Food

The South West's food, drink and hospitality sector is currently operating in the toughest environment for many years, yet powerful feelings of pride and determination were the overriding emotions at the 2023 Food Reader Awards which took place on Monday 15th May.

The event was a huge success and received a much-needed shot of positivity for the industry at this difficult time.  Attendees were resolute in their belief that, while the year ahead looks to be difficult (as a result of food and fuel prices and a recruitment crisis), pulling together is the best way for independent businesses to survive.

Heidi Kühn walked through her first minefield, in Dragalić, Croatia, in 2000. Workers there asked her blood type in case she stepped on a land mine.

“That was such a defining moment,” Kühn said. “I was with a friend and we looked at each other in the eye and we were like, ‘What have we gotten ourselves into?’ And they suited me up.” Kühn, a California native, has earned international recognition for Roots of Peace, the non-profit she founded in 1997 that transforms heavily mined areas into sustainable farmland. Or as Kühn puts it, she’s turning mines to vines.

Christopher Dawson, founder of authentic Japanese and organic fine foods brands Clearspring, was awarded the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award at the Natural & Organic Innovation Awards. The awards ceremony took place on April 16th, after day one of the Natural & Organic Products Europe show at Excel, London.

Established in 1957 with root in hospitality, the Miramar Group has then expanded its portfolio to include stylish hotels and serviced apartments, property rental, food and beverage, and travel services both in Hong Kong and in Mainland China. Over the years, Miramar Group has become a leading industry player and a renowned brand in Hong Kong, with its fashionable design hotels and restaurants that loved and frequented by many locals.

Introducing Sriracha Chilli and original Mac N'cheese, Pots of Oozy, Gooey Pasta Deliciousness from Kabuto Listed Nationwide by Tesco.

Stir up the store cupboard with brand new Kabuto Mac n'Cheese pasta pots. Bursting onto the shelves this spring at Tesco includes scorching Sriracha Chilli and creamy, oozy original variations to tantalise the tastebuds and take you on a fun, fusion flavour journey - rolling out in Tesco stores now. The first ever pasta meals from Kabuto, (normally known for 'posh pot noodles') are easy peasy cheesy pots of goodness, perfect for Mac n'Cheese obsessives and busy people who want a quick meal packed to the brim with taste.

An Israeli company announced that it has developed a 3D printed grouper fish fillet from stem cells, which are then processed via bioprinting technology into a fish-like shape.

Stakeholder Foods, in conjunction with Umami Meats, has created a method of 3D bioprinting your very own ‘fresh’ fish, which, it says, mimics the taste and texture of natural fish and will be ready for cooking immediately. According to the company, new product could hit the supermarket shelves later this year.

How well do you know the national anthem? Revolución de Cuba, the Cuban-inspired bar and restaurant brand, is celebrating the King’s Coronation weekend by giving customers the chance to earn a free Pineapple Daiquiri, but there’s one catch.

Taking place across the entire Coronation weekend, Revolución de Cuba will be challenging customers to serenade bar staff with their very own rendition of ‘God Save the King’, and if they impress, they’ll be rewarded with a Pineapple Daiquiri on the house (while stocks last). Sing or hum, the choice is yours.

Farmers in St Thomas have called for more work to be done in the sector to explore and take full advantage of the coconut palm’s (Cocos nucifera) versatile nature. Characterised as a “golden” plant by members of the Kanga Gully Farmers Group in Nutts River, the coconut tree and nut are said to have properties that can be used to make a variety of items that the industry has not yet tapped into.

The 26-member group was engaged in a training session held at Rainford Heslop’s Holdings where Danavan Pryce, an agronomist at Newport-Fersan Jamaica Limited, informed them of best practices to execute on their farms.

Approximately 7 years ago (2016), South African wines were removed from the wine shops in Nordic countries. The reason?

South African workers in the wine sector were fighting against poor working conditions for farm workers at several vineyards in the country and the wine retailers were supporting their actions. According to the Human Rights Watch (HRW), wine and fruit farm workers in South Africa live in on-site housing unfit for occupancy, are exposed to pesticides without appropriate safety equipment, have limited (if any) access to toilets or drinking water while working and have many barriers to representation by unions.

Celebrate Earth Day with Saint Lucia's Restaurant Week – on now until April 29, and explore the unique flavours of the island with its eclectic mix of African, American, European, Indian, and Caribbean cuisine. Enjoy the hearty provisions and stews of the rugged mountain villages and tantalizing seafood dishes of the renowned coastal areas, all while savouring healthy options and farm-to-table experiences.

Birmingham’s favourite casual dining restaurant, Gusto Italian, has launched its new menu, with a focus on meat-free dishes and low and no alcohol cocktails including a delicious Prosecco risotto and stunning plant-based steak. Gusto Gold Reward members & their friends can enjoy a free drink when purchasing 2 courses from the new A La Carte menu.

Based in London, Sonia Elia will be responsible for growing brand awareness and understanding of vermouth and the wider aperitif category. She will run trade and consumer trainings and events and continue to build and strengthen Cocchi's relationships with the on-trade sector – focusing especially on key European markets including the UK and Italy.

Nutritionist Jane McClenaghan at Vital Nutrition talks through the benefits of adding milled hemp to your diet.

What are the benefits of adding Milled Hemp Seed to your diet?

For the third year running, the hugely popular Taste East Devon food festival is taking place from 9-24th September 2023. The 16-day celebration sees award-winning venues, producers, chefs and restaurants across East Devon join forces again to celebrate the incredible food and drink on offer across the region.

What better way to toast The Coronation of King Charles III and The Queen Consort than with a flute of homegrown English Sparkling Wine? The Coronation Bank Holiday Weekend (Saturday 6th - Monday 8th May) will see celebratory events in abundance, so why not mark this special occasion in style and let the champagne flutes clink with Wickhams' picks of some of the country's finest bubblies. 

New research has revealed the UK’s top 10 favourite cocktails, with margarita taking the crown. 

Event Management Company MGN events analysed Google search data to determine the nation’s most loved cocktail. The research combined several terms Brits are searching for including ‘Margarita recipe’, ‘How to make a Margarita’ and ‘Margarita ingredients’ for over 350 different cocktails.