Speciality Food Magazine - April 2026

Stay up to date with our feed of the latest food & drink product news 24 The Latest . Latest from Two Farmers Herefordshire-based brand Two Farmers has launched Herefordshire Sauce flavour crisps. Rich and tangy, they are made using potatoes sustainably grown at local farms and a long-guarded family recipe for Herefordshire Sauce – from local ‘Corporal Nick’ – and offer a snack rich in umami and savouriness. “This flavour is a real celebration of Herefordshire,” said Sean Mason, co-founder at Two Farmers. Suitable for vegans and vegetarians, the crisps are packaged in 100% compostable packets. twofarmers.co.uk LittlePod innovates with alcohol-free variant Originally designed as a specialist product for the Middle East, LittlePod’s new alcohol-free vanilla paste offers the equivalent of 20 vanilla pods (including the seeds) in a tube and a low- sugar alternative to other ingredients on the market. “Our new alcohol-free vanilla paste has been a long time in the making,” explains Janet Sawyer MBE BEM, managing director and founder of LittlePod. “We are so pleased with the end result – another innovative and unique product that makes using real vanilla easier for all, without comprising on the quality.” littlepod.co.uk MOREISH MATCHA Forest Feast have partnered with matcha brand Perfect Ted to launch almonds enrobed in creamy white chocolate and blended with high- quality matcha. “We’re always on the lookout for opportunities to translate exciting flavours and ingredients into crave-worthy innovation,” said Leona McCaugherty, head of marketing at Forest Feast. “Matcha isn’t just one of the fastest-growing flavours, it’s part of a broader cultural shift.” forestfeast.com NEXT-GEN MEAD Award-winning BARHI is dry, lightly sparkling and gluten-free with a 6% ABV – a sessionable alternative to sweet and still traditional meads. Choose from Original – dry, crisp and refreshing, and made from honey and fresh dates, and Spiced – infused with star anise and orange peel. “We created the world’s first sparkling date-based mead because wine often struggles with spice-rich food and beer is not always the answer,” said Vikas Thakker, founder. barhimeads.co.uk OUR EDITOR’S PICKS OF THE HOTTEST PRODUCTS TO HIT THE MARKET RIGHT NOW Fine French preserves Heritage brand Léonce Blanc is coming to the UK. The launch range includes Strawberry, Apricot, Blueberry and Pear & Vanilla preserves, and four citrus preserves. They are low in sugar and contain no artificial additives. “We are genuinely thrilled to be bringing Léonce Blanc to the UK. This is a milestone we have been working toward with great care, finding the right channels and the right moment,” said Caroline Huynh, export manager at Valade, owner of the brand. leonce-blanc.com PROTEIN, STUFFED The new release – available in Pistachio, Matcha and Hazelnut – combines the brand’s signature minimally processed and protein- rich balls with decadent soft-filled cores. Matt Hunt, co-founder, said, “Our commitment to bold, full-bodied flavours means we’re always on the lookout for new ways to differentiate ourselves from a sea of jaw-aching, ultra- processed protein bars. theproteinballco.com TRENDING PRODUCTS Stylemeets taste at Foli A premium olive oil and dressings brand has launched into the UK, debuting three signature products: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Classic French Salad Dressing and Mature Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. The complementary trio is crafted to promote flavour and health, using only the highest quality and ethically sourced European ingredients, and designed to satisfy food and style- loving shoppers. “For me, olive oil has always been more than an ingredient – it’s a symbol of care, generosity and time spent together around the table,” said Nohra Currie, founder. foliclub.com Matthews Cotswold Flour bets on regenerative flour The brand’s award-winning range has been extended with the release of five new regenerative flours: Regenerative Plain, Self- Raising, Artisan T65 Bread Flour, Wholemeal and Fine Cake, each milled from 100% regeneratively grown grain grains which have been farmed in a way to improve soil health. Bertie Matthews, MD, said, “We have long advocated for regenerative farming practices, which prioritise soil health, biodiversity, and carbon capture. Through our Cotswold Grain Partnership, we work closely with local farmers to ensure they adopt practices that protect the environment.” cotswoldflour.com