Follow the Flower: M&S launches Eat Well campaign as summer of football approaches kick off

The countdown to the summer of football is in full swing, and today as part of M&S Food’s Eat Well Play Well partnership with the home nations’ football associations, the leading retailer is launching a national campaign to encourage customers to Follow the Flower in M&S stores to spot healthier food choices.  

The campaign features a number of the leading star female players from across the four nations, alongside returning favourite Ian Wright. 

This is the newest step in M&S Food’s Eat Well Play Well partnership with the England, Scotland, Cymru and the Northern Ireland National Football Teams to use the power of football and the influence of some of the UK’s biggest footballing heroes to help families make healthier choices.  

M&S’ latest Family Matters Index recently showing that healthy eating is a growing priority with 30% of families looking to eat more healthily in the coming months, and the campaign encourages customers to Follow the Flower whilst in store.  

M&S recently announced it had reduced or even locked the price on over 50 Eat Well products to support customers in choosing a balanced diet, from M&S Select Farms Mangetout (260g – cut by 15% to £1.70) to Pineapple Chunks (150g – cut by 15% to £1.70). 

Sharry Cramond, who is the Marketing Director M&S Food and Hospitality says: “With a Summer of football ahead of us, we felt it was the perfect time to supercharge our Eat Well, Play Well partnerships with the home nations football teams, show our differentiation to other retailers through the partnership, and really focus on our Eat Well healthy options in store. 

"So, we’ve brought back former England star, and all-round popular legend, Ian Wright to once again star in our TV adverts,  alongside some very familiar footballing faces from all corners of the entire UK." 

Sharry went on to say: “As well as championing women’s football this Summer, our main aim is to help families eat healthier. Through the advert Ian explains our Eat Well proposition and how easy it is to ‘Follow the Flower’ in store for healthier choices. We've got everything in our stores from steaks to sandwiches and cereals, too! Fingers crossed for a Summer of success for Eat Well as well as the England team!” 

The campaign kicked off with an advert on ITV which will run across VOD, YouTube and social across throughout the Women’s World Cup in July and August.  

M&S customers will also see the campaign extensively promoted via M&S Foodhall’s with yellow flower signage throughout, plus selfie stands and kids puzzle sheets to help promote Eat Well and healthy choices.  

England legend Ian Wright added: “Growing up, no one taught me about healthy eating and learning what was and wasn’t healthy came later to me in life. That’s why I’m delighted to be working with M&S Food again on their Eat Well, Play Well campaign. It’s a topic close to my heart and this campaign is all about making healthy eating as easy as possible. 

“We’ve filmed a great new TV ad showing people how to do just that. Plus it features some of our countries best footballers, as we go into a huge summer of women’s football. What's not to love?” 

You can see the advert here:- 

M&S rolls-out braille range including industry-first gift card

Next time you are in M&S buying your special bottle of Merlot, a bottle of bubbly, some fresh vegetables, your M&S tasty ready meals or a nice salad, why not take a look at the gift card section, if you have a blind or partially sighted friend?

Why? Because M&S has launched a first of its kind ‘Happy Birthday’ braille gift card, developed in consultation with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). Joining the gift card is a range of three braille greeting cards, covering different celebrations.

The industry-first braille gift card features an embossed outer sleeve to communicate the ‘Happy Birthday’ message and an embossed gift card enclosed within the sleeve which can be used online or in over 700 M&S stores.

RNIB estimates that in excess of two million people in the UK are living with sight loss, of which 340,000 people are registered blind or partially sighted.

The rollout of the braille range was accelerated following suggestions from five colleagues via M&S’ innovative CEO suggestion scheme.

One of the colleagues who made the suggestion, Elizabeth Abudu, who works as a Team Manager at M&S’ Streatham Hill store was inspired to submit the idea while assisting blind and partially sighted customers who regularly visit her M&S store.

Kathryn Turner, who is Product Development Director at M&S, said: “It's been fantastic to have input from RNIB to bring our new braille designs to life. At M&S, we’re committed to being a great place to shop for everyone. A massive part of that is offering inclusive products that represent the diverse communities we serve, day in day out.

