Titan Brands | Blog

Life After The Pandemic – How will it look for the Food and Beverage Industry?

183:850369783 (Gavin McLean) — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 17:34:39 GMT

Two years ago, we probably felt secure in our predictions for the Food and Beverage Industry. The future was looking good, with an increase in on-the-go purchases and a growing demand for ready meals. And yet, here we are in 2022 with all companies involved in the industry having to change their business models in order to meet new ways of eating and drinking – both at home and in cafes and restaurant.

What’s changed?

At the start of the pandemic, we saw a huge spike in demand for home delivery groceries – which was one of the safest ways to keep the cupboards stocked during lockdown. An increase in consumer interest in online grocery delivery saw demand rising by more than 140% across the UK and Europe in 2020. This movement highlighted the convenience of online delivery, and many customers who previously visited supermarkets on a regular basis have continued to use deliveries even as restrictions have continued to be lifted.

This causes its own problems – not just for the supermarkets themselves, but for the supply chain. Food producers and manufacturers also saw sales hit by the pandemic and have had to look for new ways of working. Their issues have been compounded by delivery difficulties caused by a shortage of HGV drivers and by the ongoing problems of absence caused by Covid infections.

So, food producers and wholesalers need to manage problems caused primarily by a lack of workforce and increased production prices – energy costs are rising quickly and many staple products such as animal feed are also more expensive.

And supermarkets are rethinking their approach to the size, layout and appeal of their stores, whilst also significantly improving their online delivery processes and capacity.

What about food outlets?

As we know, cafes, restaurants, pubs and other food and drink outlets were severely hit by the pandemic and its accompanying lockdowns. Re-opening over the course of 2021 has helped those businesses to stay afloat, but they are unlikely to be able to recoup the losses suffered in 2020.

With high rents and rates to pay, as well as keeping staff available to work, these businesses have had to look at different ways of working – such as offering takeaway options, or teaming up with other businesses to build a wider offering – demonstrating resilience, innovation and the ability to streamline their operations to maximise efficiency.

The rise in the recipe box industry

Being at home doesn’t mean people stop wanting to cook, of course. A recent article in The Grocer magazine reported that whilst there was a predictable rise in people using recipe box companies like Gousto and HelloFresh during lockdown periods, this trend didn’t die off as the wider economy opened up. In fact, companies that specialise in this area are taking advantage of the opportunity to give consumers exactly what they want – a personalised weekly meal option where everything is provided for them and all they need to do is follow the instructions.

Notably, Waitrose has recently partnered with Mindful Chef to offer a co-branded recipe box kit with 20 meal options each week. And retailers are watching because they will need to be able to compete with this delivered-to-the-door option which offers busy people or those who want a bit more variety in their menus the opportunity to eat well without the hassle.

What does all this mean for F&B brands?

The drop in footfall in supermarkets and smaller food stores means that consumers are no longer ‘stumbling’ across products that might not have been on their list, and in fact might be actively looking for ways to avoid having to go grocery shopping at all. This has been – and remains – a key marketing channel for stores, but as opportunities decrease, retailers are having to think about new methods – often online – to get new brands in front of consumers.

This is particularly important market intelligence for new brands, who have historically relied on supermarket placement to get visibility with customers. But this visibility has now moved much more online, so as a new, motivated F&B brand, you’ll need to be confident about how your brand will be promoted.

Want to boost your F&B brand? Book a free 30min session to find out how we can help your brand take off – just email gavin@titanbrands.co.uk to book your call.

The Rise in Demand for Wellbeing Ingredients...

183:850369783 (Gavin McLean) — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 00:25:12 GMT

The events of the past couple of years have led to many people re-assessing their lifestyle and approach to health and wellbeing. This has been reflected not just in wellbeing becoming more of a mainstream topic in the media and online, but also in 2021 buying trends, where there has been a measurable increase in consumers opting for purpose-driven brands that put health, welfare, planet and community first.

Alongside a trend for more local buying, rather than relying on imported goods, the demand for natural ingredients has increased, and new businesses are springing up, helping consumers to understand the potential benefits of a range of products.

In fact, The Britvic Soft Drinks Review 2021 said: “Added benefit wellness/functional drinks have grown in popularity, appealing to those looking to enhance their diet or feel they’re adding goodness into their body. These drinks benefits range from an energy pick-me up to added protein, functional, immune, or gut health, general multivitamin health or rehydration.”

And Fortune Business Insights says: “The functional beverage market is expected to perform tremendously during the foreseeable years due to increasing consumer inclination towards non-alcoholic and health benefitting drinks. Rising health consciousness amongst different consumer categories, coupled with their increasing expenditure on health and wellness products is expected to fuel the growth of the functional beverages market crucially in the upcoming years.”

Faced with the stresses and traumas of the pandemic, consumers are increasingly looking for ingredients that will help them feel more active, reduce anxiety naturally and be beneficial to health whilst still being natural.

There are some particular areas that have attracted attention:

Nootropics

These are substances that may improve mental performance and are used by people who want to reduce ‘brain fog’ and improve their mental functions. Often taken in the form of superfoods or supplements, some nootropics are found in everyday foodstuffs – turmeric, wild blueberries, salmon, broccoli, walnuts and egg yolks, for example – but they are mostly sold as additional nutrition. Look for nootropics that are wholly natural ingredients rather than synthetic.

Product: Check out Shine – nootropic energy drinks available in a range of flavours including Peach Passionfruit and Strawberry Apple

Adaptogens

Derived from plants – often mushrooms – adaptogens help to calm, reducing stress and reducing fatigue. You will have heard of some of the adaptogen ingredients, including ginseng, L-theanine and rosea. Again, you can usually find these in supplement form, or there are plenty of adaptogen-based products to look out for.

