Speciality Food Magazine May 2024

@specialityfood 32 Wild Garlic Sauce TRACKLEMENTS T here’s been a noticeable shift in consumer buying patterns in the last two years, as shoppers put more consideration into what lands in their basket. ‘Sustainable consumerism’, says Statista, has come about through increased awareness of the importance of protecting the environment, and just two ways the public are looking to make a difference are by choosing items with sustainability claims, and products in packaging they can easily recycle or compost. Around three quarters of those asked by the analyst in 2022 and 2023 said recycling or composting is perceived as one of the easiest andmost accessible ways they felt they couldmake a positive impact on the world around them. CLEAN DECKS Consumer suspicions around ultra processed food and drink, in light of the regular media presence of scientists, doctors and other experts highlighting its negative impacts on health, have meant they are very interested in ‘clean’ ingredients labels. WHAT ARE SHOPPERS LOOKING FOR? B CORP PRODUCTS This is one of the most recognisable signifiers for shoppers that a brand has put the work in to consider its environmental policies. GRASS-FED Be it at the butchery counter, a ready meal, or a meat-based snack such as jerky, grass-fed beef is a buzz phrase right now. It signifies higher welfare and better farming practices. ORGANIC Organic still matters – to consumers and the planet. For the environmentally-conscious, Soil Association or Organic Farmers & Growers labelling gives them strong direction in store. Some brands are choosing not to certify in order to save money, so make sure you know your products, and mark up anything organic that’s not labelled officially, to give those items a boost. BRITISH Although the British flag might get some stick out on the streets (where it’s often aligned with far right-wing politics) when it comes to food and drink, shoppers love to see the Union Jack firmly stamped on labels. British farming standards are known to be some of the best in the world, and consumers appreciate this, and are keen to support British industry. STOCK CHECK S P E C I A L I T Y F O O D M A G A Z I N E * 2 0 2 4 * COCOA & HAZELNUT SPREAD ISLANDS CHOCOLATE A rich, sumptuous spread, made with the brand’s own organic Caribbean cocoa and double the amount of Piedmont hazelnuts. Palm oil-free. islandschocolate.com COTTAGE DELIGHT CLASSIC LEMON CURD Sold in the brand’s new streamlined jars, a timeless delicacy combining creaminess and zest with a sunshiny lemon flavour. cottagedelight.co.uk TWISTED LEMONADE GUNNA DRINKS A refreshing immune-boosting lemony soda from the planet-friendly brand, with added zinc and Vitamin C. gunnadrinks.com ISLE OF MULL CHEESE BISCUITS ISLAND BAKERY Richly flavoured, easy-to-nibble cheesy biscuits, made with organic ingredients (including cheese from the neighbouring farm), at the bakery, powered by renewable energy. islandbakery.scot SUSTAINABILITY COMES FIRST Consumers are voting with their feet when it comes to sustainable food and drink, choosing products made in a ‘cleaner’ way and sold in recyclable or plastic-free packaging Wild Garlic is found in abundance in woodlands and hedgerows across the UK fromMarch to May. It’s an extremely versatile plant and this sauce, made with the broad green leaves of wild garlic balanced with mustard and honey, is perfect for anyone who loves the taste but wants to bypass the foraging and cut straight to the flavour. Satisfying our want to preserve the seasons, this keeps the essence of spring alive throughout the year. tracklements.co.uk WHAT IS B CORP ? B Corps are businesses that have demonstrated that they meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. For many, joining the B Corp movement is a way to formally recognise their mission – whether that is specific sustainability goals, or a broader aim to be a force for good. To achieve the certification, businesses must demonstrate high social and environmental performance by going through an assessment process. They must also make a legal commitment by changing their corporate governance structure to be accountable to all stakeholders, not just shareholders. Lastly, they must make information about their performance publicly available. 100 BILLION PIECES OF PLASTIC WASTE ARE THROWN AWAY EVERY YEAR IN THE UK, AVERAGING 66 ITEMS A WEEK PER HOUSEHOLD STATISTA INCREASING ORGANIC LAND USE IN ENGLAND TO 10% (A THREE-FOLD INCREASE FROM CURRENT LEVELS) WOULD DELIVER SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS ORGANIC FARMERS & GROWERS Peppermint teas SUMMERDOWN Summerdown brings you a range of 100% plastic-free restorative herbal teas, all made from the essential herbs grown on the brand’s RSPB Fair to Nature certified Hampshire farm. The collection includes the original Peppermint tea, which is ‘twice as minty’ because Summerdown’s Black Mitcham peppermint leaves are dried and then infused with the essential oil from its own distillery; a relaxing and soothing Peppermint & Camomile tea; and, for those in search of a truly comforting, shoulder-loosening brew, a mild and calming Camomile tea, made from floral camomile heads grown on the farm. summerdown.com