A survey undertaken by French pâtissier Tipiak has revealed the importance of food at parties and events.
As we head towards the Christmas season, the sweet and savoury pâtisserie specialist has revealed that 54% of people think that food is more important than drink when they attend an event such as a party or reception.
And one in two Brits will position themselves at a reception or party so that they have the best access to food or the waiter carrying the food.
The survey, undertaken by Perspectus Global on behalf of Tipiak, also shared valuable insight for food service professionals about how to serve canapés.
Four in ten Brits believe that you should be able to eat a canapé with just one bite and the respondents polled said that on average they would eat six canapés at an event.
Marie-Emmanuelle Chessé, international development project manager at Tipiak, which supplies frozen, authentic French sweet and savoury pâtisserie to the UK hospitality sector via frozen food distributor Central Foods, said: “The results of our survey are useful for food service professionals as we head towards the busy festive season with its receptions, parties and other celebrations.
“Canapés should be a key ingredient of any drinks reception or function, especially at Christmas. Tipiak’s authentic ‘thaw and serve’ range of canapés can help professional caterers to provide a delicious spread of snacks and bite-sized savoury treats for guests to accompany their drinks. Conveniently pre-prepared, Tipiak’s canapés simply need defrosting before serving – freeing up kitchen staff to concentrate on other parts of the food offering at Christmas parties and events.”
Based in France, Tipiak supplies a range of canapé selections to the UK food service sector, including vegetarian and vegan options. Each piece is prepared by expert bakers and cooks, and hand finished. The Tipiak canapé selections are perfect for Christmas events, cocktail parties, receptions, conferences, weddings and other occasions.
The research of 2,000 Britons was commissioned by Tipiak and conducted by Perspectus Global during June 2024.
French pâtissier Tipiak has improved the recipe of its authentic French macarons to create a more vibrant range for the UK food service sector.
Each piece now contains more filling, is larger in size and has been enriched with added natural colouring for a brighter look. At the same time, the raspberry macaron has been given a more creamy filling.
The new, improved French macarons, available frozen to the UK foodservice sector via distributor Central Foods, also have a longer defrost shelf life of five days when chilled and covered.
In addition, just like all Tipiak products, the thaw and serve range uses Fairtrade chocolate and free-range egg white for its French macarons selection, which is certified gluten-free by the French Association of Gluten Intolerance (AFDIAG).
Marie-Emmanuelle Chessé, international development project manager at Tipiak, said: “We are delighted to unveil our new, vibrant French macarons selection to the UK food service sector.
“Macarons are the shining stars of pâtisserie, with their gorgeous colours and flavours, and their crisp shells and soft centres. Visually appealing and tasting absolutely divine, they’ve become a huge hit on social media with around 10 million posts on Instagram alone.
“Our authentic Tipiak thaw and serve French macarons have been given a new recipe to make them even more attractive. They look stunning and are products that any food service operator would be proud to serve.”
Each box of Tipiak French macarons contains 36 pieces in six different flavours – caramel and sea salt, lemon, chocolate, raspberry, vanilla, and pistachio – and are perfect for a range of food service scenarios from afternoon tea through to hot beverage accompaniments.
Macarons are traditionally used in a café gourmand and can also be served as part of a light dessert or used to decorate cakes, shakes and other sweet treats. They are the ideal canvas to be decorated for special occasions like Easter, Christmas and Halloween. And with a diverse range of flavours, there is something to suit all tastes.
Tipiak’s French macarons take just one hour to defrost in the fridge, plus 15 minutes at room temperature. Keep chilled and consume within five days.
For more information about the Tipiak range available to the UK food service sector visit www.tipiakfoodservice.co.uk
More than half of consumers believe that macarons are an essential part of afternoon tea, according to a survey commissioned by French pâtissier Tipiak.
The research, to mark Afternoon Tea Week next month (12th to 18th August 2024), revealed that seven in ten Britons think that macarons are fashionable.
The confectionary favourites are regarded as being in the top four key ingredients that Brits want to see in their afternoon tea, following scones with clotted cream, mini Victoria sponge cakes and ham finger sandwiches.
