Trends
We’re thrilled to introduce our talented Culinary Ambassadors, Casey and Jack – the flavour-chasing duo, whose culinary adventures are shaping the future of food at Nactarome.
Their mission? To seek out inspiration wherever it’s found – from bustling urban markets to smoky BBQ pits – all in the name of innovation. As Culinary Ambassadors, they help influence our annual trends and create bold, exciting concepts across all our business lines.
In 2024, Casey and Jack took a bite out of the American South with a trip to Memphis in May – one of the most iconic BBQ festivals in the world. Among the many smoky delicacies, a standout was the Gatlin Gun Prime Rib – a mammoth 4kg cut, wrapped in five bone marrows and bursting with flavour. They also had the opportunity to join the judging panel for the Best Rib competition!
Their travels have also taken them across the UK and Europe, with visits to flavour-forward cities like London, Manchester, and Lyon, diving deep into local cuisine, techniques, and emerging food trends.
This May, Casey and her team – competing under the name Casey and the Condiments – turned up the heat at the King of the Q BBQ Competition, hosted at Harbour Brewing near Bodmin, Cornwall.
Against nine other fierce teams, they brought their creativity and skill to five sizzling rounds. Here’s how it went:
Pork Round – 1st Place
Char Sui Pork Collar cooked low and slow over Applewood smoke, paired with Kimchi Rice, Charred Spring Onion, and a Pork Crumb Topping. Judges praised its bold, punchy flavour and inventive flair.
People’s Choice Chilli – 1st Place
Despite running out of servings toward the end, their chilli stole the show in a public vote, beating the competition by six votes!
Poultry Round – 4th Place
Whole Chicken dipped in Alabama white sauce, served with jalapeno coleslaw, chicken sausage roll, and a gherkin – a flavour-packed, Southern-inspired plate.
Burger Round – 5th Place
Their take on a classic Big Mac: Brioche bun, homemade Big Mac sauce, diced onion, shredded lettuce, gherkin, and melted cheese sauce.
Taco Round – 7th Place
A bold Surf & Turf creation: Tomahawk steak marinated in Cajun spices, with lime & coriander prawns, samphire, and tequila-pickled onions.
(Left to right) Annie Bird, NPD Manager, Casey Warrington, Sweet & Savoury Applications Lead & Culinary Ambassador, Steve Warrington, BBQ Enthusiast (and also Casey’s dad), Chloe Kemp, Marketing Coordinator
Casey and Jack are more than just competitors – they’re passionate food explorers, always searching for the next big idea to bring back to Nactarome. Whether it’s discovering regional ingredients or crafting new concepts that surprise and delight, their journey is just getting started.
We’re showcasing our Memphis-inspired flavours throughout our Summer BBQ Presentation – book your slot with your UK Account Manager today!
Got a destination in mind for their next big culinary adventure? Let us know at info@nactarome.com
Don’t forget to follow their journey over on Instagram @jc_culinaryadventures
Get in touch at info@nactarome.com to learn more about how we can support your colour, taste and flavour development projects or have a look through our website.