M&S will put some Spark into your life with free shopping!

This Saturday (19th August), 5,000 M&S customers in the UK and ROI will get their shopping for free as the retailer launches the first of its kind ‘Sparks Super Saturday.’  

Sparks Super Saturday is a supersized version of M&S’ popular Sparks giveaway where every week, in every store, a Sparks customer gets their shopping for free. Since M&S relaunched Sparks, its customer reward scheme, back in 2020, they've given away £3.5 million in free shopping including a free shop worth nearly £3.5k.   

To be in with a chance of winning, all customers have to do is scan their Sparks card when shopping at their chosen M&S store, or by logging into their Sparks account when shopping online. Customers shopping in store will learn the good news immediately, whilst those shopping online will be notified via email as soon as possible.  

M&S is encouraging customers who aren't yet a Sparks member to sign-up ahead of the weekend bonanza. Customers can join in a few simple steps through M&S.com or the M&S app. 

Kirsty Ward, who is Director of M&S Connect, said: “Since relaunching Sparks as a Digital First loyalty scheme, we’ve doubled the number of Sparks members, rewarding them with personalised offers, special treats and thank yous."

She went on to add: "And one of Sparks’ members most loved rewards is the chance to get their shopping for free so, for one day only, we’re supersizing it and giving 5,000 lucky customers the opportunity to get their shopping for free, simply by shopping and scanning their Sparks card in store or online!” 

https://www.marksandspencer.com.

Speciality Food & Drink Show Date Announced for Glasgow

You'll be able to re-stock your food and drink shelves with new brands and innovative ranges which will be on show at the Speciality Food & Drink Show from 21-23 Jan 2024 at the SEC, Glasgow. 

Operated in conjunction with Scotland's Trade Show this is the principal buying arena for fine food and drink in Scotland.

Entrepreneurship is alive and well in the Scottish food and drink industry, with the Show's Launch Gallery for new, young companies nearly at capacity. 

With a wide range of products from dips to oat milk, coffee to hemp, this central zone features companies like Pochle (Incholm Distilling), MYXD Scottish Cocktails, Little Birdie Coffee, Three Robins oat milk and the D!P club among the many launch exhibitors.

With many of the producers doing both food and drink, the Show's updated its name to reflect this. This is expected to attract even more innovative drinks producers from soft drinks through to spirits.

As the only fine food trade show in Scotland during 2024, this will be a key location for farm shops, delis, tourist shops, cafes, restaurants and fine food shops to seek out new products and taste and re-connect with existing suppliers.

Overseas visitors have been in short supply during the last few years but with a weak Pound and all areas open to travel again, hospitality venues and tourist outlets across Scotland are seeing tourists return in their droves. Many are having to re-stock regularly, and this bodes very well for suppliers and the Speciality Food & Drink Show.

Mark Saunders, who is Show Director, says: “It's clear trade shows play a vital and key part in the buying programme for food shops, hospitality and retail outlets. 

"They want to meet the suppliers face to face, look, feel and taste the products and ensure they are sourcing the best stock for their shops. This Show offers this in a creative and welcoming environment and so attracts a wide range of suppliers. Our Show in January promises to offer innovative, delicious products and a host of added extras to interest buyers. Make sure the date's firmly in your diary!”

Scotland's regions are renowned for their produce and there will be several regional food and drink stands, including a large one from Orkney.

Callum Nimmo, Tesco local food buyer said of the Show: “I was just blown away by the variety of suppliers that were exhibiting at the Specialty Food & Drink Show. I found it particularly interesting speaking to owners and brand ambassadors to learn about their company and products straight from the source and to hear their ambitions for the future. I'd highly recommend the event to any buyer in the food industry as there's something to inspire everyone.”

FOOD FACTS:- Speciality Food & Drink Show– 21st-23rd Jan 2024, SEC, Glasgow Run in conjunction with Scotland's Trade Fairs Organised by Springboard Events: Tel: 01877 38577 www.scotlandstradefairs.com

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Good news for shoppers in Kent

The Co-op is relocating to a new, purpose-built, near 3,000 sq ft store on Hever Road, West Kingsdown.

