Lidl predicts jump in ice cream sales, despite gloomy weather

Lidl GB has announced its opening hours for today,  August Bank Holiday Monday.

Despite a somewhat varied, mixed weather forecast, Lidl is still predicting a rise in sales of its ice creams and lollies, after it saw sales of its frozen range surge during recent a recent spell of wet weather.

Shoppers are guaranteed to bag a bank holiday Monday bargain after Lidl GB was crowned cheapest supermarket for seven months in a row by the Manchester Evening News newspaper, whilst being named the cheapest supermarket for BBQ essentials by Which? magazine.

Despite the mixed weather forecast, with temperatures set to drop again this bank holiday, Lidl GB is predicting a surge in ice cream sales, after seeing an 8.1% in sales of its frozen range during the recent rainy period.

The update comes as Lidl GB confirms its bank holiday opening times, while sharing the quietest times to shop as customers gear up for the bank holiday.

On the Bank Holiday Monday, today, stores across England and Wales will open between 8am and 8pm, whilst Scotish branches will remain open as normal. Some store opening times could vary, so customers are advised to check the store finder on Lidl’s website for details on their local Lidl branches.

Customers planning to stock up on frozen treats can get their hands on wide range of ice creams and lollies, including its Gelatelli Classic Ice Creams (£2.65) that recently received the Which? Best Buy accolade in June 2023. 

https://www.lidl.co.uk

You can find your nearest Lidl store, here:

https://www.lidl.co.uk/c/store-finder/s10023098

Aldi expects to sell a bottle of fizz nearly every second

Aldi is predicting sales of its fizz range will jump 35%, as we Brits celebrate despite a lack of sunshine.

Shoppers can pick up a bottle of Aldi's popular Specially Selected Valdobbiadene Prosecco for a mere £7.99 a bottle, obviously available while stocks last.

Multiple Retailer of the Year, Aldi, is expecting bumper sales of its award-winning fizz range this Bank Holiday weekend, including today.

Despite a lack of sunny weather conditions, Aldi expects sales to jump 35% week on week, as we Brits celebrate our extra day off work.

Revellers are set to consume almost two million glasses of fizzy wines, that’s nearly a bottle of bubbly flying off Aldi’s shelves every second of the day.

So shoppers will be absolutely delighted to learn that Aldi's slashed the cost of its popular Specially Selected Valdobbiadene Prosecco (75cl) across stores all over the country.

Reduced to £7.99 a bottle from the original £8.49, this quality Italian sparkling wine is favoured for its light, creamy flavour and it delicate floral touches. Making a refreshing and aesthetically pleasing bottle of bubbles, perfect for raising a toast to the Bank Holiday weekend. No matter what the great British weather throws at us!

Aldi’s Specially Selected Valdobbiadene Prosecco is available in stores now, whilst stocks last.

You can check on the opening times of your nearest Aldi store here https://www.aldi.co.uk/opening-times/bank-holiday.

https://www.aldi.co.uk

Asda announces 425 branded and own-label price cuts

Asda has  announced price reductions on 425 branded and own-label products. This is part of its continued support for families who are impacted by the continuing cost of living crisis.

It's investing £23m to reduce prices by an average of 11% on some of the most popular products bought by customers on a weekly basis. This includes nappies, infant follow on milk, bread, cheese, cereals, pasta, fish fingers, sausages and chicken breasts.

These reductions follow on a £13m investment last month to cut prices on over 200 own-label products by an average of 9%.

Asda is increasing support for its customers as its latest Income Tracker shows family budgets remain under pressure from rising living costs. Despite the CPI inflation rate easing last month, family disposable incomes remain much lower than before the cost-of-living crisis, down by over £100 per month for the average household compared against July 2021.

Kris Comerford, who is Asda’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “While the headline inflation rate may have eased slightly last month, our own figures show us many customers continue to struggle with rising living costs. 

"So we've targeted this latest price investment on products our customers buy week-in and week-out, to help their shopping budgets stretch a bit further. We’re also continuing to work closely with our suppliers and whenever there's a chance to pass on commodity price savings to customers we'll do this.” 

The price reductions are already effective in all stores that stock those products and online.

Asda's also continuing to offer support to families by extending its hugely popular ‘Kids Eat for £1’ café meal offer for the rest of this year. Since launching this initiative in July 2022, Asda has served 2m meals from its cafes and invested £1.3m to keep the meal prices pegged at £1.

www.asda.com

Bumper British melon crop harvested

Lovers of watermelons (EDITOR: This includes my wife and I!) will be in for a treat this year, because  there's a record-breaking bumper UK-grown crop on the way.

Shoppers will be able to judge for themselves when the predicted 11,000 UK-grown watermelons, the biggest crop ever produced and harvested in Britain, -exclusively hit Tesco shelves this coming week.

The fruit has been produced by the UK’s biggest watermelon grower, Oakley Farms which is based in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, under the careful guidance of melon growing expert James Cackett.

James, who is as a fruit technical manager for Tesco, has spent the last 15 years working with both seed houses and British growers on developing varieties that are perfect for the UK climate and soil.

James said: “This is an absolutely  massive achievement by Oakley Farms as their previous production record was around 5,500 watermelons a few years ago so to double that inside two years is a fantastic achievement.

“The growing of watermelons in Britain is still a small and developing industry with only a handful of producers scattered all over the UK.

“When we first started selling them, in very small quantity, about 10 years back, Tesco customers were curious as to whether such an exotic looking fruit could ever be grown over here in the UK.

“But they're now very popular with shoppers firmly committed to supporting British growers and each year demand gets stronger, so it doesn’t take very long for the entire crop to sell out.”

Oakley Farms and Tesco have worked together on watermelon production for seven years and while the rainy July certainly slowed production somewhat, lesson learned from previous years has still resulted in a record-breaking year in terms of volume of production.

The farm is also the UK’s biggest producer of pumpkins and also grows courgettes and pumpkins and courgettes are both members of the cucurbit family, as are watermelons.

Oakley Farms manager Nick Molesworth added: “We began growing them after Tesco approached us and offered to work with us on the project and we felt that it made good sense as the crop would fit in perfectly between production of courgettes in late spring and pumpkins in the early autumn months.

“We've tried several different methods of growing the watermelons and are now getting more fruit per plant so the hard work is beginning to pay off for us.

“However, I have to say that they're not that easy to grow and the British climate can also be a bit of a challenge,  but we’re very pleased with this year’s crop. We believe that growing watermelons is a natural evolution for our business.”

The water melons are set to go on sale in x Tesco stores and will cost £3.49 each for the standard size and £2.50 for the mini size.

www.tesco.com 

Brits stock up for last big BBQ feasts of the year ahead of the Bank Holiday

Brits have been stocking up for what is likely to be the last big BBQ day of the year for the Bank Holiday.

Forecasts for temperatures around the 20C mark have set up the August Bank Holiday for probably the last big BBQ parties of the year.

Since last Thursday sales at Tesco of typical BBQ foods like burgers, sausages, fish and plant-based meat alternatives plus beers and wines have been in high demand.

And as a result of a 25% off six bottles of wine and fizz (Clubcard deal members only) running from until Monday, Tesco predicts it expects to sell more wine than beer over the Bank Holiday weekend. 

Tesco BBQ meat buyer Lucy Draper said: “This August Bank Holiday is likely to see the last big BBQ parties of the year with schools starting up again the following week and people returning to the UK from their summer holidays.

“Also a result of a wetter than normal summer, Brits have had fewer BBQ occasions than usual to enjoy so we believe many people will seize the chance for one last hurrah and go all out to invite family and friends over to enjoy the great outdoors.”

