Lidl Crowned king of discounters

Lidl has once again been named cheapest supermarket in The Grocer’s ‘Super Grocer 33’, beating all major supermarkets, including Aldi.

The price index, which compares the price of 33 everyday grocery items across all the UK’s seven major supermarkets, found Lidl to be £19.91 cheaper than Waitrose, the most expensive retailer. This win comes as Lidl’s fourth accolade, out of five surveys since the Grocer 33’s inception.

The survey also found Lidl came out cheapest even after other supermarkets’ discount schemes were taken into consideration. 

Overall, the discounter was found to be 10% (£6.17) cheaper than Tesco, and still £5.13 after Clubcard discounts were applied. Similarly, the same products at Sainsburys cost £6.80 more, with no benefit from the supermarket’s Nectar Prices.

The accolade also comes despite traditional supermarkets recently announcing an array of price drops, demonstrating that the Lidl still offers better value.

The Grocer compares prices of items on shopping lists across the nation as part of the monthly analysis – from fresh produce, such as milk and grapes, to deodorant, and branded items including Hovis Bread and Kellogg’s Corn Flakes. 

Lidl offered the cheapest price on 26 products – and exclusively the lowest price for five products across a range of categories, including:

Baby corn at £2.79 (76p cheaper than the most expensive and 4p cheaper than the next cheapest)

Kellogg’s Corn Flakes at £2.05 (25p cheaper than the most expensive and 20p cheaper than the next cheapest)

Domestos bleach at £1.39 (21p cheaper than the most expensive and 10p cheaper than the next cheapest retailer)

Prawns at £1.99 (£1.76 cheaper than the most expensive and 20p cheaper than the next cheapest)

Custard creams at 54p (26p cheaper than the most expensive and 1p cheaper than the next cheapest)

It’s not just the Super Grocer 33 basket proving this – for the past fourteen weeks Lidl has also been cheapest in a weekly price comparison conducted by the Manchester Evening News on essential groceries.

Ryan McDonnell, Chief Executive Officer at Lidl GB, said: “Every week, independent analysis shows we are consistently the UK’s cheapest supermarket. As a result, we are seeing more customers coming through our doors and switching their weekly shop to Lidl from the traditional supermarkets.

“We know people switch to us make savings, but then stay with us when they realise that they’re not having to compromise on quality.”

Looking for bargains and value? Move to Stamford Street, with Sainsbury’s

Great value has a new address as Sainsbury’s moves all its entry price point brands to the name Stamford Street. 

Named after the previous home of Sainsbury’s, the brand will celebrate Sainsbury’s heritage of quality and value by assisting customers more easily find everyday staples at budget-friendly prices. 

Two thirds of Sainsbury's customers say they're concerned about the rising cost of groceries as inflation continues to bite and own brand ranges are increasingly popular as shoppers look for ways to cut back on their food spending. 

In the last three months alone, Sainsbury’s volume sales of own brand value products have grown by nearly 10%. This is why it's doing all it can to help keep prices lower and investing to refresh its value range, making it easier for customers to find fantastic prices on the staples they buy week in, week out. 

The Stamford Street range will consist of some 200 products and has already started hitting shelves, with products rolling out between now and Autumn. 

Customers will still be able to shop their favourite staples as all products from the original ranges including Mary Ann’s and J. James will be moved across. 

Over 20 new high-volume products have also been added to the range, including Soft Spread (99p), Beef & Onion pie (£2.90) and Cheese Tortelloni (£1.21). 

Stamford Street in London’s Blackfriars was the home of Sainsbury’s for over a century and the new branding reflects its commitment to combining the best possible quality with great value. To make it even easier to find the range, it features brand new packaging to give it a refreshed and distinctive look and feel. 

Products will also be grouped together on shelves and dedicated signage in stores, plus as a custom page on the website, will be set up. Sainsbury’s excellent colleagues will, as ever, be on hand to help customers find what they’re looking for. 

The launch is just one of the ways Sainsbury’s is continuing to help customers manage their budgets as summer approaches, following its record investment of more than £560 million in value over the last two years. It coincides with the latest instalment of the popular Aldi Price Match campaign which hit stores this week. 

A quarter of the products in the Stamford Street range are included in the campaign, which matches around 300 Sainsbury’s quality products to Aldi prices. New products have been added to the campaign including canned tuna, which has been reduced in price to 72p per tin. This week Sainsbury’s announced its move to 100% MSC certified pole and line caught canned tuna and it's the first of the big four supermarkets to do this.

