Caterer and Hotelkeeper – 19728
New in the fridge
Now available to the on-trade is White Lightning, from HP Bulmer (01432 352000). The white cider has already made a hit in the high street and now it's the pubs' and clubs' turn. It comes in a new, all-blue 275ml bottle and is 7.5% ABV.
Also new is Pernod Hex Wired, from Campbell Distillers (0181-568 4400), described as "an hexciting" mix of Pernod and the Madagascan herb anamalahobe, which gives it a "unique buzzy sensation on the tongue".
Chile moment
Wines of Chile is really hitting home with this year's larger-format tasting on Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 September at the Park Lane Hotel, Piccadilly, London. It's spread over two days instead of the previous one, and hours have been lengthened to cater for restaurant trade visitors.
On show will be 400 wines from 48 producers, with many more new names and brands aimed at the on-trade. Chile is still the fastest-growing wine producer in the UK, with sales up by 63% to more than 2.1 million cases last year.
Having made a noise in the off-trade, Chile is hell-bent on upping sales in the on-trade. "We realise the tremendous role the hotel and restaurant industry has in establishing the quality image of a country, and Chile's producers are keen to provide the wines and prices the sector is looking for," says Wines of Chile's Sue Pike.
The tasting will feature central varietal tables and all wineries will be present at their own stands. Opening times are 10am to 6pm on Tuesday and 10am to 4pm on Wednesday. Entry is by invitation only, and serious parties should contact Wines of Chile on 0171-222 2073.
Storing it up
Liebherr has launched a range of bottle coolers and storage units specially for the catering and hotel trade. The range includes wine coolers and wine storage refrigerators that allow wine to be stored for longish periods at constant temperatures.
Another design feature is the "unique" compressor mountings which ensure minimal vibration.
The units are available in white, burgundy and brown with solid, chromium or glass doors, all lockable. For details, call 01977 665665.