“Our customers are always at the heart of every product we design, and we hope our first-of-its-kind braille gift card and range of greeting cards will make it that bit easier for customers to show their love and appreciation for friends and family members with sight loss.”

Ali Long, who is the Director of Consumer and Business Services at RNIB, said: “We’re delighted to have worked with M&S on their range of braille cards. The rollout of their braille range will make such a difference to their customers who are blind or partially sighted. This is a really positive step in making shopping and the giving of cards an inclusive experience for people living with sight loss.”

It is the latest move in the retailer’s commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible M&S for every customer and colleague. In 2019, M&S became the first UK retailer to introduce the sunflower lanyard scheme for customers with hidden disabilities, as a means of indicating they may need some extra support. The retailer is also marking five years since the launch of its specially made Easy Dressing range of adaptive clothing for children, which has grown to include over 50 products.

Each greeting card and gift card design is plastic-free, made of FSC Certified paper and fully recyclable (customers just need to remove the glue dots from the gift card).

Asda brings you a Pizza the action

With Summer in full swing, the Lionesses about to take on their biggest football tournament yet, and families looking for ways to treat themselves for a bit less, Asda has unveiled its latest pizza counter meal deal, live from 24th July, for a stunning £6.00.

Shoppers can visit the supermarket's pizza counters in store and pick up two medium sized pizzas and one medium sized drink, whilst saving a whopping £4.00 compared to if shopping without.

With 14 pizza options to choose from, on either thin and crispy or deep pan bases - there is something for everyone. 

The varieties, which include family favourites like the Medium Stonebaked Thin & Crispy Mighty Meat Feast, Medium Deep Pan Pepperoni Feast and Medium Stonebaked Thin & Crispy Aloha Hawaiian. As well as the option to create their own with up to four toppings.

And vegetarians will not be ignored, as they'll also be able to take advantage of the deal too, with the following options-

Medium Stonebaked Thin & Crispy Very Veggie Supreme

Medium Deep Pan Very Veggie Supreme

With vegans able to opt for vegan cheese on their pizzas, so they can enjoy it too!

Once customers have selected their delicious pizzas, they'll also be able to choose a drink to wash it down with from the following tasty options:

Coca Cola, 1.5L

Diet Coke, 1.75L

Fanta Orange, 1.5L

Coca Cola Zero, 1.75L

Sprite, 1.5L

Besides making some fantastic savings, customers will also be able to enter to win one of six £100 Ticketmaster e-gift cards per week (between 24.07.2023 to 15.10.2023). They'll just need to scan the QR code on marketing materials and complete the online form.

Get ready for summer evenings at home, to enjoy whilst catching up on the football with friends and family or just stock up the freezer at asda.com or your nearest Asda pizza counter.

Co-op focuses efforts on member prices with new creative ad campaign

Co-op has taken a distinctly different direction with its latest advertising campaign to support its membership proposition and the launch of Member Prices, in a move that's aimed at bringing designed to bring a playful approach to a busy and advertising environment.

The multi-channel campaign, launching today, Wednesday 19 July, across TV, print, digital out of home and in Co-op stores, focuses on the money-saving benefit of being a Co-op Member and features a regular Co-op shopper, visually represented as a ‘Proper Donut’, who loves a bargain and waxes lyrical about Co-op’s new Member Prices.

The character is shown shopping in store while also engaging with other customers informing them how shoppers “save a few quid on items, just by being a Co-op Member” and encouraging them to take advantage of the savings on offer. 

The advert’s final line acknowledges the feature of the donut character and states: “Even a proper donut knows Members save more with Member Prices. Sign up and save today.” The donut character will feature prominently across the entire media mix of print, digital out-of-home and social adverts.

Kenyatte Nelson, who is Co-op's Chief Membership and Customer Officer said: “At a time when the cost-of-living crisis is increasingly prevalent, I’m clear that Member Prices are now one of the most tangible reasons to join our Co-op. 

"Along with our creative agency, Lucky Generals, we’ve created a fun and memorable approach to this campaign designed to grab the attention of consumers, communicating the simple message that Members save more to drive new acquisition.

