An innovative software system which helps food manufacturers spot the potential risk of allergens in their products is proving a huge success in the food and drink industry, enabling the company which invented it to double in size.
Launched last year by Leicestershire-based Qadex, with help from the Food and Drink iNet, the system already numbers the likes of Britvic and Whitworths among its users.
The Qadex system uses software to help food manufacturers gather information about their products and their supply chains, so they can assess any risk of allergens. Before the software was developed, manufacturers had to rely on a far longer, manual and labour-intensive process.
Stephen Whyte, business development director for Qadex, said the system was proving popular with manufacturers and answered a need for more accurate information on allergens in food products.
“It is becoming increasingly important for manufacturers to get really accurate information about any potential allergen risks and to be able to pass this on to the retailers and so the consumers,” he said.
To develop the software, Qadex was awarded £10,000 worth of innovation advice and guidance support from the iNet which it matched with its own investment. Stephen said the iNet support was of huge importance.
“Any support which is available is vital,” he added.
The success of the software has helped enable the business to grow significantly. Last year its turnover doubled in size and similar growth is anticipated this year. The number of employees has more than doubled to 32 and, as a result, Qadex relocated last year from central Leicester to Sileby. It also has a base in Dublin.
Other Qadex clients using the system include First Milk Group, Rectory Foods and Maximuscle.
Next summer, Qadex plans to launch another new product – a retail specification system - which will enable manufacturers to easily and automatically produce information for retailers in the format they require. For more information about Qadex, visit www.qadex.com .
The iNet helps food and drink firms engage expertise from academia, research institutions and specialist business advice for innovation projects to develop new ideas, new products, new processes and to help companies grow. 50% of the equivalent cash value of the support must be contributed by the company.
Food and Drink iNet director Andrew Butterwick said: “Innovation, advice and guidance support is designed to encourage innovation in businesses in the East Midlands food and drink sector and this project fitted the bill perfectly.”
Funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. One of four regional iNets, it has developed an effective network to link academic and private sector expertise and knowledge with local food and drink business innovation needs.
The Food and Drink iNet also aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes. It is managed by a consortium, led by the Food & Drink Forum and including Food Processing Faraday, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.
For more information visit www.eminnovation.org.uk/food
http://www.perfect10pr.co.uk/
Wednesday, 27 October 2010
Thursday, 21 October 2010
Tickets go on sale for the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2010
The event, sponsored by Derby College, will be held at The Roundhouse, Pride Park, Derby, on November 25th from 6.45pm to midnight.
John Sergeant and Des Coleman will be revealing the five winners of the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards, plus the Food and Drink Forum Innovation Champion 2010.
Entries for the awards, which are designed to recognise and reward the most exciting developments in the region’s food and drink sector, have been received from firms, individuals and researchers who work in the industry across the East Midlands. Judging is now taking place, with the shortlist of successful entrants due to be unveiled shortly.
Tickets for the event cost £65 plus vat per person, and table sponsorship is available at £650 plus vat, for businesses wishing to have a larger presence at the event. The comprehensive package of benefits offered to table sponsors includes ten tickets plus a range of promotional opportunities designed to get businesses noticed.
“The Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards ceremony has become one of the highlights of the food and drink sector calendar in the region, as well as the chance for us to recognise the achievements of firms, individuals and researchers who work in the industry in the East Midlands,” said Food and Drink iNet director Andrew Butterwick.
John Sergeant was famously interrupted mid-broadcast by Margaret Thatcher when she emerged from the Paris Embassy, grabbed his microphone and declared her participation in the Conservative leadership battle, which won John a place in television history and a Press Guild Award for the most memorable outside broadcast. More recently, the former BBC chief political correspondent and former ITN political editor, has become a reporter on BBC1’s The One Show, has hosted Have I Got News for You? and is a regular on many Radio 4 panel shows, as well as being a popular contestant on last year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The after-dinner speaker for the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2010, he will also be co-hosting the ceremony with cheery weather presenter Des Coleman, who has worked in TV, theatre, presenting, musical theatre and films. Des’ TV credits include The Bill, Casualty, Doctors and most famously his four-year portrayal of lovable rogue Lenny Wallace in EastEnders – during which time the show won a BAFTA. He is also a presenter on The One Show.
The Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards, which are being held for the third year, will turn the spotlight on outstanding inventions or products, exceptional creativity, and innovative working practices in the industry in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland.
Tickets are available by emailing enquiries@foodanddrinkforum.co.uk or calling 0115 9758810.
Funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. One of four regional iNets, it has developed an effective network to link academic and private sector expertise and knowledge with local food and drink business innovation needs.
