New products, the latest trends and foodie news
SISTER ACT
Award-winning snack brand Squirrel Sisters was founded by Gracie and Sophie Tyrrell in 2015. The entire Squirrel Sistersrange is free of added sugar, vegan and gluten-free. The sweetness comes from natural ingredients such as dates. Look out for the peanut caramel bar which is also a source of plant protein in stores now.
RISING STARS
The winners of the third edition of Spinneys Local Business Incubator have been announced and we can’t wait to see more of these home-grown brands in store.
Rory’s Apawthecary is geared toward our favourite furry companions. Developed out of a desire to use pet products that are no different from the ones made for humans, Rory’s Apawthecary offers a line of non-toxic, plant-based and cruelty-free dog shampoo, conditioner, ear cleaner, blankets and more.
Shona Hind is the founder of Free Me Company, which makes DEET- and chemical-free mosquito repellent spray. It contains organic essential oils of citronella and lemongrass. The mosquito repellent was only the first of a line of naturally kind products. Shona’s customers wanted more so she developed an organic after-sun soother made from aloe vera juice, rose water and organic English chamomile essential oil. More products are currently in the pipeline.
New parents Layla and Hamdan Khafaji were inspired to create Rumi, a baby food brand offering nutrient-dense and convenient products, after the birth of their son Rumi. It promises to carve a niche for itself by offering products that are made from locally-sourced, organic ingredients without any added sugar, dairy, gluten, GMOs, antibiotics, gums and pesticides.
Handcrafted in the UAE, Frio is the MENA’s first artisan sparkling water. It has five flavours at present – classic, grapefruit, coconut, strawberry and lemon – available in sleek 330ml aluminium cans.
Yara Mersi is the brains behind Oatful, the UAE’s first high-protein, overnight oats. She and her team have developed fi ve delicious overnight oats mixes that are packed with 20g+ of protein, superfoods and fibre.
SIMPLY THE BEST
Foodies, keep your calendars free at the end of January for the best of the best will be descending on Abu Dhabi once again. A series of exclusive culinary experiences will take place in the run-up to the second edition of MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards on 30 January 2023. Mauro Colagreco, Tala Bashmi, Hiroyasu Kawate and Karim Bourgi are just some of the stars who will be offering one-time-only dining events ahead of the big night. Diners can reserve tables through each host restaurant, which will have its own booking system.
