Secret’s in the sauce

From household names to new additions, it can be hard to keep up with the innovation in the sauce category today, so Julia O’Reilly takes a look at some of the latest offerings

Brand Central

25 August 2022

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For great taste and added convenience, consumers need look no further than the vast cooking sauces market for the beginnings of a hearty meal.

A December 2021 study from Euromonitor titled ‘Sauces, Dressings and Condiments in Ireland had a positive outlook for the future of cooking sauces. While it noted that there was a slight fatigue in the home-cooking trend, local consumers surveyed stated that they are likely to continue preparing meals from scratch at home. Indeed, despite the easing of pandemic related restrictions, consumers are continuing to cook at home to save money and brush up on their cooking skills. Meanwhile, consumer habits have changed in response to the rising cost of living, with Kantar reporting a 54% global increase in home cooking.

With strong competition in the segment and constant innovation, it is important for retailers to know where the tastes and trends lie. With that in mind, we’re highlighting some of the most interesting offerings out there currently.

Gold Edition is the gold standard!

Cali Cali Foods launched its Gold Edition Ketchup and Sauces range late last year in a small number of retailers. Following very positive consumer feedback and rotation, the range was launched across the trade in Q2 of 2023. Sales and feedback on the flavours of all four variants have again been strong to date, culminating in all four of the products being awarded Great Taste awards. The range, like the rest of the Cali Cali portfolio, is not only plant-based and gluten free, but also contain 60% less sugar than the market leading ketchups

The Cali Cali range of great tasting and better for you cooking and snacking products was co-founded by Niall McGrath and Tom Gannon (who previously co-founded Fulfil Nutrition). The duo’s latest venture sees them utilising an ‘umbrella brand’ to signify to consumers across a wide portfolio of products that they can trust in the taste credentials of these plant-based, gluten free products which also have many other healthy benefits.

The Cali Cali Gold Edition range includes a Kimchi Ketchup, a Chipotle Ketchup, a BBQ Sauce and a Tomato Ketchup; all four od which have won Great Taste awards

“To win awards for all four ketchups and eight SKUs across our wider portfolio is a testament to the hard work our team has put in to deliver our core value of offering consumers a guarantee of a great tasting as well as better-for-you products always,” says co-founder Niall McGrath. “The Gold Edition range has been three years in the making to get these products up to this taste standard while also having 60% less sugar than the market leader, on top of being plant-based and gluten free. That’s no mean feat.”

The range includes a Kimchi Ketchup, a Chipotle Ketchup, a BBQ Sauce and a Tomato Ketchup. All of them are equally balanced in texture, sweetness and acidity to give a richness and texture which is remarkable considering their healthy benefits and lack of sugar compared to the norm.

The range is stocked across the country in all Avoca, Fresh, Dunnes Stores, Tesco and SuperValu stores To stock the ketchups, contact your local Boyne Valley representative.

Key ingredients

Abrakebabra’s range currently includes its Legendary Taco Sauce, and its Famously Garlic Sauce

Since its launch in 2019, Abrakebabra’s range of sauces has continued to grow and capture a further share of the at home sauce market.

The range currently features Abrakebabra’s Legendary Taco Sauce, a key ingredient in the brands Taco Fries dish, and its Famously Garlic Sauce, another original that has helped to shape the Irish food industry since its introduction on the first Abrakebabra kebab in 1982.

Abrakebabra has two more flavours launching over the coming weeks; its Ultimate Chilli Sauce, which is coming back by popular demand, and a Secret Sauce.

The range is currently available for purchase from SuperValu, Centra and internationally through Irishify.com.

For further details/orders, contact david@ailgroup.ie.

Bringing out the best

For more than a century, Maggi has been helping cooks worldwide to prepare fresh food they love. With Maggi, consumers can cook the best meals for them and their loved ones, using a range of products that add greater flavour to everyday favourites – bringing out the best in fresh ingredients to deliver great taste in an effortless way.

The Maggi range of spice and herb mixes will take you on a culinary journey around the world with irresistible sweet flavours, mouth-watering smoky twists, and delightful gingery sensations in the comfort of your home. Choose from its Italian seasoning mixes, go for Mexican spices and herbs that will not disappoint, or let Asian spices work their magic.

From classic Maggi seasoning mixes to exotic spice mixes, experience your favourite dishes more intensely with Maggi cooking bags and seasoned cooking paper. No oil, no mess, and no stress, just Maggi spices and herbs ready to make your meals effortlessly delicious.

One squeeze away

McDonnells Original Curry Sauce is now available in a ready to eat squeezy bottle

Loved by families for generations, McDonnells – the makers of Ireland’s favourite curry sauce- has been making food taste great since the 80’s.

Over the years the range has grown from the iconic McDonnells Original Curry Sauce to include Mild, Hot, Slimmers, Chinese and Japanese Style Katsu Curry Sauce. Also available in microwavable Curry Dip and Gluten Free, now the whole family can enjoy the great taste of McDonnells Curry Sauce.

McDonnells Original Curry Sauce is available in a ready to eat squeezy bottle, meaning customers can enjoy their favourite curry sauce anytime, anywhere – always just one squeeze away from curry perfection.

Packed with natural goodness

For consumers who crave their favourite Asian dishes but want something healthy and homemade, Fused sauces tick all the boxes – easy to prepare, packed with natural goodness and Great Taste Award-winning flavour at amazing value.

Fused’s Asian sauces are created by cookbook author and TV chef Fiona Uyema. Uyema’s unique recipes help busy home cooks easily create wholesome replicas of classic Asian dishes, but without any artificial preservatives, additives, MSG or refined sugars.

Thanks to Fused’s varied selection of sauces, customers will never be stuck for dinner ideas again. In a matter of minutes, they can take a trip to Japan, China, or Thailand with Fused’s award-winning stir fry sauces, from the 2022 Great Taste-winning Chow Mein to fragrant Chinese Curry – a Quality Food Award gold medal winner.

Fused’s new Katsu Ketchup, Miso Hot Sauce and Korean BBQ sauces are perfect for drizzling on stir-fries, noodles, rice, eggs, sandwiches, and salads and bringing heat and flavour to a marinade.

Meals for all the family

Dolmio is Ireland’s number one sauce brand

Dolmio provides tasty Italian food that the whole family loves coming together to share and enjoy. For over 30 years, Dolmio has select only the finest quality ingredients for all its products to provide the best quality and taste.

Getting back into the routine after the long summer break can be difficult. Parents are looking for quick and easy solutions to feed the kids after school but are still conscious that they need to provide a nutritious meal.

Dolmio, Ireland’s number one sauce brand*, provides a tasty, quick, and easy meal solution that parents can prepare despite the hectic after school schedule safe in the knowledge that children will love it.

Try one of Dolmio’s new pasta sauces; Dolmio 7 Veg. Each serving contains two of your five a day. Choose from three different flavours: Tomato and Basil, Mediterranean Roasted Veg, and Tomato and Chilli.

Find your favourite Dolmio products at: dolmio.ie.

*(Source: Nielsen Scantrack, YTD w/e 24/04/22)

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