– Customers across the UK can nominate special mums via local stores’ Facebook pages –
– Mums will also receive acts of kindness in stores, including gifts of flowers and chocolates –
Morrisons is giving away an afternoon tea hamper from its stores across the UK this Mother’s Day, to celebrate mums in the community.
Mother’s Day will be a little different this year with lockdown still in place, but mums across the nation deserve more recognition than ever; having faced all sorts of challenges including home schooling and feeding the family.
Morrisons customers are able to nominate a ‘special’ mum to win a hamper via their local store’s Facebook page, to give back to mums in the community who deserve a treat.
Each of Morrisons’ 497 stores across the UK will be taking part in the giveaway and planning to pack a box with a variety of items that mums can use to make an afternoon tea. From cakes, to teas and jams, the hampers will provide an afternoon tea treat that mums won’t forget.
Morrisons will also be carrying out acts of kindness in stores, such as giving flowers and chocolates to special mums who cannot see their children on Mother’s Day.
Rebecca Singleton, Customer & Community Director at Morrisons said: “We know that Mother’s Day will be different this year, and we wanted to recognise the incredible efforts of mums around the country over what has been an extremely difficult 12 months.
“We look forward to putting a smile on the face of nearly 500 fantastic mums as they tuck into a range of delicious afternoon tea treats.”
Failure to support the nation’s pubs return from lockdown risks imperilling the government’s levelling up agenda for economic and social renewal, the think-tank Localis has warned.
In a report entitled ‘The Power of Pubs – protecting social infrastructure and laying the groundwork for levelling up’ Localis argues it is vital that the lockdown roadmap is not allowed to slip back further for pubs, and that the commitment to end all trading restrictions by 21 June must be delivered to return all pubs to viable trading.
Without such assurances and medium-term support to help place the pub sector at the foundations of a strong recovery, the authors warned local economies and community resilience in left-behind parts of the country – including ‘blue wall’ former industrial heartlands, rural and coastal areas – would be particularly hit.
Among key recommendations, the report authors urged central government to further reduce the tax burden on the pub sector to aid the recovery and called for an extension to the Business and Planning Act 2020.
Local councils should be directed to help pubs by issuing licence fee refunds – paid for by the Treasury – for the six months to June 2021, through business support grants, the study advised.
Additionally, where premises have been put to new community purposes during the pandemic, councils should offer a diversification grant to pubs looking to retain or expand the services they provided during lockdown.
Localis chief executive, Jonathan Werran, said: “The case for treating Britain’s pubs with fair consideration in exiting lockdown measures is, at core, as simple as it is heartfelt. Where there’s a pub, there’s a community.
“As one of the biggest contributors to the UK economy, the sector has a vital role to play in the recovery and levelling up journey of the country as well as in maintaining community cohesion and social resilience well beyond the pandemic.”
Emma McClarkin, chief executive, British Beer and Pub Association,said: “The Pandemic has fractured our communities economic environment and frayed our social ties.
“The pub is a powerful embodiment and symbol of both, woven into the fabric of our society and it is one we need to support and strengthen as we rebuild our trade as well as reconnect our communities.”
– Commitment to be achieved by 2030, five years ahead of other supermarkets –
– Morrisons to launch ‘zero emission’ eggs in 2022 and beef by 2025 –
Morrisons has pledged to become the first supermarket to be completely supplied by ‘zero emission’ British farms by 2030 – five years ahead of the industry. The move comes after customers said they wanted their food to be as low emission and ‘green’ as possible.
Agriculture currently accounts for 10 per cent of all UK greenhouse gas emissions, with new research revealing that two thirds of people are considering the environmental impact of the food they eat[2].
Morrisons is UK farming’s biggest customer and will work directly with its farmers to create affordable zero emission produce. The first to hit shelves will be zero emission eggs by 2022, with lamb, fruit, vegetables, pork and beef following before the end of 2025.