Sainsbury’s customers will also be able to save money on their favourite branded products following the recent launch of Nectar Prices, which offers discounts to all supermarket and online customers using the Nectar app or card. It's already exceeding expectations and customers have saved over £34 million across discounts on over 1,300 products since launch.

Rhian Bartlett, who is the Food Commercial Director at Sainsbury’s, said: “Our own brand products are becoming more and more important to our customers as the cost of living crisis continues to impact so many households up and down the country.

"This is why we’ve worked to consolidate and rebrand the Stamford Street range to help our customers more easily find it in stores and online. Offering customers delicious food at affordable prices has been at the heart of Sainsbury’s for over 150 years and this is why I’m so proud to see these products now on shelves.”

Thatchers Launches Its Pint-Sized Perfection Commercial Featuring Animation from Academy Award® Winning Aardman

Thatchers Cider unveils a new TV commercial today (Thursday 25th May 2023), which sees the Somerset cider maker collaborating with multi-Academy Award® winning studio Aardman.

Airing for the first time at 9.15pm on 25th May, the commercial uses stop motion animation to bring the viewer through the gates of Thatchers' own Myrtle Farm home in a light-hearted and affectionate way. We see how the family cider maker's dedication along every step of the way achieves Pint-Sized Perfection.

Aardman uses its world-class skills in perfectly crafted hand-made miniature worlds to bring Thatchers' expertise to the screen. Iconic elements of Myrtle Farm such as its orchards, help tell the story of carefully crafting the perfect drop of cider. Some familiar faces make an appearance throughout the commercial, including fourth generation cider maker Martin Thatcher making a big entrance for the weekly 12.30 tasting. Viewers may also recognise the iconic Thatchers hot air balloon from previous ads, as well as Myrtle, the family dog.

Thatchers Cider, with market leading premium brands including Thatchers Gold, Haze and Blood Orange, is still making cider at the same family farm where founder William Thatcher first grew and pressed apples almost 120 years ago. The Pint-Sized Perfection commercial tells the story of the Thatchers commitment to crafting the tastiest ciders, resonating with consumers who seek out values of authenticity and sustainability in their cider choice.  

With its relentless pursuit of perfection, the commercial follows the cider making journey from the orchards to glass, through Aardman's unique and characterful story telling technique.

Martin Thatcher, who has had cameo appearances in all of Thatchers recent TV ads, says, “Partnering with Aardman, a truly iconic brand with such amazing creative genius, and situated in the West Country as we are, allows us to introduce consumers to a new light-hearted, storytelling creative about our ciders.

“With total commitment to quality, perfection and sustainability every step of the way, the commercial shines a spotlight on the Thatchers world in this contemporary way.”

Viewers may also recognise the familiar voice of the narrator – Richard Ede – who has also featured in previous commercials from Thatchers.

The commercial has been directed by Aardman's Will Studd and produced by Danny Gallagher.

With total dedication to their craft, a team of 40 creatives at Aardman were involved in the film, with animators alone needing over 480 hours to shoot the 40 second commercial.

Will Studd, director at Aardman adds: “I am thrilled to be directing a new advert for Thatchers, a cider brand that shares our passion for craft and attention to detail. As a paid-up cider enthusiast, I am drinking in the opportunity to bring the Thatchers family, farm, dog, and selected staff members to life with detailed puppets and sets.

“Being able to collaborate with such a well-established South West brand on this project is an honour, I'm eager to create a beautiful film that captures the essence of Thatchers and their focus on perfection.”

Martin continues, “This is a film that allows people to step into the world of Thatchers. Our passion for creating the most perfect cider is reflected in the genius of Aardman, whose animators have recreated life at Myrtle Farm in the most minute and exacting detail, from our iconic barn doors, to our hot air balloon where the basket was handwoven out of real straw. Fabric from our own workwear has even been used to create some of the costumes.

“In partnering with Aardman we've been in awe of their attention to detail, their pursuit of perfection, which truly resonates with all that we strive for at Thatchers.”   

The commercial will have a multi-media launch, the campaign continuing through to August. This will include linear TV, broadcast video on demand, cinema and YouTube.  This will be enhanced with 48 sheet and 6 sheet OOH, and a consumer focussed social media campaign.

