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.
TOSS raises £660k
Dressing brand TOSS has secured £660,500 in a funding round to support retail expansion, increase consumer awareness and develop new product formats.
The investment was backed by SFC Capital, FIGR, GOTA, SyndicateRoom’s Access and a number of angel investors, including TRIBE founders Emily and Ollie Shaw.
Founded by sisters Grace and Sophie Devlin, TOSS produces 100% plant-based dressings and condiments that are gluten-free, refined sugar-free and free from artificial emulsifiers and preservatives.
“We’ll be investing heavily in building consumer awareness and driving trial, whilst continuing to grow our direct-to-consumer community alongside our retail footprint,” says Grace. “We’ll also be launching new product formats that make it even easier for consumers to incorporate TOSS into everyday meals, whether that's drizzling, dipping, marinating, glazing or spreading.”
Seaweed skincare from Ishga
Ishga has added a Replenishing Lip Balm to its offer – a luxurious, natural line made with 100% organic ingredients including shea butter, jojoba oil, almond oil and beeswax. Designed to keep skin soft and protected, it also features Fucus serratus seaweed extract to add antioxidant-rich polyphenols to the blend, which glides on easily, is absorbed quickly and leaves lips plump and silky smooth. The balm is certified COSMOS Organic by Soil Association Certification.
The brand has also introduced a handy 30ml version of its Hebridean Marine Toner. Packed with naturally powerful skin antioxidants to refresh, tone and soothe skin, it is perfect for make-up prep. Hebridean seawater and spring water are combined with seaweed, red mandarin oil, aloe vera and cucumber to brighten, cool and soothe. The toner is presented in a versatile bottle and can be sprayed onto cotton pads or spritzed directly onto skin.
Greenscents targets hard water
Organic cleaning brand Greenscents has launched a new Dishwasher Liquid and Rinse Aid, both certified organic by the Soil Association and developed specifically for hard-water conditions.
The new Organic Dishwasher Liquid is a super-concentrated, low-foam formula designed to tackle grease, food and stains. The Organic Rinse Aid is designed to improve drying and reduce spotting, filming and water marks on dishes and glassware.
The Dishwasher Liquid contains 83% organic ingredients, while the Rinse Aid contains 85%. Both are fragrance-free and free from chlorine and phosphates, with the Dishwasher Liquid also free from enzymes and optical brighteners.
The products are palm oil-free, vegan, cruelty-free and suitable for septic tanks. They come in 500ml amber glass bottles.
Making matcha with Pukka
Pukka Herbs has launched two high-quality organic matcha powders in 30g tins. Matcha Vanilla Chai blends organic ceremonial-grade matcha with warming chai spices and vanilla notes to deliver a naturally comforting sweetness without the need for added sugar or syrups.
Pukka’s new Matcha Tulsi Lemon combines organic ceremonial-grade matcha with tulsi, lemon essential oil, spearmint leaf powder, rosemary leaf powder and lemon myrtle leaf powder to create a bright, refreshing and naturally flavourful cup.
Offering a rich, smooth umami flavour, both products contain no added sugar and are made with ingredients from 100% natural origin.
Potts get saucy
Wiltshire-based cooking sauces brand Potts is launching a five-strong range of air fryer pastes in 100% recyclable aluminium tubes.
The range comprises Japanese Miso, Tamari & Ginger Teriyaki; South Indian Chilli, Kerala Masala Tandoori; Mexican Honey & Chipotle; Lebanese Zaatar Spice; and Korean Gochujang & Rice Wine.
The pastes are designed for use in air fryers, as well as for grilling, barbecuing, shawarma and marinades, depending on the variety.
Developed to offer high flavour intensity and allow flavour to be built gradually during cooking, the pastes come in squeezable, resealable aluminium tubes and are made without ‘nasties’.
The new collection forms part of Potts’ ambient cooking sauces portfolio and is aimed at the growing crossover between scratch cooking and convenience.
By Jane Wolfe, contributor