Tag: food and drink

Morrisons opens aisles to British entrepreneurs

Morrisons is offering British entrepreneurs a fast-tracked route to a national market through a programme called ‘Growing British Brands’.

The ‘Growing British Brands’ programme will give businesses the potential to sell products in all 497 Morrisons stores as well as listings in other parts of the business including Morrisons.com, Food Boxes and wholesale channels like Amazon.

Morrisons will also offer promotional plans and favourable payment terms to help these businesses scale up.  

To support these emerging British businesses, Morrisons has assembled a team of experts to find brands with game-changing, innovative products that need a helping hand to get to the main stage. 

The team will offer successful applicants to the programme advice and support covering every aspect of retailing, from production to packaging and marketing and logistics.

Entrepreneurs with products ranging from food and drink to beauty and homewares are being encouraged to apply to the ‘Growing British Brands’ programme by clicking on the ‘Supplying Morrisons’ link at morrisons-corporate.com/suppliers.

This formal programme follows a very strong response to a recent call to arms from Morrisons CEO, David Potts, who encouraged British entrepreneurs with the next big thing to get in touch.

David Potts, Morrisons CEO, said: “There are thousands of people with great ideas, but getting them to market at scale is often a long, risky and complicated process.

“Morrisons started with just one shop over 100 years ago and is now one of Britain’s biggest retailers. We know and understand the entrepreneurial spirit and want to play our full part in helping the next generation of British brands quickly reach national distribution.  

“For too long, small businesses have lacked the opportunity and perhaps confidence to scale up a great idea capable of supplying hundreds of stores at serious volumes.  We hope that this programme can provide the support, guidance and confidence for great brands with great products to lift their horizons, to think big and to reach new customers all around Great Britain.”  

Victoria Prentis MP, Food Minister, said: “Our manifesto was clear that we want people, both at home and abroad, to be lining up to buy British.  “The ‘Growing British Brands’ programme will boost small businesses, encouraging them to scale up and reach thousands of potential new customers.

“Our food and drink businesses are renowned for high quality products and standards of animal welfare. They form a core part of our agri-food sector which supports over four million jobs and provides £121 billion to the UK economy. I welcome this announcement by Morrisons to further support entrepreneurs in this vital sector.”  

Morrisons launched its Local Foodmakers programme in 2017, and has since launched over 1,300 products from local foodmakers, growers and producers.  This new programme aims to uncover those suppliers who have the ability to be stocked in stores nationwide. 

The ‘Growing British Brands’ programme launches today at morrisons-corporate.com/suppliers.

Call me Old-Fashioned …

MORRISONS SLASHES PRICE OF WHISKY BOX FOR WORLD WHISKY DAY

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Celebrate World Whisky Day in style with Morrisons Woodsman Whisky & S’more Box, featuring all customers need for a ‘neat’ night in on Saturday 15th May. Reduced to just £25 from £30, the box offers a great saving on the ingredients and snacks inside, as well as including next-day delivery.

On offer at £25 including delivery, the hamper includes all the ingredients required to make The Woodsman Maple Syrup Old Fashioned, as well as a refreshing Woodsman with Ginger Beer. Woodsman Whisky uses a mix of hand built oak casks and fired scorched bourbon barrels to give a sweet, satisfying taste. 

Come rain or shine, whisky lovers will be able to whip up a tipple and snacks from the comfort of their own home; whether wrapped up on the couch or next to the BBQ or fire pit. What’s more, the box offers the perfect gift for any whisky lover.

Morrisons new Woodsman Whisky & S’more Box is available on the Morrisons food boxes website now – https://www.morrisons.com/food-boxes/box/the-woodsman-whisky-box

The Woodsman Whisky Box includes the items listed below:

The Woodsman Whisky 70cl

Fentimans Natural Ginger Beer 750ml

Morrisons The Best No. 2 Grade Pure Maple Syrup 189ml

Butterkist Crunchy Toffee Popcorn 170g 

Morrisons Marshmallows 200g

Morrisons Milk Chocolate Digestives 300g

Morrisons Bamboo Skewers 100 Pack

Morrisons The Best Chipotle Pulled Pork BBQ crisps

Job opportunities with Aldi

ALDI RECRUITING 20 COLLEAGUES IN THE EDINBURGH AREA

Aldi, the UK’s 5th largest supermarket, is recruiting new colleagues to work in its Dalkeith and Hermiston Gate stores opening in September 2021, as a result of its continued popularity and growth across Scotland.

In a welcome boost to the Scottish economy, and to support its expansion in the area, Aldi is looking for 20 Store Assistants across Edinburgh, with training for the role starting in June.

