Aldi’s popular in-store Scottish Beer Festival is back today, featuring a line-up of 31 craft beers from 15 local breweries across Scotland.
This year’s line-up includes three brand-new additions from Dalkeith-based brewers Cross Borders Brewing. Founded in 2016, Cross Borders Brewing has grown from strength to strength, winning numerous brewing accolades as well as opening their own pub, Portobello Tap near Portobello beach.
From sour ales to stouts, this season’s line-up includes something for every beer drinker, and bottles start from just £1.49.
Aldi shoppers can try Cross Borders Brewing’s award-winning Wee Braw Session IPA, flavoured with mosaic hops from the US, their pineapple and apricot infused Braw Pale Ale, or their classic India Pale Ale for those who enjoy a rich citrus flavour.
Cross Borders Brewing will feature alongside 14 other Scottish breweries, including firm beer festival favourites such as, Brewdog, Barney’s Beer and Isle of Skye Brewery.
Craig Hannigan, Sales Representative, Cross Borders Brewing, commented:“We are thrilled to make our debut in Aldi’s famous in-store Scottish Beer Festival.
“It’s a brilliant opportunity for us to reach Aldi shoppers from all over the country. The past few months have been challenging for small businesses, however, Aldi’s support is a significant boost for all of us that are featured in the line-up, and we hope Aldi shoppers across Scotland enjoy the diverse range of brews on offer.”
Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said:“We want our customers to have access to the very best Scottish brewing has to offer, that’s why our line-up for the 22nd in-store Scottish Beer Festival includes 15 exceptional craft breweries from all four corners of the country.
“We are thrilled to welcome back some of the Scottish Beer Festival’s firm favourites, as well as new brewers, Cross Borders Brewing, to the line-up.
“Over the years, we have enjoyed exploring the diverse range of Scottish brewing and we have built strong relationships with local breweries around the country as part of our pledge to expand our range of Scottish products to 500 over the next 2 years.
“Our Beer Festival ensures we can offer Aldi customers the best range of craft beers, whilst supporting local breweries during these challenging times.”
– Roles being advertised focus on picking and packing Morrisons on Amazon orders –
Morrisons is creating over 1,000 permanent jobs to fulfil orders for its services on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon Prime Now.
Morrisons is recruiting the colleagues to help pick and pack customer orders from over 50 stores, covering most major cities and many towns.
Customers are looking for different ways to access grocery home deliveries and Morrisons on Amazon (an Amazon.co.uk service) and the Morrisons Store on Amazon Prime Now (accessible via the Prime Now site and app) provide Prime members with a way of getting free-of-charge same-day grocery delivery.
Orders are placed on Amazon, before being picked in store by Morrisons employees and packed in a dedicated area. From there, the shopping is collected by Amazon Flex Delivery Partners and delivered to the customer within a two-hour delivery window on the same day.
The ‘Customer Assistant – Pick and Pack’ roles are available in over 50 stores across the country. Successful candidates will work as part of a Delivery team in stores, ensuring that orders are picked and packed correctly and customer service standards are maintained.
Hannah Horsfall, Head of Amazon at Morrisons,said: “At Morrisons, we’re doing everything we can to ensure everyone can order our great value food and have it delivered to their doorstep.
“We’re looking for team players, with good customer service skills that can play their full part in helping to feed the nation.”
All jobs are advertised on the Morrisons Jobs website: https://www.morrisons.jobs/ – search for pick and pack.
Sales of takeaway alcohol products have risen by more than a third (36%) during lockdown, due to increased intake and offerings, new research shows.
Brand new data compiled by Just Eat and City Pantry reveals the UK’s takeaway habits and how they’ve changed during the pandemic.
Northern Ireland saw the biggest increase in product orders with a rise of 9.3%, while the West Midlands saw the lowest increase at 3.5%.
Continued social distancing and flexible working will lead to steady increase in home deliveries, expert says.
Takeaway alcohol product sales have risen by more than a third (36%) during lockdown, due to an increase in consumption and a wider availability of products, new research shows.
