Nick Grimshaw & Angela Hartnett launch the fourth season of hugely popular podcast Dish

The first episode started yesterday, Wednesday 13th September with Gordon Ramsay

Guests across the new season will include Joe Wicks, Miriam Margolyes, the Whitehalls, Sara Cox, AJ Odudu, Will Best, Joanne McNally, Amol Rajan, Richard Corrigan and more, besides.

S:E Creative Studio and Waitrose & Partners are proud to announce the return of Dish, smash hit and critically-acclaimed foodie podcast, for an incredible fourth season starting Wednesday 13 September 2023.

Broadcast veteran Nick Grimshaw and much-loved Michelin star chef and restaurateur Angela Hartnett OBE are back with more mouth-watering recipes, hilarious banter, and even bigger guests. Listeners are invited to pull up a chair, grab a drink and indulge in their weekly dinner parties for more hilariously unfiltered chat and secrets unveiled. 

Dish brings Waitrose ingredients and recipes to you as you’ve never seen them before. Angela’s expertise and down-to-earth advice accompany every episode seamlessly, while Nick’s probing questions encourage guests to share more than they ever have done before. Season four will see fitness coach Joe Wicks, actress and Vogue cover star Miriam Margolyes, radio legend Sara Cox, presenter duo AJ Odudu and Will Best, comedian Joanne McNally, journalist Amol Rajan, chef friends Richard Corrigan & Valentine Warner, space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock and even more take the hot seat.

Celebrity chef and former colleague of Angela’s, Gordon Ramsay, is the guest kicking off Season 4. Discussion includes the possibility of a sixth Ramsay child, Gordon’s first impression of Angela and Gordon’s involvement in Angela meeting her husband.

Dish has found fans in everyone from Greg James and Zoe Ball to Chris Evans and Claudia Winkleman since its launch in 2022 and spent the most consecutive weeks at #1 on the Apple Food Podcast Charts. Spotify gives Dish a listener rating of 4.9/5 and Apple named it one of their Summer Picks for 2023 with video clips for the podcast amassing over 65 million views. Previous guests include Stanley Tucci, Dame Mary Berry, Alex Jones, Prue Leith, Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond and Dish shows no sign of slowing down.

Nick says: “So excited to be back for a fourth series of Dish! Getting to work alongside the legendary and hilarious Angela Hartnett has been a total joy. I can’t wait to get going on another series. See you in the kitchen.”

Angela says: “Working with Nick on another season of Dish has been hysterical, I spend the whole time laughing. What’s not to love about cooking, eating, drinking, and chatting with our dream dinner-party guests? I hope everyone enjoys it as much as we do recording it.”

Waitrose Customer Director Nathan Ansell says: “The response to Dish over the last year has been incredible, with top listener ratings from Spotify and staying at #1 in the Apple Food podcast chart. The amazing guest line-up for Season 4 means listeners are in for a lot more fun and foodie conversation hosted by Nick and Angela.”

You can subscribe here: https://pod.link/1626354833

Lidl offers help to egg farmers and issues plea to other retailers to also offer help

Lidl GB is offering financial incentives for farmers and is also calling on other retailers to find ways to encourage them into the sector.

Following considerable pressure on the egg industry over the past year, Lidl GB is calling on other retailers to take bigger steps to encourage farmers back into the egg sector.

The update comes as Lidl GB confirms it’s taking a bold new approach to boosting British egg production, by offering farmers financial incentives to move into egg farming. 

Existing and new farmers are being offered an extra investment on top of market rates, supported by long term contracts as part of a guaranteed pay back deal. Through these contracts, farmers will then be given the security and confidence required to invest in and expand their existing businesses, helping to provide greater returns in the longer term.

Whilst other supermarkets in recent months have chosen to import eggs from oversees, Lidl GB has held firm on its commitment to source 100% British fresh shell eggs and has focused efforts on supporting the sector.

Said Martin Kottbauer, who is Chief Trading Officer at Lidl GB: “The last year's been particularly  difficult and challenging for the British egg industry, and it’s had an impact on everyone. The easy option would certainly have been for us to source from elsewhere, but we are firmly committed to the long-standing relationships we have with our British suppliers, and our commitment to sourcing 100% fresh shell British eggs.

“As an industry we must be doing more to ensure the long-term sustainability of the British egg sector, which is why we've taken steps to offer incentives and security for farmers to expand into egg production. 

"This approach, supported by long term contracts, is giving our suppliers much needed confidence to invest in their businesses and further secure their futures. We would urge other retailers to do the same.”

Not only is Lidl investing in new producers, the retailer is also supporting existing suppliers and is set to invest an additional £40m compared to last year.

Speaking about their partnership with Lidl, Robert Chapman, of Farmlay Eggs said: “Farmlay and its 25 contract producers are obviously very grateful to Lidl for its support during a very challenging time with Avian Influenza a constant threat. 

"The security Lidl has given us with long term contracts and a cost of production model ensures a good return, back to the primary producer. This security has enabled Farmlay to expand its own production base and also to encourage existing and new producers, like Bob and Kay Adam to invest. The Adam’s first birds were housed at the end of July and we know they’re incredibly excited ahead of their eggs going into Lidl stores. Lidl’s support for the whole British farming sector is second to none; just look at the amount of British and regional products displayed in their stores.”

Farmlay:

Following discussions with packer Farmlay Eggs, Bob and Kay Adam, who are renowned cattle breeders, recently started working with Lidl as part of a five-year contract linked to a cost of production model. This long-term partnership with Lidl gave them the confidence they needed to diversify their business and invest in a 32,000 bird Free Range egg laying henhouse. They will see their first eggs land in Lidl stores within the next two weeks.

Duncan Farms:

Lidl GB is also working closely with its suppliers to support more sustainable farming practices. At the beginning of September, Lidl will launch a new 6 pack of Free Range eggs that have a carbon footprint reduction of almost 60%. Working with its Scottish based egg supplier Duncan’s, the businesses have achieved a significant emissions reduction by removing soy from animal feed, replacing it with feed made of home-grown British beans, whilst significantly increasing biodiversity, amongst other developments. The RSPCA Assured eggs also promote hyper transparency, with the packs featuring a QR code enabling customer to get more information on the five steps of climate action.

Working with Lidl

Suppliers can find out more here - https://corporate.lidl.co.uk/supplier-information

www.lidl.co.uk

Aldi releases patisserie candles

Although not exactly a story that strictly relates to food and drink, we thought that it was such a fun and quirky story that we would share it with our readers.

With the 2023 Great British Bake Off returning to screens, Aldi is launching some new fantastic Patisserie Candles,  which are ideal for those who want the aromas of freshly baked goods without even turning your oven on! 

Available in stores from 21st September (that's next Thursday) and with savings of over £40 compared to the TikTok famous Overose Croissant Candle, star bakers need be quick as with all Specialbuys once they’re gone, they’re gone!  

A feast for the senses, Aldi’s limited edition Patisserie Candles (£3.99) will fill your home with the warm and comforting fragrance of wholesome home-baked treat, with a stunning burn time of up to 45 hours! Available in three tasty scents, Fresh Croissant, Pain au Chocolat or Cinnamon Twist, each candle is nearly good enough to eat.  

Candle Scent Notes:  

Fresh Croissant: Top Notes – Buttery, Pastry. Middle Notes – Pastry, Cream. Base Notes – Sweet, Pastry 

Pain Au Chocolat: Top Notes – Chocolate, Creamy. Heart Notes – Pastry, Cookie. Base Notes – Vanilla, Pastry  

Cinnamon Twist: Top Notes – Cinnamon, Cake, Buttery. Heart Notes – Cinnamon, Creamy. Base Notes – Vanilla, Sweet  

Aldi’s latest home fragrance launch offers shoppers savings of over 90% compared to the viral Overose Croissant Candle. 

Aldi Patisserie Candle  are a very reasonable £3.99 each, whilst the equivalent  Overose Croissant Candle costs a somewhat eye-watering £46.00! Meaning you save £42.01, a saving of 91%. Wow!

Also available in the middle aisle is the return of Aldi’s Cake Scented Tin Candles (£2.79). With delicious aromas of Salted Caramel, Coffee Cake, Lemon Drizzle or Victoria Sponge, there’s a scent to please any palate! Complete with a burn time of up to 45 hours. 

