Funkin collaborates with UK bartenders

The Premium fruit purée producer Funkin is working with the UK’s top bartenders to develop a new range, Funkin Fusion, designed to inspire creativity and assist bartenders in the creation of top quality cocktails.

Developed in conjunction with leading mixologist Ben Reed, formerly of IP Bartenders, Funkin Fusion is a range of purées that combines key fruit flavours.

As part of the collaborative process, more than 400 delegates at the Imbibe show in July sampled a selection of Funkin Fusion prototypes and voted Mango, Red Pepper & Hot Pimiento, Mango Kalamansi, Lime & Lemon and Blackberry & Vanilla as the outstanding flavours. These three shortlisted prototypes will be tested further in a cocktail competition to be staged in October where top bartenders and Ben Reed will determine the final range.

Created by bartenders for bartenders, the Funkin Fusion range will complement the existing Funkin Pro collection of 100% natural fruit purées.

CEO Andrew King says: “Following 10 years of success with the Funkin Pro range, used to create stunning cocktails in many of the world’s top bars, we have invited loyal customers in the bartending community to get involved in the development of Funkin Fusion. The range will encourage creativity and enable bartenders to broaden their cocktail offering, while guaranteeing the same premium quality that they are used to from Funkin. We go to enormous lengths to source the best fruit from around the world to make our purées and the same fruit will be used for Funkin Fusion.”
 
Ben Reed adds: “Funkin has always kept pace with the UK drinks scene and together we have developed a range of flavour combinations that reflects the UK’s enthusiasm for creativity and its willingness to explore new ground. Funkin Fusion will encourage bartenders to experiment, keep those creative juices flowing and think outside the box.”
 
Funkin Fusion will offer all the benefits of Funkin Pro. As an ambient product, it has a 12-month shelf life before opening and once opened lasts seven days in the fridge. It gives bartenders access to quality fruit 365 days a year and takes away the need for daily ordering and prepping and reduces wastage.

1 August 2010 - Felicity Murray