Italian cookware brand Essteele has launched Essenza, a new PFAS-free ceramic nonstick collection designed and made in Italy. Essenza arrives as awareness around PFAS in cookware coatings continues to grow among Australian consumers. The collection’s 4-layer ceramic nonstick coating is made from natural minerals and contains no PFAS, while the pan body is constructed from 100% recycled aluminium. A stainless steel base ensures compatibility across all cooktops, including induction. The range launches in three sizes of Open French Skillet: 24cm, 28cm and 32cm. The pans are dishwasher safe and oven safe to 180°C. The collection comes in modern packaging designed to reflect a clean-living ethos, making it a considered gift option for home cooks or newlyweds. Meyer Cookware Australia Head of Marketing Neeraj Sharma says, “Essenza embodies everything we believe great cookware should be: beautifully made, built to last, and better for the people using it. With its PFAS-free ceramic coating crafted from natural minerals and a body made from 100% recycled aluminium, Essenza is a collection we are genuinely proud to bring to Australian kitchens. This is Italian design at its most purposeful.” Key features of the Essenza collection include: Designed and made in Italy – High performance with Italian craftsmanship. PFAS-free ceramic nonstick coating – Made from natural minerals for superior scratch resistance and food release. 100% recycled aluminium pan body – Lightweight construction for fast and even heat distribution. Universal cooktop compatibility – Stainless steel base works on all cooktops including induction. Ergonomic handles – Designed for comfort, balance and control. Dishwasher and oven safe – Oven safe to 180°C. The Essenza collection is available now at Myer, David Jones and the Essteele website, priced between $119.95 and $159.95. Source: Tide PR Find more food retail updates on Crumb Wire.

Mutti has launched a nationwide campaign to help home cooks navigate the canned tomato aisle with more confidence. The Italian tomato brand’s ‘This Can Can‘ campaign is designed to match the right canned tomato to the right dish, tapping into a genuine shopping behaviour: when the shelf feels overwhelming, most people just reach for what they know. This Can Can aims to change that by making Mutti’s range easier to navigate, with clearer guidance on which product works best for specific cooking occasions, from a quick weeknight pasta to a slow-cooked ragu. Mutti Marketing Director ANZ Samantha Filocamo says the campaign was built around a simple insight. “When the shelf feels complicated and hard to navigate, people reach for what they know, and we wanted This Can Can to clearly show which Mutti tomato works best for each cooking occasion, making it easier for shoppers to choose with confidence and explore more of the category. “As premium category leaders in canned tomatoes, we saw an opportunity to simplify the shelf and drive meaningful education within the aisle across our speciality range, whilst supporting one of our most recognisable SKUs (stock keeping units), Polpa. “By highlighting clearer usage cues in a fresh and unexpected way, our campaign’s creative executions position Mutti as a brand whose ‘cans can’ do it all.” The campaign is running across retailer websites, a partnership with Taste.com, and in-store across floor decals, shelf wobblers and tower displays at more than 3,200 stores nationally. Source: Wired Co. Find more food retail updates on Crumb Wire.

Hard FIZZ is launching its first new flavour in almost a year, with a vodka lime and soda set to hit shelves in the next few months. The independent beverage brand, co-owned by Grammy-nominated music producer and DJ FISHER, is making the move into vodka as consumption of the spirit surges 12.7% nationally. Having built its range around seltzer, starting with lemonade and pineapple blends, Hard FIZZ is now moving into vodka territory with two new releases: a vodka lime and soda and a vodka version of its best-selling watermelon flavour. The shift signals the beginning of a broader pivot away from seltzer as the brand’s core range. Both new blends come in at 4% ABV with 80 calories per 330ml can and zero sugar, positioning them within the growing better-for-you drinks category. The numbers back the trend: in 2021, just 21% of vodka RTDs on the market were classed as better-for-you. That figure now sits at 45%. CEO Wade Tiller says the brand took its time with this one. “We’ve been really prolific with our releases over the years but we definitely took our time with this one, and while I’m probably biased, I think it’s bang on perfect. “Vodka RTDs have been flying off the shelves of late – specifically, low calorie, no sugar varieties – and we wanted to be at the forefront of that. “It’s actually really interesting, the growth of ‘healthier’ alcoholic beverages in recent years. In 2021, just 21% of all vodka RTDs on the market were classed as ‘better for you’ and that’s now up to 45% – that’s people voting with their feet. “Vodka lime and soda is a fan favourite at the bar, but our version is distinctly FIZZ and doesn’t have any of the nasties.” The launch comes ahead of a busy period for the brand, with Hard FIZZ set to join DJ FISHER on his national Out 2 Lunch roadshow, giving consumers a chance to sample the new products before they hit shelves widely. “It’s going to be a lot of fun,” says Tiller. “FIZZ is Fish’s baby, but there’s always been a really good synergy between dance music and festivals and drinks. “It’s a great way for consumers to sample the product and have a great time as they do it. Out 2 Lunch is going to set us up for the next 12 months.” Source: Wolf PR Find more food retail updates on Crumb Wire.

La Madonna, the refined Italian-French restaurant at Next Hotel Melbourne, has opened its doors for lunch. Previously operating for dinner only, the Little Collins Street restaurant is now serving Tuesday to Friday from 12 pm to 2 pm, with a menu from Michelin-trained Executive Chef Jacopo Degli Esposti. Reservations are offered within a 40-minute window, making it a practical option for office workers and business lunches, with two courses priced at $35 and three at $45. La Lunch Menu The menu leans into classic French-Italian flavours with a lighter touch suited to the middle of the day. Mains include steak frites with sauce poivre, poached and roasted octopus with caponata and gremolata, beef cheek bourguignonne and gnocchi with king prawns and fried sage. Entrees include stracciatella with basil oil and pickled eggplant, while desserts include tiramisu and lemon popsicle. Sides such as cauliflower gratin are available to add on. Esposti says the lunch menu is a condensed version of what La Madonna delivers by night. “For this menu, we have created something which exemplifies the considered, flavour-filled French-Italian cuisine La Madonna is known for by night, but a condensed version, knowing that people are more time conscious at lunch. “We’ve also focused on delivering lunch at a sharp price point, as we know affordability is top of mind for many. The result is a well-rounded two-or three-course dining experience enjoyed in under an hour, in a relaxed yet stylish setting, at a very reasonable price.” La Madonna is located on Level 3 at Next Hotel, 103 Little Collins Street, Melbourne. Find more dining out updates on Crumb Wire.