Morrisons launches new support package for British farmers to cover rising costs of growing crops

What with rising energy prices, increased fertiliser costs and other price rises, our farmers have certainly being feeling the pinch lately. 

As a result, Morrisons has taken the decision to launch a new support package for British farmers to cover the costs of growing crops.

In fact, Morrisons has become the first UK supermarket to launch a support package that underwrites 100% of the costs associated with growing crops.

The retailer, which has over 1,200 branches throughout England, Scotland and Wales, has invested £2 million in a year-long trial and potato and carrot farmers are the first to benefit under the scheme.

The trial will help British farmers mitigate the cost and weather pressures coming from the peaks and troughs of the seasons, including field rent and fertiliser costs and gives farmers greater financial security with Morrisons shouldering all the risks.

Crops are currently being grown on three potato farms and one carrot farm with the first produce from these farms due to hit the shelves before year's end and into 2024. If successful, Morrisons hopes to roll out this scheme to more farms later next year. 

Morrisons already supports farmers by buying whole crops and picking out any fruit or veg that's perfectly fine to eat but has a quirky shape or a surprising size for its Naturally Wonky range.

Launched back in 2015, Morrisons Naturally Wonky fruit and veg helps reduce food waste in the field and offers affordable produce to its customers. It also provides farmers an alternative route to market. The range includes 24 wonky varieties, and 27,000 tonnes of fruit and vegetables were sold this way last year alone.

Gareth Cosford, who is Morrisons' Senior Buying Manager for Root Vegetables said: “As British farming’s biggest direct customer we understand the impact higher costs are continuing to have on Britain's farmers. As a result, our trial scheme allows us to take all the risks that are associated with growing the crop away from our farmers and continue to grow the best quality British produce our customers know, love and have come to expect.” 

Participating farms so far include Naish Farms Ltd. which grow potatoes for Morrisons.

Andrew Nash, who is a Director at Naish Farms Ltd. said: “Morrisons already buy our whole crop of potatoes from us, taking the top-quality and also the misshapen or the oversized ones and making them available to customers as part of their naturally wonky range. This not only maximises our return, it also offers the best value to their customers.

“In farming there are ups and downs throughout the seasons. For us we are seeing greater weather challenges which could impact our crops and by being part of this new Morrisons trial, they’re underwriting our growing costs to cushion us from the associated risks and provide supply security so  we can focus on growing the very best potatoes for their customers.”

Interestingly, Morrisons is British farming’s biggest direct supermarket customer and works directly with over 2,700 farmers and growers all year round to ensure customers can purchase products of the highest quality. 

This week Morrisons is continuing to support the industry by sponsoring Farm 24, farming's biggest event which highlights the pride of the nation’s food producers. For more information, please visit: https://www.morrisons-farming.com/backing-british/farm24

Some shoppers believe that the Morisons Naturally Wonky fruits and vegetables actually taste better, as they remind them of the "real" fruit and vegetables their parents and grandparents used to be able to buy before the authorities decided that all fruits and vegetables should have uniform size, weight and appearance.

What do you think? Wonky or not? 

B. Dylan Hollis Makes Vintage Pies | Baking Yesteryear (Penguin Random House video)

That's Food and Drink loves apple pies. Our parrot also helps us to consume some of the apples used to create apple pies.

But what if we were to tell you that there are some apple pie recipes that don't, actually, contain any real apples?

In this tutorial video baking expert, cookbook author and Tiktok and YouTube star, Bermudan B. Dylan. Thomas will show readers of That's Food and Drink how to make two such pies via the magic of the Penguin Random House YouTube channel:-

 

Thank you B. Dylan Hollis and Penguin Random House for sharing this on YouTube.

(I'm going to be ordering my copy of Baking Yesteryear later this week.)

Videos on That's Food and Drink

That's Food and Drink is looking at the possibility of introducing video content to our food and drink blog over the next several weeks/months.

Some of the videos will be produced here at That's Food and Drink, but we will not be averse to sharing videos produced by other people. 

In fact you will probably have noticed that we have used a few YouTuber videos which featured items that we happened to be especially interested in. 

We have included videos from Tasting History and also a QVC interview with B. Dylan Hollis author of the book "Baking Yesteryear" amongst other video content. 

Which reminds me, I will have to order my copy of "Baking Yesteryear" very soon, before they are all sold out! 

So, please watch out for more videos on That's Food and Drink, both home produced and otherwise!

If there are any types of videos that you would like to see on That's Food and Drink, please let us know.

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/