A hug in a bowl

On a chilly day – nothing beats the cosiness factor instantly provided by a steaming hot bowl of soup. The Scandinavian trend ‘hygge’ – which roughly translates as ‘embracing the art of cosiness’ – has become hugely on trend in recent years and soup perfectly aligns with this mindset, writes Gillian Hamill

Brand Central

7 December 2021

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At this time of year, when the dark evenings are drawing in and there’s a distinct nip in the air, soup is a natural choice for many consumers due to its inherent restorative, comforting nature and high nutritional value.

In its latest report on Ireland’s soup sector, Euromonitor reported that chilled soup gained from consumers’ switch to lockdown lifestyles. According to the analyst, “foodservice outlet closures in 2020 had a positive impact on shelf stable, chilled and instant soup, as they provide an easy to prepare alternative to a home-made meal”.

“Chilled soup is anticipated to compete strongly with ready meals and other quick-to-prepare meals during the forecast period,” Euromonitor added, “as it is perceived as a fresh, nutritious meal. Chilled soup is also anticipated to receive a boost in the short-term from office workers returning to work.”

Another key trend observed by Mintel was that stockpiling drove retail sales of shelf stable and instant soup. According to its 2020 market report, shelf stable and instant soup showed stronger current value growth in 2020, thanks to their generally low price and long expiry dates, both factors which continue to make them sought-after products for stockpiling during the colder months.

These trends align with key findings reported within a recent Mintel report on the global soup market which pinpointed how the foodservice sector will drive retail innovation, and consumers will seek elevated convenience. As in many other sectors, plant-based options are also making their mark within the soup category.

New Cully & Sully Risottos are perfect for a quick and tasty supper

Heart-warming and healthy

Now that the weather is getting colder, soup is the perfect healthy and natural fast lunch. All Cully & Sully soups are made in Ireland. What’s more, the entire range is gluten free and made with the finest fresh ingredients. And for consumers on the hunt for a supper quick tasty supper, Cully & Sully’s new Risottos are an ideal option.

Check out www.cullyandsully.com/rocking-risotto for recipe ideas.

Soup-er tasty plant-powered protein

Consumers’ search for that elusive plant-based meal that’s quick, easy, healthy, and delicious is finally over, thanks to new Heinz Plant Proteinz soups.

In a recent Twitter poll, 68% of consumers said that they struggle to get enough plant-based protein. But with Heinz Plant Proteinz Soups – bursting with real, plant-powered goodness including vibrant veggies and protein-packed legumes – it’s now quicker and easier than ever to enjoy a healthy and tasty plant-based meal.

Each can of Heinz Plant Proteinz Soup is packed with a whopping 14-15 grams of protein, is a source of fibre and provides two of an individual’s five-a-day, providing a delicious, nutritious, and affordable meal in minutes. Just open the can, heat, and eat!

What’s more, they’re sustainably packaged in infinitely recyclable cans – another thing to feel good about.

New Heinz Plant Proteinz Soups are available now in two tasty and exciting flavours, with an additional flavour available from early 2022, all suitable for vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians.

With 14-15g of protein per can it’s the perfect way to perk up your mealtimes

The range includes the following options:

Mediterranean Tomato & Bean

A mouth-watering Mediterranean style tomato soup with haricot beans, garlic, and thyme. With14g of plant protein, it’s a nutritious and great-tasting meal in one.

Moroccan Chickpea & Bell Pepper

This flavoursome meal is packed with15g of protein and made with tasty Moroccan chickpeas, bell peppers and haricot beans.

Coconut Curry & Jackfruit

Joining the line up in early 2022 is the deliciously warming coconut curry soup with haricot beans, chickpeas, and jackfruit. It’s bursting with bean goodness, with 14g of plant-based protein per can and making up two of an individual’s five a day.

“We’re delighted to launch our new range of Heinz Plant Proteinz Soups – packed full of protein, they are perfect for those looking for quick, easy and delicious plant-based meals,” said Heinz senior marketing & commercial manager, Elaine Mc Cague. “These soups are just the first of many Heinz Plant Proteinz varieties that we have planned, so watch this space for more drops in the future.”

New Heinz Plant Proteinz Soups; Mediterranean Tomato & Bean and Moroccan Chickpea & Bell Pepper are now available in supermarkets nationwide. Coconut Curry & Jackfruit will be available early 2022 (RRP €1.99 for 400g).

Luxuriously smooth

Avonmore’s new limited-edition Sweet Potato, Carrot and Turmeric Soup has a silky smooth texture

This autumn, as soup season arrives, Avonmore is back with an exciting, limited edition launch into its 400g tub, premium soup range. Launching since mid-October, into the three multiples, Avonmore’s new Sweet Potato, Carrot and Turmeric Soup boasts a silky smooth texture, using fresh sweet potatoes, aromatic spices and is finished with swirls of coconut milk.

This limited-edition flavour does not contain any gluten, dairy or animal produce, making it suitable for both the coeliac and vegan consumer. The limited-edition launch will be supported with in-store POS, as well as extensive digital advertising. Avonmore also supports its soup range throughout the year through its sponsorship of the weather on RTÉ television.

The new, limited-edition Sweet Potato, Carrot and Turmeric Soup will join an already impressive range of five premium soup flavours created by Avonmore’s very own award- winning chef Barry Foley.

Sadie’s Kitchen will diversify with a vegan offering in early 2022

Broth beauty

Innovative broth brand, Sadie’s Kitchen is set to expand its range with a vegan offering early next year.

The award-winning Irish female-founded company currently holds two SKUs, Free Range Irish Chicken and Irish Beef Bone Broth.

It marks an exciting time for the brand after securing a central listing with Dunnes Stores earlier this year.

“2022 will see the business resume our food service offerings,” said founder Sarah Kiely, “and also diversify the range across the category with the better-for-you options and freshness that our customers and retailers have grown to anticipate from our business.”

Shopper behaviour shows marked differences between chilled and packet/can soup segments

You might think that shopper behaviour is similar in chilled soup and packet & can soup. However, Shopper Intelligence’s survey data reveals key differences between the two types. Chilled soup is more often bought on a top-up shop than packet/can soup, and it’s also a stronger loyalty driver to retailers. Find out more differences and what actions you can take, in the below infographic:

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