New products hit the dairy shelves

By Jim Cornall

- Last updated on GMT

Some recent additions to the dairy aisles in the UK and US. Pic: Getty Images/Igor Ovsyannykov
Some recent additions to the dairy aisles in the UK and US. Pic: Getty Images/Igor Ovsyannykov

Related tags Yoghurt Yogurt Cheese Violife Tine plant-based Dairy alternatives Dairy Kefir sheep milk

A round-up of some of the most recent products in the dairy aisles,

Ellenos introduces no sugar added line

Ellenos, the US Pacific Northwest-based Greek yogurt brand, has launched Ellenos Milk + Fruit, available at Whole Foods Market locations across the Pacific Northwest until the end of the year.

ellenos

Ellenos Greek Yogurt is made with milk sourced directly from a single local farmer, and the brand’s fruit purees are made in-house. Featuring 50% less sugar, Ellenos Milk + Fruit is available in 5.3 oz cups in Pineapple Ginger, Cherry Vanilla, Fig Raisin and Apple Cinnamon.

“It’s really just milk and fruit, seriously,”​ said Ellenos founder and CEO, Con Apostolopoulos.

“We’ve heard consumer feedback of people looking for a no sugar added option and think we’ve created something truly better tasting than what currently exists in the market that will make them say ‘wow’ at first bite.

“With Ellenos Milk + Fruit we are offering a way to enjoy Ellenos every day and look forward to seeing how our customers incorporate the product into breakfast, snacks, treats and more as we continue to push the boundaries of how yogurt should taste and be enjoyed.”

Ellenos’ other Greek Yogurt products are available in Lemon Curd, Passionfruit, Mango, Pumpkin Pie and Marionberry flavors.

Violife launches limited edition vegan platter

In the US, Violife has launched the EPIC Dairy Free Festive Platter – a vegan cheese-alternative platter that includes three blocks, each free from dairy, nuts, soy, lactose and gluten.

violife platter

The three products are EPIC Mature Cheddar flavor, EPIC Smoked Cheddar flavor, and EPIC Garlic & Chilli Cheddar flavor.

The limited edition Violife EPIC Dairy Free Festive Platter (MSRP $10.99-$11.99) will be available at select Wegman’s, Giant, Gelson’s and Market of Choice, starting November 10.

Norseland unveils new Mexicana branding in UK

In the UK, Norseland has redesigned its Mexicana cheese brand logo and packaging.

The new positioning for Mexicana is "Embrace life! Embrace spice! Embrace Mexicana!"

mexicana rebrand

Lisa Harrison, senior brand manager from Norseland, said the company has worked with brand design consultants Madeyoulook, who worked on the rebrand, for several years.

"We tested each element of the design and copy with an independent research agency The Value Engineers, so we know that what we are communicating will be understood by our consumers in store, plus that we attract new consumers into the brand, whilst retaining our current loyal consumers,”​ Harrison said.

“Plus, it is always important that the product stands out on the supermarket shelf and connects with its consumers visually."

Mexicana has three variants, Original, Extra Hot and new Vegan, which need to work in their own right, as well as build the brand. The brand logo was adjusted and modernised. The product variety was brought forward and color coded. A chilli window was created using a single chilli so the cheese could be seen on the front as well as on the back.

The cheese is sold on the deli and in the pre-pack aisle in major UK retailers. It comes in a range of different formats: half wheel, slices, block and minis.

British sheep’s cheese gets national distribution

UK cheesemaker Singletons & Co. has achieved an additional national listing in Morrisons for its Parlick sheep’s milk cheese.

parlick

The biggest manufacturer of sheep’s milk cheese in the UK, Singletons sources its milk from Stott & Sons – a family run farm hit heavily during the Coronavirus pandemic which saw a nationwide lockdown.

Simon Stott, co-owner of Stott & Sons and chair of industry body Sheep Milk UK said, “We lost 15 out of 22 customers during the pandemic and were faced with the possibility of having to stop milking our ewe’s for good. Singletons & Morrisons swung into action to support the British sheep’s milk industry and for that we are grateful. Whilst the future of British sheep’s milk is still unsure this does give us a lifeline to rebuild.”

Parlick is already available in Sainsburys, Booths and with several wholesalers and independents across the country.

Jak Blanthorn, UK account manager at Singletons & Co., said, “We produce 60 tonnes of Parlick each year and are proud to see another UK retailer adding it as a line to their deli offering. It’s a fantastic product and with people being more focused on health, sheep’s milk products have seen considerable growth. We will do all that we can to support this industry.”

Biotiful adds shots to kefir range

UK kefir brand Biotiful is adding Biotiful Kefir Shots to its range.

Available in single serve and multipack formats, the latest addition to Biotiful’s portfolio consists of four flavors: Original, Peach & Turmeric, Acerola Cherry & Tea, and Coconut & Spirulina (RRP: £1, 100ml / £2.95, 4 pack).

Biotiful Kefir Shot contains 30bn active cultures.

biotiful shots