Food and Drink Matters Issue 189

Ben Ellis Pastry Chef

Company of the Year

Pages 12-13

WBC Wine Box Company

Outstanding Achievement

Pages 14-15

October 2025 – issue 189

CONTENTS

October 2025 – issue 189

21

Inside this issue

7 Votech

PPMA Total 2025 Review

Chilli sauce with a healthy kick

Chilli No. 5 is an independent UK-owned sauce brand that has been

stocked in the world’s leading retailers including Harrods, Selfridges,

Fortnum & Mason, Harvey Nichols and La Grande Épicerie de Paris.

14 WBC Wine Box Company

Outstanding Achivement Award

8 Bluewater Group

Beverages Matters

18 Christeyns Food Hygiene

Hygiene Specialists Company of the Year

12 Ben Ellis Pastry Chef & Chocolatier

Free-From Confectionery Company of the Year

24 Machines4Food Ltd

Manufacturing Matters

23 16 14

Follow us on X or follow us on Linked In o

Download our iOS app and Android app

Leading innovators in steam technology

CERTUSS is a steam technology company with over 60 years

experience developing gas-fired, oil-fired and electric steam

generators.The company is well known for its consistent research.

www.foodanddrinkmatters.co.uk

The entire content of this publication is advertorial based. To place an advertorial or an advert, please call 01562 756960.

COFFEE MATTERS

Ugandan Coffee debuts at

Manchester Coffee Festival with

new campaign to drive sales

Sets sights on becoming the cup of choice for UK coffee connoisseurs

U

gandan Coffee is

making its first

showcase at the

Manchester Coffee Festival

(14-16th November), one of

UK’s biggest hot beverage

events, as part of its ongoing

campaign to encourage

British coffee aficionados to

choose the delicious beans

grown on the fertile soil of

Uganda, for their next cup.

This marks the Ugandan specialty coffee producers’

first appearance at the North West’s biggest coffee

event, where it hopes to secure new listings with

retailers and hospitality venues in the North of

England. Known as the ‘Pearl of Africa’, Uganda

offers one of the finest topographies in the world for

growing quality coffee beans. From the fertile volcanic

slopes of Mount Elgon in the east to the Rwenzori

Mountains in the west, each region boasts unique

growing conditions and flavours.

Last year Ugandan Coffee broke its export record

and has now set its sights on increasing this figure

while securing the cups of

more British coffee drinkers;

it currently accounts for

a mere 1% of the UK's

total coffee imports. After

fostering strong connections

at the London Coffee

Festival earlier this year, the

group is looking to deepen

its engagement with the

UK market by joining the

Manchester Coffee Festival.

The coffee grown on its soil has an exquisite, distinct

taste, and the country has been harvesting the beans

for over 200 years. Robusta coffee beans first started

growing in the wild forests bordering Lake Victoria

over two hundred years ago, and by the late 19th

Century, Ugandan Robusta was finding its way into

European markets.

Today, coffee is a vital part of Uganda's economy,

employing over 1.7 million households and

contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings.

Uganda is the 7th largest

coffee producer globally.

However, until recently, a

cup of Ugandan coffee has

been hard to find on UK

soil, with the coffee market

dominated by imports from

Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia,

and Vietnam. According to

the British Coffee Association,

coffee consumption in the

UK is among the highest in the world, with an average

of 2.3 cups per person per day, yet Ugandan coffee

accounts for just 1% of British coffee imports.

Backed by a campaign from the UK Trade

Partnerships Programme, it wants to encourage

British coffee drinkers to seek out a cup of Ugandan

coffee for their next caffeine fix. Through targeted

support in marketing, branding, quality testing, and

sustainability, the programme has strengthened the

capacity of Uganda’s specialty coffee producers. It

has also fostered collaboration, enabling producers

to consolidate shipments and streamline access to

UK and EU markets. This momentum coincides with

the launch of a new direct

flight route between the UK

and Uganda that started on

the 18th May; a welcome

development that further

supports growing trade and

connectivity between the two

countries. As a result, the

UK has received a curated

selection of Uganda’s coffee

gems – all of which will be

proudly showcased during

the Manchester Coffee

Festival (14-16th November).

It hopes to raise awareness about the new generation

of Ugandan coffee producers who are championing

sustainable farming, empowering women, and

transforming local communities – while offering UK

consumers the chance to discover an exciting and

often-overlooked origin.

These include growers who are dedicated to driving

community uplift including support for local schools,

financial education and youth programmes. Their

practices are steeped in sustainability from bean to

cup, with agroforestry, climate-smart agriculture and

initiatives such as shade-planting and beekeeping in

place. Not to mention many farms have a female-led

workforce, who they upskill with technical training

and fair wages.

For example, Mountain Harvest, set on the ridges of

Mount Elgon, is dedicated to empowering women

through coffee production and has grown the number

of women it works with from 13% in 2019 to 41%

in 2025.

While Ankole Cooperative Union, located in the fertile

volcanic soils of Southwestern Uganda, at altitudes

ranging from 1,400 to 1,900 metres above sea level,

is committed to developing local communities and

has helped fund schools in the villages they work

with. Its member farmers each manage small-scale

farms averaging 1.5 acres, carefully tending to

600-700 coffee trees. Their farming practices include

maintaining healthy soils, pruning the coffee bushes,

and intercropping with nutrient-rich trees and plants

such as bananas, providing partial shade and mulch

for the soil. With their high altitude these farms

produce coffee that exhibits a distinctive cup profile

with floral, fruity, and sweet notes.

Zamani Coffee was founded as a movement to

empower small-scale farmers. Its beans are cultivated

by 250 dedicated small-scale farmers in the Sipi region,

who weave traditional methods with innovation to

nurture the land that sustains them. Zamani provides

ongoing education on sustainable farming and postharvest

practises to help achieve higher profitability

while looking after their environment. It established

the ‘Sipi Zamani Coffee Farmers Savings Cooperative’,

a platform that empowers farmers to save, plan and

deliver community-driven initiatives.

With pioneering growers committed to sustainability,

empowerment, a female-led workforce, and the finest

tasting beans, Ugandan Coffee hopes to make its mark

with British coffee connoisseurs with a conscience in

2025 and beyond.

Where to find Ugandan Coffee

Ugandan coffee is currently being imported by

specialist coffee traders including the following who

supply to roasters across the UK:

https://drwakefield.com

https://langdoncoffee.com.au

https://www.volcafe.com/network/uk-ie

http://www.zamani.coffee

https://kiyetec.com

4

FDM is sponsored by Christeyns Food Hygiene – see them on pages 18-19

FDM is sponsored by Christeyns Food Hygiene – see them on pages 18-19 5

PPMA TOTAL 2025 REVIEW

The PPMA Total Show ® 2025 hailed a huge

success as booking opens for 2026 event

thriving? atmosphere and an environment packed with

innovation and inspiration,” he said.

“The standout feature of the show was our newly

designed theatres, which set the scene for our seminar

schedule, live demonstration sessions from our

Innovations Eleven exhibitors and keynote speakers.

utomate UK, the organisers of the PPMA Total

AShow ® , the UK’s biggest processing and packaging

machinery, robotics and industrial vision event, have

hailed the show a great success, with exceptional

feedback and significant advance bookings for 2026.

The event, which took place at the NEC, Birmingham,

from 23-25 September, showcased more than 350

exhibitors and 1,500 brands, and played host to

an extensive programme of seminars and expertise

courtesy of guest speakers.

Scott McKenna, Chief Operating Officer at Automate

UK, said he was thrilled with the response to the show.

“Now in its 38th year, we were committed to making

the PPMA Total Show ® the best yet, and I think

we succeeded in doing just that – we are absolutely

delighted at the feedback we’ve received from

exhibitors and visitors alike. The calibre of stands

created by our exhibitors was superb, resulting in a

“As anticipated, our keynote addresses from Priya

Lakhani OBE, former Sainsbury’s CEO Mike Coupe,

and Levi Roots were extremely well received, with

standing room only for their sessions, while the diverse

range of seminars we provided attracted a great deal of

engagement from visitors. We were particularly pleased

with the interest in our seminars on apprenticeships,

as education and development are a huge part of what

Automate UK are lobbying for and trying to drive

forward,” he added.

The event also incorporated the Automate UK Awards,

which took place on the evening of 24 September and

saw comedian Katherine Ryan and Irish supergroup

Boyzlife entertain the audience, while recognising

innovation and excellence achievements throughout

the automation industry.

The ceremony saw Ishida Europe receive the

Innovative Processing System accolade, Acrovision

presented with the award for Innovative Vision

Solution and Scayl awarded with the Innovative

Packaging accolade. Fistram Pumps was named as

the winner of the highly competitive Outstanding

Customer Service award, while the Innovative

Robotics/Automation Solution award was presented

to Reeco.

