From limited edition beer, craft sodas, and vegan ice-creams to easy-to-serve cheeseboards, fishless fillets, premium coffee, gin alternatives and eco-packaging – there’s an exciting range of new launches to discover at Casual Dining 2019.
McCain Foodservice, Lamb Weston Meijer, JJ Foodservice, Panasonic UK, Hellmann’s, Lutosa, Quorn Foodservice, Raynors, Fentimans, Big Drop Brewing, Freedom Brewery, Dalston’s, Menu Guru, Craftis and Ascentia FSE are just some of the brands set to showcase their newest offerings at the multi-award-winning show, taking place next month on 27-28 February at its new home of London ExCeL.
With 220 leading suppliers lined up to present a host of new food and drink products, catering equipment and business services, it’s an essential visit to keep up-to-date with all the latest trends, innovations and insights in the casual dining industry.
Here’s a first look at what’s new from some of the exhibitors for 2019:
Panasonic UK is previewing its new range of commercial rice cookers. These cookers safely hold rice hot for up to four hours; ideal for serving perfectly cooked rice, while minimising waste and negating the need to bulk cook in advance and reheat to order (stand E51).
Recognising the trend to reduce sugar in many beverages, MONIN is previewing its new range of reduced sugar flavoured syrups. Capturing the unique essence of the fruit, MONIN Reduced Sugar Strawberry, Pink Grapefruit and Passion Fruit offer versatility and can be used to create a range of refreshing aromatic sodas, lemonades, cocktails, teas and smoothies (stand F51).
Eurilait is sampling its new range of Al Fresco summer hot-eating cheeses. These vegetarian cheeses are designed for the grill or griddle, and all BBQ occasions, as an alternative to any regular burger or sausage. The cheese 'steaks' and 'sausages' are available in plain or chilli varieties (stand G107).
Hellmann’s is sampling its new vegan mayonnaise. Made with soybean oil, Hellmann’s Vegan Mayonnaise offers diners the creamy taste of mayo, but contains no eggs, no cholesterol, no genetically-engineered ingredients and is certified Vegan by Vegan Action (stand E57).
Fentimans is previewing the newest flavour in its award-winning range of botanically-brewed drinks, Apple and Blackberry. Combining two quintessentially British fruits, this drink provides a combination of crisp apple and blackberries with natural botanicals to create a fresh and fruity taste (stand C67).
Slingsby Gin is previewing its new gooseberry gin. Crafted using the world-famous Harrogate aquifer water, pure single grain spirit and locally sourced botanicals synonymous with the restorative nature of Harrogate. Yorkshire gooseberries bring an unmistakable tangy sharpness, tempered with a fruity sweetness whilst retaining the classic citrus notes of their award-winning London Dry Gin (stand K40).
Rude Health is previewing its organic turmeric latte. This dairy-free drink combines turmeric for colour, ginger and cinnamon for zing, black pepper to awaken the turmeric and some rice, for a gluten-free silky sweetness. It's naturally-frothable and easy for baristas – just steam and serve for a tasty, fast, standardised, non-artificial, organic drink (stand A25).
Freedom Brewery is unveiling its first ever, limited-edition seasonal brew at the show. Brewed to Freedom’s exacting standards – natural, conscious, real beer – this is a balanced and refreshing lager at 3.8% vol. It’s full of zesty aroma with soft fruit taste notes delivered by hop inspiration from New Zealand (stand C40).
Pacific West Foods is launching its new Tempura Tropical Snapper fillets at the show. With a crisp and light coating, they make an ideal starter, can be enjoyed as part of a seafood platter or an alternative surf and turf (stand C45).
Lutosa is launching its new Cajun Wedges and Black Pepper & Salt Wedges. These skin-on wedges are coated with a flavoured gluten-free batter, which gives them a spicy taste and also helps to keep them warmer for longer (stand H57).
Quorn Foodservice is previewing two new products in its Vegan Fishless range: Battered Fishless Fillets with a Salt and Vinegar Batter and Breaded Fishless Fillets with a Lemon Pepper Breadcrumb. Replicating the texture and flakiness of fish, and low in saturated fat, the new range is ideal for creating a healthy, vegan fish(less) dish (stand D57).
