In this issue of Food & Drink Matters, we are thrilled to announce that PEPPADEW® have been chosen as our Innovative Company of the Year.
The origin story for this Powerhouse of a Pepper, began in South Africa. In the Northeastern province, there are vast mountain ranges across the Highveld plateau, breaking up the large Lowveld plain below it. Over 25 years ago, a new pepper was discovered in the hills of Limpopo. This bright red pepper – the later named Piquanté Pepper – was identified with an exotic and individual flavour. As a result, the first Sweet Piquanté Pepper was born. Since this pivotal moment, PEPPADEW® has exploded onto the world stage and remained in demand in over 25 countries.
PEPPADEW® has cemented itself as market leader in the food sector over the years, with honours being awarded from across the industry. In 2024, PEPPADEW® were awarded Silver in the Starters and Buffet Category and won the Foodservice Innovation Award in The British Frozen Food Awards. This was recognition of the unsurpassed PEPPADEW® Bites that have delighted consumers since inception.
The explosion of PEPPADEW® Bites has been exponential. One of the more recent expansions has been its inclusion on the coveted Slug & Lettuce Menu range. The Slug and Lettuce franchise has over 70 venues across the UK and the PEPPADEW® Bites were classed as a squad favourite.
PEPPADEW® Bites have also made an impact on the Euro’s. The Sports Bar and Grill included the tasty treat over the Summer and PEPPADEW® Bites were presented as a tasty alternative treat for football fans to enjoy.
To create the quality product that PEPPADEW® has achieved, the manufacturing capability needs to be second to none. The PEPPADEW® factory in Western-Super-Mare, where the PEPPADEW® Bites are made, was recently awarded the BRCGS Certification. This certification illustrates that a company is meeting the necessary legal standards but – more importantly – adheres and upholds the highest standards of safety.
Simon Harris, Brand and Marketing Manager for PEPPADEW® explains, “The BRCGS standards are used in over 130 countries and sets the benchmark for exceptional manufacturing practices. The confidence that comes from gaining this certification is based on the rating system. These can range from uncertified all the way up to the AA for top of the range.
- BRCGS AA Rating: The highest standard for an announced audit, indicating exceptional compliance with food safety and quality standards.
- AA+ Rating: This is even more challenging as it is awarded only during an unannounced audit, meaning the company has no warning prior and must always maintain top-tier standards.
- Strict Compliance: BRCGS covers hygiene, food safety, traceability, hazard controls, and operational standards – even minor non-conformances can impact the score.
- Industry Benchmark: An AA+ rating is rare and often achieved by companies that have deeply embedded food safety culture and robust quality management systems.
PEPPADEW® achieved AA+.”
Simon continues, “Winning an AA+ BRCGS Certificate at the Weston-Super-Mare factory is an outstanding achievement for Peppadew®, reinforcing our commitment to quality and excellence. It sets the brand apart in the food industry and strengthens trust with retailers and consumers.”
It is not just PEPPADEW® Bites that have caused a buzz in 2024, as the Mac and Cheese Bites created a stir of their own. The National Restaurant, Pub and Bar Show – formerly the Casual Dining Show – awarded PEPPADEW® Silver in the Innovation Challenge. The judges said of them ‘Great idea, easy to use across many sectors. Really trendy, really appealing.’
Two pizzas from Dominoes, added The Sweet Piquanté Peppers from PEPPADEW® to their menu as part of a trial of their Italianos range on two Pizzas – Supremo Salami and Gusto Goat’s Cheese & Chorizo.
Within the Foodservice sector, PEPPADEW® introduced the addition of a 900g can for the Sweet Piquanté peppers. Whilst the 3kg can was still available and were kept fresh in brine for up to four weeks, the new smaller version gave buyers and chefs the opportunity to purchase the product in more frequency and confidence.
Whilst the accreditation for the manufacturing capability and the honours for the food service, the greatest gains for PEPPADEW® have been in the explosion in their retail achievements.
In 2024, PEPPADEW® launched five new products: Peppadrops®, Jalapeño Slices in a smoky brine, Jalapeño Halves, Chipotle Crunch and Onion Crunch. PEPPADEW® have become a staple with the major retail chains, with the Mild and Hot PEPPADEW® Peppers now available in Sainsbury’s, the Roasted Red and Piquant Peppers have been launched in Marks and Spencer’s, Mac and Cheese Bites are available in Aldi and Morrisons stocks the full range of PEPPADEW® products. Products such as these have also made for easier distribution and savings for the consumer, with a reduction from the 400g jar to a 260g jar. Overall, The PEPPADEW® Brand in 2024 grew by 44% across the Major Melts within the major multiples.
The awards however, still lauded the PEPPADEW® brand. Jalapeño Halves won a Silver at the Q Awards in the Cans, Jars and Pouches category, with the Onion Crunch winning Gold. These were the only two products to be awarded in this category whilst The Onion Crunch won Innovation of the year at the Q Awards. The Piquanté Peppers have gained recognition as they were featured on Celebrity MasterChef, meanwhile Jamie Oliver used the Roasted Red in one of his TV recipes.
With the success of Peppadew® in 2024, PEPPADEW’s Simon Harris stated, “In 2024, Peppadew® showcased innovation, growth, and excellence – expanding into new retailers, earning top industry accolades, and delivering bold flavours to both consumers across retail and foodservice. From award-winning product launches to appearances in leading culinary showcases, Peppadew® continues to set the standard in taste and quality. This success is a testament to the incredible teamwork and collaboration between our UK and South African teams.”
It is for these reasons that Food and Drink Matters has awarded Innovative Company of the Year to Peppadew®, and we look forward to all their future successes.
For further information, please see the details below:
T +44 (0)1372 502143
sales@peppaco.co.uk
https://peppadewfoodservice.co.uk/peppadew-bites
Foodservice website:
https://peppadewfoodservice.co.uk
Consumer facing website:
https://www.peppadew.co.uk