Marie-Emmanuelle Chessé, international development project manager at Tipiak, said: “Macarons are one of the most treasured authentic French sweet treats in the world and we are delighted to see that they are so highly regarded as afternoon tea ingredients in Britain.
“Afternoon tea is a quintessentially British tradition which has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. It’s a great way to celebrate a birthday, baby shower, Mother’s Day or a special anniversary – or just to get together with friends or family for a catch up.
“Afternoon Tea Week is an annual celebration that’s the perfect time for food service operators to pull out all the stops and go to town with their afternoon tea menus, making sure of course that macarons are centre stage! This survey shows just how popular macarons are as an afternoon tea ingredient so don’t forget to include these wonderful products.
“Tipiak offers a range of thaw and serve, gluten-free macarons to the UK food service sector via key wholesalers, including the recently launched heart-shaped macarons, which are ideal for afternoon tea, as well as cake decorations, toppings for shakes and smoothies, and for use as part of a café gourmand.
“All our macarons are made to a traditional recipe and have the added convenience of being available frozen to food service operators so that they can defrost according to demand.”
The survey conducted by Perspectus Global for Tipiak in June 2024, polled 2,000 Britons about their thoughts on macarons and afternoon tea.
Some 53% believe that macarons are an essential part of afternoon tea. Respondents aged 18-29 (63%) and aged 30-44 (64%) were the age groups most likely to say that macarons are essential for afternoon tea – confirming just how popular these darlings are amongst the younger generations.
On average, Britons would eat three macarons in one sitting – rising to four on average for 18-29 year olds.
The survey revealed that Brits would like to see the following as part of afternoon tea served up in a food service setting:
Scones with clotted cream (59 percent)
Mini Victoria sponge cakes (48 percent)
Ham finger sandwiches (42 percent)
Macarons (42 percent)
Egg and cress finger sandwiches (39 percent)
Éclairs (38 percent)
Shortbread (35 percent)
Miniature quiches or savoury tarts (34 percent)
Chocolate-dipped strawberries (34 percent)
Mini fruit tartlets (32 percent)
Made in France to traditional recipes, Tipiak’s range of sweet and savoury pâtisserie is available frozen to UK food service operators via key wholesalers.
For more information about the Tipiak range available to the UK food service sector visit www.tipiakfoodservice.co.uk
We have been delighted to see Tipiak in the news so much recently.
Our products have featured in a host of UK food service magazine articles in publications such as The Caterer, Dine Out and Contract Catering.
Back in April, our new heart-shaped, gluten-free macarons came under the spotlight in a focus on cocktails, where they were showcased as an ideal cocktail decoration. You can read it here.
Tipiak had a couple of mentions in April’s Contract Catering magazine. Our gluten-free macarons featured in the muffins, cookies, cakes and donuts feature here, while our allergen fact sheets had a mention in the free-from feature here.
Also in April, The Caterer ran a feature on vegan and plant-based food, and we were excited to see our vegan cocktail selection of canapés receive a shout out.
Meanwhile in May, Tipiak products were featured in OOH magazine, TUCO magazine and Contract Catering magazine.
You can read the desserts, shakes and ice cream feature in May’s OOH magazine here, and the conference and banqueting feature in TUCO magazine here.
Contract Catering magazine also ran a feature on conference and banqueting in May, and our Tipiak thaw and serve products received some excellent exposure. Take a read of the article here.
Tipiak continues to be in the news as we head into summer. In June’s edition of OOH magazine our allergen factsheets are featured here in a free-from feature, and there’s also a ‘how to…’ piece on creating a macaron tower here. Tips courtesy of Tipiak!
Our allergen awareness factsheets are also featured in the summer edition of Care Home Catering magazine here.
To find out more about our frozen sweet and savoury pâtisserie available to the UK food service and catering sector, browse our ranges on the Tipiak foodservice website.
Our products are available via frozen food distributor Central Foods.
French pâtissier Tipiak has committed to using Fairtrade chocolate and free-range eggs in its sweet and savoury pâtisserie.
The ingredients switch has been made as part of the foodservice provider’s pledge to boost the ethical credentials of its authentic ‘thaw and serve’ products.