Across the Bank Holiday period Tesco expects to sell:

1.25 million packs of sausages

Over 300,000 packs of burgers

Over 225,000 plant-based meat alternatives

Over 1 million packs of fish

Over 300,000 packs of BBQ meat

Over 1 million packs of burger and hot dog rolls

Over1 million punnets of strawberries

Almost 300,000 packs of Greek/salad cheese

Over 2.25 million ice creams and lollies

Over 4 million bottles/cans of beer

Almost 8000 bottles of Pimms

Over 300,000 packs of ice cubes

Over 500,000 cartons of fresh cream

Over 5 million bottles of wine

Something in the region of 100,000 bags of BBQ fuel

www.tesco.com

 

Cocchi? Coo! Celebrates All Things Negroni This September with Cocchi

The classic Italian aperitif's popularity has burgeoned over recent years as wise consumers in the UK and also beyond are continuing to discover more about Italy's vibrant and diverse drinking culture.

Tying in with celebrations that will take place next month in September, cocktail devotees will be able to enjoy a range of Cocchi-based Negronis for a few weeks with each venue presenting their own twist on the classic. Showcasing the versatility of this drink.

Available all through the month of September, The Zetter Townhouse in London's Marylebone will offer guests a negroni menu of three Cocchi-based drinks. On Sunday 17 September an exclusive takeover will also take place at the venue.  

Alex Palumbo, co-owner of award-winning Edinburgh bar, Hey Palu, will take part in a one night only guest shift, serving a curated menu of four Cocchi Negronis to mark the launch of Negroni week.

The takeover menu cocktail menu will include:

Strawberry Sbagliato: Cocchi Rosa, strawberries, Barsol pisco, aperitivo, prosecco

Mezcaloni - Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino, Los Siete Misterios mezcal, bitter, aromatic lime leaf

Negroni Minerale - Cocchi Americano, Botyard Double Gin, Fino Sherry, celery extracts, green olive

Caffe 'Serale - Cocchi Dopo Teatro, Lot 40 rye whisky, banana, bitter, coffee aromas

Cocchi is also partnering with famous Sri Lankan restaurant Hoppers King's Cross to offer their take on a Negroni-led menu. Following rom its successful summer terrace cocktail activation, Hoppers' bar manager Martin Balo has put together a menu of three Negronis with a tropical spin, ideal to enjoy before the end of the summer.

 Hopper's King's Cross menu will include:

Kokova Negroni: cocoa and orange spiced rum – Campari – Cocchi Rosa

White Negroni: gin – lemongrass and fennel bitters – Cocchi Americano

Negroni Sbagliato: Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino – pomelo Campari – Prosecco

Finally, if you would like to make a Negroni at home, here's Cocchi's recommended recipe:

25 ml Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino

25 ml gin (we recommend Boatyard Double Gin)

25 ml Campari

Method: Add all of the ingredients into a stirring glass with an ample amount of ice and stir for about 30 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice cubes.

To attend Sunday 17 September takeover (19:00 – 22:00), book a table on The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone, website: https://thezetter.com/townhouse-marylebone/ - Zetter Townhouse Marylebone 28-30 Seymour St, London W1H 7JB

For reservation at Hoppers King's Cross, 4 Pancras Sq, London N1C 4AG please use: https://www.hopperslondon.com/kings-cross/

Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino is available nationwide including Waitrose and Amazon. RRP: £26.71 (70 cl)

Nibbler, Middler or Squeezer. How do you chomp your samosa?

Did you know that the samosa has risen to become one of the UK's favourite snack options with a recent survey showing they're the number two nibble among younger people? (EDITOR: And some of us older people, too!)

Now, a renowned food futurologist has revealed how you eat your samosa says something about your own  personality. 

In a new report created on behalf of Takul which makes halal convenience foods, including a range of three different types of samosa, Lyndon Gee has defined four distinct types of “samosa eater” as follows:

The corner nibbler

Methodically and tentatively nibbles each crispy corner of the samosa before gradually working their way to the centre, and all the filling. The nibbler is obsessed with delayed gratification.

The middle grounder

Going straight for the centre of the samosa, with military precision they carefully take a bite from between each of the three corners, leaving those crispy edges intact to relish last. These individuals are dull but organised.

The samosa squeezer

Strategically bites one corner of the samosa then squeezes to extract the filling, leaving the empty shell, which they gobble down whole. Greedy, they find this the quickest way to eat a samosa.

The pernickety peeler

Like to examine their food before eating it. They carefully and precisely nibble around the edge of the whole samosa, then gently peel off the top layer exposing the filling, which they meticulously inspect before finally munching. Indecisive and afraid to take a risk.

In his report, Lyndon Gee also predicts halal food is set to become mainstream in the coming years, following in the footsteps of other cuisines such as vegan and plant-based options.

He said halal food has evolved from being a religious dietary choice to being a marker of safe, healthy, hygienic and reliable food.

With trust being so key to what people choose to buy, especially food-wise, Lyndon said, “various research studies indicate that non-Muslims have a positive opinion of halal food products and show significant intention to buy them, as they know halal food is appropriately processed”.

He added that halal products “will be chosen for non-faith-based reasons, simply because the food appeals, offering manufacturers even greater opportunities as halal products move into less traditional dishes”. 

Lyndon Gee has broad experience in the halal food industry. He's worked with Diabetes UK on various recipes for Ramadan aimed at the Muslim community and was creative consultant for a halal fast food burger concept.

With almost half of the UK Muslim population under the age of 24, the report also reveals how pivotal the younger generation are in terms of shaping what halal food looks like today. 

Lyndon said: “Cash rich and time poor, the younger generation seek convenience and speed. Gen Y and Gen Z consumers are more adventurous and looking for new flavours and different food experiences than their parents. Products such as pasties or samosas that can be eaten in one hand are ideal.”

He added: “Mealtimes have become blurred and there's been a big rise in snacking, whether the on-the-go meal replacement, or sitting down with friends and enjoying a film or a game and sharing a selection of foods like pizza, charcuterie, or samosas. The social aspect of eating should never be underestimated, but with busy lifestyles people are looking for easy, cost-effective solutions to entertain their friends.”

Takul makes a range of convenience meals and snacks which include pizzas, samosas, pasties and deli meats which are available in selected Tesco and Sainsbury's stores nationwide. For further details please visit https://takul.co.uk/store-finder 

The Institute of Brewing & Distilling Launches its First Course for Distillers

The Spirit Sensory Analysis on-demand course enables distillers to understand spirit flavour and implement an effective system of sensory analysis.

The Institute of Brewing & Distilling (IBD), which is the world's most widely recognised learning provider of technical education in the brewing industry, has launched a totally brand new technical self-assessed and on demand technical course, Spirit Sensory Analysis.

This new short course is the first continuing professional development course for distillers from the IBD. Spirit Sensory Analysis is aimed at distillers and quality professionals who are working in distilleries of all sizes, who are desiring  to improve product quality using sensory analysis.

The Spirit Sensory Analysis course provides the knowledge and tools necessary to understand and control spirit flavour. It will enable learners to run a range of sensory tests, assess the results and ultimately improve their production process and products. The course is provided in an engaging, interactive and multimedia format.

This course has been created and developed in collaboration with leading sensory scientists and distilling professionals. It provides the same technical excellence found in all IBD qualifications, with the benefit of not requiring to sit a formal exam.

The course includes a downloadable PDF with technical information such as:

The basis of spirit flavour

The descriptors and thresholds of over 300 key flavour compounds

Spirit flavour terminology systems and flavour wheels

Tasting forms for more than 10 sensory tests

The statistical tables, equations and calculations to interpret test results

The course features text, videos, animations, quizzes, and games to help enhance learning. At the end of the course, learners receive a Certificate of Completion.

Stuart Howe, who is the IBD Technical Learning and Development Manager, explains: “Whatever the size of your distillery, this course should help you better understand spirit flavour and get the best value from your sensory endeavours. 