Aldi’s NEW Patisserie Candles and Scented Tin Candles will be available in stores from 21st September, obviously whilst stocks last.  

www.aldi.co.uk

Ocado to stock Himalayan Pink Salt

From this November Ocado will stock the Himalayan Pink Salt, Selected by Maldon which forms part of their Merchants Range (RRP £2.50).

This pink coarse rock salt from the foothills of the Himalayas has been prized for many centuries.  It can be used whole by adding to curries and sauces or can be put in a grinder for everyday use. Due to its pink hue, the ground salt is also a fantastic garnish for cocktails.

To celebrate this new stockist we have a new recipe from Romy Gill who uses the Himalayan Pink Salt in her Cornish Sea Bass recipe:

We are delighted to team up with Chef Romy Gill in cooking a delicious sea bass made with a flavour-packed spice blend using Himalayan Pink Salt, Selected by Maldon.

There is something very special about serving a whole fish at the table amongst friends and family, and this recipe will certainly not disappoint! The delicate flavour of sea bass is only elevated further through the spices that Romy infuses within the dish, where a handful of chopped walnuts is added to give an irresistible crunch to the succulent, flakiness of the cooked fish.

Ingredients

• Himalayan Pink Salt, Selected by Maldon 250g

• 1 whole Cornish sea bass, descaled and gutted

• 20ml olive oil

• 1 lemon, juiced

• 20g walnuts

• 6 large garlic cloves

• Large handful of coriander

• 2 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp ghee

• For the spice blend:

• 1, 1/2tsp Himalayan Pink Salt, Selected by Maldon

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 1 tsp fennel seeds

• 1 tsp coriander seeds

• 6 whole black peppercorns

Here is how to make Romy Gill’s Cornish sea bass recipe…

Chef Romy Gill has used her inspirations as a British/Indian chef and food/travel writer to create a gorgeous sea bass dish, paired with a spice blend that incorporates Himalayan Pink Salt, carefully selected by Maldon Salt’s master salt merchants. Along with the Himalayan salt, Romy infuses the spices of cumin, fennel, coriander seeds and black peppercorns to give a warmth and smokiness to the fish.

How to make the spice blend

1. To make the spice blend, add all of the spices together with Himalayan Pink Salt, Selected by Maldon, and blend for a few seconds until well combined.

2. Make 6-7 good slits in the fish in order to rub the spice blend over the surface and into the flesh of the fish.

3. Marinate the fish both sides with the spice blend, setting aside 1 teaspoon for later.

4. Rub well, and then drizzle over olive oil and the juice of one lemon.

5. Once the fish is evenly covered, leave in the fridge for one hour before cooking.

Cooking and dressing for the sea bass

1. To cook the fish, pre-heat the oven to 200C and cook the fish for 15-20 minutes.

2. While the fish is cooking, make a dressing. Chop six large cloves of garlic, then 20g of walnuts and finally a large handful of coriander.

3. Heat a saucepan and add 2 tsp olive oil and then the chopped garlic. Add 1 tsp ghee, cook for a minute, then add the chopped walnuts, stir some more and then add the chopped coriander. Add 2 tsp of paprika and the reserved tsp of your spice blend and combine everything together well.

4. Finally, add 1 tsp of olive oil and take off the heat.

5. When the fish is cooked, remove from the oven and place onto plate or board. Immediately spoon the dressing all all over the top of the fish and serve straight away and enjoy!

KOL’s 3rd Birthday - A Celebration of Mexico in London

Sunday 8th October at KOL, London - Santiago Lastra welcomes Jorge Vallejo for one day only, uniting Mexican food, culture, and spirit in London. A celebration of everything KOL is and represents on the restaurant's 3rd birthday. 

Held at Santiago’s restaurant KOL, guests will have the option of lunch or dinner and to take a journey through Mexico in the form of an exclusive, collaborative and very special tasting menu: blending influences of each chef’s ethos in creating a personal dining experience of Mexican cuisine.

KOL is now No.23 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and honours Mexican cuisine through a contemporary lens. Championing seasonality and regional British produce, Chef Santiago has developed a new understanding of what Mexican cuisine is, without access to Mexico’s abundant ingredients.

Chef Jorge Vallejo, alongside his wife Alejandra Flores, opened Quintonil in 2012, exploring Mexican culinary traditions and concentrating on product and flavour quality by working with regional producers who spark a positive impact on their communities. Now over 10 years later, Quintonil sits at No.9 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants due to Jorge’s personal and professional interpretation of what it means to be a Mexican chef. He has become an inspiration to Chef Santiago and KOL. 

Santiago and Jorge are welcoming diners to their four-hands collaboration to experience an authentic, personable and contemporary exploration into Mexican cuisine. The two chefs will spend time beforehand foraging in Kent’s open countryside to part source ingredients and inspiration for this new collaboration. 

The tasting menu will feature 8 creative dishes, served with an opening welcome drink from Montelobos Mezcal. Non-alcoholic options are available throughout the meal, as well as a drinks pairing using Montelobos Mezcals, or a curated selection of wines from the KOL Mezcaleria.

“As Aeromexico, we are thrilled to join forces with KOL and Quintonil to celebrate the exquisite flavours of Mexican cuisine. Through this partnership, we are not just bringing Mexico to the UK but also connecting cultures and creating unforgettable experiences. Stay tuned for more exciting collaborations as we continue this culinary journey together” noted Mark Mooren, Aeromexico’s Sales Director UK and Benelux. 

Date: 08/10/23

Times: Lunch - 12:00, Dinner - 18:00

Address: 9 Seymour St, London W1H 7BA

Parents are looking for ways to save, as average child’s birthday party now costs £279

Research from Sainsbury’s Nectar Prices finds 80% of parents say they’ll be spending more on their child’s birthday party this year.

An overwhelming 72% find party planning to be somewhat stressful, with staying in budget the most stressful part of it.

Now mom and presenter Josie Gibson partners with Sainsbury’s to urge parents to use Nectar Prices to save on party food and drink favourites from top brands.

September is the most common birthday month of the year and this means more parents than usual are in the midst of party planning for their children. 

According to new research by Sainsbury’s Nectar Prices, the average parent spends £278.70 when throwing a birthday party for their child, and that’s even before buying any presents!

With the cost of living still high, four in five parents (80%) say they’ll be spending even more on their child’s birthday party than they did last year, meaning what should be a joyous time is adding strain to their wallets.

As the cost of party planning goes up, parents are willing to get creative to provide their child with a magical experience. 86% of parents are looking for ways to stay within budget, with 62% saying they are considering cooking at home instead of eating out to help save money on their child’s party this year.

To help parents have a more positive party planning experience, TV presenter and mum Josie Gibson is partnering with Sainsbury’s to show how using Nectar Prices can keep the costs down. With constant new offers, parents can use Nectar Prices to help spread the cost and even buy birthday favourites and multipack deals in advance.

Josie Gibson said: “Any parent knows the stresses and pressures throwing a children’s party can bring; as I’m very familiar with, having just organised my son’s fifth birthday. 

"It’s a lot to think about, from bringing to life inventive themes, nailing the entertainment, and ensuring everyone’s favourite food items are on offer while also trying to not spend an absolute fortune. So, it’s great to know there are ways to save with Sainsbury’s, like using offers such as Nectar Prices, which means not having to give up on quality and variety.”

Josie isn’t alone in finding the party-planning process to be stress-inducing; almost three-quarters of parents (72%) confess to finding planning their child’s birthday party to be a stressful task. Indeed, many even secretly admitted some of their most stressful daily scenarios are preferred over party planning, revealing housework (56%), sitting in traffic (35%) and even public speaking (14%) to all be less stressful than planning a child’s birthday party.

The biggest contributor to this anxiety is worry about money. Over half (56%) of parents find trying to stay in budget to be the most stressful thing about planning a kid’s party, and a whopping 81% say they would buy food, drink and essentials for a birthday party in advance if they could get them at a better price.

With Nectar Prices available on over 5,000 products in-store and online across various party-friendly categories including fresh fruit and vegetables, drinks, confectionary and frozen items, parents can be rest assured that finding the perfect party items doesn’t need to break the bank.

