News in brief: a round-up of industry stories

We visit different corners of the industry to bring you a selection of stories in bitesize form.

UpCircle launch sells fast

Launching its first Refillable Deodorant in July, UpCircle reported a record number of early access sign-ups and within days warned of UK stock ‘running out’ due to unprecedented high demand.

Plastic- and baking-soda free, 100% natural and certified vegan with a fresh citrus scent, the formula combines coconut oil and sunflower seed wax to prevent the formation of odour-causing bacteria, with upcycled macadamia oil and prickly pear to soften skin. Packaging comprises a paper refill housed within an aluminium tube.

Thai trio from Clearspring

Clearspring is celebrating the flavours of Thailand with a trio of new SKUs: Organic Gluten Free Black Rice Noodles; Organic Gluten Free 100% Brown Rice Vermicelli Noodles; and Organic Pad Thai Sauce, also gluten-free and plant-based.

Maria Dawson, MD, comments: “We have seen demand grow for our existing noodles from Thailand and wanted to offer … more choice in the category. We are also thrilled that we are launching the UK’s first organic and vegan Pad Thai Sauce, which not only delivers on quality and flavour but is incredibly convenient for people looking to rustle up a filling and flavourful meal but are short on time.”

HFMA joins Living Wage

The Health Food Manufacturers’ Association (HFMA) has announced it is now accredited as a Living Wage Employer, a move which ensures the fair payment of its employees in accordance with true London-based living costs.

Pippa Williams, HFMA operations and HR manager, comments: “We are all very proud to be a part of this important movement and demonstrate commitment to our highly valued staff. It's a positive step towards improving financial wellbeing and quality of life for all HFMA employees.”

Weleda NPD targets men

Two new ‘skin saviours’ from Weleda have launched, taking aim at men. 5 in 1 Multi-Action Serum for Men is an oil-free certified organic formula providing hydration and 24-hour intensive moisture through aloe vera gel, pomegranate juice and blackthorn extract — powerful plant actives which activate cell renewal and improve elasticity. 2 in 1 Face Wash for Men is a refreshing, purifying gel for face and beard which reduces excess sebum. Liquorice root and willow bark extracts soothe, while witch hazel water gently tones and cleanses without drying the skin. Naturally fragranced, the face wash has notes of refreshing rosemary, woody vetiver and citrusy litsea cubeba.

Category shake up

Bone broth brand Freja has brought to market The Bone Broth Shake, blending wholefood ingredients with protein and collagen to offer a ‘convenient new way to enjoy the nutritional benefits of bone broth’.

The shakes can be consumed hot or cold using 25g of water of milk. Launching in Raw Cacao, Vanilla Bean, Wild Strawberry and Unflavoured each gluten- and dairy-free serving boasts 21g of collagen, 23g of protein, all nine essential amino acids and contains no stevia. “It does the work of a protein shake, a collagen supplement and an electrolyte powder all in one,” says the brand.

Alt-coffee market addition

Glasgow-based superfood shake brand Vybey has brewed up a coffee alternative built on medicinal mushrooms and powered by nootropics and adaptogens.

Available in Cacao or Matcha Cacao, Braincare Smart Focus seeks to answer the needs of consumers who are cutting back on coffee, presenting a more nutritious option for their morning cuppa which prioritizes brain health, ‘supercharges’ overall wellbeing, improves focus and clarity, offers sustained energy and ‘banishes debilitating brain fog’ without the jitters commonly associated with caffeine.

Surreal x Gymshark

Hitting the market today, breakfast start-up SURREAL has partnered with gym-wear brand Gymshark to create Cardio-Os, a high protein, strawberry milkshake flavoured breakfast cereal.

With 13g of protein in every bowl, the brands say the product offers ‘more protein than two eggs — and tastes a helluva lot nicer too’.

Surreal co-founder Jac Chetland comments: “Gymshark do gym. We do protein. Our Gymshark protein cereal is a match made in gym-heaven. We’re buzzing to be helping Gymshark’s athletes and community hit their protein goals.”

By Rosie Greenaway, editor