"It may also save you spending money on the services of companies providing sensory management systems and training. We are confident that not only will you enjoy the course, but it will also benefit your career, your distillery, your products, your consumers and your sales volumes!”

Tom Shelston, IBD Chief Executive Officer, comments: “The Spirit Sensory Analysis Course is our 5th short course within a year, showing the IBD commitment to establishing a richer continuous professional development pathway in the drinks industry. This new short course shows our commitment to reinforce our learning offering for the spirits sector as this is our first on-demand technical course for distillers."

https://www.ibd.org.uk

Saladmaster Championing Preventative Health at the Global Health Summit

The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies Diabetes and Heart Disease as two of the leading causes of mortality, standing as major global health challenges. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reports 540 million people living with Diabetes with projections indicating a worrisome 46 percent increase by 2045. 

These alarming figures underline the imperative to address the issue head-on. Particularly, Type 2 Diabetes, constituting 90% of all cases, can be prevented, and treated via the adoption of a health-conscious diet and regular exercises.

Saladmaster,which is an industry-leading innovator in healthy cooking solutions, is making its mark at the Global Health Summit, reaffirming its commitment to advancing preventative health initiatives for people.

Saladmaster is poised to assume a role in this transformative journey, utilizing its unique cooking technology and comprehensive health education programs. 

By integrating these powerful tools, Saladmaster empowers individuals to proactively combat potential ailments that potentially stem from poor dietary choices, amplifying the message that prevention is, of course, paramount.

The Global Health Summit serves as a platform for Saladmaster to join forces with international thought leaders, bolstering the fight against preventable diseases borne from unhealthy eating habits. Magali Madariaga, VP of Global Marketing for Saladmaster, affirms, "Our mission is to forge a healthier world through education, innovation, and empowerment."

Ayo Olaseinde, who is the President of Saladmaster, concurs, saying: "For 77 years, we've been changing lives, and our commitment to this cause remains unwavering. As a responsible participant in addressing a critical global health issue, we pledge to be an integral part of the solution."

To learn more visit www.Saladmaster.com.

Caramelised Orange, Cardamom & White Chocolate cake

That's Food and Drink has been granted the honour and privilege of sharing this stunning recipe from Naomi Rose, The famed Baking Boss.  

This caramelised orange cake is great as an afternoon tea cake as well as a pudding served with extra caramel sauce.

Naomi writes I used some ground almond in this recipe as well as I think it works very nicely with the orange, white chocolate and cardamom flavours.

If you want to make some extra caramel sauce, just double the caramel part of the recipe and add extra orange juice when making the caramel.

Ingredients

 

Caramel Sauce

200 grams Caster sugar

60 grams Unsalted butter cubed and at room temperature

1/2 Orange juice only

Cake

2 Oranges One cut into thin slices and halved, one just zest and juice

200 grams Unsalted butter softened

200 grams Light brown sugar

4 Eggs

1 tsp Mixed spice

1 tsp Baking powder

4 Cardamon pods husks removed and seeds crushed

1/2 Salt

150 grams Self-raising flour

75 grams Ground almonds

100 grams White chocolate drops

Instructions

 

Caramel sauce

In a heavy-based saucepan, add the caster sugar with 3 tablespoons of water. Heat on a medium heat, stirring occasionally, until all the sugar has dissolved.

Once the sugar has dissolved, turn up the heat and bring to the boil. Stir constantly until the sugar starts to go golden brown. Be careful not to let the caramel burn!

Once the caramel has turned golden brown, take off the heat and carefully whisk in a little of the butter at a time follow by the orange juice until fully combined. Set aside to cool slightly.

Make the cake

Lightly grease and line a deep loose bottom (or springform) 20cm cake tin. Preheat the oven to 170°C.

In the bottom of tin, arrange the orange slices in a circle, slightly overlapping, so they cover the base of the tin. Pour the caramel on top of the orange slices and spread evenly over the oranges.

In a large bowl, add the butter and light brown sugar. Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, beat together for two or three minutes until all the ingredients are combined.

Whilst beating the mixture, add the eggs gradually one at a time. Don't worry if the mixture splits.

Fold the orange zest, baking powder, cardamom, salt, self-raising flour and ground almond and flour into the mixture. Then fold in the white chocolate.

Transfer the mixture to the tin and bake in the oven for 45-50 minutes. Check after 25 mins and if starting to brown on top, cover with tin foil.

Once the cake is baked, take out of the oven and brush the bottom with the orange juice. Leave it for about 10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool. Top tip: you might need to run a knife around the edge of the tin to loosen it. Leave to cool completely.

To learn more about Naomi please visit https://bakingboss.net or check out her video, here:-

Keep Everyone Cooled Down This Summer With St-Remy Brandy

Those lovely folks at St-Remy has the perfect cooler cocktail to keep you refreshed this summer, with the St-Rémy XO, Chardonnay and citrus it's just like summer in a glass!

The St-Rémy XO is made with 100% French wine grapes only harvested in the Loire valley, which will elevate the chardonnay is this cocktail elegantly. The notes of vanilla, oak and gingerbread will add a delicious spiciness that rounds off the concoction.

The recipe here serves four so mix up a batch for all your loved ones at your next garden party.

250 ml St-Rémy XO

500 ml Tonic water

150 ml Chardonnay wine (we recommend the Pasari Chardonnay from Cramele Recas)

50 ml Lemon juice

1 Grapefruit

Add all ingredients to a pitcher with ice and leave to cool for three hours. Zest a grapefruit peel above each glass, serve with a grapefruit slice and enjoy.

Available at Ocado, Morrisons, Amazon and Asda – RRP £24

Something for our farmer readers, about outdoor working

Working outdoors in cold, rainy weather can not only be uncomfortable and hinder your ability to complete your work, but it can also be very dangerous if you aren't properly equipped.

With this in mind, the team at Workwear Express has offered their expert insight into staying dry whilst working outside, with eight must-haves for protection from the rain. 

 Waterproof outerwear

Your waterproofs are the most essential items for keeping you dry when working in rainy weather conditions. From your jackets to your trousers, having waterproofs will prevent rain from penetrating your clothing and keep you feeling dry and comfortable throughout the entire day.

However, it’s important to note you should choose properly fitted clothing, as this will impact the performance of your waterproofs. Clothing that's oversized might be too loose and let rain in, whilst jackets or trousers that are too small will fail to cover your body to offer full protection. 

 Breathable, moisture-wicking clothing

When working all day doing a strenuous job, sweating can often be unavoidable, which is why choosing breathable and moisture-wicking clothing is vital.

Your t-shirts, jumpers, underwear or shorts should be made from lightweight, breathable fabrics, which allows better air circulation and prevent moisture from becoming trapped and the feeling of being hot and clammy. You can also choose moisture-wicking materials that absorb moisture from your body and push it to the fabric’s surface, to keep you feeling nice and dry. 

Correct footwear 

Working in wet conditions requires waterproof, non-slip footwear to keep your feet dry and comfortable, alongside providing stability.

Having waterproof footwear that prevents your feet from getting cold and wet is very important, as it protects you against unwanted foot conditions such as athlete's foot, poor circulation, or the more serious and nasty immersion foot. It’s also vital your work footwear has a good grip to help you keep your feet stable and safe on wet surfaces and prevent slipping. (And is steel toe-capped, if required)

Protective headgear

Hats can be a great way to keep your head and face dry when working outside. If you work in the likes of construction, roadworks, waterworks, gas and oil, forestry, then a hard hat with a rain cover would be a brilliant option.

 Alternatively, if your job isn’t likely to require a hard hat but you’re still looking for some good protection from the rain, a waterproof bucket hat or wide-brimmed hat is a good choice. Ideal for farm workers.

Gloves

Having cold, wet hands can make it difficult for you to fulfil your work effectively, which is why waterproof gloves can be an essential piece of equipment when working outside.