Alex Naisby, Director of Loyalty and CRM at Nectar, said: “At Sainsbury’s, our number one priority continues to be doing all we can to keep prices low for our customers. Throwing a child’s birthday party should be a time for fun and frivolity, yet we know that many parents can feel weighed down by the stresses of planning and budgeting. 

"Through Nectar Prices we’ve lowered the cost of over 5,000 products across our stores, which we hope will help ease the stress of the next birthday party, family celebration or other special life moments – so people can focus on spending time with loved ones.”

Party essentials available on Nectar Prices this September are including popular branded items like Walkers crisps, Hartley’s jelly and Robinson’s squash and fruit shoots, as well as Sainsbury’s So Organic Carrots, Jacob's Mini Cheddars, Sainsbury's Millionaire Bites and Sainsbury's Stonebaked Margherita Hand Stretched Pizza.

A lot of this information will also be helpful for people planning for Christmas parties, too.

Remoska Tria 3-in-1 Oven-to-Table Electric Cooker

The Tria 3-in-1 electric cooker is the ultimate kitchen solution for all your cooking needs, the Tria includes three different lids and can bake, roast and grill just like the previous models, but now also functions as a clear glass casserole dish and a pressurised pan with its SoftPressure lid. 

Its versatility will revolutionise any budding chef’s recipe repertoire, allowing them to prepare slow-cooked-style meals in a fraction of the time. The Remoska Tria 3-in-1 Oven-to-Table Electric Cooker is available from the Remoska UK website for RRP £219.99. It is currently on offer for just £175.99 too

The 4.5-litre cooking pot provides a capacity of 3 litres and is coated with three layers of high-quality non-stick coating, making it really easy to clean and also dishwasher safe. Its smart design allows it to be carried straight to the dining table for serving guests when dinner is ready, and it can also be used on any hob (including induction). The trivet keeps the hot pan off the countertop while it cooks or after it comes out of a conventional oven.

Featuring a 610W baking lid, it can bake, roast and grill foods but it also has a clear glass viewing window to easily check on the progress of food, a built-in rest, and a simple on/off switch. The glass lid is made from toughened glass with a vent that allows steam to escape and the sturdy handle on top keeps the heat in when using to cook. 

The power cable can be detached from the handle of the lid, and it uses very little energy while it cooks meals so is ideal for anyone looking to reduce the amount of energy they are wasting.

The additional SoftPressure lid makes the Tria even more versatile with a pressure valve that makes stovetop cooking even faster than normal by increasing the pressure within the pan. The pressure build-up produces slow-cooked-style results in just a fraction of the time whilst ensuring that all nutrients and vitamins are retained. The lid locks into the handles with a simple one-handed mechanism and a red spot to ensure it's done correctly and properly. It's oven safe up to 220°C and is also dishwasher safe, it's super convenient to use for multiple different meals.

The Remoska Tria is incredibly thrifty with electricity use, so it makes it ideal for easy and economical cooking at home. However, it's also a great travel companion and perfect for boating holidays, motor homes, caravans, and holiday cottages, or student accommodation, where access to a 240-volt electricity supply is readily available.

Made in the Czech Republic since the 1950s, Remoska designs clever and compact ovens as a super-efficient replacement for everyday ovens. The Tria 3-in-1 is a versatile addition to this family of kitchen appliances. It has a spacious 4.5 litre pot, with a working capacity of 3 litres. The cooking pot measures 30 x 44 x 13.5cm H (including handles), with baking lid and trivet 44 x 53 x 20cm H. Flex 120cm. 610W.

https://www.remoska.co.uk/products/remoska-tria-3-in-1-oven-to-table-electric-cooker

We believe this will make an excellent Christmas present, perhaps for a student who is going to live in student accommodation?

Côte restaurants are giving away FREE three course meals to celebrate the launch of the new Prix Fix menu

Côte restaurants are giving away free three course lunches to celebrate the launch of their new Prix Fixe autumn menu.

In order to win one of up to ten free three course Prix Fixe meals, simply send images of your work lunch to Côte’s Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/coteuk/) and followers will then vote for which is the worst!

Dare to share images of your stale sandwiches or are you shameless enough to send in photos of Sunday lunch left overs on Wednesday! Don’t be shy, the Côte audience will judge and award a free three course lunch of delicious French cuisine to the worst offenders! 

For an affordable set menu price Côte has come to the rescue and made those sorry lunches an exciting meal out to savour, with the new Prix Fixe set to brighten up week days.

Their new seasonal menu showcases classic French food and new, exclusive dishes created as an alternative to dreary lunches in the office of those sad looking leftovers hiding in the fridge whilst working from home.

The Prix Fixe menu has been designed by Côte executive chef Steve Allen who has previously worked alongside Gordon Ramsay at his Michelin starred restaurants including London’s iconic Claridges and Petrus.

The new menu is all about delicious dishes at a great value price including Smoked Salmon Fish Cake, Pear and Walnut Salad, Carrot & Roasted Squash Soup, Charcuterie Board, Seabass Rouge, Steak Frites, Poulet Grille, Roasted Butternut Squash, Plum Clafoutis, Chocolate Mousse, Crepe au Chocolat, Ice Cream & Sorbet, all curated exclusively by Steve.

The Prix Fixe Menu will be available from now Monday to Friday, 12-7pm excluding bank holidays, two courses £16.95, three courses £20.95 (prices may vary by location, so please check ahead).

A Côte spokesperson said: “In France almost every restaurant offers a set menu prix fixe which is all about fine French cuisine at affordable prices. The new Côte Prix Fixe menu has been designed to offer an affordable upgrade to dreary office lunches. Great food at affordable prices.”

Please see: https://www.instagram.com/coteuk/ for full terms & conditions.

Timothy Taylor's Brewery Receives Two Top Awards for Can Design

Timothy Taylor's Hopical Storm, a 4% triple-hopped session pale ale, was recently launched in cans to provide an additional packaging format that suited the brand and widened the appeal and availability to a younger, legal drinking-age audience.

Announcing the awards, Timothy Taylor's CEO Tim Dewey said “Having successfully launched Hopical Storm to pubs and restaurants in kegs, we realised cans were a logical extension to our range. 

"Not only would they provide an option for venues without cellar space or rate of sale required for serving draught beers, but would also enable customers to enjoy this refreshing triple-hopped pale ale away from bars, wherever they are and whatever the occasion.”

The Hopical Storm 440ml aluminium cans feature distinctive orange branding, characterising the burst of fruit aroma and flavours of the beer, with a cut-out silver lightning flash symbolising Hopical Storm's ability to strike thirst. 

The multi award-winning design was developed by Springetts Brand Design in conjunction with the Timothy Taylor's in-house marketing team of Jane Jenkins and Scott Cameron and the can labels printed by Reflex Label Plus, who used their expertise to include tactile varnishing, lending to an enhanced ergonomic feel, too.

“Timothy Taylor's is an independent business fully committed to brewing quality beers” added Dewey. 

“And the mandarin, mango, and passion fruit of Hopical Storm unleashes a tropical cyclone of refreshment that strikes your thirst. It's a characterful twist on the tradition associated with Timothy Taylor's and the can design needed to reflect this new approach for a brewery that was established back in 1858, 165 years ago.

"The attention to detail combines the vibrant, tropical colour and the lightning strike, with the depiction of the famous Timothy Taylor's barley sheaf also updated to show it being buffeted by a strong wind to create the perfect Hopical Storm.

“At 4% ABV Hopical Storm is more accessible than some higher ABV beers in the IPA category and has gained widespread distribution and positive tasting reviews. 

"For the can to now be recognised by the International Beer Challenge and receiving the accolade of World's Best Can Design at the World Beer Awards is the crowning glory and ultimate accolade for everybody who has worked so hard on development of the beer and how it is presented.”

Hopical Storm is brewed using five UK-grown hops in three stages of hopping, Cascade and Whitbread Goldings in the copper, Cascade and Chinook at the hop back stage, then dry-hopped with Jester and Ernest. 

Combined with Timothy Taylor's natural Knowle Spring water, fine barley malts and the unique Taylor's Taste yeast to create the tropical storm of flavour and aroma. Hopical Storm is notable for its pale golden appearance and clarity and is vegan-friendly, wearing the distinctive Vegan Trademark and certified by The Vegan Society.

