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.

Piccolo bone broth for kids

Piccolo has introduced what it says is Europe’s first bone broth specifically made for children aged from three years.

Launching in Waitrose, the Organic Beef Bone Broth contains 2.9g of protein and 1.3g of collagen per 100ml. Slow-cooked and ready to use straight from the pack, it’s designed to help parents quickly add extra nourishment to dishes already known and loved by their kids. It can be stirred through pasta sauces, added to soups and stews, poured into purées or served warm as a savoury drink.

“Parents are increasingly looking for easy ways to cook nourishing meals at home, but the bone broths currently available are designed for adults and can contain high levels of added salt,” explains Piccolo founder Cat Gazzoli. “We saw a real gap in the market for a child-friendly bone broth made with organic ingredients and designed for real family life. It’s about helping parents cook smarter by adding flavour, protein and goodness into everyday meals.”

Solving the dinner dilemma

To increase awareness of how its pasta sauces solve the ‘quick, healthy weeknight dinner dilemma’, Mr Organic has launched its new campaign, Born in Italy. Made for Pasta Night.

Running until August, it showcases the brand’s Italian organic pasta sauces and includes in-store activity in Waitrose as well as a Waitrose newspaper ad spotlighting the brand’s Basilico Pasta Sauce.

Mr Organic has also rolled out banners on Ocado and social media ads across Instagram and Facebook, promoting its collaboration with waste-reduction influencer @lagomchef, who created a recipe featuring the Basilico Pasta Sauce. Promotions across the pasta sauce range will support the campaign.

“People are busier than ever, but finding a quick mealtime solution that is healthy is tricky,” says Stephanie Lee, Mr Organic brand manager. “Most options are full of additives, but our range of UPF-free pasta sauces tick all the boxes for making a healthy meal in 15 minutes.”

Selfridges gets Healf-y

In a shift that marks Healf’s first move into physical retail, the online wellbeing platform has opened a wellness concession at Selfridges London on Oxford Street.

Located in The Foodhall, it stocks over 100 products across 23 brands, spanning supplementation, nutrition, sleep and recovery.

As well as the permanent product offer, Healf will launch a rotating drinks fridge in partnership with functional drinks brand Smoov, stocking a selection of ready-to-drink collaborations.

Rather than a departure from digital, the company says the concession ‘brings Healf’s expert curation into one of the world’s most visited retail destinations’.

“Wellness has moved from a niche interest to a mainstream cultural priority and the consumers leading that shift deserve access to the very best products, with the expertise to back it up,” says Lestat McCree, Healf co-founder and CEO. “Bringing Healf’s curation to Selfridges is about exactly that.”

Clearspring taps hojicha trend

Clearspring has launched an Organic Japanese Hojicha Powder crafted from organically farmed green tea leaves, gently roasted to create a smooth, mellow taste while naturally lowering caffeine levels.

When combined with warm milk, hojicha’s nutty aroma and gentle smoky flavour transform into a creamy and comforting beverage. It can also be used in baking, blended into ice cream and smoothies or whisked with hot water for ‘a mindful tea moment’. 

“We’re beyond excited to introduce a powdered version of our Organic Japanese Hojicha – a delicious, versatile green tea with a wonderfully smooth roasted flavour,” says Clearspring managing director Maria Dawson. “I drink hojicha tea every day, and in Japan it’s long been cherished as a soothing tea, especially after meals. Hojicha lattes have now become incredibly popular in Japan and are even available in leading chain coffee shops. I truly believe Japanese Hojicha Powder has the potential to take off globally, just like matcha has.” 

Collagen + Energy

Functional drinks brand Vybey has introduced a new carbonated soft drink combining collagen, caffeine and nootropic ingredients, as it looks to tap into demand for multi-benefit beverages.

The Collagen + Energy range is available in Mixed Berry and Lemon & Lime flavours. Each can contains 8g of collagen protein, 75mg of natural caffeine, lion’s mane, l-theanine, magnesium and electrolytes.

The drinks are positioned as an alternative to traditional energy drinks and protein shakes, targeting consumers seeking a lighter, more convenient option for energy, focus and recovery.

“The better-for-you drinks category has moved fast, but most launches still solve one narrow need,” says Vybey co-founder Gordon Belch. “Some are energy drinks. Some are collagen drinks. Some are hydration drinks. We saw space for one daily can that brings energy, focus, collagen and light hydration together. It fits how people actually live now: work, training, recovery, social occasions and busy days.”

By Jane Wolfe, contributor