Choosing a gloves that allow complete flexibility will allow you to complete your jobs with a full range of movement, whilst still protecting your skin from the rain and preventing your fingers becoming cold, chapped and numb. 

Thermals 

Accompanying rainy weather can also be cold temperatures, which is why having thermals when working outdoors can be vital.

The extra layer of protection provides insulation, helping you retain your body heat and avoid cold-related issues like frostbite, chilblains and hypothermia. They also have the added benefit of being made from moisture-wicking materials that transport sweat away from the skin, which is important as wet clothes will make you feel colder. 

Breaks in sheltered areas

Working outside for long periods of time in the rain and cold can not only be uncomfortable, but also dangerous - and not to mention make you feel miserable.

That’s why, whenever possible, you should take short breaks in sheltered areas (like a barn, for example?) to give your body’s temperature time to warm up and your clothing the chance to dry off. 

Spare clothes 

It’s always a good idea to have a spare set of clothes to hand during your working day, as this can be useful for a number of reasons.

If the weather is torrential and you feel extremely uncomfortable in your work clothes, you can easily change into your spare pair or have them to change into at the end of the day for your commute home, so that you don’t feel uncomfortable when driving. 

That's Food and Drink would like to thank Workwear Express for their help in compiling this article.

https://www.workwearexpress.com/jackets/mens-jackets 

That's Christmas: That's Business: Don't wreck your business by not ...

That's Christmas: That's Business: Don't wreck your business by not ...: That's Business: Don't wreck your business by not promoting it! : One of the first things to go for many businesses during times of ...

That's Business: Don't wreck your business by not promoting it!

That's Business: Don't wreck your business by not promoting it!: One of the first things to go for many businesses during times of economic troubles or a recession is the marketing budget and the advertisi...

Sainsbury’s boosts value offering and savings for its customers

As the cost of living challenges continues to face shoppers, Sainsbury’s has revealed that it's still "totally focused" on providing great value on the products customers buy the  most often. 

From today onwards, Sainsbury’s has added in excess over 40 products to its Aldi Price Match campaign, making it the biggest yet with over 400 products. Additions include a range of by Sainsbury’s soups; burger buns and bread for those late summer BBQs; and sweet treats such as Bramley Apple Pies.

Whilst food inflation is showing signs of beginning to slow down, Sainsbury’s remains fully committed to passing on savings to its customers. 

With the price of butter continuing to fall, it's reduced the price of its by Sainsbury's British Butter 250g by 10% since May. It's  now £1.79. Cheese, fish fingers and toilet roll are some more of the popular products Sainsbury’s has lowered prices on ahead of the busy back to school period.

From today, Nectar Prices, which offers Nectar customers lower prices on a wide range of products, is also now available on frozen foods for the first time ever, completing the roll out of Nectar Prices across Sainsbury’s branches. 

Customers will now receive special Nectar Prices on in excess of 5,000 products in Sainsbury’s supermarkets and also online, with new deals launching including up to half price on frozen favourites like Birds Eye Fish Fingers, Goodfellas Thin Margherita Pizza and Linda McCartney Original Sausages. Since the launch of Nectar Prices in April, Nectar customers have saved in excess of £244m.

As Sainsbury’s continues to go big on providing value for its customers, it's also revealed it's increasing its Pocket Friendly Prices campaign to 55 products across most of its convenience store. This campaign highlights the great everyday competitive value it's offering customers on the most popular essentials in convenience, including by Sainsbury’s chicken breast fillets, butter and baked beans.

Earlier this year, Sainsbury’s launched Stamford Street, which is a new brand for all of its entry price point products. With the rollout of some 200 products now nearing completion, the distinctive packaging, dedicated in-store signage and custom website page make it easier than ever for customers to find everyday staples at budget-friendly prices.

Simon Roberts, who is Sainsbury’s CEO said: “We’re continuing to do all that we can to battle inflation and as costs fall, so do our prices.

"We’re passing savings on as quickly as possible, wherever we possibly can, so our customers get the very best prices when they shop with us. With our biggest ever Aldi Price Match and Nectar Prices campaigns, whatever you’re shopping for you'll always be getting great value at Sainsbury’s.

"From offering great value through its Stamford Street range and passing cost price savings on to customers, to Nectar Prices promotions, Aldi Price Match value and Pocket Friendly Prices for our convenience shoppers, Sainsbury’s value offering will help make delicious meals for busy families, great lunch boxes for the return to school and weekend treats affordable to more customers."

https://www.sainsburys.co.uk

Tesco has 425 million reasons for customers to recycle

Customers shopping at Tesco are going to soon see changes across its own brand milk, as it the works with its milk dairies to make milk bottles even easier to recycle. 

By removing coloured plastic and changing blue, red and green milk caps to a clear alternative, on some 425 million bottles of milk annually, Tesco is improving the quality of recovered material from household waste and enabling the cap to be recycled back into new milk bottles. Customers are encouraged to squash or crush empty bottles, replacing the original lid before recycling to ensure it's not lost or discarded. 

Coloured plastic currently has to be processed separately from clear packaging, so this simple, yet effective change, means every year 3,900 extra tonnes of recycled plastic will be able to go back into making new milk bottles, a process which can be repeated each and every time a customer recycles it. 

The move will be seen in all Tesco stores, across 4 pint, 2 pint and 1 pint plastic milk bottles. However, different types of milk, whole, semi-skimmed or skimmed, will still be easy for staff and shoppers of identify, thanks to coloured labels around the main bottle.

James Waddy, who is Category Director for Dairy at Tesco, said: “Ensuring our packaging is as sustainable as possible is very important to us, and customer feedback on our trials of these new clear milk caps was overwhelmingly positive. Of course, we'll continue to look for ways to improve the packaging of all of our products, thus helping to make it even easier for customers to recycle at home.”

Tesco follows its 4Rs strategy when it comes to plastic and packaging, aiming to remove plastic where possible, reduce where it can't, reuse more and recycle what is left. 

Earlier this month, Tesco announced a trial of fresh mince ‘pillow packs’, which use 70% less plastic and are fully recyclable at in-store soft plastic collection points.                                           

To date, Tesco has removed around 2.2 billion pieces of plastic from its UK business, including: 

200+ million bags from Tesco.com deliveries

100+ million extra lids from products such as wipes, creams, yogurts and desserts

33 million pieces of plastic from bakery bread and doughnuts 

Incidentally here is the link to the story about the fresh mince trial that we carried a few weeks ago:

https://thatsfoodanddrink.blogspot.com/2023/08/tesco-unveils-fresh-mince-pillow-packs.html

Shopping at Aldi? Here are their August Bank Holiday opening hours

Aldi has announced its opening times for the August Bank Holiday.

Aldi's branches will open as normal Saturdays and Sunday. But stores will be open in England and Wales from 8am until 8pm on Monday 28th August, but opening hours in Scotland will remain unchanged (8am – 10pm).

However, customers are advised that the opening times of some stores could vary, and they're advised to  visit Aldi’s website to check their local store's opening times.

Aldi report that they have everything shoppers will need for a stunning Bank Holiday, due to its fabulous range of delicious food and drink.

From BBQs and picnics to garden gatherings and soirees, shoppers will be able to can cater for any long weekend plans with Aldi's stupendous range of fresh meat, vegetarian and vegan options, sides, snacks, sweet treats and drinks, all at amazing Aldi prices, too!

And Click and Collect is also available to customers at some 200 Aldi stores. Customers at select stores can visit groceries.aldi.co.uk to browse the supermarket’s range online and book a timeslot for collection, where all of their shopping will be brought to their cars and loaded into their boots by Aldi colleagues.

www.aldi.co.uk

Sip Urban Rhino gin and support wildlife. It's a real win-win!