Beef farming is the most challenging product to make greener as it currently generates 45 per cent of all UK agricultural carbon[3] emissions for only five per cent of products sold. Almost half of this is due to methane produced by the cows. Morrisons is working closely with its farms to create a zero emission beef range by 2025 by using smaller cattle breeds, low-methane feed, methane reducing supplements (such as seaweed), and by planting trees.
The National Farmers Union has asked farmers to work towards a 2040 ‘net zero’ emissions goal, with other supermarkets working towards 2035. British farming’s biggest supermarket customer, Morrisons, will work alongside its 3,000 farmers and growers to achieve this target five years earlier, in 2030.
Morrisons and a selection of its farmers are this month starting work on zero emissions ‘farm models’ that will look at the complete journey of meat and crops from germination to leaving the farm. They will serve as a blueprint – and be rolled out across all Morrisons farms to produce all food in this zero emissions way.
The models will look at reducing carbon by: rearing different animal breeds; using low food-mile feedstuffs; using renewable energy and low emission barns; and cutting water and fertiliser use. Offsetting carbon emissions will also be done by: planting grassland and clover; restoring peatland; planting trees[4]; and seeding hedgerows.
As part of the programme, Morrisons will set up the world’s first School of Sustainable Farming at Harper Adams Agricultural University to offer farming training for future generations.
The supermarket will also work with the NFU to pool farmer knowledge, Natural England on planting and water use, and will use industry experts to measure its schemes.
David Potts, Chief Executive of Morrisons, said: “Climate change is one of the biggest challenges for our generation and growing food is a key contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
“As British farming’s biggest supermarket customer, we’re in a unique position to guide our farms and help lead changes in environmental practices. It’s years ahead of industry expectations – and an ambitious target – but it’s our duty to do it.”
Environment Secretary, George Eustice MP, said:“The UK is the first major economy to legislate for net zero emissions by 2050. Our farmers will play a key role in achieving this.
“It is encouraging to see Morrisons commit to being supplied by net zero carbon British farms on such an ambitious timescale, helping to protect the environment for future generations.”
Morrisons UK agriculture target forms part of its plan to become ‘net zero’ for emissions by 2040, in line with the international Paris Agreement.
The Best Dine in for Two Meal Deal includes a main, side, dessert and drink for just £12
One of the best value meal deals on the market
This month, Morrisons is helping customers upgrade their weekend dinners with its The Best Dine in for Two deal. The meal deal includes a choice of main, side, dessert and drink for just £12; one of the best value on the market.
While we’re still unable to eat out at restaurants, the meal deal features some fantastic options that will give shoppers something extra to smile about. From mains like The Best Shorthorn Steak Pie or The Best Vegan Moussaka, to sides including The Best Maris Piper Chunky Chips and The Best Carrot & Kale Medley.
And It doesn’t end there. Finish off with a tempting pudding such as The Best Belgian Chocolate Brownie Puddings or The Best Salted Caramel Curl Profiteroles. The drinks options include a bottle of The Best Prosecco DOC, or even four bottles of Birra Moretti Lager.
Gemma Everson at Morrisons comments: “Now more than ever customers are looking to make the most of weekend dinners at home.
“The Best Dine in for Two meal deal includes some of our top products for a special night in and caters to different dietary options. Most importantly, we’re delighted to be able to offer all these great-tasting options for a fantastic price.”
Morrisons The Best Dine in for Two meal deal is available to purchase in stores or online: 1 Main, 1 Side, 1 Dessert and 1 Drink for £12.
Morrisons has acquired Falfish, a family-owned wholesaler of sustainably sourced seafood based in Cornwall. Falfish has been a trusted supplier of high quality fresh fish and shellfish to Morrisons for over 16 years and approximately 50 per cent of Falfish’s c. £40 million turnover is with Morrisons.
For customers, the acquisition will mean further improvements to the range, quality and availability of fresh fish and shellfish at our Market Street counters and represents another significant investment in fresh food and foodmaking when others are retreating from counters.
