The 'bar snack' has evolved from a humble packet of crisps or peanuts to a whole range of innovative hand-held easy to eat dishes. Chips are undoubtedly favourites and will always prove a popular and profitable option with the ability to upsell by adding toppings such as melted cheese.

Variety, however, is the spice of life and publicans will benefit from adding more adventurous - and higher margin - options with Aviko's range of delicious appetisers:

Chilli Cheddar Nuggets have an irregular shape for a homemade-style appeal, and combine a crunchy coating with a creamy, rich Cheddar cheese centre that delivers a spicy jalapeño kick.

Beer Battered Onion Rings are made from whole onion rings and coated in a light and crispy batter infused with Amstel beer. This upmarket twist on a classic accompaniment will also encourage consumers to trade up and spend that little bit more.

Aviko's Potato Wedges are not only gluten free but also come in a variety of flavours: skin on or off, spicy, crinkle, Tex Mex, garlic and herb, steam and fresh wedges, as well as mega wedges.

Hash Brown Bites are an ideal way to offer the much loved breakfast staple throughout the day as a snack. To make them really stand out on the table, try serving them in a pint glass.

Sharing platters
Although these products work well on their own, food platters are ideal for sharing social moments when people gather together - such as to watch sporting events on the big screen. They are functional, fun, ideal for large groups and can also help drive incremental drinks sales. Not only that, potato products are popular with meat-eaters and vegetarians alike, meaning everyone can get involved. Offering this type of dining can also lead to spontaneous, impulse or 'add-on' purchases and means pub chefs can control both portion size and keep a keen eye on costs going out of the kitchen door.

The secret of success in terms of catering for these types of occasion is to keep it simple. Quality pre-cooked products that are quick and easy to prepare can help publicans profit from a pub-full of hungry punters, and keep the tills ringing.

FREE POS
To support operators through the summer of sport, we have created free point-of-sale material focusing on appetisers and sharing platters. Available to download at www.aviko.co.uk/downloads the colourful posters, flyers and tritents will encourage football fans to try the range which also includes Mozzarella Sticks and Sweet Potato Fries.