LUXLO Spirits is launching LUXLO For Gin Lovers at the show. New to market, LUXLO is a 20% gin-alternative that is juniper led with nine carefully selected botanicals including classic gin heroes such as coriander seeds, angelica root, liquorice, orris root, orange and lemon peel. With only 28 calories per 25ml serving and half a unit of alcohol, it is exquisitely balanced, smooth, light, crisp and refreshing (stand AS3 in the Artisan Spirits Lounge).
Tastequest is launching its new Arepas. A staple of Latin American cuisine, these Colombian Corn Breads are made from quality Masa Harina (corn flour) and are 100% gluten-free. This versatile street food can be filled with an array of different foods and eaten with any meal (stand B67).
Craftis is launching its four new Bizzi Meal Bags designs: Tropical, Garden, Woodland & Ocean. These colourful food carriers come with a pack of three coloured crayons and are covered in fun activities to entertain young diners, including puzzles, jokes, games and crosswords, as well as a colour-in face mask and door hanger (stand H71).
Toschi UK is launching its new range of sauces for mochas, hot drinks and frappes. These multipurpose sauces are designed to add flavour in both hot and cold beverages and are available in Caramel, Chocolate and White Chocolate (stand D46).
Yee Kwan Ice Cream is debuting its new range of vegan ice creams. Created with a creamy coconut base, these ice creams come in authentic flavours including: Chocolate Miso, Matcha, Salted Caramel and Mango. Also showcasing: gluten free cheesecakes (stand A45).
Bannisters Farm is launching its new vegan baked potato skins, with a mozzarella-style melt and vibrant, bold ingredients. The products are gluten-free and can be heated in minutes from frozen. Recipes include Tomato, Roasted Pepper and Olives; Arrabbiata; Hickory BBQ Jackfruit; Sundried Tomato; and Jalapeno (stand C51).
Bellfield Brewery is introducing two new beers to their award-winning range of gluten-free and vegan beers, in 330ml cans. The Session Ale is a moreish beer that’s been developed to meet demand for a great-tasting ale that’s lower in alcohol at 3.8% vol. The new Craft Lager is a modern interpretation of a classic lager that’s biscuity and quaffable at 5.2% vol (stand C93B in the Scotland Food & Drink Pavilion).
Ascentia FSE is showcasing its new Gara pizza oven. This compact countertop oven produces an authentic Neapolitan style pizza in as little as 60 seconds. It features a 3cm thick stone cooking deck and extra care has been taken in insulating the chamber, making for great heat retention properties and super-fast cooking times (stand G71).
Notes Coffee is launching its premium coffee offering at the show. They will be sampling a range of coffee styles, including new 100% aluminium Nespresso compatible capsules. Their wider solutions include Barista training, supply of coffee equipment and machines, plus support across set up and maintenance (stand A30).
EauVation is launching its new HydreauBar. This unique bottling station sterilises bottles before filling them, eliminating microbial organisms not achieved from washing alone. It delivers up to 500 bottles per hour of freshly purified, chilled still or sparkling water. With a carbon footprint 95% lower than bottled waters, it’s ideal for establishments committed to a sustainable water offer (stand F101).
Raynors is sampling its new Hot Eats products, including new flavours of burritos (Beef & Bean and Spicy Bean), hot wraps (Margherita Pizza, Pepperoni and Meatball) and croques (Cheese & Tomato and Ham & Cheese). New additions to its vegan range this year include a vegan cheese & onion toastie, a vegan sausage sandwich & more. Plastic-free options are available across the range (stand G20).
Brasserie Meteor is showcasing its Meteor Pilsner. This iconic French Pilsner, brewed in Alsace since 1927, will be introduced to the UK market for the first time, in brand new packaging. A multiple award-winning beer, it’s brewed using the distinctive Strisselspalt hops from Alsace in addition to Saaz hops and the pure water from the Vosges mountains range (stand CB4 in the Craft Beer & Cider Zone).