Following the deal over 80 per cent of Morrisons fish and shellfish – both in our 497 stores and in our online business – will come from Morrisons wholly owned seafood operations.
Falfish operates from two sites in Redruth and Falmouth docks on the south Cornish coast and is owned by the founder Ian Greet and his son Mark who is the Managing Director. Mark Greet and all c. 140 Falfish colleagues will join Morrisons.
The business has long-term relationships with the owners and skippers of over 70 partner boats in the South West who land their total catch direct to Falfish. Falfish’s buyers also buy direct from the three key South West fish markets in Newlyn, Plymouth and Brixham.
Falfish also owns a 30ft trawler, the Jacqui A,which means that Morrisons will, we believe, become the first British supermarket ever to own a fishing boat.
Andrew Thornber, Morrisons Manufacturing Director said: “Falfish is a great fit with Morrisons; not only is it a great British company supplying high quality fish and shellfish, but they also share our passion for sustainability and for local sourcing.
“Bringing Falfish into Morrisons further strengthens our position as Britain’s biggest foodmaker. Our manufacturing operations employ c. 9,000 people at 19 sites throughout Britain, providing around 25 per cent of everything that Morrisons sells. The acquisition of Falfish means that over 80 per cent of our fish and shellfish will now come from our own operations.”
Mark Greet, Falfish’s Managing Director, said: “Falfish has been a supplier to Morrisons since 2004 and over the years this has become a very strong partnership.
“For my father Ian and our family, as part of the Cornish community, this acquisition ensures the continuing ethos of Falfish in upholding our relationships and values, and strengthens this for our colleagues, for the South West fishing fleet, and for all of our customers and stakeholders.
“The acquisition is great news for Falfish’s Cornish operations and the wider community, bringing investment and access to many new opportunities.”
Falfish shares Morrisons commitment to sustainable fishing, currently funding and supporting the five year Fishery Improvement Programmes in the South West on Monkfish, Scallops, Crab and Lobster.
It has been a founding member of a multitude of programmes over the previous 15 years that have been at the forefront of delivering sustainable fishing practices and healthy stocks for future generations. The business has also worked on fishing gear trials aimed at reducing discards, alternative market projects for under utilised British species and fishing gear recycling.
Falfish processes a range of 56 wild and farmed frozen and fresh seafood from British waters and the South West coastline.
Its fish range includes turbot, sea bass, monkfish, Dover sole and hake and its shellfish range includes lobster, king scallops, crab, cuttlefish and whelks. Falfish’s customers include Morrisons, the UK restaurant trade and significant exports to Europe and the Far East.
Aldi’s award-winning range of Scottish pies are on sale now for British Pie Week
Hap-pie days, its British Pie Week (1st – 7th March) and what better way to celebrate these marvellous meaty creations than by sampling Aldi’s delicious range of filled pies baked to perfection right here in Scotland.
Starting at only 89p, Aldi’s award-winning range features firm favourites with hungry Scots, including Steak & Gravy Pies (2 pack, £1.39), Scotch Pies (2 pack, 89p), and Brownings the Bakers’ famous Kilmarnock Pie (150g, £1.39).
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, why not try Aldi’s Macaroni Pies (2 pack, 99p) or Chicken Curry Pies (2 pack, £1.29), perfect as a mid-afternoon snack. Or why not indulge in one of Aldi’s award-winning Specially Selected Luxury Pies, including Steak & Ale Pie, Steak & Black Pudding Pie, or Chicken & Leek Pie (250g, £1.99).
Looking for a traditional treat for two? why not pick up Aldi’s Top Crust Steak Pie (£2.29, 371g), or for the perfect meal for all the family the Large Top Crust Steak Pie (£3.69, 660g) is guaranteed to go down a storm.
Sure to get mouths watering, Aldi’s range of Scottish pies are available now from all 96 stores in Scotland.
