World first

Australian-owned packaging company Detpak claimed a world first in March last year with the release of a new high sheen hot cup in its ripple range of premium cups. Detpak general manager Sascha Detmold Cox said the "lustre and sheen" of the Hi-Shine premium cup would offer outlets a unique point of differentiation. "Already we have had an overwhelmingly excited response from some of Australia's biggest names in the coffee industry," Detmold Cox said. Contact 1300 363 380.

Beer on new tap

Sydney-based Pub Taps Australia gained exclusive local rights to distribute a new portable beer tap which it will market to both on- and of-premise outlets for tastings, group functions and other events. Pub Taps Australia boss Paul Robertson (pictured below with the tap) said the stainless steel stem tap was lightweight and provided excellent preservation of product. "There's no messing around with cumbersome boxes and other equipment," Robertson said. The tap uses a mini Co2 gas capsule which preserves flavours as it doesn't push air into the keg. Phone 0422 375 925.

Three good things

Dexter-Russell (DR) cutlery released a new seven-inch forged Japanese style chef's knife known as the Santuko. DR said the Santuko, which is Japanese for 'three good things', was suitable for dicing, slicing, and chopping. The knife's duo-edge can be used for thin slicing while it reduces the amount of food that sticks to the blade. The knife also had a wide blade for scooping sliced vegetables, and laminated rosewood handles. You can contact VGM on (02) 9913 7066.

Sole saviour

A new reusable slip-resistant overshoe was released in Australia and New Zealand in May through Sydney-based Solemate Safety Solutions. The CrewGuard, from UK industrial footwear brand Shoes For Crews, is machine washable and can be worn over a variety of footwear. The shoes are designed for "superior" slip resistance and anti-fatigue. Solemate Safety Solutions said the UK-based Shoes for Crews had developed its products in conjunction with its present customers including McDonald's, Budweiser and KFC. Businesses including Mars, Nestlé and Kellogg's are also using them in the UK. (02) 9938 6997.

King yoghurt

National Foods, currently the subject of a hostile takeover bid by New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra, released a yoghurt product in April under its award-winning King Island Dairy brand for the first time. The company's group executive Ashley Waugh said the yoghurt was "hand-crafted using a traditional batch method" on King Island. Waugh said the yoghurt was "rich, creamy and indulgent". The yoghurt is available in a traditional flavour as well as natural honey and cinnamon. A number of yoghurt recipes, including one for a Yoghurt Tart with Orange Scented Fresh dates (pictured above) can be found online at kidairy.com.au.

Hot release

A new energy-efficient electric radiant heating panel for indoor and outdoor use was released by Melbourne-based heating specialists Thermofilm Australia. The company's managing director Bob Reynolds claimed the Heatstrip was a substitute for "bulky" bottled gas heaters. The device employs both radiant and convective heating principles "to provide an evenly dispersed heated area for restaurants, bars, patios, living and entertainment areas," Reynolds said. The units produced no noise or fumes. There are also no moving parts, glass components or hot elements. The Heatstrip comes with a five-year heater guarantee and operation costs can start from 15 cents an hour. The unit is supplied with optional brackets for angle, suspension, recess or T-bar mounting. Contact (03) 9562 3455; thermofilm.com.au.

Wine repackaged

Brown Brothers released a new trade look for its classic red and white Everton wine range. The company said it had revamped the packaging into a "modern, sharp product that combined the traditional elements of Brown Brothers with sharp new greens and reds". Brown Brothers said the new design repositioned Everton as a more premium offering. The wine was available from April. Wine of the month cards are available for the on-premise trade, while the products will be packaged in pre-printed cartons carrying the new graphics, along with neck tags and header cards. Phone (03) 5720 5500.

Big wrap

Clorox Australia said its new OSO Extra Cling Food Wrap was the only pack of PVC wrap on the market that included a new Safe-T-Cutter non-blade cutting option, a traditional blade cutter and a new Start of Roll tab. The company said the new safety cutter reduced the risk of injury. Clorox claimed the combination of the

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three features in one pack was a first for the Australian market. The cardboard pack also features a wider than usual opening on top to provide easier access to the wrap. It is available in two dispenser sizes—600m x 33cm, and 600m x 45cm.