Product: You could try THEENK Tea – a 21-day herbal programme that uses 12 nootropics, adaptogens and stimulants designed to support brain function and mental wellbeing.

CBD Products

Short for cannabinoid, CDB is derived from the hemp and cannabis plants. It is carefully extracted for safe use and is not a controlled substance in the UK, although currently, brands who wish to sell CDB oil must have a Novelty Foods License.

CBD oil has been found to relieve pain and reduce anxiety and depression. There are also a range of other benefits being investigated. Licensed CBD oil is on sale at respected natural food stores.

Like using all supplements, you should make sure that you also have a healthy, balanced diet. If you are on medication or have a medical condition, you should also check with your GP or doctor before you start any new supplements.

Product: MEDAHUMAN sells a range of targeted CBD drinks that are designed for people who want to stay calm and focused. Blended with nutrients, adaptogens and nootropics, the brand’s drinks are created for specific functions – including energy, relaxing and night-time drinks.

Supporting natural food brands

We work with a range of purpose-driven brands who use natural, healthy ingredients and sustainable processes to give consumers a wider choice for their wellbeing. The more often we choose foods that are plant-based, use unadulterated ingredients and are sustainably made, the better it is for our bodies, our minds and the planet.

Has Christmas come early?

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 00:09:27 GMT

Amid a number of issues affecting the food and drink supply chain, a recent survey by Lumina Intelligence revealed that a third of consumers were already thinking about buying their Christmas food and drink before the end of October.

The poll, which surveyed 1,000 British shoppers, showed that more than 50% were concerned about not being able to buy their usual quantity of Christmas food, and supermarkets have already seen a spike in frozen turkey sales as consumers protect themselves from what they perceive will be shortages closer to Christmas.

Factors driving early buying

There are several reasons why there may be shortages before the festive period. Supermarkets and food producers have been saying for a few weeks that they are anticipating some issues with supply, and have made representations to government about the problems. So, what are they?

Shortage of HGV drivers – We are all aware that there aren’t enough HGV drivers working in the UK. This means that goods are slower to move around the country and some areas struggle to get regular deliveries. Retailers including Tesco are offering a bonus to HGV drivers who join their ranks and the government has introduced a scheme to allow EU-based drivers to apply for roles here but to date, not nearly enough people have applied.

Workforce shortages – Larger food producers in the UK have historically relied on labour coming in from the EU. Both Brexit and the pandemic have seriously affected the supply of workers, meaning that some suppliers are struggling to pick and pack produce, leading to food waste and empty shelves. Those producers able to use local workforces are often smaller businesses and can’t make up completely for the reduction in supply.

Carbon dioxide problems – There was a recent shortage of carbon dioxide, which plays a crucial role in food production, including stunning animals before slaughter, keeping some foodstuffs fresh and use in fizzy drinks. The government came to a deal to plug the gap so that businesses could keep operating, and this should last into the start of 2022.

Increased costs – Whilst many foods will still be on the shelves for Christmas, consumers may find that they are paying higher prices. Prices across the board have risen – from spices to cardboard – and both suppliers and retailers will pass at least some of those extra costs onto the consumer.

All these factors, plus our desire to have everything we want for Christmas, means that there’s already significant demand. Both Waitrose and Ocado released their online Christmas shopping slots earlier than usual, with nearly all the available times booked up within a day. And supermarkets are expecting high footfall in their brick and mortar stores too, hiring thousands of additional staff to cope with demand.

Not just for Christmas…

Food issues are unlikely to be resolved once Christmas is over. There are a variety of factors, in addition to the ones we’ve mentioned, that are likely to influence the quality and supply that we’re used to in the UK food chain. So what can you do?

Now is a great time to consider buying more locally produced food that prioritises sustainability and food quality. There are plenty of ambitious, great quality UK brands around, and by choosing to shop with them, you’re moving away from a dependency on imported foods, and you’re supporting your local economy. Shop seasonally where it’s available and affordable, to help maintain a balanced and healthy diet.

Celebrating vegetarians and vegans!

183:850369783 (Gavin McLean) — Sat, 30 Oct 2021 13:52:58 GMT

October 1st was World Vegetarian Day and November 1st is World Vegan Day – so what better time to celebrate the benefits of switching to a meat-free diet?

With increasing numbers of people becoming vegetarian or vegan – or at the very least cutting back on the amount of meat they eat, there’s a lot of focus on eating differently – and how to do it well. People choose vegetarian and vegan diets for a wide variety of reasons – including animal rights and environmental concerns and, provided you choose a healthy meat-free diet, there are lots of ways you can benefit.

The Benefits to You

If you follow a healthy vegetarian or vegan diet, you could end up healthier, and less at risk of diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes or poor heart health. Reducing your consumption of heavily processed food – particularly those in meat-based products – will make a difference to your health. Just make sure that your diet is balanced, with the right amounts of protein and fibre, so that you are replacing the nutrients that you get from a diet that includes meat.

Plant-based foods tend to be lower in fat and sodium and they have natural sugars rather than artificial sugars, so a broad plant diet is good for your body in general. Of course, you still have to watch out for things like caffeine and alcohol and, if you’re vegetarian, try to keep a balanced amount of dairy products in your diet, but there’s plenty of evidence that a balanced vegetarian or vegan diet is a good way to eat.

The Benefits to the Planet

It’s widely understood that reducing or stopping meat-eating is one of the most positive things you can do for the planet. It’s estimated that livestock farming is responsible for around 15% of greenhouse gas emissions. So the more we cut down on meat production, the better it is for the planet. Large livestock operations also come with the risk of groundwater contamination from manure or chemicals. And finally, thousands of acres of forests are being cleared to make way for livestock grazing areas, and those trees could be absorbing carbon dioxide, helping to slow climate change.

