanwhile, the Barratt Wham Flash & Dip is a light up lolly that can be dipped into sherbet (RRP £2).
Screamers Big Lick from Zed Candy is another new comer looking to capture kids’ imaginations. Available in Purple Razz and Blue Razz flavours, the sour candy drink promises plenty of bite!
The firm also previewed two new pun boxes under the Bond’s brand: Just Peachy and Mon Cherry (RRP £2 each) filled with fruity gummies.
Mavrik unveils two more non-alcoholic cocktails
Non-alcoholic cocktail brand, Mavrik is introducing Passion Star Martini and Espresso Martini.
Each 200ml can offers two servings when poured into a traditional Martini glass, with an RRP of £1.95 - £2.25
The brand is set to appeal to the 32% of UK drinkers now semi-regularly consuming low and no alcohol products, and a further 18% of people who are classed as non-drinkers (The Portman Group).
The two new additions join the brand’s existing portfolio comprising Aromatic G&T, Cuban Mojito, Venetian Spritz and Storm & Spice, which come in 250ml cans.
Yubi chocolate protein bars target cash conscious consumers
Dairy and gluten-free Yubi chocolate bars are high in plant-based protein, low in sugar and contain 99 calories per bar. With an RRP of between 99p and £1.50, the bars are designed to provide a healthy snack options for consumers on a budget.
The bars are available in six different HFSS compliant flavours: Raspberry Ripple, S’mores, Caramel, Cookies & Cream, Peanut, and Speculoos.
“We believe that our Chocolate Protein Bars are a perfect choice for those who want to maintain a healthy and affordable lifestyle without sacrificing the pleasure of a tasty snack,” says Patrick Mroczak, co-founder of YuBi Bar.
Rokit Health targets Gen Z with RTD wellness coffees
Functional RTD coffees from Rokit Health are now available in a cans
Previously only available in pod format, the plant-based coffee (RRP £2.75 per can) contains vitamin, mineral, and botanical enrichment, set to tap into health-conscious consumers.
The drinks are available in three varieties: Mind Boost with B vitamins to support the nervous system and contribute to mental performance; Immunity Boost with B vitamins, vitamin-D and zinc; and Energy Uplift enriched with natural guarana and taurine to reduce fatigue.
Founder of Rokit Health, Scott Markham, said: “We’re finding that consumers are increasingly looking for plant-based drinks that offer great taste, and more natural ingredients. Gen Z is leading the way in the plant-based sector as well as being more likely to drink RTD coffee than hot coffee. Rokit Health is responding to this demand by developing new products that cater to both trends.”
High caffeine energy drink promises less bloating
Morsia Energy Drink, the brainchild of online Influencer Matt Morsia aka Mattdoesfitness, has made its National Convenience Show debut. Mg for ml of caffeine the drink claims to be “the strongest energy drink on the market”, with the brand stating that the drink significantly improves gym endurance, concentration and overall energy throughout the day.
With 30% less carbonation than the average energy drink, it is “not too fizzy” and therefore claims to reduce chances of bloating, making it a suitable pre-workout drink for athletes and gym goers, as well as a pick-me-up for the morning commute.
A 330ml can (RRP £1.99) contains 200mg caffeine, zero sugar, zero calories, 200mg of beta-alanine and B vitamin complex and comes in Strawberry Crush, Cloudy Lemonade and Fruit Punch flavours.
Six new sauce kits from Bang! curry
Bang! curry has released its best-selling blends in retail formats.
A range of nine products; including six sauce kits (RRP £1.99 each) and three sides (RRP £2.99) are launching in retail formats. Sauce flavours include Korma, Bhuna, Makhani, Jalfrezi, Madras and Tikka, while the sides range comprises Biryani, Dahl and Bhaji.
Co-founder and inspiration behind the brand, Shelly Nuruzzaman said: “We’re bringing some innovative technology into scratch cooking that will shorten preparation times, deliver consistency of meals and create authentic flavours that we know consumers love. These benefits are relevant to both a professional kitchen and a consumer at home.”
Radnor adds two flavours to Heartsease Farm range
The Heartsease Farm range of premium sparkling pressés has unveiled Apple & Rhubarb and Apple & Pear flavours.
Made in Wales by Radnor Hills, Heartsease is blended with Radnor’s very own spring water, sourced from boreholes just minutes from the production line.
Heartsease Farm is available in 330ml cans (RRP £1.69), 330ml glass bottles (RRP £1.99 and 750ml glass bottles (RRP £2.99).
The new additions join the existing range, which includes British Raspberry Lemonade, Traditional Lemonade, Fiery Ginger Beer and Wild Elderflower.
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