Timothy Taylor's Hopical Storm was also recognised with a silver medal in the taste category at the International Beer Challenge.

The can has secured listings in selected Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Booths, and Waitrose stores and has had a full calendar of marketing activity over the summer including print and digital advertising. It also had presence at events including BrewLDN, the Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, and as one of the brands poured by Timothy Taylor's as the official beer partner of CarFest, where the award-winning cans were also enjoyed across all the festival's bars.

https://www.timothytaylor.co.uk

Facebook: TimothyTaylors

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Threads: https://www.threads.net/@timothytaylorsbrewery

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/timothy-taylors

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That's Christmas: Morrisons helps its customers stock up for Christm...: Morrisons More Card customers can grab a tub of Pringles for just £1.25 (that's 44% off). This special offer is available in-store and o...

Sunshine and Showers is the Ideal Combination of Sun and Rain for the Perfect Apple Harvest at Thatchers Cider

For the next several months the orchard team at Thatchers Cider will be working very hard, harvesting the apples for pressing into their beautiful ciders down at Myrtle Farm.

The mix of abundant sun and rain throughout Spring and Summer has been really beneficial to the apple trees. 

The fruit is looking healthy and plentiful, containing just the right balance of acidity and sweetness to press into the perfect cider.

As always, amongst the first apples to come into the mill are their deliciously rosy Katy apples.

Chris Muntz Torres, their farm manager, who looks after their 500 acres of apple trees in and around Myrtle Farm, says, “The good weather in Spring meant our apples got off to a good start with an effective pollination thanks to our amazing bees. In fact, our Katy apples have developed so well we've been harvesting them a few days earlier than in previous years.

“After Katy, towards the end of September, we'll begin to see the early bittersweet apples ripening, such as Somerset Redstreak, Gilly and Hastings. They'll benefit from the sunshine and warmth we're now experiencing, cider apples love a mild autumn to help them ripen slowly and develop their unique flavours."

He went on to say: “With the sun ripening the apples and helping boost the fruit's natural sugar levels, the recent rain has also been feeding the trees and giving them much needed nourishment. Importantly, the warmth of the sun helps develop the tannins in our bittersweet varieties, giving depth and body to our ciders.”

In fact it's been a pretty near-perfect year for the apples. Apple trees always need a spell of cold weather to break their dormancy over the wintertime, and at the beginning of the year we had sufficient low temperatures to reset growth and wake up the trees. This was followed by a period of warmer weather and plenty of moisture in the deep, rich Somerset soil to allow the trees to do their very important work. 

Chris continues, “At Myrtle Farm the signs are really good for a bumper harvest this year. That's both in terms of quantity, and just as importantly, quality, meaning the very best, tastiest apples in our ciders.”   

Thatchers has apple orchards throughout the West Country of England. Here apples are grown for their range of Somerset ciders. 

Thatchers are one of the few cider makers to have a regular orchard planting programme, allowing them to meet the increasing demand for their ciders, as well as working with apple growers throughout the entire region who provide specific apple varieties under long-term partnerships.

One of the important things they look at when planting new trees is the timing of harvest, to make sure that the arrival of apples is spread out throughout the season.

“We press our apples as soon as they arrive at the farm to capture them at their freshest. So having different varieties that ripen at different times allows us to have a continued supply of fruit from August through to November,” he concluded.

With the weather conditions in Somerset providing a perfect climate for apple growing, it's not surprising that the county has become the home of cider making, with Thatchers seeing record sales to help it become the UK's fastest growing cider maker.

https://www.thatcherscider.co.uk

Asda set to launch biggest ever Tickled Pink Breast Cancer Campaign with over 200 exclusive pink products

Asda is ready to launch its biggest ever Tickled Pink campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October with over 200 exclusive pink products available to purchase. 

Sales of the products will help to raise vital funds for charity partners Breast Cancer Now and CoppaFeel! supporting new breast cancer treatments, vital education, and life-changing support, as well as on pack vital breast cancer awareness on a range of products.

The range will see support from some iconic brands who are all turning their packaging pink, including Diet Coke, Heinz Baked Beans and in an historic first, the Warburtons Toastie Loaf.

Now in its 27th year, Asda Tickled Pink is one of the UK’s longest-running charity partnerships, and this year the range will see over 200 pink products from over 50 different suppliers hit the supermarket shelves. 

Products will be sold both in store and online and will include the George clothing range and Asda's own label lines. Throughout 2023, the retailer hopes to raise £7 million through product sales and fundraising which is set to be the biggest year so far. The campaign has raised £82 million since it launched in 1996.

Asda reward customers can also benefit from buying products as the retailer launches its very first charity rewards mission, it means that both the charity partners and customers benefit from purchasing the Tickled Pink range. While Breast Cancer Now and CoppaFeel! benefit from the product donations, customers will receive £1 in their cash pot for purchasing four products from the range.

Asda and their suppliers have created exclusive pink products that customers can purchase from 21st September both instore and online. These include a wide range of products, like Diet Coke cans (24x 330ml cans £10.75 – fixed donation of £100,000), Warburtons Toastie loaf (fixed donation of £150,000), Fibre One 90 Strawberry & Cream Doughnuts (£1.50 with a 15p donation), Heinz Baked Beans Standard 415g Can (90p with a 9p donation), and Cushelle Quilted Toilet Roll (£5.85 with a fixed donation of £30k).

Asda also have a range of own label products to support the campaign from its popular Shades household range to plants and flowers including, Shades Tissues (£1 with 10p donation), Shades Kitchen Towels (£2 with a 20p donation), Bromeliad House Plant (£6.00 with £0.60 donation), Anthurium House Plant (£6.00 with a £0.60p donation), and the Tickled Pink Flower Bouquet (£6.00 with £0.60 donation, available all year round).

George at Asda is also getting into the swing of things, having also created a Tickled Pink exclusive clothing range with 22 different products including a pink ribbon t-shirt (£8.00 with 80p donation), a canvas pink ribbon bag (£6 with 60p donation), 5 pair pack of socks (£6.50 with 65p donation), and a three-piece pink nightwear set (£28 with £2.80 donation). 

The clothing collection now includes a breast awareness message printed inside the garments, as well as the long-standing breast awareness message printed on swing tag labels, which help to remind customers to check their boobs, pecs or chest regularly. This compliments the suite of awareness messaging Asda delivers on till receipts, Grocery Home shopping vans, pharmacy bags and changing room stickers which are live all year round.

Asda’s 2023 Tickled Pink campaign encourages everyone, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity to become Real Self-Checkers and establish a regular breast checking routine. In store POS will share the stories of five men and women who are this year’s Real Self-Checkers and highlight the importance of having a regular breast checking routine through their own personal journeys with the disease.      

Kris Comerford, Asda’s Chief Commercial Officer - Food said: “Of course, we are incredibly very proud to have so many of our suppliers supporting this year’s Tickled Pink campaign and turning their iconic brands pink. It’s set to be our biggest ever year with over 200 pink products available both in stores and online, giving customers the opportunity to donate by purchasing everyday household and clothing items.”

Jonathan Warburton, Chairman of Warburtons family bakers said “Our family business has been supporting families across Britain since we began baking back in 1876 and through The Warburtons Foundation we continue to help a range of charities and organisations. 

"We're  really excited to be turning our iconic Toastie loaf packaging pink, for the first time ever, to help raise much needed support for Asda’s Tickled Pink campaign to support the work of breast cancer charities.”

The Asda Tickled Pink campaign works with charity partners Breast Cancer Now and CoppaFeel! and they’re on a very special mission to make checking your boobs, pecs and chests, whoever you are, as normal as your Asda shop. The aim? To raise funds for breast cancer treatments, education and support. Together, they’re putting breast cancer awareness on everyone’s list.

Asda’s 2023 survey of its customers revealed 2 in 5 Asda shoppers regularly check their chests. Yet 24% of female shoppers who have checked before, are forgetting to check regularly enough. Asda Tickled Pink aims to provide this all important reminder.