All chocolate used in Tipiak’s sweet products is now Fairtrade, while all products made with egg now contain free-range eggs.
Marie-Emmanuelle Chessé, international development project manager at Tipiak, said: “We regularly look at the recipes and ingredients of our sweet and savoury pâtisserie to see if we can improve them in any way.
“I am delighted to announce that Tipak is now solely using Fairtrade chocolate in all chocolate products and that we have committed to using only free-range eggs in anything that is made using egg.
“This is a positive move for our customers, who can promote the fact that we have updated and improved our ingredients to their own customers.”
Tipiak specialises in exquisitely French sweet and savoury pâtisserie, supplied frozen to the UK food service sector via frozen food distributor Central Foods.
Its range includes petits fours, gluten-free macarons and a selection of different savoury canapés. Tipiak’s ‘thaw and serve’ products are used across the food service sector in a variety of settings including afternoon tea, buffets, wedding, graduation and other event catering, plus as accompaniments to hot beverages and as light desserts.
Its macarons are made to a traditional French recipe and are gluten free – making them suitable for coeliac customers and those who avoid gluten.
Products available in the UK which now feature Fairtrade chocolate include chocolate macarons (one of the flavours in the French macarons selection), chocolate heart-shaped macarons (which feature in the heart-shaped macarons alongside strawberry heart-shaped macarons) and chocolate petits fours in the Classic French petits fours selection.
Savoury range items that now include free-range egg include traditional Chicago canapés, Provencal bistro canapés and luxury temptation canapés, while the sweet pâtisserie products containing free-range egg include French macarons, pop macarons fruits and the heart-shaped macarons, plus the classic French petits fours.
For more information about the range visit https://www.tipiakfoodservice.co.uk/range/
French pâtissier Tipiak has committed to using Fairtrade chocolate and free-range eggs in its sweet and savoury pâtisserie.
The ingredients switch has been made as part of the foodservice provider’s pledge to boost the ethical credentials of its authentic ‘thaw and serve’ products.
All chocolate used in Tipiak’s sweet products is now Fairtrade, while all products made with egg now contain free-range eggs.
Marie-Emmanuelle Chessé, international development project manager at Tipiak, said: “We regularly look at the recipes and ingredients of our sweet and savoury pâtisserie to see if we can improve them in any way.
“I am delighted to announce that Tipak is now solely using Fairtrade chocolate in all chocolate products and that we have committed to using only free-range eggs in anything that is made using egg.
“This is a positive move for our customers, who can promote the fact that we have updated and improved our ingredients to their own customers.”
Tipiak specialises in exquisitely French sweet and savoury pâtisserie, supplied frozen to the UK food service sector via frozen food distributor Central Foods.
Its range includes petits fours, gluten-free macarons and a selection of different savoury canapés. Tipiak’s ‘thaw and serve’ products are used across the food service sector in a variety of settings including afternoon tea, buffets, wedding, graduation and other event catering, plus as accompaniments to hot beverages and as light desserts.
Its macarons are made to a traditional French recipe and are gluten free – making them suitable for coeliac customers and those who avoid gluten.
Products available in the UK which now feature Fairtrade chocolate include chocolate macarons (one of the flavours in the French macarons selection), chocolate heart-shaped macarons (which feature in the heart-shaped macarons alongside strawberry heart-shaped macarons) and chocolate petits fours in the Classic French petits fours selection.
Savoury range items that now include free-range egg include traditional Chicago canapés, Provencal bistro canapés and luxury temptation canapés, while the sweet pâtisserie products containing free-range egg include French macarons, pop macarons fruits and the heart-shaped macarons, plus the classic French petits fours.
For more information about the range visit https://www.tipiakfoodservice.co.uk/range/
Looking to romanticise your beverage menu this Valentine’s Day?
Tipiak’s heart-shaped macarons make the perfect addition to romantic Valentine’s Day cocktails.
Our newly launched heart-shaped macarons are gluten-free, meaning they are suitable for coeliac customers and those who avoid gluten too.
