Morrisons has slashed the prices for customers on festive favourites
From half priced Champagne, to £1 Stew Packs with Leeks and £1 Taylors Boxing Day Curry Potato Crisps
Offers available in-store and online across all Scottish stores from 26th December until 1st January
There’s a lot to be said for staying at home for Hogmanay – dodging queues and not forking out a fortune.
Morrisons is helping those hosting Hogmanay celebrations with a raft of savings. Shoppers can save 18% on first-class Simon Howie’s Haggis at a great new price of £2.25, and perfectly pair it with half-price Charles De Villers Champagne Brut for just £12.50, or a bottle of Miller Genuine Draft (12 x 330ml) exclusively available at Morrisons for £12.50.
Morrisons has also price matched Aldi and Lidl on classic Hogmanay sides, including onions at 99p, carrots at 69p, swede at 62p, and cauliflower at £1.19. Taylors Honey Pigs in Blanket Potato Crisps also be snacked on for just £1 per bag.
As well as savings on Hogmanay party snacks and indulgent mains, Morrisons is providing comfort food and drinks for the after the night before.
From a third off Sugar Free Irn Bru (£6) to delicious Scotch Lean Diced Casserole Steak at 28% off (£9) and Brownings Large Loaf Cakes at a one off price of £2.50 – Morrisons is on hand to welcome customers into 2025 with muckle savings.
The tie-up will create up to 40 jobs and ‘make stop smoking services more accessible in communities across the country‘
VPZ, the UK’s leading vaping retailer, is set to open 10 new stores by December 2024 as part of a groundbreaking partnership with the supermarket chain Morrisons, with plans to expand further during 2025.
The new in-store outlets will expand the brand’s presence in communities throughout the UK, with seven key locations in Leeds Hunslet, Birmingham Stirchley, Glenrothes, Peterhead, Darlington, Stratford and Grantham.
The collaboration will also introduce a new innovative mobile pod concept for customer parking areas, with two planned for Nottingham and one in Rotheram.
The partnership will drive positive change by making stop smoking services more accessible in communities throughout the country, whilst educating smokers on the benefits of more sustainable vaping products.
The new sites will help expand and complement VPZ’s mission to help people on their journey to quit smoking by improving access to expert stop-smoking advice and education.
VPZ stores offer a dedicated one-to-one service to help smokers quit. VPZ specialists are trained and have expert knowledge, engaging with smokers to educate them on the health and financial benefits of switching to vaping.
Furthermore, as a part of their shared commitment to environmental responsibility, all new stores will include VPZ’s comprehensive recycling programme. The service is open to all vapers, as anyone can visit the new stores and dispose safely of their vaping devices or e-cigarettes.
Greig Fowler, Director at VPZ, said: “Our partnership with Morrisons to open 10 new stores is a pivotal step in our mission to transform the health of our nation by empowering more people to become smoke-free.
“I believe that together we will be making it easier for smokers to access the resources, help and education they need to quit smoking, while also offering a convenient and sustainable shopping experience.”
He added: “We are looking forward to launching our new in-store locations, pod concepts and exploring further growth in 2025.”
VPZ has recently voiced concerns that the newly announced vape tax increase will unfairly impact the most vulnerable and set back the UK’s 2030 smoke-free targets. As vaping remains one of the most effective methods to quit smoking, VPZ has warned that higher taxes on vaping products could discourage smokers from switching, undermining both health and financial benefits.
VPZ also supports plans to ban disposable vapes across the UK and Scotland by June next year, however they have highlighted the rise of ‘Big Puff’ disposable vapes which threaten to bring a new youth vaping epidemic and even greater damage to the environment.
The imported products are exploiting a loophole in regulations to create a new and larger single-use vaping product ahead of the disposables vape ban.
Greig Fowler added: “These illegal ‘Big Puffs’ undermine our objectives and are poised to create a public health crisis with unregulated products flooding the marketplace.
“At the current moment, data shows that more than ever there is a need for the Government to step in to support trading standards and local authorities to keep up with the scale of the ‘Big Puff‘ epidemic.
