Ideal Beer gifts! Salcombe Brewery Co. Beer Hampers

A Salcombe Brewery Co. Hamper is the absolutely perfect gift for any beer lover. 

It's a box that's (carefully) crammed full of beer, snacks, glasses, beer mats and there's even a special dedicated bar towel, too!

It's got absolutely everything you need to create your very pub experience in the comfort of your own home, or garden room, or conservatory!

There's a fantastic range of options to choose from, including a gluten-free hamper, a Heritage Hamper and Discovery Hamper. All hampers are available for national delivery from https://salcombebrewery.com. And don't forget to ask about their full range of gifts and accessories. 

Which? responds to Labour’s call for budget lines to be available in smaller supermarkets

Sue Davies, Which? Head of Food Policy said: “Many households across the UK are really struggling to put food on the table during the worst cost of living crisis in our living memory. 

"Yet it's true that most of the supermarket giants are failing to stock a range of budget lines that will support healthy choices in their small branches, despite the huge difference this would make to people who have to rely on them for food buying."

She went on to say: “We believe that our supermarkets have a responsibility to step up and ensure everyone has easy access to a sufficient range of healthy, affordable budget items at a store near them. 

"They also need to act on the Competition and Market Authority’s concerns and provide transparent and easily comparable pricing to help people work out which products offer the best value.”

(Image courtesy THAM YUAN YUAN from Pixabay)

Food inflation starting to slow down? Here's what Which? Has to say

Sue Davies, Which? Head of Food Policy, said: “While it’s good to see inflation slowing, food prices are still rising quickly for millions of people struggling to keep food on the table, making it all the more important for supermarkets to do all they can to help people grappling with the cost of living.

“The CMA recently agreed with Which? that grocery pricing can be unclear, so supermarkets must act immediately to make it easier for shoppers to compare prices, while the government must fulfill its promise to close the loopholes that are making it too easy for supermarkets to confuse shoppers.

“Supermarkets must also take action to help people who rely on more expensive convenience stores by ensuring they stock a range of budget products that support a healthy diet, as Which? research has found these items are rarely, if ever, on sale in smaller branches.”

Soaring food prices having a detrimental impact on mental health, Which? reveals

Soaring food prices are having a detrimental impact on the mental health of shoppers and families across the UK, new research from Which? suggests.

The increasing prices of everyday groceries has worsened the mental health of one in four (25%) people, according to a new survey from the consumer champion Which? also finds rising food costs are causing a negative impact on sleep, diet and overall physical health.

When coming to mental health, some groups were more impacted than others. Three in 10 (30%) women told Which? their mental health had worsened as a result of soaring food prices.

A third of people aged 35 to 54, those most likely to be parents of young families, revealed food costs had a negative impact on their mental health. They were more likely to be negatively affected than those aged 18-35 (27%) and over 55 (18%). One person told Which?: “It’s a black cloud that never goes away” another said; “I’m living day to day”.

The alarming findings come as the price of the weekly shop is set to replace energy bills as the main worry for most households according to Which?’s most recent Consumer Insight tracker- and as MPs prepare to grill supermarket bosses over allegations of profiteering during the cost of living crisis.

The Which? survey also learned a quarter of people (23%) said rising food prices had hindered their ability to eat a healthy diet. One person told Which?: “I dread going to the shops. I worry about money as food is so expensive and stress that there's not enough food in the house for the kids to eat and that I cannot afford healthy foods.” Another said: “I’ve cut down on fresh food, I cook less and eat much worse.”

One in five (22%) people had lost sleep over food costs and another one in five said their physical health had also deteriorated. One person Which? spoke to said they go “days without eating” another said; “I've become vitamin deficient, I’m not healthy or sleeping well and am suffering from depression.”

With food inflation still worryingly and stubbornly high, Which? is concerned consumers’ mental and physical health will continue to suffer without urgent action to alleviate the financial burden. Recent Which? research found everyday family meals like pasta bake, fish fingers and chips and spaghetti bolognese have increased by up to 27 per cent in price over the last year, with some essential ingredients doubling during this time.

