Food and drink news for the discerning consumer
Thursday, 19 October 2023
That's Christmas: M&S launches recruitment drive to fill 10,000 Chri...
That's Christmas: M&S launches recruitment drive to fill 10,000 Chri...: Marks & Spencer has announced that is to recruit 10,000 new Customer Assistants to support in its stores over the Christmas period. The ...
Most trusted supermarket? That'd be Lidl!
Ranking in second place overall, Lidl bucked the trend of low trust in supermarkets, highlighted in recent industry data which suggested overall trust in the sector has fallen.
In the Index, Lidl is placed far ahead of its competitors, with Tesco the next nearest supermarket in 15th place, and fellow discounter Aldi further back in 21st place. Meanwhile premium supermarkets Waitrose and M&S are in 28th and 29th place respectively.
Georgina Hall, Head of Communications & CSR at Lidl GB, said: “Households have had to contend with an incredibly volatile last several years, but throughout it all, we at Lidl GB have continued to show we’re genuinely on the side of shoppers and have done everything in our power to ensure they continue to have access to the best quality products at the lowest possible prices. We’re a business built on trust and transparency, and it’s humbling to see that this has been reflected in the results of the Retail Trust Index.”
During the period covered by the research, Lidl GB has played a critical role in providing households with access to high quality affordable produce. In its trading update last month, the discounter revealed that it had implemented the following investment and developments to support shoppers, suppliers and colleagues:
Invested over £100million in keeping prices low for customers
Opened around 50 new stores - more than any other supermarket in Great Britain
Spent £4bn and announced an accelerated investment in British food businesses for FY23
Increased pay rates twice in eight months, equating to a combined investment of £50m
Launched its Good to Give Trustmark – an industry-first initiative to diversify food donations
Built the largest Lidl distribution centre in the world, which opened just last month
Lidl’s ongoing commitment to keeping its prices low also resulted in the discounter being named cheapest supermarket in the UK by The Grocer last month.
This accolade also comes after the discounter was recently awarded most popular supermarket in the UK. In YouGov’s survey exploring the percentage of shoppers who have a positive opinion of a supermarket chain, Lidl nabbed the number one spot.
That's Christmas: Aldi's fantastic new Christmas sandwich range hits...
That's Christmas: Aldi's fantastic new Christmas sandwich range hits...: Aldi's 2023 range includes a NEW Seafood Cocktail Bloomer and the returning favourite, Pigs Under Cheesy Blanket Sub Roll. Aldi is servi...
Good news for shoppers! Morrisons saves customers money at the petrol pumps
All customers who spend £35 between Monday 16th October and Sunday 22nd October will receive a coupon giving them 5p off every litre of fuel they purchase. The offer is available to customers who shop in store or online including those using the Click & Collect service.
The coupon is redeemable at all Morrisons petrol stations and customers have until Monday 30th October to spend it.
This latest fuel offer is one of several recent moves being made by Morrisons to help its customers’ money go further. In September, Morrisons cut over 170 prices across the store and also celebrated 'More Month,' offering customers significant savings, extra More Card points, and exclusive deals as part of its More Card loyalty scheme.
Morrisons launched its More Card earlier this year and one of the perks of the scheme is that customers can earn five More Points for every litre of fuel purchased in a Morrisons petrol filling station (But not franchised Morrisons Daily petrol stations.)
They can also earn More Points on selected products in store, in petrol filling station kiosks and online. When reaching 5,000 points, customers are rewarded with a ‘Morrisons Fiver’ that can be spent both in-store and online.
Rachel Eyre, Chief Customer & Marketing Officer at Morrisons, said: “We know that fuel remains a significant cost for many households and so this offer aims to help budgets go a little further. On top of the 5p per litre discount, More Card customers will still earn their usual five points for every litre of fuel which will help build up their points so they can be rewarded with Morrisons Fivers.”
The required £35 customer spend excludes items such as: fuel, tobacco, tobacco-related products (including vapes), lottery products, Morrisons café, gift vouchers & cards, infant/formula milk, cash back, dry cleaning, fireworks, online games and instant tickets, photo printing, saver stamps, postage stamps, ‘top-up’ mobile phone cards, delivery charges/pass, garden centre & pharmacy (where applicable).
