UK | Waitrose has launched the first-to-market Portuguese lemon cake, made using authentic methods with a hybrid twist.
As part of its continuous dedication to patisserie innovation, Waitrose has launched an exclusive Portuguese Lemon rice cake, traditionally called a ‘Bolo de Arroz’.
With patisserie treats proving popular, notably sales increasing 9 percent compared to last year, Portuguese sweets, in particular, have captured the interest of Waitrose customers.
Website searches for ‘Pastel de Natas’ went up 137 percent over the last 90 days, while searches for Portuguese tarts were up 113 percent over the last 30 days. In response to customer demand, Waitrose will offer customers a broader range of innovative, market-first flavour combinations this autumn.
Distinctively light and fluffy in texture with a sweet flavour, the new Portuguese Lemon Iced Bolo de Arroz has been made from rice and wheat flour and is most often enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or coffee.
Committed to fostering strong supplier relationships, Waitrose developed this recipe closely with a local Portuguese bakery. Based in Porto, the bakery was established in 1986. With over 34 years of experience, it takes pride in crafting the most authentic, high-quality patisserie.
Typically baked in cylindrical paper cases, which give them their unique shape and appearance, the cakes are blue and white, representing the colours of Portugal and offering customers a little slice of tradition.
Packaged individually in a signature case, they are also perfect for gifting and a tangy treat for brunches, afternoon tea or a picnic.
“We are delighted with the delicious Portuguese Lemon Iced Bolo de Arroz, developed in close collaboration with the Portuguese bakery. The cake is made using authentic methods with a sponge made from rice flour,” said Serena Jackson, Patisserie Product Developer at Waitrose.
“However, we’ve introduced a unique twist to the cake. This hybrid includes a sharp lemon curd filling and a sweet lemon icing, offering our food-loving customers a dynamic culinary fusion that encourages premium indulgence.”
Jackson added that Waitrose knew its customers were all about food exploration. They had been seeing an increasingly popular culinary trend towards citrus fruits as customers turned to specific regions for the taste and quality cues they desired.
“The new Bolo de Arroz offers our customers the citrus tastes they want, with the delicious sharp lemon curd filling and a sweet lemon icing.”
