Gourmet truffle crisps, gluten-free Calzones, artisan deli rolls, popcorn bars, mince pie flapjacks, and plant-based puds – are just some of the new innovations on display at lunch! 2016.
Featuring 350 exhibiting companies, lunch! visitors (over 6,000 are expected) will be among the first to see a record number of new food-to-go innovations; many of which will be launching exclusively at the show.
The multi-award winning trade show, taking place at the Business Design Centre in London on 21-22 September, has proved an essential annual visit for many of the UK’s biggest food-to-go operators, food retailers, delis, contract and travel caterers, distributors, wholesalers, venues, attractions, plus thousands of independent and multiple cafés, coffee shops, sandwich shops, and tea rooms.
“lunch! draws its inspiration from the industry it serves. Everything that food-to-go operators need to run their businesses successfully – from their kitchen equipment to counter displays, from the food and drink they serve to how it’s packaged and how it’s paid for – is here,” explains Chris Brazier, the show’s event director.
“Year after year, it showcases the best choice of the latest innovations, which is why so many buyers recommend it and so many call it their favourite show of the year,” he says.
The following is just a taste of what’s new from ‘food’ exhibitors at lunch! 2016:
Proper Cornish is launching a new, lower fat authentic Cornish steak pasty at this year’s show. The latest innovation for the food-to go-market boasts a reduction in fat of 1.7g and in salt of 0.37g per 100g (stand G4).
Florette UK & Ireland is launching its high protein, low carbohydrate leaf based salads for the first time under the Tasty & Balanced brand. Available in sweet chili chicken salad and tuna & sweetcorn salad, they are served in a deep dish bowl, complete with a dressing, sprinkle sachet and fork (stand F104).
Whitworths Shots is launching Cayenne Chilli Flaxseed Crisps at the show, as part of its new ‘Full of Super’ range. It’s full of nature’s best super ingredients, including sunflower seeds, buckwheat and quinoa. Also showcasing: Whitworths Shots, a combination of healthy dried fruit, nuts and seeds (stand U112).
Tideford Organics Food is launching its first organic, vegan soup, a range of superfood recipes, and four new miso broths (600g pots) including: brown rice miso broth; white miso broth; and two soya-free miso broths (stand A309).
Europastry is launching eight new burger buns at lunch!, including its Beer Crystal Burger Bun. Made with sourdough, beer, olive oil and 100% natural ingredients, it has a light texture and flavoursome airy crumb. Each case contains 24 x 80g buns (stand A310).
The Tofurky Company’s popular meat free deli slices is launching at the show. Each case contains 10x454g packs and are available in Oven Roasted, Hickory Smoked and Smoked Ham flavours (stand F201).
Ape Snacks is launching its Ape Crunchy Coconut Bites, a healthy rice cracker alternative. Available in Natural and Chia & Sesame Seed, they are made with just coconut, tapioca and added super seeds. Also showcasing: Crispy Coconut Curls, which come in three flavours including new Salted Chocolate (stand U108).
Made purely from plants, Freaks of Nature’s range of individual puddings is launching exclusively at lunch!. Full of fruits, nuts, coconut and cacao, they are free from dairy, gluten, soya, refined sugar or artificial additives. Puddings include: Mango Fandango vanilla posset with mango and passionfruit coulis, and Cocoa Loco chocolate ganache (stand F106).
SFD is launching its new, seared and stone-baked burger bun, made with a 24-hour fermented dough. These artisan buns are hand shaped, stone baked and then seared on top for the ultimate finish and visual appeal (stand M527).
Nashville Food Group is introducing its new Honey Sticks. With honey now being used more as an alternative to refined sugar, these 10g portion sticks provide a convenient, mess free way to add the right amount of honey to food and drink. Made with honey from the EU, with only 31Kcal per stick (stand F109).
Café Brontë Chocolate Choices Mini Packs, by Paterson Arran is making its debut at the show. Coated in Belgian chocolate, the packs come in four varieties per case: milk chocolate coconut, milk chocolate orange, dark chocolate ginger and dark chocolate mint (stand M335).
Honeybuns, the dedicated gluten free bakery, is launching their new generation of cakes at the show. Designed to meet increasing demand for gluten free, dairy free and low in refined sugar cakes, the range includes the fruit sweetened Squillionaire, Fruity Nut Bar, new Oaty Coconut Bar, and Oaty Apricot Bar (stand A409).