“We urge for a better collaboration between the industry and regulatory bodies to address this arising issue promptly and ensure that these vapes do not flood the UK market even further and endanger the quit-smoking progress that has been achieved so far.”
To date, Edinburgh-based VPZ has already helped over 1 million smokers in the UK quit since it was established in 2012.
M&S takes the crown for the most winners in this year’s Good Food Christmas Supermarket Taste Awards, scooping seven of the 21 categories, with Waitrose winning five categories.
Over 185 products from 13 supermarkets were blind-tasted, and anonymously rated by a panel of expert judges overseen by an independent adjudicator, winners include Morrisons £3.25 pigs in blankets, and Asda £5 mulled wine.
The UK’s number one food media brand, Good Food, has announced the results of its Christmas Supermarket Taste Awards, judging the best festive foods from 13 supermarkets across 21 categories, from smoked salmon to Christmas cake, pigs in blankets and mulled wine.
To arrive at the winners list, over 185 products were blind-tasted by Good Food’s expert panel, overseen by an independent adjudicator. All packaging was removed and food prepared and cooked following pack instructions and presented by an independent home economist. The judges submitted comments and a score out of 10 for each product in the category via anonymous online judging forms.
The full results are in the iconic Good Food Christmas issue which is on sale now with a “Make Christmas memories” message, packed with over 90 thoroughly tested recipes for memorable celebrating, entertaining and gift-giving, plus features on reducing food waste and tips for using up leftovers.
Of the thirteen supermarkets, M&S won the most, scooping seven wins out of the 21 categories, including Best cranberry sauce and Best classic mince pies.
Waitrose was awarded five wins including: Best turkey crown, Best Christmas cake and Best Christmas pudding. Asda and Aldi tied for third place with three wins each, while Morrisons won the coveted Best pigs in blankets category and Co-op Best showstopper dessert.
Lily Barclay, Content Director, Good Food, says: “Good Food celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, which means 35 years of Christmas memories.
“Our iconic Christmas issue will help create more memories with reinventions of retro classics and ideas for meaningful home-baked Christmas gifts.
“The Good Food team of experts started testing in August for the mammoth Good Food Christmas Supermarket Taste Awards, creating the ultimate guide to festive food buys.
“This Christmas the supermarkets have outdone themselves with the range and quality on offer, and our selection of winners will help save time in the kitchen, so you can focus on celebrating the festive season with family and friends..”
The results of the Good Food Christmas Taste Awards 2024, with judges’ comments:
Starters
Best smoked salmon Winner: Booths Strong Oak Smoked Scottish Salmon, 200g (£8.00)
Judges’ comments: “This has nice thick slices with a classic, crowd-pleasing smoked flavour that would work well in sandwiches.”
Best hot canapé Winner: M&S Collection Barber’s Extra Mature Cheddar & Ham Hock Scone, 290g (£7.50)
Judges’ comments: “The scone has a great flavour and a lovely, crispy texture. The ham works beautifully with the creamy roux and buttery, cheesy notes – it’s easy to eat and perfect for nibbles with drinks.”
Judges’ comments: “This juicy turkey has excellent flavour, complemented by the herby chestnut stuffing and a lovely saltiness from the bacon.”
Best alternative Christmas main Winner: Aldi Specially Selected Wagyu Wing Rib, 1.8-2.8kg (£24.99 per kg)
Judges’ comments: “This impressive-looking joint would make a fantastic showstopper. The meat has a good texture, and the outside sears well.”
Best gammon Winner: Aldi Specially Selected Sugar Baked Crackling Gammon Joint, £18.99
Judges’ comments: “A clear winner for the judges – this centrepiece gammon is complete with crunchy crackling and juicy, tender meat.”
Best pigs in blankets Winner: Morrisons The Best pigs in blankets, 210g (£3.25)
Judges’ comments: “Caramelised onions give these a touch of sweetness, with pleasing crispy bacon and good texture to the sausage-meat.”