Acrovision and Herma UK secured the Partnership of

the Year award in recognition of their collaboration

in delivering high-performance, reliable labelling and

vision solutions.

PPMA Show ® 2026 returns next year to Birmingham’s

NEC from 22-24 September 2026. This is our pick of

the best exhibitors from this year’s show, listed here in

alphabetical order: Evolution BPS, Resyn & VOTECH.

Further details can be found on this page and the next.

www.ppmashow.co.uk

6


Votech: Driving innovation and delivering

excellence in packaging solutions with Fischbein,

Saxon & Votech

With over a century of

combined experience,

Votech and its trusted brands

– Fischbein, Saxon, and Votech

– deliver complete packaging

solutions that set the standard

in bag filling and bag closing,

using the best sewing, sealing,

and gluing technologies,

as well as palletising and

stretch hooding. As part

of the Duravant group,

Votech combines engineering

innovation with proven

craftsmanship to help UK

manufacturers boost efficiency,

reduce waste, and ensure

consistent product quality.

Proud to continue the British

heritage of Saxon, together with Fischbein’s

renowned sewing systems and Votech’s expertise

in filling, palletising, and stretch hooding, we

offer a complete portfolio of semi- and fully

automated solutions for every packaging need.

Complete packaging and automation solutions

Votech designs and delivers complete

packaging systems that integrate its portfolio

of technologies. Our advanced bag filling,

Industrial resin flooring:

A smart investment for

food manufacturers

ndustrial resin flooring is more

Ithan a surface finish, it is fast

becoming a valuable investment for

food manufacturers aiming to enhance

hygiene, safety, and performance while

adhering to regulatory standards. Noncompliance

with hygiene and health

and safety laws can result in fines,

shutdowns, as well as reputational

damage, making preventative measures

essential.

Hygiene and Health & Safety

compliance is critical in manufacturing.

Resin flooring offers a seamless, nonporous

surface that prevents bacterial

growth by eliminating joints and

grout lines. This helps to significantly

reduce the risk of contamination,

palletising, and stretch

hooding systems that form the

backbone of many modern

packaging lines. Our machines

are engineered for precision

and reliability, capable of

handling a wide range of

materials: from powders

and granulates to pellets

and flakes. Each installation

is custom-engineered to

integrate seamlessly with

existing production lines and

complemented by intuitive

control systems, ensuring

maximum uptime, flexibility,

and long-term performance.

Efficient bag sewing solutions

As part of Votech’s integrated solutions,

Fischbein provides trusted bag sewing systems.

From portable handheld stitchers to high-speed

automated sewing systems, Fischbein machines

deliver precision and durability for all types of

bag closing applications, including multi-wall

paper, woven polypropylene, jute, and net bags.

Key systems include industrial sewing heads,

complete sewing lines, and the well-known F

portable machine. Accessories such as bag-top

product recalls, and costly downtime.

Its slip-resistant options help prevent

workplace accidents, while colour

coding can be applied to mark

walkways and improve workflow

safety.

In terms of performance and longevity,

resin flooring offers exceptional

durability and resistance to chemicals,

impact, and wear – ideal for demanding

manufacturing environments. Its

strong adhesion prevents delamination,

protecting the substrate and extending

the floor’s lifespan while reducing

maintenance and costly repairs and

shutdowns.

In conclusion, industrial resin flooring

delivers a long-term, cost-effective

solution that improves safety, hygiene,

and long-term performance.

It enables manufacturers to futureproof

their facilities, maintain

operational standards and reduce

overall costs within the competitive

food manufacturing sector.

Contact RESYN for further

information on 01778 343670 or

info@resyn.co.uk

Evolution BPS

Evolution BPS enjoyed an

excellent PPMA Show this

year, with a noticeable increase

in both visitor numbers and the

quality of enquiries received.

As always, PPMA proved to

be an invaluable platform for

connecting with key players

across the food and drink

manufacturing sector, but

this year’s event stood out for

the level of engagement from

businesses planning significant

new investments.

“A particular highlight for

us was the interest generated

by the Serac dosing machine

featured on our stand. The live

display drew a steady stream

of visitors keen to discuss

high-performance, precise

dosing solutions for a range

of applications. Many of these

conversations have already

developed into promising

discussions around major new

projects, demonstrating a clear

appetite for innovative, efficient,

and reliable filling and packaging

technologies,” commented Mark

Blaik, Head of Sales Evolution

BPS.

folders and thread break detectors, along with

consumables like thread and spare parts, ensure

long-term reliability and productivity.

Industry-leading bag sealing solutions

Saxon, a proud British brand within Votech,

completes the portfolio with advanced bag

sealing technology. Its range includes hot air,

radiant, band, and hot melt adhesive sealing

systems for paper, plastic, and thermoplastic

bags. Compact, energy-efficient, and easily

integrated into semi or fully automated lines,

Saxon machines feature low-voltage control

panels, over-temperature shutdown sensors, and

variable-speed drives to maximise efficiency.

Your partner for complete packaging solutions

Whether you’re automating bulk packaging of

powders and feed, or improving smaller, semiautomatic

operations, Votech provides tailored

solutions that combine the heritage of Fischbein

and Saxon with innovative engineering and

reliable service.

Visit our website: www.votech.com

Thanks to everyone who visited

the stand and took the time

to explore what Evolution

BPS and Serac can offer. The

strong response reaffirmed our

position as a trusted partner for

bespoke filling and packaging

solutions, and we’re looking

forward to building on these

new relationships over the

coming months. The PPMA

Show once again proved why it

remains a key event in the UK

manufacturing calendar.

If you have a project you’d

like to discuss, contact:

sale@evolutionbps.co.uk

or call 01721 724296.


BEVERAGES MATTERS

Bluewater superpowers tap water as microplastics

invade everyday beverages

A

groundbreaking new UK study has

revealed that microplastics are present

in virtually every type of beverage we

consume daily – from coffee and tea to juice,

fizzy drinks, and bottled water – underscoring

the urgent need for solutions like those

pioneered by Swedish water purification

leader Bluewater. Researchers from the

University of Birmingham tested 155 popular

beverages sold across the UK and found

synthetic microplastic particles in every single

one.

The findings show that hot tea contained

the highest levels, averaging 60 particles per

litre – more than double the levels in soft

drinks. Coffee was also heavily affected, with

hot coffee averaging 43 particles per litre and

iced coffee 37. Even fruit juices and energy

drinks contained measurable amounts of

microplastics.

The researchers warn that, based on typical

beverage consumption, women in the UK may

ingest around 1.7 microplastic particles per

kilo of body weight per day, while men are

close behind at 1.6. Heat was identified as

a key factor, with hotter drinks consistently

leaching more plastics into beverages.

“This is the first time anyone has looked at

total beverage intake rather than just water,”

said co-author Professor Stuart Harrad. “It’s

a step towards understanding the real scale of

everyday exposure.”

Innovation against contamination

“Microplastic & toxic chemical contamination

of our drinking water and everyday beverages

is one of the most alarming health challenges

of our time,” said Bengt Rittri, Bluewater

founder and CEO. “People should not have

to worry that every sip of tea, coffee, or juice

is delivering tiny plastic particles or PFAS

‘forever chemicals’ into their bodies.”

Bluewater, the Swedish-founded global

water purification and beverage brand, has

developed a solution to this urgent challenge.

Its SuperiorOsmosis technology removes over

99.7% of all known contaminants from tap

water, including microplastics, PFAS, lead, and

other toxic chemicals. Unlike conventional

filters, SuperiorOsmosis delivers high

performance with minimal waste, ensuring safe

hydration in homes, cafés, restaurants, and

even at major sporting venues.

To further enhance taste & hydration benefits,

Bluewater’s LiquidRock mineralisation

system adds back a precise blend of essential

minerals. The result is water that not only

tastes pure and fresh but also supports better

wellness, improved hydration, and enhanced

physical and mental performance.

The award-winning Bluewater Café Station

has already proven a huge hit among baristas

and specialty coffee shop owners around

the world. By first removing unwelcome

contaminants such as toxic chemicals and

microplastics, then re-mineralising with

Bluewater’s LiquidRock solution, the Café

Station empowers baristas with full control

over their brew water. The result is an elevated

coffee experience, unlocking the bean’s

full flavour potential and enhancing taste

consistency for discerning customers.

As Rittri concluded, “Bluewater superpowers

your tap water to optimise your hydration.

