Nutella dispensers, naan bites and cast-iron cookware: the best new products for buffets

Buffets are back on the agenda and large-scale events are bouncing back. But thanks to economic uncertainty in the past couple of years, hospitality venues with a buffet offer, be it hotels, conference and banqueting sites or corporate events, have to ensure their operations are in top shape to fight for market share, with an on-trend food selection and equipment that makes cooking and serving mass meals a piece of cake.

 

So to ensure that large-scale catering sites have everything they need to stay ahead of the pack, we have rounded up the most innovative new buffet food and equipment.

 

Find new buffet options below.

 

Easy serve Nutella dispensers

 

Ferrero Foodservice has launched the Electronic Nutella Dispenser and the Nutella Manual Dispenser. The dispensers have a dedicated SKU – the Nutella 1kg cartridge – and serve a 15g portion, making them suitable for use in hotels and breakfast buffets. When paired with the 1kg cartridge, the dispensers result in less than 4% product waste, and thanks to their temperature control, ensure the right consistency every time. Operation is either one-touch for the electric version or a lever for the manual line.

 

Price Manual dispenser, £199

 

Mini naans for canapés

 

Baked Earth Bakery has introduced garlic and coriander naan bites – mini versions of the firm’s naan breads. The garlic and coriander naans are supplied frozen and can be used to create canapés or mini pizzas or could be served as sides, starters, snacks or as nibbles to accompany drinks. The bites are suitable for vegans and take two to three minutes to cook in an oven or one to two minutes under the grill.

 

Price Pack of 200 naan bites, £18

 

Sweet and savoury buffet selections

 

Caterer Frank Dale has launched a savoury puff tart selection and a mini chocolate cup selection, both available frozen via distributor Central Foods. The savoury puff tart selection has 12 tomato, red pepper and feta tarts; 12 vintage Cheddar, leek and bacon; 12 garlic mushroom and spinach; and 12 salmon, cream cheese and chives. The mini chocolate cup selection includes 12 tiramisu; 12 lemon cheesecake; 12 banoffee pie; and 12 raspberry panna cotta.

 

Price Case of 48 savoury puff tarts, £25

 

Autumn colour cookware

 

French cast iron brand Chasseur has added a palette of autumnal cookware to its collection. The cast iron cookware, supplied through Signature FSE, is available in Meleze/Forest, Macadamia and Rosewood colourways. The new pots come in a variety of sizes and are made from more than 40% recycled material. The natural heat-retention properties of cast-iron make it suitable for a buffet display, and the cookware is compatible with all heat sources, including induction.

 

Price 20cm round casserole dish, from £131.67

 

Macarons with more filling

 

French pâtissier Tipiak has improved the recipe of its French macarons to create a more vibrant range for the UK foodservice sector, where each macaron now contains more filling, is larger and has added natural colouring for a brighter look. The macarons also have a longer defrosted shelf life of five days when chilled and covered. Each box contains 36 pieces in six flavours – caramel and sea salt; lemon; chocolate; raspberry; vanilla; and pistachio. The macarons take one hour to defrost in the fridge, plus 15 minutes at room temperature.

 

Price Case of 36 macarons, £18.68