Author: Sam Allcock

In a significant move, over 110 MPs are urging supermarkets to introduce ‘Buy British’ sections in their online stores, aiming to bolster UK agriculture and economy.The proposal seeks to make it easier for consumers to locate and purchase domestically grown produce, thereby supporting local farmers.This initiative is viewed as a step towards reducing the United Kingdom’s carbon footprint by minimising food imports.Key political figures, including members of the Commons environment committee, are leading the push for this change.While some supermarkets like Sainsbury’s and Waitrose already have dedicated sections for British products, most lack a comprehensive offering.Over 110 Members of Parliament…

Britvic has announced a significant investment of £22.5 million to install a sixth bottling line at its Beckton plant.This expansion aims to boost production capacity by nearly 30%, catering to the rising demands for popular brands like Tango and Pepsi Max.The installation is expected to create 18 new engineering and manufacturing positions, supporting local employment.New team members will undergo a comprehensive 12-week training to manage the state-of-the-art equipment effectively.The investment underscores Britvic’s long-term growth ambitions, following a recent £13 million investment at its Rugby facility.Britvic is making a substantial investment of £22.5 million in its East London facility at Beckton,…

Tesco has undertaken a significant initiative to make period pants more affordable by covering the cost of VAT.The supermarket’s decision aligns period pants with other products that have been VAT exempt since 2021.This change affects all eight lines of Tesco’s F&F period pants, reducing prices by 20%.The move is part of Tesco’s participation in the ‘Say Pants to the Tax’ campaign.Tesco has a history of supporting consumers by previously covering VAT on other period products.Tesco has announced a groundbreaking measure to enhance the affordability of period pants by removing the VAT charge. This step is part of a broader strategy…

The UK government’s decision to rescind proposed food waste legislation has been met with significant criticism.The scrapped policy aimed to make food waste tracking mandatory for large businesses.Campaigners argue this could have decreased food costs and mitigated climate change impacts.Defra cites business costs, estimating £5.3m, as justification for the reversal.Alternatives offered include voluntary reporting, though effectiveness is questioned.The UK government has attracted widespread criticism following its choice to withdraw proposed legislation intended to mandate food waste reporting for large and medium-sized businesses in England. This policy, which was expected to help reduce food prices and address climate concerns, is now…

Retail sales in food stores have seen a significant decline, raising concerns about consumer spending habits in a challenging economic climate.Sales volumes for food stores dropped by 2.6% in July, following a slight increase in June.The decline has been attributed to ongoing cost-of-living pressures and unfavourable weather conditions.Online shopping reached its highest level since February 2022, accounting for 27.4% of retail sales.Economists express concerns over the outlook of consumer spending due to various economic challenges.Retail sales volumes for food stores fell by 2.6% in July, a reversal from the 1.1% increase observed in June. This decline reflects significant cost-of-living pressures…

This Saturday marks a landmark event for M&S, with 5,000 customers set to enjoy free shopping through the ‘Sparks Super Saturday’ competition.The initiative enhances the already popular Sparks rewards programme by scaling it to an unprecedented level.Participants need to scan their Sparks card in store or log in online to stand a chance of winning.This promotional event reflects M&S’s ongoing strategy to expand its market presence and increase customer engagement.Aldi is joining the trend with its own giveaway via Facebook, echoing the competitive landscape of the retail sector.This Saturday, M&S is poised to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience by allowing 5,000…

The Groceries Code Adjudicator has issued a stern warning to supermarkets over unethical supplier fees. The advisory follows concerns related to ‘pay to stay’ tactics. Tesco’s recent supplier fulfilment fees sparked industry concerns. Retailers are urged to document compliance with the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP). Suppliers express frustrations over restrictive investment demands.The Groceries Code Adjudicator, Mark White, has delivered a firm reminder to supermarkets, urging them to reassess their practices concerning ‘pay to stay’ demands on suppliers. This follows reports suggesting that some retailers, notably Tesco, have introduced new fulfilment fees requiring suppliers to contribute financially to retain…

Asda embarks on a forward-thinking trial of its ‘Food Hub’, offering a diverse range of food-to-go options.The initial trial is set to unfold in Leicester and Dagenham stores, introducing barista-style coffee and fresh grab-and-go meals.The initiative aims to cater to varying meal times with its adaptable offering of breakfast, lunch, and snacks.Should the trial succeed, Asda plans broader implementation to boost store footfall.Aesthetic enhancements include modernised stores with tech integration, such as touch screen ordering.Asda has commenced a food-to-go trial under the banner of ‘Asda Food Hub’. Initially, this trial is taking place in Asda’s Leicester and Dagenham locations. These…

Branded food products have seen significant price increases over the past year.Tesco’s Mr Kipling Chocolate Slices led the surge with a 129% increase.Sainsbury’s Mr Kipling Bakewell Cake Slices reported a 99% price hike.Lancashire Farm yoghurts at Asda rose by 80% year-on-year.Morrisons saw a 76% increase for Pilgrims Choice Extra Mature Cheddar.The cost of branded food products has escalated notably over the past year. According to a study by the consumer rights organisation, Which?, significant price hikes were observed across major UK supermarkets, including Asda, Aldi, Morrisons, Lidl, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, and Tesco.At the forefront of this inflationary trend, Tesco’s Mr…

A UK health group urges removal of child-targeted packaging on sugary cereals and yoghurts.Research reveals excessive sugar content in products marketed to children.Supermarkets criticised for encouraging sugar consumption among youth.Health advocates demand compliance with nutritional guidelines for packaging.Brands respond by highlighting efforts to reduce sugar content in products.In the United Kingdom, a prominent health advocacy organisation has made a significant call to action regarding the packaging of sugary breakfast foods. It has recommended the removal of any packaging that is designed to appeal to children, specifically targeting breakfast cereals and yoghurts that are high in sugars, salt, or saturated fat.…