Clean water is the foundation of human

health. By harnessing innovation, we can free

people from hidden dangers in what they drink

every day and give them back the simple joy of

a safer cup of coffee or tea.”

www.bluewatergroup.com/en-gb

8


SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING COMPANY OF THE YEAR

Next generation packaging

In this issue of Food & Drink Matters,

we are pleased to feature Futamura as our

Sustainable Packaging Company of the Year

T

he Futamura Group is

a Japanese-founded,

globally operating

speciality materials company

with a strong heritage

in film production and

sustainable packaging

innovation. Established

originally in 1950 and

tracing its roots back to

1947, the business has grown

from a domestic chemical

and film manufacturer in

Japan into a multinational

corporation serving customers

around the world across six

manufacturing divisions.

At the heart of Futamura’s offering is its

leadership in renewable and compostable

cellulose-films, particularly the NatureFlex

brand, designed as a more sustainable alternative

to conventional plastics and certified for both

industrial and home composting.

Beyond packaging films, Futamura also produces

fibrous casings, plastic films, activated carbon,

phenolic sheets and non-wovens, serving a

diverse array of industries from food packaging

to filtration and technical insulation.

With more than 70 years of experience in

cellulose film production, Futamura

has built a legacy as a trusted and

enduring leader in renewable

packaging materials. Continuous

innovation has kept the

company at the forefront of

the bio-based arena, with

a global manufacturing

footprint that enables it to

supply high-performance

films to brands and converters

around the world.

The past year has been particularly

exciting for Futamura, marked by strong

progress in new market segments such as liquid

sachets and fruit labels. These small-format

applications pose major sustainability challenges,

as their size makes them difficult to capture and

process in conventional recycling streams. In

the case of liquid sachets, contamination from

food residues and the complexity of multi-layer

laminates further reduce their recyclability –

creating a clear need for alternative end-of-life

pathways. Futamura’s certified compostable

film solutions are meeting that need, generating

significant interest from brands seeking more

responsible packaging options.

This momentum is exemplified by a recent

breakthrough: the launch of a fully compostable

packaging solution capable of

protecting demanding liquid

and semi-liquid products –

like condiments and sauces

– through long shelf lives

while withstanding aggressive

ingredients. It represents a

major milestone in innovation

for the sachet category and

a technical leap forward for

Futamura.

The opportunity extends

beyond liquids. Dry-product

sachets, such as refill pouches,

coffee stick packs and

powdered goods, also fall into the ‘too small

to recycle’ category. Compostable laminates

incorporating NatureFlex offer a promising

route for these applications as well. Even

traditional twist wraps, another

small-format challenge, can benefit.

Futamura’s home- and industrialcompostable

solutions deliver

excellent barrier performance

and dead-fold properties,

while offering a far more

positive end-of-life outcome.

Futamura’s global Research

and Innovation team and

dedicated engineering specialists

are continually striving for

advances in both products

and manufacturing processes. As

a result of this dedication, the

company continues to invest

substantially in its cellulose

production assets, recently

announcing a £15 million

WSA investment.

“This type of investment will

provide significant improvements

to our processes, and drive

step changes in sustainability and

performance,” said Amaia Cowan,

European Sales and Marketing Manager.

“Most impressively, thanks to

the continuous improvements

already completed, we have

been delighted to report that

our product carbon footprint

has dropped by 27% in the

past 5 years. This is something

we are particularly proud of.”

NatureFlex remains central

to Futamura’s mission to

drive meaningful change

in sustainable packaging.

Customisable to meet brand

aesthetics and technical requirements, the films

not only look and perform like traditional

packaging but are instead made using renewable,

responsibly sourced wood pulp – ensuring

a far more sustainable end-of-life outcome.

With a wide portfolio of transparent, coloured,

metallised and label films, brands benefit from

extensive creative and functional flexibility.

We asked Amaia Cowan, European Sales

and Marketing Manager, what more

we should expect from Futamura,

“We are currently working on

our next generation of cellulose

films including additional

SUPD compliant grades

with the required barrier

properties. What’s more,

the announcement of the

PPWR is causing significant

change to the packaging arena.

Our cellulosic films can provide

alternative options for a range of

applications, including fresh produce and

packaging for the HoReCa sector.”

It is this blend of long-term vision, continuous

innovation and measurable environmental

progress that makes Futamura stand out.

The company is not only developing viable

alternatives to hard-to-recycle plastics – it is

actively reshaping what responsible packaging

can and should look like on a global scale.

With NatureFlex leading the charge, a

demonstrated reduction in carbon footprint,

and a willingness to invest boldly in the future,

Futamura has proven itself a true pioneer in

sustainable materials. For

these reasons, we are proud

to recognise Futamura as

our Sustainable Packaging

Company of the Year.

In closing, Amaia Cowan

stated, “We are thankful for

the recognition of our unique

position within the packaging

industry.”

Contact

T 01697 341212

www.futamuragroup.com/en


CHOCOLATE MATTERS

Artisanal nut brand launches guilt-free chocolatecovered

nuts

ulti-award-winning artisan food brand

MNutural World is redefining guilt-free snacking

with its latest indulgent innovation – roasted nuts

hand-coated in ethically sourced Belgian dark

chocolate.

Launched this September, the luxury collection

features six delicious varieties including Almond,

Cashew, Hazelnut, Macadamia, Pecan, and

Pistachio. Each nut is gently roasted and handcoated

in a thin layer of sustainably sourced Belgian

dark Chocolate and finished with a light dusting of

cacao powder, creating a perfectly balanced sweet

and savoury wholesome treat.

The cocoa beans used to make the chocolate coating

come from farms supported by not-for-profit Cocoa

Horizons Foundation, which was established in

2015 to support and improve the livelihoods of

cocoa farmers and their communities globally.

Crafted in small batches at Nutural World’s

London-based factory, the range is made with

simple ingredients – premium nut varieties coated

in Belgian dark chocolate – with no added oils or

preservatives. Presented in

attractive, clear packaging with

clean-cut labels, the brand’s

chocolate coated nuts collection

lets the ingredients speak for

themselves.

Delivering indulgence without

compromise, as with all

products in the Nutural World

range, its chocolate-covered

nuts are suitable for vegans,

peanut-free, and proudly UKmade.

Available in two sizes:

● 85g snack packs, each certified Vegan and Kosher

– the ideal portion for on-the-go indulgence or

even a post-gym pick-me-up (from £4.30 RRP)

● 400g sharing jars, ideal for gifting, grazing, or

stockpiling your sweet treat (from £13.95 RRP)

Also launching is a Luxury Mixed Nut Selection

(440g), featuring a handpicked blend of Almonds,

Hazelnuts, Macadamias and Pecans (£16.70 RRP).

Nutural World’s existing products – including its

multi-Great Taste Awardwinning

collection of 16 nut

butters and spreads – are

stocked by Ocado and Amazon

in the UK and exported to

markets including the EU,

USA (including Walmart),

Singapore, and South Korea, as

well as being available directly

through: https://nuturalworld.

com

This new chocolate range will

further expand the brand’s

footprint in the premium snacking market.

Founder, Mordechai Chachamu, said, “We wanted

to create a moment of luxury for people who don’t

usually get the time for it – a treat you can enjoy

without guilt.”

He added, “With the addition of the cocoa, you’ll

be able to relish in a premium snack whenever

the craving strikes – no second-guessing, no

compromise, just really good ingredients done right.

This creates a perfect balance between the natural

taste of the roasted nuts and the luxurious warm

feel of the dark chocolate.”

The full range is available directly from Nutural

World and select retail partners from September

2025.

https://nuturalworld.com

Gü launches two new classics: Sticky Toffee

Pudding & Jaffa Chocolate Cheesecake

This autumn, Gü is

serving up a double

helping of indulgence with

the arrival of two timeless

British favourites, Sticky

Toffee Pudding and Jaffa

Chocolate Cheesecake.

Gü has taken two iconic

flavour combinations

– rich, decadent toffee

sponge with molten sauce

and the nostalgic pairing

of chocolate and orange –

and given them a Gü twist.

These two launches fill key product gaps in

the Gü range while tapping into much loved

nostalgic flavours. Whether you’re in the mood

for the warming, gooey decadence of Sticky

Toffee Pudding or the zesty, chocolatey layers

of Jaffa Chocolate Cheesecake, both desserts

promise spoonful after spoonful of pure

indulgence.

Sticky Toffee Pudding – A British Classic, Gü

Style

This rich, sticky toffee sponge is made with

more than 20% sweet, sticky dates for that

signature soft yet squidgy texture. The pudding

is paired with a generous helping of buttery

toffee sauce and is infused

with sweet Madagascan

vanilla and salted butter

for perfect balance. Best

enjoyed hot, it’s classic

British comfort food at

its finest – perfect with

a scoop of ice cream

or custard. This launch

brings a timeless dessert

into the brand’s premium

ramekin format.

