Poor summer brings about increased red wine sales, reports Waitrose

The old saying "It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good" seems to be holding true regarding wine sales, according to figures released from Waitrose.

Because the washout summer has made red wines the drink of choice, as sales soar for numerous countries including France and Chile.

A cold, crisp glass of white wine or rosé is normally a summer staple but as we experienced the sixth wettest July on record, red wine and a cosy night in seem farm more appropriate, with the biggest increases seen in classic French fine red wine, especially with Burgundy leading the way (163%) and Chilean fine red wine, too.

Over the last month we saw temperatures of 14.9 degrees and this dip in temperature is reflected in customers drinking habits with red wine from all regions seeing an increase in sales in the past month.

 In comparison, in July 2022, temperatures soared as high as 40 degrees with searches for rosé wine and white wine up 30% and 47% on Waitrose.com compared to the same time this year. 

Jamie Matthewson, who is the Wine Buying Manager at Waitrose, said: “Our customers usually love a chilled glass of rosé in the summer and who can blame them? It’s a shame it's not had its moment in the sun this year but it has been great for red wine, whether you want to enjoy a chilled summer red, or really want to hunker down and enjoy a Malbec or a Merlot. Personally, I love a glass of red whatever the season!”

He went on to say: "Our customers are prepared just in case the sun decides to make an appearance, opting for red wine that can also be chilled with sales of Santa Tresa Frappato up 86% year on year. 

"An elegant Sicilian red, which is full of delicious summer fruit flavours and can be enjoyed slightly chilled, perhaps served with grilled tuna. 

"Cocktails are also on the menu with searches for the red wine based summer cocktail Sangria up 47% compared to the same time last year on Waitrose.com.

For those who prefer a spirit as a tipple the preference has been more for a warming autumnal drink, with sales of spiced rum, single malts and cognac are up. Old fashioned season has also come early with recipe searches for the classic cocktail up 292% on Waitrose.com compared to the same time last year.

Argentina Fine Red Wine +90%

Australia Red Wine +24%

Australia Fine Red Wine +19%

Bag In Box Red +23.4%

Burgundy Red wine +163%

Chile Fine Red Wine +206%

Germany Fine Red Wine +68%

Germany Red Wine +56%

Italian Red Wine +29%

Loire Red Wine +30%

France Fine Red Wine +270%

Rhone +30%

South African Fine Red Wine 68%

Spain Red Wine + 45.4%

USA Fine Red Wine +73%

Until today, Tuesday 29th August, Waitrose is offering 25% off all wine and Champagne priced between £5 and £100, when purchasing any six or more bottles. The offer is available when shopping in branch, on Waitrosecellar.com, or online at Waitrose.com with a grocery delivery.

When taking advantage of the 25% offer on Waitrosecellar.com, customers are able to mix their own case with their favourite wines and Champagnes. With over 1000 wines to choose from on the Waitrose Cellar website, it’s the perfect time to stock up. Cases can include six or more bottles of the same trusty favourite, or a mixed selection of something new - creating your own bespoke case of wine has never been easier.

Calling all Wilko staff! Aldi wants to have a word with you about a job

The Aldi supermarket chain has issued a call to all Wilko staff impacted by the collapse of their former employer to get in touch with Aldi as there are over 6,000 jobs currently available across its UK stores.

Britain’s fourth-largest supermarket, which recently announced the creation of 800 jobs in new stores over the next coming months, has revealed that it is also recruiting for a large volume of other store roles across the UK to support its continued expansion.

Aldi hopes to offer these long-term retail roles to people who are losing their jobs as a result of the Wilko downturn, or other store staff cutbacks, with a range of Aldi positions available from Store Assistants and Caretakers all the way to Store Managers.

Kelly Stokes, Aldi's Recruitment Director said: “We continue to welcome more and more customers to Aldi stores on a weekly basis, so we're working very hard to meet the huge demand for our unbeatable value prices.

“This means we need to find thousands of new Aldi colleagues to support this growth, which will hopefully be of interest to those who have recently lost out due to closures elsewhere, such as at Wilko."

Aldi colleagues are the best-paid in the UK supermarket sector. Store Assistants receive starting pay of £11.40 per hour, whilst those based in London receive £12.85 per hour. And Aldi is the only supermarket to pay for breaks which can be worth up to £972 a year.