Asda’s 2023 Tickled Pink campaign encourages everyone, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity to become Real Self-Checkers and establish a regular breast checking routine. In store POS will share the stories of five men and women who are this year’s Real Self-Checkers and highlight the importance of having a regular breast checking routine through their own personal journeys with the disease .      

This year’s Tickled Pink collection will be available to buy in Asda stores across the UK and online, from 21st September and will be available throughout October, with either a one-off donation or a percentage of sales donated at a 70/30 split to Breast Cancer Now (Reg. Charity Nos. 1160558 & SC045584) and CoppaFeel! (Reg. Charity Nos. 1132366 & SC045970) respectively. For further information please visit: www.asda.com/tickled-pink

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The Clove Club X Daniel Berlin

Chef Isaac McHale of London's two-Michelin star restaurant The Clove Club, will welcome Chef Daniel Berlin from restaurant Vyn, Skåne in Sweden for one exciting dining experience on Monday 18th September.

Supported by the popular booking platform Resy, the chefs will present a special collaborative eight-course tasting menu showcasing a selection of their signature dishes: Sardine Sashimi with Crisp Potato, Ginger and Chrysanthemum Glaze served with a creamy Whisky and Sardine Broth and Grouse Breast with Orkney Clapshot and Elderberry with a Grouse Dumpling served on the side with Lentils and Truffle from The Clove Club and Vendace Roe with Pickled Celeriac, Cold Smoked Creme Fraiche with Juniper and Jelly of Celeriac Juice and the infamous Salted Egg with Caramelised Rosemary with Yogurt Sorbet for Daniel.

Isaac and Daniel share the same philosophy of cooking using strictly seasonal, hyper-locally sourced ingredients. The dinner will be an ode to the end of summer with hints of changing produce as the autumn months approach.

In the decade that passed since opening its doors in 2013, The Clove Club has become an internationally-acclaimed, gastronomic dining destination, achieving both national and global recognition.

It's garnered praise from both the media and its peers, plus a loyal following of regular guests. The Clove Club was awarded two Michelin stars in 2022 and has remained consistently present on The World's 50 Best list since 2016. 

Chef Daniel Berlin closed his two-Michelin-starred restaurant Daniel Berlin Krog in September 2020 and only recently announced the opening of his new venture Vyn in Skåne. Vyn now encompasses a casual food & wine bar and will open a restaurant with a private area for up to 24 guests and boutique hotel with 15 bedrooms, next month, October 2023. 

“I’m so looking forward to this dinner with Daniel. Ever since we cooked together in Estonia 8 years ago, I have wanted to bring him to The Clove Club and get together in the kitchen again. He cooks technically brilliant, exciting and delicious food, and has his own unique style. I can’t wait to share it with you. And it’s a double celebration too with his new restaurant launch this year and our 10th anniversary. It’s definitely going to be a special night,” said Isaac Mchale. 

The dinner will be priced £240. Bookings will go live today at 12pm on Resy https://resy.com.

https://www.thecloveclub.com

Please note, due to the nature of the collaboration for one night only, the restaurant will not be able to cater to guests with specific dietary requirements or allergies, so please keep this in mind when booking or dining there.

AB Foods - results slightly better than expected

Associated British Foods, who owns Primark, has announced a pre close trading statement:

Retail sales expected to be around £9.0bn, 15% ahead of sales last year with like-for-like sales growth of 9%

Good growth in Grocery, Ingredients and Sugar

Outlook for this financial year is slightly better than previous expectations of Group adjusted operating profit to be moderately ahead of last year

Charlie Huggins, who is the manager of the ‘Quality Shares Portfolio’ at Wealth Club, said: "A strong performance from AB Food's non-retail divisions has led to a modest increase to profit expectations for the year. Sales remained strong at Primark, which is impressive given the tough economic environment and the recent unhelpful weather conditions, although margins were slightly weaker than expected due to issues involving higher theft.

"Encouragingly, the inflationary headwinds for Primark appear to be abating. The group expects Primark's margins to recover strongly next year driven by lower material costs, a weaker US dollar and lower freight costs, all of which have improved in recent weeks. This should help drive a stronger profit performance next year, even if pressures on the consumer persist.

"The sales performance from Primark this year has been very solid. This is impressive given the recent demise of Wilko's and the travails of other High Street brands. It shows that the High Street isn't dead and shoppers still love a bargain, but you need a brand that resonates strongly with consumers. Primark has that. This should leave it strongly positioned whichever way the economic winds blow."

Savour Scandi flavours with Food by National Geographic Traveller (UK)

This autumn, Food by National Geographic Traveller (UK) will be exploring Scandinavia, celebrating some of the best culinary experiences Norway, Sweden and Denmark have to offer.

From Copenhagen’s vegan offerings to seafood in the Norwegian fjords, they sample the best of a region where simple ingredients have always gone a long way, plus where both traditional recipes and modern menus draw on nature’s bounty, be it forest-foraged mushrooms and berries, local fish, wild game or a rainbow of delicious seasonal vegetables.

Glen Mutel, who is the editor of Food, said: “It may be a bit of a cliché, but Scandinavians have a reputation for their quality of life. Our cover story adds fresh fuel to this notion, providing a dazzling culinary snapshot of a region that’s surely on every food-lover’s must-visit list.”

Also in this issue, they follow the chowder trail in Nova Scotia; enjoy a family meal in Buenos Aires; and explore the historic chocolate shops of Turin. All this, plus the highlights of Berlin, São Paulo and the French region of Savoy.

In addition, readers can expect the usual mix of thought-provoking features and easy-to-follow recipes from world-renowned contributors.

Don’t miss:

• Deconstruct: Moussaka — the lowdown on the layered Greek classic

• My Life in Food: Broadcaster Nick Grimshaw on the joys of a chippy and his new food podcast

• Try it Now: How king oyster mushrooms have become the meat substitute of the moment

• Five Ways With: Get the best out of Jerusalem artichokes

• Recipe Journal: Four soups from around the world

• Make Perfect: Tips for mastering wiener schnitzel

• The Pioneer: Ecuadorian chef Rodrigo Pacheco on the importance of using native ingredients

26-PAGE DIGITAL EZINE SAMPLE https://magazine.natgeotraveller.co.uk/food-sept23/

Issue 21

On sale now

Price: £5.10

Website: nationalgeographic.com/travel

Find them on Facebook: facebook.com/NatGeoTravelUK

Twitter: twitter.com/NatGeoTravelUK

Waitrose lowers prices of a further 250 products making everyday foods and even roast dinners cheaper

From tomorrow, Wednesday 13 September, Waitrose will be cutting the prices of 250 popular autumnal products including everyday food item staples such as pasta, whole chickens, sausages and potatoes.

Charlotte Di Cello, who is the Commercial Director for Waitrose, said: “Giving our customers good value for money is a priority for Waitrose and we will be continuing to work hard to keep our prices low, whilst at the same time maintaining our quality and supporting our fantastic farmers.

“We'll continue to deliver our market leading quality, using our outdoor-bred pork, responsibly sourced fish, higher-welfare chicken and LEAF marque-certified British fruit and veg. The only thing that's changing is the price, so Waitrose customers will be able to continue enjoying great value but with no compromise."

She went on to say: “Besides lowering the prices of hundreds of our products, we're also passing on additional savings to our customers when the prices we pay fall due to food inflation dropping. We’ve already lowered the prices of dairy products, household goods such as toilet paper, and canned vegetables as a result of inflation falling on those particular items.

"This is the third time we’ve cut the prices of hundreds of products this year due to our record £100m investment in lowering prices.  We’ve also launched new meal deals this year including our  first lunchtime meal deal, and steak and pizza meal deals giving customers more ways to maximise the value they get from shopping with us.  Meal Deal sales have tripled so far this year."

https://www.waitrose.com

Good news for fruit and veg lovers! Aldi has got your back with more price cuts

Yes, Aldi does have the backs of fruit and veg lovers because Aldi, already known as the UK’s cheapest supermarket, has lowered the prices on an extensive range of fruit and veg products.

From now on fruit and veg loving shoppers can enjoy even lower prices on items such as apples, bananas, spinach and courgettes, plus on a range of Specially Selected products like Cotton Candy Grapes. The latest price drop, reportedly the largest round of cuts Aldi has announced so far this year, representing around one third of its produce range, has seen 55 items fall by an average of around 11%.