There's a real win-win situation for lovers of good, high quality London dry gins, as every time they take a sip of Urban Rhino Gin, they are helping to save rhinos.

And the spirits world bible 'The Spirits Business" has acknowledged this by naming Urban Rhino Gin as one of the top 10 conservation spirits brands that is supporting conservation projects.

A spokesman for Urban Rhino Gin commented: "It's a real special honour, and we're obviously thrilled to learn that we've been listed alongside some other amazing drinks brands which also have conservation at their heart."

Announcing their top 10, The Spirits Business said: “Just creating excellent liquid isn't enough for some spirits brands, many want to do more, so we've rounded up 10 producers who are going the extra mile for our planet and its inhabitants.

“From the conservation of endangered species to looking after the agriculture of our planet, conservation projects are becoming the raison d'etre for many spirits brands. Here, we've looked at 10 producers which have made it their mission to help the planet, one drop of spirit at a time.”

And featuring Urban Rhino second on the list the publication stated: “London Dry gin Urban Rhino is said to seamlessly combine authenticity, craftsmanship, and a commitment to rhino conservation in everything it does.

“With a recipe of six botanicals, Urban Rhino Gin does actively contribute to the fight against rhino extinction.

“Owner Pete Richardson was part of the team which took action to save the orphaned rhino babies in the Waterberg area of Limpopo in South Africa when the rhino poaching crisis hit the headlines back in 2012. 

"Pete then went on to establish the world's first purpose-built facility, The Rhino Orphanage, Urban Rhino Gin's charity partner, which works to protect and conserve both rhinos and their habitat.”

It's a remarkable union of conservation and craftsmanship, with Pete, co-founder of the world's first baby rhino orphanage, recently acquiring The White Rhino Gin Company Ltd and the Urban Rhino gin brand.

Pete, who is 57, was working in The Waterberg area of Limpopo in South Africa when the rhino poaching crisis hit the headlines 11 years ago.

Alongside conservationist Arrie van Deventer, Pete was part of the team which action to save the orphaned babies and went on to establish the world's first purpose-built facility, The Rhino Orphanage.

Pete remains an active director of the orphanage, despite now living in the UK.

Urban Rhino gin can be bought in the UK via their here website at www.urban-rhino.com.

Their spokesman said: "We invite gin lovers to embrace their passion whilst at the same time making a meaningful contribution to rhino preservation. With every sip, supporters of Urban Rhino join the movement to protect these majestic creatures from the threat of extinction."

We at That's Food and Drink and our sister site That's Christmas firmly believe that bottles of Urban Rhino Gin will make excellent Christmas gifts for Christmas 2023. 

That's Christmas: Eat, Drink and Be Merry With a Luxury Christmas Ha...

That's Christmas: Eat, Drink and Be Merry With a Luxury Christmas Ha...: Justifiably famed for stupendously awesome artisanal luxury hampers including its hamper like no other, the Truly Magnificent, priced at £89...

That's Christmas: Luxury Christmas Gifting from DukesHill

That's Christmas: Luxury Christmas Gifting from DukesHill: Seeking out highest-quality gifts for friends and family this Christmas? Then look no further! Because luxury artisan food supplier and Roya...

A Seafood Extravaganza: England's Seafood Feast

England's most exciting celebration of seafood is returning to the English Riviera, South Devon, this autumn. 

Shaping up to be a feast for all senses, England’s Seafood FEAST (29th September - 15th October) will see a stunning array of experiences and special menus at in excess of 30 eateries. 

Seafood lovers will be able to visit the world-renowned Brixham Fish Market and also meet the inspiring Faces of the FEAST spearheading it all. 

Alongside a whole host of stunning and exclusive events, the English Riviera’s best independent eateries will showcase an array of seafood set menus, platters and tasting menus available throughout the two week celebration.

Meet the Faces of the FEAST at Exclusive Events

On select dates during the FEAST (4th, 5th, 11th, 12th October), Brixham Fish Market will open its doors for special early morning tours, providing an exclusive glimpse into the landing site of England’s biggest catch. 

Over 40 species of fish and shellfish are regularly sold at the daily online auction and the behind-the-scenes experience offers an exciting, exclusive insight into the seafood industry before a seafood breakfast at Rockfish overlooking the harbour.

There’s also a wonderful opportunity to Meet the Maker (12th October) with Simon Hulstone from The Elephant; and Frazer Pugh from The Hand Picked Scallop Co. 

Simon will be cooking up a delicious feast featuring hand dived scallops from the local waters of Torbay, while Frazer will immerse guests in an engaging discussion about what life's like at sea and his passion for protecting the local waters. 

Meet another maker at an Exclusive Celebration Seafood Supper at Sandridge Barton (29th September). Tour the winery whilst sipping a glass of sparkling wine and sampling local oysters before being served a special 5-course tasting menu (with optional wine flight) showcasing local independent fisherman Keith's best catches.

Catch and Cook at Cary Arms (6th October) - spend the day fishing from the pier on Babbacombe Beach, before heading back to the inn to enjoy your catch, cooked by the chef.

Art enthusiasts can meet local artist Becky Bettesworth at Hampton by Hilton Hotel (13th October), indulging in a coastal afternoon tea while she shares her inspiring journey and what fuels her creativity as an artist by the sea. 

Meet Matt Newbury, author of Wild Swimming Walks (Torbay, Dartmoor and South Devon and Cornwall editions) for a Seafood Feast Dip and Dine at Cantina (3rd October). The evening will include inspirational talks and short films, all swimming-related, and a delicious bowl of warming seafood chowder. 

The Guardhouse Cafe on Berry Head Nature Reserve is teaming up with local bird expert and illustrator, Mike Langman, for a ‘Seabirds and Seafood’ Guided Walk and Breakfast (10th October). As participants venture along the clifftops, they can expect to spot the first returning winter flock of guillemots and keep their eyes peeled for kittiwakes, skuas and shearwaters. They may even catch the occasional sighting of dolphins and porpoises, while the lucky few may see splashes of huge Atlantic bluefin tuna further out to sea. A scallop benedict will be served on return to the award-winning cafe.

Delivering fun for all the family in Goodrington, Seafest (30th September) is a one-day celebration of the sea and the remarkable coastline. Highlights include theatre performances, live music, entertainers, watersport taster sessions, a beach clean, family beach activities, art workshops, escapology, short films, mermaids, a wash-away art gallery, treasure hunts and a Parade of the Sea that everyone can join in. Later that day, Loluli’s will be hosting a 'Fish Over Fire Takeover’ at Otto, on Torquay harbourside, combining amazing local seafood with a theatrical display of fire.

Mitch Tonks, restaurateur and owner of Rockfish, says: “The world of seafood can be a bit of a mystery sometimes, we often stick to the things we know. Our Seafood Coast in England has the most amazing range of species caught and landed in our waters by our fishermen. FEAST is a fantastic couple of weeks showcasing all of that, people can visit and try so many different things. It really is feasting; feasting on all the variety, going from place to place and trying something different, it’s like a seafood trail. Get your map out early and plan where to go and what to eat, it’s time to feast!”

Simon Hulstone, chef-proprietor of the Michelin-starred Elephant Restaurant, says: “South Devon has an abundance of fantastic produce and I honestly can’t think of anywhere better in the UK for local sourcing. It’s a pleasure to support the local coastline with England’s Seafood FEAST and I’m looking forward to being involved again this year.”

Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive of the English Riviera BID Company, says: “England’s Seafood FEAST is an occasion for both locals and visitors to the area to fully immerse themselves in a true celebration of our locally caught and landed seafood. It’s an opportunity to taste the exquisite flavour of dishes cooked by local chefs while breathing in the fresh sea air and admiring the natural beauty of our stunning coastal region.”