Menu Guru is showcasing its new, smart, digital menu app. Developed to make eating out simpler and safer for allergy sufferers, this app personalises a menu based on the customer’s unique dietary requirements, showing them only what they can safely eat from that restaurant (stand K101).
Stewart Brewing is introducing two new beers: a 3.7% Session IPA, dry-hopped with Citra and Mosaic to deliver citrus and tropical flavours; and a 4% Lager, brewed and conditioned over six weeks, using noble hops and natural carbonation, resulting in a crisp and refreshing taste (stand C93F in the Scotland Food & Drink Pavilion).
B-Loony is showcasing its recently launched BalloonGrip. Answering the urgent need for an alternative to single use plastic balloon sticks (soon to be banned by the EU), the BalloonGrip is made from sustainable raw materials, which are fully biodegradable. It provides an eco-friendly, plastic-free option for easy distribution of balloons as giveaways and sales promotions (stand A60).
Moving Mountains Foods is hosting the first UK demonstration of its recently re-launched Moving Mountains Burger. This innovative plant-based burger provides consumers with a meat alternative that competes in taste, texture and satisfaction to a regular beef burger (stand J20).
Bradburys Cheese is promoting its new range of ‘Yes Chef!’ cheeseboards. Pre-cut and ready-to-serve, these ‘no-fuss’ cheeseboard selections come in standard varieties such as classic and ploughman’s, as well as premium and artisan versions containing award-winning British and continental cheeses (stand H40).
Wild Beer Co is introducing the latest addition to its can range, Millionaire. A salted caramel and chocolate milk dessert stout, it combines sweet and salty for a rich, balanced and smooth taste. Previously offered in both bottle and keg, this popular beer is now available in a can (stand CB12 in the Craft Beer & Cider Zone).
Trail is presenting its recently launched app. This new operations app serves up a daily list of tasks to guide teams step-by-step, from opening checks and food safety to cashing up. It’s designed to be integrated with EPoS, rotas and other systems, to become the central operational hub for the entire organisation (stand K91).
Majisign is showcasing its Stash A-board, a unique twist on a traditional A-board. Rather than the usual cross rail found on most A-boards, the Stash A-board has a mechanised foldable tray. Created to enhance visual advertisement, it allows operators to showcase their wares and emphasise their brand identity (stand C60).
The Hygiene Company is presenting its Hygiene360. This new data portal offers a full circle solution for washroom and cleaning management and feedback. Functionalities include real-time access to customer feedback, cleaning due times and issue management, and a dynamic route-list that sends cleaning teams to the location most in need of attention (stand J106).
Dalston’s is showcasing its new range of Soda Lights. Made with real squeezed British fruit, spring water and distilled botanicals, these new craft sodas offer an alternative to mainstream sugary soft drinks. Made with no added sugar and nothing artificial, they only contain 20 calories a can. Available in two flavours: Real Squeezed Rhubarb & Real Squeezed Elderflower (stand C10).
Yapster is demonstrating its new mobile message app. It offers effective, GDPR compliant communication at scale for hospitality teams. Staff can use their smartphones to send 1-1 and group messages, initiate flash polls and post to the social newsfeed in a secure environment (stand A66).
Conker Spirit is promoting its recently launched Port Barrel Gin. Distilled with Conker’s own Dorset gin and rested in used Port barrels from Portugal, this is a limited-edition gin, only available in 800 bottle runs. Also showcasing: new Navy Strength Gin, which is distilled in the honour of the courageous RNLI (stand AS10 in the Artisan Spirits Lounge).
Big Drop Brewing Co is showcasing the newest addition to its range of low/no-alcohol beers, The Citra Four Hop Special Edition. Launched in December, this new 0.5% pale ale contains four hop varieties and brings not only the usual large fruit juice aromas of lime and grapefruit, but also a dash of bright orange, mango and lychee to give a smoother aftertaste (stand CB11 in the Craft Beer & Cider Zone).
Meiko UK is promoting its M-iClean UM, undercounter glass washer. It features integral heat recovery, meaning there are no more clouds of steam when the door is opened. The glass washer is also available with GiO reverse osmosis, which eliminates the need to polish glasses by hand (stand H46).