The new store supports 21 local jobs, with some new positions being created. It's nearly 50% larger than its previous store in the village, with improved back-of-shop storage to further enhance the range, choice and availability.

Opening from 6am to 10pm daily, the new store includes a free ATM to offer access to cash, an in-store bakery, hot food and, a Costa coffee dispenser.

Amazon parcel collections are to be included, and there'll be an enhanced range of fresh, healthy products; meal ideas; everyday essentials; food-to-go; Fairtrade products, flowers, chilled beers and award winning wines; ready meals, pizzas and, free-from; vegan and plant-based products, including Co-op’s very own exclusive vegan range, GRO. (EDITOR: Love this range. And I'm not actually vegan!) 

Tom Cox, Co-op Store Manager, said: “It's really very exciting to be launching Co-op’s newest store. Our aim is to always operate at the heart of local life and, we are really looking forward to welcoming Members and customers into their new and improved store. We worked to develop the range, choice and added services to create a compelling offer to serve our community, conveniently. With a focus on delivering member-value so that the people who own our business, our members, benefit every time they shop.”

To learn more visit www.coop.co.uk/membership

Fakery will help the Co-op defeat criminals

The Co-op is extending its trial of anti-theft ‘dummy display packaging’ for targeted products on its shelves to deter rising levels of crime driven by prolific and persistent offenders and local organised crime gangs.

The aim of the move is to help curb bulk-shoplifting, described as ‘looting’ in the worst instances.

The packaging will be used across higher value products on its shelves frequently targeted by criminals for re-sale, in stores where there's a known, local issue. Products to be included are: coffee; washing powder and laundry gel, with shoppers simply taking the dummy display case to the shop's till where it will be swapped for the actual product. The Co-op has previously used the anti-theft packaging in a limited number of stores, and it expects it to 'continue to become a more familiar feature in retailing'.

Last month, July, the Co-op revealed it had witnessed record levels of crime, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour with nearly 1,000 incidents every day in the six months to June (2023) that's a 35% Year on year increase. Industry reports reveal almost two-thirds (63%) of crime is driven by repeat and prolific offenders, with drug or alcohol addiction issues and local organised criminal gangs, among the main drivers of offending.

Co-op warned this level of out-of-control crime isn't sustainable and could even see some communities become a no-go area for local stores with many Police forces refusing to prioritise retail crime. A freedom of information (FOI) request revealed on average, 71% of serious retail crime aren't responded to by Police, and the Co-op is calling on all police forces and crime commissioners to target prolific offenders and local organised crime gangs to reverse the existing environment where they operate with apparent impunity and without fear of being caught or charged.

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

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

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

The Co-op has invested in excess of £200M in recent years in colleague and community safety initiatives to counter criminal behaviour, per store this equates to four times the average convenience sector spend on security and safety measures.

With safety a key priority, the Co-op uses a wide range of  measures to deter criminal behaviour. This includes: interactive and remote monitored CCTV; body-worn cameras, which can transmit real time audio and visual footage to its security operations centre at the touch of a button; communication headsets for frontline colleagues; covert and non-covert guarding; Smartwater and GPS tracked security cases, plus anti-theft ‘dummy display cases’ which Co-op believes will continue to become a more familiar feature in retailing.

Get your cooking up to scratch with the help of Asda

To help customers get more adventurous in the kitchen, but without breaking the bank, Asda's announced the launch of a new 132-product strong scratch-cooking range.

According to research, over half of us UK home cooks enjoy experimenting with new cooking trends and ingredients, but one in five of us feel like we struggle to get the seasonings right. 

Born from the belief so-called scratch-cooking should be simple, accessible and inspiring, the Cook by Asda range includes affordable, high-quality, pre-prepared ingredients starting at a mere 80p.

Featuring over 40 brand-new products, Cook by Asda spans in excess of 10 cuisines types, including Indian, Thai, Japanese, Middle Eastern, North African, Italian, American and more besides. With hundreds of ingredients available under one roof, the new range makes it quicker and easier for anyone to expand their flavour horizons and create restaurant-worthy meals at home for less than you might expect..

Asda shoppers who are keen to cook more Asian-inspired dishes, can pick up the spicy Gochujang Paste (£1.25) or citrusy Lemongrass Paste (£1.25), which is ideal for curries, soups, stews or marinades. 