The FEAST, taking place in the heart of England’s Seafood Coast, promises visitors a unique experience featuring the world-renowned local seafood that the region is famous for. The towns of Brixham, Paignton and Torquay have joined forces providing the chance to dine like a local and taste some of the best seafood in the world, right where it’s landed. 

Book your tickets now, with participating businesses, to avoid disappointment. Some events, like 7 Chefs from England’s Seafood Coast in Brixham and Torquay, sold out within days of being announced.

Exciting events are being added regularly to the programme so keep checking back for more information. In the coming weeks, watch out for a Seafood Feast with a talk from British Marine Biologist, Monty Halls, at The Thatched Tavern, English Riviera meets French Riviera at La Petite Maison, heritage talks about withy pot making through the generations and displays by Sarah Ready at The Prince William and more…

England’s Seafood FEAST is brought to you by English Riviera BID Company and kindly sponsored by Torbay Council and Henderson Seafood.

The full programme can be found on www.theseafoodfeast.co.uk. For regular updates follow theseafoodfeast on Instagram and follow/like theseafoodfeast on Facebook.

Scam warning to UK shoppers

A warning has been issued to UK shoppers to be wary of fraudsters who are creating fake Wilko websites, scamming unsuspecting victims with fake clearance sales and discounts.

With the advancement of online shopping scams used to prey on unsuspecting shoppers, being vigilant when shopping online is of vital importance. 

Nick Drewe, retail expert and founder of online discounts platform, Wethrift, has provided some savvy tips on how to spot a fake retailer website and how to keep safe when shopping online.

Is the deal too good to be true?

If a ‘deal’ you see circulating online looks too good to be true, that means it probably is. A product for what seems an excessively low price can be a sure indicator of a potential purchase scam. Always trust your gut and use logic for whether a deal is legitimate or not, regardless of whether a retailer is having ‘closing down sales’ or not.

In this case, one fake Wilko website is offering shoppers up to 90% off products in a fake clearance sale.

Is the branding on the website correct?

Often, when scammers replicate a brand’s page, they can get a little sloppy when coming to the branding. Low quality images and logos, poorly photoshopped designs, or using outdated branding are all key things to look out for on a brand’s social media page. 

Look for spelling and grammatical errors on the page/s

Another red flag that gives away fake websites is spelling and grammatical errors. Scammers can often overlook these small details when creating a fake website, and a legitimate site from a retailer like Wilko would never contain spelling and grammar mistakes. 

Does the URL look to be suspicious?

Hover your cursor over the URL, which the post or ad is asking you to click through to, but don’t click it until you’re sure it’s safe. Do a quick Google search for the brand name and check that the URL matches the official site. 

Often, scammers will create a URL that is a close resemblance, but there will often be subtle differences that could easily be missed. 

When shopping online, always check the website address to make sure you are on a legitimate site. The address should begin with ‘https.’ and there should be a locked padlock symbol that appears on the URL bar. This means that the site is secure for shopping.

As well as this, sign up to Verified by Visa or MasterCard Secure Code when given the option. This process involves registering a password with your card company, which will add a further layer of security when you are shopping online. 

Read a site’s privacy policies 

Privacy policies tend to get overlooked due to how long and complex they are, but they are still very important. The privacy policy of a website will tell you how it collects personal information. If there is no policy available or there is no registered address, this is a potential red flag that the site is actually a fake set up by fraudsters. 

Are you able to pay with a credit card?

When looking at the payment options, check to see whether the website enables you to pay with a credit card. Credit cards are one of the safest methods to pay for goods online, as credit card companies are able to easily refund any money that has been lost to fraud. 

A major retailer’s website not offering the option to pay via credit card is an indicator that the website is a fake that has been created by scammers. 

Install the latest security software for your devices 

Keeping your computers and mobile devices up to date is one of the best ways to protect yourself against any other online threats such as phishing scams. If you know that you’ll forget to manually do this from time to time, set up automatic updates. 

When it comes to your computer, make sure your device has the right antivirus software and firewall installed. Also, ensure that your web browser is set to the highest level of security. 

That's Food and Drink would like to thank Wethrift for their help with this article.

https://www.wethrift.com/wilko

(Image courtesy of Gerd Altmann from Pixabay)

Plan your wedding wine list with Aldi. And get free wedding day wine!

Newlyweds-to-be will be in with a chance of having their wedding wine absolutely free in Aldi’s newest competition which is open until 11th September.

With the average UK wedding costing nearly £20,000, Aldi is offering cheaper alternatives to help couples during the cost-of-living crisis.

Mistress of Wine, Sam Caporn gives top wedding wine tips including whether you should or shouldn’t match wine with your food.

Getting married has never been pricier, with the average wedding now costing £19,1841 and alcohol alone taking something like 10% (£1,800) of the budget.

Aldi, which is The Which? Cheapest Supermarket of the Year, says shoppers can make big savings on their big day by sourcing their wine from Aldi, which can cost as little as £2.25 per person.

Proving that you really can’t put a price on love and to celebrate these impressive savings, the discounter is offering three lucky couples ‘to be’ 60 bottles of award-winning wine to contribute to their special day – FOR ABSOLUTELY FREE!

To be in with a chance of receiving a mix of white, red and rosé wine supplied by Aldi, all budding couples need to do is send an email to aldiweddingwines@clarioncomms.co.uk with the below details:

Full name

Proof of age

Date and location of wedding

150 words explaining why you think you should receive a selection of Aldi’s wines for your wedding.

 

Sam Caporn, Mistress of Wine says: “I know myself when you’re planning a wedding, there’s so much to think about and decisions like choosing the right wines can be daunting and a bit overwhelming, especially when budgets are tight. 

"Together with Aldi, I want to show happy couples they don’t need to compromise on the quality of wine at their wedding to get a bargain and by following these few simple tips, it can be a lot easier than couples might think.”

Sam Caporn, Mistress of Wine’s I dos and don’ts of choosing wines for weddings:

Don’t try to match it with the food – A common mistake people make is focusing on matching the wine with the food when actually guests will prefer to stick to one wine throughout. Plus, the meal is very much just one part of the wedding. 

It’s better therefore to opt for easy-drinking wines, i.e. not too oaky or acidic, not too high tannin or rich. A New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc (Freeman’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc £6.79, 75cl) or a soft Pinot Grigio such as Aldi’s Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie, available for just £4.49, are sure to be confirmed crowd-pleasers!

Do match the wine to the season Whether a relaxed outdoor summer gathering or an elegant indoor winter wedding, the season can drastically change what wine to serve. For a winter wedding upweight easy-drinking but well-bodied red wines such as a Shiraz (Cambalala South African Shiraz £4.75, 75cl) or Malbec-I would recommend60:40 red to whites. Whereas for summer weddings, introduce rosé into the mix (30:30 rosé to whites).

Do opt for alternatives to Champagne – Couples often assume you need champagne for their wedding toast. However, Champagne for a wedding can get very pricey. Think of fizz alternatives like a Crémant, which is a delicious alternative, this premium French fizz is made in the same style, by the same methods so you might be surprised how few people will notice the difference, especially as often bubbles are pre-poured or obscured by a white napkin. Aldi’s Specially Selected Crémant du Jura (£8.99, 75cl) is a purse-friendly alternative to luxury brands, but equally as tasty. Available in store 11th September.

Don’t splash out unnecessarily. You really don’t need to spend lots of money for a delicious wedding wine. Focus on good-quality but great-value favourites rather than expensive, premium bottles. The style of wines like Premier Crus are often not to everyone’s taste, so do focus on more approachable wines. A Spanish Rioja Reserva like Aldi’s Baron Amarillo Rioja Reserva (£5.99, 75cl) or Argentinian Malbec like the Specially Selected Argentinian Malbec (£6.59,75cl) are great choices for red wines.