Morrisons has 340 filling stations across the UK and for further information and the full terms & conditions please visit: https://www.morrisons.com/more/terms-and-conditions.
Get spooky for less with Asda
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Asda has over 20 Halloween products instore and online that are £3 or under
Customers are loving the Boo The Bat pizza (£2), with thousands of people liking and sharing on social media
Products include Ghost Crumpets (£1.25, 4pk), Ghost Shaped Chicken Nuggets (£2) Spookalicious Cupcakes (£2.50, 12pk) and a full range of carving pumpkins
Prices start at just 65p, with products available both instore and online until 31 October
£1 or less! No tricks – all treats! All available for £1 or under, Asda has some scarily good bargains this Halloween.
Part of the Miles the Millipede range, the Miles Gingerbread (65p) makes for a delicious post-trick-or-treating snack. Throwing a party? Make sure to stock up on Halloween Chocolate Lollies (80p), Stacker Marshmallows (£1.00), Eyeballs Popping Candy (£1.00) and Toffee Apples (75p). Whip up some bargain bakes and decorate the Just Essentials Fairy Cakes (99p) with some Halloween Sinister Sprinkles (£1) and top off with some melted Just Essentials Chocolate Sharing Bar (dark or milk, 43p). Decorate 12 buns for the price of £2.42 – just 20p per bun. The Pumpkin Treat Bucket (79p), available in four colours, is the perfect trick-or-treat accessory to keep sweet treats in one place.
Keep little monsters happy with a pack of Strawberry Cables, Fizzy Cola Bottles, Cherry Jellies and Super Sour Snakes, all available for just 40p.
£2 or less
Asda’s Boo the Bat pizza (£2) and Breaded Ghost Shaped Chicken Nuggets (£2) are perfect for parties at home. For a creepy crumpet and fright of your life, pop Asda’s Ghost Crumpets (£1.25) in the toaster. Put your own scary spin on Halloween bakes with Asda’s Creepy Pumpkin Paper Cases (£2),‘Orrible Orange Frosting (£1.99) and Frightful Black Frosting (£1.99).
£3 or less
For a spooktacular selection of scrumptious sponges, shoppers can choose from Happy Halloween Spookilicious Fairy Cakes (£2.50,) Bone-Chilling Brownie Cupcakes (£2.75) and Asda Mummy loaf Cakes (£2.75) - all for under £3.
Carve up a fright with Asda’s pumpkins. A full range of sizes are available including munchkin (79p), medium (£1), large (£2), XL (£3) and a White Ghost Pumpkin (£3).
St-Remy Launches Limited Edition Bottle With Artist Lucas Beaufort
Lucas Beaufort brings his revered vibrant street artist vision into the St-Rémy brand with a stunning limited-edition bottle design that showcases Beaufort's signature urban style, blending dynamic colours and captivating geometry that reflects his inspiration after tasting the St-Rémy XO with Master Blender, Cécile Roudaut.
At the heart of this collaboration lies the shared values of authenticity, generosity, and open-mindedness, both of which Lucas Beaufort and St-Rémy hold dear. It's a meeting of two artists: Lucas, the painter of colours, memories, and emotions, and Cécile, the Master Blender, who expertly crafts harmony from the diversity of French terroirs.
"Collaborating with St-Rémy on this project has been an genuinely incredible opportunity to fuse the worlds of art and savoire-faire," said Lucas Beaufort. "The design of this limited-edition bottle encapsulates the spirit of both our artistic endeavours and the refined excellence of St-Rémy brandy."
Lucas Beaufort's captivating bottle artwork was inspired by an extensive tasting and masterclass with Master Blender Cécile Roudaut, where he translated St-Rémy XO's bold flavours of vanilla and wood, paired with the delicate notes of ripe fruits and honey into different shades of colours.
"Diversity is the cornerstone of both Lucas and St-Rémy's artistic expressions," said Aveline Rimbaud, Executive Director at St-Rémy. "For St-Rémy, it is the diversity of the eaux-de-vie sourced from the different regions, grape varieties and vineyards of France. For Lucas Beaufort, it is his palette of colours, shapes, emotions, and memories that fuel his creativity. We share the belief that harmony is born from diversity."
