Shopping forecast: the latest product launches

Firetree's Create range​

British chocolate brand Firetree has unveiled Create, a new range of three single estate chocolate: Solomon Islands Guadalcanal 69%, Vanuatu Malekula Island 72% and Philippines Mindanao Island 73%. All three come from volcanic soils, which Firetree says gives the chocolates a unique flavour. “They are immediately identifiable by their flame-hued cocoa pods, that give the chocolate its distinctive flavour which changes, develops and lingers on the palate,” says a spokesperson. “These super-premium cocoa beans are expertly selected by Firetree farmers and masterfully crafted by skilled chocolate makers to enhance, develop and bend the taste and create smooth, rich chocolate which is known for its depth and complexity.” The chocolate is available in 2kg bags.

Lightspeed develops own payments solution​ ​

Cloud-based commerce platform specialist Lightspeed has launched its own payments solution. Key features of Lightspeed Payments - which went live in North America earlier this year - include enhanced payment security backed by a global network (EMV, tokenization and end-to-end encryption); operational support with chargebacks, fraud, and customer queries; and frictionless, faster processing at competitive rates. A study conducted by Lightspeed earlier this year found that 94% of small business owners believe having integrated POS payments saves money and that 79% believe it saves time. Additionally, 34% said they need more support preventing fraudulent payments, while 42% said they need more overall support with financial management. “This is a crucial time for small businesses where they need simplified solutions that save them time and money,” says Dax Dasilva, founder and CEO of Lightspeed. “This launch empowers our global customers to have more secure, faster transactions that give them richer data about their business. The United Kingdom has historically seen rapid adoption with new payments solutions, and we’re excited to add new capabilities and flexibility for those merchants.”

Sous Vide Tools launches British-made konro grill ​

Sous Vide Tools has launched a British-made stainless steel barbecue inspired by the Japanese konro grill, which has become popular with UK chefs over the last five years. Meaning ‘fire’ in Japanese, the Kasai comes in two sizes (£399/£499). Sous Vide Tools’ says its commitment to reducing the carbon footprint associated with production and shipping of the Japanese grill played a key factor in the decision to manufacture the Kasai on British soil. “Given we have seen the popularity of the Konro grill in professional kitchens and more recently at home, we saw a gap in the market to create an improved British version, supporting our UK economy,” says Sous Vide Tools managing director Alex Shannon. 

Wrapmaster goes reusable with Flexsil-lid​

Wrapmaster has developed a range of reusable silicon lids that feature a patented ‘lip-lock’ design. Invented by Australian Chef Albert David, the design ensures an air-tight seal and no leaks that ‘locks in freshness and helps to reduce food waste’. The ‘durable’ silicone lids are microwave and oven safe for cooking up to 220ºc as well as freezer safe down to -40ºc. They’re also portable and stackable. “The launch of Flexsil-lid by Wrapmaster is an exciting move for chefs looking for green alternatives to single use items,” says Cofresco Foodservice managing director Adrian Brown. 

Beyond Meat launches chicken tenders​

Beyond Meat is ‘disrupting the chicken category’ with the launch of Beyond Chicken Tenders. The plant-based meat substitutes maker describes the product as ‘crispy, juicy and flavorful’ with a crunchy outside and ‘irresistible tender’ inner that’s suited to sandwiches, salds and tacos. Crafted to look, cook and taste like traditional chicken tenders, the product scored at parity in overall flavor to animal-based chicken tenders. “We’re innovating the poultry market with the new Beyond Chicken Tenders—the result of our tireless pursuit for excellence and growth at Beyond Meat,” says Beyond Meat chief innovation officer Dariush Ajami. “As with all our products, Beyond Chicken Tenders offer delicious taste and an exceptional culinary experience, along with strong nutritional benefits. Innovation is at the heart of Beyond Meat, and Beyond Chicken Tenders are the latest example of our mission to create groundbreaking, tasty options that are better for people and for our planet.”

Rosinox launches all-new Rosichef Signature range ​

Range manufacturer Rosinox has redesigned and reengineered its popular Rosichef Signature 900, modular cooking range to offer chefs ‘even more flexibility, efficiency and performance’. The new line of cooking appliances, which is exclusively available from Jestic Foodservice Solutions, combines ‘technological innovation, modularity and ergonomic design, with the hand-built craftsmanship, exceptional materials and efficient production process Rosinox is renowned for’. The Rosichef Signature 900 range has been designed to enable chefs to create their own suite by selecting from an array of interchangeable appliances including fryers, bains-maries, hobs, induction units and planchas to optimise culinary creativity and productivity. The new Rosichef Signature 900 range was developed in conjunction with an ergonomist to optimise ease of use for chefs and has resulted in a number of design innovations including an ergonomic control panel with easy to use touchscreen technology and automated lifting of frying and pasta baskets. 

Blendtec Connoisseur 825 now available from HTG Extras​
The Blendtec Connoisseur 825 professional blender is now available from HTG Extras. The Connoisseur 825 has been designed to provide a powerful and reliable blender for a range of commercial uses. It includes an 1800 watt motor that allows it to process over 150 blend cycles a day. It is pre-programmed with 42 fully customisable blending cycles and can store an unlimited number of customised programs. It also features specially designed blunted safety blades that are ten times stronger than traditional blades, making it capable of processing ice cubes as well as fruits and vegetables. The Connoisseur 825 has a sound reducing enclosure that helps to minimise the noise of operation, making it suitable for use front of house. It can be used as a countertop unit or even installed in counter, depending on requirements.

Knorr Professional launches its 2021 Great Roast competition​

The search is on for the nation’s best roast dinners as Knorr Professional launches its annual Great Roast competition. Now in its tenth year, the free-to-enter competition is open to any business serving roast dinners to the public and gives establishments the chance to win a number of prizes, including a £3,000 catering equipment voucher, PR support and a photoshoot. Businesses are required to submit a quick entry form that includes a link to their menu and an image of their best roast to be considered for one or both categories - Best Meat Roast 2021 and Best Vegetarian or Vegan Roast 2021. 

“As the ongoing focus on sustainable living sees an ever-increasing number of consumers enjoy a plant-based diet, whether as part of a flexitarian or vegetarian/vegan diet, we also want to recognise those businesses meeting these demands," says senior marketing manager at Knorr Professional Kate Drew. "That is why we are delighted to have two hotly contested categories in this year’s competition, one for meat dishes and the other for vegetarian or vegan dishes. So, if you think you serve the nation’s greatest roast dinner, why not enter today and have a chance to take the prestigious title of the Great British Roast 2021."

Entries close on 30 September. Enter and read terms and conditions here.​​