The move is the latest of over 100 prices Aldi's reduced in the past several months and follows on from news from Which? confirming Aldi as the UK’s Cheapest Supermarket for the 15th month in a row.

On a basket of goods, Aldi was the cheapest at £65.21, £14.30 lower than the most expensive supermarket, Waitrose.

You'll remember that That's Food and Drink recently covered news that Aldi announced the opening of its 1,000th store as part of its commitment to expanding its store footprint across the UK.

Said Julie Ashfield, who is the Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK: “Our promise to our customers is we will always keep our prices as low as possible. We remain fiercely committed to doing this. Now and always.

“This latest price drop is part of our efforts to ensure that healthy, high-quality groceries are accessible to everyone. That will always be our mission, and it’s why we continue to see shoppers switch to Aldi.”

www.aldi.co.uk.

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Got food and drink items to give away? How about a food bank?

From time-to-time manufactures, suppliers, exporters, wholesalers and PR companies find themselves with food and drink stocks that are surplus to requirements

Nobody is happy with throwing food out and it's distressing to see examples of this when (usually US-based) dumpsterdiver YouTube channels show that retailers, etc have thrown away perfectly good food, even though it's sometimes nowhere near the best before or use by date.

However! There is an alternative to throwing good food away, food can be donated to food banks and other charitable groups.

Here is a list of some groups who would be pleased to take surplus stocks of food to make sure they are used to help people who are going through hard times:-

https://www.givefood.org.uk

https://www.yourlocalpantry.co.uk/pantry-listings

https://foodcycle.org.uk

https://www.trusselltrust.org

https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/foodbanks

https://www.feastwithus.org.uk

https://www.bankuet.co.uk/find-a-foodbank

https://www.stgilestrust.org.uk

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/using-a-food-bank

https://feedingbritain.org

https://fareshare.org.uk

Incidentally, we at That's Food and Drink are involved with a couple of food banks local to us. You can Google "local food banks" to check out your area. Some churches run food pantry schemes. 

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Matthews Cotswold Flour Signs Foodbod as Brand Ambassador This Sourdough September

Perfectly timed for the month of Sourdough September, Britain's leading speciality flour producer, Matthews Cotswold Flour, has appointed Elaine Boddy from Foodbod Sourdough as its first ever Brand Ambassador.

Elaine Boddy is a world-renowned sourdough baker, who has published three books all about sourdough, has a large and loyal international baking community, and is a big supporter of Matthews Cotswold Flour.

All of Elaine's recipes and sourdough creations have been made and tested using Matthews Cotswold Flour, so she has a wealth of knowledge and expertise about the company's high-quality products. Elaine knows how all their flours feel, taste and behave, plus she knows all about how best to use them when making sourdough and other recipes.

Elaine says: “I am so excited to be taking on this role, to be uniting my sourdough world with a business I really love, and to be formalising my relationship with Matthews Cotswold Flour. I have used and recommended their flours for so long now, I know exactly how they behave in sourdough baking and how to maximise my recipes for home bakers using this great range.

“I think this is a fantastic opportunity for myself and Matthews Cotswold Flour, and I look forward to unveiling our new VIP Super Sourdoughers Club - check the website for more details and sign up now!”

Bertie Matthews, who has, in our opinion, the absolutely to job of being Managing Director at Matthews Cotswold Flour, says: “We've worked closely with Elaine for some time already, and have always been impressed by her sourdough recipes and her undoubted expertise. It's really absolutely fantastic to have her on our team, and we're looking forward to creating lots of new Sourdough content and resources for our home baking community together!”

Elaine will be of great assistance help to Matthews Cotswold Flour's home bakers, with her extensive experience of being a home baker herself. Elaine bakes everything in her home kitchen, using only standard domestic ovens and apparatus. 

She offers real, straightforward, useable advice for home bakers, because they are from a home baker, herself. Elaine also hosts a food podcast, The Foodbod Pod, which is all about food!

Elaine has been a part of the Matthews Cotswold Flour family for a while now, using their flours in all of her baking. She has supported the artisan miller, both online and in person, and they are absolutely thrilled and delighted to be working together to develop an exciting new Cotswold Flour Sourdough Experience. 

www.cotswoldflour.com or follow @CotswoldFlour on Instagram or Facebook.

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Co-op further extends use of anti-theft ‘dummy display packaging’ to deter prolific and persistent offenders

The Co-op is further extending its trial of anti-theft, empty, ‘dummy display packaging’ for targeted products on its shelves to deter increasing levels of crime driven by what it has identified as "prolific and persistent" offenders.

The move is aimed at helping curb bulk-shoplifting, -described as ‘looting’ in the worst cases.

Industry reports indicate nearly 63% of crime is driven by repeat and prolific offenders, with drug or alcohol addictions and, local organised crime gangs, among the main drivers of offending.

The empty packaging will be employed across higher value products on its shelves which are, unfortunately, frequently targeted by criminals for re-sale, in stores where there's a local issue.

Products include: coffee; higher-value chocolates, washing powder and laundry gels. Shoppers merely need to take the dummy item to the colleague on the till who will exchange it for the real product. Co-op has previously used the anti-theft packaging in a limited number of stores, and expects it to 'continue to become a more familiar feature in retailing'.

A freedom of information (FOI) request showed, on average, 71% of serious retail crime isn't  responded to by police forces, and the Co-op is calling on all police forces and crime commissioners to target prolific offenders and local organised criminal gangs to reverse the existing environment where they operate with no fear of being caught or charged.

Kate Graham, Director of Operations, Co-op, said: “Crime in many communities is increasing, and it is known that repeat and prolific offenders and, local organised criminal gangs are driving serious incidents of brazen and violent theft in stores.

"It is an ongoing challenge for all retailers, and often a flashpoint for attacks and abuse towards our colleagues. Co-op continues to invest significantly in keeping colleagues and stores safe. This includes extending our use of dummy display cases to deter the incidents of ‘bulk-shoplifting’ or, ‘looting’, as it has been described, where criminals sweep products off shelves for re-sale.

"While we are doing all we can, we also need the police to play their part as too often, Forces fail to respond to desperate calls by our store teams and criminals operate in communities without any fear of consequences.”

Holland and Barrett launches new food range

Holland & Barrett, which is the UK’s top health and wellness retailer, is getting back to its roots with the relaunch of its entire food range. 

The first 500 products are hitting the shelves this month, September, and this marks the beginning the biggest transformation of its food category in its entire 150-year history.

Consisting in excess of over 300 entirely new own brand lines, designed from scratch and over 200 branded lines, the new range will see the return of over 70 fresh, chilled food and drinks to H&B’s high-street stores. 

In a market first, the new H&B range will also offer customers foods by key wellness need or specialist diet, with new lines designed by Holland & Barrett’s expert nutritionists, chefs and in-house experts for gut health, women’s health and skin health. 

From fresh foods to healthy snacks, and food cupboard items, the range is designed to complement its customers’ weekly grocery shop with simple, easy swaps that are packed with nutritious benefits. 

The launch sees Holland & Barrett become the first high-street retailer to include the concept of ‘Plant Points’ on food labelling, helping encourage customers to eat at least 30 different plants a week to support their overall wellbeing. 

In what is another first, customers can have free conversations with trained advisors in all stores and online who will be able to personalise a menu that includes the best nutritional solutions based on the goals of their a customers.

Alex Dower, who is the Chief Commercial Officer, Holland & Barrett, said: “We want to make wellness a way of life for everyone and what you eat is the starting place for a healthier life. 

"That’s why we’ve spent two years redeveloping and completely overhauling our food offering. We’ve brought together a team of nutritionists, chefs, ingredient specialists and in-house scientific experts, alongside 50 new artisan and small food suppliers to create a truly pioneering and diet-inclusive range. 

"Our priority has been on creating delicious food, bursting with benefits. This coupled with significant investment in a new proposition, range identity and marketing support will see H&B regain its place as the go to for the latest in healthy food on the high street.”

Alex Dower continues, “We're proud to be the first retailer to include Plant Points on our food labels.  Plant Points are a handy way to make sure you're eating a nutrient-packed diet.  We’re encouraging our customers to aim for at least 30 different plants a week to support their overall wellbeing. 