Both Cécile Roudaut and Lucas Beaufort embody the spirit of exploration in their unique ways - searching, waiting, observing, and adapting, to result in a harmonious creation.
St-Rémy XO Tasting Notes
Appearance
Luminous amber, with a rich golden aura.
Nose
Mature nose underpinned with echoes of oak and delicate vanilla aromas, layered with hints of ripe fruits and honey.
Palate
A rich palate of flavours. Subtle notes of wood and vanilla are enriched with flavours of gingerbread, candied apricots, dates, figs, and nuts. This complex taste is subtly spicy and offers a long finish.
Wednesday, 18 October 2023
That's Christmas: Embracing Tradition: A Traditional Christmas in Ir...
That's Christmas: Embracing Tradition: A Traditional Christmas in Ir...: This time That's Christmas takes a look at a traditional Christmas in Ireland. As we near the festive season, many countries around the ...
New Delicious Spreads from Bonne Maman
Complementing their delectable Hazelnut Chocolate Spread, these new Bonne Maman products form a sophisticated new range of delicious spreads from the top specialist French conserve brand.
Carefully crafted using only simple ingredients and thankfully containing no palm oil, each of the flavours can instantly transform an everyday snack, -maybe a plain brioche or a shortbread or digestive biscuit, -into an absolutely indulgent, special moment all of one's own.
Inspired by the French Orangettes (candied orange peel) new, smooth and indulgent Chocolate & Orange Spread is made with 39% crushed oranges and orange zest stirred into melted dark chocolate and, as we say, contains no palm oil.
The tart citrus contrast of the bitter orange flavour with the deep, dark chocolate means the Chocolate & Orange Spread can be delightful spread onto a shortbread biscuit or a slice of madeira cake for a delectable little treat. (Or on some freshly baked French sticks?)
Only made with 80% apple plus fresh butter and no palm oil, new Caramelised Apple Spread is like a classic homemade French 'tarte tatin' in a jar – deliciously rich and buttery in texture with a deeply satisfying apple taste and scent of an Autumn orchard. Caramelised Apple Spread pairs beautifully with toasted fingers of brioche and makes a perfect, indulgent snack for the afternoon when topping crumpets, pikelets and fruity tea cakes or malt loaves.
Presented in striking glass jars complete with the iconic Bonne Maman red gingham lid, the new spreads are available nationwide from mid-October, sitting alongside Bonne Maman Hazelnut Chocolate Spread at Sainsbury's, Waitrose & Partners, Morrisons and ASDA nationwide plus Ocado.com. Chocolate & Orange Spread can also be found at the Co-op. Caramelised Apple Spread 275g jar and Chocolate & Orange Spread 275g jar both at £2.90 rrp.
Once opened, both new spreads should be refrigerated and consumed within three weeks. Both products are made with simple ingredients, contain no palm-oil, are suitable for vegetarians and the packaging can be widely recycled.
(If they last three days in our home, I'd be shocked, to be honest, let alone three weeks!)
FACTFILE: For further information, tips and recipes see www.bonnemaman.co.uk.
ERDINGER offers you the fantastic chance to attend Jürgen Klopp Q&A
Jürgen Klopp was named as an ambassador for German wheat beer brewery ERDINGER Weissbräu in March 2020 and has starred in a series of adverts for ERDINGER Weissbier. In the adverts, Jürgen implores people to 'Never Skim an ERDINGER' and not to forget 'the best bit' the last few drops in the bottle that complete ERDINGER's unique flavour, cloudy appearance and lively aroma.
The competition to join Jürgen for a Q&A will run on neck collars placed on 500ml bottles of ERDINGER Weissbier in grocery stores and supermarkets until 12th November, or until the stocks run out.
Launching the promotion, Peter Gowans, who is UK Country Manager for ERDINGER explained “Since announcing Jürgen Klopp as an ERDINGER ambassador we have come to realise just how well loved he is and how he is respected by people around the UK, even by some of the most fervent opposition football fans.
"He connects with people because of his easy-going and pragmatic approach to life and we hear time and again that he's one of the people would most like to have a chat with over a pint in the local pub. Now ERDINGER can make the dream of joining him for a Q&A session a reality for one lucky fan who will also spend two nights in Liverpool to soak up the atmosphere and culture of this exciting City.”