Elena, a mum of two from Merseyside, told Which? her mental health has suffered because the price of baby formula increased. Elena told Which?: “My baby has reflux and yet we can’t afford to buy the anti-reflux baby milk. It’s gone up from £11.50 in 2021 to £14. If your body doesn’t produce milk it isn’t a choice, you just shouldn’t have to pay a premium for something which is a necessity. Thinking about it brings me to tears. 

“I didn’t have babies until I was in a financially stable situation. We should be doing well but instead, we're looking at an uncertain future. We worked very hard for what we have and I feel so angry we and other families aren't being looked after. We feel our best interests just aren't being looked after. That all builds and builds up and I feel like a pressure cooker waiting to explode.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was right last week to put the focus on supermarkets in looking to help millions of people who are struggling with the soaring cost of their weekly shopping. MPs on the Business and Trade Select Committee must seize the opportunity to challenge supermarkets to do more to help when they question grocery bosses in Parliament.

While the whole food supply chain affects prices, Which? firmly believes supermarkets could be doing more by ensuring smaller convenience stores stock a range of essential budget lines that support a healthy diet, especially in areas where they are most needed.

Supermarkets also need to commit to clearer unit pricing, especially on promotions and loyalty card offers, so that people can easily work out which products offer the best value. 

Given the urgency of this cost of living crisis, the government must act now and work with supermarkets to secure these changes that could make a real difference to millions of people struggling to put food on the table.

Sue Davies, Which? Head of Food Policy, said: “Which? research shows how the sustained stress and worry caused by rising food prices is now having a detrimental impact on people’s mental and physical health. Women and young parents are among the worst affected and some people struggling to feed their children are asking themselves how much more of this they can take.

“Now's the time to act. The government must urgently get supermarkets to commit to stocking essential budget ranges in all their stores, particularly in areas where people are most in need, as well as make pricing much clearer so shoppers can compare prices and find the best value products.”

https://www.which.co.uk

That's Food and Drink has carried a story on Foodbanks which can provide help to those who are having problems with food buying https://thatsfoodanddrink.blogspot.com/2023/06/food-industry-is-helping-those-in-need.html

M&S Food investing in more price locks for customers

M&S Food is investing in the price of over 200 products as part of its promise to deliver trusted value to its 30 million loyal customers.

The investment will see M&S Food reduce the prices of over 70 family staples and extend its price lock on 150 customer favourites, while upholding its market leading quality and welfare standards at the same time.

M&S Food is cutting the price on some of its more popular cupboard staples to support its customers, especially those with families to buy food for, including products like M&S Select Farms DNA traceable Beef Mince, Avocados, Greek style yoghurt and Ciabatta rolls. 

The above are some of M&S’ more popular lines, with over 400,000 Avocado packs and 140,000 Greek Style Yogurt pots sold by M&S in the last four weeks alone.

At the same time M&S Food is extending its price lock on 150 products which will be in place right through to the autumn, and features a number of essentials that customers can rely on at M&S for great value right through the entire summer.

This includes M&S Select Farms RSPCA Assured outdoor-bred British Pork Sausages (pack of eight - £2.00), Super Sweet Corn on the Cob (pack of two - £1.40), Traditional Coleslaw (225g - £1.25) the price lock bestseller, British Mature Cheddar (10 Slices 250g - £2.80) and Select Farms Season's Gold Potatoes (1kg - £1.65).

The investment sits alongside the retailer’s Remarksable Value range of everyday staples, first launched back in 2019, which are continuously benchmarked against key competitors to guarantee best value for customers. The range continues to grow in appeal among M&S Food customers, with Remarksable sales up 40%, and in over 20% of customer baskets over the past year.

Alex Freudmann, who is the MD at M&S Food said: “We know value is everything to our customers right now, and while they’re looking forward to a great summer, they’re also looking for certainty on spending. Our latest price investment across 200 products upholds our trusted value promise and delivers on that certainty.

“Trusted value means offering the best possible quality at the best possible price. I’m proud we are the number one retailer for farm animal welfare, selling the biggest range of RSPCA Assured products, including our Scottish Smoked Salmon fillets and British Pork Sausages, alongside our DNA traceable Beef mince which has the ability to be traced back to the individual farm and the individual animal."

He went on to say: "We’re determined to keep up the pace for our customers. Our value perception is at its highest point in six years because we're relentlessly focused on price with no compromise to the magic of M&S Food, our market leading product quality, innovation and sourcing standards.”