“The premise is simple; there are only upsides to being a Co-op Member because we exist to create and return value to our Members. Whether that value comes in the form of Member Prices and personalised offers on products that they love, two per cent back on every pound spent on Co-op products, two per cent back to local community causes or having a direct say in how the business is run. Our members own our Co-op and our Co-op is a wonderful thing to own. I’m excited to see how our ‘Proper Donut’, and our Member Prices, are welcomed!"

In April 2023, the UK’s leading convenience retailer introduced Member Prices and this membership benefit is one of the Co-op’s top communications priorities for 2023. Co-op has committed 65 percent of its annual marketing budget to promote the initiative, including a new visual identity, significant media spend behind the ‘Members Save More’ campaign and the introduction of innovative channels.

The new campaign, designed to not only raise awareness of the new Member prices initiative and to also drive Membership acquisition and shift Member sales penetration, was led by Co-op’s recently appointed Chief Membership and Customer officer, Kenyatte Nelson. The concept was created by Lucky Generals and the full campaign was developed across Co-op's agency partners, including MullenLowe Group, Dentsu and ITG.

Co-op Membership enables shoppers to earn – 2p in every pound spent on own-brand products is returned to the member’s digital wallet – give – 2p in every pound spent on own-brand products helps fund thousands of community causes – and save – with member prices, personalised offers and gamification via the Co-op app. For more information, please visit: Co-op Membership - Membership that makes a difference - Co-op (coop.co.uk)

My wife really loves the fact that when she shops in our local Co-op we save money with our membership card.

Great Strawberry news for Asda customers

Arbroath's D. Geddes Farms, which is one of the biggest growers of strawberries and cereal crops in the whole of Scotland, will supply Asda with in excess of 70 million strawberries this season, including Extra Special Scottish strawberries for the very first time.

Operated by Frank Geddes and his family, D. Geddes Farms has supplied Asda stores across Scotland and the North of England with strawberries for over 14 years, including Just Essentials and Grower Selection strawberries, from its farm which is located on the North Sea coast.

The location of the farm means the strawberry crops benefit from a very helpful coastal temperate climate, with cool nights and lots of natural sunlight during the day.

D. Geddes Farms Soft Fruit Manager, Sergei Kaminski said: “We're really delighted to grow Extra Special Scottish Strawberries for Asda! 

"It's a real testament to the quality of our produce that we now supply five different strawberry products to all of the Asda stores in Scotland and the North of England. What's more, we’re predicting a bumper year, supplying over 70 million strawberries from mid-May to mid-October. The strawberries on our farm are planted directly into the soil and we don’t rely on growing substances or compost bags.

Sergei went on to say: “I've been involved in growing strawberries for over 20 years, and I believe strawberries growing in soil have a lot more flavour than strawberries growing in a compost bag. And we're also committed to improving our sustainability and move towards producing fully recyclable punnets this year.”

In 2021, the farm won Asda’s Sustain and Save Exchange Award in the ‘Working with Nature’ category for exemplary achievements in wildlife-friendly farming including growing hedges, planting trees, not disturbing established woodlands, and using biological control, where possible, instead of using potentially harmful chemicals.

Ashley Connolly, Local Buying Manager for Scotland, added: “It is fantastic to continue our partnership with D. Geddes Farms, which has been so successful over the last 14 years. It's certainly clear that our customers love strawberries and we truly delighted to bring a range of quality locally sourced options to our shelves – all 70 million of them!"

The products are available to buy instore or online at www.asda.com.

WineTime teamed up with Cote Restaurants

TV wine expert Helen McGinn and This Morning fashion presenter Kat Farmer have joined together with Côte restaurants to host their popular WineTime event.

The TV and social media stars are back by very popular demand after the first event in partnership with Côte was a total sell-out.

Hosted by Helen and Kat, the celebration of wine event will be focusing on a ‘Summer of Rosé’. Guests will be treated to an interesting variety of rosé wines which are specially selected by Helen as well as taste Côte’s seasonal specials including the summer rosé dessert which features a rosé granita.