To enter the competition, people must buy a 500m bottle of ERDINGER Weissbier on sale in supermarkets around the UK (but not Northern Ireland), scan the QR code on the neck collars placed on the bottles and complete an easy to complete entry form. One winner will be drawn at random after the closing date of 12th November, with proof of purchase required to claim the prize.
A further 250 runner-up entries will be drawn weekly throughout the competition, with each receiving a special edition glass featuring an image of Jürgen Klopp pouring out 'the best bit' from his bottle of ERDINGER.
“This ERDINGER Weissbier competition really does offer a money can't buy experience for the winner” continued Peter Gowans. “If anyone has ever wanted to ask Jürgen about the benefits of the 4-4-2 system, how the off-side rule works, what he loves about British pubs or why you should never skim an ERDINGER this is their chance to get an entry in whilst enjoying a refreshing glass of ERDINGER Weissbier.”
Promotional bottles of ERDINGER Weissbier are already on sale will be on sale. Full T's & C's are available here https://uk.erdinger.de/brewery/conditions-of-participation-nec-collar-promotion.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erdingerGB
Instagram: erdinger.uk
Tuesday, 17 October 2023
Distillerie De Grandmont Makes Its UK Debut
Because Speciality Brands, the award-winning drinks distributor, has signed an agreement with French spirits producer Distillerie de Grandmont and will exclusively distribute the brand's range in the UK from this October onwards.
Distillerie de Grandmont was founded in 2018 in the Haute Vienne by Karim Karroum who discovered a passion for vintage, artisanal spirits.
Karim then went on a mission to rediscover liqueurs of the past using old-fashioned methods of production and on the way unearthing forgotten French spirit-making traditions.
Speciality Brands is introducing three spirits to trade and consumers this autumn: Distillery de Grandmont Amer Gentian, Liqueur de Grandmont and Triple Sec Curacao Blanc.
Amer Gentian starts with a base of organic grain alcohol, before fresh and dried gentian root grown in the unique terroirs of the Massif Central for over 25 years are added. Wild, natural herbs and fruits are used in the recipe to accentuate the bitter florality of the gentian. This creates an incredibly complex and refined liqueur which can be enjoyed as an aperitif, digestif or served long with tonic water and a slice of grapefruit or in classic cocktails mixes/
Distillerie de Grandmont Liqueur de Grandmont Le Chemin des Moines (Monks' path) is a herbal liqueur offering a silky smooth texture with delightful notes of angelica, wildflowers, fresh grass, zesty verbena and honey, along with a subtle hint of turmeric, culminating in a subtle smoky camphor finish with hints of blackcurrant leaf.
This complex liqueur is meticulously crafted using organic grain alcohol and a blend of wild herbs and spices. It works well as a digestif, revealing its medicinal and digestive qualities, but also lends itself to very well to classic cocktails such as The Last Word or Bijou.
Distillerie de Grandmont Triple Sec Curacao Blanc showcases bright and elegant citrus notes, primarily orange and tangerine, gracefully balanced with juniper and with a subtle bitterness. The process begins with organic grain alcohol as a base, enhanced by a secret blend of citrus fruits, peels, natural plants, spices, and herbs. Versatile and timeless, this triple sec elevates classic cocktails like Margaritas and Sidecars or can be enjoyed simply over ice with a splash of soda.
Chris Seale, who is the Managing Director, Speciality Brands says: “We were blown away by the quality of the spirits crafted by the Distillerie de Grandmont. These truly artisanal drinks revive traditional French recipes and production processes, and offer a rather unique tasting experience. Karim's passion for quality spirits is remarkable and these liqueurs fit perfectly in our range of premium, artisanal spirits. We're really excited to be presenting these to our customers for the first time.”
Distillerie de Grandmont's range will be available to all channels. Amer Gentian, 32% ABV, 70 cl, RRP: £31, Liqueur de Grandmont 55% ABV, 70 cl, RRP: £47 and Triple Sec Curacao Blanc 40% ABV, 70 cl, RRP: £35.
To learn more please visit https://specialitybrands.com
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