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Stuck in a culinary rut? Asda has the perfect thing for you

Asda is helping to spice up suppertimes and offer diners restaurant quality meals for less, as it announces two new premium ready meal ranges.

New research reveals the dire state of Brits’ weeknight meals with only a third only cooking their favourite cuisine once a week.

To help shoppers escape this culinary rut, Asda announces the launch of Bom Bahia and House of Yum, a premium Indian and Pan Asian ranges providing restaurant-quality meals without the hassle of cooking or takeaway price tag

Shoppers can find new meals in-store and online now starting from only £2.50.

Whether it's Italian, Indian, or Japanese, everyone has a favourite fare. Yet new information from Asda reveals over a third (37%) of Brits are only cooking their favourite cuisine at home once a week. 

What's even worse, almost a fifth (17%) say they never do. So, to help the nation out of its culinary rut, Asda's launched Bom Bahia and House of Yum a new, premium Indian and Pan Asian range set to provide restaurant quality meals at home, without the price tag or lengthy recipe.

The launches are part of a total makeover of the Asda meal solution range, with over 300 new and improved lines launching across all cuisines. Asda’s research shows just under half (42%) of Brits are bored with their weeknight meals and the majority (54%) rotate a set of recipes each week. 

The reasons cited for not cooking favourite cuisines more at home include thinking a restaurant or takeaway version will taste better (37%) and it being too costly to buy all the ingredients to cook them (22%). But despite Brits feeling their at-home renditions won’t live up to those at a restaurant, shockingly nearly a quarter of people (25%) never visit restaurants that serve their favourite dishes and nearly a third only do once a month (32%), claiming it’s simply too costly to do it. (67%).

Designed to change all of this, the new high-quality ranges each include eight mains and five sides to choose from, with dishes created using authentic cooking methods and traditional recipes to really allow customers recreate their favourite restaurant flavours at home. With minimal prep required, the range is ideal for busy weeknights when meal inspiration may be lacking, without the hefty price tag associated with a meal out or takeaway.

The Bom Bahia range is perfect for those seeking fragrant, flavoursome Indian staples. For those looking to spice up their weeknight dinners, the fiery Goan King Prawn Curry (£4.50) and Lamb Karahi (£4.50) are the perfect warmers as the nights draw in, made with juicy king prawns and succulent slices of lamb, and both of which pair perfectly with a bowl of delicious Gunpowder Potatoes (£2.50). There’s an aromatic, and mouth-watering Royal Chicken Biryani (£4.50), a decadent Indian Mixed Grill (£4.50) and an indulgent Slow Cooked Beef Madras (£4.50) all making for hearty main events, ideal for sharing or enjoying alone.

And leaving no vegetarian behind, the Roasted Cauliflower Makhani (£4.50) is a perfect meat-free alternative to the Smoked Butter Chicken, featuring fresh cauliflower florets in a smooth, tomato-based sauce, perfect for plating with rice or a fresh naan and a spoonful of Black Dal (£2.50) on the side.

For those looking for a pan-Asian taste adventure, the House of Yum range includes dishes such as the finger-kickingly good Black Tiger Prawns with a delightfully tangy, sweet, and savoury Tamarin dip (£2.50). 

For moorishly good mains, shoppers can treat themselves to a Char Siu Pork (£4.50) - pork roasted to perfection in a sumptuously sweet BBQ sauce, a tender Slow Cooked Beef Teriyaki (£4.50), or the Slow Cooked Beef Massamam (£4.50), a rich, fall-apart beef curry perfectly seasoned with mild spice. Vegan Society approved Bang Bang Tofu (£4.50)- soft and succulent pieces of marinated smoky tofu smothered in a fiery chilli and garlic Bang Bang sauce. 

To accompany, consumers can choose to elevate their meals with a choice of divinely Burnt Ginger Fried Rice (£2.50), or Jasmine Sticky Rice with Lime Leaf and Edamame Beans (£2.50), both as equally delicious.

