Zess and Sysco join forces to launch plant-based deli fillers through Brakes

Zess, a UK-based start-up that specialises in helping people make smarter food choices, has joined forces with Sysco GB to create and launch Zess Explore, claimed to be the UK’s first range of plant-based deli fillers.

The new products, which are being hand-prepared at Fresh Kitchen – part of Fresh Direct’s Food Village in Bicester – were created in response to the lack of inspiring, ready-to-serve, plant-based fillings currently available.

Available from Brakes, there are three products in the range: Roasted Sicilian Caponata, Chipotle & Corn Veggie Barbacoa and Sweet Potato & Butternut Dhansak. They can be used in popular choices including sandwiches, jacket potatoes, pizza topping, tacos, salads, and wraps. The products are offered at an introductory promotional price of £9.99 for a 1kg tub, before trade discounts.

Hiren Umradia, CEO at Zess, said: “Zess was born out of a desire to revolutionise food choices for health and the environment. In busy kitchens, there simply isn’t time to develop the exciting plant-based products that people want. This often means that those wanting a plant-based option face boring choices that simply don’t inspire them. With Fresh Kitchen, we’re introducing a game-changing combination of exciting flavours, hand-produced to high standards that are not just healthy, but tantalisingly delicious, through the nation’s largest wholesaler, Brakes.”