Each Tipiak French heart-shaped macarons selection features ten chocolate and ten strawberry macarons. Ideal flavours for Valentine’s Day!
Made to a traditional French recipe, they simply need defrosting in a refrigerator for two hours, plus 15 minutes at room temperature.
They make a super romantic gesture when serving cocktails this Valentine’s Day. Either add the heart-shaped macarons as a topping to the cocktail or serve on the side. Your guests are bound to love the romantic touch.
Just like all of Tipiak’s ‘thaw and serve’ macarons, they are available to the UK food service sector via frozen food distributor Central Foods.
With their smooth crisp shell and soft creamy filling, Tipiak’s macaron range includes the classic French macarons you know and love, as well as exciting flavours in the pop macaron fruits selection.
The heart-shaped macarons collection is the most recent selection added to the range available to the UK food service and catering sector.
Versatile
As well as helping to romanticise cocktails, Tipiak’s heart-shaped macarons can also be added to cakes as decorations and toppings.
Or why not serve a heart-shaped macaron as an accompaniment to coffee or as part of an afternoon tea this Valentine’s Day?
Everyone likes a little romantic gesture. Tipiak’s ‘thaw and serve’ heart-shaped macarons are the ideal way for food service operators to add a romantic touch to their menus.
Not only are the heart-shaped macarons stunning to look at, they’re also delicious too – a truly lovely way to treat your customers this Valentine’s Day.
As the new year gets under way, we have some events catering ideas from Tipiak to help with planning.
Food is generally a key part of any function, whether that’s a wedding, graduation, a summer ball or some other celebration. A buffet or a sit-down meal is a centre piece.
At Tipiak we have some great-tasting ‘thaw and serve’ products to make catering easy. We like to think of ourselves as the perfect partner in the professional kitchen.
Our range available to the UK foodservice sector via frozen food distributor Central Foods includes both sweet and savoury pâtisserie.
It features a variety of exquisitely French savoury canapés, some of which are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Plant-based dining has become so popular that some events are now making entire courses, like the hors d’oeuvres, vegan or vegetarian. This makes it easier for caterers.
Our Tipiak canapés selections are made with the finest ingredients, prepared by our expert bakers and cooks, and hand-finished. From weddings to awards, cocktail parties to conferences, we have a bite-sized delight to suit them all.
Choose from the Tipiak Vegan Cocktail Selection, the Provençal Bistro Canapés Vegetarian, the Traditional Chicago Canapés or the Luxury Temptation Canapés.
Sweet treats
Our events catering ideas from Tipiak also include a range of sweet treats such as petits fours, pop éclairs, and gluten-free macarons.
So simple to serve, they provide a delightful variety of authentic French products which are sure to go down well.
All our frozen pâtisserie for food service contains easy thawing instructions on the box. This helps professional chefs and kitchen staff to plan – making sure they serve products at their very best. As a guide, our savoury canapés, for example, take between two and four hours to defrost in the fridge.
We’ve been helping chefs and kitchen professionals cater for events for many years. Whether it’s a corporate event, a celebration or ceremony, Tipiak has the frozen pâtisserie to help the function go well.
If you’re looking for events catering ideas from Tipiak, browse our ranges here.
French pâtissier Tipiak has launched its stunning heart-shaped macarons range into the UK food service sector ahead of Valentine’s Day.
Available exclusively via frozen food distributor Central Foods, the heart-shaped macarons selection features ten strawberry and ten chocolate pieces.
And just like Tipiak’s other authentic ‘thaw and serve’ macarons, they are produced in a certified gluten-free area to a traditional French recipe.
Marie-Emmanuelle Chessé, international development project manager at Tipiak, said: “We are delighted to be launching our eye-catching Tipiak heart-shaped macarons for food service customers in the UK.
“Macarons are one of the most treasured French desserts in the world and these heart-shaped versions are especially appealing.
“Made in France, they are unique to the UK frozen food service sector and can be served in a whole host of ways to brighten up and romanticise desserts, cakes, and beverage menus. Simply thaw and serve, et voilà!”
