Author: Sam Allcock

Iceland Foods has announced a new, exclusive Blue Dragon product line ideal for those seeking an alternative to takeaways, launching on 28 August.The range features 12 Asian-inspired items, including reinvented favourites such as hoisin duck pizza and sweet and sour chicken noodles.Half of the selection is included in Iceland’s value deal, offering three items for £10, which aligns with their cost-savings initiatives.This launch coincides with Iceland’s broader price reduction strategy, which includes notable savings on 200 products.Group buying director, Andrew Staniland, highlights the range’s aim to provide affordable, enjoyable meals for families.Iceland Foods is set to launch an exclusive range…

Asda has taken significant steps to alleviate financial pressure on consumers by reducing prices on over 400 products.The supermarket chain has invested £23 million to lower prices on 425 branded and own-label items.Price reductions average 11% and cover essential items like nappies, milk, and bread.The initiative responds to ongoing economic challenges impacting household budgets.A previous £13 million investment targeted over 200 own-label products with similar reductions.Asda has recently undertaken a substantial initiative to ease the burden of rising living costs on its customers. The supermarket has committed £23 million to reduce prices on 425 products, encompassing both branded and own-label…

Sainsbury’s has significantly expanded its Aldi Price Match initiative, reflecting a forward-thinking value strategy.The campaign now includes over 400 items, with new additions like soups, burger buns, and desserts.Sainsbury’s has reduced the price of key items, notably slashing the cost of its British Butter by 10%.Nectar Prices are now applied to frozen foods, marking an extension of savings opportunities.The Pocket Friendly Prices campaign is also expanding, affecting numerous convenience stores.Sainsbury’s has made a substantial addition to its Aldi Price Match campaign, aiming to bring more value to its customers amid an easing of inflation. The expansion includes more than 40…

Iceland demands urgent reform of stringent laws on infant formula sales.The retailer aims to ease restrictions that prevent formula purchases with points or vouchers.Current legislation blocks price reductions for near-expiry infant formula stock.Iceland seeks to increase the value of Healthy Start vouchers amid rising costs.Research shows 86% of parents struggle to afford infant nourishment.In a bold move, Iceland is actively campaigning for immediate reform of existing legislation that limits the promotion of infant formula sales. The retailer insists that changes are essential to support families facing financial difficulties.Existing regulations prevent consumers from purchasing infant formula using loyalty points, store gift…

Tesco is implementing clear caps on its milk bottles to enhance recyclability and reduce plastic waste.Current coloured caps require separate processing from clear packaging, complicating recycling efforts.Switching to clear caps allows for increased recycling, contributing 3,900 tonnes of plastic back into production annually.Major retailers like Asda, Aldi, and Lidl have already adopted similar measures.Customer feedback has been positive, complementing Tesco’s other sustainability initiatives.Tesco has embarked on a significant sustainability initiative by transitioning to clear caps on its own-brand milk bottles. The change is aimed at simplifying the recycling process for consumers, as the current coloured caps require separate handling from…

Investors urge food companies to reevaluate antibiotic use amidst rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) concerns.A significant 70% of antibiotics are currently utilised by animals, raising alarms among campaigners.The World Health Organisation links AMR to nearly 5 million global deaths and massive economic losses.The Fairr initiative mobilises 370 investors with $71 trillion, targeting major food companies.AMR now seen as a formidable global health threat, potentially rivaling climate change.Investors are increasingly pressing food companies to reassess their use of antibiotics within supply chains due to mounting concerns over antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This critical issue is drawing comparisons to the climate crisis in terms…

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…