Manchester’s heritage fro-yo parlour Frurt has opened a second self-serve venue, at its original location.
Frurt first opened the Prestwich branch in 2014, but due to popular demand, moved to the city centre. Since then, the business – launched by husband and wife team Syed and Shaza Hassan – has grown into three self-serve stores in Blackburn, Bolton and now Prestwich, serving a range of frozen yoghurts with a wide variety of toppings, smoothies, and hot and cold drinks, with produce all sourced from local suppliers.
As a brand, Frurt has ensured it is committed to giving back to the community within it works. In fact, every member of the 35-strong Frurt team takes part in initiatives like regular litter picking to keep the community clean. The brand has also raised more than £10k for charities like Inspiration Ovarian Cancer North West, Macmillan, Marie Curie, Spot Project and SKT Welfare, as well as donating raffle prizes to Liv’s Trust.
“The Prestwich community accepted our business with open arms years ago,” said Syed Hassan.
“They helped us to get to where we are, and now that we have established ourselves, it’s only right to give back. We will always support the local and independent businesses that surround our stores, and Prestwich is no different.
“When we first founded the business in 2010 as part of our mission to create the perfect frozen yoghurt, we couldn’t imagine how we have grown over the years. Frurt is built to franchise and we also have plans to grow the business internationally, but we will never lose sight of the local communities where our stores call home.”
The plant-based stuffed-cookie brand based in London has expanded to the US.
Floozies – founded in 2020 by pastry chef Kimberly Lin – opened its first store in Covent Garden and has since expanded to Dubai and more recently, with a pop-up in premier superstore Harrods.
It has amassed a cult following for its stuffed cookies in five signature flavours and is spreading its wings with franchise opportunities available in all 50 US states.
The plant-powered menu includes a variety of classic and creative flavours, including Cinnamon Crunch, Chocolate Chunk, Celebration, Pecan Pie, Triple Chocolate, and gluten-free options Black Forest, and Peanut Butter & Jam as well as a monthly changing seasonal flavour. The menu also features milk drinks, coffee, vegan hot chocolates and ice cream sundaes.
“While Floozie Cookies started out as a passion project during the pandemic, it’s been nothing short of incredible to see the brand take on a life of its own with international expansions and a loyal following of vegan cookie fans behind it,” said Lin.
“I’m thrilled to continue growing our footprint working with new partners internationally and developing the brand.”
The brand’s US expansion also marks the North American homecoming of Chef Lin, who honed her pastry skills in some of London’s most acclaimed kitchens, including Claridge’s, The Corinthia and Dominique Ansel Bakery.
Pearl Milling Company is gearing up to help you stack up the memories – and the pancakes – while staying really connected with family this holiday season.
Working with Ugly Christmas Sweater, the brand has launched a ‘cojoined’ sweater – in two-person, three-person and four-person varieties – with custom pockets for a bottle of Pearl Milling Company syrup and a spatula for your pancake-making essentials.
Fans can also win their own Family Stack Sweater by visiting the ugly Christmas sweater site.
TikTok fans are raving about a Flapjack Crisp, invented specifically for Gen Z by a baking influencer with 4.7 million followers.
Best-selling author Eloise Head – or Fitwaffle, as she’s known to her millions of social media followers – has teamed up with Lyle’s Golden Syrup after new research revealed 18-24 years olds are donning aprons, taking over the kitchen and baking up a storm.
The flapjack made its debut over 400 years ago – referenced by William Shakespeare in his Pericles, Prince of Tyre (1607): “Come, thou shalt go home, and we’ll have flesh for holidays, fish for fasting-days, and moreo’er puddings and flap-jacks, and thou shalt be welcome.”
Fitwaffle has breathed new life into the traditional recipe, with Lyle’s Golden Syrup playing the leading role. Flapjack Crisps are extra thin and crispy versions that can be created in five minutes in an air fryer. Described on TikTok as ‘perfect for dipping and sharing’, they’re inspiring a whole new generation of baking fans with over 100k views in the first 24 hours.
The Lyle’s Golden Syrup findings show that the 18-24 year olds are the age group most likely to whip up a GBBO-inspired treat, with just 5% having never baked compared to a quarter of over-64s.