But please don’t forget the non-drinkers. Whether they're a designated driver, pregnant, abstaining or just generally prefer not to drink alcohol, having fun no or low alcohol options will make everyone feel included. Aldi’s 0% sparkling, Zerozecco is just £2.99, tastes delicious and is perfect for the toast.

Entries to the competition are now open until Monday 11th September. To enter now and view the full terms and conditions, visit the Aldi Wedding Wines page on https://www.aldi.co.uk/free-wedding-wine

UK households see green shoots of recovery as disposable income rises, points out Asda

The latest figures from Asda’s Income Tracker shows the financial pressures facing UK households eased slightly during last month, with a 4.5% increase in disposable incomes year-on-year - marking the strongest annual growth rate since September 2021.

In July, the amount households had to spend on themselves after paying taxes and essential bills, was up by £9.48 a week compared on the same period a year prior.

Compared with the previous month, disposable income picked up by £6.09 per week, taking the average disposable income to the highest it has been since March 2022 at £218 per week.

The improvement in household spending power was due to the easing of inflation down to 6.8% in July compared to 7.9% the previous month. This was predominantly due to lower energy prices, while lower food and non-alcoholic beverage prices also contributed to the monthly slowdown.

But despite these recent improvements, family disposable income remains firmly below the levels experienced prior to the cost-of-living crisis, down by £25.99 per week for the average household compared to July 2021.

There are also notable differences between households, with those aged 30-49 feeling the pinch the most as spending on essentials like food, housing costs and utility bills, was 9.4% higher in July compared to a year earlier. 

On average, these households spent £726 on essentials per week in July - £135 per week more than the average spend on essentials for all households.

In contrast, older households aged 65+ enjoyed a 7.8% increase in average disposable incomes in July compared to a year earlier. This reflects their stronger gross income growth following the recent uplift to the state pension and smaller rises in the cost of essentials.

Asda has pledged to continue to support families during the cost-of-living crisis by keeping prices under control and is monitoring the situation and launching new propositions to provide customers with more value every time they shop.

Asda won the Grocer 33 pricing award for the 26th consecutive year last month and has recently revealed it was cutting the prices of over 200 own-label lines by an average of nine percent. The products include a whole host of fresh fruit and vegetables, frozen meat and fish products, cupboard staples and popular ready meals, too.

Asda's also extended its immensely popular kids eat for £1 cafes offer until year's end of the year. It's served over two million meals to kids since it launched the initiative last June.

www.asda.com

Tesco celebrates milestone of 500th electric customer home delivery van

Tesco has cemented its position as the UKs top supermarket when it comes to electric home delivery vans by unveiling its 500th electric van. 

The van will see service at the supermarket’s Sheffield Extra store. This is the first store in Yorkshire to have a fully electric fleet. The store runs 14 home delivery vans, making 2,500 deliveries every week.

Since Tesco introduced its first EV home delivery van back in 2020 in Greater London, the electric vehicles powered by clean green energy have replaced 15 million diesel delivery miles. 

Over 30 Tesco stores and centres are now operating fully electric home delivery vans across the UK, helping improve air quality in urban areas and reducing emissions, too.

Tesco’s fleet of 5,500 home delivery vans deliver to 150,000 customers across the UK every single day. 

As part of its aim to become carbon neutral in the UK by 2035, Tesco is fully committed to operating a fully electric home delivery fleet in the UK by the end of 2030. 

By moving the whole UK delivery fleet to cleaner green electric power, it would be equivalent to taking 22,000 cars off the road each year.

Jason Tarry, Tesco CEO UK & ROI, said: “The delivery of our 500th EV home delivery van to our Sheffield Extra store is an important landmark as we move towards a fully electric fleet across the UK by 2030. 

"Making this change will reduce our carbon emissions as a business, improve the air quality for the communities we serve in Sheffield, and help us reach our commitment to be carbon neutral in our own operations by 2035.”

Gill Furniss MP, who is the Member of Parliament for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough, said: “It’s great to see Sheffield have a fully electric dotcom fleet, this is obviously brilliant for the local community.

We know moving to electric vehicles can contribute towards improved air quality and it’s great to see retailers like Tesco making investments like this in our city, Sheffield.”

Decarbonisation Minister Jesse Norman said: “Electric vehicles are a key part of the UK's move to a Green growth economy. It is great to see businesses like Tesco embrace this technology to help make supermarket deliveries more sustainable.

“For its part the Government has supported over 40,000 electric vans and HGVs across the UK through the Plug-in Van Grant, supporting businesses and individuals to decarbonise.”

www.tesco.com

That's Health: Morrisons joins with NHS to put important cancer a...

That's Health: Morrisons joins with NHS to put important cancer a...: Morrisons and the NHS have joined together in a very worthwhile scheme to publish advice on underwear labels urging people to contact their ...

The 2023 edition of the annual World Water Week starts today, Monday, August 21st

The 2023 edition of the annual World Water Week starts today, Monday, August 21st. The core of the event happens in Stockholm, Sweden, with chapters taking place in other countries, with the option to participate in the discussions in Stockholm via a remote link. 

Hereford-based clean water advocacy charity, Hope Spring will be participating in the event remotely on the first day of the week-long event.

Each edition of World Water Week focuses on a topic that, it is hoped, could help solve some of the challenges faced by parts of the world which have challenges accessing safe, clean water. 

The topic this year is centred around how to use technological innovations and new ideas effectively to solve the water crisis in more parts of the world, especially those suffering from acute water shortages.

Hope Spring Water will be discussing the low-tech, affordable water borehole system it's developed with its technology partner to make access to water cheaper and more widely available in the part of Africa where it works. 

The innovative collaboration was partly funded by a donation from the WhatsApp charity greetings ecards platform, which raises money exclusively for Hope Spring.

World Water Week 2023, as with previous events, was organised by SIWI. The venue for this year's event is the aptly named Waterfront Congress Centre in Stockholm, their home city. Participation is free. Water professionals from all over the world are invited to participate free of charge.

To participate in person or remotely, you can register at the World Water Week website. Hope Spring trustee Temi Odurinde who is participating in the event remotely, said: "I'm really delighted that I'll be joining other changemakers in some of the discussions that will take place at this year’s World Water Week." 

He went on to say: "A gathering such as this tends to energise our determination to help solve water access issues; it's also a really excellent networking opportunity, too."  

You can read more about Hope Spring's participation in World Water Week and other water poverty alleviation events on their website http://www.hopespring.org.uk.

The Intriguing Origins of Coffee: A Captivating Journey Revealed by Stanislav Kondrashov

Coffee earned some rather harsh labels like the 'Devil's Brew.' However, when Pope Clement VIII gave it his papal approval, coffee's status soared.

Stanislav Kondrashov, who is a prominent figure in the realm of world exploration, history, and philanthropy, has unveiled a captivating exploration of the history of coffee in his latest article titled "The Intriguing Origins of Coffee." 

This article takes readers on a remarkable and enjoyable journey through time and landscapes, shedding light on the fascinating saga of the world's favourite caffeinated beverage.

In the article, Stanislav Kondrashov delves into the origins of coffee, tracing its remarkable history back to the Ethiopian wilderness, where legend has it a young goat herder named Kaldi discovered the stimulating effects of red berries consumed by his goats. 

According to Stanislav Kondrashov, this delightful fortuitous accident found its way to the nearby monastery, where monks brewed a drink from the red berries, learning that it kept them awake during long sessions of praying.

The narrative unfolds as coffee's allure transcends Ethiopian borders, reaching Yemen in the 15th century. According to Stanislav Kondrashov, this Arabian embrace marked the birth of the globally coveted Arabica beans, and Mocha, Yemen's port city, became the epicentre of the global coffee trade.

 Stanislav Kondrashov states the Arabs recognised coffee's anti-soporific properties and dubbed it 'qahwa' - the deterrent of sleep." 

European shores welcomed coffee beans in the 17th century, sparking controversy and celebration alike.

