Protein bars, natural drinks, gut health and sustainable packaging took the lion’s share of exhibition space at this year’s lunch!, the national food-to-go event that took place on September 24-25 at Excel, London.
With the overall message of wellbeing, there was a host of innovative new products to see, many of them from family-owned companies and passionate individuals.
“We’re seeing a surge of forward-thinking brands redefining what food-to-go can be, from functional drinks and sustainable packaging to nutritious, healthy snacks designed for convenience and ideal for the onboard market,” said Event Director Katie Tyler.
Here are some of the exciting products showcased at the two-day event:
Packaging by nature
Plastic being the taboo word in packaging, seaweed is making an attractive renewable source alternative.
Moving the high-volume takeaway catering environment towards a lower impact future, Notpla has created a 100% natural seaweed coating for food containers that are totally grease-resistant and fully compostable. notpla.com
XAMPLA is a material innovation company that uses plants to develop the world’s first natural polymer materials. Built on 15 years of protein research at the University of Cambridge, Morro (packaging of tomorrow) is a plant-based biodegradable coating suitable for all paper and cardboard food packaging to offer a next-generation alternative to single-use plastics. xampla.com
Transforming the takeaway food and drink experience, Westpak’s BeviBag is a spill-proof carry bag manufactured from recyclable kraft paper. In another bid to reduce spills of hot drinks, BeviLok is a secure locking cup lid made from 100% recyclable rPET available in a versatile specifications. westpak.com
Giving something back
Grandmothers in Uganda are the proud packers and benefactors of a new healthy fruit snack product, From Grandmas Gardens (FFG). The 100% natural mango and pineapple slices are hand-prepared and gently dried at source with all profits helping to fund tools, land and training. The new 35g and 100g fruit pouches are vegan, gluten-free, and high in fibre. fromgrandmasgardens.co.uk
As macronutrients are beginning to come under a finer focus from sugar, to protein and fibre, UNROOTED products are all baobab-boosted, making them naturally high in both soluble and insoluble fibre. All sales of the range of six shots support more than 150 children through school in baobab-harvesting communities in Zimbabwe. unrooteddrinks.com
Wellbeing and immunity
Emmunoballs come in snack packs to offer people on the go a nutritious and natural high-energy boost. Founded with a passion for health and wellness, the immune-boosting ingredients and superfood spices are packed with vitamins and anti-inflammatory properties to strengthen the body’s natural defences. emmunoballs.com
As coconut water makes its way up the healthy drinks ladder, Vita Coco is keen to tell the industry about its wonder nutrients in Hamburg where it will take a stand at WTCE for the first time. vitacoco.com
Driving a new era of wellbeing, combining authenticity, science and simplicity, the Turmeric Co. and Raw Hydrate are redefining functional nutrition and hydration through their new health shots. Coming in five flavours, the 60ml and 100ml shots work on gut, immunity, energy, brain and beauty. oneliving.com
Drinks trends
Hugely promoted at lunch! the trend for flavoured sparkling mineral water seems to have taken hold among consumers.
Forever Farmers is a family-run company of three generations based in Hereford, producing tinned and bottled flavoured sparkling water. The carbon-neutral farm captures its own water and uses farm-grown ingredients. Flavours range from elderflower and honey to cucumber and rosemary. foreverfarmers.com
Naturally rich in minerals and electrolytes, eauYES contains no sugar, no calories, no sweeteners, no preservatives and no artificial processing – just clean Mediterranean mineral water. eauyeswater.com
Lightly sparkling bamboo water with Juno is a low-sugar canned drink infused with yuzu, mango or passion fruit. Known for its hydration qualities, bamboo is ethical and vegan and has been used for centuries as a natural remedy to enhance immunity and detoxify the body. bamboo-water.com
Healthy snacking
Dole Packaged Foods Europe has introduced two new additions to its Fruit to Go Snack range. Perfectly suited for the onboard market, the 198-gram-sized Fruit in Juice cups provide consumers with real fruit, no added sugar, and no artificial colours or flavours, all in packaging that is 98% recyclable. dole.com
Asian-inspired Itsu is making its name in onboard catering with its latest launch on British Airways, with its chick-n-ramen noodles and broth pot. itsu.com
