Briefs

n Chatwins has invested £40,000 in setting up a new venture called Chatwins Direct. The bakery will deliver lunch to workers in the Crewe and Nantwich area, including sandwiches, drinks, homemade soups, pies and pasties. Chatwins aims to create a fleet of eight vehicles over the next year.

n Krispy Kreme has introduced a new whole wheat glazed doughnut to its menu in America. The new product, made from 100% caramel-flavoured whole wheat, has 180 calories. The company, which has 395 stores worldwide, is trying to attract health-conscious consumers.

n Artist Christina Mingard will work in the gallery above The Village Bakery in Melmerby, Cumbria. She will be joined by a number of artists to paint the scenes from the gallery windows throughout the year. At the beginning of March, Ken Spencer from Northumberland will join her for two months.

n The California Raisins Administrative Committee has announced its fourth annual Innovation Award with a trip to California up for grabs. It is looking for innovative uses of raisins. The closing date for the competition is 31 May.

n SHM Smith Hodgkinson, an auctioneer, has been appointed on behalf of KPMG to sell off food manufacturing equipment for Bonne Bouche Frozen (UK). The frozen cake and dessert manufacturer, based in Hartlepool, went into liquidation in February. The sale is set to take place from 16 to 19 April.