Aldi is a multi-award-winning employer that offers one of the best working environments and competitive benefits packages in the UK supermarket sector, with the majority of Aldi colleagues now receiving a minimum rate of £9.55 per hour, rising to £10.57.

Aldi also creates opportunities for colleagues to develop and progress and has flexible contracts available, as well as healthcare and lifestyle perks for all.

Here, Aldi colleagues give insider tips on how to land a role with the supermarket:

  1. Visit the store before your interview

Deputy Store Manager, Jim Sandhu says: “I’d suggest visiting your local store to watch the team and its daily running. This type of exercise can help candidates demonstrate their knowledge of the store, and display a sound understanding of how it operates. When applying for my role, I had a chat with the Store Manager, who kindly gave me some of their time. This put me in a very strong position in the interview as I was able to speak knowledgeably about how a store operates and identify some of the main challenges a Deputy Store Manager would face.”

  1. Do some desk research

Kelly Stokes, Recruitment Director at Aldi, says: “We always want to see that applicants have done their homework, as that shows how invested an individual is in joining the business. We are currently in an ambitious growth period and are constantly on the lookout for people who are hungry to learn more about us and our ways of working. Candidates who put extra effort in when doing their research put themselves in a great position to start their application and their new career with Aldi.”

  1. Show enthusiasm

Store Manager, Jade Shallow says: “You have to display a willingness to work hard, to be passionate and to be committed to the role.  If you can clearly showcase those three areas, then you’re not only going to show that you want to give your best at Aldi, but you’ll also be in a strong position to get noticed by the hiring manager in the first place.”

About the roles available:

Job title: Store Assistant

Salary: £9.55 per hour rising to £10.57

Job description: Hardworking and enthusiastic candidates are being targeted for Aldi’s Store Assistant positions, carrying out responsibilities such as accurate and efficient till operation, stock management and merchandising.

Full training will be provided for Store Assistants over a six-week period and roles are available from 15 to 30 hours a week, with a realistic prospect of progression.

Apply here.

Richard Holloway, Regional Managing Director at Aldi, said: “We are really excited about the vacancies that have arisen across the Edinburgh area, as Aldi’s increased popularity and customer demand for quality products has allowed us to continue with our ambitious growth plan, and create further employment opportunities across Scotland.”

“Working at Aldi means more than just having a job; we really care about our colleagues, both personally and professionally. On top of our fantastic benefits, such as the competitive pay and benefits package, Aldi continues to offer a great working environment and real opportunities to progress within the business.

“We take immense pride in supporting the career development of all our colleagues and invest time and resource in them, in order to keep everyone motivated, fully engaged, continuously challenged and importantly, happy.”

Applications and more information on all of Aldi’s store positions can be found on Aldi’s recruitment website: www.aldirecruitment.co.uk/stores.

Tastebud Tour of Britain!

– National Express launch limited-edition travel sweets with fish and chips, pork pie, Wensleydale cheese, curry, Eccles cake and cornish pasty flavours –

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In celebration of Britons being able to get back on the road to start visiting friends and family once again or plan a UK break, National Express has today released the first ever range of regionally inspired travel sweets.

The Tastes of Normal limited-edition travel sweets are a homage to the simple pleasures of travel and the staple of many a journey for generations. They have been reinvented with an unexpected range of flavours inspired by favourite dishes associated with British locations, including fish and chips, pork pie, cornish pasty, Wensleydale cheese, Eccles cake and curry*.  

That’s right, boiled sweets that actually taste of fish and chips!

The Tastes of Normal travel sweets come packaged in classic round metal tins, just like those that have traditionally been found at service stations and airports for decades. Each sweet tastes of a classic dish that is synonymous with a British city or region that can be visited using National Express.

The six sweet flavours have arguably never been tasted before in boiled sweet form:

●      Fish and chips – enjoyed with fresh sea air at ever popular choices for a day trip to the seaside or coastal holiday such as Devon, Brighton, Margate, Scarborough and Blackpool 

●      Curry – in honour of Birmingham, the home of the Balti triangle and National Express

●      Cornish pasty – a must-taste treat for anyone visiting the ever-popular coastal county of Cornwall

●      Pork pie – the classic British snack from Leicestershire, home of the Melton Mowbray pork pie

●      Wensleydale cheese and cranberry – a nod to Yorkshire and popular destinations such as Leeds, Sheffield and Bradford.

●      Eccles cake – the only ‘sweet’ sweet in the tin, representing Greater Manchester. 

