New products: Growing appeal for branded alcohol in cakes
Thomas Lowndes has seen greater innovation than ever before in the development of food products containing branded alcohol. The range of products available for Christmas includes Tesco using Courvoisier VS Cognac in its Finest Mince Pie range this Christmas for the first time ever, both in its standard and mini mince pies.
Asda’s Extra Special Christmas Cake range also features the Cognac while The Serious Food brand ” now owned by Noble Foods Ltd ” has launched a new Christmas Melt in the Middle with the Cognac as well. This different interpretation of the classic Christmas pudding comprises an all butter lightly fruited sponge studded with mixed dried fruits and spices, hiding a liquid centre. M&S is launching a pack of 12 Mini Christmas Puddings with the Cognac sauce on the side.
Grand Marnier is also widely used this Christmas. McVities is using it for the first time in a new cake with cranberry and orange and M&S is building on the success of its premium dessert sector with the launch of a new Grand Marnier and Belgian Chocolate Bombe.
The frozen dessert is made from Grand Marnier and chocolate mousses layered with Belgian chocolate, sitting on a moist chocolate sponge base with a wafer and chocolate layer, finished with a coating of rich chocolate. The bombe was inspired by the combination of a visit to the patisseries and shops of Paris and forms part of M&S’ recently relaunched category of indulgent, premium top tier desserts.
Grand Marnier is also found in Waitrose’s new Mincemeat Topped Orange Sponge Pudding. The pudding is a traditional steamed sponge pudding containing orange flavour and orange zest, topped with alcohol flavoured mincemeat.
The alternative Christmas pudding is split into two sub-sectors ” fruit alternative and non-fruit alternatives ” and both sub-sectors have shown significant year on year growth as the market expands to incorporate those consumers who do not like traditional Christmas pudding or who are looking for something different.
Alternative Christmas puddings are often purchased several times throughout the festive season suggesting they have wider appeal than a traditional Christmas pudding which is usually only purchased for Christmas Day.
Master Chocolatier Barry Colenso has also included Grand Marnier and Courvoisier VS Cognac in his new limited edition, hand-made box of chocolates for Christmas.
