Carobco: Proud to be SALSA-approved!
A small UK producer of nutritious Australian carob products has set out its stall – in Yorkshire!
Carobco Ltd are a small organic food specialist, manufacturing and supplying their own range of carob snacks and food ingredients in the form of spreads, nibbles, bars, powders and syrups made from imported high grade Australian carob. Carobco also offer private label and supply bulk ingredients to food manufacturers and caterers.
Based in Sheffield, Carobco has over 30 years’ experience of working with carob and is known in the industry as the ‘Carob Connoisseurs’. ‘As a food ingredient, our premium carob, with around 50% natural sugars, comes in four formats; raw powder and kibble, roast powder and syrup,’ says Jonathan Drury, Managing Director. ‘In addition, our products have zero added sugar, oils or preservatives and we are certified Organic by the Soil Association.
Carob (Ceratonia Seliqua) is a shrub which produces the naturally sweet legume from its branches. There are over two hundred varieties and the company claim to grow only varieties with the highest natural sugar content, offering a much tastier experience! All Carobco’s products are suitable for vegetarians, vegans and those looking for caffeine-free and gluten-free items. Their Savvy Organic carob sesame spread ‘Gold Original’ won a Great Taste Award in 2016 and their Date & Carob Spread won Yorkshire's Best Sweet Preserve aware in 2014.
With a team of just five full-time employees who all hold a deep understanding and knowledge of their product, Carobco’s innovation and quality are the hallmark of their products and appetising recipes. As a food ingredient, carob has a unique taste, adding natural sweetness and depth of flavour. It can be used in cooking - with or in place of cocoa powder - in pastries, cakes, pancakes, icing, hot drinks and even smoothies. ‘For your baking recipes, just replace half the sugar with our carob for a sweet yet nutritious taste,’ recommends Jonathan. ‘Carob is rich in calcium, iron, phosphorus and natural fibre. Among its numerous health benefits, carob lowers cholesterol, improves digestion, helps with weight control issues, and alleviates the symptoms of osteoporosis, colds and flu,’ he adds. What’s not to like!
Carobco were keen to supply organic retailer Whole Foods Market and health food chain Holland & Barrett, both of which required Carobco to be SALSA-Approved. The business was first audited in July 2016 and has been flying the SALSA flag since last September. ‘The audit process has been extremely beneficial to the business. We now have confidence to approach other national buyers with our SALSA Approval.’
Jonathan is clearly proud of his carob! ‘We have an exclusive supply agreement with a large Australian carob farm, specialising in high grade sweet carob and offering maximum traceability which means we have a serious leading edge over our competitors. Traceability is extremely important, particularly given the recent recalls of salmonella-tainted Mediterranean carob. Our single, family-run Australian farm of 6,000 trees and the dedicated carob facility is also the only certified nut-free and allergen-free carob facility in the world.’
For more information about Carobco Ltd please see the SALSA Directory or visit their website: www.carobco.com