You can also support sustainable plant-based brands, where their food is not only good for you, but good for the planet. This includes brands that produce their food sustainably, use sustainable packaging and work with charities and community groups to help do things better.

How to Get Started?

If you’re thinking about vegetarianism or veganism, you can just dive straight in, or you can take things step by step. It’s always worth reading round the principles of going meat free so that you know what to expect – particularly around how you replace some of the nutrients that you would normally get from meat and fish. Here are some quick steps to get you started:

Allocate one meatless day per week
Reduce serving sizes of meat
Eliminate red and processed meats

To find out more about our sustainable, plant-based brands, or if you are a food or drinks brand that thinks we could help, contact us today .

Celebrating good health with Organic September!

183:850369783 (Gavin McLean) — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 09:10:41 GMT

This month is Organic September, a campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of using organic farming and animal-rearing methods, and the importance of choosing to buy organic when you can.

According to the Soil Association , the benefits of organic food production include:

Supporting biodiversity and wildlife
Helping to combat climate change
Creating the highest standards of animal welfare
Reduced exposure to pesticides

Eating organic produce is better for your health. Most traditional methods of growing food and rearing animals uses synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers or antibiotics – all of which make their way into the food chain and then into our bodies. In fact, a report in the British Journal of Nutrition , published in 2014, suggested that organically-grown foods are likely to be higher in antioxidants – a natural substance that can delay some types of cell damage. In addition, organic foods were found to contain significantly lower levels of cadmium than mass-grown foods. Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal that can accumulate in the liver and kidneys when ingested.

What is ‘organic’ food?

Organic food is food that is grown or reared to strict standards. All weed killers are banned and farmers are only allowed to use certain natural pesticides and then only in certain conditions. They also have to abide by standards that apply to the soil they use, the ecosystems they create and the health of the animals they rear.

Organic farmers have to consider the wider implications of their growing or animal rearing. In order to be a certified organic producer, you must demonstrate that you meet or exceed all the standards which were originally set out in EU regulations and which UK farmers still work to.

Animals must be kept in generous free-range environments, with plenty of outdoor space to move and graze, and there should be no harmful or painful processes designed to keep animals ‘in check’. Livestock farmers also can’t use preventative antibiotics and they must feed a natural and healthy diet that’s suitable for the animals they rear.

Why choose to buy organic?

Organic food is better for the environment, better for farmed animals and better for your health. If you can afford to buy as much organic food as possible, then that’s a great option. The processes and smaller production levels involved does mean that organic food is often more expensive than its traditional counterpart, so not everyone can afford to buy it all the time, and so we’d recommend that if you only have a small budget for organic produce, you concentrate on eggs, diary and meat products – the ones where it really matters what the animals have been fed and looked after.

Given the presence of a potentially wide range of chemicals and substances in your food, it’s particularly important to choose organic produce if you have a health condition, are looking after young children, are pregnant or have allergies.

What organic brands would we recommend?

We’ve worked with some fantastic organic brands, including Pana Organic , Wallaroo and New Kings Coffee .

And there are some fantastic well-know brands on the supermarket shelves, including Yeo Valley, Organix and Doves Farm. You can also check out Pukka, Rebel Kitchen and Ombar Chocolate.

We’re committed to helping brands get the recognition and market impact they deserve, and we work with organic, sustainable and plant-based brands to help them make the difference that got them started in the first place. To find out more, just get in touch today.

Food waste: Why we should eat ALL the food we grow

183:850369783 (Gavin McLean) — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 08:16:05 GMT

When we first came across statistics about food waste, we couldn’t believe them. We’ve recently started working with Oddbox – a fruit and veg delivery service that only uses food that would otherwise go to waste. And they confirmed that food waste is not only a huge issue for farmers in the UK and around the world – it also contributes significantly to the climate emergency.

In fact, if food waste were a country, it would be responsible for the third-highest carbon emissions in the world.

That’s because of the water and energy invested in growing crops that go to waste. Companies like Oddbox are committed to using those crops that might otherwise be thrown away or turned into animal feed. Instead of commissioning farmers to grow certain crops, they take excess fruit and veg off their hands, selling it on to customers who are more interested in reducing food waste than whether their carrots are wonky.

Why is food waste such a problem?

In the UK, around three million tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables are wasted every year – they never even get off the farm. This is mostly down to two things:

Growing too much – trying to meet forecast demand means that crops are sometimes too big and farmers can’t sell everything they grow.

‘Nice’ fruit and veg – huge amounts of fruit and veg get rejected by large supermarket chains because they don’t fit the ‘nice’ box. They are too small, too wonky, not quite the right colour.

But all these crops have been grown – so are farmers just supposed to throw the results of their hard work away? This has been the norm, sadly, and it’s resulted in a huge amount of wasted resource – from the water used to keep the crop growing, to the emissions from farm equipment used in soil preparation, sowing, maintenance, harvesting and storage.

Multiply this problem across the world, and you can see why one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals is to reduce global food waste. The specific UN goal is to reduce per-capita food waste by 50% by 2030. According to the World Resources Institute , this is an ambitious, but achievable target that will ‘not only boost food security, but also improve livelihoods, reduce gas emissions and save land and water.’

Part of our work is to help food and drink brands to have a positive impact on the planet. Many of our brands have this at their heart, and it’s only by making a commitment to doing things better, making the best use of resources, using produce that’s already available and raising awareness that we can all influence change.

To find out more about our brands, our support of sustainable food and drink production and how we can help your brand have an impact, contact us today .

How can your food choices protect the marine environment?