The study, compiled by City Pantry and Just Eat, looks at how the nation’s takeaway habits have changed over lockdown, to reveal whether we’re eating healthier, drinking or eating more, and when in the week we’re most likely to indulge in a takeaway.
Northern Ireland saw the biggest sales increase with orders up 9.3%, followed by the East of England with 7.7% and the East Midlands at 6.4%. The West Midlands (3.5%) and the North West (3.8%) saw the lowest rise.
While this increase could be attributed to a rise in at-home consumption due to Brits being unable to visit the pub, it’s also likely due to more providers adding alcohol products to their takeaway menus than before the pandemic.
This has been instrumental in allowing dine-in restaurants to pivot their services to maintain revenue while restrictions were in place, with all regions partaking in remotely purchasing alcohol products.
Increase in alcohol consumption by region
As well as ordering more alcohol products, the data shows that some regions have grown progressively more adventurous with their meal choices.
Brunch orders have seen the biggest maximum rise overall with orders jumping by 182% in Northern Ireland, while Scotland has seen orders of Greek food – such as moussaka, baklava and gyros – rise by 167%.
Vegan and vegetarian orders are also on the rise, with plant-based takeaways rising by almost a third (29%). Not every part of the UK is onboard with the veggie options, however, as they’ve dipped by 10% in the Midlands and 7% in Scotland compared to before lockdown.
Tom Squire, Financial Director at City Pantry, comments: “As businesses and individuals continue to adapt to the ‘new normal’ and practice social distancing, it’s likely we will see further growth in delivered-in meals.
“As such, it’s important that we in the hospitality industry continue to work together to find solutions that are COVID-safe and adapt to meet the evolving needs of consumers.
“We’ve already seen hospitality businesses adapt and create new offerings during lockdown – from creating recipe boxes of their best-selling dishes to hampers that include treats and alcohol, all available for delivery to people’s homes.
“Convenience and variety have played a big role in this increased demand, with busy remote workers not able to spend sufficient time preparing all their meals from scratch every day.”
And increased alcohol sales isn’t the only habit that has increased during lockdown – dessert orders have risen by a massive 151% in Wales and 141% in the East of England, while the average takeaway order value is now 10% higher than before lockdown.
One Year No Beer founder named Scotland and Northern Ireland Entrepreneur of the Year
The founder of One Year No Beer, Ruari Fairbairns, has been named Great British Entrepreneur of the Year for Scotland and Northern Ireland at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.
Inspired by Ruari’s own personal journey, One Year No Beer is a global alcohol prevention program, aimed at anyone drinking more than three glasses of wine a week. It is on a universal mission to help people change their relationship with alcohol, which leads to most people fundamentally transforming their lives.
Ruari Fairbairns, Founder and CEO of One Year No Beer commented: “I am beyond delighted to have won not only the regional Health & Wellbeing Entrepreneur of the Year award but also to have been named Great British Entrepreneur of the Year for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
“This means the world to me and I’d like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all of the team at OYNB, those who have supported us and our incredible members who joined us on our journey so far.
“This has been such a tough year for so many people following the outbreak of the C19 pandemic and with so many turning to alcohol to manage their symptoms of stress and anxiety, it has never been more important for us to continue on our mission to help people change their relationship with alcohol, which leads to most people fundamentally transforming their lives.”
Now in its eighth year, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards in partnership with Starling Bank celebrate the hard work and inspiring stories of entrepreneurs in the UK, rather than the business’ balance sheet.
This is the top award given in each region and is given to someone who truly encapsulates what it means to be a Great British entrepreneur. They exhibit all of the hard work, determination, creativity and resilience required to rise above the rest.
It was Ruari’s second award of the evening, after he was also named Health & Wellbeing Entrepreneur of the Year for the region.
With Covid-19 restrictions preventing the regional finals taking place at a live event, Ruariwon the award during a virtual award ceremony joined by finalists across every region.
He is now in the running to be named Great British Entrepreneur of the Year 2020 at the National Final of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, with a date yet to be confirmed with uncertainty over large events due to Covid-19 restrictions.
