Author: Karen Contrino

Four of the UK’s leading food and drink experts have shared their insights into the key trends that will be tantalising consumer palates in 2025. From functional foods and improved quality in low and no beverages, to undiscovered European flavours, eco-consumption and the continued growth of the organic sector; the year ahead promises to redefine the way we eat, drink, and interact with our favourite products. Here the UK’s advisors to the EU’s ‘More Than Only Food and Drink’ campaign reveal their trend predictions which pave the way for a more mindful and dynamic food and drink landscape for the…

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Chimac, a Dublin-based brand, beloved for their unique fusion of Korean and Irish flavours, and the launch of their new product in January 2025 Chimac Kimchi Ketchup…this bold and tangy condiment brings together the familiar sweetness of ketchup with the complex, spicy, and slightly fermented flavours of spring onion kimchi. Imagine the rich, umami taste of tomatoes blended with a kick of garlic, ginger, and chilli peppers typical of kimchi, resulting in a savoury-sweet profile with a pleasantly sharp bite. More information about Chimac: This range of Great Taste Award Winning hot and BBQ sauces and marinades are ideal for adding…

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Discover your next getaway with inspiration from idyllic destinations like the Maldives, Jamaica and Greece Our sure-fire method of beating January’s onslaught of dismal weather and limited daylight hours is our favourite form of retail therapy: booking a well-deserved trip. When the year feels at its gloomiest, there’s no better way to lift spirits and recharge than with a rejuvenating wellness escape to one of the most serene destinations in the world. Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical retreat or eager to dive into a new culture, booking a getaway for now or the months ahead is sure to set…

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Embrace Veganuary this year 37 floors up at sky-high restaurant, Bōkan in Canary Wharf, with its indulgent six-course vegan tasting menu accompanied by stunning 360° views of the capital’s iconic landmarks. Expertly curated by Executive Chef Robert Manea, the innovative vegan six-course tasting menu puts the spotlight on fresh, seasonal produce and puts an exciting spin on classic vegan dishes for those taking up the Veganuary challenge. Perfect plant-based plates include vegetable gyoza with wasabi and citrus dressing; winter truffle & black trumpet risotto; black lime tofu, onion and spinach marmalade with a dashi broth; and a divine chocolate cake…

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Work has started on creating a new research and development facility at the University of Lincoln’s Riseholme Park Campus, enabling new industry collaboration and research opportunities for the UK’s food and farming sector. The glasshouse will facilitate regional industry specialisms, support innovation in food and farming, deliver collaborative, impactful and high value research with industry, and further establish the University’s Riseholme Park Campus and Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology (LIAT) as specialist centres. The Glasshouse Research & Development (R&D) Facility will use geothermal ground source heating technology   to provide heating from renewable energy. The building will therefore operate with a…

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Imagine cycling through a surreal desert, racing down an active volcano, or pedaling under the dazzling Northern Lights. 2025 is the year to turn your wildest cycling dreams into reality. Whether you’re tackling remote mountain ranges or navigating icy paths, these routes promise not just a ride, but an adventure that will push your limits. To help you plan your epic cycling experiences, buycycle (https://buycycle.com/en-us), the leading marketplace for pre-owned premium bikes, has rounded up the world’s most thrilling cycling experiences—routes and races that go beyond the ordinary. Get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Read on to explore the most…

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As the temperatures begin to drop and the days get darker, there’s nothing that we Brits crave more than a warm, hearty dinner. But with the news that the energy price cap will increase again from January, people are seeking the most energy-efficient way to cook their favourite comfort meals.  With searches for the ‘best comfort food recipes for cold weather’ soaring by 133% over the past month, the energy experts at Bionic have assessed the energy use for some of the nation’s favourite winter comfort meals. Looking into recent search volume data over the past month, Bionic has established the four most…

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Start the New Year off right with a month of delicious plant-powered meals. Whether you’re a first-timer or a vegan pro, we’ve put together a range of venues with delicious vegan drinks and dishes to enjoy this January. EXCLUSIVELY VEGAN KIN Restaurant, Fitzrovia Bringing plant-based paradise to Fitzrovia, newly opened KIN Restaurant offers an exclusively vegan and vegetarian menu. Indulge in a variety of small plates such as silky sweet potato with vegan parmesan, go big with a courgette and pistachio spaghetti, or opt for the KIN Weekend Deluxe brunch alongside a selection of waste-free cocktails. With plenty of gluten-free…

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Imagine having a seasoned sommelier at your fingertips—one who understands your personal taste, predicts your preferences, and guides you to the perfect bottle of wine every time. This is no longer a fantasy. BetterAI, the Silicon Valley disruptor in artificial intelligence, has launched VinoVoss, an AI-powered sommelier that is not just shaking up the wine industry, but redefining how we discover and enjoy wine. VinoVoss—available as an app and on the web—represents a paradigm shift in wine selection, leveraging cutting-edge AI and natural language processing to deliver highly personalized wine recommendations. From novices to connoisseurs, users can now easily navigate the vast world…

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Avoiding Air Fryer Fails: ‘Queen of Air Fryers’ Cathy Yoder Offers Tips on Air Fryer Don’ts With throngs turning to their air fryer to knock out easy, healthy and delicious meals, there are some key mistakes to avoid. Below, Cathy Yoder, the Queen of Air Fryers with nearly 730,000 followers and 35,000 air fryer cookbooks sold, notes that, “The air fryer is a kitchen marvel that has taken the culinary world by storm. With its innovative technology, you can enjoy crispy, delicious meals with significantly less oil than frying and bake faster than in the oven.” Even so, there is plenty of…

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