The commercial can be viewed here:

Give the Gift of Artisan Beer This Father's Day With Empress Ale

This Father's Day, British artisan beer brand Empress Ale is offering the perfect gift for dads everywhere. 

Empress Ales are premium craft British beers made using the finest natural ingredients, sourced as locally as possible, wherever this is possible. 

The range, which includes a Pale Ale, an IPA, and a Pilsner-style lager that's gluten-free, organic and vegan, are smooth, light and easy to drink and are designed to be enjoyed whatever the occasion.

They're stocked in venues and restaurants all over the UK, including City Social by Jason Atherton, the Goodman Group, and Adams in Birmingham, plus in branches of Waitrose.

But the perfect way to get a gift direct to a dad this Father's Day is to order from the Empress website, treating the beer fan in your life to a selection of the Empress beers or perhaps a few bottles of their favourite?

To celebrate the occasion, Empress is giving an extra 10% discount for online orders for Father's Day, along with free shipping. 

Entrepreneur Surj Virk set up Empress in 2016, growing it into a premium brand stocked in some of the top hospitality venues across the UK.

A dad himself, he said the range makes the perfect gift, on Father's Day or all-year round, - because of the personal touch that's gone into creating it. 

“Empress is a hugely personal beer brand," he said. “The whole range has been created with love - a British-made beer using old English recipes for inspiration, but also with a nod to my Indian heritage and some very personal tributes to members of my family.

“Our Pale Ale, IPA, and Pilsner-style Lager are all proving hugely popular - both when served with food in restaurants across the country, and when bought direct from us to either go with food at home, or to drink with family and friends.

“That means they make great gift options for any occasion, and for Father's Day we're offering a special discount code to treat the dad in your life. Just add FATHER2023 when at the online checkout and you'll get an extra 10% off and free shipping when you spend over £45.”

For more information and to order online, visit www.empressale.com.

Save Your Wallet and Your Waistline - Home Made Plant Based Milk from Milky Plant

The trend for plant based milk is showing no signs of slowing down, with one in three of us Brits choosing plant based alternatives to dairy.

Milky Plant is a brand new appliance which makes plant based milk at home from nuts, seeds, cereals and water.

Simply add the chosen ingredient to the blender, fill the water tank and within three minutes a litre of plant based milk is produced.

This is an even healthier alternative to supermarket bought milks which contain preservatives, emulsifiers, seed oils and gums.

What's more, making plant based milk at home saves cash at 30-90% per serving compared to buying it ready made.

The Milky Plant machine costs £290 and it takes an estimated180 uses to recoup the costs of the machine, depending on which ingredients are used to make the milk.

Creating milk at home also reduces the volume of tetra pak containers which end up in landfill, (they can't be recycled as of yet) that's nearly 300k per year. If they were placed end to end the line would stretch from central London to Milton Keynes. 

Said Nadina Grigoras, founder of Milky Plant: “A few years ago I was diagnosed with high cholesterol and wanted to make healthy changes to my diet. I quickly realised supermarket bought plant-based milks aren't as natural or healthy as they claim to be as they are high in saturated fat, additives and preservatives. Making plant based milk at home was very messy and time consuming, so I set about creating my own appliance to remove all the hard work!"

She went on to explain: “Milky Plant offers a healthier, cheaper and more sustainable alternative to shop bought plant based milks. I love adding maple syrup or dates along with my nuts or seeds to add natural sweetness to the milks and there are so many other recipes and ways to drink Milky Plant milk, the possibilities really are endless.”

Milky Plant uses patent-pending technology to strain out the seed, nut or cereal pulp from the final milk. This feature means no more messy blenders or squeezing cheese cloths or nut bags, making it much simpler and easier to use at home. And far less fiddly! The pulp is stored in an easily accessible compartment at the front of the machine. It's almost dry and can be re-used in other recipes such as homemade granola or smoothie bowls, or even for composting. (EDITOR: How about used for baking? There's a thought!)

Milky Plant has recently been enrolled in the Amazon sustainability accelerator scheme which is an exclusive programme for just 15 sustainable businesses per year.

https://milkyplant.com.

Demand for draft opinion that restricts plant-based dairy labels should be torn up, says Alliance

A draft opinion that would place restrictions on the labelling of plant-based dairy alternatives should be torn up, the Plant-based Food Alliance UK (PBFA) has said today.

