McCain Foodservice Solutions’ snacks brand Brew City has launched into the UK foodservice market, with the range targeting the pub sector in order to be paired with premium and craft lagers.
Brew City was originally launched in the US 20 years ago but has now crossed the Atlantic, with a number of wholesalers such as Brakes and Bidfood already stocking it.
The full range consists of eight new products for consumers to pair alongside their beer of choice; IPA Fries, Mac n Jack Bites, Salt & Pepper Potato Pops, Onion Straws, Herby Tomato Mozzarella Arancini Bites, Fiery Jalapeno Slices, Gouda & Mozzarella Bites and Frickles.
Citing a £8.1m opportunity within snacking occasions and craft beer, research by NPD Group has shown that out of home snacking spend has increased by 11% in the last year, of which pubs have seen the strongest growth with snacking spend increasing by 28%.
Similarly, craft ale has also seen a boom in out of home, leading to increased consumer demand; 24% would be more likely to visit a pub or restaurant if it had a good selection of craft beer3.
Robin Norton, category controller of McCain Foodservice Solutions, said: “Operators want to be able to give their customers a great experience and drive loyalty but, ultimately, they also want to be able to increase their spend. Brew City has been designed to do just that. The food with drink moment exists in pubs, however it is not being maximised by current hot food offerings; Brew City enables operators to tap into this space and capitalise on it.”
