Author: Scott Dylan

Brits gear up for the Bank Holiday with a surge in BBQ food purchases, marking possibly the last major grill event of the year.Sales of traditional BBQ items like burgers, sausages, and plant-based options are soaring at Tesco.The retailer anticipates selling over a million BBQ-related products including buns and sausages.A special wine promotion has led to expectations of higher wine sales compared to beer.Barbecue gatherings have increased as a cost-effective alternative to dining out.As Brits prepare for the Bank Holiday, there is a notable uptick in the purchase of BBQ essentials, potentially for the final large-scale BBQ events of the…

M&S collaborates with WUKA in the ‘Say Pants to the Tax’ campaign, focusing on VAT review for period pants. The UK government is reconsidering the tax status of period pants, currently taxed as garments at 20%.Disposable period products are exempt from VAT, highlighting a disparity in the current tax system.M&S pledges to cover the VAT cost, with Tesco and Sainsbury’s joining the initiative.Retailers aim to align period pants with other tax-exempt period products since 2021.The collaboration between M&S and WUKA in the ‘Say Pants to the Tax’ campaign has gained momentum, as they actively work towards prompting the government to…

A potential tea shortage in the UK has been avoided following a successful pay deal for Tetley workers.Nearly 200 GMB Union members at Tata Consumer Products in Teeside had earlier voted for strike action.The workers, predominantly low-paid women, have now accepted a 7% pay rise offer.The pay increase is retroactive to 1 April 2023, meeting key demands of the workforce.The situation highlights ongoing labour disputes at other major companies, such as Tesco.A significant development has unfolded in the UK’s tea industry as a looming shortage has been effectively prevented. This outcome follows the acceptance of a new pay deal by…

Amidst continuing economic pressures, multiple supermarkets have announced significant price reductions to aid consumers.Asda has invested £23 million to reduce prices on over 400 products by an average of 11%.Sainsbury’s has expanded its Aldi Price Match initiative to include 400 products, introducing new items as inflation eases.Ocado is offering reduced prices on 200 items, targeting budget-conscious parents as the school term begins.Iceland’s summer savings allow families to save on 200 products amid rising pressure on household budgets.In response to the sustained financial pressures faced by consumers, leading supermarkets have enacted considerable price reductions. Asda has spearheaded this movement with a…

A significant recall by major UK supermarkets involves own-label pastry products due to contamination fears.Chilled foods supplier Compleat Food Group identified potential metal and plastic contamination.20 ranges affected, including sausage rolls and steak & ale pies, are deemed ‘unsafe to eat’.Products can be returned for a refund without a receipt, as informed by the Food Standards Authority.Supermarkets including Tesco and Sainsbury’s issued apologies, emphasising customer safety.A notable recall has been initiated by major UK supermarkets, involving own-label pastry products such as sausage rolls and steak & ale pies. This action comes in response to concerns over potential contamination with pieces…

‘Not for EU’ labels have been introduced in Northern Ireland, affecting goods at supermarkets such as Asda.The initiative stems from the Windsor Framework, a post-Brexit trade agreement aiming to ease goods movement.Meat and dairy products are primarily targeted, with a full rollout expected by October.Businesses face challenges due to potential relabelling costs and compliance concerns.The UK government plans a phased approach, suggesting initial leniency in enforcement.As ‘Not for EU’ labels begin appearing on products in Northern Ireland, consumers and businesses are adjusting to new post-Brexit regulations. These labels, initially observed on Asda’s own meat products, are part of the Windsor…

John Lewis Partnership launches recruitment drive for over 10,000 roles nationwide, supporting both Waitrose and John Lewis stores.The initiative includes over 2,800 seasonal roles at Waitrose locations, enhancing customer experience through training programmes.John Lewis will offer more than 2,900 temporary positions, focusing on sales and merchandising across its 34 stores.Further recruitment spans 2,700 supply chain roles, including warehouse and driver positions for efficient retail operations.An additional 1,700 roles will become available throughout the year, strengthening the workforce in various capacities.The John Lewis Partnership has announced a significant recruitment drive, aiming to fill over 10,000 positions across the United Kingdom in…

The beverage industry sees exciting new product launches this week.Monster introduces its Zero Sugar variant, echoing the classic flavour without calories or sugar.Dead Man’s Fingers collaborates with KFC for a unique herb and spice-infused rum.Hooch unveils its caffeinated Soopa range with bold, tropical flavours.PWR-BRU and Cafepod expand their offerings with innovative energy drinks and coffee pods.Coca-Cola Europacific Partners is set to launch Monster Zero Sugar on 4 September, offering the beloved flavour of Monster Original without the added calories or sugar. Available nationwide in 500ml packs, both singles and multipacks, it aims to invigorate the energy drink market.In a creative…

Iceland Foods is launching an exclusive Blue Dragon product line aimed at consumers seeking affordable takeaway alternatives.The range includes 12 Asian-inspired items with updated packaging, launching on 28 August.Products like Hoisin duck with pancakes and sweet chilli chicken pizza are featured, catering to diverse taste preferences.Half of the range is available in Iceland’s cost-effective 3 for £10 offer, enhancing value for budget-conscious shoppers.This initiative aligns with broader price cuts across 200 products as Iceland addresses the cost-of-living crisis.Iceland Foods has announced the launch of an exclusive line of Blue Dragon products, timed for release on 28 August. This strategic move…

With the ongoing cost-of-living challenges, British consumers are increasingly reliant on budget-friendly options. Recent data reveals convenience store shoppers face higher costs compared to larger supermarkets.A recent Which? investigation highlighted that consumers who shop at convenience stores can pay over £800 more annually than in larger supermarkets.Tesco has taken a pivotal step by revising its product offerings in Express stores, introducing cheaper alternatives, primarily from its own-brand range.Morrisons has followed suit, launching entry-level products in over 500 Morrisons Daily stores, responding to customer demand for affordability.Pressure is mounting on other retailers to adapt, with calls for more budget-friendly options across…