The opinion, drafted in February 2022 by an ad hoc and unaccountable group of trading standards officials, called the Food Standards and Information Focus Group (FSIFG), states that phrases such as “mylk”, “m*lk” , “not m*lk” or “alternative to” a dairy product should be banned. 

If published, the guidance could lead to products being pulled from the shelves if a complaint is made about the labelling on a product that falls within its scope. 

Despite repeated concerns expressed to Defra by the PBFA late last year about the guidance, Defra told PBFA members this month that responsibility for the issue lies “solely with local authorities and the Trading Standards Officers acting on their behalf”.

The PBFA, which represents the UK’s plant-based food sector, wasn't consulted during the drafting of the document and is now pushing for it to be withdrawn.

“The guidance was drafted behind closed doors and without the consultation of the plant-based food sector,” Alliance CEO, Marisa Heath, pointed out.

“Not only was this developed in an undemocratic process, it's also highly anti-competitive as it restricts consumer choice and seeks to curb a booming industry,” Heath added.

Total unit sales for plant-based milk increased by 17% between 2020-2022, whereas conventional milk unit sales decreased by 6% between 2020 and 2022, according to Nielsen data published by the Good Food Institute Europe.

Consumers are not confused

The guidance is based on the unfounded belief consumers are confused by names such as “plant-based butter” or “not milk”. But in the US, draft guidance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued this year stated that the word “milk” could be used for plant-based drinks precisely because consumers were not confused by such labelling. 

The EU chose not to impose similar restrictions on dairy descriptor names in 2021 when the European Parliament voted down Amendment 171, which would have censored terms such as “creamy” and “buttery” for plant-based products. 

“Not only does the UK guidance assume consumers are stupid, it goes beyond what is enforceable in the EU, which is ironic bearing in mind that the UK voted to leave the EU on the basis that it wouldn't  be tied down by European regulations,” Heath said. 

Jeremy Coller, President of the Alternative Proteins Association in the UK, said: “Civil servants must have a rather dim view of British consumers if they think shoppers find labelslike “vegan cheese” and “soya mylk” unduly confusing. 

"People have been successfully buying such products for years now, without the need for officials to explain oats and almonds don’t come from cows. And these latest proposed rules set an unfortunate precedent for the alternative proteins sector as a whole. If the government is serious about growing the economy and supporting business in the UK, it should be letting consumers make up their own minds rather than patronising them.” 

The guidance also goes against efforts by the UK government to make society more sustainable. The production and consumption of plant-based foods emits half the amount of greenhouse gases as animal-based foods, so governments need to be bringing in measures that actively enable societies to shift to more plant rich foods to help tackle climate change.

The Plant-based Food Alliance UK is a coalition of organisations including Oatly, Alpro, Upfield, The Vegan Society, Good Food Institute and ProVeg who have come together to create a strong voice for the plant-based food sector in the UK.

Home | APA | Championing Alternative Proteins (alternativeproteinsassociation.com)

Morrisons is bringing back “More reasons to shop at Morrisons”

Morrisons is bringing back “More Reasons To Shop At Morrisons” including a rework of the iconic jingle.  Created with Leo Burnett, the major new advertising and brand campaign debuted on Coronation Street.  It will celebrate the real and motivating reasons why customers choose Morrisons, in a funny, yet relatable way.   

Following research into Morrisons distinctive brand assets, the campaign will see the return of the “More Reasons To Shop At Morrisons” strapline, which was introduced when Sir Ken Morrison was in charge and still resonates very strongly with consumers despite last being used in 2006. 

The “More Reasons To Shop At Morrisons” jingle also showed a very high level of brand recall and salience in the research and so it's been refreshed with a modern twist, while retaining all the familiarity and nostalgia of the much-loved original.  The visual identity, including the green and yellow colour duo and tree logo also remains central to the new campaign after performing strongly in the background research.

At the very heart of the campaign, a series of seven 20 second adverts focus on a different ‘reason’ to shop at Morrisons in a vox-pop and humorous style, direct to camera.  The down to earth and unmistakably British films all end with the catchy new jingle and highlight Morrisons Market Street counters like the freshly-baked doughnuts (make sure the jam doesn't escape!) the freshly baked bread,  the 100% British meat sold on Morrisons butcher counters, (looked after by qualified butchers) the fresh produce, the ‘iconic’ salad bar and the popular café.