"There’s growing and emerging evidence that we need to go beyond five-a-day and focus on getting plant variety into our diets to support our gut health, and in turn our overall health. That’s why we’re adding plant points to our labelling, as part of our focus on raising awareness of the benefits of good gut health.”

Holland & Barrett has been a leader in health and nutrition for over 150 years. Established in 1870 as a grocer in Bishop’s Stortford, it has grown to 800 stores in the UK and Ireland alone, and healthy food has remained core to its proposition. 

"Known for supporting millions of people in the UK who follow specialist diets, from introducing the first vegan ranges to foods for lower carb, low and no sugar as well as those with food allergies or intolerances. The new range caters to over 10 different allergies and dietary intolerances as well as support for specific conditions and wellness needs including gut health, women’s health, immunity, energy and more.

As a specialist retailer, H&B’s size means it can work with small, artisan producers across the UK and Ireland to bring local, first to market products to its shelves. This includes Jess’s Dairy, a third-generation dairy farmer from Gloucestershire who H&B has partnered with to bring a kefir drinking yogurt to market. Hodmedods, who supply the range with British quinoa, flamingo peas and further grains and pulses, work directly with farmers committed to increasing biodiversity and are leading the way in regenerative farming. 

The new No 42 vegan sausages are created by Simplicity in partnership with chef, Ian Rankin, and are made with six plants and the power of fermentation to offer a healthier alternative.

The re-launch of H&B Food is being supported by a £5m marketing campaign, across out of home, print, digital, social and PR. It comes at a time when the retailer has also been investing in its store estate, opening 19 new stores and refitting 16 in the last calendar year (Oct ’22 – Sept’ 23). 

(EDITOR: I feel a trip to our nearest Holland and Barrett store in the very near future to stock up on some goodies!)

Waitrose Food & Drink Festival back for 2023 – with 20% saving on standard tickets now

The absolutely stunning Waitrose Food & Drink Festival 2023 is coming back and will be even bigger and better than before. 

Showcasing the best British of suppliers and producers, the Festival returns to London’s Tobacco Dock and runs across the weekend of Friday, 24th November to Sunday, 26th November 2023.

Tickets are on sale now, with an early bird saving of 20% on standard tickets for those booking between now and 18th September.

Visitors will be transported to absolute foodie heaven, as they experience festive food and drink tastings with delicious products from i n excess of 150 producers and suppliers, inspirational cooking demos, wreath making workshops and expert masterclasses, too.

New for this year is a dedicated sensory Cheese Room for all cheese lovers with Castello, and cocktail connoisseurs will love mini golf and a live DJ with Absolut Vodka. 

Hosts will love the Waitrose Christmas Room, showcasing this year’s must-have products and food trends, table dressing workshops with John Lewis Home Stylists, workshops with Waitrose Cookery School, cocktail making workshops with Waitrose beers, wines & spirits experts, and more.

You can get inspired for Christmas with their ‘Meet the Experts’ stage, where there will be demonstrations from chefs and producers including Tom Warner from Warner’s Distillery; plan your Christmas wine list with their exclusive Waitrose Cellar blends, and finish it all off with a glass of Mirabeau mulled rosé or bubbles at the Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Bar. 

Tickets for the Waitrose Food & Drink Festival 2023 are now on sale at waitrosefestivals.com. Book between now and 18th September to save 20% off standard tickets. And what's even better, MyWaitrose customers can save 10% off standard tickets with no time limit! 

Ticket information:

Standard tickets £30 (£25 on Sunday)

Early bird offer - save 20% on standard tickets by using code WRFESTIVAL20 at checkout

VIP tickets £40 (£35 on Sunday) - VIP tickets include complimentary glass of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne, fast track entry and several additional items in the goody bag

All tickets include a goody bag.

Waitrose to launch new own-brand range - Japan Menyū

The 20th September will mark the exciting launch of a new Waitrose own-brand range, Japan Menyū, which is an innovative, delicious and high quality range which brings great Japanese-inspired food to your plates.

Their new own-brand range will include new products which will span across ready meals, centrepieces, sides and snacks, and offers customers familiar flavours and dishes for all eating occasions.

Japanese cuisine is a growing trend, growing +15% compared to last year on social discussions (Tastewise), with Google searches also growing rapidly compared to previous months. 

Waitrose have also seen a significant growth in traffic on waitrose.com to their  dedicated Japanese recipes page and searches on their website for ‘tempura prawns’, ‘tonkatsu’, ‘soba noodles’ and ‘matcha’ are all up 113%, 75%, 69% and 37% respectively, compared to last year, showing the growing demand for Japanese foods and flavours amongst our customers.  

Said Charlotte Di Cello, who is Waitrose's Commercial Director: “I’m particularly excited about our new Japan Menyū range, having enjoyed so much of it growing up, because my mum is Japanese.  

"So much care and consideration has gone into each dish to ensure we’re offering the very best Japanese-inspired selection. We’ve seen significant growth in customer demand for Japanese foods, so to be launching this delicious and high quality curated range that can be enjoyed by anyone in the comfort of their own home is hugely exciting for all of us at Waitrose.”

Their range, which will be available in their shops, online, Uber Eats and on Deliveroo, offers their customers convenience while still allowing them to create the restaurant experience in their own homes. 

With versatility across all of the dishes, customers will be able to pair different centrepieces and meal bases to suit all taste buds. 

While the Japan Menyū range has exclusively been created by their team of chefs and product developers, Waitrose also consulted with Yuki Gomi and the Asian Leadership Collective to ensure they considered cultural traditions in the development of their range and designs and included the most incredible dishes for their customers. 

Yuki Gomi,  who is a Japanese chef, food writer & cookery teacher, said: “It’s been such a great pleasure to collaborate with the Waitrose team on their new Japanese range. 

"From the name of the range to the delicious selection of dishes that have been developed, so much care and consideration has been taken to deliver an amazing range that I know their customers will love.”

Zoe Simons, who is the Waitrose Senior Development Chef, said: “Our team had an absolutely brilliant time building our Japan Menyū range. 

"We’ve taken familiar flavours twe know our customers will love and created them into a range of brilliant products, including 13 vegetarian dishes, 10 of which are suitable for vegans. From the trends our team has seen and the data that’s been gathered, we know our customers are looking to expand their dining options even further and already enjoy delicious Japanese food." 

Zoe wen t on to say: “Whether customers are looking for a convenient Friday night dinner that’s already prepared or some extra additions to complement their own cookery creations, our Japan Menyū range has something for all eating occasions.”

A spokesman said: "Waitrose already sells over 200 Japanese products, including brands like as Itsu, Wagamama, Kikkoman and Taiko Sushi, plus the 124 Sushi Daily kiosks we have available across our shops. 

"We also offer Japanese ingredients within our own Cooks’ Ingredients range, including the Yuzu Juice, Shichimi Togarashi and Japanese Rice Vinegar  - our new Japan Menyū complements our existing offering perfectly. 

"To allow customers to create the full Japanese experience at home, we will also be launching Reusable Bamboo Chopsticks, as well as a selection of John Lewis cookware that make the perfect serving dishes for the Waitrose Japan Menyū range.

"Also, as part of the range we will be launching three new No.1 Bonsai plants within our horticulture range, as well as a first to market Ikebana flower bouquet. Ikebana is the art of Japanese flower arranging, a symbol of refinement - with minimalist and precise arrangement, Ikebana is an ancient Japanese tradition of artisan floristry."

Highlights from the range:-

Centrepieces

Waitrose Japan Menyū Pork Tonkatsu 350g £6.00

Tender pork with a crumb coating, ready to shallow fry and serve with rice. Fruity, tangy, and truly tasty. Their fresh pork is always British and always outdoor bred or free-range.

Waitrose Japan Menyū Slow Cooked Chili Miso Beef 318g £7.50

Their meltingly tender beef has been slow cooked for 10 hours to allow the chilli miso flavours to infuse. Warming, with a hint of spice, it’s best served with stir fried rice. All of our beef is British. 

Waitrose Japan Menyū Miso Cod 274g £6.50 (MSC certified)

Delicately umami and slightly sweet, our miso cod goes perfectly with rice and stir fried veg to make a satisfying main. 