For more information or to apply for a job, visit www.aldirecruitment.co.uk

www.aldi.co.uk

Aldi reduces plastic wrapping on minced beef

Aldi has announced it is trialling the sale of vacuum and flow-wrap packed beef mince to cut the amount of plastic packaging it users by up to 73%.

As well as significantly reducing plastic use, the changes are expected to increase the shelf life of minced beef, keeping products fresher for longer, without impacting either quality or taste.

The trials are taking place to see which packaging customers prefer alongside looking at how the supermarket can further reduce plastic waste in the future.

The aim of the trial is to understand which packaging customers prefer alongside helping Aldi the further cut plastic waste.

The new packaging removes the need for paper linings and no carbon dioxide is used in production, delivering further environmental benefits without impacting the quality or taste of the product.

In fact, the new packaging is expected to increase the shelf life of minced beef by keeping it fresher for longer.

The vacuum packaging trial has gone live across select stores in Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, the West Midlands and Worcestershire. (EDITOR: That's us covered, then!)

The flow-wrap trial will be rolled out in the same areas later in the year during November.

Luke Emery, who holds the role of Aldi's Plastics and Packaging Director, said: “At Aldi we're constantly reviewing ways to become more eco-friendly and reduce plastic use wherever possible.

“These trials promise a range of environmental benefits without impact on quality and it could lead to significant reductions in plastic, food miles and food waste if rolled out across all our stores.”

The move follows Aldi’s switch to colourless milk caps across all of its 990 UK stores in a bid to improve the recyclability of the bottles.

The roll out will mean a further 200 tonnes of High-Density Polythene (rHDPE) in the bottle tops can be reused to create new milk bottles. 

New deal for parents from Asda

With just a week to go before most kids head back to school, Asda has introduced a new ‘Back to School bonus’ on its Rewards app.

Customers will get 10% back on school uniforms and a £2 Cashpot giveaway when they spend £10 on other back-to-school essentials like stationary, lunch boxes and drink bottles.

Asda has launched the offer after new research showed many families are struggling with school uniform costs due to ongoing financial pressures caused by the current situation.

A quarter (25%) of Asda customers surveyed said they'd be forced buy less school uniforms this year compared on years, while 42% said they'd do their best to try to make old uniforms last as long as they could before replacing them.

To make the back-to-school shop more affordable, customers can take advantage of the following Asda Rewards offers:

10% back in their Cashpots on all school uniform clothing, footwear and accessories with no minimum spend required, until Sunday 10th September 

A £2 cashpot boost when they spend £10 on other back-to-school essentials such as stationary, until Sunday 3rd September.  

New Asda Rewards customers who download and scan the app for the first time will get £5 in their Cashpot, until midnight on Sunday 30th September. 

Additionally, Asda is also offering 10% off all schoolwear online via its George website until Monday 11th September.

Asda also has a 100-day guarantee on school uniforms, meaning that if for any reason a customer is not satisfied with their school uniform, they can simply return it within 100 days with proof of purchase for an exchange or refund.

Scott MacRae, who is Senior Buying Manager for Schoolwear at George, said: “With only a week until schools return, we're aware our customers will be focusing on ensuring their children are kitted out for the new school year. We appreciate this can be stressful, especially for our large families, so we want to help budgets stretch further with our back-to-school offers across our website and Asda Rewards.”

Asda’s latest Income Tracker reveals family disposable income remains firmly below the levels experienced prior to the cost-of-living crisis, down by £25.99 per week for the average household compared against July 2021.

The tracker also reveals those aged 30-49, are feeling the pinch the most as their spending on essentials, such as food, housing costs and utility bills, was 9.4% higher in July compared to a year earlier.

(EDITOR: But remember when you take your children to Asda to buy uniforms, school supplies, etc, Asda is still offering special meal deals in the Asda cafés, so you can feed them, too!)

www.asda.com

That's Home and Household: Allergic Rhinitis is a year round problem. But hel...

That's Home and Household: Allergic Rhinitis is a year round problem. But hel...: Fortunately, air purifiers made by Blueair can help. They are suitable for the home, or the office and they help improve indoor air quality ...

Stanislav Kondrashov Publishes the History of Chocolate

Chocolate enthusiasts and history aficionados alike are in for a real treat with the publication of the article "The Surprising History of Chocolate" by Stanislav Kondrashov. The article takes readers on an enticing and evocative journey through the captivating evolution of one of the world's most beloved treats.

In "The Surprising History of Chocolate," Stanislav Kondrashov unveils chocolate's rich and varied history, from its beginnings in Mesoamerica to its global status as a symbol of indulgence. 