In February of this year, M&S topped consumer group Which?’s annual supermarket satisfaction survey, achieving the highest overall customer score of 77% and receiving five star ratings for store appearance, customer service and quality of own label and fresh products.

Families prioritise healthy eating

While M&S’ latest Family Matters Index shows the focus on value for families has increased since the beginning of the year, healthy eating is also a growing priority with 30% of families looking to eat more healthily in the coming months.

As part of its investment M&S has dropped or locked the price on over 50 Eat Well products which meet key nutritional values and are given a health seal of approval to help customers feel confident 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). 

On top of M&S Food’s price investment, the retailer continues to run a number of other value initiatives. For example Sparks helps over 16 million signed up customers make the most of M&S with personalised offers and ‘Ways to Save” emails, while every week one customer in every store receives their shopping for free.

Grilling season is here, bang on time for Lidl being crowned Which? Cheapest BBQ basket!

Which? has revealed Lidl is the only retailer where shoppers can pick all their barbecue food essentials for under thirty quid, beating other stores such as Tesco and Waitrose, who came in at a whopping 30% more costly. 

Comprising a list of 13 products, the basket includes some of Lidl’s award-winning items, showcasing that savvy shoppers need never compromise on quality. 

This includes GHI Taste Test Approved own-brand Deluxe Brioche Burger Buns at just £1.10 for a pack of 4, and the Vemondo Vegan Sausages at £1.79, which won GHI’s Best Budget Vegan Sausages.

Peter de Roos, who is Lidl GB Chief Commercial Officer commented: “At Lidl, we’re officially fired up for the summer season, and after being crowned cheapest supermarket for BBQ essentials, our customers will be fired up, too. 

"This latest accolade fuels our passion for great food at best value prices, and it reinforces our unwavering commitment to delivering this time and again to our customers.”

Also, Lidl’s BBQ range has scooped a number of other accolades this summer. Burger fans will flip out over Lidl’s show-stopping Deluxe Aberdeen Beef Burgers, crowned the Best Budget Burger of 2023 by GHI. At just £2.99, these succulent burgers come to less than £1.50 per patty. 

The juicy patties are best topped with Valley Spire Blended Cheese Slices (£1.99) available in Hot & Spicy Cheddar and Black Pepper for a fiery kick - both of which have also been bestowed the GHI stamp of approval.

For a sausage fest, shoppers can pick up a double whammy of fantastic gold medallists: the Deluxe Pork Sausages, £2.49, winner of Which? Best Value title, the Deluxe Honey & Mustard Sausages, £2.49, winner of BBC Good Food taste test. Both pair perfectly with yet another GHI taste test approved bargain buy, Lidl’s Deluxe Hot Dog Buns, £1.10 – coming in at under 19p per bun. Plus, why not make a meal of it by topping with GHI’s Best Budget Mayonnaise, Batts’ Real Mayonnaise, at just 95p for 500ml. (EDITOR: I like Batts; Real Mayonnaise!) 

Shoppers can choose from Lidl’s full BBQ range, including its show-stopping award winners, in stores nationwide now, while stocks last.

lidl.co.uk

Co-op announces biggest ever price investment on everyday essentials with members saving more

Today (Wednesday 2nd August) Co-op has announced its biggest ever single investment in pricing of £70 million, as it extends its ‘member-only’ pricing across everyday essentials, launching with a list of nearly 200 fixed lines including milk, eggs and bread.

This move, reportedly the biggest investment ever announced by a convenience retailer on pricing, sees Co-op, with over 2,400 food stores and 4.58 million active members, accelerate its member price benefits to provide new, lower ‘member-only’ prices on the everyday essential products that are the most shopped by their convenience shoppers, giving Co-op Members a chance to save up to 11% on retail prices with Co-op British Milk one pint at 85p, six Co-op free range eggs at £1.40 , whilst a Co-op sliced loaf will be 76p.

Co-op insight revealed, rather than loyalty pricing on an array of products which change every few weeks, shoppers think there's more benefit from lower prices on the items they buy the most, so it makes the biggest difference to their regular food spend.

This new significant price investment means Co-op Members will be able to save on products from milk, free-range eggs and bread to bacon and fresh chicken, too.

