News in brief: a round-up of industry stories
We visit different corners of the industry to bring you a selection of stories in bitesize form.
Let’s get messy!
Messyface is launching a modern take on tahin pekmez into the UK jams and preserves market.
Made from just two ingredients – slow-cooked grape molasses and tahini from roasted sesame seeds – the spread offers a naturally sweet, fibre-rich alternative with a smooth, caramel-like texture.
Founder Alex Epstein discovered tahin pekmez in a Turkish deli in the Netherlands and saw potential to bring the product to a wider UK audience. “I loved the simple transparency of the recipe, the fact this was a fibre-rich product with authentic World cuisine heritage that offered natural fruit sweetness without resorting to any refined sugars, palm oil or synthetic stabilizers, sweeteners and thickeners,” he said.
The vegan and gluten-free spread is being positioned as both a breakfast staple and a versatile baking ingredient.
Fiery flavour for Salty Dog
Indie crisp brand Salty Dog is relaunching its range with revamped flavours, refreshed packaging and a new SKU, Fiery Jalapeño & Paprika.
The brand says the relaunch is designed to reconnect with core independent stockists while appealing to a new generation of premium snack shoppers.
Commenting on the revamp, co-founder Dave Willis says: “Perhaps it’s fair to suggest that we’d got a little set in our ways … in 2025 a change in our production set-up provided the kick up the backside we’d needed, with a slew of new suitors reminding of our brand’s unique cache and retail potential, whilst pointing out that the appetite for heartfelt disruptor brands has never been greater. The feedback oiled our ambitions (sunflower oiled) to get back on the front foot and introduce ourselves to a new generation of fine crisp enthusiasts.”
Alongside the new Fiery Jalapeño & Paprika flavour, the updated line-up includes Prawn Cocktail, Sweet Chilli, Ham & Mustard, British Roast Beef, Salt & Vinegar and Sea Salt.
Bio-D cleans up
Hull-based Bio-D has expanded into a new category by creating a collection of personal care products approved by Allergy UK.
The initial four-strong range includes shampoo (500ml), hair conditioner (500ml), body wash (500ml) and bubble bath (1l) – all available in five litre refill options.
“The launch of our new personal care range represents a natural evolution for Bio-D – extending our ethos from household and homeware to personal care is the next step in helping families live more consciously in all aspects of their lives,” says Bio-D managing director, Lloyd Atkin.
“Having received regular requests from consumers for a personal care range, we have spent time perfecting the formula of each product to create a collection that aligns with our values and that we’re confident users will reach for again and again.”
Suitable for all ages, Bio-D’s new personal care range is fragrance-free, vegan and cruelty-free.
Plant-powered brekkie
Protein Vanilla is the newest Overnight Oats variant from Linwoods, providing a creamy, plant-powered breakfast delivering convenience, great taste and nutrition in every spoonful.
Created for busy, health-focused consumers, Protein Vanilla Overnight Oats provide a carefully balanced blend of taste and nourishment. Each 50g serving delivers 12g of natural plant protein to support muscle growth and function and is a source of magnesium to help reduce tiredness and fatigue as well as omega 3 (ALA), shown to help maintain normal cholesterol levels.
Simply soak overnight for a ready-to-enjoy meal that fuels the morning, whether heading to work, the gym, school drop-off or a weekend adventure.
Popcorn Kitchen packs a punch
The latest launch from Popcorn Kitchen is Crunch Corn, a savoury roasted corn snacking range that takes the brand beyond its popcorn roots.
Made using Peruvian Choclo giant corn, selected for its size and firm crunch, the initial range – Sea Salt, Salt & Vinegar and Spicy Chilli –is packed in 100g sharing bags and positioned as a fibre-rich, HFSS-friendly alternative to regular snacks. The corn comes in transparent packaging to highlight the whole kernels and lack of ‘snack dust’.
“We cooked up Crunch Corn because we wanted to create a more complete savoury treat for those underwhelmed by potato crisps and frustrated by spiralling costs of allergy-risking nuts and seeds,” comments brand founder Louise Monk. “As corn 0bsessives already well-versed in popcorn happiness, we felt now was the perfect moment to share new crunchy joy!”
By Jane Wolfe, contributor