In a video message to finalists, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “Entrepreneurs [have shown they] stay strong, even during a global pandemic. Coronavirus hasn’t stifled enterprise.
“Entrepreneurs are creating new businesses and adapting to the crisis, as seen in this year’s entries. And that’s what we need to happen if we want our economy to bounce back. We need all of you to keep inventing, keep taking risks, keep creating new businesses.
“It’s my job as Chancellor to celebrate, champion and support you.
“Congratulations to all the winners. Thank you to all of you for everything you’ve done.”
Francesca James, founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, said: “I’m delighted for Ruari. He was the outstanding candidate to become Entrepreneur of the Year in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
“He exhibits everything that it means to be a Great British entrepreneur. He has a fantastic story and I can’t wait to watch One Year No Beer flourish for many years to come.”
Anne Boden, founder and CEO of Starling Bank, said: “We’re entrepreneurs and we have spirit. We fight back and we’re very good at dealing with adversity. And Ruari is an example to us all, of entrepreneurs that are creative, innovative, and changing the world.
“I’m so excited that Starling, a business I founded in 2014 and now the Best British Bank, is sponsoring such an important Awards. And as one entrepreneur to another, congratulations to getting where you are this evening and best of luck for the future.”
– Customers can sign up for weekly, fortnightly or monthly deliveries of food boxes –
– Customers will receive the delivery without needing a delivery slot –
– Savings introduced for food boxes as demand for other online services increases –
– A Feed a Family Box is also being offered to feed a family of four for five days –
– New site opened in Wakefield to manufacture food boxes –
Morrisons is today announcing new measures to its online food box service that will help customers to get a delivery of groceries to their doorstep.
With demand for online delivery slots increasing across the retail sector, Morrisons will be offering more ways to help customers buy its pre-prepared food boxes.
New measures include:
From today, Customers can opt for a weekly, fortnightly or monthly food box delivery so they can receive a regular and predictable home delivery.
Those who opt for this ‘subscription’ service will receive a 5% discount.
To support customers who want to switch to its Food Boxes Morrisons is offering a further 20 per cent discount which will apply to the first shop. The code is BOX154864P.
Morrisons has set aside a facility in Wakefield with hundreds of staff to make food boxes for the nation.
Morrisons is offering a Feed a Family Recipe Box to feed a family of four for five days
With coronavirus case rates rising and new restrictions being introduced, demand for food boxes has increased by 56% per cent in the last week.
Morrisons food boxes were launched in March in response to the pandemic and subsequent lockdown. They provide an alternative for customers who are not able to leave their home or would prefer not to visit a supermarket. Customers can choose from a range of pre-prepared boxes to meet their needs.
Aidan Buckley, Director of Food to Order, for Morrisons said: “Customers use our food box service to get fresh food and cupboard essentials delivered to their doorstep quickly. We are making the service simpler and even better value to ensure everyone can get access to affordable food at this difficult time.”
Morrisons is offering a Feed a FamilyRecipe Box to help families get through the week. It contains five meals to feed a family of four. Costing just £30 each meal works out at only £1.50. A Cupboard Essentials box at £22 includes Long Life Milk, Soup, Rice, Pasta, Tuna, Beans, Custard Creams, Wine Gums and even a 4 pack of Toilet Roll.
Customers can also access a Beers, Wines and Gin Boxes, along with Flowers as treats for themselves or gifts for others.
Morrisons food box range includes; a series of weekly ‘food parcel’ style Essentials Boxes for meat-eaters, vegetarians and vegans; Fruit, Meat and Fish boxes for households who want to stock up; and Gluten Free, and Lean Meat boxes for customers with special dietary requirements.
All boxes are ordered online and delivered to customers doors the next day by DPD.
For further information and to order a Morrisons Food Box please visit:
Scotland’s top alternative night out, Fore Play Crazy Golf, has announced the launch of their new pop-up venue in Edinburgh city centre.
Set to open next month, Scotland’s favourite adult-only crazy golf haven’t let COVID deter their plans, and they’re bringing their love of crazy golf, great nights out and Edinburgh to the city in a complete transformation of the former Steak restaurant, located at Picardy Place.
