Central Foods serves up sweet treat tips

Producers have pulled out the stops when it comes to creating sweet treats that are healthier – devising a range of products that remain indulgent but which are lower in fat or have fewer calories.

And this provides the perfect opportunity for foodservice outlets to ensure their menus cater for a range of customers.

“The continued trend for healthier eating is a great opportunity for operators to maximise sales, especially for sweet treats and desserts. There are many products now available that satisfy consumer demand for an indulgent treat but which, perhaps as a result of size or the way the item is cooked or made, offer a healthier alternative,” explains Gordon Lauder, managing director of frozen food distributor Central Foods, which supplies a wide range of catering outlets.

“Our KaterBake baked jam doughnut, for example, is approximately 28% lower in fat and, at 48g, is approximately half the size of a standard doughnut, meaning it’s an ideal treat for adults or children, without the guilt.  Producers have really risen to the challenge to create items that are healthier, and operators can make the most of this by highlighting the fact to customers who are looking for something that’s indulgent but perhaps has less fat or fewer calories.”

Producers have also created a wide range of sweet treat items that are suitable for those with different dietary requirements due to medical, health or religious reasons, or through life-style choices. Demand for vegan and vegetarian options continues to grow briskly, for example.

Gordon also suggests that operators consider stocking versatile sweet treat items that are quick and easy to prepare and which can be eaten at various times of the day.

“Another good way of maximising sales in this sector is by stocking products that can be served at different times of the day, such as muffins or fruit breads, which are great for breakfast, brunch, mid-morning or afternoon tea,” he adds. “The lines between traditional eating periods are blurring, so it makes good sense to have items available that are versatile and can be used for different eating occasions.” 

In addition, more people seem to be eating breakfast on the go, according to the latest figures.

Huhtamaki UK research in December 2016 indicated that 43% now eat breakfast on the move during their commute. Commuters are looking for something that’s speedily prepared, is tasty and is easy to eat on the go, so an item like the KaterBake fruit bread is perfect to have to hand.

In general, food-to-go or grab-n-go opportunities are growing. In August 2016 figures, from the IGD (Institute of Grocery Distribution) stated that food-to-go was expected to be worth £16bn in 2016, up by 6.8% on 2015.  James Walton, IGD’s Chief Economist, said: “Consumers are becoming more willing to spend on eating out, driving the rapid evolution of the high street casual dining and pub sectors, as well as food-to-go…the UK keeps embracing out-of-home consumption.”

It makes good commercial sense for operators to keep up-to-date with the latest trends and tailor their sweet treat offering accordingly.