As restaurants grapple with rising costs, including increases in business rates multipliers, National Insurance Contributions, the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage in April, supply chain support could be key.
Operators who want to maximise quality food but keep their bottom line under control might want to look at new additions to their fresh ingredients.
We have brought together the latest and greatest restaurant ingredients that can liven up menus while optimising efficiency.
Find new restaurant ingredient options below.
Imported from Italy
Wholesaler Brakes has unveiled an ingredient range sourced exclusively from Italian producers and suppliers. The range features more than 200 products, all sourced or made in Italy, and many with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) or Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. It includes pasta, pizza flours and bases, sauces and tomatoes, olive oils and vinegars, cheeses and cured meats, antipasti and olives, and bakery and dessert options, with everyday essentials ranges as well as premium products.
Price 8 x 125g Bufalgaldi buffalo mozzarella PDO, £17.85
Deep-sea Spanish prawns
Mevalco has added Carabineros prawns from Spain to its portfolio. The prawns are wild-caught at great depths and have a striking red colour, a sweet taste and intensely flavoured heads. Carabineros are best served lightly grilled or pan-fried to let their natural flavour shine. The prawns are sourced in partnership with Congelados Basilio and are available in a range of formats.
Price 20-25 pieces per kg, frozen, £79
Premium potatoes
Fresh Direct has added two products to its fresh produce range: Chef’s Choice Salad Potatoes and Chef’s Choice Baking Potatoes. Chef’s Choice Potatoes are selected from premium British varieties and are developed in collaboration with Linwood Crops. Each batch undergoes checks for starch and sugar levels and dry matter content, plus a sample from every load is cooked to ensure peak performance.
Price 15kg box Chef’s Choice Baking Potatoes, £23.59
Black garlic pickle and ketchup
The Original Black Garlic has expanded its product range with the introduction of Black Lemon Slices, Black Lemon Powder, Black Garlic Ketchup, Black Garlic Pickle and Black Garlic Powder. The Original Black Lemon, available in both slices and powder form, is made from fresh lemons that have been slowly aged, with no additives or preservatives. The Black Garlic Ketchup and Black Garlic Pickle, made using aged white garlic, add umami flavour to any dish.
Price 6 x 220g jars Black Garlic Pickle, £42
Speciality ingredient range
Ingredients supplier Wild Harvest has launched a range of more than 80 speciality products for chefs who want to elevate their menus. The range features ingredients sourced from growers and suppliers across the globe, including Campbell’s & Co Smoked Salmon, Urbani Black Truffle and Sosa gastronomic ingredients.
Price 140g Urbani black summer truffle peelings, £20.50
Dining and Cooking