Consumption occasions and settings have changed significantly over the past few years and through the pandemic, with drive-through and takeaway options thriving during times of social distancing and lockdowns.
Maltra Foods began producing cafe beverages in Melbourne 25 years ago. Now with three manufacturing sites across two states, the company is described as Australia’s leading co-creation partner in this space, fulfilling a wide range of dry powder and liquid food and beverage projects for cafes, foodservice operations or beverage vending machines.
“Maltra Foods proudly partners itself with suppliers and customers globally, and we specialise in understanding our customer needs and delivering on these,” Brand Manager Nathan Alfrey said.
“With several brands catering to different areas of the market as well as contract manufacturing solutions, Maltra Foods is your one-stop supplier for your hot and cold beverage menu.”
Maltra’s Arkadia brand is a name synonymous with cafe indulgence. Born in the laneways of Melbourne, it began life with a small range of drinking chocolates and chai powders. This has grown to become the “biggest” range in Australia and is still made in Melbourne.
Mr Alfrey boasts that Arkadia is the “number one” chai brand in cafe, foodservice, vending and retail in Australia. It has recently added a growing range of syrups for hot and cold applications.
“The Arkadia range is constantly growing,” Mr Alfrey said, adding that several new syrup flavours will be added to the range throughout this year.
Urban Barista is the newest brand in the Maltra Foods line-up, with a focus on premium “natural” cafe beverages. Its staples include a drinking chocolate using 40 per cent West African cocoa, natural chai powder and, for coffee, a core range of syrups made from raw Australian sugar, as well as its Power Latte range, featuring variants including Matcha, Turmeric and Beetroot for venues looking to add colour, taste and variety to the menu.
Urban Barista has been undergoing a complete brand renovation. Its new look was unveiled last month.
Read the article in full in the April issue of Convenience World.
