FMCG News South Africa

#FreshOnTheShelf: Bubbly in a can, Woolies meal kits, blue tonic and a very Velvet Xmas

In #FreshOnTheShelf, we round up some of our favourite food and beverage products that have hit the shelves recently.

Woolworths Meal Kits

Woolworths has released a range of chef-created and trend-based meal kits. Launched in key Western Cape stores this month, the convenient, grab-and-go meal kits offer choices of proteins and vegetarian meals in a compact serving for two. Woolies promises quality ingredients and flavours we all know and love.

#FreshOnTheShelf: Bubbly in a can, Woolies meal kits, blue tonic and a very Velvet Xmas
#FreshOnTheShelf: Bubbly in a can, Woolies meal kits, blue tonic and a very Velvet Xmas

Shoppers can look forward to chef-quality variants like:

• Spanish Chicken & Chorizo – recipe by Chef Emma Morey
• Rib-Eye Steak, Mushrooms and Pearl Barley – recipe by Chef Josua Joubert
• Hake Korma Curry – recipe by Chef Emma Morey
• Tomato, Spinach and Paneer Curry – recipe by Chef Sharon Mbonambi
• Fajita Chicken with an Avocado Hummus Salad – recipe by Chef Emma Morey

Woolworths Meal Kits start retailing at R175 upwards.

Chateau Del Rei bubbly in a can

#FreshOnTheShelf: Bubbly in a can, Woolies meal kits, blue tonic and a very Velvet Xmas

Chateau Del Rei is a new sparkling wine conveniently packaged in a can, ready for impromptu get-togethers and outdoor gatherings.

Launched by Chill Beverages International, the bubbly is made primarily of Chenin Blanc grapes with a dash of intense Muscat for extra fruitiness. Chateau Del Rei is lightly sparkling and naturally sweet, and with its low alcohol content of 7% it's an easy-drinker.

Described as fruity and vibrant, Chateau Del Rei is lightly sparkling and naturally sweet. Consumers will find new Chateau Del Rei at trendy city hang-outs as well as leading stores retailing at a RSP of R74.99 for a 6-pack or R13.99 per can.

A Velvet Cake Company Xmas

From the sweet to the sophisticated, The Velvet Cake Company’s Christmas range has something for every taste - literally.

#FreshOnTheShelf: Bubbly in a can, Woolies meal kits, blue tonic and a very Velvet Xmas
#FreshOnTheShelf: Bubbly in a can, Woolies meal kits, blue tonic and a very Velvet Xmas

Some of our favourites from the collection include:

Christmas Candyland rainbow cake: Six layers of the company's famous rainbow cake, filled with cream cheese icing, coated in a rainbow of Swiss Buttercream and topped with colourful candy canes.

Mini Deary Christmas Cake: A mini chocolate cake filled with pink cream cheese icing, and covered in chocolate icing and vermicelli. It's got antlers and a Lindt ball "nose", and a piñata-style filling of sweets and chocolate treats.

Christmas Chocolate Mint Cake: Rich layers of moist chocolate cake, cream cheese icing, pops of caramel and a hint of mint. A rustic smear of Swiss Buttercream finishes the outside of this luxurious chocolate cake. Crowning it is a stylish festive wreath made with seasonal favourites like acorns, holly and dark green foliage. It can be repurposed as a table decoration of popped onto your front door.

There's also colourful Santa cake slices and red velvet mint caramel cupcakes ideal as individual gifts.

The full range can be found online, with select products available in stores.

Fitch & Leedes Blue Tonic

Another new release from Chill Beverages International is the Fitch & Leedes Blue Tonic, which is as easy on the eye as I'm sure it is on the palate. Enjoy juicy blueberry and hints of cardamom, while the vivid blue colour adds a striking twist to any gin or vodka cocktail. A favourite amongst leading distillers, Fitch & Leedes tonics accentuate the botanical character and subtle notes of premium spirits.

#FreshOnTheShelf: Bubbly in a can, Woolies meal kits, blue tonic and a very Velvet Xmas

This blue tonic goes down smoothly when paired with juniper forward, citrus-infused or floral gins. It also stands tall when paired with vodka, especially the wide selection of fruit-infused vodkas. It also hits the spot on its own over ice as a trendy alcohol-free alternative.

Fitch & Leedes can be found at leading purveyors of fine beverages, boutique wine shops, selected delis, fine dining establishments and cocktail bars. It sells at a RSP of R50 for a 6-pack of 200ml cans or R52 per 4-pack of 200ml glass bottles.

About Lauren Hartzenberg

Managing editor and retail editor at Bizcommunity.com. Cape Town apologist. Dog mom. Get in touch: lauren@bizcommunity.com
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