The full range includes:
• Specially Selected Luxury Pies. Choose from Steak & Ale, Chicken & Leek, and Steak & Black Pudding (£1.99, 250g)
• Frasers Scotch Pie (2 pack) (89p)
• Frasers Scotch Pie (4 pack) (£1.59)• Frasers Macaroni Pie (2 pack) (99p)
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK
Sticking to a healthy diet can be easier if you cook from scratch. Ready meals, takeaways and pre-packaged foods can be high in fat, sugar and salt. Home-cooked meals are often cheaper, tastier, healthier and better for the environment.
It may also be quicker to rustle up a home-cooked meal, than wait for a takeaway to be delivered.
Here we provide some tips to help you find and cook some healthy recipes:
Finding healthy recipes
There are lots of healthy recipe books and websites available. When looking for healthy recipes, make sure you choose a trusted source.
Our new cookbook includes plenty of delicious and healthy recipes from well-known names, such as Joe Wicks and the Hairy Bikers. The recipes have been carefully selected by our Nutritionist for their use of fresh, healthy ingredients that promote good heart health.
When looking for a healthy recipe, make sure you pay attention to the ingredients list. Avoid recipes that include a lot of fat, salt, sugar or processed meats and cheeses. Healthier recipes include:
Fruit and vegetables
Wholegrain ingredients (e.g. brown rice, brown bread or whole-wheat pasta)
Lean sources of protein (e.g. fish, chicken (without skin), beans, pulses or tofu)
Low-fat dairy products (or alternatives), such as skimmed milk, fat-free yoghurt or soya products
Choose healthy cooking methods
Find recipes that use healthier cooking methods, such as steaming, baking or grilling, rather than frying or deep-frying in oil. Avoid recipes that cook with animal fats (such as lard or butter) and coconut oil as these are high in saturated fats which can increase your risk of heart disease. Choose recipes that use plant-based oils, such as rapeseed, olive, sunflower or vegetable oils.
Adapt your favourite recipes
Eating healthily doesn’t mean giving up on all your favourite foods. Read through some of your favourite recipes and try to identify ways to make them healthier.
This could include adding extra fruit or veg, switching from white to brown rice or pasta, switching from cream to low fat yoghurt, reducing the amount of salt and sugar or switching to a healthier cooking method.
For more tips on how to improve your heart health, visit the ‘Healthy Tips’ page on our website and don’t forget to check out our new Cookbook.
– Shorthorn beef is renowned for its rich flavour and tender meat –
– The supermarket has revealed its most popular pies, with Chunky Steak coming out on top –
In a supermarket first, Morrisons has launched The Best Shorthorn Steak Pie in time for British Pie Week (1st – 7thMarch). Renowned for its rich flavour and tender, marbled meat, the British Shorthorn beef brisket takes ‘steak pie’ to a whole new level.
The famed, home-grown meat is cooked up with smoked bacon, rich red wine gravy and all-butter shortcrust pastry. The first pre-packed pie in Morrisons ‘The Best’ range, it’s perfect for a quick, yet luxurious dinner at home.
Morrisons was the first supermarket to launch a Shorthorn Beef brand in 2016, developing a range based around the top-quality meat which is characterised by marbling; making for great taste and tenderness. What’s more, Shorthorn farmers have excellent standards of animal welfare, traceability and nutrition to produce consistent quality.
In honour of British Pie Week, Morrisons has also revealed the most popular flavours at its Pie Counter. Top of the savoury list is Chunky Steak, closely followed by the Scotch Pie. Winner of the sweet crown was the Bramley Apple Pie.
Morrisons most popular Pie Counter pies:
1. Bramley Apple
2. Chunky Steak
3. Scotch Pie
4. Steak & Ale
5. Chicken & Gravy
Featuring in the Dine in for Two meal deal, the tasty main can be enjoyed as part of the £12 offer; a fraction of the price of other supermarkets.
Steven Halford, Pie Buyer at Morrisons comments: “We’re really passionate about pies at Morrisons and love working with quality, British producers to create our own-brand range.