Launching at lunch!, Upwards’ gluten-free Calzones offer a perfectly crispy pizza base with a variation of fillings, including Greens & Grains, Med Pulled Chicken, and Hazelnut & Chocolate (stand F332).
Emily Crisps is launching a new premium range of real vegetable crisps in Spring Greens and Mixed Root. Low in calories and full of nutrients, fibre, protein and vitamins (stand M341).
Big Al’s Foodservice is launching its authentic Italian stone-baked pizza twists in pepperoni and margarita. These 175g on-the-go snacks are ready from frozen in 60 seconds and come with consumer ready packaging sleeves (stand F320).
Graze is launching The ‘Merry Mince Pie Flapjack’ – a limited edition seasonal snack. Made with whole British oats, baked with cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, it’s an alternative to traditional Christmas offerings (stand M328).
Launching at lunch!, MiiRO is the first raw chocolate-coated ice lolly that is free from dairy, gluten and refined sugar. Suitable for vegans and vegetarians, it has a smart balance of protein, carbohydrate and good fats (stand SU-15).
Matthew Algie’s new Autumn/Winter Espresso Warehouse catalogue features 11 winter drinks recipes, plus new gluten free snacks: including Brodericks Gluten Free Exotic Fruit, Brodericks Gluten Free Mango Yogurt (stand M110).
Making their lunch! debut, Savoursmiths is launching a new range of eccentrically English gourmet potato crisps. Cut from home-grown British potatoes and cooked in rapeseed oil, the range is available in four flavours: Champers and Serrano Chilli, Truffle and Rosemary, Parmesan and Port, and Wagyu Beef with Honey Mustard (stand U225).
Major International is introducing Korean Maribase to its Mari-Base range. The Mari-bases are all gluten free and suitable for vegetarians. Other flavours in the range include Barbecue, Bombay, Caribbean Jerk, Fajita, Honey, Lemon and Mustard, Mediterranean, Moroccan, Oriental, Thai, Piri Piri and Tandoori (stand M108).
Sweets in the City is launching its ‘Little Box’ range of carefully-created sweet mixes for the food-to-go market. The range includes popular fills like Revel in Retro, Chocolate & Yoghurt Treats, and Juicy Jellies, gelatin-free Jelly Beans, and gluten free options (stand M105).
Sweetpea Pantry’s Sweetpea Pods is launching at the show. This range of healthier alternatives to children’s snacking has a focus on all-natural ingredients, wholegrains, high-fibre, and super ingredients. The 20-30g bags come in four flavours, including Pizza Balls, Super Seashell Crisps, Super Oaty Bites, and Chocolate Giggles Biscuits (stand SU-7).
Mackie’s Crisps is making their debut at lunch! with a refresh of their award-winning Ridge Cut range. The crisps are gently cooked in Perthshire, Scotland. Flavours include: Sweet Chilli, Cheddar & Onion and Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar (stand F210).
Dragonfly Foods is introducing its organic Tofupots in Thai green curry and Spicy Moroccan Tagine. It has a 21-day shelf life, is suitable for vegans, free from gluten, dairy, artificial flavours and colours (stand U224).
Rollover and Island Oasis are collaborating to launch ‘Dogs and Ice’. The concept offers gourmet hot dogs by Rollover, and ice drinks (from cocktails to craft lemonades) by Island Oasis. The complete package includes food and drinks, free-on-loan equipment, and POS (stand M308).
KIND Snacks’ new lower sugar on-the-go snack bars include Dark Chocolate Mocha Almond and Madagascan Vanilla Almond. Containing around 1 teaspoon of sugar per bar, they are loaded with up to 75% nuts (stand F101).
Propercorn is introducing Crunch Corn: its first venture outside of traditional popcorn. The half-popped sibling of its signature snack are gluten-free, suitable for vegans, seasoned using natural ingredients, and offers an alternative to nuts. Flavours include: Rock Salt, Salt & Pepper, Sweet & Smokey Chilli, and Salt & Vinegar (stand M542).
Superfoodio is launching the better-for-you artisan snacks range in new snack pack sizes, flavours include a savoury sweet potato granola and cashew, and cacao nibblers. They are gluten, dairy and refined sugar-free (stand SU-8).
Booja-Booja is introducing its new dairy free ice-cream. Each flavour, including Raspberry Ripple, Caramel Pecan Praline, Chocolate Salted Caramel, Hazelnut Chocolate Truffle, Hunky Punky Chocolate, and Keep Smiling Vanilla M’Gorilla, are made with a minimal number of organic ingredients; without preservatives or other additives (stand F301).