The Nooch Seasoning (£1) and crispy Chipotle Breadcrumbs (£1.50) add a unique, savoury edge to family favourites like a smoky Chipotle Mac and Cheese, which can be found on Asda Good Living.

Whether it’s an aromatic vegetable tagine seasoned with Ras El Hanout (£1) or indulgent loaded fries topped with Dirty Fries Seasoning (£1). A delicious chicken traybake with Harissa Paste (£2.10) or freshly-made Fattoush Salad seasoned with Sumac (80p); there really is something for everyone in the new range, which spans dry herbs, spices, seasonings, pastes, plus a range of frozen herbs and vegetables.

Customers can also find QR codes on the range's larger packs, which will take them to Asda Good Living recipe pages. From Gochujang Scrambled Eggs to Nooch Sirloin Steak, customers can find video guidance and recommendations of how to use the products, plus step-by-step recipes, presented by a range of social media foodies, like @Atlanta_Thompson and @Bobbys_ktchn.

Ellie Beecham, Assistant Brand Manager at Asda, says: “At Asda, we believe healthy, flavoursome cooking should be accessible to all, which is why we’ve developed our new range, Cook by Asda, and we hope it will inspire customers to scratch cook at home.

"Whether you’re looking to add some new excitement to weeknight family meals or cook a date-night dinner to impress, our new range can transform any dish, making home-cooking easy and delicious!”

The Cook by Asda range will be launching this month, August, in-store and online.

www.asda.com

Aldi's going to give £100 shopping vouchers to lucky customers

In order to help shoppers celebrate the August bank holiday weekend, Aldi is giving customers the chance to win their shopping for free.

Aldi's giving away £100 vouchers to 20 lucky shoppers to purchase all the food and drink they need to kick start the long Bank Holiday weekend celebrations.

To be in with a chance to win, all entrants have to do is visit Aldi’s Facebook page, where the competition is being hosted, and comment on the post by sharing what their bank holiday weekend plans will be.

Entries are open from now until 11.59pm on Monday 21st August, with winners being contacted on Tuesday 22nd  for the e-vouchers to be sent in time for them to stock up on all their bank holiday essentials.

Aldi's Bank Holiday weekend must-haves are already available in stores and include a wide variety of summer party essentials, like Specially Selected BBQ items and Aldi's own-brand sides and desserts.

Richard Thornton, who is Communications Director at Aldi UK, said: “With the long weekend just around the corner, I’m sure lots of people will be coming together to enjoy the bank holiday with family and friends.

“We hope our vouchers will give customers the chance to make the most of the weekend, helping to cover the cost of their bank holiday essentials so they can put all their attention into hosting.”

To find out more and to enter the competition visit: https://www.facebook.com/AldiUK/posts/pfbid0Qi3ufJzQmQu3C5opEN1nG7TqyXWYoT2XKmC5jH8yHfbMbUXGo6jsMj3MRnEcscrxl

Prime reason to visit Aldi

Due to continued demand, Prime Hydration and Prime Energy will be returning to Aldi shelves in a selection of exciting, vibrant flavours.

The viral hydration and energy drinks are available to buy for just £1.99 in Aldi stores nationwide from today, 17th August. The drinks will be an Aldi Specialbuy – and as with all Specialbuys, once they’re gone, they’re gone!

Prime Hydration, which is 10% coconut water, contains electrolytes, B vitamins and BCAAs, has zero sugar and some 20 calories per bottle. Aldi shoppers can opt for four different flavours, Tropical Punch, Blue Raspberry, Lemon Lime, and Ice Pop.

Also back on the Aldi shelves, Prime Energy will be available for all shoppers who are 16 and over in six refreshing flavours. 

The drink, with 140mg of caffeine, also contains zero sugar and is vegan friendly, whilst coming in at around 10 calories per can. Flavours are Blue Raspberry, Lemon Lime, Orange Mango, Strawberry Watermelon, Ice Pop and Tropical Punch.

Breakfast of Champions with Asda

Asda's launched a special Breakfast of Champions bundle to accompany the women’s football tournament in Australia.