Sharp idea

Swiss knife experts Victorinox last year invested in a knife safety product invented by two Aussie chefs. The Knifesafe is a storage and carry system for chefs' knives. It was developed by Sydney-based chefs Maurice Cattell and Bernard O'Shea who said they wanted a practical, good-looking, well-priced, entry-level knife case for students and new chefs. The product recently received an Australian Design Award nomination. It is due to be launched internationally this year. (02) 9748 3111.

Shank success

Chef's Pantry's individually packaged shelf-stable cooked and sauced lamb shanks took out a best new product award at last year's Brisbane Fine Food show. Chef's Pantry's sales and marketing manager Daniel Grunfeld said the Melbourne-based foodservice company had been selling the shanks into the foodservice market with great success. The individually vacuum-packed lamb shanks (average weight around 400g) are available sauced in red wine and rosemary or mint and are re-heat and serve ready. They are microwave safe and take from 5-12 minutes to reheat. The product has a one-year non-refrigerated shelf life and contains no preservatives. Visit chefspantry.com.au.

New snags

Continental foods company Hans released four new gourmet sausages: English, Bratwurst, Cheese Kransky and Honey and Soy, last year. Hans national foodservice manager Bret Reid said the sausages were pre-cooked and only needed to be heated on medium-high for three minutes. They can be grilled, oven-baked or pan-fried and are available in portion-controlled 1kg cryovac bags, six to a carton. Phone 1800 060 909.

Loud speakers

Renowned speaker company Bose released a new set of outdoor stereo loudspeakers suitable for all weather conditions—including snow and salt spray. The company said its 151 SE environmental speakers were as reliable and durable as all the models in its best-selling 151 speaker range, but also offered enhanced performance, greater versatility and a compact new design. The company said the 151 SE's overcame problems that had traditionally challenged outdoor speakers by including three 2.5" full-range environmental drivers which provided a more "consistent sound field over a larger listening area". Contact 1800 023 367 or visit bose.com.au.

V8 revs up

Arnott's Campbell's Foodservice added a bunch of new flavours to 100% fruit and vegetable juices available under its popular V8 brand. The latest additions are V8 Fruit and Veg Melon Burst, in 1.5-litre glass bottles and 250ml combiblocs, V8 Hot 'n' Spicy, in a 250ml comblibloc, and V8 Low Sodium which comes in 1-litre glass bottles. Already in the range are Fruit and Veg Tropical (1.5 litre and 250ml glass and combi), Fruit and Veg Citrus (1.5 litre and 250ml glass and combi) and Vegetable (1 litre and 250ml glass and combi). Meanwhile, the former V-Plenish sub-brand has been renamed V8 Fruit and Veg. Phone (02) 8767 7798.

Zippy new tap

The Zip company released a new hot and cold water tap which doesn't have to be installed at a sink. The company said the HydroTap could be mounted on virtually any bench top where plumbing was available, while the boiling, chilling, and filtration unit could be installed under a bench top or sink. The tap delivers instant boiling and chilled filtered water by the use of two levers which can be locked-on to fill pots, plungers, and bottles. The company said there was no need to turn off the water supply when changing the unit's filter which was "as easy to change as a light globe". Phone (02) 9796 3100.

Indian pastes

A new foodservice range from the Patak's company was released by Unilever's foodservice arm UBF Foodsolutions. The new range included four sauces: Butter Chicken, Tikka Masala, Korma and Rogan Josh; Tandoori, Mild Curry and Vindaloo pastes and a Sweet Mango Chutney. UBF said the range enabled chefs to add new flavours to their menus without a "knowledge of Indian cooking, intensive labour preparation or the need for elaborate ethnic ingredients". Contact FSA on 1800 000 444.

Foodservice feta

The Bonland Dairies company launched a new range of feta cheeses for the foodservice market under its retail brand, Mainland. Bonland foodservice product manager Mark Harman said the company wanted to build the reputation of Mainland in the foodservice sector. "It's essential that we have a broad enough range of cheeses so that foodservice professionals see us as a one-stop brand," Harman said. The new range includes Mainland's Greek Crumbled Feta, available in 500g pouches, which Harman said was the only ready-crumbled Greek Feta on the foodservice market. (03) 9764 6677.