183:850369783 (Gavin McLean) — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 15:04:29 GMT

An estimated one million plastic bottles enter the sea every minute. Every minute. According to Euromonitor, quoted by the Guardian , humans produce almost 20,000 plastic bottles every second, and it’s estimated that around one-third of those ends up in the sea.

And that’s just the bottles. It’s not the food packaging or other significant plastic waste that we work our way through every day.

So it’s not surprising that the huge amount of plastic in our waterways and seas is having a huge impact on marine life. There’s an area of sea called the ‘plastisphere’. It’s a massive congregation of plastic waste and it’s estimated to cover an area roughly twice the size of France, and has been categorized as its own ecosystem.

Plastic in the sea is harmful. It injures sea life – there have been plenty of reports about turtles, dolphins and sea birds getting tricked into thinking it is food, or getting trapped and injured by plastic waste. In addition to recognisable plastics, like drinks bottles, there is also a significant quantity of microplastics – tiny pieces of plastic that come off your clothes in the wash, for example. Once it gets ingested by fish and shellfish in the food chain, it gets into our own diet.

What can you do?

The only way to absolutely make sure that you’re not contributing to this problem is to stop using plastic altogether. That’s easier said than done – plastic is in a high proportion of the things we use every day. But there are things you can do straight away to reduce your impact:

Buy a reusable drinks bottle – instead of buying bottled water every day, just buy a reusable bottle and fill it up from the tap or your filter jug. Insulated bottles are everywhere now, and they keep your drinks cool. There’s also an app, Refill , which shows you where there are shops or water points nearby, so you can refill your bottle while you’re out. The same applies for hot drinks – get yourself a reusable cup and avoid using takeaway coffee-shop cups, which are not recyclable. Many coffee shops offer a discount if you bring your own cup.

Look for sustainable packaging – an increasing number of food brands are thinking more carefully about their packaging. They are replacing plastic with recyclable, compostable or biodegradable materials, meaning that there’s less waste all round. For example, our client New Kings Coffee – an organic coffee business whose ranges include Barista Brew coffee bags – uses resealable and recyclable packaging. Its coffee bags are 100% biodegradable and can be put in food waste bins. Other sachets can be returned to the company for TerraCycle recycling, and the company’s boxes are biodegradable and made from 100% ECF pulp. New Kings Coffee also has its own charity – Grounds for Health – which donates a proportion of product sales to go towards helping the people and communities in the coffee-growing regions where the company sources its products.

Avoid disposable plastics – straws, cutlery, glasses and coated cardboard plates are all common disposable plastics that you can start to avoid straight away. Many retailers have moved to recyclable cutlery for takeaway food, and you don’t really need a straw most of the time. Take a couple of seconds to think about whether you really need that plastic fork.

Carry your own shopping bags – plastic bags are one of the most ubiquitous pieces of plastic waste. There are plenty of alternatives now – even if it’s just re-using a plastic bag you already have. Set yourself the challenge of not adding new plastic bags to your collection, and always having one with you if you can.

Do a two minute plastic clean – this started on UK beaches, but you can do it anywhere: the park, by the river, in your street. Just take two minutes to collect up any littered plastic and recycle it if you can in your own recycle bins, or in public recycle bins. This will help to reduce the amount of plastic that reaches our waterways.

You can find out more about the UK’s marine environment and how you can help to protect it by taking a look at the Marine Conservation Society’s website . And you can find out more about promoting your sustainable food and drink products by contacting us today!

Greenwashing: are you falling for it?

183:850369783 (Gavin McLean) — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 13:21:06 GMT

Coined by environmental campaigner Jay Westerveld 35 years ago, ‘greenwashing’ refers to activities by businesses that are designed to make them look like they are more environmentally sound than they really are.

Classic examples are the announcements by giant oil companies that they are promoting low-carbon initiatives whilst at the same time, they are still drilling and mining fossil fuels, thereby contributing to the climate crisis.

Closer to home, fast food chains have introduced products like ‘sustainable straws’ whilst still delivering their food in plastic-wrapped cups and cartons.

It’s easy for companies – of all sizes – to say they are doing great things. It’s easy to put a slogan on a box or an icon on your packaging. But if you don’t live up to the promises you make, you are greenwashing. And consumers are getting wise to it. So, the simple rule is to make sure your whole business is committed to sustainability and that you can prove it to your customers.

What does greenwashing look like?

With more and more companies making environmental and sustainability claims, you’d be forgiven for not knowing exactly who is doing what they claim to do, and who is not. It requires a bit of time to educate yourself on how to spot companies who are trying to pull the environmentally-friendly wool over your eyes, so here are our top things to look out for:

Lots of lovely pictures of landscapes – it’s the easiest way to get a message across, and it’s also a clear misdirection. Companies hope that, by putting images of nature on their products, adverts and social media feeds, it will convince customers that they are ‘green’. In fact, you’ll find that ethical brands use simpler packaging and imagery because it aligns with their environmental approach.

Icons and certifications – it pays to check things out. Companies can design their own ‘eco icons’ but they have no bearing on any legal or regulatory certification or any recognised schemes. Always check to make sure that the brand is part of an actual scheme or certification – that’s the only way you can be sure they are holding themselves to account.

Details, details – companies who have nothing concrete to say about their initiatives are probably greenwashing. Sustainable and environmentally-aware businesses will be able to tell you all about the processes, people and policies they have in place to minimise their impact on the planet. The fewer details, the more likely it is to be greenwash.

The big picture – if a company is selling something that’s bad for the environment, it doesn’t matter what trade-off they’re giving you. Water in plastic bottles is still in a plastic bottle – no matter how eco-friendly the manufacturer says it is. Don’t be fooled – always look at the bigger picture.