The article guides readers through each pivotal historical era, shedding light on the remarkable transformations chocolate has undergone.

Kondrashov expertly navigates the narrative, allowing readers to savour the fascinating details of chocolate's origins as a form of currency among the Aztecs. 

Who would have thought that cocoa beans were once used to buy turkeys? The article then takes readers on a voyage through ancient Mayan rituals, where chocolate was revered as a bitter, frothy beverage enjoyed by the very elite of Mayan society.

As the article continues, the story of how chocolate underwent a metamorphosis upon its arrival in Europe unravels. 

The infusion of sugar into the bitter concoction marked a significant turning point, leading to the creation of the sweet treat that we adore today. 

The Spaniards' secrecy surrounding chocolate and its eventual popularity among the European elite added layers of intrigue to its history.

The Industrial Revolution's impact on chocolate production is another captivating chapter in the article. Stanislav highlights how innovations like the conching machine democratised access to smooth, creamy chocolate, paving the way for household names like Milton Hershey, Cadbury, and Nestlé to shape the modern chocolate industry.

The article culminates in a celebration of chocolate's global significance. He showcases the myriad ways in which cultures worldwide have embraced and transformed chocolate into a universal symbol of love and comfort. 

From luxurious Belgian truffles to spicy Mexican hot chocolate and creamy Swiss milk chocolate bars, the diversity of chocolate's forms mirrors the diversity of human indulgence.

"Chocolate's journey through time and across continents is a testament to its enduring allure," says Kondrashov. "Every bite encapsulates centuries of history, innovation, and passion, making it a treat that truly transcends borders."

"The Surprising History of Chocolate" by Stanislav Kondrashov is a mouth-watering exploration of a timeless delight. Whether you're a chocolate connoisseur or simply curious about the origins of your favourite treat, this article promises to enchant and educate readers of all backgrounds.

https://stanislavkondrashov.com

(Image courtesy of Stanislav Kondrashov.)

Sustainable & Healthy Cuisine and Live Music Unite in a Virtual Culinary Spectacle

EcoHarmony Eats & Beats - UK series will be launched on September 13, 2023

In an era where memorable experiences are becoming a rare commodity, a ground-breaking event is poised to take centre stage. 

"EcoHarmony Eats & Beats - UK" a sensational blend of sustainable and healthy cuisine paired with captivating live music, is set to delight audiences and awaken their senses.

It's important to know that EcoHarmony Eats & Beats isn't just an event; it's a harmonious convergence of culinary artistry and musical magic. This unique experience unfolds in the comfort of your home through a virtual platform, every Wednesday night at 7 PM (UK time).

A Culinary Journey: At the heart of EcoHarmony Eats & Beats is a deep appreciation for sustainable and healthy cuisine. Every week, a renowned chef or sustainable cooking expert will lead a live cooking session that guides participants in crafting eco-conscious culinary masterpieces. 

Subscribers don their aprons and cook along, creating delicious and planet-friendly dishes whilst learning from the best in the field.

The Musical Interlude: Following the cooking session, it's time for the musical interlude. A talented musician will take the virtual stage, infusing the evening with soul-soothing melodies. As subscribers savour the meal they've prepared, they're serenaded with live music, elevating the sensory experience to incredible new heights.

Why EcoHarmony Eats & Beats is a Must-Experience Event:

Eco-Friendly Fare: Learning how to prepare sustainable dishes that are kind to the planet.

Healthy Living: Exploring the secrets of crafting nutritious, delicious meals.

Musical Bliss: Immersing yourself in live music that stirs the soul.

Community Connection: Joining a vibrant community of like-minded food and music enthusiasts.

Convenience: Experiencing it all from the comfort of your own home.

Special Early Bird Offer: For a limited time, subscribers can access this unparalleled experience at an early bird price of just 15 euros for the first month (it's regularly 50 euros). The event subscription includes weekly sessions, making it an incredible value.

Become Part of the EcoHarmony Community: EcoHarmony Eats & Beats isn't just an event; it's a movement. A movement toward sustainable living, healthier choices, and the joy of culinary exploration.

Join them for an unforgettable journey that will tantalise your taste buds, uplift your spirit, and foster connections within their eco-conscious community.