Linsey Taylor, who is Senior Director for New Product Development at Asda said: “Both the Bom Bahia and House of Yum form part of a new, wider meal solution range designed to inspire and delight time-poor Brits who are seeking flavoursome weekday meals. Their release follows a multi-million-pound investment and refresh to improve the quality and variety of convenient pre-prepared meals, as we believe that everyone deserves to enjoy restaurant-quality food, at home, free of fuss or expense.”

The full Bom Bahia and House of Yum ranges are available to buy in-store and online now, with prices starting at £2.50.

www.asda.com

Tesco CEO backs petition calling for new offence to protect shop staff

Tesco’s UK CEO has thrown his weight firmly behind a new petition calling on the Government to make violence or abuse against retail workers a standalone criminal offence.

The petition which has been lodged with Parliament recently by a Tesco staff member, calls for lawmakers to act and toughen up the laws protecting shop staff.

It comes amid a rising tide of verbal abuse and physical assaults on retail workers, with Tesco reporting violent incidents against its store workers are up by a third on this time last year and British Retail Consortium figures showing 850 incidents each day of violence and abuse towards British store staff.

Tesco UK CEO Jason Tarry said: “I'm fully behind the petition to make the abuse of retail workers a standalone offence. We want our colleagues to be safe in their workplaces. Creating a standalone offence not only sends a strong message to the small but violent group of people who abuse and attack shopworkers, but also makes it perfectly clear to shopworkers that as a nation we take protecting them seriously. I'd encourage anyone who wants to see retail workers better protected to sign the petition, as every signature will make a difference.”

The petition was started by Jenny Whyte, who works in Tesco convenience stores in the North of England.

“Nobody should come to work afraid they could be assaulted or abused for just doing their job,” she said. “Things have definitely got worse over the past several years, and some of the incidents colleagues have had to deal with are truly shocking. The Government could show it's serious about protecting retail workers on the front line with a specific offence, and I hope this petition will encourage them to do this.”

To tackle the increasing abuse of shopworkers, Tesco has brought in further measures to protect its colleagues, including body cameras colleagues can choose to wear, and new toughened glass safety screens being fitted in over 300 Tesco Express convenience stores and petrol station kiosks.

Thousands of people across Britain have already backed the petition, and if the number of signatories passes 10,000 then the Government will have to respond to it. If it gathers 100,000 signatures it may be debated in Parliament. To sign the petition visit: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/647093

We have already signed the petition.

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Tesco and Jamie Oliver team up to create Jamie’s 5 Ingredient Meals, an advertiser funded programme for Channel 4

Tesco and Jamie Oliver are continuing to strengthen their five-year relationship by working together to bring a brand-new advertiser funded series, Jamie’s Five Ingredient Meals, to screens this October. With the ambition to help families get the most out of their weekly shop, making their shopping list shorter and their store cupboard favourites go further.

The 4 x 60” programmes will air at 8pm on Channel 4 from Monday 16th October. Using his bestselling book, Five Ingredients Mediterranean, for inspiration, Jamie will prepare hassle-free dishes that surprise and delight while being easy on the wallet.

With only Five ingredients easily sourced from Tesco, Jamie will show how familiar ingredients from fresh, frozen and store cupboard items can be transformed into recipes ranging from sweet pea orecchiette to a delicious spinach and feta pie.  

The cost per serve of the recipes will start from as little as 50p and the maximum will be £1.70. At least two recipes per show will cost under £1 per serve.

Brand new ‘Tesco idents’ made by Jamie Oliver Productions, will intro and outro each quarter of the show, featuring the mouth-watering 5 Ingredient dishes. The Tesco products being used in each dish will also feature around Jamie’s kitchen. 

In each episode, Jamie is joined by a renowned chef as they share their culinary heritage and influences. In episode one, Jamie is joined by renowned Spanish chef Jose Pizarro and in later episodes he is joined by Alex Ainouz, Itamar Srulovich & Sarit Packer, as well as Jamie’s friend and mentor Gennaro Contaldo!  