Jaffa Chocolate

Cheesecake – Zesty Meets Decadent

A playful twist on the classic chocolate orange

combination we all know and love. This

four-layer dessert starts with a rich cocoa

biscuit base, followed

by smooth orange

curd, a zesty orange

mascarpone cheesecake

and a velvety chocolate

crème made from Gü’s

signature blend of dark

and milk chocolate.

The Spanish orange

zest, famous for its

bold flavour, delivers

a refreshing burst of

citrus that perfectly

complements the chocolate’s richness.

Both desserts is available at an RRP of £3.95

from September at major retailers including

Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose and Morrisons

(prices at retailers’ discretion).

Fred Ponnavoy, Master Patissier at Gü, says,

“Working on these two British classics was an

absolute treat in the Gü kitchen! For our Sticky

Toffee Pudding, we packed in loads of juicy

dates for that rich, squidgy texture everyone

loves, stirred in a splash of Madagascan vanilla

and finished with a thick, velvety toffee sauce

made with proper British cream, butter and

dark brown sugar for pure, gooey comfort.

“For Jaffa Chocolate Cheesecake, we couldn’t

resist putting our own spin on the iconic

chocolate orange combo

– layering smooth orange

curd and zesty mascarpone

cheesecake with our signature

dark-and-milk chocolate

crème and the finest Spanish

orange zest. Two flavours, both

timeless, both totally indulgent

– and both unmistakably Gü.”

https://gudesserts.com

www.instagram.com/gudesserts

www.tiktok.com/@gudesserts

10


FIX Dessert Chocolatier to make

its deliciously bold UK debut

‘The Original Dubai Chocolate’ arrives

in London with an exclusive pop-up at

Harrods from 27 October to 23 November

The taste phenomenon that took Dubai

(and social media) by storm is finally

crossing borders. This October, FIX

Dessert Chocolatier will finally be landing

in the UK. A

milestone moment

for the home-grown

brand behind ‘The

Original Dubai

Chocolate’ as it

expands outside

of the UAE for the

very first time.

From 27 October to

23 November, the

world’s most famous department store will

be welcoming FIX, whose bold colours,

cheeky branding, and out-of-the-box

creations have made it a cult favourite.

Think spectacular chocolate, theatrical

moments, and that signature FIX flair –

presented with the wonder and exclusivity

that only Harrods can conjure.

Sarah Hamouda, Co-Founder at FIX

Dessert Chocolate, commented, “This

is such a full-circle moment. FIX has

always been about blending cultures; in

this instance, my London upbringing and

Egyptian roots with Dubai’s unstoppable

energy. Launching our first international

pop-up with Harrods just felt right. We

can’t wait to see

how UK customers

react when they step

into our world.”

Brought to London

by Imagine FMCG,

this exciting move

follows FIX’s viral

breakout in January

2024 with its

signature ‘Can’t Get

Knafeh of It’ bar – enfolding the flavours

of knafeh and pistachio in premium

chocolate. Now, with a huge international

fanbase begging for a taste, the UK can

finally get its FIX.

Keep your eyes peeled for further updates

@fixdessertchocolatier

’Tis the season! Starbucks introduces brand-new

Chocolatey Mousse Latte as part of its Holiday

menu alongside iconic Red Cups and favourites

he holiday season returns to Starbucks with

Ta menu designed to bring people together

through flavour, tradition, and moments of

connection.

From 30 October 2025, Starbucks ® Rewards

members can enjoy early access to the new

Chocolatey Mousse Latte, a seasonal creation

available hot or iced. Blending Starbucks

signature espresso with a velvety nuttyflavour

sauce, steamed milk, and a cloud of

chocolatey whipped cream finished with a

dusting of cocoa, it’s the ultimate seasonal sip

to share with loved ones.

“We wanted to bring something new and

distinctive to the Holiday menu, and the

Chocolatey Mousse Latte does just that,”

says Dan Saxby, beverage product developer,

Starbucks EMEA. “The rich cocoa and nutty

notes capture the warmth and comfort of

the season, while complementing the festive

flavours of our seasonal icons. What truly sets

it apart is the cloud-like, chocolatey mousse

topping, bringing a unique texture that creates a

light and velvety texture in every sip.”

The new latte joins a line-up of seasonal icons,

including the Toffee Nut Latte, Gingerbread Latte,

and Eggnog Latte, all available hot or iced.

All customers will be able to try the new holiday

menu from 6 November, where all hot beverages

will be served in this season’s new design of

Starbucks iconic Red Cup, perfect for sharing

moments of connection this festive season.

Customers can also embrace festive flavours even

further by opting for the Starbucks ® Christmas

Blend in any espresso-based drink such as a latte

or americano. With notes of herbs, baking spices

and a rich chocolate finish, this blend captures the

magic of the season in every sip.

For those who enjoy matcha, Starbucks is also

introducing two new seasonal twists on the

trending beverage: the Iced Toffee Nut Cream

Matcha Latte and Iced Gingerbread Cream

Matcha Latte. Available either hot or iced, each

drink blends matcha with Starbucks signature

seasonal flavours.

The celebrations don’t stop there. Also launching

on 6 November, Starbucks is introducing a feast

of festive foods including the new Festive Turkey

Sandwich served on soft cranberry bread, and

the Festive Feast Toastie, packed full of the tastes

of the season. From the bakery, the Mince Pie,

Chocolate Babka and Black Forest Slice are set to

make taste buds tingle and bring further festive joy

to every coffee moment.

Whether it’s a quiet morning ritual, a festive catchup,

or the first sip of the season, Starbucks invited

customers to embrace every coffee moment that

matters this Holiday.

The full menu, including the Chocolatey Mousse

Latte, festive food and returning Holiday

favourites, is available for all customers in stores

across the UK and via Starbucks ® Delivers from

6 November. Customers can find out if delivery is

available near them at:

www.starbucks.co.uk/delivers


LUXURY FREE-FROM CONFECTIONERY COMPANY OF THE YEAR

Lose Weight – Eat Chocolate

In this issue of Food & Drink Matters, we are pleased to feature

Ben Ellis Pastry Chef & Chocolatier as our Luxury Free-From

Confectionery Company of the Year

Driven by a passion to

answer one simple

question – can

chocolate truly be healthy?

– husband-and-wife team

Ben and Vicky have devoted

their recent years to making

handcrafted chocolates that

offer the ultimate indulgence

without the guilt.

gifts. Their clientele ranges

from large corporations

and private companies

to individuals and major

events. With Ben serving as

Executive Pastry Chef and

Master Chocolatier, and

Vicky as Managing Director,

the business continues to

bring joy to countless people.

When Vicky’s health declined

dramatically after the

birth of their second child,

requiring round-the-clock

care, Ben made the decision

to step away from his

successful career as a highly

sought-after London pastry chef to become

her full-time carer. Already an accomplished

managing director of her own business, Vicky

was determined to keep working, and together

they devised a way to combine their skills and

passions from home.

For them, the journey has been about more

than business – it has been a mission to redefine

chocolate, create opportunities, and positively

impact lives across the globe.

Based in Leeming Bar, Northallerton, Ben

produces all of the company’s handcrafted

chocolates from their home kitchen, alongside

an array of luxury cakes, pastries, sculptures,

free-from chocolates, and bespoke corporate

Their chocolates delight

customers worldwide with

their innovative free-from

recipes, excluding gluten,

eggs, dairy, artificial and

ultra-processed ingredients,

oils, and sweeteners, and

contains trace amounts of soy lecithin so

only unsuitable for extreme soy allergies.

Made without added sugar or cream, each

creation offers the ultimate indulgence – pure,

wholesome, and guilt-free.

It has been an incredible last 12 months for

the company, so we sat down with Vicky

who explained what’s been going, “The

past year has been enlightening! Due to our

widely recognised reputation for excellence in

business and creating an exceptional product,

between making the chocolates for customers

worldwide, we have had some very exciting

opportunities this year which have elevated our

status greatly, from being flown over to Cannes

for the film Festival by Magnum providing

custom chocolates to attendees in a world first,

to being invited as guests to a special Callebaut

event at The British Library, and being guest

speakers at an event at Alexandra Palace. We

have also had the opportunity to meet many of

the UK’s long standing top chefs, as well as the

opportunity to showcase Ben’s incredible skill

crafting intricately detailed chocolate sculptures

at The Speciality & Fine Food Fair.”

Recognised as the UK’s Leading Chocolatiers,

their chocolates are making a remarkable

difference to the health and wellbeing of people

around the world.

“Many of our customers have shared how, for

the first time, they can enjoy chocolate without

risking their health, while others have achieved

lasting weight loss after years of struggling with

yo-yo dieting, thanks to the free-from nature of

our creations.

“We’ve crafted a product that allows those who

once had to avoid chocolate to indulge freely

again, bringing back a simple joy they thought

was lost forever. Knowing that our chocolates

can make people feel included, healthy, and

happy is something we are deeply proud of,”

stated Vicky.