A further ‘reason’ is the new More Card loyalty programme which can be used as a physical card or app and has been trialled in a number of stores over the last few weeks.  Customers will now be able to earn points on selected products and counters in store and online as well as earning five points for every litre of fuel purchased in a Morrisons petrol filling station. (But not franchised filling stations) Once customers have saved 5,000 points, they'll receive a Morrisons Fiver which can be redeemed on a future shop, in store or online.  Morrisons programme of market leading exclusive offers which launched last October for loyalty card members will remain a key feature of the new scheme. 

Rachel Eyre, Morrisons Chief Customer and Marketing Officer, said: “Besides the launch of the new loyalty programme, we're also very thrilled to announce our new brand campaign, “More Reasons To Shop at Morrisons”. 

"Our customers tell us there are so many distinctive and motivating reasons to choose Morrisons, such as helpful tips from our expert butchers and fishmongers, our commitment to British meat and produce or our fan-favourite freshly baked doughnuts, and so despite not being used for a long time, “More Reasons” still really resonates. 

“We’ve brought it back in a major new campaign which has had marketing effectiveness front and centre throughout the whole planning and development process, across creative and media. The result is a campaign which celebrates customers' real reasons for choosing Morrisons, in a funny and relatable way. And yes - even the iconic jingle is back!”

Mark Elwood, Executive Creative Director at Leo Burnett, said: “I’m so excited about this brand campaign. “More reasons to shop at Morrisons” and the accompanying ‘jingle’ are both iconic. Bringing back both for a new audience is a total pleasure, with a new brand identity to boot. This campaign highlights the real reasons that our customers shop at Morrisons, time and time again. It’s a funny human campaign that will hopefully be something that resonates with the nation.”

The adverts were directed by Tom Speers of Smuggler and will feature on network TV spots that include Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Britain’s Got Talent. In addition, and in partnership with ITV, the broadcaster’s continuity announcer will be adding a note on how much they love the jingle to their regular update on scheduling across the weekend of 27th May.

The wider campaign will run across TV, radio, press, digital display, social media and out of home as well as in Morrisons stores and online, with media planning and buying led by Wavemaker. 

Sian Runnacles, Client Managing Director at Wavemaker UK, said: “More reasons to shop at Morrisons” ran for nearly 20 years, it captured everything that made Morrisons so distinctive.  We’re extremely excited to be bringing it back, celebrating all the reasons why customers across the UK love what Morrisons has to offer. We’re creating a grand entrance for its return, whilst ensuring the length and breadth of Britain get a deeper understanding of what makes Morrisons great.”

Kickstarting on launch day, an advertising roadblock will ensure everyone ‘catches’ the jingle. Featuring channel takeovers of The Global Traffic Network, the Daily Mail, and Twitter, the campaign will reach nearly 50% of the UK within the first 24 hours.

(EDITOR: I think most older customers still unconsciously hum that jingle when they shop at Morrisons. I know I do! I had no idea that it's not been used by Morrisons for 17 years.) 

Darts Farm Thrilled to Announce That New Restaurant, the Farm Table Has Just Been Voted 'Best Newcomer'

Darts Farm is genuinely thrilled to announce that its new restaurant, The Farm Table, has recently been voted 'Best Newcomer' by readers of Food Magazine readers.

Michael Dart, who runs Darts Farm alongside his two brothers, James and Paul, comments: “We are absolutely thrilled to win this award, which recognises the huge effort that has gone into creating The Farm Table. 

"It was during lockdown that we first dreamt about opening a restaurant that would showcase the best produce available from our farm and food hall. Last summer this dream became a reality and, less than a year after opening the doors, we're thrilled to have our achievements recognised by our customers with this fantastic award.”

Michael's son, George, has been instrumental in bringing the original concept of The Farm Table to life and creating the new flagship restaurant. He explains: “Our aim with the launch of The Farm Table was to create a restaurant that would celebrate the simplicity of beautiful ingredients grown, reared, caught and crafted on our doorstep. 

"Produce that can not be sourced from the farm is provided by our vibrant community of like minded artisan producers, farmers and fisherman who share our passion for flavour. Since we opened last summer, we have had lots of fantastic feedback from our customers but this award is the icing on the cake. It is great to know that they love The Farm Table as much as we do!”