Green way, not greenwash

There is an increasing number of companies doing things the right way. Companies that have thought things through and are aiming to have the least possible impact on the planet – and to actively fight the climate disaster where they can. In fact, some of our food and drink brands have made a conscious decision to be as genuinely green as possible. That helps them to make a connection with their environmentally-aware customers and to do the right thing for their communities.

For example, at Mindful Bites the mission is to create food products which reflect their values – better for people, and better for the planet. In addition to their passion for nutrition and ingredients that support the planet, the business uses a transparent and ethical supply chain that supports farmers, their families, and wider communities, offering a story behind every bite.

And Better Nature is another great example of a brand promoting plant-based eating that improves health and wellbeing, benefits the planet, and avoids any animal products. Better Nature’s tracker shows that, since launch in January 2020, it has saved the equivalent of more than 425,000kg of CO2 compared to if people had eaten beef, pork, or chicken instead of their products.

Similarly, One Planet Pizza knows that whilst people still want food to go, they are increasingly looking for options that are healthier and more environmentally friendly. The brand uses only plant-based ingredients and all pizzas come in zero-to-landfill packaging. Plus, a tree is planted for every order placed.

Customers are increasingly concerned about the impact that businesses and products have on the planet. They are actively looking for brands that are committed to doing things properly – whether that’s plant-based ingredients, recyclable packaging, fair wages, sustainable production practices – or all of those things put together.

At Titan Brands, we work with genuinely sustainable brands and purpose-driven business owners to deliver great food and drink products to everyone – not a greenwash in sight. To find out more, contact us today on 07932 814 237 or email hello@titanbrands.co.uk .

Is it time to put purpose before profit ?

183:850369783 (Gavin McLean) — Thu, 20 May 2021 11:09:31 GMT

Research shows that consumers expect more of brands than ever. They want to buy from brands who share their values, ethics and beliefs. And brands that are clear about being led by purpose rather than profit are seeing increased visibility and more sales.

Why are things changing? Surely people just want to buy the cheapest food and drink brands, no matter what?

Well, no, actually. Increasingly, people are driven to look for brands who care. Brands who have clear values and ethics and who can prove they mean them. Brands that give back to their communities. Brands that support change. This can include:

A focus on plant-based ingredients

Clear commitments to sustainability, climate change and social responsibility

Brands that re-invest in social projects and support struggling communities

Paying employees and suppliers properly and ensuring ethical working conditions

Taking ingredients, processes, packaging and wellbeing seriously

Give me an example

Let’s look at Better Nature . This is a plant-based food brand that sells delicious meat-free alternatives using tempeh. With a mission to promote plant-based eating that improves health and wellbeing, is good for the planet and avoids any animal products, Better Nature believes in living a life without compromising the things that really matter.

The company’s purpose is clear, its food is delicious and it backs up its promises. Better Nature’s tracker shows that since launch in January 2020, it has saved the equivalent of more than 425,000 kg of CO2 compared to if people had eaten beef, pork or chicken instead of Better Nature’s products.

Or what about One Planet Pizza ? Standing out from the fast-food crowd, One Planet Pizza knows that people still want food to go, but that they are increasingly looking for options that are healthier and where things like packaging and delivery are environmentally-friendly. The company uses only plant-based ingredients and pizzas come in zero-to-landfill packaging. And by planting a tree for every order placed, it’s also giving back to the planet.

A purpose-led revolution

Experts believe that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the rise of the purpose-led business. People have become more aware of their health, of the importance of looking after the planet and of the difference between companies who care and companies who don’t. And they want to spend their money with companies who care.

A recent report by Accenture Strategy showed that 62% of consumers wanted the brands they buy from to take a stance on issues close to their heart. And food delivery company Deliveroo reported a 330% increase in vegan orders in the past two years. So, it’s clear that the more brands engage with their customers on their ethical approach, their ingredients and sourcing and their overall positive purpose, the more attractive they will be.

What can you do

Be authentic – consumers are savvy. They’re not taken in by snappy taglines – they want to know there’s commitment and reality behind what you say.

Be clear – know what you stand for and state it clearly and transparently. Businesses are not perfect, so it’s also fine to be open about the things you might be changing in order to do things better. This might be better packaging; more thorough supplier checks or the way you give back.

Be visible – use your website, adverts and social media to show that you’re walking the walk. It helps your customers to connect with your brand and see that they are choosing to spend their money with the right people.

All food and drink brands should identify their "WHY" i.e. purpose If you need help with putting your values in place or communicating them to your customers, give us a call – we work with some great purpose-driven brands, like Better Nature and Mindful Bites , “We believe there is a better way to eat.”

Our mission is to create food choices that reflect our values. Better for us and for the planet and we can help you share your purpose with the people who matter. All of the above aligns perfectly with what retailers are crying out for, so why not be a pioneer of the purpose driven movement?

All of the above aligns perfectly with what retailers are crying out for, so why not be a pioneer of the Purpose Driven movement? At Titan Brands, we work with some great Purpose Driven Brands, including the ones mentioned above; if you need help putting your values in place or communicating them to your customers give me a call on 07932 814237 .

Sink or swim – why you need support for great social selling

183:850369783 (Gavin McLean) — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 12:08:53 GMT

Sink or swim

No food and drink brand can afford to ignore social media. In fact, it’s not good enough just to ‘do’ social media – you really have to do it well. That means showing up, having a strategy, being consistent and measuring your results.

Social selling can drive great business to your door. Even the biggest retailers know this – 68% of consumers who bought online during lockdown intend to carry on as we get back to ‘normal’. That’s not a market anyone can ignore.

Waitrose says that it’s intending to increase online sales by up to 20% this year, capitalising on this demand for online sales. Waterstones saw a 300% increase in its online sales after changing its entire business model to maintain sales when stores were shut – now that business model is firmly tried and tested, this is a significant new income stream for the brand.

