Frozen food distributor Central Foods has unveiled a vegan, gluten-free pumpkin cheesecake for the foodservice sector.

Launched under its Menuserve range, the dessert has a gluten-free biscuit base, topped with vegan cheese mixed with 15% pumpkin puree, dark muscovado sugar and a biscuit crumb. The 14-serve treat is also spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.

“Adding savoury flavours to sweet products is a popular trend in the foodservice sector, and with cheesecake remaining in the list of top 10 desserts since at least 2008, according to BFFF/Horizons Menurama, caterers can be confident this new, on-trend variation will be a hit with customers,” said Gordon Lauder, Central Foods MD.

The NPD comes after Collingtree-based Central Foods debuted a vegetarian and gluten-free ruby chocolate and raspberry cheesecake last month.

The business supplies the foodservice sector with more than 400 different lines, including bakery items, canapes, desserts and puddings.

It currently sells to more than 220 independent wholesalers, as well as larger national and regional wholesalers, and foodservice caterers across the industry, including schools, bars, restaurants, hotels, garden centres, cafés and other outlets.

Lauder said the latest cheesecake would appeal to all diners, not just those with dietary requirements, and would help to “avoid menu proliferation”.

“It also means that venues and establishments are less likely to be caught out by unexpected customer demands if they have vegan, gluten-free desserts on the menu,” he said.