WI Foods at the BBC Good Food show

If you are planning to visit the BBC Good Food Show this weekend at the NEC in Birmingham, keep an eye out for the WI Foods stand at F606.  There will also be the chance to win a free one-day cookery course at the WI Cookery School.

WI Foods: food is our heritage

For almost a century the Women's Institute has upheld the finest traditions in British cooking and baking. It is famous for its no-nonsense approach to cookery and the calibre of its timeless recipes. The organisation has a history that has good, wholesome, homemade food running through it. It seems only natural that the NFWI (National Federation of Women's Institutes), the largest Women's organisation in the UK, should share its heritage to create WI Foods. The idea has been in discussion and development for several years. The WI has been a voice of women since 1915, when it was set-up in the UK to revitalise rural communities and to encourage women to become involved in the production of food during World War I. The ethos of WI Foods is still exactly the same - to encourage women to become involved in the production and enjoyment of quality food.

WI Foods: a successful launch is followed by new products

The launch collection of products for WI Foods has now been on the shelves of retailers since the start of 2012. The jams and flour range have been listed by Waitrose, a special biscuit tin is now available in Lakeland, three of the biscuit varieties are being listed by Nisa and 19 Notcutts garden centres have also taken the range. In addition to this many independent retailers - garden centres, delicatessens and farm shops - have put their support behind WI Foods. Jo Maclaine, Waitrose Buyer Homebaking, Preserves, Sugar and Ambient Desserts, commented on the WI Foods listing in Waitrose; "I think the WI Foods jams taste true to their heritage – proper homemade jam with British fruit. The  ethos of the WI fits well with Waitrose and the range has been well received by customers in our branches. I selected the WI Foods flour as I was sure that the WI would have taken a great deal of care in sourcing a good flour for home baking. Our customers have put also their faith in the range of four flours, which are available in most Waitrose branches.”Now leading up to Christmas, WI Foods are launching their next group of products. Some of these are range extensions such as further jams and chutney and others are Christmas products and festive treats, including a Christmas pudding.

Exciting New Products: from plum jam to Christmas pudding

The first collection of preserves have proved popular, so it seemed a natural step to launch new flavours for the Autumn and Festive season. These include old favourites such as plum jam, apricot jam and military pickle through to more obviously festive indulgences such as apricots in brandy and peaches in brandy. Two new marmalade flavours have been added after the fabulous reception to the WI Foods Traditional English Marmalade. These are Lemon and Whisky and also a Thick Cut Seville version.  WI Foods has also put its seal of approval to a Brandy and Port Christmas Pudding and Traditional Mincemeat for baking homemade mince pies. The specifically seasonal products will be packaged in new packaging - WI Foods with a touch of Christmas.

Gift Selections: perfectly presented for special occasions

Either duo or trio gift bags are available as gifts for Christmas and of course for any other special occasion. The selections have been carefully balanced to provide a mix of price points and product combinations with simpler choices such as strawberry jam and shortbread biscuits or three packs of biscuit flavours. There are also Christmas choices with both the apricot and peaches in brandy packaged together. A mix of products has proved to be a popular way of purchasing via the website and so this has been extended both online and for retailers. These prepared packs can be purchased ready to give, or to send directly to the recipient from the website. Where the recipes come from: NFWI Archives:As the range extends, the archives of the NFWI (National Federation of Women's Institutes), continue to be used for the recipe and product development. There is a wealth of material for the producers to work with. Ruth Bond, NFWI Chair, explains how pleased they are with the range; "It is fantastic to already be developing the WI Foods range so extensively. We hope that our new additions will generate further awareness of this food brand and provide retailers with some exciting products and gift selections for the Christmas trade. We are appreciative of the support from retailers in having faith in the quality of our brand and from consumers in buying and enjoying WI Foods." 

"The aim is to encourage home baking and to bring wholesome food to the public, based on tried and trusted WI recipes and the money raised will further support the work of the NFWI.. –Ruth Bond
NFWI Chair