Made using natural colours from quality ingredients such as beetroot and dark chocolate, each 15g macaron contains just 67 calories. The heart-shaped macarons take two hours to defrost in the fridge, plus a further 15 minutes at room temperature. Keep chilled and consume within 24 hours.
The new heart-shaped macarons join Tipiak’s classic French macarons and French pop macaron fruits selections which are already available to the UK food service sector via key wholesalers.
Frozen pâtisserie specialist Tipiak is the perfect partner for Christmas and New Year’s Eve catering.
With the festive season now in full swing, Tipiak offers an authentic range of sweet and savoury ‘thaw and serve’ pâtisserie that’s ideal for parties, receptions, and other events.
Our canapés make superb hors d’oeuvres. Choose from a range of deliciously different ‘thaw and serve’ selections.
The Tipiak Vegan Cocktail Selection is so tasty it will appeal to all, not just your customers with dietary requirements.
The Tipiak Provencal Bistro Canapés Selection features 63 individual pieces that are suitable for vegetarians – but again it’ll go down well with everyone.
We also offer the Traditional Chicago Canapés and the Luxury Temptation Canapés…two stunning collections with delicious flavours that really are a chef’s best friend.
Sweet treats
The Tipiak exquisitely French range also includes ‘thaw and serve’ sweet pâtisserie.
Our French Macarons and our French Pop Macarons Fruits are both certified gluten free – making them suitable for coeliacs and customers who avoid gluten.
We also offer award-winning French Pop Éclairs, plus two petits fours collections…. Classic French Petits Fours and French Chocolate Petits Fours. All are absolutely delicious and look amazing when plated.
If you’re seeking a pop of colour and exquisite flavour for any festive afternoon tea, Tipiak’s sweet pâtisserie is just the ticket.
Christmas and New Year’s Eve are always a busy time, but Tipiak’s ‘thaw and serve’ sweet and savoury pâtisserie can help make life easier for caterers.
The frozen pâtisserie just needs thawing according to the instructions on the box, before serving to guests. Et voilà!
Our sweet and savoury pâtisserie selections are available to the UK food service market via various key wholesalers. You’ll also find our French Macarons in the frozen aisles at wholesale giant Booker, which has more than 170 sites.
Find out more about the Tipiak frozen pâtisserie range available here.
Tipiak was delighted to sponsor the Afternoon Tea of the Year Award in the Garden Centre Catering Awards 2023.
Congratulations to St Peter’s Garden Centre near Worcester which took top slot for their afternoon tea.
Other winners were Thetford Garden Centre in Norfolk, which was named Independent Garden Centre Caterer of the Year, Bosworth Garden Centre Company in Burton Latimer, Northamptonshire, which was Group Garden Centre Caterer of the Year, and Tong Garden Centre Catering in Bradford, which was the winner of the Sustainability Award.
“All award competitions are interesting, but few are as enjoyable as this one, which has offered endless opportunities to spend sunny (and some rainy) days examining – and sampling – the truly imaginative fare that is now the hallmark of so many garden centres,” said Val Hirst, editor of Garden Centre Catering magazine.
“With entries arriving from every size of centre, including the larger chains and the more modestly sized independents and from companies with multiple outlets to those with just two or three, the judges were faced with a plethora of choice at every stage and in every category.
Award criteria
“Ultimately, we were looking to reward cafés and restaurants where everything came together as part of a cohesive whole. In the first instance, ambience was important. This meant attractive décor, comfortable seating, pleasing views and good facilities in the way of parking, toilets, highchairs and outdoor eating opportunities.
“And obviously, the food had to pass muster too. Extra points were awarded for more adventurous menu options, together with the provision of plant-based and gluten free dishes, perfect presentation and excellent cooking skills. And, needless to say, the warmth of the welcome and the overall efficiency of the catering service were regarded as other vital attributes.
“However, there’s no point in having the perfect venue if no one knows about it, so promotional efforts were also taken into consideration, as was the provision of extra events and services.”
The Garden Centre Catering Awards will return next year, with more details available in Spring 2024.
Tipiak offers a wide range of sweet and savoury pâtisserie for garden centre cafés and restaurants. Take a look at the range here.
Check out more information about the Garden Centre Catering Awards here.