But it doesn’t actually matter how big you are – social selling can work for everyone when it’s properly done. So what do you need to support great social selling?

A strategy – the most successful brands have a clear social strategy. Just ‘winging it’ isn’t good enough.

A good team – content doesn’t make itself, so you need great images, video, copy and more to help your content be consistent and compelling. You can do this yourself, but you probably won’t have time to do anything else.

Supporting marketing – great social selling isn’t just about the posts you put up – it’s about supporting that with paid-for content, website pages and the social experience.

Engagement – consumers expect to be able to engage with a brand, so that they build a personal connection with it. And that takes someone monitoring accounts, responding to questions and building that relationship.

Brands who have adopted a successful Digital 2 Consumer (D2C) strategy through lockdown have invested in their social teams, spent a lot of time creating good quality, consistent content, built relationships with clients and ensured that the buying experience is as slick as the social one.

Want to sell via social? Get the right help

So it’s a no-brainer that those businesses who have made the D2C transition successfully have had help along the way. Effective social media strategy and delivery is a combination of skills. Get it right and you’ll add followers, increase engagement, boost interactions and see your sales figures rise.

We all have experience of being sold to on social media – whether it’s Facebook pages, Instagram accounts, Twitter lists or LinkedIn. We know when we see it done well – and we can spot a bad seller a mile off.

That’s why I’m really enjoying working with the creative team at Seed Group, a dedicated and talented social media marketing agency that specialises in food and drink brands. Working closely with these brands to develop image and photography styles, tone of voice and social campaigns, they have achieved some fantastic results – 900% increase in web traffic for one brand, and a 22x return on investment for another.

In fact, the Seed Group team has seen some spectacular results during the past 12 months, and has been instrumental in helping its brands to find a new way to sell. A way that is successful, gives a great ROI and raises their profile.

It’s proof that social media is a powerful channel for food and drink brands – and that it’s a fantastic investment for brands of all sizes who want to exploit the D2C opportunity.

If you’re ready to get your food and drink brand noticed, do talk to me today. We can help you to develop a D2C model that helps you to grab attention, raise your profile and boost sales. Drop me a message here, email hello@titanbrands.co.uk or call 0118 934 0976 .

Why a bootstrap business could be your key to success

183:850369783 (Gavin McLean) — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 23:21:11 GMT

Why a bootstrap business could be your key to success

If you’re considering starting a business, one of the first things to think about is funding. Where is it coming from? Your own savings? A loan? An investor or two? The way your fund your start-up has long-term consequences. Loans have to be repaid and investors are looking for quick and substantial returns.

Using your own funding to drive your business

So, what is a bootstrap business? It’s one that is funded entirely by its founder – usually using savings or redundancy payment monies, for example. The only money in the business is your own and the only way to make money is to sell your stuff.

That’s a big ask, but the financial knife-edge that a bootstrap business is balanced on makes you focused, driven and determined to succeed – and it’s why these types of businesses often have a greater success rate than those that start with a bank loan or a keen investor.

According to Jason Fried, the software entrepreneur behind Basecamp and other leading web-based collaboration tools: “From Day One, a bootstrapped business has no choice but to make money. There’s no cushion in the bank and not much in the pockets. It’s make money or go home.”

What are the benefits of bootstrapping?

There are some real benefits to starting a business with your own money – however much that may be.

Control – you’re keeping complete control of your business. No equity shares to an investor and no being told what to do by a lender. It’s your business entirely and you are in control of where it goes from here.

It focuses the mind – companies that have a financial cushion often take more time with decisions and planning and can get too comfortable with the plans they make. When it’s your own money on the line, there’s a real sense of jeopardy and so you are focused on the things that will result in quick sales and money coming into the business.

You can take risks – without having to run things past other founders or investors, you can make your own decisions and take bigger risks. As any entrepreneur will tell you, taking risks often leads to failure – but failure is what you learn from, and you’ll take the risks you believe you can afford, because it’s your money on the line.

You can choose your own advisers – from accountants to business development; marketing to branding, you can choose who to work with to help your business make an impact and drive the sales you need. You can build a team you can work with easily, bring great expertise into your plans and develop relationships that will support you as you grow.

Schemes and support

Although you’re funding your business yourself, you can also take advantage of support schemes, and group schemes, such as those run by your local chambers of commerce or business hubs, which offer targeted support and advice to businesses as they grow. There will be a local business hub in your area, and you can find your chambers of commerce here .

There are also lots of high quality training and resources available to bootstrap business owners. This training helps you to gain confidence across a range of issues, including health and safety, compliance, business skills and leadership training. You can access this for you and for anyone working in your business – it’s cost-effective and helps to upskill your business so you’re making informed decisions. We particularly like Toppa and Study Academy .

Of course, there are risks with a bootstrap company. The risks are all yours – and that means that if things don’t work out, you lose all your initial investment and potentially put yourself in financial difficulty. However, with the right support, good forward planning and a lot of hard work, you can start and build a business that becomes successful.

We have supported a number of bootstrap businesses, helping them to reach their target market in a professional way that helps them get the deals and sales they need.

Less creepy, more crawlies

183:850369783 (Gavin McLean) — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 16:45:41 GMT

Edible bugs are adopting stealth to ensure mainstream appetite appeal

Twenty years ago the very notion that raw fish would not only succeed on the UK high street but secure iconic supermarket status within Waitrose & Sainsburys would have been greeted with wide-eyed incredulity, even disdain and yet a growing appreciation for World Cuisine and constantly evolving food perceptions means that thankfully today’s ‘food innovation goalposts’ are forever moving.

