The increase in fuel costs has significantly impacted rural areas, with supermarkets under scrutiny for inflated prices.The AA reports that rural drivers face a 10p to 15p per litre increase compared to urban areas despite government and Competition and Markets Authority oversight.Petrol prices peaked at 149.13p per litre, the highest since February, with diesel reaching 150p per litre due to global production cuts.Energy Secretary Grant Shapps urged supermarkets to be transparent about fuel prices in a recent meeting with major retail and fuel companies.A spokesperson from the AA highlighted persistent price discrepancies and suggested supermarkets have stunted competition in the…
Author: Dave Antrobus
Tesco depot workers face strikes due to new contracts without pay rises.Workers at Tesco’s Didcot depot are striking over unpaid new contracts.Outsourced cleaning and catering staff demand increased wages.Unite union supports the strike for fair worker compensation.Atalian Servest’s profits questioned amid the pay dispute.Tesco depot workers at Didcot are initiating strikes due to the introduction of new cleaning and catering contracts that do not include a pay increase. These protests arise as cleaning staff earn £11 per hour with no additional pay for weekend or bank holiday work, and catering staff remain on minimum wage at £10.42 per hour.Unite the…
Retailers are set for a significant economic boost during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.Forecasts suggest £463m in retail sales as fans prepare for the event.7.1 million Britons are expected to watch the games nationally.Only 4.9 million viewers may visit pubs or bars due to early game times.Retail spending is predicted to surpass hospitality venues, with £92.9m on food and drinks.Retailers across the nation are poised to experience a substantial financial windfall as the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup approaches. Projected sales from this event are anticipated to reach £463 million, according to the Women’s World Cup 2023 Spending Report…
Tesco is distributing close to £80 million in Clubcard vouchers this August, aligning with the retailer’s quarterly reward statement.Vouchers will be accessible to customers by 12th August for summer celebrations or back-to-school preparations.Customers can redeem these vouchers across various platforms including the Tesco Grocery app, Tesco Mobile, Tesco Bank, and participating fuel stations.An option exists for customers to donate their vouchers to charities through the Clubcard website, supporting partners like FareShare and the British Red Cross.Tesco is enhancing its app with features such as online ordering and personalised coupons, aiming to make shopping more convenient and cost-effective.Tesco is poised to…
In an ambitious move towards healthier food options, Asda signals a potential new product line devoted to nutritional offerings.Asda’s registration of ‘The Health Kitchen’ with the Intellectual Property Office suggests a focus on healthy prepared and frozen foods.The initiative coincides with wider industry trends, as other supermarkets also prioritise affordable healthy food options.The UK government delays promotional restrictions on high-fat, salt, and sugar products, impacting industry efforts to combat obesity.Despite challenges, supermarket giants like Tesco and Sainsbury’s commit to reducing HFSS products in promotions.In an ambitious move to increase its nutritional offerings, Asda has registered the brand name ‘The Health…
Majestic has embarked on a dynamic partnership with Uber Eats, enhancing its delivery capabilities significantly. This collaboration introduces rapid delivery of wines, beers, and spirits, with arrival times as swift as 20 minutes.Initially launched in eight prominent stores, it aims to expand to 177 locations by October, marking significant growth.Majestic’s position as the headline drinks partner on Uber Eats app underscores its strategic prominence.The move aligns with Majestic’s post-pandemic growth and caters to the burgeoning demand for local delivery solutions.Majestic has entered a strategic partnership with Uber Eats, allowing customers to purchase its extensive range of wines, beers, and spirits…
LoveSeitan, a plant-based meat alternative brand, has stopped trading due to a decline in product sales.The brand produced various seitan-based products, including Facon Bacon and Seitan Pepperoni, for major UK supermarkets.LoveSeitan also supplied products to grocery chains like Co-op and Whole Foods, as well as foodservice companies.Co-founder Steve Swindon cited tough market conditions and rising costs as reasons for the closure.The downturn in the plant-based market is affecting other brands, with many vegan consumers reducing their spending.LoveSeitan, a notable name in the plant-based meat sector, has ceased operations following slower than anticipated sales of its seitan-based products. These products, known…
British apple harvests are smaller and sweeter this year due to last summer’s intense heat.High temperatures in 2022 led to uneven yields among UK apple farmers, affecting fruit production.Cooler summer resulted in enhanced sweetness of apples, reflecting their full flavour potential.Production costs for apples are rising, with the cost per kilo of Gala apples at £1.26.Supermarkets are encouraged to offer fair returns to ensure industry sustainability.British apple crops have been impacted by last summer’s intense heat, resulting in smaller but sweeter apples. According to British Apples and Pears Limited (BAPL), the high temperatures in 2022 caused inconsistent crop yields, with…
Waitrose is betting on animal welfare to regain market share.Sales have dipped by 3%, but Waitrose is optimistic about recovery.The upmarket grocer believes inflation’s decline will influence shopper choices.Jake Pickering emphasises Waitrose’s commitment to high welfare standards.New campaigns link animal welfare with value, enhancing customer loyalty.In a challenging financial year marked by a 3% drop in sales and a slight loss of market share from 5% to 4.7%, Waitrose is realigning its strategies. The company is banking on a shift in consumers’ priorities as inflation starts to ease. Waitrose’s emphasis on animal welfare and sustainability is seen as a key…
As consumers become increasingly vigilant, a significant shift in shopping habits is emerging due to shrinkflation.Recent research highlights that 73% of shoppers are now more aware of shrinkflation, particularly in products like chocolate and biscuits.A noticeable trend is the move towards brands that have maintained product sizes, with 21% of shoppers making the switch.The geopolitical climate, notably the conflict in Ukraine, has significantly influenced commodity prices, exacerbating shrinkflation.Consumers are adapting by buying in bulk and shopping at multiple stores as they contend with persistent food price inflation.Recent research indicates that a majority of consumers are noticing the effects of shrinkflation,…