In this week's NPD Trend Tracker, we have KitKat's new 70% dark chocolate, which will run for a limited time in the UK. We also have a new cocktail range released in paper bottles and an exciting new investment for Italian food brand Crosta & Mollica.
Image: Dougal Waters/Getty Images
In this week's NPD Trend Tracker, we have KitKat's new 70% dark chocolate, which will run for a limited time in the UK. We also have a new cocktail range released in paper bottles and an exciting new investment for Italian food brand Crosta & Mollica.
Image source: Dougal Waters/Getty Images
Nestlé’s chocolate brand KitKat has launched its limited edition 70% dark chocolate bar, which, it states, is made with chocolate from the multinational’s Income Accelerator Programme.
The programme focuses on incentivising cocoa farming families to use regenerative agriculture practices. It also aims to put more children in school, empower women in the household, and diversify income streams. The programme, which is based in Côte d'Ivoire, aims to expand to Ghana in future.
"The introduction of KitKat 70% Dark to our range of iconic chocolate bars is a great way to kick off the new year. The combination of our signature crispy wafer and the rich, smooth dark chocolate creates a truly indulgent experience that we’re confident chocolate fans will love,” said Hannah Boyle, Brand Manager for KitKat at Nestlé UK & Ireland.
The bar, four fingers of dark chocolate-coated biscuit, is suitable for vegetarians, and contains no artificial flavours, colours or preservatives. It will be available exclusively from Sainsbury’s across the UK.
Image Source: Nestlé
UK-based drinks company World of Zing have launched a range of ready-to-drink cocktails in paper bottles, which according to the company is the ‘world’s first’ in such packaging.
The ‘Frugal Paper Bottles,’ which are made with 94% recyclable paperboard outer, are, the brand claims, lighter, safer and better for the environment than their glass equivalents and use 77% less plastic than a plastic bottle.
Furthermore, empty bottles can be flattened, saving space, as well as being five times lighter than a glass bottle, reducing transport costs and, according to the brand, leading to a carbon footprint six times lower.
The range, which will change seasonally, will include flavours such as Kaffir Lime ‘Picante’ Margarita, Blood Orange Negroni, Rhubarb Cosmopolitan and Espresso Martini.
"We are thrilled to launch the UK's first range of cocktails available in Frugal Paper Bottles, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for World of Zing. Since launching in 2014, World of Zing has paved its own successful path with category redefining pre-batch cocktails that can now be found in some of the UK’s leading retailers and hospitality operators. With this new bottle, World of Zing is once again disrupting the industry with a packaging format that provides game-changing operational and environmental benefits, as well as creating positive conversations amongst consumers,“ said Pritesh Mody, founder of World of Zing.
The range will be available in trains such as the Belmond Pullman, restaurants such as Rosa’s Thai, Tonkotsu and Cosy Club, and hotels such as South Lodge and the Vineyard.
Image Source: World of Zing
Cooking sauce company Nojō London has rebranded its products for January, and is releasing two, White Miso Cooking Sauce and Tahini Sauce, in the UK retailer Marks & Spencer.
The White Miso Cooking Sauce, which is made with white miso, rice vinegar, ginger and toasted sesame oil, is Nojō’s bestseller. The Tahini Sauce, meanwhile, is made from tahini, lemon juice, some naturally brewed tamari sauce and maple syrup. Both sauces are gluten free, GMO-free, plastic-free and vegan, with no artificial flavours or additives.
“Nojō products are now gracing the shelves of the UK's most beloved supermarket - Marks & Spencer. It's not just about being available in a leading store; it's about being the only branded product positioned alongside iconic brands like TABASCO and Lea & Perrins - true legends that have been winning hearts for decades. This is a significant milestone for us, and it's a testament to the quality and appeal of Nojō. We are honoured to stand shoulder to shoulder with these giants, proving that our commitment to taste and quality resonates with consumers. As we bask in this exciting development, we can't help but wonder: where will Nojo pop up next in 2024?” said Nojō’s founder Simona Deifta.
The product is available from Marks & Spencer shops at an RRP of £3.50 per 200ml bottle.
Image Source: Nojō
UK natural drinks brand Sprigster has released a new non-alcoholic drink for dry January, along with a revamp of an old one. Along with a new recipe of its Sprigster Original Botanical Infusion, it has also released the dry sparkler Sprigster ‘Garden Brut, which the brand describes as ‘the world’s first ever Single Estate non-alc. Aperitif.’
The brut is made through slow-cooking a blend of British garden hops, rhubarb, ginger and fennel seeds, which are infused for several weeks in order for the botanicals to blend. A gooseberry reduction and local spring water is added before carbonation for the fizz. It is available at an RRP of £15.
The new recipe for the Original Botanical Infusion, made with slow-cooked hops, fennel, rhubarb and ginger, which are infused with a discovery apple reduction, is available at an RRP of £24.
Both are available on the brand’s website, and served in The Newt in Somerset, Daylesford Organic, Petersham Nurseries, The Pig, Soho House, National Trust properties and The Royal Parks.
Image Source: Sprigster
UK-based Italian food brand Crosta & Mollica has received a new investment from private equity firm Perwyn Advisors. The B-Corp certified brand, which sells products such as pizza and gelato, will be supported by the firm with international expansion, as well as product innovation and brand investment back in the UK.
Company founder James Orr will remain in place, but will be joined by David Milner, who will act as chairman.
"I am delighted to welcome Perwyn as partners to Crosta & Mollica. Their shared vision for the potential of the business matches the ambition of our incredible team. We are only part way towards realising our goal of becoming a leading global Italian food brand and Perwyn’s international and sector expertise will help accelerate us towards achieving that,” said company founder Orr.
“Perwyn are extremely happy to be collaborating with Crosta & Mollica. Their growth and increasing presence across multiple countries is incredibly impressive and testament to the passion they have for developing top quality products befitting of a premium and relatable brand. The investment aligns perfectly with Perwyn’s food sector expertise and track record in successfully partnering with entrepreneur owned businesses,” added Gurinder Sunner, Partner at Perwyn.
Image Source: Crosta & Mollica
Retailer Knoops has partnered with oat drinks brand Minor Figures to release a vegan 54% Dark Chocolate Oat Mocha.
The drink combines 54% dark with Minor Figures’ ‘Barista Oat’, along with a shot of coffee. Knoops chose Minor Figures’ oat as it is good for micro-foaming when steamed, which works well with the texture of Knoops’ drinks.
“Using high quality product is core to the Knoops brand, and Minor Figures’ Barista Oat is a product we’re happy to be using for our 54% Dark Chocolate Oat Mocha. The Barista Oat is engineered to product a perfect micro-foam that, from our in-depth research and development, is texturally what we’re looking for to best showcase the flavour profile of each chocolate, giving the consumer a velvety, creamy mouthfeel,” said Knoops founder Jens Knoop.
The drink is now available in 15 shops across the UK.
The brand is also releasing two bundles on its website: The Mocha Bundle, containing 54% dark chocolate flakes and Knoops ground coffee (£17), and The Mocha Shake Bundle, containing 54% dark chocolate flakes, coffee and a mocha shaker (£36).
Image Source: Knoops