The £70m investment also includes a retail price reduction on more than 600 lines, ensuring they are in line or cheaper than other national convenience stores, and taking the total invested into Co-op prices this year to £90 million overall.

Matt Hood, who is the MD for Co-op Food, said: “Whilst food inflation is starting to slow down, household budgets remain under massive pressure, so this major price investment will make a real and tangible difference for millions of Co-op customers and members.  

"This £70m investment is the most significant ever made by a convenience retailer, allowing us to turbo charge our member pricing proposition for the millions of our members who shop with us every day, by tailoring the price cuts to those key lines we know our members buy the most. 

"We're focused on delivering member-value in a way that will make the biggest possible difference to their weekly budgets, and I’m clear there should be no compromise on quality and value by shopping in convenience. This isn't a loyalty scheme but rather the Co-op difference in action, whereby the people who own our business, our members, benefit every time they shop with the Co-op."

Closely following its business-model principles as a cooperative, Co-op continues to support its members and their communities through the cost-of-living crisis whilst still planning and investing for growth over the medium and longer-term.  

The investment has been made possible by the major cost savings and business improvements introduced over the past year in the face of rising inflation and increased operational costs.

This move follows the introduction of ‘member only offers’ in April, where Co-op members can get exclusive lower priced promotions, an initiative which has seen nearly 40,000 new members sign up every month to take advantage of the deals, as Co-op targets to grow its member base by a million more members over the next five years. 

The member-only offers will continue, alongside member only pricing, providing even more opportunity for savings and means a shopper could save on average £500 a year as a Co-op Member.

Underpinning this investment is the core proposition of Co-op’s membership whereby:

Members own the business and play an intrinsic part in the governance of the organisation

Members enjoy a wide number of benefits including money back on own brand purchases, personalised offers and gamification via the Co-op app, pre-sale opportunities for Co-op Live and music festival tickets

Co-op members help raise significant funds donated by Co-op to fund thousands of community causes, every year. £116m has been donated to communities since 2016

Co-op Member saving examples (all prices relevant for 14.07.23):

- Co-op British Milk 1 Pint: Co-op Member price 85p

- Co-op British Medium Free-Range Eggs 6s: Co-op Member price £1.40

- Co-op White Toastie Bread 800g: Co-op Member price 76p

- Co-op British Chicken Breast Fillet PMP 300g: Co-op Member Price £2.50

A £15 million investment in lowering prices was announced in April and Co-op has also invested an additional £5million into members offers.

Figure based on member purchase frequency and member discount, and total savings from purchasing both member-only promotions and member pricing.

The Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance and legal services. 

Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates over 2,400 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 5,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited.

Employing almost 60,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of over £11billion and is a recognised leader for its sustainability and community-led programmes. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things it believes in.

https://www.coop.co.uk/

Natural Beekeeping workshop raises funds for Hope Spring

An unusual and very exciting fundraiser was held in aid of Hope Spring, a clean water advocacy charity on Friday the 28th of July, 2023. 

The event, a natural beekeeping workshop, took place at The Hive in Much Birch village, which is in south Herefordshire. 

The workshop was the ideas of Worcestershire natural beekeeper Sara Steward It was facilitated by Hope Spring trustee and natural beekeeper Temi Odurinde and Andrew Collinson.

The event saw the six natural beekeepers compare notes and exchanging ideas, on various beekeeping topics ranging from ideas for total beginners like opting fora bee friendly hive to finding and catching your first swarm of bees. 

The workshop began with Andres Collison, a natural beekeeper with over two decades of experience discussing “The bein of the hive” a holistic look at the life of a colony of bees. 

After their lunch break, the beekeeper returned to discuss swarm catching, dealing with the problems caused by the varroa mite and the best shrubs and trees to plant for bees.

The event raised approximately £300 for Hope Spring. Speaking about the fundraiser Temi Odurinde said “we had a lovely time at the workshop, every participant had a knowledge of one technique or another to share. 

"We all went home better natural beekeepers than we were before the workshop.”

Temi went on to say: “Hope Spring is grateful for the donation each participant made, the proceeds will go to the new borehole project we're working on in Agege which is in Nigeria. I'm also very pleased to have contributed to the fundraiser in my own little way."