The Food Magazine Reader Awards have championed the South West's best independent food and drink businesses for nearly a decade. The Awards are an opportunity for readers to celebrate their favourite indie venues and products. Over 100,000 votes were cast over two rounds of voting across 13 categories this year. The winners were announced at a ceremony at Nancarrow Farm in Cornwall on May 15.

The Farm Table is open seven days a week for lunch (12-3pm) and for dinner (6-9pm) Thursday to Saturday. The menu includes Darts Farm's iconic Ruby Red beef, dayboat fish and seasonal vegetables, all cooked over charcoal and accompanied by a huge selection of wines, beers, ciders and spirits from the cellar.

For further information on The Farm Table and Darts Farm please visit www.dartsfarm.co.uk and follow Darts Farm on Facebook and Instagram. 

Ticket - a Truly Differentiated, Low-No Beer That's Championing the Functional & Flavour Benefits of Saffron

As the most expensive spice in the world, it's fair to suggest anyone who dabbles with saffron would have to be absolutely convinced by the various compelling health benefits of this mineral and vitamin rich ingredient.  

The UK Low/no category is growing as more and more consumers seek to either curb or abstain from alcoholic consumption, either as part of either a healthier living, evolving lifestyle or saving money agenda.

The simple reality is growing numbers of millennials no longer see alcohol to be a lynchpin of their health-conscious lifestyles, opting instead for regimes of light yet fulfilling functional foods, gyms and active outdoors existences.

Ticket pale ale is a young craft beer provider and low/no trail blazer whose unique pale ale with its distinct saffron twist was recently shortlisted to make the finals of this year's free-from awards

Such is the proliferation of best-in-class, low/no beers and wines that it is becoming increasing tough to differentiate a beautifully balanced low/no craft beer from its everyday alcoholic peers. 

Says co-founder Ali Porushani: "Ticket Pale Ale is based on a traditional non-alcoholic Persian pale ale that was once very popular in old-school Iran, a beer famed for its meticulous small batch production and the use of best-in-class, locally sourced Persian saffron. 

"As with so many spheres of food and drink, an increasingly cluttered marketplace means it isn't easy to stand out, although latest trade feedback suggests distinctive flavour profiles, exoticness & inbuilt functional benefits are key drivers when differentiating 'category heroes' from 'support cast' beverages."

Ticket pale ale involves pairing saffron with floor-malted barley to produce something that is genuinely refreshing and distinct.  

The increasingly well-appreciated functional benefits associated with saffron means it provides a worthy substitute for alcohol in terms of positively affecting people's moods and energy levels, combining a beneficial mood lift in tandem with a truly refreshing drinking experience.

 One of the leading lights of Alcohol Change certainly thought so with his recent upbeat review of Ticket's first foray into UK craft beers.

 "After tasting (quite literally) hundreds of alcohol-free drinks, we've come to one conclusion: if you're going to make a beer with no alcohol, it must be something else to make it really memorable. This Ticket pale ale certainly has that. Uniquely (we think) it's made with saffron and lavender.

"It comes in a great looking bottle: in purple and gold with a swirling pattern like electromagnetic waves. The saffron gives the beer a striking yellow hue like no other. There are plenty of citrusy hops and the lavender adds extra floral notes. It may be a bit too much if you're looking for a straightforward light beer – it's definitely one for those who appreciate a flavour-packed pale ale."

But there's more! Later this summer Ticket will be launching their second low-no proposition, which is an equally special lemongrass infused lager.

t-cket.co.uk

Salcombe Gin Launches Salcombe Gin 'Start Point - Offshore Strength' in Partnership With the Royal Ocean Racing Club

The absolutely perfect collaboration of two outstanding nautical brands, multi-award winning Salcombe Gin is delighted to have partnered with the Royal Ocean Racing Club, to develop Salcombe Gin 'Start Point - Offshore Strength'.  

Born of a love of adventure on and around the water, this special edition sees Salcombe Gin's highly decorated gin 'Start Point' distilled to an 'offshore strength' creating the ultimate sundowner for sailors to enjoy after a day upon the water. 

Salcombe Gin 'Start Point - Offshore Strength' is available in the Royal Ocean Racing Club's Cowes and London Clubhouses as well as on rorc.org, salcombegin.com and in Salcombe Gin's Dartmouth and Salcombe stores.  Salcombe Gin 'Start Point - Offshore Strength' is available in a 70cl bottle, £50, ABV 50%. 