The bold new move comes after the team had to close their first ever popup at the Biscuit Factory after only two weeks of trading earlier this year in March.
The new Fore Play Crazy Golf venue promises to be bigger and better than before, with thrill-seekers set to enjoy two floors jam-packed with fun, games and Instagrammable features. The new space boasts 9,000 sq ft and can seat up to 126 socially distanced guests throughout the venue.
Taking centre-stage the Edinburgh course features famous Auld Reekie landmarks paying tribute to some of the city centre’s most instagrammable spots including Greyfriars Bobby statue and the Scott Monument.
With a unique blend of crazy golf, mouth watering street food and cocktails made with local suppliers like Pickering’s Gin and Edinburgh Beer Factory, Fore Play Crazy Golf promises an experience which is un-fore-gettable in every way.
New venue features include a bar on each floor, as well as a heated outdoor beer garden which can seat up to 40 people, allowing players to enjoy table service throughout the venue.
Meanwhile Edinburgh’s street food superstars, The Pitt are on hand to feed hungry putters with a new food menu that boasts plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.
Craig Neilson, Chief Greenkeeper at Fore Play Crazy Golfsaid: “COVID might have ruined our plans the first time round, but we’re excited to announce that Fore Play Crazy Golf is here to stay.
“Our new home in Edinburgh city centre is a fantastic location and we’re delighted to be able to provide people in Edinburgh with a different night out to enjoy with friends or on a date. We’ve teamed up with some of the city’s best food and drink suppliers to make sure it’ll be a night to remember.”
New industry group issues appeal as Scottish Government enforces further limits on gatherings
A new body representing many of Scotland’s most successful restaurant and bar owners has called on the Scottish Government to immediately shut down licensed premises which flout social distancing regulations.
The newly-formed Scottish Hospitality Group (SHG) comprises many of the country’s largest and best-known restaurant and bar businesses, including The DRG Group, Buzzworks Holdings, Signature Pubs, Montpeliers, Manorview Group, Lisini Pub Co, Caledonia Inns, G1 Group, Siberia Bar & Hotel, Mor-Rioghain Group, and Caledonian Heritable.
The businesses are founded and based in Scotland and collectively contribute a significant investment to the Scottish economy, employing close to 6,000 staff across the country. The well-known venues have a combined turnover of over £275 million.
Yesterday the organisation demanded that ‘rogue licensees’ who fail to enforce social distancing regulations, in light of the revised Scottish Government guidance limiting gatherings to six people from two households, should be shut down immediately to safeguard the wider industry.
Award-winning hotelier Stephen Montgomery, spokesman for the SHG, who runs two hotels in Dumfries and Galloway, said: “We have been forced to act because our industry is facing an existential crisis.
“The vast majority of bars and restaurants in Scotland have been adhering religiously to every regulation that has been introduced because we realise the very future of our industry is at stake.
“The Scottish Government simply must not take a blanket approach if a few rogue licensees fail to do the right thing.
“All members of the SHG are united in calling on the Scottish Government to immediately shut down the operators of bars and restaurants who don’t adhere to the very highest standards of social distancing, PPE and other essential hygiene measures.
“Targeting the few bars and restaurants which are breaking the rules is the proper and proportionate way to proceed, particularly in light of the revised Scottish Government guidance limiting gatherings to six people from two households.
“Responsible bar and restaurant owners across Scotland are also essential to the effective use of the track and trace system. If you shut down restaurants and bars, you are massively increasing the risk of more house parties and irresponsible gatherings, where track and trace is almost impossible.”
The SHG founding members are:
The DRG Group – Mario Gizzi
The Di Maggio’s Restaurant Group (The DRG) is Scotland’s largest independently owned restaurant operator. Founded by Joe Conetta and his nephew, Mario Gizzi, in 1983 with the creation of the Glasgow institution, Di Maggio’s. Thirty years later, Mario is still at the helm, co-managing the business with Joe’s son, Tony Conetta. DRG now has 25 restaurants in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Brands within the DRG include Di Maggio’s, Café Andaluz, Amarone, Barolo, The Anchor Line, Atlantic and Cadiz. Gizzi is also co-owner of another successful restaurant business. Turnover £40m – 1,200 plus employees.