Nelson Catering Equipment is presenting its new Advantage Plus warewasher range. Developed to offer the best in energy and water efficiency, the range includes machines to meet a variety of requirements and budgets, from the smallest undercounter models through to high-volume, steam heat recovery pass throughs (stand G50).
Avery Dennison is demonstrating its new Freshmarx Temp and Task Tracker. Temp Tracker enables automation of temperature and humidity monitoring in refrigeration units. Task Tracker is a digital, customisable checklist application for task execution. Designed to work together or separately, they can help manage labour, enable greater compliance by supporting HACCP goals and optimise kitchen processes (stand K85).
Spirit Cartel is showcasing its recently launched Becherovka. This traditional and high-quality herbal liqueur is a 100% natural product without any chemical preservatives, artificial substances or emulsifiers. It’s made using renowned Carlsbad water, high quality spirits, natural sugar and a select array of herbs (stand H80).
3S POS is promoting its Self-Service Kiosk. Designed to work seamlessly with the EPoS suite, it enhances business operations by speeding up service and providing smart upselling opportunities. The software has been specifically developed with the QSR market in mind and features an intuitive UI for fast and efficient customer experience (stand F31).
Sea Arch - Not Gin is showcasing its calorie-free, non-alcoholic spirit for gin-lovers. Inspired by the sea, it bursts with coastal flavours, including sea kelp and juniper, to create a refreshing drink. Made with botanicals, which are individually extracted using centuries old techniques and blended together after distillation. Works beautifully over ice with tonic, a squeeze of citrus and sprig of rosemary (stand AS4 in the Artisan Spirits Lounge).
Rubies in the Rubble is presenting its new sustainably-sourced, 100% natural ketchup. Made from surplus pears that would have otherwise gone to waste, as well as tomatoes, its packed with 3x more fruit than most regular ketchup. Plus, the natural sweetness from the fruit means half the refined sugar compared to other leading brands (stand A54).
JJ Foodservice is demonstrating its new eco-packaging range. Created to help reduce the amount of plastics used in takeaway packaging, the range includes biodegradable cutlery, soup pots, smoothie and coffee cups, food containers, straws and much more (stand D51).
McCain Foodservice is staging a sensory experience at the show to promote its newest products, Sweet Potato Rustics and Crispers. Visitors are invited to discover these new rustic skin-on sweet potato wedges and v-cut skin-on crinkle chips through interactive recipes (stand E31).
La Tua Pasta is promoting its new Sweet Mini-Doughnuts filled with Pistachio. They are made using gnocchi dough and filled with sweet pistachio cream (using 100% Sicilian pistachios from Bronte), and white chocolate. They cook in only a few minutes and are ideal served with ice cream, a chocolate sauce or just icing sugar (stand H45).
Lamb Weston Meijer is promoting its Hot2Home Fries. This newly-developed fries concept for home delivery consists of two parts: a special ultra-thin starch coating that ensures the fries stay crisp and flavourful for longer, plus a patented fries cup that works with the coating to keep them hot and crispy for 20 mins – ideal for delivering quality fries to customers at home (stand D71).
Sea Products International is presenting the latest addition to its line of frozen seafood – new Salt & Pepper Squid. These tender pieces of squid are encased in a tasty, light, peppery coating (made with 60% squid and 40% coating). Ideal as a starter, main course or to share (stand K37).
Jubel Beer is launching two new beers UK-wide. The ‘Alpine’ beer, cut with peach, and the ’Urban’ beer, cut with elderflower, offer the easy-drinking refreshment of a fruit cider with the 'sessionability' of a crisp lager. These naturally-infused beers are gluten-free and vegan-friendly, with 70% less sugar than fruit ciders (stand H25).
Pizza Equipment is showcasing its new Sigma Sprizza SPZ40 and SPZ50 cold pizza spreaders. Featuring a patented micro-rolling system that prepares the dough, with crust, in the same way as the hands of an expert. Also exhibiting: the Forni Ceky dome oven, Moretti iDeck, GGF dough mixers and dough rollers and GI Metal pizza accessories (stand F100).