The popularity of veganism and experimental plant-based foods may be stealing all the headlines this year but leading food tailor Pecan Deluxe Candy believes that there is an exciting new trend emerging around cooking with baked goods, such as cake & cookie pieces.
Recent industry reports put UK growth for bread and bakery goods, including cakes, rolls, pastries, doughnuts, bagels, baguettes and muffins, at a steady 2.2% over the last five years, currently bringing in revenue of £8.3billion and supporting nearly 75,000 jobs.
Whilst smart foods are billed as being rich in nutrients, protein and other benefits, UK consumers will never give up their bakery and patisserie treats. Instead, they are looking for enhanced taste and mouthfeel, a premium eating experience treading a fine line between health and indulgence.
Recent on-shelf introductions tempting shoppers in this category include treats themed on cookie dough such as ice cream bites, pop tarts and cheesecakes – not much of a surprise considering cookie dough’s long-standing popularity as an ice cream inclusion and, as the leading European supplier of cookie dough, Pecan Deluxe is at the forefront of such NPD. However, Pecan Deluxe is actively taking the development process one step further and developing many even more creative options using its pre-baked ingredients.
Liz Jones, Commercial and Development Director at the food tailor, explained: “Two of the most important factors in sustaining growth in the baked goods market are spotting trends and innovation in new product development – both areas in which Pecan Deluxe can provide significant partner support.
“Some of the products we’re currently developing or trialling, both independently and with manufacturing and retail partners, include biscuit or cake pieces like red velvet in muffins & traybakes, chocolate cake pieces in pancakes, cookie pieces to replace or complement fruit in hot cross buns, sponge cake pieces in breakfast cereal, and other baked ingredients such as choc chip cookie and brownie pieces in nut butters.
“We’re also seeing growing demand for new additions to chilled desserts, for example ginger cookie pieces, which provide the most deliciously intense crunch and flavour, and new inclusions for the dairy sector such as cookie and brownie pieces to add to yogurts. The only limits are our imaginations, so the opportunities are almost endless!”
All Pecan Deluxe products, including traditionally made fudge, moulded chocolate shapes, brownie pieces, cookie dough and praline nuts, are made using natural colours and flavourings in strict allergen controlled, BRC A grade facilities. The company is constantly innovating to develop new colours, flavours and textures and can create bespoke products tailor-made to customers’ requirements.