Buzzworks Holdings – Kenny Blair
Buzzworks Holdings is one of Scotland’s fastest growing independent restaurant and bar operators, managing twelve prestigious venues across Ayrshire and beyond with over 500 staff. The award-winning company offers an aspirational dining and entertainment experience through four stylish brands – Scotts, House, Lido & Vic’s & The Vine – bringing in an annual turnover of over £18m. It is currently ranked within The Sunday Times Best 100 Best Companies to work for in the UK.
Signature Pubs – Nic Wood
Signature Pubs formed in 2003 with a current t/o £35m Scottish hospitality business of 22 non branded venues – independently owned, operated and financed. We employ +700 staff to operate these bars, restaurants and hotels. Representations of all aspects of the sector eg Kyloe Restaurant & Grill – premium steakhouse within The Rutland Hotel in Edinburgh’s West End, The Spiritualist – cocktail bar in Merchant City, Glasgow, Cold Town House – restaurant, bar, entertainment venue and microbrewery offering tours and experiences in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket.
Montpeliers – Innes Bolt
Launched in 1992, Montpeliers is a forward thinking bar/restaurant, nightclub and hotel group. It turns over more than £15m and has seven venues employing just over 250 staff. These include Tigerlily, Rabble, Montpeliers, Indigo Yard, Eastside and Candy Bar. David Wither and Ruth Wither (Partners) also founded one of the most successful online hospitality training businesses – Flow.
Manorview Group – Steve Graham
Established in 2007, The Manorview Group boasts eight luxury boutique hotels across the central belt of Scotland and more than 500 employees. They specialise in the restoration of old and tired properties, transforming them into luxury boutique hotels. These include The Busby Hotel, Busby; The Torrance Hotel, East Kilbride; Boclair House, Bearsden and Cornhill Castle in Biggar. The business turnsover in the region of £16m.
Lisini Pub Co – Lisa Wishart
Lisini Pub Company is one of the most successful, independent, family run hospitality businesses in Scotland. With almost 50 years’ experience its portfolio of hotels, bars and restaurants in Lanarkshire include: Angels Hotel in Uddingston, Dalziel Park Hotel in Motherwell, The Parkville Hotel in Blantyre and The Castle Rooms in Uddingston. The company turns over in the region of £8m and has 240+ employees.
Caledonia Inns – Billy Lowe
Formed in 2017 by Billy Lowe who formerly owned Saltire Taverns (sold in 2015) has owned 36 bars over the course of the last 25 years. His current venues include Black Ivy and MacSorley’s in Edinburgh. The business turns over £8m and has 100 employees.
Caledonian Heritable – Graeme Arnott
Caledonian Heritable turns over in excess of £45 million and employees some 800 plus people. It is one of Scotland’s biggest bar and pub owners and operators.
G1 Group – Lesley Welsh G1 Group was founded in Glasgow in 1990 and is Scotland’s largest independently owned hospitality group. With a diverse collection of over 50 venues, they specialise in the restoration and refurbishment of buildings with listed status. G1 operate a handful of hotels in Edinburgh, as well as a range of restaurants, bars and pubs all over the country. They also operate 3 cinemas, including the only independently owned IMAX in the UK. G1 has a turnover of £85m with 930 staff.
Siberia Bar & Hotel – Stuart McPhee With a turnover of £1.5m and employing 28 staff, Siberia Bar & Hotel, is an award winning independently owned bar, restaurant and hotel on a site that has been operated and developed by the company in Aberdeen city centre for over 40 years.
Mior-Rioghain Group venues offer fine Scottish hospitality and a range of local food and drink that showcase the very best Scotland has to offer. The business employs 125 people across its three sites in Aberdeen and Inverness and turns over £3.5m.
Scotland’s pubs and bars face unprecedented challenges with fears up to 12.5k jobs could be lost
The Scottish Licensed Trade Association has released a snapshot survey of the challenges facing Scotland’s pubs and bars, sponsored by KPMG UK. The survey contains key insights into the significant impacts of the COVID crisis on Scotland’s pubs and bars.