The Food and Drink iNet also aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes. It is managed by a consortium, led by the Food and Drink Forum and including Food Processing Faraday, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.
For more information visit www.eminnovation.org.uk/food
http://www.perfect10pr.co.uk/
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
Croots Farm Shop scores success in the Observer Food Monthly Awards 2010
Derbyshire farm shop Croots is celebrating after being name-checked in a prestigious national foodie award.
The farm shop near Duffield was runner-up in the Best UK Independent Food Retailer 2010 category of the Observer Food Monthly Awards.
Readers of the national newspaper’s monthly food supplement voted for their favourite independent food retailer – and Croots was one of just nine shops in the UK to be named a runner-up.
It was one of only two in the Midlands to be given the accolade. A further five online independent retailers were also named as runners up.
“To be effectively named as one of the top ten independent food shops in the UK is an absolutely amazing tribute to the staff and everyone at Croots Farm Shop & Kitchen,” said owner Steve Croot, who opened the store at Farnah House Farm, Wirksworth Road, in June 2008.
“We are thrilled that our customers rate us so highly that they are willing to go to the effort of voting for us in such a prestigious award. We can’t thank them enough for this. It’s a true honour and we are absolutely chuffed to bits to get it. I’d like to thank the hard-working staff at Croots for all their efforts in helping to make the shop what it is today.”
The accolade in the Observer Food Monthly Awards 2010 is the latest to be presented to Croots Farm Shop. It has previously been a finalist in the Derbyshire Business Awards 2010 in the Most Promising New Business Category and in the FARMA (National Farmers’ Retail & Markets Association) for Best New Farm Shop Award.
Last November it was also named in The Independent’s top 50 best food shops, when one of the judges said: “Croots is more than a shop, it’s a destination. It’s the perfect place to buy everything you need for a special dinner and literally cook from plot to plate.”
Recently it won a One Star Gold Great Taste Award from the Guild of Fine Food for its Cow Juice ale, having scooped a Gold Star Great Taste Award for its Black Pudding Sausage in 2009.
The description of Croots Farm Shop in the Observer Food Monthly Awards stated: “Fabulous meat and vegetables, much of which is grown or reared by the owners. Also lovely local Stilton and pates.”
The farm shop is renowned for its home-made sausages and other fresh meat, and has recently extended its fresh meat counter to cater for demand. Croots also features a popular deli counter selling dozens of different cheeses.
It is a passionate supporter of local producers and sells items from 40 suppliers within a 50-mile radius of the shop.
Croots Farm Shop is open 9am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays (closed on Mondays). Visit www.croots.co.uk for more information.
Sherwood Truck & Van Ltd backs The Full Monte
The company provided a support vehicle for The Full Monte – a five-day rally featuring exclusive cars like Ferraris, Aston Martins and Bentleys.
Travelling from Eastwell Manor in Kent and ending at the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel, 55 participants in 25 cars drove through France, Switzerland, Italy and Monaco….taking in some of Europe’s most luxurious hotels and Michelin star food.
The event, now in its third year, raised thousands of pounds for The Full Monte Charitable Trust, which supports a range of charities. Since it was founded in 2008, the rally has netted almost £100,000 for charity.
“Sherwood Truck & Van Ltd was proud to provide a support vehicle for The Full Monte, and we are delighted to hear that the event was such a success and raised more than £26,000 for charities,” said Helen Waterfall, managing director of Sherwood Truck & Van, which is based at Blackwell, near Alfreton, and has branches at Lenton in Nottingham, Etruria in Stoke-on-Trent, and Highfield Lane, Sheffield.
Event founder and organiser Alex Hamilton said: “This year was a fantastic success and we hope to continue it for many years to come. We would like to thank Sherwood Truck & Van who very kindly donated a support vehicle for the event.”
http://www.sherwoodtruckandvan.com/
http://www.perfect10pr.co.uk/
Monday, 18 October 2010
Free event to support East Midlands food and drink manufacturers
Manufacturers working in the East Midlands food and drink sector are being invited to discover more about the support available to help boost business.
The Food and Drink iNet, along with the Manufacturing Advisory Service East and Food Processing Faraday, will be joining forces to stage an event on Tuesday November 16th at the Holbeach Campus of the University of Lincoln.
Running from 10am to 1.30pm, the event will turn the spotlight on ways to improve, innovate and make businesses more ‘lean’ and efficient.
“The food and drink sector is thriving in the East Midlands, and there is a range of support available to help ensure that this continues,” said Rachel Linstead, Lincolnshire advisor for the Food and Drink iNet. “This event is an ideal way for food and drink manufacturers in the region to learn more about the help that’s available to improve and innovate.”
