Big brands are responding to consumer trends that continue to gain traction in the food space, as evidenced by the latest products to hit the shelves in Europe. Unilever brought the vegan version of its well-known Hellman's mayonnaise over from the states, while Nestlé rolled out Maggi instant noodles that deliver an 'authentic' Asian taste.
Big brands are responding to consumer trends that continue to gain traction in the food space, as evidenced by the latest products to hit the shelves in Europe. Unilever brought the vegan version of its well-known Hellman's mayonnaise over from the states, while Nestlé rolled out Maggi instant noodles that deliver an 'authentic' Asian taste.
Following what Unilever described as the “huge success” of its vegan Hellmann’s mayonnaise in the US, the company is launching the variant into UK supermarkets.
The Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant said the move comes in response to the growing number of vegan consumers in the UK. With a third of British consumers now identifying as flexitarian, the company said it hopes to win over “younger shoppers” with an “on-trend” mayonnaise offering which is free from artificial colours and flavours as well as being vegan.
“The mayonnaise category is in growth and this is due to brands bringing exciting new flavours and formats to the market. To continue to appeal to new shoppers, we are actively investing in key consumer triggers, which is why we are introducing a mayonnaise that taps into the vegan dietary trend,” Jon Walbancke, marketing diirector for sauces and condiments at Unilever UK, said.
“Following the successful launch of Vegan Mayo in the US, we’ve had numerous requests from fans who wanting us to bring the product to the UK, which is exactly what we’ve done. With a delicious recipe specially adapted for UK consumers, we expect new Hellmann’s Vegan Mayo to bring incremental growth to the mayonnaise category.”
New Hellmann’s Vegan Mayo is available in a 270 g glass jar, which is 100% recyclable.
French food tech start-up Funky Veggie is launching its snack lines “La Boule” and “Cœur de Boule” in French supermarkets.
The makers of the vegetable-based snacks want to promote more transparent vegetable rich diets that also deliver gourmet taste sensations.
The 100% natural ranges are launching in Monoprix stores.
The five recipes developed by Funky Veggie are made using simple ingredients, such as nuts, dates and vegetable proteins. Each ball contains 89 to 99 calories.
The ingredients list is also free from additives and preservatives, artificial colours and flavours and refined sugar.
Nestlé is launching a new range of instant noodles in the UK and Ireland under its Maggi brand. The line, Maggi Fusian Noodles Pots, will consist of three “authentic Asian” flavours: chow mein, spiced curry and sweet chilli.
Each pot contains premium noodles, spices, and veggies, Nestlé said. The pots aim to meet growing consumer demand for “quick solutions” without “compromising on taste”.
“Maggi Fusian Noodle Pots are ideal for people looking for an authentic Asian taste experience, but lack the time to create it themselves,” commented Vassia Katsogianni, Maggi senior brand manager.
“Quick and easy meals can often be seen as sacrificing on taste in order to have convenience and Maggi Fusian Noodles Pots are here to change that.
“Noodle Pots are a growing category so this is a massive opportunity for Maggi to be entering into as we expand the Maggi Fusian range.”
The noodles will initially hit Tesco shelves and the launch is supported by in-store promotions, a full page advert in the Tesco magazine and sampling through online grocery discounter, Shopmium.
German’s Steinhaus is launching three flavours of Japanese dumplings, or Chinmi.
Available in vegetable, chicken and pork, the “authentic and aromatic” filling recipes were created for use in the fresh dumplings, available in the chilled food segment.
The dumplings are being offered in two variants: Asia Snack Box and the Asia Fresh Box, with an RRP of €2.29 and €3.49 respectively. The Asia Snack Box targets food-to-go and the Asia Fresh Box is for “traditional and easy home cooking”.
With 96 to 145 kcal per 100 g, the new Chinmi are also ideal for the calorie-conscious diet, Steinhaus suggested.
French organic rice cracker brand B&ME is expanding its range with the launch of an additional flavour: sweet chili crackers.
The company said that it wants to provide consumers with a healthy snacking option in a bid to “spice up healthy breaks”.
B&ME already offers three organic cracker recipes: sea salt, black pepper and tamari.
The line is oven backed and B&ME said this offers a number of advantages with “optimal preservation” of nutrients and a “light and crunchy” texture.
Nestlé continues to innovate with pink chocolate following the introduction of KitKat Ruby earlier this year.
The company is launching Baci Perugina made with pink chocolate derived from Ruby cocoa beans, which offer a fruity berry-like taste with no added flavours or colours.
The brand, which is almost 100 years old, will see its traditional recipe - with its soft gianduia filling and a crispy hazelnut in its centre – now available in a pink chocolate coating.
The Baci Perugina Limited Edition is already available in Italy and it will be soon on sale in Australia, Hong Kong, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Slovenia, Russia, and the United Kingdom. It will also be available in China in 2019.
Ruby chocolate was created by Swiss chocolatier Barry Callebaut. Nestlé was the first launch this fourth type of chocolate - after dark, milk and white - to consumers worldwide through its KitKat brand.
Yoplait, the JV between General Mills and Sodiaal, is expanding its yogurt drinks brand Yop to become “an ally in the transition to adulthood”.
The company is launching Yop Fruit Sensation, made from French milk and fruit pieces. Yoplait said this offers a “new dimension” for the yogurt category.
Yop Fruit Sensation includes “melting” fruit pieces for a “whole new mouthfeel”, Yoplait said.
The low-fat product is free from artificial colours and flavours.
The brand, which is traditionally associated with teens, hopes that the launch will extend its appeal as a snacking option for young adults.
Lorenz Bahlsen Snack-World wants to eclipse “normal” potato chips with the launch of its Crunchips Wow brand in Germany.
Lorenz said the brand delivers “more colour, crunch [and] maximum taste”.
The line includes two varieties: "The incredible Paprika & Sour Cream Pleasure" and "The terrifying Jalapeno & Cream Cheese Inferno".
Lorenz described the brand’s packaging as “gaudy and colourful”. The crisps carry an RRP of €1.99 for 110 gram package.
The new brand will be distributed nationwide through supermarket, impulse and convenience channels.