The event was on Tuesday July 18, 7pm, at Côte St Christopher’s Place, just off Oxford Street, London, also featured Helen and Kat wine-pairing to Côte’s innovate menu designed by executive chef Steve Allen who previously worked alongside Gordon Ramsay at his Michelin starred restaurants Claridges and Petrus.

This is the second WineTime event in partnership with Côte restaurants after the first event at London’s Barbican earlier this year was a massive success.

The exclusive evening featured a reception of Crémant, a French sparkling wine, served with classic canapes from Côte’s a la carte menu and then an evening of tasting six French wines from the Cote wine list alongside a seasonal canapé board created especially for the event by Executive Chef, Steve.

The wines, Sparkling Leoube, Riesling, Picpoul, Sancerre Rose, Fleurie and Muscat were specially chosen by Helen and perfectly pair with Côte’s summer menu. 

Helen and Kat lead a Q&A session with guests getting a rare chance to enjoy an evening with the two most knowledgeable and entertaining wine experts in the country.

Helen McGinn, author of The Knackered Mother’s Wine Club, an award-winning wine blog and best-selling wine book, said: “We’re really excited to be working with Côte again for our next WineTime live. The success of the last event was huge so we can’t wait to do it all over again.” 

Kat Farmer, who is also known by her social media handle, DoesMy BumLook40, is a TV fashion stylist, digital first talent and established author added: “This one feels particularly exciting with Côte’s new summer menu including a dessert with rose wine, what could be better!”

COP28 President makes responde to global youth letter for climate-friendly food at UN Climate Conference

This year’s UN climate summit, COP28, may finally serve a high percentage of climate-friendly, plant-based foods after years of advocacy efforts by different civil society groups for the event to have greener catering.

The Presidency of COP28 has written to youth activists saying they'll ensure the availability of plant-based food options that are affordable, nutritious, and locally and regionally sourced, with clear emissions labelling. The summit will be held in Dubai from 30 November to 12 December.

The letter was addressed to YOUNGO, the Youth and Children Constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and was signed by Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) COP28 President-Designate.

The response letter follows outreach from the youth groups who, in their letter to the Presidency earlier this year, sent by YOUNGO and Food@COP with support from ProVeg International, called for at least three quarters of all food options on the menu to be plant-based. 

The letter also asked that all food options, especially plant-based items, be affordable, nutritious, regionally sourced (where this is feasible), and culturally inclusive and that a clear emissions label be displayed for all food options, as implemented at COP26.

“This is a really huge achievement. We've never had a response like this before and every year youth and civil society push for climate-friendly catering at the climate conference,” said Lana Weidgenant, who is a youth activist and ProVeg campaigns and policy officer.

“By committing to plant-rich, regional, and affordable catering, the COP28 Presidency is showing leadership, it’s showing innovation and it is acknowledging the impact of meat consumption and animal agriculture. It is really fantastic to see this happening,” Weidgenant went on to say.

Specifically, the letter states the COP28 Presidency has a “firm focus on transformational action on food systems within the wider global climate change agenda”.

“As part of this, we intend to demonstrate sustainable food systems in action at COP28 itself. My team has been working to ensure the availability of plant-based food options that are affordable, nutritious and locally and regionally sourced, with clear emissions labelling,” Dr Sultan Al Jabar writes. 

With food carrying clear emissions labelling, conference attendees will be able to determine the foods that produce the most greenhouse gases every time they order a meal.

“After meaningful efforts advocating for sustainable and climate friendly food at COP, we are really looking forward to working together with the organising team to drive action on the ground. The change starts with us and by having the option to choose food with less impacts, we can all contribute to reducing global emissions,” said Aya Mounir, YOUNGO Food and Agriculture Working Group contact point.

“This also pushes us to keep advocating for change and influence decisions regarding food and agriculture, like the Sharm El Sheikh Joint work on implementation of climate action on agriculture and food security. We will, as young people, keep pushing for food systems transformation and a sustainable future for all,” Mounir added.

YOUNGO and Food@COP members have made efforts to engage COP presidencies on this topic since at least COP23 in 2017.

