Ingredients processor Silvery Tweed Cereals has teamed up with Berwick-upon-Tweed baker James Ford & Son to develop a new product line-up.
As part of the partnership, the third-generation bakery business has undertaken test baking on the range, providing feedback and finished products for the NPD team of the Borders-based cereal specialist.
The connection between the two companies was forged during lockdown in 2020, when Silvery Tweed sought a local solution when distance prevented the business from working with its traditional test baking partner to produce product samples for customers.
The processor, which manufactures flour, cereal flakes, grain, seed blends and bespoke products for various bakery brands, hopes to launch its new range in autumn 2021.
“When approached by Silvery Tweed to help them develop the new bread with all their different colours and flavours, I was more than happy to help,” said Jim Ford of the family baker.
“My grandfather trained both my father and me, so there is a lot of knowledge that we have been able to offer as part of the development. A few of the products were a little tricky, so this know-how became invaluable to the process.”
Robert Gladstone, managing director of Silvery Tweed, described the company’s new product range as “a little different to anything we’ve done before”, so was grateful for Ford’s work on its evolution.
“With most of the raw grain we process coming from within a 40-mile radius of our factory, we are proud of our local partnerships,” said Gladstone.
“Having the opportunity to tap into 72 years of baking expertise is fantastic, and not something every company has on their doorstep. The support Jim has given us is brilliant and has helped us refine our offering at the development stage. This is just the start of what I hope will be a long partnership.”
In April, Silvery Tweed increased its warehousing capacity with the opening of a new 12,000 sq ft facility. Gladstone said the company is constantly looking for ways to expand its range.
“The demand for new, innovative, products is always there,” he said. “We are always on the lookout for the next food trend so we can help our customers stay one step ahead.”
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