British sandwich week invents the Hamwich

The new sandwich range features three ham sandwiches, Granary bread and a selection of ingredients sourced from British suppliers. The recipes are being made available to commercial sandwich makers nationally with the aim of encouraging the whole industry to support the campaign from mid-April through to the end of May. "We felt that this was one way that our industry could play its part in supporting British farmers and food producers through these difficult times," says BSA Director Jim Winship. "Wherever possible the industry will be using British ingredients and we hope that the public will support our efforts by making it their number one sandwich for the period." The campaign, which will be launched in mid-April in advance of the official Week, is being supported by Rank Hovis and Kitchen Devils as well as suppliers of key ingredients. The BSW Hamwich has been designed as a triple-pack sandwich containing three different sandwiches. However, retailers and caterers can adapt the recipes to suit themselves, using any single, double or triple version. "The BSW Hamwich range is intended to be flexible," says Jim. "Retailers can use one of the recipes to make a single Hamwich, a combination of two or the full set – whatever they feel suits their particular customers and business." To support the launch, the British Sandwich Association is planning a substantial consumer media campaign in April supported by posters which will be available for retailers from late March. Tri-Star Packaging and Allstat Labels have also agreed to create a generic Hamwich pack and labels which manufacturers can use, subject to sufficient demand. There is no cost involved for retailers and caterers to take part. To get the detailed recipes and information about the Week retailers and manufacturers simply have to register on the BSA website at www.sandwich.org.uk or call 01291 636338. Copies of the full recipes will then be emailed or faxed to them. By registering operators will also then be supported by the Association's media campaign. The three sandwiches that make up the BSW Hamwich range are: Gammon ham with cream cheese, chives and cucumber on white bread Gammon ham with English mustard mayonnaise and lettuce on Granary bread Gammon ham with free range egg and watercress on Granary bread