The rise in popularity of Eastern Mediterranean cuisine has been heavily influenced by UK consumers who want to try new flavours when dining out (80%), those who are becoming increasingly health conscious (44%) and by those who are willing to pay more for high-quality ingredients (76%).

Referred to as the ‘Levant’, the Eastern Mediterranean region spans Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, Syria and Jordan – and extends into North Africa. It’s known for its vibrant and rich food culture, dating all the way back to Ancient civilisation, and celebrates a combination of bold spices, fresh herbs and natural plant-based ingredients.

Paulig PRO’s new, easy-to-use and versatile Santa Maria range comprises six of products – all suitable for vegans and lactose free: 

• Shawarma Seasoning: A rich blend combining the warmth of paprika, earthy cumin and refreshing lemon zest with hints of coriander, cinnamon and chili.
• Zaatar Seasoning: Earthy and herbal notes paired with nuttiness from sesame and a tangy citrus hint from sumac.
• Tahini Sauce: Nutty, earthy, and rich sesame notes with a slight bitterness from fresh lemon.
• Harissa Sauce: Spicy and smoky flavours with distinctive chili heat, a hint of sweetness, and fresh citrus notes.
• Preserved Lemon Paste: An innovative and highly-convenient paste, with a pungent aroma from the peel and more acidic notes from the pulp and juice.
• Chermoula Pesto: Rich in coriander and parsley, with a tangy kick from vinegar and a slight spiciness from chili and garlic. 

The range has been developed and customised for out of home operators, including QSR, casual dining, on-the-go outlets, pubs & bars and contract caterers.

Barnaby MacAdam, development chef at Santa Maria Foodservice (Paulig PRO), said: “Our mission is to empower chefs and operators to unlock a world of flavour and create exceptional dining experiences. 

“This means going beyond supplying excellent products and working closely with customers to create solutions that add value to their menus, from offering tailored product recommendations to developing new innovative recipes. We’re excited to do just that with our latest range and help customers tap into one of the most exciting and in-demand culinary trends right now.” 

To explore the full range and to discover how they can enhance your menu offerings, please download Paulig PRO’s new ‘Keys to Eastern Mediterranean Taste’ brochure: Keys to Eastern Mediterranean Taste | Paulig PRO.