In fact, 20% of Gen Z say they bake a whopping 4-6 times per week, double that of 25-34 year olds, thanks in part to social media, with 23.1 billion views of #baking and 5.2 billion views of #bakingrecipe hashtags on TikTok. Meanwhile, 62% of Gen Z have reinvented a traditional recipe, the highest of all age groups, with the likelihood of doing this decreasing with age. 11% add dairy such as cheese to a flapjack to make it tastier, while 12% pop in veggies, or even avo.
“Flapjacks are one of my favourite bakes,” said Fitwaffle.
“They’re so easy to make and one of the first things I learnt to cook. I love experimenting with recipes and I’ve really enjoyed creating the flapjack crisps.
“They’re delicious, and perfect for sharing and dipping. There’s nothing else quite like Lyle’s Golden Syrup, its buttery, sweet, caramelised flavour is unmistakable, and I always have some in my cupboard. I hope this recipe helps to inspire others to get creative in the kitchen and reinvent some of their favourite baked classics.”
The study also found that Gen Z are likely to have tried food trends, including Mug Cakes (41%) ‘pancake spaghetti’ (14%) and butter boards (22%). However, they are highly aware of making cost-effective recipes, with 54% saying they’d choose to use ingredients they already have in the cupboard.
“It’s fascinating to see how Gen Z is embracing baking classic recipes more than their parents and grandparents,” said Louise Coates, brand manager for Lyle’s Golden Syrup.
“Great British Bake Off has become a national TV institution, and nowhere more is it a top tier hit than with younger people.
“The flapjack is without doubt a Great British classic, as is Lyle’s Golden Syrup and its unmistakable taste. We’re excited to be to working with such a popular Gen Z foodie influencer like Eloise, to see how far we can take the flapjack next.”
Nibble Simply Madagascan Chocolate Chips will up your baking game.
The award-winning 81% dark chocolate chips are crafted by Belgian chocolatiers from responsibly-sourced Madagascan cocoa. Grown in unique, mineral-rich soil, Madagascan cocoa is known to be one of the very best – and most exclusive – cocoa sources in the world, accounting for less than 1% of chocolate globally.
That’s seriously special.
But what’s equally special is the fact that its free from refined sugar, sweetened instead with a touch of better-for-you coconut sugar.
No wonder the product scooped up the 2022 Free From ‘Best Confectionery’ Silver Award.
With an RRP of £3.99, these bestsellers are a great economical gift for foodies, health fans and vegans alike. Also available in 1kg bags.
The berry specialist has extended its partnership with the Hallmark Channel for the second year to highlight seasonal recipes that will get consumers berry happy.
“The holiday season can be a hectic time, and we hope that some of our favourite recipes give people a chance to slow down and enjoy each other’s company during the most wonderful time of the year,” said Carrie Ann Arias, VP of Naturipe’s marketing.
A seasonal favourite, Naturipe Cranberries are at their peak and make a vibrant addition to salads, sauces, desserts and cocktails. A selection of Naturipe’s most festive recipes – including its famous Roasted Berry Mascarpone Tart – will be shared on the Channel throughout December and are free-to-down by fans.
The farmer-owned producer and marketer of berries and avocados has been an industry leader for more than 100 years. Sporting a diverse grower base sharing resources, skills, labour and knowledge, the company works to strengthen the local farm community, while focusing on innovation to ensure year-round availability of locally grown organic fruit.
Kellogg’s is making breakfast and snack-time bigger and better with a fun twist on two fan-favourite cereals: Krave Double Chocolate Brownie Batter Cereal and Froot Loops with Marshmallows Jumbo Snax.
Whether fans are looking for something chocolatey or fruity, these new breakfast cereals/snacks will surely satisfy any crunchy craving.
“We’re always looking for ways to innovate by developing new flavors that our dedicated cereal and snack fans desire,” said Laura Newman, senior director of brand marketing at Kellogg Company.
“Whether parents or kids find themselves in the mood for something sweet and chocolatey or crave something fruity and crunchy, Kellogg’s Krave Double Chocolate Brownie Batter Cereal and Kellogg’s Froot Loops with Marshmallows Jumbo Snax are the perfect treat the whole family can enjoy together around the table or for an on-the-go snack.”
The new offerings are rolling out in US retailers. Krave has an RRP of $4.29 for 10z box and $5.29 for a 16.2 oz box, while Froot Loops will be available for an RRP of $5.29 per 12-pouch pack.