Quick bites
l Lyons Seafoods claims to have brought affordable luxury to the market with the launch of two new lobster products. Whole cooked lobster and raw lobster tails are now available under the Cozy Harbor brand.
The lobsters are consistent in size and quality and Lyons say they are sourced from sustainable beds in the clear waters of the north west Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Maine, USA.
Lyons Seafoods sales director Ian Frostick says: "Lobster is widely considered to be the luxury seafood product. Our goal is to bring an aspirational food product into the price range of everyday consumers without losing its perceived value."
He suggests that the whole cooked lobster would stand out on any menu, either served cold, whole or split in half, with fresh lemon juice and dill or grilled and served with a sauce. The raw lobster tails are perfect for creating luxury "surf 'n' turf" dishes, salads or simply grilled and brushed with butter or a flavoured oil.
For more information contact Lyons Seafoods on 01985 224300
l Bart Spices, the ingredients specialist, has launched its first herb and spice range for the foodservice sector in an effort to support growth in organic catering. The new range includes more than 50 popular herbs, whole and ground spices as well as various authentic spice blends.
In addition, the foodservice range includes many non-organic ingredients such as Thai satay sauce, smoked paprika and coconut milk.
Bart Spices says that foodservice businesses are increasingly demanding organic ingredients as consumers begin to replicate their retail shopping habits when eating out of home.
"A recent market report into the organic sector highlights potential for further growth in foodservice," says Bart Spices chairman Edward Shaw. "Our new range aims to meet this challenge and we hope to support a cross-section of catering businesses as they explore organic options."
For more information call Fred Launay on 0117 3007933 or email fredlaunay@bartspices.com
l Bisto is to extend its reach beyond the gravy category with the launch of six new Bisto bouillon pastes - beef, chicken, lamb, vegetable, fish and ham. The pastes are of a soft consistency, which means they quickly dissolve with the addition of boiling water, guaranteeing stock that is consistently smooth. Alternatively, they can be stirred directly into a dish during cooking. Bisto bouillon pastes do not include herb particles, so pub chefs are free to add their own flavours to their dishes.
RHM Foodservice head of marketing Coral Rose says: "Bisto bouillon pastes are cost-effective and offer a higher yield than other products on the market - equating to just 21p per litre. They are also extremely versatile, making them essential ingredients for any professional kitchen."
Bisto bouillon pastes are free from gluten, artificial colours and flavours. The products are available in 1kg tubs with re-sealable lids and have an 18-month shelf life.
For further information on new Bisto bouillon pastes contact the RHM Caterer AdviceLine on freephone 0800 328 4246 or visit
www.rhmfoodservice.co.uk
l Nature's Goodness is a new range from Farm Frites, designed to provide caterers with a cast-iron guarantee of being the lowest salt and fat potato product around.
The range includes chips, fries, skin-on wedges, mash, luxury mash with omega oils and swede & carrot mash. Farm Frites claims that compared to their standard-range counterparts, the products contain 50% less fat, 70% less saturated fat (when fried in oil with less than 30% saturated fat) and 30% less calories.
The Nature's Goodness range is entirely ovenable (the mash is microwaveable), so there's no need to fry. Farm Frites commercial director Nadia Adrien says: "This Nature's Goodness range offers chefs the option of confidently offering a naturally lower-fat alternative to traditionally high-calorie dishes without the hassle of preparing it themselves.
"By advertising this on the menu, outlets can appeal to health-conscious consumers as well as to those who choose healthy-style chips to enable them to order a dessert, which offers greater profit potential."
For further details visit www.farmfrites.co.uk or call 01452 415845
l The English Cheesecake Company has launched an innovative seasonal range of fine-quality sweet desserts, using branded alcohol from Thomas Lowndes & Co, to help maximise sales over the Christmas period.
The eight-strong range of "iconic" desserts is aimed at the premium market and each products is made using natural, quality ingredients. The range includes: chocolate orange and Grand Marnier cheesecake, fruit and nut chocolate cheesecake with Lamb's Navy Rum, chocolate brownie cheesecake pie with Courvoisier VS Cognac; cream caramel cheesecake with Jim Beam Bourbon and Louisiana pecan brioche bread and butter pudding with Jim Beam Bourbon. All the new products are
blast-frozen, pre-portioned into 12 (except the bread and butter puddings which are in uncut tray form), and have a nine-month shelf life. Once thawed, the cakes last for three to four days in the fridge.
Independent trade customers can order a minimum of four cakes via the company's website and delivery is free anywhere in the UK mainland. It is not essential to set up an account to order these products.
For more information call 0208 964 9556 or visit www.cheesecake.co.uk
l Danby's Foods has introduced new winter soups under The Real Soup Company "Classic" range. The company said that its butternut squash and sweet potato, spiced parsnip, cream of spinach and carrot and Wenslydale cheese soups are all great winter warmers.
Danby's Foods managing director Phil Ellis says: "Danby's are specialists in new product and flavour development. Now, we've applied that expertise to offer a choice to satisfy every palate with simply wonderful warm flavours. Customers will never believe that these soups aren't home-made."
The winter collection soups, which come in buckets with tamper-evident seals and are available packed in cases of 2x4kg, offer excellent value for chefs and operators.
For more information call Danby's on 01765 689595 or visit www.realsoup.com to request a free sample
