Ya’Mon! Funnybones Foodservice is introducing three new food concepts to more conveniently bring flavors of the Caribbean and Mexico to consumers in the United Kingdom. Its newly launched range of Irie Eats, distributed in frozen form, features authentic cuisine from Jamaica and the other West Indies islands formulated to be sold as street food as well as served in restaurants.
Funnybones is part of Grace Foods UK, which is owned by the largest Jamaican food distributor in the world, the Kingston-headquartered GraceKennedy Group. Its cuisine portfolio features a blend of ethnic African, Arabian and Indian influences. While each Caribbean island has its own culinary twist, most of the dishes are Jamaica-centric.
“The food that we are offering through Irie Eats is in our DNA, and we are proud to bring our heritage to this new concept,” said Development Chef Tom Styman-Heighton. “Being a Jamaican-based brand, we are delighted with the current level of interest in Caribbean food in the UK, and we are now achieving a long held ambition to launch a Caribbean food concept which can be easily adapted to suit any foodservice environment.”
Jerk chicken is a centerpiece of the menu choices, but other lesser known options to consumers outside the Caribbean are also included. Among them are Callaloo Stew, Saltfish, Green Plantains and Cassava Fries.
Additionally, there are four different versions of popular grab-and-go Jamaican Patties, as well as more substantial takeaway dishes such as Curried Mutton, Curried Chicken and side dishes like Rice and Peas. Meat ingredients are halal-certified, and there are low fat and vegan options.
The word Irie (pronounced eye-ree) means nice, good or pleasing in Jamaican patois. It is also used as a friendly greeting in the Rastafarian community. The product line’s branding, menus and colorful signage are distinctively styled to catch the attention of consumers.
Arriba Amigos!
Meanwhile, Funnybones Foodservice is introducing two new Tex-Mex food concepts that are presented as variants on the tacos and nachos theme. Fully branded and suited for a temporary pop-up restaurant or permanent premises, the products provide customers with quick, tasty and convenient meal options.
La Mexicana brand Nacheria boasts nachos with cheese and meat toppings and authentic sides such as Tostones. Also on the menu are sweet nachos, which are crispy fried treats drenched with sugar and served with a choice of ice cream, compote, chocolate or caramel sauces.
La Mexicana Taqueria features tacos with all the trimmings, either in traditional taco shells or the new Taco Boats that make eating them while on the go so much easier.
Olé!