3FRuum is a dynamic creator platform that brings together talent from various fields to create captivating content and unique experiences. EcoHarmony Eats & Beats is just one example of our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences that resonate with our audience.

https://www.3fruum.com/stories/conversation-sustainable_cooking-ei20acq33s

SCI-MX has a wide range of premium quality nutritional supplements

UK-based SCI-MX offers a wide range of premium quality nutrition supplements at affordable prices.

SCI-MX was launched back in 2007 to help nurture, support and inspire sportsmanship in everyone. 

Based on their latest research, the products are developed in-house by its team of fully-qualified nutritionists.

SCI-MX focus on three aspects: Developing sports performance, enhancing physical appearance, and positively aiding health and well-being.

SCI-MX has a whole range of protein powders including diet protein:

Diet protein

Diet Protein (£39.99): https://sci-mx.co.uk/collections/protein-powders/products/diet-protein-1

 22g protein per serving

110 calories per serving

Low sugar

Unique blend of vitamins and minerals.

Balanced nutrition

With Green Tea, CLA and L-Carnitine

This is a diet-targeted lean protein shake formulated with added vitamins and minerals for many health benefits. The Diet Protein has the ideal balance of protein, fat, and carbs for people on a calorie-restricted diet and a health exercise regime. Available in strawberry and chocolate 

Diet Shake Meal Replacement

Diet Shake Meal Replacement (£29.99): https://sci-mx.co.uk/products/diet-shake-meal-replacement?_pos=1&_sid=4948de201&_ss=r 

25g protein per serving 

204 calories per serving 

Supports weight loss by replacing higher calorie meals 

Nutritionally balanced formula for weight loss

Provides 24 essential micronutrients 

High in Calcium and Zinc 

The Nutritionally balanced, high protein meal replacement shake is designed to contribute to weight loss and contains 25g protein, only 203 calories per serving and 24 essential micronutrients. Available in three delicious flavours: chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. 

Incidentally, one key point you should remember is not only do they work well, they also taste exceptionally good, too and so are very pleasant to use.

Top tomato brand Mutti hunts for UKs top tomato cooks!

Top Italian tomato brand, Mutti, is delighted to launch its 2023 edition of the Golden Tomato Cook Competition.

This amazing yearly culinary event is aimed at celebrating all things tomato and the exceptional quality and taste of its Italian tomato products. 

To launch the search for the UK’s best tomato cook, Mutti has revealed the fascinating results from its chef survey, shedding light on their perceptions, and preferences when it comes to tomato-based ingredients. 

The eye-opening facts challenge common beliefs about tomatoes but also highlight the importance of quality, taste, and sustainable practices in the culinary world.

Kirsty Beckman, who is the Brand Manager UK for Mutti says: “It's an exciting time of year for Mutti where we begin our yearly search for our next Golden Tomato Cook. 

"To celebrate this, we thought it was a great chance to see what chefs in the UK think about tomatoes. We've unveiled some really surprising results from the survey, including tomato myths and insightful preferences. 

"We’re now calling all tomato enthusiasts to unearth the chef within them and join Mutti's Golden Tomato Cook Competition, 2023. 

"We're calling on them to show us their creative flair and craft a spectacular three-course menu featuring our Polpa Finely Chopped Tomatoes, Peeled Tomatoes, Passata, and Double Concentrated Tomato Puree. 

"With esteemed judges and remarkable prizes, this is their chance to shine. Enter now at cooking competition entry page and let your passion for great food and cooking take the spotlight!"

Tomatoes are the Indispensable Ingredient

The survey uncovered the essential ingredients chefs simply can't live without, and unsurprisingly, tomatoes and/or tomato products secured the top spot at 44%. This reaffirms the integral role Mutti's tomatoes play in elevating dishes to new heights. Salt and/or Pepper, and Olive Oil came second and third respectively.

The Fruit That Masquerades as a Vegetable

Surprisingly, 55% of chefs confessed to misidentifying tomatoes as vegetables, when in fact, they are really  fruits. This stunning admission shows even amongst chefs there's still much to learn and love about the not-so-humble tomatoes.

The survey further showcased that whilst 44% of chefs acknowledged the centuries-old (over 500 years in fact) heritage of Italian tomatoes, only half of them were aware the famous San Marzano tomatoes exclusively hail from the Campania region, adding a delightful layer of historical context to the chef's staple.

Also, 51% of chefs correctly recognised the presence of lycopene in tomatoes, known for its considerable and important health benefits; a powerful antioxidant that can help protect cells from damage. This highlights the importance of not only taste but also the nutritional value of ingredients in modern culinary creations.