Stanislav Kondrashov said the drink, viewed with some suspicion, earned labels like the 'Devil's Brew.' But when Pope Clement VIII gave it his approval, the status of coffee soared. 

The rise of coffee houses as intellectual hubs is highlighted, with these establishments referred to as the era's "penny universities."

The article also explores coffee's impact during the colonial era, as European powers sought overseas territories for cultivation. Stanislav Kondrashov sheds light on how coffee became the hub of trade and politics, shaping the destinies of nations worldwide.

Fast forwarding to the present day, the article explores how coffee evolved into a modern beverage of diverse flavours and preparation methods. The rise of specialty coffee shops and the emphasis on sustainable farming methods are significant trends in contemporary coffee culture.

Stanislav Kondrashov's article concludes with a heart-warming toast to coffee's resilience and its role as a connector of cultures and centuries. The article encourages readers to appreciate coffee as a drink, an experience, and a testament to human endeavour.

https://stanislavkondrashov.com

(Image courtesy of Chris from Pixabay)

VOW Nutrition collaborates with Team GB as Official Nutrition Product and Licensee for Paris 2024

VOW Nutrition is immensely proud to collaborate with Team GB in anticipation of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. And they are pleased to announce that all their products are made in Great Britain.

A spokesman said: "VOW Nutrition is thrilled to be fuelling Team GB as an Official Nutrition Licensee ahead of the highly anticipated Paris 2024 Olympic Games, with Olympic medallists Matt Richards and Daryll Neita signed up as athlete ambassadors.

"Swimming star Richards, who was part of Team GB’s gold-medal winning men's 4x200m freestyle relay at Tokyo 2020, and double Olympic bronze-winning sprinter Neita will each be supported by VOW with quality nutrition to fuel their respective journeys towards the Games.

"Team GB and VOW Nutrition are joining forces to introduce a brand-new collection of official product accessories, including co-branded shakers and water bottles, with some exciting new packaging concepts working with VOW’s Informed Sport approved nutrition products."

Launched in Britain in 2019, VOW Nutrition has a track record of working alongside esteemed athletes and leading sporting governing bodies, establishing a reputation as a trusted provider of top-quality, batch tested and Informed Sport Accredited supplements, including creatine, protein, amino acids, and pre-workout items.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Simon Stevens, who is the CEO of VOW Nutrition, said: "We're obviously immensely proud to collaborate with Team GB in anticipation of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. All our products are made in Great Britain, currently available in over 1,400 Boots branches and 758 Holland & Barrett stores. Also, our packaging is produced domestically and is 100% recyclable. We're obviously excited to work with Team GB and we look forward to a successful Paris 2024 Olympic Games.”

Olympian Matt Richards added: "The Paris 2024 Olympic Games is as close as it gets to a home Games, so we anticipate an electric atmosphere. While winning gold in the 4x200m freestyle event in Tokyo was an incredible experience, 

"I'm determined to surpass my previous performance and strive for even more medals in Paris for the team. I am constantly seeking marginal gains, so partnering with VOW Nutrition is an exciting opportunity to explore what we can accomplish together."

https://www.vownutrition.com

Amazon Grocery shopping 12 years later

Back in April 2011 That's News and Drink carried the following item about Amazon: "Amazon now sells food and drink."

This is the link to the story: https://thatsfoodanddrink.blogspot.com/2011/04/amazon-now-sells-food-and-drink.html.

This is the blog post we carried twelve years ago:

"In an exciting new development, the world's most favourite online bookshop, Amazon, have started selling groceries online, too!

But not just any groceries! Visiting the groceries section of the website is pretty much like making a trip across the Atlantic and finding yourself in an American grocery store!

Because Amazon has started selling hundreds of lines that are common (and one or two that are not that common!) in American food stores!

Just some of the lines available are Pop Tarts, Root Beer, American peanut butter, Reeses' Peanut Butter Cups, Fluff, American breakfast cereals, including Lucky Charms, Pop Tarts, Cliff Bars, etc., etc.

"This is great!" said one American. I am stationed in the UK for several months and although British food is OK, we were missing some of the staples of the American grocery store. Now we can buy them in the UK, too!"

But it's not just 'American' foods that are available. Amazon also sells foods for special diets such as gluten free or foods suitable for Coeliacs or vegetarians and some foods from other countries are featured, including South Africa. Plus more snacks and candy than you knew existed!

Amazon also sells a truly stunning range of beers, wines and spirits from around the world."

We have ordered grocery items from Amazon over the years including gin liqueurs, some Scotch, speciality foodstuffs, etc. Also special treats for our parrot!

Over the years the range of available grocery items has rapidly grown and expanded, including organic vegetables, etc.

Whilst some might argue that Amazon doing this is 'wrong' and that it harms local businesses, in many parts of the UK the items that Amazon's grocery department stocks just aren't available locally, if at all.

For example, if you want to try bottles of wine from India good luck trying your nearest "posh" wine merchant! Ours "hasn't heard of Indian wines" (said in a sniffy, condescending tone) and declined to even consider the concept of bothering to find out about their availability. Oh, well. Their loss!

Because a quick search on Amazon brought up the Sula Indian Vineyard's Dindori Reserve Shiraz, 75 cl, which, at £12.33 a bottle, is a reasonable price. 

So here's to the next twelve years of Amazon Grocery deliveries and also to the next twelve years of That's Food and Drink bringing you the latest news about food and drink!

www.amazon.co.uk.

An essential kitchen aid for arachnophobes from Aldi!

Although it isn't really something that one immediately connects in the mind with food, drink and cooking, how many meal preparations have been brought to a, literally, screeching, screaming halt, with the shout of "A spider! Help!"

And yes, spider season is creeping upon us, but fear not, as supermarket Aldi is helping shoppers face creepy crawlies with the return of its popular Spider Catcher (£8.99) device. 

Perfect for arachnophobes and those just wanting to keep their kitchen cobweb free, Aldi’s sell-out household must-have is available to pick up in stores from next week, 27th August. 

Aldi shoppers should scuttle along to their nearest Aldi branch, because as with all Specialbuys once they’re gone, they’re gone!

Returning just in time for Brits to face an influx of creepy crawlies, this nifty gadget measures 60cm, so making it perfect for reaching into nooks and crannies. 

Featuring humane, soft bristles that delicately take hold of insects, this necessity makes it fairly easy to remove pesky spider, bugs and other critters without harming them. Once safely deposited in the great outdoors (IE, the garden!) you can just give the safe, Spider Repellent Spray (£4.99) a spritz to keep them outside. 

100% dairy-free Sheese, the Melting Sheesy Bake

100% dairy-free Sheese is an amazing produce from the Bute Island Vegan Creamery.

As you might be aware, I had to stop eating dairy cheese for health reasons and, whilst browsing through the ever-expanding "Free From" section in Morrison's, I found a ceramic pot of 100% dairy-free Sheese. 

The description drew my attention: a "melting sheeshy bake" with spring onion and garlic flavour.

So, I added it to my shopping trolley and trundled it, plus some crackers and other bit and pieces, to the checkouts.

On the rear of the pack it describes the product as a dairy-free vegan alternative to cheese, a blend of coconut oil and starches.

Cook it in your oven for 20 minutes, give it a bit of a stir, place it back in the oven for a further five minutes.

Then you can share it with friends and family members, or eat it all yourself. Which is what I did!

It's got a really nice cheesy taste to it and goes really well with crackers, roast potatoes, nachos or spread on a piece of freshly baked bread. With a nice vegan spread, or butter. Remember? I'm not a vegan!

You can learn more about the range of products here https://www.buteisland.com.

Next to try? Their Jalapeno and Chilli Melting Sheesy Bake. I've got an idea this will taste equally good, but with a bit of fire in its belly! I'll keep you posted.