“The new Shorthorn Beef Pie is a prime example of this, and with our customers clearly fans of beef-based pies we hope it proves even more popular.”
Morrisons has also introduced a range of deals on own-brand and branded pies. Offers include the Morrisons Family Pies (£2 down from £3) and Hollands Pies in selected stores only (50p down from £1.10).
Morrisons The Best Shorthorn Steak Pie is available now in stores and online for £5, or as part of the Dine in for Two meal deal (1 Main, 1 Side, 1 Dessert and 1 Drink for £12).
The Automatic Vending Association (AVA) has called on Local Authorities in Scotland to support the ‘vital vending industry’ as new research shows two thirds of operators have seen turnover reduced, with some losing all revenue completely.
Across Scotland, AVA members have experienced resistance when seeking help from Local Authorities despite specific funds being allocated in the form of ‘Additional Restrictions Grants’ to support businesses impacted by closures in the Leisure and Hospitality sector.
Ensuring that keyworkers have access to food and drink while carrying out their essential work has been at the forefront of thinking for those in the vending and food to go industry since to start of the COVID-19 pandemic. With restaurants and canteens being forced to close the option to get food on the go has been a lifeline to those on the front line of fighting the virus and saving lives.
Scottish Board Director of the Automatic Vending Association, Jane MacDonald (above), said: “Vending is a vital lifeline for those working to get Scotland through the pandemic and our members need support to continue to be there for our keyworkers.
“With canteens, leisure facilities and workplaces forced to close and numbers of those commuting cut significantly, vending has been severely impacted and as our data shows the level of impact is high.
“While products in other retail areas can be stored and sold at a later date, in the food and drink sector, expirations dates have passed during the forced closures resulting in further losses for these businesses.
“Food to go is an essential part of the food service industry, worth approximately £2.17 billion to the Scottish economy, and without the support of funding now, these businesses will not be around when the world eventually goes back to normal.”
For further information on the Automatic Vending Association visit:
Morrisons steps in to help struggling British Pig Farmers
– EU pork exports have collapsed in recent weeks –
– Morrisons slashes its pork, sausage and bacon prices to help farmers sell their products –
– Pork loin to cost just £4 per kilo and gammon just 90p per 100g –
Photo credit: Jon Super/PA Wire
From today, Morrisons is offering cuts of pork, gammon, sausages and bacon at knockout prices, to help British pig farmers.
Britain is a significant exporter of pork. However, for the last six weeks the EU has taken substantially less British meat. As a consequence, a pork mountain is building up on British farms, and pig farmers are struggling to find a home for their produce. Morrisons has stepped in by slashing pork prices for 10 weeks from 22 February. It hopes the offers will boost demand and play a part in helping the farmers out.
The prices of all of Morrisons British pork products will be cut. A pork shoulder – normally costing £4.20 per kilo – will cost just £2; a pork loin – normally costing £6 per kilo – will cost just £4; and a pork tenderloin – normally costing £7.50 – will cost just £6.
The majority of Morrisons The Best Sausages and Bacon will also be on offer at 2 for just £4, and all of Morrisons British gammon will be cut by one third to just 90p per 100g.
Morrisons is also offering bacon or sausage sandwiches and a hot drink to take away from their cafes for only £3. Customers can pre-order their take away for pickup by calling 0330 808 9733.
Photo credit: Jon Super/PA Wire
Sophie Throup, Head of Agriculture at Morrisons, said: “Britain produces some of the finest pig breeds and pork products in the world. But pig farmers are currently facing difficult times.
“We’re British farming’s biggest supermarket customer and feel it’s our duty to help. So we’re introducing knockout deals across our store – and hope this will encourage our customers to help farmers by buying more pork.”
Morrisons is British farming’s biggest supermarket customer. And has its our own expert Livestock and Produce Teams, who work directly with farmers, and take meat, fruit and vegetables direct from farms to its 18 meat, fruit and vegetable preparation sites.