Inspired by the wonderful coastal vitality of Salcombe and its shipbuilding heritage, internationally acclaimed Salcombe Gin creates their exceptional gins at its waterside distillery on Island Street in Salcombe, one of the world's only distilleries directly accessible by boat.  

Distilled with an unrivalled passion, care and attention to detail, this special higher strength London Dry Gin is expertly crafted to an 'Offshore Strength' of 50% ABV, instead of Salcombe Gin 'Start Point's usual 44% ABV. 

A classic, citrus led London Dry gin which is exceptionally smooth, distinct and complex, Salcombe Gin 'Start Point - Offshore Strength' pays homage to the cargoes of fresh citrus fruits and spices once carried by the fastest ships of their day, the famous 19th century Salcombe Fruiters.  

This new higher alcohol strength version, brings a much richer, fuller flavour to the distinct citrus notes of red grapefruit and heady juniper which are synonymous with their 'Start Point' gin. 

With a love and respect for the sea at the heart of everything they do, Salcombe Gin is thrilled to partner with the Royal Ocean Racing Club.  

The collaboration perfectly captures both their shared passion for ocean racing and voyages, alongside their belief in the critical importance of supporting the regeneration of life in our seas.  With their '1% for the Ocean' initiative, every bottle sold of Salcombe Gin 'Start Point - Offshore Strength' will contribute to making our oceans healthier, through the donation of 1% of the revenue to ocean recovery projects. 

In addition, the special release gin, like all the products in Salcombe Gin's portfolio, contains no plastic packaging and has biodegradable cellulose tamper proof seals.  

Founded in 1925, the Royal Ocean Racing Club was established to encourage long distance yacht racing and the design, building and navigation of sailing vessels.  A world leader in ocean racing, the Royal Ocean Racing Club is the principal organiser of offshore yacht races in the United Kingdom, including the world renowned Rolex Fastnet Race. At approximately 700 nautical miles this event is prestigious, exciting and gruelling - a maritime 'Everest' for Corinthian sailors. 

Howard Davies, Co-founder and Director of Salcombe Distilling Co. comments on the partnership: “As a lifelong sailor I can't put into words how thrilled I am for Salcombe Gin to be partnering with the Royal Ocean Racing Club; an organisation that I have admired since a young age for their highly challenging offshore races and superb clubhouses in London and Cowes.”

Howard continues: “The idea behind Salcombe Gin began with a sundowner G&T after a day's sailing, so to create this 'Offshore Strength' version of our award winning 'Start Point' gin for sailors to enjoy after competing in some of the most famous offshore races in the world is something that we're seriously excited about. 

"There's a certain magic that happens at the end of a tough race and sharing stories of the day's adventure over a G&T is almost as precious as the adventure itself. With the Royal Ocean Racing Club joining us in our 'One percent for the Ocean' initiative, these special moments after a day on the water will also support ocean conservation projects through our partnership with the Marine Conservation Society.”

Jeremy Wilton, Chief Executive at the Royal Ocean Yacht Club adds "It's a privilege for the Royal Ocean Racing Club to partner with an organisation that shares our passion for the ocean both as an environment for adventure, but also important conservation initiatives through their relationship with the Marine Conservation Society and share our passion for innovation with the development of “offshore strength”, a new sector in the highly competitive gin market. 

"This is just the start of what will be a fruitful long-term relationship. Through the evolution of the partnership, we look forward to seeing an increasing presence of Salcombe Gin at many of our future prestigious events, races and initiatives."

Jeremy went on to say: "Through the launch and sale of Salcombe Gin's RORC 'Start Point Offshore Strength' we are also delighted to support Salcombe Gin's investment in ocean recovery projects, through their 1% for the oceans scheme, an important initiative to all work together on."

Salcombe Gin 'Start Point - Offshore Strength' joins Salcombe Gin's outstanding line-up of Salcombe Gin 'Start Point', Salcombe Gin 'Rosé Sainte Marie' and their exclusive Voyager Series. 

For further information about Salcombe Gin, visit www.salcombegin.com, follow SalcombeGin on Instagram and Facebook. For further information about the Royal Ocean Racing Club visit www.rorc.org or follow Royal Ocean Racing Club on Facebook.