Thursday, 31 October 2024
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Luscombe Drinks' Canned Soft Drinks Range Now Widely Available
The range includes Luscombe's much-loved Sicilian Lemonade, Sicilian Citrus Crush, Elderflower Bubbly, and Ginger Beer.
As the demand for canned soft drinks continues to rise and the market for convenient, sustainable packaging gains momentum, 75% of UK consumers now prefer canned soft drinks for their eco-friendliness, while 6 out of 10 prefer them for their convenience, making the launch of Luscombe's range well-timed.
Also, the UK soft drink market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 4.8% from 2024 to 2032, along with the rise of premium and artisanal beverages in the market, driven by a shift in consumers willing to pay more for unique flavours and high-quality ingredients.
Luscombe's can launch marks a significant expansion and growth for the brand and is expected to boost the company's presence in both the on-trade and off-trade sectors.
Previously available exclusively at National Trust properties, the expanded availability of the Luscombe can range offers greater accessibility for retailers, hospitality venues and consumers who are seeking premium soft drinks in a convenient, sustainable format.
Says Scott Cooper, the CEO at Luscombe: “Moving into cans allows us to open up new routes to market and meet the increasing demand for premium soft drinks in a convenient packaging format. This expansion will enable us to reach additional customers and offer our existing loyal fans more flexibility in how they enjoy Luscombe's signature flavours, whether at home, on the go, or in hospitality settings.”
Luscombe Sicilian Lemonade (24 x 320ml, RRP £48.00)
Intensely flavoured, Luscombe Sicilian Lemonade is a traditional still lemonade packed with the finest organic Sicilian lemons, rounded off with an indulgent splash of Madagascan vanilla, creating an authentic taste of Italy.
Luscombe Sicilian Citrus Crush (24 x 320ml, RRP £48.00)
A vibrant, lightly sparkling citrus classic, Sicilian Citrus Crush is lovingly crafted using the juice of organic Sicilian oranges and lemons grown in the volcanic soils of Mount Etna.
Luscombe Elderflower Bubbly (24 x 320ml, RRP £48.00)
Delivering a taste of the English countryside, Luscombe Organic Elderflower Bubbly is crafted with hand-picked elderflowers which are harvested in the June sunshine. Boasting a zingy, lemony taste that perfectly complements the creamy white blooms of the organic elderflower, this delicious serve has a gentle sparkle which lifts its floral notes creating an elegant taste.
Luscombe Ginger Beer (24 x 320ml, RRP £48.00)
With warmth and spice, Luscombe's authentic Ginger Beer is a classic. Crafted using only the best organic Peruvian fresh root ginger, organic Sicilian lemons and carbonated Dartmoor spring water, using their Cool Ginger Beer recipe, it has a subtler warmth than the Hot Ginger Beer.
Luscombe Drinks has consistently been recognised for its dedication to producing exceptional organic beverages, garnering over 110 Great Taste Awards. The availability of these refreshing flavours in Waitrose & Partners marks another milestone in the company's growth within the retail sector.
For further information on Luscombe Drinks, please visit www.luscombe.co.uk, follow Luscombe Drinks on TikTok @luscombedrinks, Instagram: @luscombedrinks or 'Like' on Facebook.
We at That's Christmas feel these will make an excellent choice for a Christmas offering in hospitality venues all over the country, drink retailers and in homes throughout the land.
Perhaps it would make a nice change for Santa? A mince pie and a can of Luscombe Ginger Beer instead of a glass of sherry might be just what Santa would appreciate.
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Why Restaurants, Pubs, and Hotels Should Approach Menu Changes with Great Care
"Where's the beef?" "Sorry, Sir. Beef's off the menu" |
Whether it’s the warm familiarity of a local pub, the seasonal variety of a hotel restaurant, or the inventive flair of a trendy café, the menu reflects the values and tastes that define a place.
Making changes to this carefully balanced list is therefore no small decision. Here’s why restaurants, pubs, hotels, and other eateries should approach menu changes with great care, considering their clientele's preferences and even seeking input from regular diners.
1. Consistency Is Key to Customer Loyalty
For many patrons, the familiarity of a menu is part of what draws them back time and again. Each establishment has its signature dishes, whether it’s the classic fish and chips at the corner pub or the gourmet burger at a local diner.
Regulars appreciate the certainty of knowing their favourite items will be available whenever they visit. Abruptly changing a menu without considering regulars can leave these loyal customers feeling alienated, causing them to seek out alternatives where their expectations are met.
2. Balancing Tradition with Innovation
Adapting menus can indeed be essential, especially for keeping up with culinary trends, seasonal ingredients, or dietary demands.
But it’s crucial for eateries to balance innovation with tradition, maintaining elements of the menu that have historically proven popular with regulars.