Waitrose Japan Menyū Slow Cooked Chilli Jackfruit (V) 314g £6.00

A texture and taste sensation. Their slow cooked jackfruit is delicious stirred through rice, or stuffed into steamed buns, and it comes with a Japanese inspired barbecue sauce for a rich flavour. 

Waitrose Japan Menyū 6 Teriyaki Pork Belly Slices 380g £6.00

Six melt-in-the-mouth pork belly slices with a teriyaki glaze. Savoury-sweet, they make a great topping for ramen, or stuffed into our new steamed buns alongside the new slaw.

Their pork comes from British outdoor bred pigs, housed in straw bedded airy barns. Their fresh pork is always British and always outdoor bred or free-range.

Ready Meals 

Waitrose Japan Menyū Chicken Katsu Curry 350g £5.00

The ultimate comfort food: crispy breaded chicken with steamed rice and a mild curry sauce. All their chicken is higher welfare and we have a bespoke set of high standards that our poultry farmers adhere to. 

Waitrose Japan Menyū Sweet Potato Katsu Curry (Veg/V) 390g £5.00

A vegan take on the familiar favourite. Breaded sweet potato, served with steamed rice and a mild katsu curry sauce.

Waitrose Japan Menyū Miso Aubergine Rice Bowl (Veg/V) 350g £5.50

Cooked sushi rice, miso roasted aubergine pieces, pickled vegetables and spring greens in a miso, black bean sauce with leek, garlic and ginger.

Sides & Snacks

Waitrose Japan Menyū Chicken Karaage 150g £3.60

Crispy fried chicken thigh, seasoned with garlic, ginger and pepper. This is a very popular dish with our customers and pairs perfectly with our new Japan Menyū Dip selection. All our chicken is higher welfare and we have a bespoke set of high standards that our poultry farmers adhere to. 

Waitrose Japan Menyū Cauliflower Tempura & Dip (Veg/V) 180g £3.40

A delicious vegan alternative to our karaage, these Cauliflower florets are coated in crispy batter, with spring onions and a soy yuzu dip. Great for sharing.

Waitrose Japan Menyū 4 ‘No Chicken’ Drumsticks (Veg/V) 170g £3.75

Tender jackfruit drumsticks coated in a crunchy panko crumb, served with a spicy soy glaze. 

Waitrose Japan Menyū Vegetable Steamed Buns (Veg/V) £2.50

These steamed buns are filled with mild katsu curry flavoured veggies. Soft, fluffy bites of deliciousness.

Waitrose Japan Menyū Shredded Cabbage & Edamame Slaw with Ponzu Dressing (V) 140g £2.50

Finely cut pink and white cabbage with coriander, carrot, edamame beans, salad onions and black onion seeds with a creamy ponzu dressing. A zesty side to go with any mains and centrepieces

Waitrose Japan Menyū Edamame Beans with Garlic & Chilli Salt  (V/Ve) 200g £3.50

Who doesn’t want a big pot of Edamame beans to pop out of their shells and devour? These whole edamame beans are served with garlic and chilli salt. 

(EDITOR: Looks interesting! It's worth looking at using Japan Menyū foodstuffs for your Christmas and New Year's feasting?)

Aldi opens its 1,000th store and aims for 500 more!

Aldi has opened its 1,000th UK store in Woking, Surrey, yesterday today and has committed to a new long-term target of 1,500 stores in the UK, which will see the company invest billions of pounds into the UK economy.

Aldi is now Britain’s fourth biggest grocer and one in every ten pounds spent at British supermarkets goes through its tills. It is also the fastest-growing supermarket in the UK, attracting customers from every major competitor as people switch to Aldi for its low prices. 

With two thirds of British shoppers now shopping with Aldi, so Aldi is aiming to open more stores in more parts of the UK to meet growing demand. It will open another 20 new stores before year's end, as part of its £1.3bn two-year investment plan.

Its aim to open 500 new stores to reach its target of 1,500 means Aldi is on the hunt for more locations across the UK.

Aldi UK and Ireland CEO, Giles Hurley, said: “Opening our 1,000th store is a massive milestone and it really wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and utter hard work of our 40,000 incredible colleagues.

“Our popularity is growing, and there's huge demand for people to have an Aldi store near to them to increase shoppers’ access to our unbeatable prices.

“The next phase of our expansion will involve another 500 new stores over the coming years. It's a long-term target and shouldn't be seen as a ceiling to our ambition to have an Aldi store close to everyone in the UK.”

The Woking store is one of over 150 sites Aldi now has in the South East of England, as it continues to attract new customers across the region.

Incidentally, Aldi opened its first UK store in Stechford, Birmingham, back in 1990.

www.aldi.co.uk

Aldi's New rose wine tastes just like fruit salad sweets?

The Aldi Mistress of Wine, Sam Caporn, says the latest launch has hints of raspberry and pineapple, reminiscent of the nostalgic sweets .

Priced at a modest £8.99 a bottle, the new addition hits shelves as retro-themed drinks continue to be at the forefront of this year’s trends.

It's available in stores from 11th September as part of the supermarket’s new award-winning Autumn Winter range.

Sounds interesting! 

Spoiler alert: Sainsbury’s switches from use-by to best-before date on milk range to reduce household food waste

Affecting over 730 million pints sold annually, the move will make Sainsbury’s the biggest UK retailer to make this change.

Sainsbury’s has also recently completed the roll out of its clear caps across all own-brand milk bottles to improve packaging recyclability.

Sainsbury’s will be swapping use-by dates for best-before dates across its own-brand milk range, making it the biggest UK retailer to make this change.

The move will affect 44 products in total, including all fresh and organic milk sold across England, Scotland, and Wales, and will apply to over 730 million pints of milk sold by Sainsbury’s annually. 

Research from WRAP has shown milk is the third most wasted food in the UK, with over 490 million pints thrown away annually, often merely because the milk passed its use-by date.

Sainsbury’s switch to best-before dates aims to prevent customers from pouring away pints that are still safe to consume, giving them more time to use up their milk at home. The new labelling will start to roll out in the new year, with the change set to be complete by the end of February 2024. 

According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), use-by dates are linked to food safety, whereas best-before dates relate to food quality. Food with a use-by date applied should never be consumed past this date (unless frozen on or before that date), whereas foods with a best-before date can be eaten beyond that date.

Sainsbury’s will be encouraging customers to follow the FSA’s guidance which recommends using sensory cues to see if milk with a best before date label has gone bad, for example, by sniffing the product.

Ruth Cranston, who is the Director of Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability at Sainsbury’s, said: “Around a third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted3.Combatting food waste is one of our top priorities and we are continuously innovating to tackle this issue, all the way from farms and suppliers, right to our customers’ homes. 

"By switching to best-before dates on our milk we are empowering customers to make their own decisions on whether their food is good to eat, helping to prevent them from disposing of food too early.”

Catherine David, Director of Behaviour Change & Business Programmes at WRAP, said: “We're obviously delighted to see this change from Sainsbury’s, which will help reduce food waste in our homes. Wasting food feeds climate change and costs money, with the average family spending over £730 year on good food which ends up in the bin. Our research shows applying the appropriate date label to products can help reduce the amount of good food that is thrown away.

“Applying a ‘best before’ date to milk instead of a ‘use by’ date means people will be able to use their judgement to eat or consume beyond that date, allowing longer to use what they buy. Check out the Love Food Hate Waste for tips on how to maximise the life span of food. For example ensuring the fridge is below 5C, to keep food fresher for longer.”

Last month, Sainsbury’s completed the roll out of its new milk caps, meaning that all own-brand skimmed, semi-skimmed and whole milk is now sold with a clear cap, as opposed to a coloured cap, to improve the recyclability of the plastic.

Sainsbury’s is working hard to support its customers in reducing their household food waste, as part of The Courtauld Commitment 2030. Switching to best-before dates on milk is another example of Sainsbury’s bringing this commitment to life and follows its decision to move from use-by dates to best-before dates on its own-brand yoghurts last year, as well as removing best-before dates entirely from over 1,500 products including fresh produce lines like pineapples, pumpkins, and apples.

https://wrap.org.uk/sites/default/files/2021-03/WRAP-Household-food-waste-restated-data-2007-2015_0.pdf