“It’s quite meaningful for the biggest climate conference to provide a catering menu that’s in line with the Paris Agreement, and reflects needed wide-scale shifts to plant-centric diets, even as the onus for reducing emissions from the food and agriculture sector, like fossil fuels, is on the highest consuming and producing countries and populations. 

"For the most part, that’s down to livestock products, palm oil, and most seafood. I hope delegates from the nearly 200 countries attending this year’s summit, including those from the Global South like me, will take this message home and work to implement policies that encourage a shift to more equitable food systems that support biodiversity and diversified diets,” Food@COP contact point Gakii Sharon said. 

Food systems at COP28

This year’s UN climate summit will also have a much stronger focus on food systems compared to previous years, with a dedicated Food, Agriculture and Water day as well as a Nature, Land Use, and Oceans day.

There will be several Pavilions dedicated to these important topics, such as the Food4Climate Pavilion led by ProVeg International and other partners, as well as the Food Systems Pavilion (hosted by Food Systems Partnership) and Producers Hub. 

proveg.com

Co-op serves-up new Brixworth, Northamptonshire, store

Co-op is launching a new, improved, larger store this week (Friday, 21 July) to serve the village of Brixworth in Northamptonshire.

The 5,000 sq ft convenience store, which supports 25 jobs in the locality, is in excess of double the size of its Hunters Way store which will relocate to the new Northampton Road site.

Opening times are between 7am-10pm daily (10am-4pm Sundays), the new store includes a free ATM to provide access to cash for people living in the community. There's also an in-store bakery, a Costa coffee dispenser and hot food options, too. The Post Office will also relocate (from the Hunters Way branch) to the brand-new location following the launch.

Brixworth’s new Co-op store will also be including an enhanced, improved range of fresh, healthy products; great meal ideas; everyday essentials; food-to-go; Fairtrade products, flowers, chilled beers and award winning wines; ready meals, pizzas and, a free-from range. Also vegan and plant-based products, including Co-op’s exclusive vegan range, GRO. (I'm not a vegan, but I love the Co-op GRO sandwiches!)

A funding boost is provided locally via Co-op’s Membership programme. Membership of Co-op unlocks extra value with personalised offers and, Member price benefits to help its Members save even more. 

Also, Co-op members are rewarded with 2p in every pound that they spend on Co-op branded products which is added to their own personal Membership account balance, with Co-op donating the same amount to local good causes and, community organisations - so, Members can make a difference locally simply by shopping at their local Co-op.

Community causes which are currently being supported by the Brixworth store are: Sunny Socks Nursery School; Brixworth Wombles, the community litter picking group and, Brixworth First Responders.

Steve Littlewood, Co-op Store Manager, said: “It's really very exciting to be launching Co-op’s newest store. Our aim is to operate at the heart of local life in our community and, we are really looking forward to welcoming Members and customers into their new and improved store. We've worked hard to develop the range, choice and added services to create a compelling offer to serve our community, but to do so conveniently.”

A soft plastic recycle unit is also available in store to enable the community to recycle ‘soft plastics’ including: crisp packets and bread bags, lids from ready meals and yogurt pots, biscuit wrappers and, pet food pouches, too. 

As a result, this means all Co-op’s own food packaging is100% recyclable through either local authority kerbside collections, or its in-store soft plastic recycling unit.

Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, it is owned by Millions of UK consumers and alongside Food, it operates Funeralcare; Insurance and Legal Services.

More information about the benefits of Co-op Membership is available by visiting coop.co.uk/membership.

Kick off the Women's World Cup in Aldi style

Mornings in the UK will be getting off to an exciting start with the Women’s World Cup hitting screens throughout July. 

You'll be able to kick off the World Cup in style with your own brunch grazing board from Aldi for less than £15.

With prices starting from as little as 45p, these fantastic bites won’t have you footing a costly bill. 