Complete with Vegemite, the full English with an Aussie twist has been designed to elevate early-morning fixtures for fans who would usually watch down the pub.

Asda’s Breakfast of Champions is available online here  https://groceries.asda.com/product/bacon/womens-world-cup-breakfast-bundle/9999999113385

Our breakfast tables aren't  the usual settings to watch the game, but with the final taking place at 11am Sunday 20 August, footie fans are more likely to be tuning in with their morning coffee than putting away pints in the pub.

To enjoy alongside the Lionesses’ efforts to take home the trophy, Asda's launched a breakfast bundle designed to elevate the morning fixture, with bacon sandwiches rather than pints of beer.

Asda’s Breakfast of Champions is a full English with a delightful Aussie twist, complete with Australia’s favourite savoury spread as a nod to the tournament hosts. Australia’s answer to Marmite, Vegemite is perfect for spreading on half-time toast, or, for the more adventurous, cheering on the girls with a bacon and vegemite sandwich.

The bundle also contains full English favourites like smoked back bacon, eggs, tomatoes, and bread, along with OMV! No Pork Chilli Sausages as an equally tasty meat-free alternative.

For those wanting to lean into the celebratory atmosphere, there’s even Extra Special Prosecco Brut and smooth orange juice to make a morning mimosa to toast to England’s success.

Whether watching at home with friends or over a team breakfast at work, Asda’s Breakfast of Champions makes the perfect accompaniment for the morning viewing. Or, if you’re feeling generous, why not surprise a fellow fan who’s tuning in to watch the big game and send a Breakfast of Champions to their door?

The Breakfast of Champions bundle feeds six, and is available for just £24.70 here now until the end of the tournament on Sunday 20th August.

Food Hub concept for Asda

Asda has just announced the launch of a brand-new, exciting food to go concept aimed at encouraging shoppers into Asda by providing great quality food to go options, but all at affordable prices.

The Asda Food Hub will be initially tested and trialled in its Leicester and Dagenham stores and will see a brand-new concession at the front of store serving barista style coffees, plus premium grab and go options such as sandwiches and cakes that are freshly prepared in store every day.

The food on offer will change throughout the day, providing tasty breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack options and there'll be a whole range of exciting meal deals on offer.

Shoppers will be able to get their hands on a breakfast sandwich and a regular hot drink for £3 to kick off their day, or if they’re after something to switch things up at lunchtime, they'll be able to indulge in a freshly made baguette and a regular hot drink for just £4.50.

The Food Hub will also offer shoppers a modern, welcoming new look and feel as they enter the store, and customers will be able to place their orders via touch screen tablets for quick, efficient service.

As part of the launch of Asda Food Hub, the retailer will also refresh 10 of its Pizza and hot food counters across its estate. The counters at Ipswich, Killingbeck, Havant, Haydon, Walton, Doncaster, Longwell Green and Gateshead will also undergo a makeover, bringing them in line with the Asda Food Hub brand and experience.

The update will also see a host of tasty new dishes and deals added to the menu, including a new hot pizza range designed to give shoppers quality, takeaway pizzas at a fraction of the price of traditional takeaway chains, plus the launch of a new Italian style pizza range, too.

The Italian Style range is a premium range of pizzas that has the iconic aerated Neapolitan-style crust, topped with a signature San Marzano tomato sauce and a delicious range of classic Italian toppings, sourced from Italy itself.

Deals include Asda’s famous Pizza Night In deal which gives shoppers two medium pizzas and a drink for just £6. And on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, shoppers can get two large pizzas for £8. T&Cs apply.

An Asda Spokesperson said:  “We’re obviously incredibly excited to be launching Asda Food Hub and bringing the hot food counters at some of our stores a makeover in line with this experience. We’re always looking for ways to give shoppers more quality, but affordable choices, and the new Asda Food Hub is a great example of Asda investing in our stores to be able to provide that for shoppers.

“We also know how much customers already love our pizza counters so we're pleased to be able to elevate this offering, giving our customers easy solutions that rival restaurant and takeaway quality, without the hefty price tag!”

The launch of the Asda Food Hubs follows a huge £1.2m revamp of the retailer’s traditional food to go range of sandwiches, salads and wraps that added more variety and quality options to the range.

www.asda.com