The National Express full UK timetable with hundreds of destinations is now on sale, allowing Summer bookings when all restrictions are lifted. Customers can also book accommodation and attractions alongside their coach travel, complete with a price guarantee and ABTA protection

Chris Hardy, managing director of National Express UK Coach, said: “We suspended all services for 11 weeks at the beginning of the year so we’re delighted to now be back on the road with full measures in place to ensure passenger comfort and safety. 

“As the UK’s largest coach operator, we’ve always been part of seeing friends and family, going to events, on day trips and holidays. We wanted to mark helping make this happen again in a fun way. 

“Fish and chips and pork pies might not be the kind of flavours anyone would expect to taste in boiled sweet form, but each confectionary celebrates the wonderful diversity of the UK.

“We hope the tastes will take people to a place they’ve missed and can now happily and safely return to with National Express.”

The limited-edition sweets are not for sale but will be given away to the public via National Express social media channels:

Instagram @nationalexpress Twitter(@nationalexpress and Facebook @NationalExpress)

and the National Express website at www.nationalexpress.com/tastesofnormal.

For more information and to book travel visit www.nationalexpress.com. 

It’s Veggie week at Murrayfield Nursery

EDINBURGH NURSERY GOES VEGGIE FOR NATIONAL VEGETARIAN WEEK

The Murrayfield Nursery in Edinburgh is serving up an entirely vegetarian menu to children this week, as part of National Vegetarian Week celebrations.

The Nursery has incorporated a range of enticing vegetarian meals in place of its usual rolling spring/summer menu for children to experience and enjoy each day.

Alongside the change in menu, children will also explore a variety of vegetables as part of their opportunities to learn through play at the Nursery.

Nursery Manager Rhonda Houston said: “We’re pleased to be offering a healthy, nutritious meat-free menu to all of our children this week as part of National Vegetarian Week.

“We’re always promoting the benefits of a healthy, balanced diet, and sharing information about where our food comes from – and this was another fun opportunity in which to do so.

“We already offer a vegetarian/vegan option as part of our seasonal menus at The Murrayfield, but it will be nice to introduce all of our children to new tastes, textures and flavours, which we can all share in together.”

The Murrayfield Nursery provides inspiring environments to children aged 12 weeks to five years and is part of the independent CC Nurseries group, which already provides inspirational Early Childhood Learning and Care for over 600 families in settings across England and Scotland.

More information about the Nursery can be found at www.themurrayfieldnursery.co.uk 

or via Facebook at fb.com/murrayfieldnursery

Morrisons launches mega sale on baby products

Morrisons has launched a mega in-store sale on baby and toddler products. The sale, which is on across the month of May will allow parents to save big on brands including Pampers, Baby Dove, Johnson’s and many more.

Morrisons has also launched a new baby food range under its Nutmeg brand with prices starting at just 50p – a fraction of the cost of similar products from Hipp and Ella’s Kitchen which normally for almost double (90p).

To help parents even further as the nation moves out of lockdown, they can also sign up to the Baby & More Club for additional exclusive offers, helpful tips, members-only freebies and competitions.

And because parents need treats too, Morrisons has further offers on bath and beauty products to unwind and relax.

Aldi Scotland most awarded retailer at the 2021 Scottish Retail Food and Drink Awards

This year’s inaugural Scottish Retail Food and Drink Awards saw Aldi enjoy enormous success as the most-awarded supermarket, winning an impressive 19 accolades for a variety of its high-quality Scottish food and drink.

After almost three weeks of intensive judging involving hundreds of products and more than 60 expert judges from across the food and drink sector, a range of Aldi’s Scottish products from various food and drink categories were announced as the winners.

As well as scooping three Gold Awards in the beer, gin and spirit categories, Aldi also took home two of the six highly sought-after Platinum Awards for their Specially Selected Steak & Ale Pie and 12-Year-Old Speyside Whisky. Both products were described as being “well-balanced”, “exceptional value for money” and of “absolutely outstanding quality”.

Helen Lyons, Scottish Retail Food and Drink Awards Co-Founder, said: “My congratulations go out to all our winners and a big well done to Aldi for their sweeping success this year, which is thoroughly deserved. Their championing of Scottish produce is so clear.

“The Scottish Retail Food and Drink Awards recognises and celebrates the best produce available in Scotland. Our goal has always been to get more Scottish food and drink products onto more shelves, and it has been such a joy to see the high standard of entries this year.

“Receiving a Scottish Retail Food and Drink Award is a stamp of excellence. Aldi should be very proud of their many successes this year, especially their two Platinum Awards.”

