A Sweet Treat for Central Foods

Central Foods is delighted to announce they have won the exclusive frozen foodservice distribution business for Almondy Ltd, the Sweden-based manufacturer of authentic Swedish almond tårta (Swedish for cake).

Almondy tårta are based on a traditional Swedish recipe from 1890, but their unique proposition still appeals to today’s consumers. With their unique layered texture and classic combination of flavours from original almond to well-known confectionary brands (DAIM and SNICKERS®), each tårta is:

• Gluten-free/wheat-free - suitable for Coeliacs, wheat allergic/intolerant consumers and those removing wheat from their diet
• Delicious and indulgent – tasty even for those not requiring a free-from product
• Convenient – defrost a slice in 10 mins (30 secs in a microwave); 7 day shelf-life from defrost if kept chilled (no wasteage)
• Natural – no artificial colourings or preservatives

Mintel estimated in 2005 the free-from eating-out market was worth approximately £1bn. In reality, it is actually likely to be at least double this figure, because people with dietary requirements don’t usually eat out alone – they bring at least one other customer with them. Their Frozen Dessert Market Intelligence Report from January 2008, showed 1 in 10 consumers actually want more gluten/wheat-free options available. And a report in the Grocer (29.3.08) showed consumers now see free-from as part of everyday life.

The rapidly growing market for free-from products is impacting on the catering industry and Central Foods is ideally poised to supply this demand, as a supplier to over 250 smaller, independent frozen food wholesalers, as well as the larger wholesale groups, nationals and end-user national accounts.

Andrew Ely, Managing Director of Almondy Ltd (UK) said, “The smooth transition of business to Central Foods and earlier than expected business increments the sales team has delivered, shows we made the right decision appointing them as our exclusive UK distributor. We know they offer more routes to market than anyone else and their reputation for professionalism, quality and integrity matches our own. They really are making our life easier!”

Central Foods Managing Director, Gordon Lauder, added: “We recognise the growth the free-from market is undergoing at the moment and wanted to ensure we could service this requirement for our customers. Almondy Ltd was an ideal partner for us to work with, being category leaders in their sector and with the same values as ourselves. We are delighted to represent them in the UK and look forward to developing the market with them.”