Taim Taim (Hamim Vetaim) is launching its new vegan croutons in quinoa and cranberry to the UK at lunch!. The new grain or legume-based vegan croutons also available in lentil, bulgur and falafel variants (stand F334).
Frank Roberts & Sons is introducing Roberts Bakery Foodservice Thins – a new range of hot sandwich carriers. The Bakery Thins have less calories and carbohydrates compared to an equivalent bread roll or two bread slices (stand U203).
The Soho Sandwich Company is launching its new chilled ‘Food-to-Go’ menu featuring additions to its existing range of hand-crafted sandwiches, artisan deli rolls and associated food-to-go (stand M111).
URBAN eat is introducing its new ‘Roots’ range – a selection of named vegetarian and vegan sandwiches and wraps: including Bhaji Bonanza, Feta The Better, Shabby Chic Pea, Mozza Ella Ella, Rocket Eggs, The Beet Goats on, Devilish Egg, A Mezze-ing, and Beany McBeanface. Cased in bold, colourful packaging and approved by the Vegetarian Society (stand G17).
MBM Enterprises is launching its gluten free Sugar N Spice Popcorn Bars. Available in Toffee, Fruit & Nut, Yoghurt & Seeds, and Chilli, Chocolate & Cranberry, with 15 per case. Also showcasing: Lumberjack protein bars, flapjacks and dairy free porridge oat bars (stand F132).
HIPPEAS is a new range of organic chickpea puffs in four flavours: Pepper, In Herbs We Trust, Far Out Fajita, and Sweet and Smokin. They are vegan, high in fibre and a source of protein (stand G7).
Nonno Nanni, one of Italy’s premium soft cheese specialists, is launching to the UK this autumn. They’ll be showcasing traditional favourites, like Stracchino, Robiola, Caprino and Squaquerello, plus their latest innovation – an award winning lactose free range (stand F213).
Nomadic is launching its new Bircher Muesli – soaked rolled oats mixed with a yogurt and a little natural fruit (for an on-the-go breakfast with a spoon in the lid). Flavours include: Blueberry & Raisin Bircher Muesli; Pineapple, Banana & Coconut Bircher Muesli; Spiced Chai; and Coconut & Vanilla Chai. The Chai is made with a signature yogurt, blended with tea and spices from around the world; available in a cup format (stand A407).
The Collective’s new wild blueberry yoghurt comes with a handy spoon, made with a neat pull tab label welded to the underside to provide a hygienic, no mess solution. This new lid design is also available in 150g eat-on-the-move sizes in passionfruit, Scottish raspberry, and mango (stand A314).
Mr Lee’s Noodles has launched an instant cup noodle range with six gourmet, gluten-free flavours, including Hong Kong Steet Beef, Penang Chicken Curry Laksa, Tai Chi Chicken, Warrior Fighting Shrimp, Dragon Fire Mushroom, and Shaolin Monk Vegetables (stand F308b).
I Love Snacks is promoting its world snacks range. The easy-open aluminum pouches include 30g Olives, 25g Mango, 25g Roasted Almonds and 22g Cocoa Chocolate Chips (stand SU13).
RaRá is promoting its Chia & Oats pots, an all-natural breakfast choice. The gluten and dairy free pots come in three natural fruit flavours – Spiced Apple & Raspberry, Mango & Lime, and Blueberry & Banana (stand SU-5).
Divine Chocolate is promoting its new Divine Dark Chocolate with Cranberries and Hazelnuts. It has 68% cocoa solids made with Ghanaian cocoa grown by Kuapa Kokoo, and is free from palm oil, GM ingredients, artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. The bar will be part of the Christmas range for a limited time (stand A311).
Recently launched Pop Notch Popcorn Kids is a gluten free, nut free and low in salt popcorn. A source of wholegrain, it’s made with all natural ingredients, and is available in three flavours: banana, strawberry and apple (stand M225).
Adding to its wholesome pot range, The Food Doctor is promoting its Thai Style Noodle Wholesome Pot. This hot snack has instant ribbon noodles in a Thai style sauce, coconut milk, red pepper and coriander (stand M122).
Brioche Pasquier UK, a French family bakery since 1936, is showcasing its new snack on-the-go Baked Bread Bites. Available in cheese and onion, salt & vinegar, and bacon, they are free from preservatives and artificial colours, with only 84 calories per 20g portion (stand M410).