Some diners may embrace the excitement of trying new dishes, but others prefer the comfort of the familiar. A menu that offers a blend of both can keep long-standing customers happy while attracting new ones.
3. Understanding Customer Preferences through Feedback
An often-overlooked aspect of menu changes is customer feedback, particularly from those who visit frequently.
These patrons have a vested interest in the success of the establishment and are likely to have valuable insights into which dishes resonate and which ones don’t.
By soliciting feedback, whether through in-person surveys, comment cards, or social media, restaurants can gain an honest understanding of what their core audience wants, helping to avoid costly mistakes.
After all, implementing a new menu that doesn’t align with customer preferences can result in reduced satisfaction and a drop in repeat business.
"Mummy, I don't like my meat!" |
Introducing a new menu requires an investment in ingredients, training for kitchen staff, and potential adjustments to supply chains.
If customers react negatively to the new selection, it can lead to unsold stock, wasted resources, and a tangible impact on profits.
Restaurants can minimise this risk by carefully testing new dishes with a small sample of loyal customers or by introducing a “specials” board to gauge interest before committing to a permanent change.
5. Building a Sense of Community with Regular Diners
When eateries invite input from regular diners, they foster a sense of community and loyalty. Patrons feel valued when their opinions are sought, making them more likely to stay loyal and even recommend the place to others.
This inclusive approach signals that an establishment genuinely cares about its customers’ experience. Furthermore, engaging with customers about potential changes can generate a positive buzz, creating anticipation for new menu items and strengthening the diner-restaurant relationship.
6. Keeping Up with Dietary and Lifestyle Preferences
As diets and lifestyles evolve, so do customers’ needs. From plant-based diets to gluten-free options, more diners today have specific dietary preferences. By involving regular patrons in discussions about menu changes, restaurants can ensure they’re catering to these preferences in a way that feels inclusive and genuine. Letting the chef "have their head" (just because they are the chef) and change the menu at their caprice isn't necessarily good for business.
After all, whilst "canard rôti à la sauce à la bave d'escargot" might look good on the menu (and on the chef's CV) how many diners would happily eat roast duck in snail slime sauce?
A dedicated effort to meet customer needs, not just jumping on dietary trends, or fads of the moment, will more likely result in sustainable popularity and customer satisfaction.
7. Crafting an Experience, Not Just a Meal
Menus serve not only as a food list but as a reflection of the entire dining experience. A pub that removes its beloved Sunday roast from the menu, for instance, risks eroding its place as a cosy weekend staple for families.
By considering changes carefully, eateries ensure they maintain the atmosphere and experience that diners cherish.
A thoughtful menu change preserves the essence of the establishment while enhancing the customer experience, creating a lasting impression.
A restaurant that my wife and I patronised at least twice a week won't be seeing us dining there again any time in the near future.
They previously had a lunch menu of a wide variety of genuinely gourmet sandwiches. Imagine our disappointment and displeasure when we found that the entire menu had been stripped of all sandwiches and that the menu now consists of scorched and somewhat tough paninis, some potted meat things, flavoured butter on a roll of bread and that was about it.
Final Thoughts
Restaurants, pubs, hotels, and other eateries that approach menu changes with great care and consideration build trust and loyalty among their patrons. By seeking feedback from regular diners, establishments can better understand their customers’ preferences, balancing tradition with innovation and making choices that resonate with their audience. Thoughtful menu changes, implemented with an inclusive approach, can lead to a richer dining experience for all, strengthening the relationship between the establishment and its patrons.
In the end, a carefully curated menu isn’t just good business, it’s a reflection of an eatery’s commitment to its customers.
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Uber Eats expands partnership with Morrisons Supermarkets
Using Uber Eats’ technology, customers who use the Uber Eats platform can exclusively order from tens of thousands of items from Morrisons supermarkets.
The average delivery time for Uber Eats customers in the UK is under 30 minutes.
With this partnership customers will be able to order everyday essentials and Market Street fresh favourites from Morrisons as well as last minute dinners and must-have treats from The Best range. Hundreds of these products have also been price matched to Morrisons supermarkets.
The expansion of this partnership, which already included Morrisons Daily convenience stores, comes as Uber Eats recently revealed that in the past two years, the number of people who have placed a grocery order on Uber Eats in the UK has nearly doubled.
Alex Troughton, Head of Grocery & Retail, Uber Eats, Europe, Middle East and Africa said: “It is fantastic to be expanding our partnership with Morrisons to include their supermarkets for the first time. Building on this partnership means customers who use our platform will have even more choice when ordering with us, with delivery in as little as 20 minutes, all at the touch of a button.”
Charlotte Exell, Morrisons Online Director, said: “We’re delighted to be offering customers another fast and convenient way to get Morrisons groceries delivered straight to their door by expanding our successful partnership with Uber. We're committed to offering our customers great value high quality products however they choose to shop with us.”