Tesco Group Customer Director, Emma Botton, said: “Although families are keeping a close eye on the household budget, they still want to create meals that are delicious and interesting, using ingredients that they already have at home or that they can get by popping down to their local Tesco store. Jamie’s energy and passion is infectious and we’re sure he’ll inspire families up and down the country to have a go at the recipes in their own kitchens.” 

Jamie Oliver Group, Chief Commercial Officer, Megan Van Someren, said: “We're incredibly passionate about inspiring as many people as possible to experience the benefits of cooking. That’s why it’s perfect to partner with Tesco to create this entertaining and engaging advertiser funded programme, demonstrating how only 5 everyday ingredients can be transformed into delicious, affordable dishes.”  

In addition to the new programme, Tesco and Jamie will continue to help the nation create delicious and nutritious meals through their partnership across Tesco and Jamie Oliver channels. 

Tesco and Jamie Oliver are supporting the new series via their own channels, across social and digital platforms. The recipes will be available online at Tesco Real Food. 

www.tesco.com

Asda has Halloween offerings

It’s spooky season, and Asda is revealing its Halloween offering for 2023, with frightfully good deals to get shoppers into the spirit.

With over 30 products in its range, including themed sweet treats, dinnertime ideas and an array of seasonal favourites, there’s everything you need to have the fright of your life.

Looking for spooky sweet treats for all the family?

Shoppers can trick-or-treat themselves to a selection of Halloween-inspired bakery items and snacks. The decadent Miles the Millipede Cake (£6.00) is perfect for sharing and available as a traybake (£6.00), while the Miles themed Cupcakes (£5.00) and Gingerbread biscuit (£0.65) make for a delicious post-trick-or-treating snack.

There’s something for everyone to enjoy, with a range of other themed treats like the brand-new Mummy Loaf Cakes (£2.50) and Ghost Muffins (£2.00).

Expecting a group of little monsters at your door? Asda has you covered. With brand-new products like the Halloween Chocolate Lollies (80p), Stacker Marshmallows (£1.00) and the explosive Eyeballs Popping Candy (£1.00), you won’t be short of goodies to hand out on the big day.

Thinking of throwing a Halloween dinner-party?

The all-new Boo The Bat Pizza (£2.00) makes a deliciously spooky teatime treat for children and adults alike. Topped with delicate mozzarella and a delicious tomato base, this novelty bat-shaped pizza is perfect for those looking to add some excitement to Halloween mealtimes, and completely customizable; a perfect activity for Halloween pizza parties.

Plus, with many on the lookout for nifty party foods, the Firecracker Koftas with Green Slime Sauce (£4.50), Breaded Ghosts (£3.00), Halloween Spicy Breaded White Fish Goujons with a Scotch Bonnet Sauce (£2.75), and the Hot and Spicy Breaded Goujons with Boofalo Sauce (£3.00) are a great way to spice up any spooky celebration, perfect for hosting friends and family.

Also perfect for a pre-trick-or-treat dinner, is Asda’s new range includes the terrifyingly spicy Extra Special Carolina Reaper Pork Footlong Sausages (£3.50). Perfectly seasoned and succulent, the sausages are sizzling with the world’s hottest Carolina Reaper Chilli and packed with flavour. 

Paired with a deliciously soft Extra Special Sliced Brioche Hot Dog Roll (£1.95), they’re sure to spice up your night. For those who can’t handle the heat, the Smoky Garlic Flavoured Steaks (£6.00) are the perfect antidote, with a vampire-repellent smoked garlic aroma.

In search of some frightfully fun creepy crafting ideas?

Halloween wouldn’t be complete without a carved pumpkin at the door. Whether you’re getting ready to create a masterpiece or a more understated gourd, the Extra Large (£3.00), Large (£2.50), Medium (£1.00) and Munchkin Pumpkins (£0.79) for little ones will be available to purchase from the 25th September.