During the session, which is free to attend, delegates will hear from sector specialists, as well as a Lincolnshire business that has been supported by both MAS and the Food and Drink iNet.
To register for attendance contact MAS on 01664 501213 or email tom.moore@mas-em.org.uk
Funded by emda and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. One of four regional iNets, it has developed an effective network to link academic and private sector expertise and knowledge with local food and drink business innovation needs.
The Food and Drink iNet also aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes. It is managed by a consortium, led by the Food and Drink Forum and including Food Processing Faraday, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.
For more information visit www.eminnovation.org.uk/food
http://www.perfect10pr.co.uk/
The Food and Drink iNet, along with the Manufacturing Advisory Service East and Food Processing Faraday, will be joining forces to stage an event on Tuesday November 16th at the Holbeach Campus of the University of Lincoln.
Running from 10am to 1.30pm, the event will turn the spotlight on ways to improve, innovate and make businesses more ‘lean’ and efficient.
“The food and drink sector is thriving in the East Midlands, and there is a range of support available to help ensure that this continues,” said Rachel Linstead, Lincolnshire advisor for the Food and Drink iNet. “This event is an ideal way for food and drink manufacturers in the region to learn more about the help that’s available to improve and innovate.”
During the session, which is free to attend, delegates will hear from sector specialists, as well as a Lincolnshire business that has been supported by both MAS and the Food and Drink iNet.
To register for attendance contact MAS on 01664 501213 or email tom.moore@mas-em.org.uk
Funded by emda and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. One of four regional iNets, it has developed an effective network to link academic and private sector expertise and knowledge with local food and drink business innovation needs.
The Food and Drink iNet also aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes. It is managed by a consortium, led by the Food and Drink Forum and including Food Processing Faraday, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.
For more information visit www.eminnovation.org.uk/food
http://www.perfect10pr.co.uk/
Friday, 15 October 2010
Extended food times at The Lansdowne in Leicester
Leicester pub The Lansdowne has extended its food serving hours later in the evening and launched a new autumn menu, featuring a selection of seasonal dishes.
Food is now on offer until 9.30pm Monday to Saturday at the London Road pub. Dishes on the new menu, which include game keeper’s pie, pork steak, red mullet tagine, shoulder of lamb and chunky fish, are freshly cooked at the pub, and feature local ingredients where possible.
The Lansdowne also offers four roasts, including a vegetarian option, all day Sunday, and breakfasts on Saturdays.
The extension in food serving hours has been introduced as a result of customer demand.
http://www.orangetree.co.uk/
http://www.perfect10pr.co.uk/
Food is now on offer until 9.30pm Monday to Saturday at the London Road pub. Dishes on the new menu, which include game keeper’s pie, pork steak, red mullet tagine, shoulder of lamb and chunky fish, are freshly cooked at the pub, and feature local ingredients where possible.
The Lansdowne also offers four roasts, including a vegetarian option, all day Sunday, and breakfasts on Saturdays.
The extension in food serving hours has been introduced as a result of customer demand.
http://www.orangetree.co.uk/
http://www.perfect10pr.co.uk/
Half term Halloween fun at Croots Farm Shop & Kitchen, Derbyshire
Derbyshire farm shop Croots has conjured up a trio of fun-filled activities to keep youngsters entertained during half-term.
The farm shop at Wirksworth Road, Duffield, is running a pumpkin carving competition, a Halloween-themed hide and seek in its play area, and an art competition to fill the creepy gallery in the café.
Prizes are on offer for all events, which run from Saturday 23rd October.
Pumpkins are available now from the shop priced £1.75, with children being invited to carve them and return them ready for judging on Saturday 30th October.
Eight spooky spiders have been hidden in the play area at Croots Farm Shop, with a small prize available for children who find them all.
And entries are being invited for the Halloween-themed art competition, with pictures on display in the farm shop café.
Visit http://www.croots.co.uk/
http://www.perfect10pr.co.uk/
The farm shop at Wirksworth Road, Duffield, is running a pumpkin carving competition, a Halloween-themed hide and seek in its play area, and an art competition to fill the creepy gallery in the café.
Prizes are on offer for all events, which run from Saturday 23rd October.
Pumpkins are available now from the shop priced £1.75, with children being invited to carve them and return them ready for judging on Saturday 30th October.
Eight spooky spiders have been hidden in the play area at Croots Farm Shop, with a small prize available for children who find them all.
And entries are being invited for the Halloween-themed art competition, with pictures on display in the farm shop café.
Visit http://www.croots.co.uk/
http://www.perfect10pr.co.uk/
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