Today, insect food is the latest HOT food trend to come under the spotlight and the background facts make compelling reading:

Entomophagy is anything but a food marketing wheeze with some 2bn people worldwide (Asia, Africa & Latin America) regularly consuming an eclectic blend of bugs; be that deep-fried locusts or fried weaver ants (Mod Daeng) in Thailand or large flying ants (Chicatanas) in Mexico, to steamed silkworm pupae in South Korea (Beondegi) OR stewed bee larvae in Japan (Hachinoko).

Low carb crickets can contain as much as 69% protein and in many parts of the world are deemed a more ethical, not to mention sustainable means of securing one’s daily protein fix.

Better than that, edible insects are rich in fibre, beneficial B vitamins, omega 3s, calcium, selenium & even zinc!

Some ‘Planet Custodians’ worried about the wider environmental impact of eating traditional meats see edible insects as a ‘superfood’ saviour with a significantly smaller carbon footprint than old-school livestock, which emits a fraction of the greenhouse gases & ammonia whilst needing a 1/6th less feed than cattle (or 50% less than chickens & pigs) to generate the same amount of protein.

Edible insects could also be pivotal to reversing relentless forest deforestation since they require only a fraction of the land and water required to harvest traditional plant harvests.

Edible low carb insects are also seen by many Western food luminaries as a key strand in the ongoing fight against child obesity.

It’s also worth noting that the global edible insect market is set to exceed £430m by 2023. This is why in 2018 the European Food Safety Authority set out its first tentative roadmap to bring consistent quality assurance and transparency standards to proceedings with yellow mealworms becoming the 1st insect to secure EU ‘fit for human consumption’ status in 2021.

AND YET for all this irresistible evidence around good nutrition and environmental advantages, there remains a frustrating ‘yuck barrier’ to navigate, which is why stealth has become the key tool when it comes to winning over Western taste buds.

In 2021 Small Giant crackers (available in tomato & oregano, rosemary & thyme and turmeric & smoked paprika) has used a clever combination of wheat & cricket flour to not only deliver 9g of protein per pack but secure Great Taste Awards and a game-changing Future Brands listing with Sainsbury’s.

There’s a Danish firm Femten Farekyllinger (15 Crickets) that manufactures a tangy apple-ginger shot enriched with cricket protein.

Bug Farm Food Choc Chip Cricket Cookies offer all the chewy, chocolatey joy one demands from an indulgent cookie but with the equivalent of 20 crickets tucked deep below the sweet chocolate.

Bug-centric snack bars are also on the march courtesy of crunchy bug enthusiasts like Eat Grub & Jungle bar whilst Cricket Dark Ale is a head-turning dark ale made in Japan with a chocolatey/coffee aroma and rich caramel undertones that’s been made from roasted crickets fed on fermenting brewing sediment.

In Australia Innovator Beer, is rapidly making a name for itself as the perfect ‘bar crawl’ lager having being made with ground crickets and dried black soldier fly larvae that allegedly provides not only an unmistakable nutty twang but some welcome protection against the inevitable debilitating hangover that follows.

Even dog food is getting in on the act with Yora, whose grub-based recipes are deemed not only trail-blazing and hypoallergenic but particularly pertinent to dogs who’ve suffered with sensitive stomachs OR historical digestive issues.

Latest stats certainly suggest that one 1/3rd of Brits already believe that insects will be an intrinsic element of our daily diets by 2029 but for now at least it’s finely milled insect flours devoid of quivering antennae and stringy legs seems the best way to appreciate our six-legged friends.

Gut Instinct: Why your gut is your extra brain

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 06:42:24 GMT

I’ve recently discovered that you ignore your gut at your peril. That’s because I was amazed at the improvements in my health, my sleep and my weight after paying a bit more attention to my gut. It’s definitely something I want to share, because looking after your gut can make a significant difference to your wellbeing.

Why is your gut important?

Your gut is responsible for putting your body into working order. As it breaks down the foods we eat, the gut absorbs nutrients that support key functions — from energy production to hormone balance, skin health to mental health, and even toxin and waste elimination. Did you know about 70% of the immune system is housed in the gut? So it’s no surprise that making sure your digestive system is in tip-top shape can be key to addressing many of your everyday issues.

Revolutionary research has revealed that that the state of your gut is central to your weight and health. It’s for that reason that it’s known as the ‘Second Brain’. But that’s really only half of the story. Inside the digestive system, the enteric nervous system mainly communicates with bacteria. These are completely separate creatures that make up our microbiome, and there are just as many of them inside of us as our own human cells

Remember healthy bacteria?

A healthy gut consists of different iterations of bacteria for different people, and this diversity maintains wellness. A shift away from ‘normal’ gut microbiota diversity is called dysbiosis, and dysbiosis may contribute to disease. In light of this, the microbiome has become the focus of much research attention as a new way of understanding autoimmune, gastrointestinal, and even brain disorders.

Probiotics are live bacteria or yeasts found in fermented foods or supplements that, when consumed, take residence in the gut and improve health. Scientists continue to research the mechanisms behind the benefits of probiotics - whether adding small amounts of fermented foods to your diet may help the growth and proliferation of healthy bacteria. Well-known dietary sources include sauerkraut, miso, tempeh, soy sauce, and kefir.

When Good is better

I’m currently loving the Good range from Farmer Jo . Made from whole foods, the range contains all the plant-based foods that support that microbiome and support a healthy immune system – something that we should all consider working on in light of the virus events of the past 12 months.

The Good range of granolas and mueslis might be marketed as a breakfast range, but they are tasty enough for any time of the day, and are deliberately formulated to do your gut a favour – you can practically feel it working its magic!