With growing awareness of what truly goes

into the food we eat – and the alarming effects

that low-quality, highly processed ingredients

have on both short- and long-term physical

and mental health – the connection between

diet and wellness has never been clearer. Vicky

explained what makes their chocolate so

incredibly healthy and different, “In this day

and age, healthier alternatives, more often than

not taste awful.

“We are here to not only challenge that concept

but change the way people view healthy

chocolate in its entirety. Ben has meticulously

developed recipes that offer far more than just

a healthy sweet treat. Each creation is packed

with essential macro and micronutrients,

delivering remarkable health benefits and an

unparalleled purity of flavour. Thanks to the

exceptional free-from nature of the chocolates,

every piece melts effortlessly in the mouth,

creating a uniquely indulgent experience – each

12


bite a moment to savour and remember.”

It is widely believed that artisanal chocolates

are a healthier, more luxurious alternative to the

mass-produced varieties found in supermarkets

and convenience stores. While this is true to

an extent – since artisanal chocolates typically

contain a higher proportion of real chocolate –

they are often still made with large amounts of

oil, sugar, cream, eggs, butter, and artificial or

ultra-processed ingredients. These components

can have a detrimental impact on the body.

Beyond their high calorie content, many of these

ingredients are difficult for the body to process

efficiently, potentially contributing to long-term

health issues, unexplained pain, and illness

– concerns that are becoming increasingly

common on a global scale.

“The chocolates we create are more than just

allergen-free – they’re made without all those

heavy, hard-to-digest ingredients that the body

struggles to process. Instead, we

use only Callebaut chocolate,

made from ethically sourced

African cacao beans, renowned

as some of the finest in the

world. To that, we simply add

water, fresh fruits, and herbs.

“Artificial ingredients are

designed so their flavour fades

the moment you swallow,

tempting you to reach for more

and more. This floods the body

with excess calories and coats

your palate – and your system

– with fats and oils. The result

is an unnatural internal heat that can lead to

brain fog, low mood, irritability, dehydration,

and feelings of sickness or lethargy.

Our chocolates, by contrast,

nourish the body with nutrients

and the natural goodness of fresh

fruits and herbs. The use of fresh

raw ingredients creates a very

pleasing purity of taste that can

last on your palate for hours after

just one chocolate. Every bite

leaves you feeling refreshed, revitalised, and

truly satisfied – inside and out,” said Vicky.

The business is poised for

even more growth over the

coming years, and Vicky and

Ben welcome new business

with open arms. In reaction

to winning the award, Vicky

said, “It is a huge honour. We

are simply trying to survive in

an economy that is currently

pushing more and more artisan

chocolatiers to close as the price

of chocolate is so incredibly

high. We feel we have been

recognised for our integrity and

commitment to keep the quality

of our chocolates at the very highest premium

despite the cost-of-living crisis. This award

means more than I can explain as

the recognition we will hopefully

get from the food industry for this

award, could keep us in business

for decades.”

M 07904 323009

BenEllisPC.C@gmail.com

https://benellischocolatier.co.uk


OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Bespoke food packaging

with a personal touch

In this issue of Food & Drink Matters, we have featured the

Wine Box Company (WBC) for Outstanding Achievement in

the sector of Specialised Food Packaging

Established in 1989, WBC started as a

partnership between two friends who

launched the concept to import and

personalise fine champagnes from France. Now

the UK and Ireland’s leading wholesale

supplier of gifting, packaging and retail display

solutions, the business services some of the

world’s most famous brands, specialising in

both white-label, personalised and bespoke

offerings.

Wine Box Company’s central

aim is to help customers give

their brand a voice. From offthe-shelf

and printed solutions

to sharing the valuable insights

and expertise gathered over more

than three decades, it positions

itself as an extension of your

business and your ultimate

packaging partner.

The company has grown to include a dynamic

team of 50 individuals, offices in both London

and Crawley and more than 9,000 regular

customers ranging from startups and SMEs to

large corporations with clients in all sectors of

the food and drink industries.

Its four main lines come with

some exceptional benefits.

The first is its DPD-approved

protective packaging range,

which, aside from cutting-edge

products like Pulpsafe and Safe

14


Air, includes a brand-new innovation called

Honey Hex that completely changes the game

when it comes to safety and convenience in

transit containment.

It also offers a huge range of high-quality

packaging, gifting and display products, all

available under one roof, making shopping

effortless and convenient. In addition, almost

everything it supplies is brandable, and it

provides a free design service led by expert

creatives to transform its customers’ vision into

reality.

Furthermore, the company has an outstanding

collection of sustainable, purpose-driven fabric

bags to suit a wide range of industry needs.

With trackable success in boosting brand

visibility, these become a powerful marketing

tool when personalised, making them a musthave

within the food and drinks sector.

Another impressive aspect is its bespoke

product development for businesses wanting to

invest in something unique. From fabric bags to

sophisticated gift packaging, it’s an opportunity

for brands to stand out and be seen in an

entirely distinctive way.

A good example of this is WBC’s partnership

with Chimmy’s Sauce Company, which

developed a stellar range of sauces and was

looking for a gift packaging solution that would

house all three products, withstand different

shipping methods and look exceptional on the

shelves.

WBC created a bespoke version

of one of its beer can gift boxes

featuring cutout windows

to display their eye-catching

labels, a built-in handle for

easy carrying and sustainability

attributes that met their

requirements. It also offered

a protective sleeve for safer

transit and branded gift tags that

would complete the unboxing

experience.

Delighted with the results,

Chimmy’s Sauce Company went

on to launch the collection at the

Taste of London, putting them

on the map as a noteworthy

condiment brand and

demonstrating WBC’s dedication

to achieving its customers’ vision.

The Wine Box Company’s key

differentiator is its commitment to providing

solutions that support everyone from big

businesses to start-ups and SMEs. This balance

between merchandise and service has not only

allowed customers to compete and grow but

has also fostered mutual trust and a vested

interest in forming long-term partnerships.

At its core, the company is guided by two key

principles – client focus and sustainability.

It strives to put its customers at the centre of

everything it does, listening to their needs,

delivering exceptional service and

continuously improving offerings

based on their feedback. At the

same time, the entire team

is deeply committed to

sustainability and aims to

make responsible choices

that reduce environmental

impact and support longterm

well-being for both

people and the planet.

The company is constantly

on the lookout for new ways

to produce products that are

recycled, recyclable, biodegradable

and compostable, offering customers

items sourced from materials that would

otherwise go to waste. These are endorsed by

the company’s Eco Plus icon, making shopping

for sustainable products simpler.

Recently, WBC acquired Sarcina, a successful

speciality packaging business that was

established in 2014 and provides bespoke

containment solutions to a range of sectors,

including pharmaceutical, health and beauty,

farming, ecommerce, automotive, and food

and beverage retail brands. The acquisition

has broadened the company’s capacity across

its existing packaging division and allows it to

service a wider client base.

Looking forward, WBC remains committed to

shaping its future around its customers, and

plans to continue its own growth by servicing

evolving needs, adapting and developing

solutions that truly support their success.

We asked Managing Director, Simon Wright,

about how it felt to win the award, “It’s an

enormous honour to be at the receiving end of

the Food and Drink Matters Outstanding

Achievement Award, and we are

delighted to see our team being

recognised and celebrated for

all their hard work.”

This company’s dedication

to becoming an extension

of their customers’

offerings allows businesses

access to brandable, topnotch

packaging, gifting

and retail display solutions

that perfectly reflect their

identities.

With a commitment to grow

alongside its customer base sustainably,

Wine Box Company has cemented its place in

the specialised food packaging industry and is

building a brighter future for both the sector

and the planet as a whole.

For more on Wine Box Company Ltd, see

below:

T 02077 374040

sales@wbc.co.uk

https://wbc.co.uk


RETAIL MATTERS

Swizzels unveils brand-new advent calendar to

help retailers boost festive sales

ritish sweet maker Swizzels has launched its

Bbrand-new 2025 advent calendar, designed to

help retailers capitalise on early festive demand and

boost seasonal sales.

Available in cases of six, the advent calendar features

a fresh, eye-catching design for 2025 and is packed

with 24 days of Swizzels favourites, making it a muststock

product for retailers looking to meet growing

shopper demand for festive favourites with timeless

appeal.

Inside, shoppers will discover a mix of Swizzels’

best-loved sweets, including Squashies, Refreshers,

Drumstick Chews, and Love Hearts, tapping into

the growing consumer trend for nostalgic treats that

transport shoppers back to their childhood. The

back of the advent calendar introduces the magical

world of Sweetville, where each sweet has its own

personality, adding a fun, interactive twist and extra

on-shelf appeal.

