Answering the growing demand for premium plant-based options, Zess has collaborated with Sysco GB to unveil Zess Explore, the UK’s pioneering range of plant-based deli fillers, handcrafted at Fresh Direct’s specialist production unit Fresh Kitchen.
Zess, a UK-based start-up that specialises in helping people make smarter food choices, has joined forces with Sysco GB to create and launch Zess Explore, the UK’s first range of plant-based deli fillers.
The new products, which are being hand-prepared at Fresh Kitchen which is part of Fresh Direct’s “Food Village” in Bicester, were created in response to the lack of inspiring, ready-to-serve, plant-based fillings that are currently available, and are healthier and more sustainable than a typical meat-based option.
There are three flavoursome products in the range Roasted Sicilian Caponata, Chipotle & Corn Veggie Barbacoa and Sweet Potato & Butternut Dhansak, which are designed to be used across a range of popular choices including sandwiches, jacket potatoes, pizza topping, tacos, salads, wraps and more.
Hiren Umradia, CEO at Zess, said: “Zess was born out of a desire to revolutionise food choices for health and the environment. We observed a gap in the market for exciting, ready-to-serve plant-based deli fillings, as there are very few options available without the hassle of creating something yourself. In busy kitchens, there simply isn’t time to develop the exciting plant-based products that people want. This often means that those wanting a plant-based option face boring choices that simply don’t inspire them. With Fresh Kitchen, we’re introducing a game-changing combination of exciting flavours, hand-produced to high standards that are not just healthy, but tantalisingly delicious, through the nation’s largest wholesaler, Brakes.”
Adam Swan, Strategy and Commercial Director at Fresh Direct, added: “Fresh Kitchen creates fantastic recipes that save time and resource in busy kitchens, so when Hiren came to us with his vision for plant-based deli fillers we were delighted to produce and distribute them. We believe we’ve created a recipe which isn’t just a great plant-based product, it’s a product that will proudly stand up to any deli-style filler, catering to vegans, vegetarians and flexitarians.”
The ready-to-serve deli fillers bring together a range of premium flavours that have an authentic taste.
- Italian – Roasted Sicilian Caponata, which delivers authentic Italian veggie goodness, with a winning combination of slow-roasted tomatoes, fire-roasted aubergine, capers, basil and black olives.
- Mexican – Chipotle & Corn Veggie Barbacoa is made with genuine Mexican adobo, chipotle chilli peppers, oregano and organic plant-powered protein, giving it a vibrant and smoky, taste profile.
- Indian – Sweet Potato & Butternut Dhansak, combines authentic spice blends, green chilli and organic plant-powered protein, creating a deep, warm, and fragrant taste profile with creamy and cleansing citrus finish.
The revolutionary product range is launching this September in Brakes, with an enticing introductory promotional price of £9.99 for a 1kg tub, before trade discounts.
With Zess’s dedication to improving food choices and Sysco GB’s extensive distribution network, this partnership marks a transformative step in making plant-based foods both delectable and accessible.
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