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, added: “I am thrilled that 19 of our Scottish products have been recognised by the Scottish Retail Food and Drink Awards. Our success really demonstrates our commitment to providing our customers with the best quality produce that Scotland has to offer at an affordable price.

“I am also so pleased that Aldi has been highlighted as leading the way in Scottish sourcing. The awards and this recognition are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Scottish suppliers.”

Aldi leads the way with local sourcing and stocks some of the finest quality food and drink from over 90 Scottish suppliers. After reaching their initial goal of stocking over 450 Scottish products by the end of 2020, the supermarket has now increased this target to stock over 500 locally sourced products in the next two years.

The complete range of Aldi Scotland products that have won at the 2021 Scottish Retail Food & Drink Awards are:

ALDI Scotland Product WinnersCategoryRetail Price
12-year-old Speyside WhiskyPlatinum Award – Drink£20.99, 70cl
Specially Selected Steak & Ale PiePlatinum Award – Food£1.99, 250g
ToradhGold Award – Gin£14.99, 70cl
EidynGold Award – Gin£19.99, 70cl
Anti AGold Award – Beer£1.19, 330ml
RubusGold Award – Beer£1.25, 330ml
12-year-old Speyside WhiskyGold Award – Other Spirits£20.99, 70cl 
Specially Selected Sundried Tomato, Lentil & Smoked Paprika SoupStore Cupboard£0.75, 380g
Specially Selected Chicken BalmoralReady Meals & Accompaniments£3.79, 465g
Specially Selected Steak & Ale PieQuiches, Pies and Pasties£1.99, 250g 
Specially Selected Aberdeen Angus 36-Day Aged RibeyeSteak£4.89, 227g
Specially Selected Black PuddingHaggis, Black & White Pudding£0.99, 200g
Specially Selected Scotch Aberdeen Angus Dry Aged Steak BurgerBurgers and Sausages£2,49, 340g
Ginger, Chilli and Lime Infused Scottish Salmon FilletsFish£2.99, 220g
Specially Selected Jersey MilkDairy£0.95, 1l
Specially Selected Scottish Vintage CheddarCheese£1.25, 200g
Specially Selected Orkney Caramel BiscuitsBiscuits – Sweet£1.69, 200g
Specially Selected Oatcake Bikes – Lockerbie CheddarBiscuits – Savoury£0.99, 175g

Aldi’s Specially Selected Lemon Shortbread Rounds were also Commended in the Biscuits – Sweet category.

Tea-rrific! Morrisons celebrates VE Day by bringing back Tommy Tea Afternoon Tea Box

  • £1 from each box goes to the Royal British Legion Industry charity –
  • The box includes everything you need to enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea at home and features products from Morrisons The Best range –

Morrisons is bringing back its popular Tommy Tea Afternoon Tea box to help customers celebrate VE day on the 8th May and support Royal British Legion Industries with an afternoon tea party to mark the occasion.  

The term Tommy has been used for many years to refer to a British Soldier, with German and French troops often calling the name out over the trenches during World War I, to speak with a British Soldier.

The boxes support the Royal British Legion Industries’ VE Day campaign with £1 from every Tommy Tea Afternoon Tea food box bought going to the charity to provide support to the UK’s most vulnerable veterans into safe homes and vital employment opportunities and offer the support they need to get back on their feet.

Containing all you need to make the most of the good weather and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at home, the box features products from Morrisons The Best range including All Butter Sultana Scones, Strawberry Conserve and Sparkling Sicilian Lemonade. Each box will also contain a leaflet with information about the charity and how customers can get involved to fundraise and support.

The box is available online from 29th April – 10th May and priced at £20, with customers able to add a bottle of prosecco for £25 or a bottle of champagne for £37.

  

Joseph Clark-Bland, Charity and Community Specialist at Morrisons, said: “We’re proud to continue to show our support for veterans and the RBLI’s Tommy’s Tea Campaign.

“The Tommy Tea Afternoon food box is packed full of products for customers to host their own celebrations and enjoy an afternoon tea at home, to mark VE Day.”

The launch of the Tommy Tea Box falls in line with the start of RBLI’s Tommy’s Race to Victory – a national event which sees a team of military veterans and serving personnel run and cycle more than 800 miles over 9 days throughout the UK, stopping off at major cities and military locations in the run up to VE Day. 

Lisa Farmer, Director of Strategic Development at RBLI, said: “Morrisons continued commitment to supporting military veterans through RBLI’s wide range of services is nothing short of phenomenal.

“This year, RBLI is going above and beyond to celebrate VE Day whilst also raising crucial funds for the country’s most vulnerable veterans during the pandemic – and we simply cannot thank Morrisons enough for once again coming to the fore to help our military veterans in their time of need.”