With an MRSP of £6, the advent calendar is available

to order now, giving retailers the perfect opportunity

to cater to early-bird shoppers and drive incremental

sales ahead of Christmas.

The launch comes as consumers

continue to start their

Christmas preparations earlier

than ever, seeking products

that are affordable, fun, and

versatile. The Swizzels’ Advent

Calendar hits all three shopper

missions driving seasonal

confectionery sales: gifting,

entertaining, and self-treating,

making it an essential item to

stock for Christmas 2025.

Clare Newton, trade & shopper

marketing manager at Swizzels,

said, “We’re excited to launch our brand-new 2025

advent calendar, combining a fresh festive design with

some of our most-loved sweets. We know shoppers

are increasingly drawn to nostalgic favourites that

remind them of their childhood, and our mix of

classics and modern creations offers something for

the whole family.

“Advent calendars remain a key seasonal driver, and

this year’s design is set to stand out on shelves and

help retailers boost incremental sales throughout the

festive period. With many shoppers starting their

Christmas shopping earlier to spread the cost of the

occasion, we’d encourage retailers to stock up early

and make the most of this growing demand.”

Alongside the new advent calendar, the sweet maker’s

Sweet Shop Favourites range, available as tubs,

pouches, and vegan-friendly

cartons, continues to be one

of its bestsellers, perfect for

gifting, stocking fillers, and

sharing occasions.

The Swizzels Party Mix

Tub also remains a seasonal

essential, packed with

individually wrapped sweets

ideal for family gatherings,

office parties, and festive

celebrations. With trusted

branding and broad appeal

across generations, these

products are designed to

encourage impulse purchases,

drive repeat visits, and help retailers increase shopper

loyalty during the busy festive countdown.

Swizzels recommends introducing key seasonal lines,

including the new advent calendar, from October to

capture early planners and maximise repeat purchases

throughout the build-up to Christmas.

https://swizzels.com

16


HYGIENE SPECIALISTS COMPANY OF THE YEAR

Pioneering hygiene solution

In this issue of Food & Drink Matters,

we are pleased to feature Christeyns Food

Hygiene Ltd as our Hygiene Specialists

Company of the Year

In an industry where food safety and

operational efficiency increasingly define

competitive advantage, Christeyns has

positioned itself as a global partner for the

food sector’s most pressing hygiene challenges.

Established in 1946 in Ghent, the company

has grown from a modest soap manufacturer

into a full‐service hygiene specialist, delivering

detergents, equipment, monitoring systems

and training to food processors and retailers

around the world.

For food manufacturers, bakeries, brewery

& beverage producers and confectioners,

Christeyns offers more than just cleaning

products: it delivers a holistic approach to

hygiene with modules for water and energy

saving, process monitoring, dosing equipment

and training services. This means every stage

of production, from sanitation to monitoring

to documentation, can be managed under one

umbrella, helping businesses safeguard product

quality, regulatory compliance and consumer

trust.

We spoke to Jessica Moyle, Marketing

Executive at Christeyns Food Hygiene Ltd,

who explained how the last 12 months have

been for the company, “The past 12 months

have been an exceptionally strong period for

the company, characterised by growth, stability,

and continued commitment to excellence.

Customer and staff retention have been central

to our success, underpinning the high service

levels that remain key to our operations and

reputation.

“In Q1, we were delighted to secure a new

contract with a major food group, further

strengthening our

position as a key

supplier to the food,

dairy, and beverage

industries. Significant

investment at

our Warrington

production site has

paid dividends,

ensuring we

maintain sufficient

stocks of raw

materials to mitigate potential supply chain

disruptions.

“In addition, the expansion of our transport

fleet has further enhanced our ability to deliver

consistent, reliable service to our customers.

Overall, the year has reinforced our strong

market position and laid firm foundations for

continued growth.”

Last year, Christeyns purchased hygiene

equipment applications specialists, H&M

Disinfection Systems Ltd, whose manufacturing

site near Northwich, designs and manufactures

high quality pump sets, control panels and

hygiene systems as well as bespoke units built to

individual requirements.

With over 30 years of experience in their

respective fields, the two firms have been

partners for many years, providing a turn-key

solution for effective cleaning and disinfection

operations. This acquisition means the H&M

facility will continue to operate with all staff in

place, with the three-year site lease having been

transferred to Christeyns.

Christeyns’ engineering offering for the

optimisation of water, energy consumption,

dosing, time and labour has now been

considerably strengthened, as the company can

now offer a combination of both chemical and

engineering expertise including an expanded

equipment portfolio, CIP sets, Washdown

Systems, Bulk tanks and bespoke engineering.

In more recent news, Jessica explained

some further

developments,

“Earlier this year we

transitioned to an

Upper Tier COMAH

establishment to

keep up with our

growth plans and

continue expansion

of our production

facility and stock

holding capabilities.

We’re continuing to invest into our bulk tanker

transport fleet to ensure flexibility and reliability

in meeting our customers bulk product needs.

“Over the past few years demand for container

returns and re-use has risen with our existing

unit nearing capacity with over 11k IBCs

washed over the past 12 months. To meet future

needs and demands, we’ve invested in and are

18


s for a safer food industry

E coli species in under 90 minutes allowing

food safety professionals to achieve real-time

control over bacterial contaminants. It is simple

to use, reliable and proven in multiple foodprocessing

environments.

currently commissioning a new re-use centre for

laundering and reusing IBCs and 200L drums

on site. The project is on track for completion

by the end of the year. The new unit includes

rainwater harvesting and treatment. Also,

advancements in sustainability data reporting

the laundering activity.”

As a family-owned business, Christeyns has

the flexibility and capability of deploying

innovative food safety products and services

quickly and efficiently across its customer

base to help them achieve their food safety

management objectives. With proven years of

industry experience, their team have actually

been there and done it, working in securing

the food safety standards of major brands and

retailers.

As Jessica put it,

“‘Feel Safe With Us’

isn’t just a slogan,

it’s something we

bring to life every

day.”

With increasing

concerns over food

safety, Christeyns is

excited to announce

the launch of a

new and unique

rapid pathogen detection system – LoopiX. By

enabling more frequent and accessible testing,

LoopiX helps strengthen a food company’s

hygiene monitoring regime and better protect

consumers.

Traditional bacterial testing takes several days

to deliver a result documenting whether the

surfaces are free from pathogens such as Listeria

or Salmonella by which time the product has

often reached the general public and may have

been consumed.

With LoopiX we can screen a food contact

surface for the presence of Salmonella species

Listeria species, Listeria monocytogenes or even

Production lines in bakery, confectionery, dairy,

meat & fish processing, especially where rapid

turnaround is critical would benefit from using

LoopiX, as well as environments where staffing

or training for full microbiological labs is a

challenge, making simpler tools valuable.

Looking ahead with enthusiasm, we asked

Jessica what we can expect from the company

in both the near term and further down the

line, “Looking ahead, our short-term focus is

on strengthening our existing team with key

personnel to ensure we continue to deliver

the high standards of service excellence our

customers expect. We are also committed

to further enhancing operational efficiency

through continued investment in staff training,

technology, and logistics capability.

“In the longer

term, our goal is

to build on this

strong foundation

by expanding our

market presence

within the food,

dairy, and beverage

sectors, developing

sustainable practices

across our operations,

and maintaining

the resilience of our supply chain. Above all,

our strategy remains centred on reliability,

responsiveness, and long-term partnerships with

our customers.”

Christeyns’ award recognition is a testament

to its unwavering commitment to excellence,

innovation, and leadership within the food

hygiene sector. By combining decades of handson

experience with cutting-edge technology,

the company not only safeguards food

safety but also drives operational efficiency

and sustainability across the industry. From

pioneering rapid pathogen detection with

LoopiX to expanding engineering capabilities

and sustainable practices, Christeyns continues

to set the standard for hygiene solutions,

making it a deserving recipient of the accolade

and a trusted partner for food producers

around the world.

In closing, we asked Jessica how she felt

receiving the award, “Being recognised by Food

and Drink Matters as

Company of the Year

is a genuine honour

and something we’re

incredibly proud

of. This award is a

reflection of the hard

work, commitment,

and passion shown by

every member of our

team. Our success is

built on people – both

our dedicated staff,

who go above and beyond every day, and our

loyal customers, whose trust and partnership

drive us to keep improving. To receive this

recognition from within the industry is truly

rewarding and inspires us to continue delivering

the highest levels of service and support in

everything we do.”

T +44 (0)1274 393286

enquiry.uk@christeyns.com

www.christeyns.com/uk-en


PRIVATE DINING MATTERS

Celebrate in Style

Dabton House offers NEW private dining and day

hire for special occasions

bridal brunch, or a 90th birthday tea, enjoy

exclusive use of the house and grounds for a

few unforgettable hours – complete with flexible

planning and personalised touches.

abton House, one of Dumfriesshire’s most

Delegant new private venues, is delighted to

announce that it is now offering private dining

experiences and exclusive day hire for special

occasions – perfect for those seeking a refined and

memorable way to celebrate in the heart of the

Scottish countryside.