From waffles and pancakes to eggs and bacon, Aldi has shoppers covered for all those morning get-togethers this World Cup season. The full brunch shopping list can be found here and is available in all Aldi branches stores nationwide now:

Six British Free Range Eggs – £1.29

Everyday Essentials Smoked Bacon – £1.45

Specially Selected Smoked Salmon Slices – £3.49

Natures Pick Ripe and Ready Avocado – £0.99

Everyday Essentials Cream Cheese – £0.83

Village Bakery Toasting Waffles – £1.49

Village Bakery Scotch Pancakes – £0.49

Everyday Essentials Raspberries – £1.49

Everyday Essentials Sliced Wholemeal Bread – £0.45

Bucks Fizz – £2.49

Total: £14.46

Luxury plant-based cream liqueur range LUSTRE launches across UK venues

My wife and I were wondering yesterday if there were any non-dairy, plant-based cream liqueurs available and the answer is yes, very much so!

Because a new range of luxury cream liqueurs has launched, following a 36% rise in demand for easy-drinking, luxury shots year-on-year.

The range also champions sustainability, opting for an innovative plant base rather than dairy, producing 3x fewer CO2 emissions, with 85% of consumers preferring the taste, too.

71% of consumers are seeking out more sustainable options, while a Global Brands consumer survey also discovered that 75% prefer easy-drinking shots with less alcohol warmth to them.

Three flavours are being released based on category favourites - a strawberry cream with tequila, pineapple cream with rum, and a caffe latte cream with vodka.

A new range of plant-based cream liqueurs from independent drinks producer and distributor Global Brands is launching across the UK.

LUSTRE, which is a luxury cream liqueur, is hitting the UK this summer and will be available in popular bars, pubs, and late night venues all over across the country. You'll also be able to buy the range directly from Good Time In for £16.50 inc. VAT per 70cl bottle.

The creamy liqueur category is currently growing 36% year-on-year, with this new range expanding on the success of other offerings while delivering an innovative completely vegan, plant-based product.

What's it like? It's an easy-drinking, premium liqueur that’s inclusive of vegan consumers (and also loved by non-vegans, too!) and has a reduced environmental impact over dairy products.

A study undertaken by the brand showed that a massive 75% of consumers prefer easy-drinking shots with less alcohol warmth,7 opting for lighter cream liqueurs over spirits.

Also a further 71% of consumers are seeking out more sustainable options in their daily lives. The sustainable plant base, made from an innovative soya protein and coconut oil blend, produces three times less CO2 emissions and 95% less water per litre than dairy-based liquids.

Following extensive product development, a sensory survey by the brand proved that 85% of consumers prefer the taste of the innovative plant-based range.

The premium packaging and inclusivity of the fully-vegan product will be sure to make the product popular among groups and for in-venue bottle-to-table serves. 1 in 2 (46%) of consumers are willing to pay more for high quality, premium products.

The range consists of three flavours, each championing luxury, indulgence, and sustainability, but with a different spirit base.

Pineapple cream with rum has notes of pineapple and lush coconut, with the body of rum.

Strawberry cream with tequila contains strawberry paired with classic cream, and underpinned by the earthy warmth of a high-quality tequila.

Caffe Latte cream with vodka uses subtle coffee notes, swathed in cream and paired with clean vodka to create a silky smooth and sophisticated liquid.

Charlie Leaver, who is Head of Brand said: “Post-pandemic, we've seen demand for lower ABV shots shoot up as an affordable and fun way to celebrate with friends and family members."

Charlie went on to say: "LUSTRE provides an opportunity to share a little luxury with friends in the form of a delicious creamy shot, which, because it is plant-based is truly inclusive. We’re excited for LUSTRE to add its sheen to nights out in the UK.”

All cream liqueurs have a 15% ABV and are available to the on-trade in 70cl x 6 bottles.

What is Global Brands Ltd? It was launched in 1997 by entrepreneur Steve Perez. It's the UK's leading independent drinks business. 

It owns, markets and distributes a wide portfolio of products across the ready to drink, premium mixer, spirit and beer categories internationally. The Global Brands Ltd line-up of brands now includes VK, Hooch, Franklin & Sons, Shake Baby Shake, Hooper's and more. Visit www.globalbrands.co.uk to learn more, place orders, etc.