A typical box contains:

  • Morrisons The Best All Butter Sultana Scone 4 Pack
  • Rodda’s Classic Cornish Clotted Cream 227g
  • Morrisons The Best Strawberry Conserve 340g
  • Morrisons Cherry Bakewell Tarts 6 Pack
  • Mr Kipling Chocolate Slices 6 Pack
  • Morrisons Egg Mayonnaise Filler 250g
  • Greenside Cheese Slices 200g
  • Morrisons Carvery Honey Roast Ham 150g
  • Medium White Loaf 800g
  • Morrisons Red Label Tea Bags 40’s
  • Morrisons The Best Sparkling Sicilian Lemonade 750ml
  • Morrisons The Best Lightly Salted Crisps 150g
  • + optional Morrisons The Best Prosecco DOC 75cl/ Morrisons The Best Brut Premier Cru Champagne

For more information or to purchase the Morrisons Tommy Afternoon Tea Box visit https://www.morrisons.com/food-boxes/boxes/all-boxes

Morrisons Aperol Cocktail Box set to spritz up the bank holiday

– The new box delivers an alfresco aperitivo directly to your doorstep –

– Includes snacks and can be ordered for next day delivery –

Morrisons is answering spritz lovers’ prayers as it launches a new Aperol Cocktail Box. Landing in time for the bank holiday, the box has been created alongside Aperol and Mionetto to make it easy for customers to whip up the ever-popular aperitivo, the Aperol Spritz.

The box includes everything required to create the ultimate summer cocktail: a 70cl bottle of Aperol to mix up with the light and refreshing Mionetto Prosecco, before being topped with Morrisons Soda Water. There’s even a loose orange included to garnish the spritz.

To accompany the drinks, the box also includes Morrisons The Best Gruyere & Poppy Seed Twists, Morrisons The Best Lightly Salted Crisps and Morrisons The Best nocellara Olives; for a taste of an Italian piazza from the comfort of your back garden.

Liam Challenger, Food Boxes Trading Manager at Morrisons said: “The first May bank holiday feels like the start of the British summer – and with foreign holidays still off the cards, our Aperol Cocktail Box can bring a taste of the continent to gardens and parks across the UK.

“The box includes everything customers need to make the classic, refreshing Italian spritz with carefully selected snacks to serve alongside.” 

Morrisons limited-edition Aperol Cocktail Box costs £35 including next day delivery and is available now on the Morrisons food boxes website:

https://www.morrisons.com/food-boxes/box/The-Aperol-Cocktail-Box

 For more information on Morrisons Food Boxes range visit 

www.morrisons.com/food-boxes

Brewtiful: Aldi unveils line up for Spring Scottish Beer Festival

The 23rd annual in-store festival is bringing together thirteen of the best breweries from all corners of Scotland.  

Aldi has revealed the line-up for its 23rd annual Scottish beer festival, which will showcase 30 exceptional craft beers from thirteen breweries across the country, with prices starting at just £1.39.  

Kicking off in-store on Thursday (29th April), the festival comes just in time for the bank holiday weekend. The breweries featured span the length and breadth of Scotland in a deal worth over £110,000 to those involved.  

Aldi’s Scottish Beer Festival will celebrate the vast range of beers, lagers and ales brewed across Scotland, including products from Loch Lomond Brewery, which was named Brewery of the Year at the 2020 Scottish Beer Awards. 

The line-up includes 26 new products, including wheat beers, stouts, IPAs and pale ales, as well as the return of four customer favourites, including Bellfield’s Bohemian Pilsner and Fyne Ales’ Hurricane Jack.  

Multi-award-winning brewery Fierce Beer will also have nine of its craft beers featured in the festival. Fierce Beer won ‘Breakthrough Brewery’ back in 2017 and most recently received 14 awards at the 2020 Scottish Beer Awards, including gold awards for Split Shift and Café Racer, which both feature in Aldi’s festival line-up.  

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Our Scottish Beer Festivals always give our customers something to look forward to and I have no doubt that this year’s will do the same.  

“While we hope that many people will be able to get down to their local for the first time in quite a while this bank holiday weekend, the next best option is to support your local brewery at our Scottish Beer Festival.  

“We are immensely proud of the strong partnerships we have built with local breweries in Scotland, and I am certain that our customers will enjoy discovering some quirky new brews at everyday Aldi prices.” 

The Aldi Scottish Beer festival, will take place in all 96 Scottish stores from Thursday 29th April. You can find your nearest Aldi here.