Hope Spring raises money to fund their clean water project directly from their supporters, particularly those who support their annual best charity Christmas e-cards campaign. The natural beekeeping fundraiser was a special one-off event. But raising funds with the natural beekeeping community in the future hasn't been ruled out.

You can learn more about Hope Spring clean water projects on their website and social media pages. You can also find out more information about natural beekeeping on the website of natural beekeeping trust.

http://www.hopespring.org.uk

To learn more about natural beekeeping please visit https://www.naturalbeekeepingtrust.org.

International students immersed into French gourmet food industry at NEOMA Business School

Commencing 10th and running to 21st July, NEOMA Business School based in France collaborated with Ecole Fauchon, the school launched by the renowned French brand of gastronomy, to deliver a summer camp to international students on management and the gourmet food industry.

Practical courses were hosted at Ecole Fauchon at NEOMA’s Rouen campus, including classes on CSR and the economy of the French wine sector. Students also had the exciting opportunity to visit producers at the Marché d’Intérêt National (France’s second largest produce market) and the Fauchon hotel.

“Learning to prepare gourmet food under the guidance of skilled chefs during the private cooking classes at Fauchon was a marvellous experience that I'll cherish forever. It not only expanded my culinary knowledge but also ignited a passion for gastronomy within me” said Fadzai Mutingwende, who is studying at the Manchester Metropolitan University.

In the second week, students moved to NEOMA’s Paris campus, to attend a series of conferences on Marketing French Excellence and Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainability topics.

Lectures involved insights from proven industry professionals at Fauchon and NEOMA alumni. The final day finished with group projects.

Teaching was delivered in English to open opportunities for international students to gain insights on the French gastronomy sector. Nine students from the UK enrolled in the programme from Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Strathclyde.

“The second week of the summer school, featuring insightful lectures from industry experts, highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting France’s culinary heritage on a global scale and considering innovative ways to contribute positively to the food industry. 

"I came to understand that culinary excellence and sustainability are not mutually exclusive but rather are interconnected pillars that can drive positive change in the world,” says Orla McConville, who is a student at the University of Strathclyde.

The summer camp further builds upon the strong partnership between NEOMA and Ecole Fauchon. Both institutions already cooperate to deliver a Bachelor’s in Service Management – Gastronomy programme.

(Image courtesy of Paola Baldacci from Pixabay)

'Eggstra' help from Tesco for UK egg farmers

Tesco has revealed it is providing a further £10 million in extra backing for the UK egg industry as it continues its commitment to sourcing all its shell eggs from the UK. 

£6 million of the support will be provided from this month, August, until March 2024. This is on the heels of Tesco’s investment of £27.5m in the sector across 2022/23.

In a further boost to producers and customers, Tesco is lifting its buying restrictions on shell eggs. The restrictions, which mean customers can only buy three packs of eggs at a time, were introduced in November 2022 to ease pressure on a supply chain adversely impacted by price increases in key inputs like feedstuff and energy prices, further impacted by the avian flu outbreak. 

The support package will be paid to suppliers to cover the cost of handling, processing and egg production, including increases in feed for farmers. Tesco will continue to work with suppliers to ensure the extra investment will be passed on to farmers as soon as possible.

Tesco will also continue operating its industry-topping poultry feed model. Poultry feed represents up to 70% of the cost of production on egg and poultry farms. 

The model adjusts to price changes in the market, providing producers with the cost protection and security they require when they are purchasing feedstuffs.

Dominic Morrey, who is the Tesco Commercial Director for Fresh said: “We’re obviously very pleased to be able to provide a further package of financial support to our UK egg suppliers and producers.

"Over the past 18 months the sector has faced some very tough conditions, including increases to inputs like energy and feed, plus the avian flu outbreak, so we hope this support will alleviate some of these challenges.

“As conditions begin to ease, we’re also now able to remove the buying restrictions we’ve had in place on shell eggs since November last year. Customers can be reassured we also remain 100% British on all our shell eggs, with our five-year contracts with our suppliers now well underway.”

Tesco and its suppliers are committed to high welfare standards and together are working towards the retailer’s aim of 100% cage free eggs by 2025. It is hoped the new long-term contracts will help achieve the commitment.

www.tesco.com