Whether hosting an intimate birthday lunch,

a baby shower, an anniversary dinner, or a

private party, Dabton House provides the perfect

setting – even if just for the day. With beautifully

appointed interiors and acres of breathtaking

gardens, the house is now available for nonresidential

hire, subject to availability.

From milestone birthdays to family anniversaries,

Dabton House offers a warm and elegant

backdrop for events both large and small. With

bespoke options including catering, country

activities, and private garden tours, every

celebration can be tailored to reflect your unique

style.

Dabton House is now welcoming bookings for

daytime events without the need for overnight

accommodation. Whether you’re planning a

Host a private lunch or dinner in one of Dabton’s

elegant reception rooms, or enjoy luxury picnics

and unparalleled outdoor wild dining experiences

where locally inspired, seasonal menus are crafted

by Executive Chef Gordon, are served with

style and care. The estate’s versatile 4×4 vehicles

deliver a bespoke dining experience to a choice

of picturesque locations across the estate, by the

tranquil Nith riverbank or nestled in the rolling

hills of Dumfries and Galloway.

Each setting is meticulously selected to provide

a serene and captivating backdrop for any

celebration. Whether it’s a quiet celebration or a

special gathering with friends, the team ensures

every detail is taken care of – from menu planning

to presentation.

Dabton House continues to offer overnight stays

(with 11 bedrooms) for those seeking a longer,

fully immersive experience, but is delighted to

now provide day-only access for those wanting a

shorter, yet equally special, celebration.

To enquire about private dining or hosting your

special occasion at Dabton House, please visit:

www.dabtonhouse.co.uk – availability is limited

and advance booking is essential.

20


Chilli sauce with a healthy kick

In this issue of Food & Drink Matters we

have featured Chilli No. 5 as our Chilli

Sauce Company of the Year

CHILLI SAUCE COMPANY OF THE YEAR

Chilli No. 5 is an

independent UKowned

sauce brand

that has been stocked

in the world’s leading

retailers including Harrods,

Selfridges, Fortnum &

Mason, Harvey Nichols and

La Grande Épicerie de Paris.

Founded by Rumble and

Colin, a self-confessed health

nut and a classically trained

chef respectively, Chilli No.5

is on a mission to provide hot

sauces with bold flavour and

real ingredients, as well as

bring its customers positive health benefits.

Inspired by the duo’s travels around the globe,

Chili No. 5 has perfectly captured five of

the world’s finest chillies in every one of its

hand-crafted, vegan hot sauces. Each gourmet

chilli sauce contains a unique combination of

superfoods and natural antioxidants, elevating

them beyond the everyday.

The Chilli No. 5 range offers a variety of the

best hot sauces with flavours ranging from mild

to extra-hot. Whether you’re looking for a mild,

smoky sauce for your tacos or an extra-hot

sauce to add some heat to your food, you will

find something in the Chilli No. 5 range that

will tickle your taste buds.

The chef-crafted recipes are made in the south

of France and are crafted in small batches with

real superfoods, herbs and carefully chosen

ingredients selected for their health benefits and

ability to support customers in living an active

lifestyle.

Famed for its diverse range

of sauces, the company has

seen great success with its

special chilli sauces and hot

sauce gift sets. All Chilli No.

5 gifting boxes contain Great

Taste Award-winning sauces,

flakes and oils; as well as

feature beautiful pack designs

and a variety of the most

recognised

flavours in

the world.

The

standout

products

in the company’s gift set

range are undoubtedly

the World Hot Sauce

Challenge Set – featuring

25 international sauces,

including 12 that boast a

combined 12 Great Taste

Award stars – and the Hot

Sauce Advent Calendar, a

seasonal favourite that sold

an impressive 1,000 units within just two weeks

of its launch.

The last 12 months have

been transformative for

Chilli No. 5. The company

has seen sales quadrupling

year-on-year, with expansion

into new markets and

recognition through multiple

international awards. Named

Best Hot Sauce 2025 by

Good Housekeeping and

increasing its Great Taste

Award stars to 30, the

company has consolidated

its position as one of the

most awarded sauce brands

globally.

Additionally, Chilli No. 5 has seen several key

developments in its growth this year. The launch

of new premium Garlic Picante, Classico Picante

and Truffle Picante flavoured oils has built

upon the company’s reputation for providing

innovative offerings and collaborations with

chefs like Jameson Stocks and Michelin-starred

Kirt Westaway, have further cemented the

brand’s identity as a premier luxury chilli sauce

company.

Looking to the future, Chilli No. 5 plans to

extend collaborations with Michelin-awarded

chefs and eliminate sugar entirely across the

range. It is also working on the imminent

launch of a fully organic Sriracha. In the longterm,

Chili No. 5 aims to include international

pop-up locations with a wider presence at

global trade fairs in Korea, Scandinavia, the

Middle East, the USA and

China, as well as expanding

digital leadership.

We asked co-founder,

Rumble, what winning the

award meant to the brand,

“Selection for this award

is very important to us.

It recognises Chilli No. 5

as the leader in flavour, in

provenance of ingredients

and in health. It validates

our mission to set the

standard for gourmet sauces

that are both indulgent and

beneficial.”

With 30 Great Taste Awards, Michelin

collaborations and now

the title of Food & Drink

Matters Company of

the Year; Chilli No. 5 is

positioned for excellent

sustained international

growth. Its mission to

bring superfoods and

hot sauce together have

marked the company out

in a busy marketplace and

its dedication to push the

boundaries of flavour mean

Chilli No. 5 continues to

inspire culinary adventures

across the globe.

For more on Chilli No. 5, see below:

M 07454 070191

https://chilli-no5.com


BREWING MATTERS

Greene King Brewery toasts success with coveted

Great Taste Awards stars

reene King, the leading cask brewer, is

Gcelebrating after securing stars for three of its

beers at this year’s Great Taste Awards.

The brewer secured two stars for Abbot Ale, and

one star each for its Hazy Day Fruity IPA and

Abbot Reserve.

The Great Taste Awards is the world’s largest and

most trusted food and drink accreditation scheme,

putting food and drink to the test with a panel

of over 500 experts including chefs, buyers, food

writers and retailers. Product entries receive a 1-,

2- or 3-star accolade which is a highly respected

seals of approval for retailers and consumers.

Abbot Ale is a 5% ABV traditional ale with a

brewing process that has hardly changed over

hundreds of years. Brewed for longer, the ale has

masses of fruit character, malty richness, and a

superb hop balance. Abbot Ale is available in

bottles and cans.

Abbot Reserve is a 6.5% ABV bottled premium ale

bursting with fruit cake and toffee flavours and is

loved by many beer enthusiasts. It is full bodied,

rich and sweet with a higher bitterness to provide

balance.

Hazy Day Fruity IPA (4.3% ABV), Greene King’s

newest addition to its craft range, is a smooth and

fruity IPA with orange, citrus and tropical notes.

The inspiration for the name of the beer dates

back to the 16th Century in Bury St Edmunds,

when those who were convicted of minor crimes

were sentenced to a day in the pillories. Hazy Day

is available in cans for retail distribution.

Will Hemmings, Marketing Director for Brewing

& Brands at Greene King, said, “We are thrilled

to have received such brilliant results at this year’s

Great Taste Awards. It’s a real testament to the

passion, craft, and dedication of our brewing team

Camden Town Brewery becomes

the official sponsor of Rugby

We at Camden Town Brewery are buzzing

to announce that we’ve become the sponsors

of Rugby. Today marks the beginning of our

surprise new partnership with one of the most

legendary grassroots rugby clubs around:

Rugby Football Club, also known as the Lions.

Fresh off the back of the launch of ‘Give

Em Hells’ in partnership with Gilbert, this

collaboration brings a fresh take on sports

sponsorship (because doing things the usual

way just isn’t our style), and marks our arrival

in the Midlands in true Camden fashion, with a

bold pitch takeover, hilarious content piece, and

a proper celebration of grassroots sport.

Rugby Football Club is no ordinary club. It’s

one of only three teams in the world allowed

to play in full white, one of the others being

‘the’ national team, and its name is literally part

of the sport’s origin story. For us, supporting

grassroots sport is something we have huge

passion for. That’s why we’re proud to become

official sponsors as part of our ‘Give Em Hells’

campaign, an initiative that we launched in

partnership with Gilbert to help give grassroot

clubs support on and off the pitch.