For those looking for Halloween baking inspiration, with a selection of cake and biscuit decorating kits, such as the Creepy Monster Cupcake Kit (£4.50), Pumpkin Biscuit Kit (£2.50), and the Cake Décor Edible Eyes Sugar Shaped Decorations (£1.60), you won't be short of spooky activities to get into the spirit.

The full range will be available to buy in-store and online from the 2nd October to the 31st, with a number of Asda Rewards incentives running over the course of the month.

www.asda.com

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Gino D’Acampo's new line of kitchenware to Asda

Renowned, award-winning Italian Chef Gino D’Acampo introduces new lines to his existing George at Asda range, offering an accomplished kitchenware collection to households everywhere, with stylish essentials at accessible prices. 

Promising to elevate every element of home cooking, the collection includes a range of items such as utensils and small appliances, crockery, aprons and ovenware from just a mere £3.

Crafted with an unmistakable Italian touch, Gino’s collection combines style and functionality, catering to both the novice and the seasoned chef. The introduction of electronic appliances - including the ever-popular air fryer, milk frother and health grill, seamlessly blend ease of use with professional performance, making a hearty, home-cooked meal accessible to all.

Key lines include staples for every kitchen and offer exceptional quality and value; saucepan sets are £65, a 5L digital air fryer £65, fast-boil kettle is priced at £27 and 4-slice toaster is just £34. All Available in a palette of muted, sophisticated shades, which perfectly compliment Gino’s new glazed earthenware dinner sets. 

With a wide selection of utensils, oven trays, casserole dishes and even a stylish wooden salt and pepper shaker set at just £14, these everyday essentials are sure to become kitchen stalwarts.

“I’ve really enjoyed bringing this collection to life and I cannot wait to see it being used in homes across the country. I’ve created all you need to cook everything from a quick snack to the finest meal; and it’s super affordable too.” said Gino.

Gino's first drop for George Home exceeded all expectations, with sales doubling projections and capturing the hearts of discerning home cooks nationwide. This latest collection is poised to build upon that success and introduce exciting new additions that are destined to become kitchen heroes.

“We’re delighted by the popularity of the collection so far,” said James Johnson, Cookware Buying Manager at Asda. “Gino resonates with our customer and his stylish designs are exactly what George Home shoppers are looking for, we’re extremely pleased with the result and look forward to seeing it fly off the shelves!”

The collection is now available both in-store and online at george.com

Got a foodie to buy for this Christmas? Then the Gino D’Acampo range is well worth looking into.

Hungry? Shopping? Morrisons has a new café menu!

Hungry shoppers look no further, Morrisons has unveiled its new tasty café menu which includes two very tempting additions; Loaded Crosscut Fries and Mini Fish Fillet Burger, both available in all Morrisons cafés.

For a mere £3.00, the Loaded Crosscut Fries are smothered with a cheesy sauce and BBQ drizzle. Customers can top the dish off with a selection of grated cheese, bacon, or BBQ pulled pork for an extra £1 - £1.50. 

The Mini Fish Fillet Burger is lovingly crafted from fresh, battered fish and served in a bread roll both straight from Morrisons Market Street counters alongside chips and mushy peas, all for just £6.00.

To celebrate the launch, Morrisons is also giving shoppers more reasons to shop by securing some extra More Card points when visiting a Morrisons café. Until 5th November, More Card holders can: 

Earn 400 points when purchasing the new Loaded Crosscut Fries

Earn 600 points when purchasing the Cottage Pie on a Thursday

Earn 600 points when purchasing the new Mini Fish Fillet Burger on a Friday

Earn 600 points when purchasing Half a Roast Chicken and Chips on a Saturday

The new menu still includes popular favourites such as the all day breakfast, fish & chips and bangers & mash, and available all day, every day, families can continue to take advantage of the Kids Eat Free offer when purchasing an adult meal over £4.50.

For more information on Morrisons Cafés, visit: https://my.morrisons.com/morrisons-cafe/

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