Tomato Quality is Key!

When it comes to tomato-based ingredients, the top three factors that matter the most to chefs are quality (42%), product size (36%), and flavour and/or great taste (35%). This indicates that Mutti's commitment to providing premium quality tomatoes is aligned with the priorities of culinary professionals, who value excellence in ingredients above all else.

The Global Tomato Perspective

Another fascinating insight revealed the top countries perceived by chefs to produce the best quality tomatoes include Italy, India, and the USA. Italy's inclusion in the top three enhances the Golden Tomato Cook Competition, as Mutti is proud to showcase the unrivalled quality of its tomato products, made using only the highest quality 100% Italian tomatoes, as well as the products’ unique flavour profile and taste.

The Conscientious Chef

The survey also delved into ethical considerations of chefs when selecting ingredients. Over half of the chefs surveyed (51%) stressed the importance of responsibly and fairly sourced ingredients, with 57% emphasising the need for ingredients from reputable and known brands. 

This aligns with Mutti's dedicated commitment to sustainable working practices including protecting the diversity and vitality of the environment to ensure long term sustainability, which Mutti continues to educate on the importance of, for longevity and the best tomato product. Mutti also focuses on long term relationships with their farmers, paying an average 10% higher than the market average to ensure mutually beneficial relationships.

But what's more, 55% of chefs agreed ingredients must be of the best quality, something Mutti has been uncompromising on for over 120 years. The fact that 54% of chefs emphasised the significance of great taste and/or flavour reaffirms one of the central focuses of the Golden Tomato Cook Competition.

The search of the UK’s Golden Tomato Cook is now on!

Mutti's 3rd Golden Tomato Cook Competition is here, paying homage to the revered Pomodorino d'oro, where Mutti rewards the farmer who supplies the highest quality produce whilst also using sustainable and responsible practices.

Mutti's cooking contest celebrates sustainable excellence and invites home cooks to craft the ultimate three-course menu with Mutti Essentials - Polpa Finely Chopped Tomatoes, Peeled Tomatoes, Passata, and Double Concentrated Tomato Puree.

Enter with a starter, main, and bonus dish of your choice, with each recipe highlighting a different Mutti Essential and its unique characteristics. The esteemed judging panel, which includes top chefs Carlo Casoni, Nigel Barden, Ben Tish, and Gabriella Margiotta, will assess dishes based on taste, presentation, and above all, making tomatoes the hero. 

Public vote shortlists five menus, and the final three compete in a live cook off at Sauce, by The Langham in London on 19th October 2023. The grand prize is an exclusive foodie trip to Parma, Italy,  the home of Mutti, along with mentorship from Chef Ben Tish. 2nd prize is a virtual cooking class with Mutti head chef, Carlo, and the 3rd prize is a 3-course meal for 2 at Eataly restaurants. 4th and 5th place winners will receive a produce hamper from Mutti.

Contestants have until 23:59 on 26th September 2023 to create and submit their menus online, so there is no time to lose, get creating and get your entries in. To enter, visit https://mutti-parma.com/en/golden-tomato-cook-2023-entry/ where you'll be able to discover recipe inspiration and tips too. Terms and conditions apply.

(Pictures: provided by Mutti)

https://mutti-parma.com

Home frozen bananas make an excellent treat

Home frozen bananas make a nutritious, tasty and cooling treat for those hot summer days. And I offer my thanks to my wife, Anni, for coming up with this idea.

Peel your bananas, place then in a suitable freezer proof container, perhaps employing freezer boxes or freezer bags and then place them in your freezer.

Leave them in your freezer for a suitable period of time (at least several hours) and then taken them out and enjoy them as a very tasty, frozen treat.

Yes, we admit to being inspired by the folks over at Pukpip who produce very tasty chocolate dipped banana lollies. You can read about them, here https://thatsfoodanddrink.blogspot.com/2023/07/pukpip-on-path-to-rapid-growth.html.

However, my wife does have a chocolate allergy so her idea of non-dipped frozen bananas is very helpful to herself and anyone else who has a chocolate allergy. 

Frozen bananas will make an excellent sweet but low sugar snack for any time of the year and I feel they'll make a great treat for Christmas, perhaps especially if served with typical Christmas sweet spices such as ginger, all spice, cinnamon, etc. That is if you can stop people from eating them as soon as they are frozen!) 

(Image courtesy of Guilherme Machado from Pixabay)