Food and Drink

Bringing the natural and organic products industry the latest food and drink news from around the UK and Ireland.

‘Planet-saving’ organic ale launched

Friends of the Earth, Stroud Brewery and Toast Ale have launched Flour Power – an organic amber ale collaboration produced using sustainable solutions.

Certifiers unite to expand organic markets

Organic certifier OF&G has joined forces with global accreditor Control Union UK (CUUK) in efforts to ‘open and expand’ markets for UK organic food production by offering certification on a global scale.

Consumers cotton on to organic and ethical clothing

Organic cotton, says the Soil Association (SA) is not only good for the environment, but good for business too, as consumer spend within the category rises.

New investment leads to refreshed Conscious Chocolate

Conscious Chocolate officially relaunched last weekend at Natural & Organic Products Europe, following new investment from Fortissimo Group.

Upton’s brings its flavoured seitan to UK market

Chicago-based independent vegan company Upton’s Naturals used Natural & Organic Products as a platform to launch its Italian, Bacon and Chorizo Seitan products onto the UK market this month.

Kallø takes stock with low-salt gravy

The latest launch from Kallø is a new organic gravy that claims to contain the lowest levels of salt in the UK.

A Qwrkee take on milk

New plant-based food and drink brand Qwrkee has introduced its Pea M’lk to the UK market, initially launching into retail through Whole Foods Market.

Kale fail: clean eaters’ favourites contain highest pesticide residues

While they are revered in ‘clean-eating’ circles, spinach and kale are ranked second and third respectively (and the highest for all vegetables) in the latest Dirty Dozen pesticide residue ranking from US non-profit the Environment Working Group (EWG).

Tree of Life introduces raw choc line

Natural and organic food brand Tree of Life has created an eight-strong range of organic Raw Cacao Chocolate bars.

Lidl’s wonky veg: ‘Too good to waste’

Joining Aldi, Asda, Morrisons and Tesco in their pursuit to stop wasting ‘wonky veg’, discounter Lidl has created a line of bargain boxes containing fruit and vegetables which are ‘slightly damaged, discoloured or deteriorated but are still perfectly good to eat’.

Paul Moore announces changes at the OTB

In his spring ‘member news’ bulletin circulated on 22 March, Paul Moore CEO of the Organic Trade Board (OTB), has announced two management changes within the organization.

Guruji pops up in UK snack sector

Snack brand Guruji has introduced a range of Popped Lotus Seeds onto the UK market to offer ‘a credible alternative to popcorn and crisps’.

Just Wholefoods celebrates 30th birthday with rebrand

Just Wholefoods is celebrating its 30th anniversary by rebranding its entire 19-strong product portfolio.

Roll up for vegan sushi from Ima

A new plant-based ‘salmon’ sushi set, made using the Asian root vegetable konjac, has been created by London-based vegan company Ima.

Organic Trade Board: time for a ‘unified effort’ to promote ‘brand...

At its annual breakfast and briefing event in London on 6 March, the Organic Trade Board (OTB) recapped on its 2018 campaign achievements before Paul Moore, chair executive director, appealed to the organic industry to take collective action and pledge financial support once the UK leaves the EU.

Tree of Life sweetens its offer

To meet the growing demand for naturally sourced sweeteners, Tree of Life has launched a line of Organic Agave and Coconut Syrups.

Stores reflect on The Veganuary Road Trip 2019

Following the The Veganuary Road Trip 2019 – a collaboration between non-profit organization Veganuary, frozen vegan pizza brand One Planet Pizza and the National Association of Health Stores (NAHS) – independent retailers and consumers alike have spoken out about the impact of the campaign.

UK kefir first from COYO

Dairy-free yoghurt brand, CO YO has launched what it says is the UK’s first Organic Coconut Milk Kefir range.

Tree of Life bears more fruit

New from organic and natural wholesale distributor Tree of Life comes a nine-strong range of gluten-free organic Superfood and High Protein Pasta in 250g packs.

Vegan tuna is the catch of the day from Loma Linda

American sustainable plant-based protein brand Loma Linda is launching its innovative plant-based seafood alternative, Tuno, at Natural & Organic Products Europe in April.