To kick things off, we teamed

up with turf artist John

Ledwidge (affectionately

known as the ‘Messi of

Mowing’) and his team of

pitch-painting pioneers,

to unveil the partnership

with a stunning visual pitch

statement. Because a club

with this much history

deserves more than the same

old boring handshake shot.

This is just the beginning

of what we’ve got planned

for Rugby Football Club.

As part of our longterm

commitment, we’re

getting stuck in with

real improvements, from

renovating the rundown

stand and repairing the

old turnstiles, to supplying

and we’re incredibly proud of the heritage of our

beers and our brewers.

“We continue to build on our strong portfolio

and innovate and develop our beers to ensure they

align with current drinking trends.”

For more information about Greene King's

beers, go to: www.greeneking.co.uk/our-beers/

greene-king

proper equipment across every level of the club.

In fact, we’ve got bigger aspirations for this

historic place, perhaps we could build a pub

with a pitch in it (yes you read that right)? We

know that rugby lives well beyond the white

lines, and we’re here to support the community

on and off the pitch.

We’re also bringing the fun.

Matchday events, giveaways,

community shoutouts, the

works, all coming soon.

Because the people behind

the club deserve to feel the

love, too.

If you’re part of a local

grassroots club, we’d

love for you to join the

movement. Head to: www.

camdentownbrewery.com/

pages/give-em-hells to sign

up for fresh equipment, fresh

beer, and discounted TNT

Sports.

We’re in this for the long haul

– because when grassroots

wins, everyone wins.

22


Leading innovators in steam technology

In this issue of Food & Drink Matters

we have featured CERTUSS as our Steam

Technology Company of the Year

CERTUSS

is a steam

technology

company with over

60 years experience

developing gas-fired,

oil-fired and electric

steam generators.

The company is

well known for its

consistent research,

advanced development

and the highest quality

standards and has grown into a world leader

in the steam industry.

In more than 80 sectors, such as healthcare,

the chemical, pharmaceutical and automotive

industries, the hotel business, and the food and

beverage sector; CERTUSS steam generators

are an established name. Its UK service centre,

main German manufacturing base and USA

Group members, along with 34 other CERTUSS

agencies worldwide,

offer the latest steam

technology and

exemplary service.

CERTUSS built

its reputation on

providing durable

steam generators,

producing steam of the

highest quality that is

directly available with

maximum reliability

and without lengthy preheating times. Its famed

water tube boiler principle and intelligent

control systems, were developed over decades

and place CERTUSS in the centre of the steam

technology industry.

The company supplies compact, spacesaving

solutions which only produce exactly

the amount of steam that is needed in the

production area. This

makes them economical

and environmentally sound

and its systems offer classleading

efficiency alongside

exceptionally fast start-up

time. This means clients

do not need to keep steam

running constantly. They can

generate steam exactly when

they need it, which reduces

waste, saves energy and

lowers costs.

STEAM TECHNOLOGY COMPANY OF THE YEAR

of efficiency, load

adjustment, and

footprint. Electric

steam generators are

heated by stainless

steel heating rods with

a large heating surface.

The output of the

heating elements are

regulated continuously

via semiconductor

contactors. Making

them incredibly energy

efficient and helping many companies move

towards their decarbonisation goals.

The EMX steam generators are ready for use

3-5 minutes after starting up the system and

the equipment design guarantees continuous

regulation of the steam output from 10 to

320kg/h. Each module can be expanded

up to an output of 160kg/h and the EMX

series compact design decreases the space

requirement by up to

25%, providing great

flexibility for clients

with unique space

requirements.

Meanwhile, the newly

developed UMX

supports clients with

larger steam systems

who may not yet be

able to move to electric

but still want to

achieve significant reductions in CO 2 emissions.

The on-demand steam generator is designed

for use with NG or LPG or both (dual gas).

The system allows for continuous modulation

between 20% and 100% output and NOx

emissions remain well below the required

regulations.

With its high efficiency, environmental

compatibility and userfriendly

operation, the UMX

sets new standards in its class.

Features that were previously

optional are now included

as standard. Components

such as the water pump,

sliding gate valve, hot water

filter, gas filter and steam

separator are fully integrated

and pre-installed, making the

CERTUSS UMX ready for

immediate use.

been praised for working with an innovative

spirit, technical expertise and attention to detail

to achieve the ideal results.

This spirit of excellence extends to the

company’s standard quality controls. CERTUSS

routinely checks all components to ensure the

highest quality and uses only the best material

in its generators. That’s why CERTUSS steam

generators are easy to operate, require little

maintenance and function reliably for decades.

The last 12 months have been incredibly

positive for CERTUSS. The company has

secured some fantastic new clients and this

momentum gives it great confidence going

forward. Sales have performed well and are up

compared with last year. Overall this growth

reflects both the strength of CERTUSS’ products

and the trust its clients place in the company.

We asked UK Sales Manager, Wesley Thompson,

what winning this award meant to the

company, “It feels amazing and I am extremely

grateful that we have been selected for this

award. It is not often that you stop and reflect

on how far you have come, and receiving this

recognition is a great reminder to do just that.

It makes me truly appreciate the hard work and

dedication of our team. At the same time, it is

also a motivation to keep improving, as there is

always more to learn and achieve.”

Looking toward the future, the company's

short-term goals are focused on helping

companies transition towards decarbonisation

by providing cleaner, more efficient steam

solutions. Long-term, CERTUSS is investing in

the development of new technologies that use

alternative clean fuels, ensuring that it continues

to support its clients in meeting both current

and future sustainability goals.

For more on CERTUSS, see below:

T 01213 275362

sales@certuss.co.uk

www.certuss.co.uk

Products like the EMX

demonstrate the depth of

innovation the company

excels at. The fully electric

generator represents a new

performance class in terms

For CERTUSS, its standout

differentiator comes from

its highly skilled teams of

designers, engineers and

technicians. The company

core development team has


MANUFACTURING MATTERS

From collaboration to innovation: Titan Enterprises

& RWC partner on breakthrough dispense solution

ince designing their

Sfirst beverage flowmeter

in the early 1990s, Titan

Enterprises, a leading UK

manufacturer of liquid flow

measurement solutions, has

had a long-standing supplier

relationship with John

Guest, part of the RWC’s

family of brands.

Starting out in 1949 as

Reliance Manufacturing

Company Pty Ltd (RMC)

with a drive to transform

industry, RWC was later

born from the desire to

challenge convention. A

major landmark for the

company came in 2018

with the acquisition of John

Guest and its globally renowned push-fit brands.

Titan’s NSF-Approved beverage meter, 800-series

turbine flowmeters, and the Atrato ® ultrasonic

flowmeter range all incorporate John Guest

connectors, which are extensively used in the food

and beverage industry for their specialised ‘push-toconnect’

solutions.

In 2023, following years of evolving innovation since

the launch of JG PolarClean by John Guest in 2010,

RWC teamed up with Titan Enterprises to deliver an

exciting solution for the beverage industry. A mutual

customer discussion sparked the R&D collaboration,

as users were already pairing

RWC’s PolarClean pushfit

connectors alongside

Titan’s Beverage meters in

beer dispensing systems.

However, integrating the

two products required

additional modifications

– introducing cost and

complexity to a customer’s

installation. Together, RWC

and Titan set out to change

that.

To simplify installation and

enhance efficiency, RWC and

Titan began a partnership

that led Titan to leverage

its expertise in turbine

technology and design,

while RWC contributed

its innovative tooling capabilities. The aim of the

collaborative project was to provide a streamlined,

state-of-the-art single unit for beer dispensing systems

by fully integrating Titan’s turbine flow technology

within RWC’s pioneering PolarClean connector.

The primary challenge was fitting the turbine into the

PolarClean tube/connector without compromising

either system. Through workshops, prototyping

and design, the teams developed a modified

version of RWC’s straight PolarClean union. SLA

(stereolithography apparatus) 3D-printed models

were used to create prototypes, which were then

tested and calibrated by Titan before customer trials.

Once the final design was validated, RWC developed

the injection moulding tool for the PolarClean

body, while Titan managed the sensor and turbine

technology. After minor modifications, the first units

were shipped to customers for final performance

validation.

The partnership resulted in a fully integrated

innovative solution for the beverage industry: the

JG PolarClean system uses ‘tube-in-tube’ technology

to ensure beer is kept extra cold and conditioned

from the keg to the beer font, even without the need

for a cellar. Featuring a standard 3-wire connector,

this state-of-the-art product simplifies beer dispense

system installations. The JG PolarClean Coaxial

Flow Meter accurately measures liquid flow enabling

system users to monitor demand or supply usage in

coaxial cooling systems.

To discuss an optimised flow measurement

device for your OEM application, please contact

Titan Enterprises on +44 (0)1935 812790 or

email: sales@flowmeters.co.uk

24


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Steam Generators

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Food and Drink Matters Issue 189

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