Gruntled is a new brand of premium pork crackling by Salty Dog Brands. The pork cracking is double cooked without gluten or MSG, and comes in three flavours: Cornish Sea Salt, English Mustard, and Habenero Chilli (stand M526).
NutriPot is previewing its instant meal pots which contain half of the recommended daily 28 vitamins and minerals. Developed to deliver healthy fast food, the five flavours include: Pasta Bolognese, Chicken & Mushroom Noodles, Aromatic Thai Noodles, Moroccan Couscous, and Quattro Formaggi Pasta (stand F125).
Natural Balance Foods is promoting its Nakd Carrot Cake (35g bar). Made with velvety pieces of carrot, and spice of cinnamon, smooshed together with walnuts, raisins and dates. All gluten, wheat, and dairy free (stand 2223).
First Quality Foods’ Artisan Grains is exhibiting its new Artisan Snacks range at lunch! with four flavours of superfood bars and roasted, spiced edamame beans (including Sweet Chilli and Sea Salt & Black Pepper). Both snacks are packed full of natural protein and fibre (stand F107).
Mom’s Fabulous Hot Dogs is showcasing its new Rosti Dog. A premium hot dog in an oven-baked crisp golden potato rosti, it’s available in four flavours: Original Rosti Dog, Breakfast Rosti Dog, Chilli Cheese Rosti Dog, and Veggie Rosti Dog (stand M334).
Joe & Seph’s has created the first official Marmite Popcorn in partnership with Unilever. The popcorn is air-popped, coated in buttery caramel and Marmite yeast extract. Its now available in 21g impulse foil packs (stand M337).
The original gourmet pie company, Square Pie is exhibiting their mini-pie ‘Canapies’. Flavours include steak, chicken & mushroom, cheese & onion, and the new sweet apple pie (stand M423).
MOMA foods’ new DIY Bircher Muesli Mix in Raspberry & Coconut is a gluten free and no added sugar muesli, packed with coconut flakes and raspberry pieces (stand M522).
Chicken Tikka with Rice is the newest addition to the ambient Wat Kitchen collection. Less than 290 calories, it’s low in fat and can be heated in 2½ minutes (stand G5).
EZDO (UK) is promoting Bakehellas Mini Feta Twists. Made without any artificial colours or flavourings, they bake straight from the freezer in only 20-24 minutes. Also showcasing: The Perla Company’s Vegan Slices, with two different filling options – seven fruits (apple, apricot, peach, figs, currants, black cherry and pear) or hazelnut cream (stand U211).
Cone Bakes is showcasing its new food on-the-go concept. A bread dough based product formed into a cone, they’re ideal for any meal occasion. Classic fillings can include scrambled eggs & bacon, chicken fajita, curry, chilli, and spicy meatballs (stand U104).
Pulsin’ is promoting its Peanut Choc Chip Raw Choc Brownie, a double chocolate brownie packed full of raw cacao, dairy free chocolate chips, and peanuts (stand M132).
Devonvale Bakery is showcasing its new Just Bar in Honey and Nut – a blend of peanuts, cashews nuts, honey and more. Also showcasing: Cranberry and Seed, and Fruit and Nut Just Bars (stand F215).
The Sausage Roll Company’s range of ‘bake from frozen’ sausage rolls is available in six varieties, all wrapped in 64 layers of crisp, golden puff pastry and weighing-in at around 200g. Flavours include: West Country Cheddar & Onion, Pork & Smoky Bacon, Pork, Cheese & Pickle, Chilli Beef, Pork & Chorizo, and the Classic (stand A106).
Snact is presenting its newest fruit jerky flavour in apple, blueberry, and banana. It combines the tartness of apples and blueberries with a sweet hint of banana. Also showcasing: apple blueberry & banana, apple & raspberry, and apple & mango variants (stand SU-18).
Great British Biscotti Co is promoting its range of sweet and savoury biscotti. The sweet range includes Simply Almond, Belgian Chunky Chocolate, Coffee & Walnut, Lemon, Honey & Ginger. The three savoury flavours include Indian Spice, Chorizo & Parmesan, and Parmesan & Fennel. All available in twin packs (two fingers 18g each), 100g retail packs, and 1kg bulk packs (stand F316).
Italia Formaggi is showcasing Groksi, a premium snacking experience from Italy, made entirely of baked Grana Padano PDO cheese. These crunchy baked snacks are lactose free and gluten free, and suitable for vegetarians. It has zero carbs and sugar, and is rich in calcium and proteins (stand F217).