The survey which represents over 10% of Scotland’s On-trade premises, highlights that 45% of business owners do not expect a return to any sort of normal trading until a vaccine is found.
The survey also revealed that up to 25% of the 50,000 jobs in the sector could be lost and coupled with the introduction of reduced opening hours for many businesses and a subsequent reduction in working hours for staff, all jobs in the sector are effectively under threat.
Colin Wilkinson, Managing Director of the SLTA, said: “Our snapshot survey covers all types of licensed premises and is an indicator of the key issues facing the wide range of small to large businesses which trade within the wider hospitality sector.
“Our survey is based upon quantitative research from over 600 outlets covering the length and breadth of the country and is supported by major food and drink chains, independent pubs, bars and hotels in Scotland’s hospitality sector.
“The impact of COVID has been more severe for Scotland’s pubs and bars than virtually any other sector, and we now face the stark reality that up to 12,500 jobs could be lost as nearly 90% of premises report that their revenue is down versus last year, with 38% reporting revenue decreases of over 50%.
“Our own survey reinforces a recent survey by the University of Edinburgh on behalf of the tourism industry, which shows the devastating impact on employment in pubs, bars and the wider hospitality sector.
He went on: “Our sector has worked very hard to prepare for reopening and to ensure customers enjoy a safe environment. The average pub or bar spent £2,500 on training and social distancing measures, and this equates to a £15m investment across the entire sector.
“Also, many pubs and bars have adapted by making increased use of digital technology and offering restaurant quality food and cocktails for home delivery. However, with many people working from home, and local restrictions, one of Scotland’s major employment sectors faces unparalleled difficulties and the current business climate is leading to a real threat of permanent business closures and job losses.’’
The sector welcomed the support from both the UK and Scottish Governments, but notably support from Banks and UK Government had a higher rating than Scottish or Local Government.
Alistair McAlinden, head of hospitality and leisure for KPMG in Scotland, said: “It’s incredibly concerning, but not entirely surprising, to hear that so many licensed trade operators across Scotland are worried about largescale job losses and possible business failures over the next twelve months. The industry is facing a battle for survival and there will inevitably be some casualties.
“KPMG’s Economic Outlook research gives some cause for cautious optimism, forecasting that Scotland’s economy should regain lost ground in 2021, provided a vaccine programme is successful and rolled out quickly. But, for many pubs and bars, the crisis is happening right now and time is running out.
“The sector has worked tirelessly to reopen and rebuild consumer confidence. A collaborative effort and increased support from political leaders will be essential to ensure the industry survives an incredibly challenging few months ahead.
“As part of this, KPMG’s multidisciplinary team are already supporting a number of licensed trade operators as they seek to navigate their way through these financial headwinds.”
Colin Wilkinson concluded: “The SLTA, is currently celebrating our 140thanniversary, and has been the voice of the independent licensed On-trade in Scotland since 1880. Right now, our industry is fighting for its survival with many businesses on the precipice of business failure.
“The sector is a critical part of Scotland’s tourism and food and drink economies and we urge UK, Scottish and Local Governments to provide continuing support for our pubs and bars and protect the jobs that they provide directly, and the associated jobs in the wholesaling, brewing/distilling and food producing sectors.”
Key Findings
63% of businesses are employing less people now than in January (a traditional quiet month), and it is forecast this will increase to 70% less employees by Christmas.
45% of businesses do not expect a return to normal trading until a COVID vaccine is found.
85% of outlets are seeing a downturn in footfall and 89% in revenue.
38% have seen revenue drop by over 50% versus same period last year.
There is evidence that venues in rural and tourist locations are faring slightly better than in urban areas with 77% showing a revenue decline versus 89% nationally.
Retailers have spent significant sums on preparing to meet social distancing standards, with an average investment of £2,500 per outlet, which equates to £15m across Scotland’s pubs and bars.
There are major implications for employment.
Most respondents felt positive about government support provided, but notably support from Banks and UK Government had a higher rating than Scottish or Local Government.
