Belazu has launched a new range of premium olives and antipasti, tapping into the UK’s growing appetite for small plates and grazing-style dining. Now available in store and online at Sainsbury’s and Tesco, and online via Ocado from 22nd April, the collection brings the company’s signature flavours and restaurant-quality into everyday occasions at home.
The launch reflects a wider shift in UK eating habits, with 68% of shoppers seeking premium, ready-to-serve solutions and 34% no longer sticking to three traditional meals a day. Grazing, sharing and all-day snacking are becoming dominant formats, particularly among younger consumers. As big-ticket spending, such as holidays, is squeezed, shoppers are trading up within their weekly shop, opting for premium savoury snacks and antipasti as affordable, yet luxury treats.
This movement aligns with the growing influence of Mediterranean-style dining, characterised by bold, fresh flavours and a social approach to eating. With more than 30 years’ experience supplying chefs and restaurants with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern ingredients, Belazu is uniquely positioned to bring professional, quality ingredients into retail.
Restaurants have been at the forefront of this movement, using sharing plates and snacking-led menus to attract diners. Insights from the latest ‘Belazu Breakfast’ roundtable – attended by leading London chefs including Hide’s chef director, Josh Angus and The Palomar and The Barbary’s co-founder and managing director, Zoe Paskin – highlight how diners are seeking flexible, social ways to enjoy high-quality food.
Hide’s chef director, Josh Angus says: “We’re seeing a real shift towards more flexible, social eating. People are willing to spend a bit more for treats at home as they are spending less on eating out. When they are eating out they are now looking for quality experiences, provenance and stories behind their ingredients and opportunities to spend their money in the most effective, fun and flexible way.”
Belazu’s Olives & Antipasti range includes:
Sicilian Nocellara del Belice Giant Olives
Regularly featured across the UK’s best restaurants, these olives are cured in the traditional Castelvetrano style to maintain the freshness, vivid green colour, naturally buttery sweetness and crisp texture.
Halkidiki Lemon and Coriander Colossal Olives Hand-Stuffed with Garlic
This elegant yet bold combination features colossal Halkidiki olives, hand-stuffed with fragrant garlic, gently mixed with Belazu’s iconic preserved lemons and aromatic coriander seeds.
Calabrian Chilli Artichokes with a Hint of Basil
Hand-mixed and marinated in extra virgin olive oil, this antipasti combines Calabrian chilli and fragrant basil for a vibrant blend of classic Italian flavours.
Puglian Balsamic Tomatoes
These semi-dried and slow-roasted tomatoes, sourced from Puglia, Italy, are prepared in a traditional sun-drying process that intensifies their sweetness while maintaining a juicy texture. Marinated in Belazu’s signature Balsamic Vinegar of Modena 1.17, the result is rich and vibrant.
Halkidiki Genovese Basil Pesto Mammoth Olives
Based on Belazu’s award-winning Genovese Basil Pesto, these olives are hand-mixed with fresh Italian basil and Parmigiano Reggiano PDO to create a rich, aromatic blend of Mediterranean flavours.
Mediterranean Halkidiki & Kalamata Olives with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
A classic, hand-mixed antipasti featuring mammoth Halkidiki and jumbo Kalamata olives with semi-dried tomatoes and Mediterranean herbs, marinated in Belazu’s signature Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.
Retail listings include:
Sainsbury’s (2 olives and 2 antipasti):
Sicilian Nocellara del Belice Giant Olives
Halkidiki Lemon and coriander colossal olives hand-stuffed with garlic
Calabrian Chilli Artichokes with a hint of basil
Puglian Balsamic Tomatoes
Tesco (3 olive mixes):
Sicilian Nocellara Del Belice Giant Olives
Mediterranean Halkidiki & Kalamata olives with sun-dried tomatoes
Halkidiki Genovese Basil pesto Mammoth olives
Ocado (3 olive mixes):
Sicilian Nocellara Del Belice Giant Olives
Halkidiki Lemon and coriander colossal olives hand-stuffed with garlic
Halkidiki Genovese Basil pesto Mammoth olives