Gut-friendly recipes and more

A while ago, I took on a four-week healthy gut challenge. I lost more than 10 pounds, slept much better, was more alert and energetic during the day and even had more patience, apparently! Taking your gut health seriously doesn’t require you to completely change your life forever though. It’s about resetting it and making a few conscious choices about what you put into your body.

It’s fantastic to see so many great products coming to market in this area. The science is good, and the results speak for themselves. Why not take a look at The Gut Stuff? Based in Scotland, this great company is doing a great job of promoting the power of looking after your gut – there are plenty of downloads and recipes to help you get started.

There are some amazing sources of information out there, but few are as good as ‘ Eat Yourself Healthy’ by Dr Megan Rossi, also known as the Gut Health Doctor . It’s full of great tasting, gut-healthy recipes and has had fantastic reviews. We also love her new breakfast range – Bio&Me , which are batch-made in the UK.

Make the brain-to-brain connection

The most empowering aspect to the gut-brain connection is understanding that many of your daily lifestyle choices play a significant role in your overall health and wellbeing. The whole-body approach to healthy living and wellness continues to show its value in our health, wellbeing and attitude to life. And, wonderfully, it’s an easy and affordable change to make. Why not start now?

Titan Brands | Blog

Life After The Pandemic – How will it look for the Food and Beverage Industry?

What’s changed?

What about food outlets?

The rise in the recipe box industry

What does all this mean for F&B brands?

The Rise in Demand for Wellbeing Ingredients...

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Alongside a trend for more local buying, rather than relying on imported goods, the demand for natural ingredients has increased, and new businesses are springing up, helping consumers to understand the potential benefits of a range of products.

Faced with the stresses and traumas of the pandemic, consumers are increasingly looking for ingredients that will help them feel more active, reduce anxiety naturally and be beneficial to health whilst still being natural.

There are some particular areas that have attracted attention:

Product: You could try THEENK Tea – a 21-day herbal programme that uses 12 nootropics, adaptogens and stimulants designed to support brain function and mental wellbeing.

Short for cannabinoid, CDB is derived from the hemp and cannabis plants. It is carefully extracted for safe use and is not a controlled substance in the UK, although currently, brands who wish to sell CDB oil must have a Novelty Foods License.

CBD oil has been found to relieve pain and reduce anxiety and depression. There are also a range of other benefits being investigated. Licensed CBD oil is on sale at respected natural food stores.

Like using all supplements, you should make sure that you also have a healthy, balanced diet. If you are on medication or have a medical condition, you should also check with your GP or doctor before you start any new supplements.

Product: MEDAHUMAN sells a range of targeted CBD drinks that are designed for people who want to stay calm and focused. Blended with nutrients, adaptogens and nootropics, the brand’s drinks are created for specific functions – including energy, relaxing and night-time drinks.

Has Christmas come early?

Amid a number of issues affecting the food and drink supply chain, a recent survey by Lumina Intelligence revealed that a third of consumers were already thinking about buying their Christmas food and drink before the end of October.

Food issues are unlikely to be resolved once Christmas is over. There are a variety of factors, in addition to the ones we’ve mentioned, that are likely to influence the quality and supply that we’re used to in the UK food chain. So what can you do?

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Celebrating vegetarians and vegans!

October 1st was World Vegetarian Day and November 1st is World Vegan Day – so what better time to celebrate the benefits of switching to a meat-free diet?

Celebrating good health with Organic September!

This month is Organic September, a campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of using organic farming and animal-rearing methods, and the importance of choosing to buy organic when you can.

Organic farmers have to consider the wider implications of their growing or animal rearing. In order to be a certified organic producer, you must demonstrate that you meet or exceed all the standards which were originally set out in EU regulations and which UK farmers still work to.

Given the presence of a potentially wide range of chemicals and substances in your food, it’s particularly important to choose organic produce if you have a health condition, are looking after young children, are pregnant or have allergies.

We’ve worked with some fantastic organic brands, including Pana Organic , Wallaroo and New Kings Coffee .

﻿ And there are some fantastic well-know brands on the supermarket shelves, including Yeo Valley, Organix and Doves Farm. You can also check out Pukka, Rebel Kitchen and Ombar Chocolate.

We’re committed to helping brands get the recognition and market impact they deserve, and we work with organic, sustainable and plant-based brands to help them make the difference that got them started in the first place. To find out more, just get in touch today.

Food waste: Why we should eat ALL the food we grow

In fact, if food waste were a country, it would be responsible for the third-highest carbon emissions in the world.

In the UK, around three million tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables are wasted every year – they never even get off the farm. This is mostly down to two things:

Growing too much – trying to meet forecast demand means that crops are sometimes too big and farmers can’t sell everything they grow.

‘Nice’ fruit and veg – huge amounts of fruit and veg get rejected by large supermarket chains because they don’t fit the ‘nice’ box. They are too small, too wonky, not quite the right colour.

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To find out more about our brands, our support of sustainable food and drink production and how we can help your brand have an impact, contact us today .

How can your food choices protect the marine environment?

An estimated one million plastic bottles enter the sea every minute. Every minute. According to Euromonitor, quoted by the Guardian , humans produce almost 20,000 plastic bottles every second, and it’s estimated that around one-third of those ends up in the sea.

Greenwashing: are you falling for it?

Is it time to put purpose before profit ?

Give me an example

Sink or swim – why you need support for great social selling

Sink or swim

Want to sell via social? Get the right help

Why a bootstrap business could be your key to success

Why a bootstrap business could be your key to success

Using your own funding to drive your business

What are the benefits of bootstrapping?

Schemes and support

Less creepy, more crawlies

Gut Instinct: Why your gut is your extra brain

And there are some fantastic well-know brands on the supermarket shelves, including Yeo Valley, Organix and Doves Farm. You can also check out Pukka, Rebel Kitchen and Ombar Chocolate.