The Eat Out to Help Out scheme was well received amongst those serving food with an enthusiasm to extend.
Retailers have adapted to new ways of working and serving their customers with 43% increasing their use of digital technology and 35% offering food for takeaway.
Morrisons has cut and will hold down the price of over 400 of the most popular items to make good food affordable for families this autumn.
With the UK now in recession and some family budgets under pressure, Morrisons yesterday reduced the prices of the 400 essentials by an average of 23 per cent.
Morrisons has already cut the price of over 800 customer favourites across its stores since last year.
This week’s cuts will span Morrisons fresh food, store cupboard staples and cleaning. Products will include fruit and veg, meat and poultry, bread and cornflakes, rice and pasta, plus bleach, cleaning fluid and toilet rolls.
The lower prices are intended to help families returning to work and school. For example, the cost of a family lunch box will be coming down as will the cost of the nation’s most often cooked meal spaghetti bolognese with beef mince, ragu sauce and own-brand spaghetti all coming down in price.[1]
David Potts, Morrisons Chief Executive said: “It’s been a tough year for many families who find themselves stretched. To play our full part in feeding the nation, we’re cutting prices and holding them low to make our food more affordable for everyone. These are not short term promotions these are price cuts that are here to stay.”
Morrisons has been listening carefully to customers who have said that budgeting and value for money have become more important since the Covid-19 pandemic started. Many are worried about its effect on the British economy[2].
– 300 professional florists to offer handmade bouquet service across the UK this Autumn –
– Research shows flowers are the country’s most popular lockdown purchase, with online searches up 277% –
Morrisons is doubling the number of fully-qualified, expert florists in its stores to 300 this Autumn – to provide fresh, bespoke bouquets for its customers.
The supermarket is expanding its instore florist shops, which will see a further 60 florist stations installed across the UK – to take the total to over 100.
The new florist shops will provide 180 additional roles for qualified professional florists, who may be out of work following the impact that the pandemic has had on the high street.
Recent Google data has found that flowers have been one of the country’s most popular online purchases during lockdown, with online searches up 277 per cent. Morrisons is currently selling over four million flower stems every week.
Morrisons is doubling the number of fully-qualified, expert florists in its stores to 300 this Autumn – to provide fresh, bespoke bouquets for its customers. The supermarket is expanding its instore florist shops, which will see a further 60 florist stations installed across the UK – to take the total to over 100.
The new florist shops will provide 180 additional roles for qualified professional florists, who may be out of work following the impact that the pandemic has had on the high street.
Recent Google data has found that flowers have been one of the country’s most popular online purchases during lockdown, with online searches up 277 per cent. Morrisons is currently selling over four million flower stems every week.
All Morrisons florists will offer a handmade-to-order bouquet service, with customers able to choose from 75 different stem varieties. Bouquets can be crafted for any occasion and to any budget. They are prepared whilst customers do their weekly shop.
For more information, please contact the Morrisons press office at The Academy morrisons@theacademypr.com
All Morrisons florists will offer a handmade-to-order bouquet service, with customers able to choose from 75 different stem varieties. Bouquets can be crafted for any occasion and to any budget. They are prepared whilst customers do their weekly shop.
Morrisons offers a five day freshness guarantee for all of its flowers in the home. The supermarket works closely with growers to plant their fields and has one of the quickest ‘field to store’ transit times. Stems are delivered fresh to stores each day, sourced from FlowerWorld – a 17.5 acre flower site, wholly owned by the supermarket.
The prices of Morrison’s bouquets are up to a third lower than those from well-known national online florists as it has direct relationships with growers rather than working with wholesalers.
Jane Watson, Flowers Manager at Morrisons said: “Flowers make people feel happier – with their beautiful shapes, bright colours and scents. We work with some of the best growers in the world and have some of the best stems.
“So we wanted to have the best florists in store to make bouquets for our customers. It’s been a difficult year for the flower industry, and we hope this also provides good job prospects for florists looking for work.”
To place an order or find the nearest Morrisons florist, visit www.morrisons.co.uk.
