Dinner Lady's Delight as McCain unveils "Alternatives Purely Potato"

McCain Foods leading the way in product innovation

01/01/2008

McCain Foodservice is delighted to announce the launch of Alternatives Purely Potato, a range of delicious potato products unrestricted under School Food Trust guidelines. McCain hopes the range, produced and designed to be cooked without oil, may mark a turning point for some school meal providers struggling to entice pupils to try new school meals.

Adrian Greaves, McCain Foodservice Associate Director states: "Purely Potato cuts through the confusion around school meals. For each cooking method we have added information to help caterers know how often they can be served under current regulations"

Judy Hargadon Chief Executive of the School Food Trust comments, "It is great to see product innovation designed to tackle and help school caterers achieve the new food based standards. Clear and transparent labeling makes it easier for caterers, and we hope this example set by McCain, will be adopted by other food manufacturers."

Purely Potato products are part of the McCain Alternatives range, providing healthier versions of children's favourite products. They are water blanched potato products that are a flexible and convenient addition to any menu. They can be used as an ingredient in a wide range of popular favourites as well as a great tasting accompaniment to any meal.

Adrian Greaves continues, "We have conducted trials in a number of schools and Purely Potato has proved tremendously successful in the kitchens and with pupils. It's great to be able to offer these products to schools because they help caterers serve food their customers want. Hopefully products like these can help to reverse the current trend."

Barnfield West Academy, Luton - Maureen Weaver, Kitchen Manager comments:

"We found the range to be a great addition to the menu, especially since we have not served chips since the introduction of the new regulations"

"We served the dice as a potato option three times a week and it was always the children's favourite, even to the extent of asking for it on the days when we had alternative potato products available.

"The handling, storage and cooking of the product was easy and hassle free, enabling more time for us to focus on meal preparation.

"The trial proved to be an all round positive success, with the catering staff and children, and will look forward to the release of this new innovative product in January 2008."

Challney High School (Secondary School) Luton - Lesley Turner, Kitchen Manager said:

"Striking a balance between providing healthy, nutritious school dinners and giving children the food they love has become increasingly challenging since the introduction of the new regulations. At Challney High School Luton, we have witnessed a drop in school dinner uptake but welcome the proactive attempts by McCain to create exciting and innovative products to try and reverse the trend.

The McCain Alternatives Range:

Purely Potato

• Wedge
• Slice
• Dice

3% Fat Chip

• Country Style

Non Fry Favourites

• Mash
• Flake Mash
• Patties
• Croquettes

5% Fat Range

• McCain Oven Chips
• Country Style Dice
• Lumberjacks
• Wedges
• Roast Potatoes

Delights - fried chips with less than 6.5% fat for where oven baking is not possible

• Medium cut
• Thick Cut
• Country Style

Pizza - now with reduced salt and fat and available with a healthier base which contains a good source of fibre and the added goodness of wheat germ.

• Pizza Grande Cheese and Tomato
• Multiserve Pizza Cheese and Tomato