Best cranberry sauce Winner: M&S Cranberry Sauce (fresh), 400g (£3.25)
Judges’ comments: “This cranberry sauce has a nice sweetness, a distinct cranberry flavour and a pleasing tartness. It’s perfect for making sandwiches with your Christmas leftovers.”
Best vegetarian main Joint winner: Waitrose Ultimate Plant-based Festive Wellingtons, pack of two (£7.50)
Judges’ comments: “This vegetarian mushroom wellington has a flavourful umami kick, crispy pastry, lovely mushroom and thyme notes, and warming gravy.”
Judges’ comments: “This hearty galette impressed the judges: it is incredibly flavoursome, enjoyably cheesy and has plenty of veg.”
Best vegan main Joint winner: Tesco Finest Roasted Vegetable & Cranberry Star, 340g (£6)
Judges’ comments: “This attractive centrepiece features beautifully nutty and umami flavours with notes of thyme, marjoram and sweet onion. It has buttery, flaky pastry and festive star shapes.”
Joint winner: Aldi Plant Menu Vegan No Turkey Crown, 490g (£4.99) This no-turkey crown does a great job of replicating the texture of meat quite well. It would go down extremely well with roast potatoes and a generous helping of gravy.
Festive desserts
Best Christmas cake Winner: Waitrose No.1 Hand-Decorated Matured Rich Fruit Cake, 1.5kg (£18.50)
Judges’ comments: “This Christmas cake has a generous amount of marzipan, a slightly crumbly texture – which guests might take as homemade – and a pretty, impressive appearance with good, solid icing.”
Best alternative Christmas cake Winner: Asda Ginger and Caramel Snow Cake, serves 16 (£12)
Judges’ comments: “The gingerbread and caramel cake captures the festive spirit beautifully. Its appearance is charming, both as a whole and when sliced, making it an attractive addition to any holiday spread. The cake boasts a strong gingerbread flavour that is nicely balanced, and the sponge is wonderfully soft and spongey.”
Judges’ comments: “This Christmas pudding has a rich flavour, a pretty fluted shape, lots of cherries and whole almonds, and a nice spiced citrussy note.”
Judges’ comments: “This golden sponge crown boasts a lovely gingerbread flavour with warming ginger and cinnamon notes, complemented by a rich caramel sauce and toffee drizzle. It looks impressive, is easy to serve, and has a homemade, festive taste.”
Best trifle Winner: M&S Sticky Toffee Trifle, 1kg (£15)
Judges’ comments: “This trifle features a delightful blend of caramel, gingerbread and butterscotch flavours, beautifully paired with whipped cream and luscious custard. The layers are clear and well-textured, with attractive toppings.”
Best free-from dessert Winner: M&S Chocolate & Orange, Fruit & Nut Brownie, 630g (£12.50)
Judges’ comments: “This gluten-free brownie tastes like it is made from quality chocolate, and the hint of orange isn’t overbearing.”
Festive bakes
Best classic mince pies Winner: M&S Collection Mince Pies, pack of six (£4)
Judges’ comments: “These classic mince pies have a beautiful, unique design with a well-patterned top, buttery pastry with a good mouthfeel, and a nicely spiced filling with discernible fruit.”
Best flavoured mince pies Winner: Morrisons The Best Cherry Bakewell Mince Pies, pack of four (£2.75)
Judges’ comments: “These Bakewell-flavoured mince pies feature a pretty flaked almond topping and a well-balanced frangipane that’s not too sweet. The mincemeat is moist and fruity, creating a pleasant hybrid of a classic mince pie with a nutty, crumbly twist.”
Best gluten-free mince pies Winner: Waitrose Mince Pies, pack of four (£2.90)
Judges’ comments: “These gluten-free mince pies have a nice texture that holds together well without crumbling too much.”
Best vegan mince pie Winner: Asda Free From 4 Mince Pies 220g (£2)
Judges’ comments: “These vegan mince pies have a beautiful, uniform appearance with a simple star decoration and feature a lovely, juicy filling. The pastry is crisp with a good crumbly texture and a nice sugary top, making them a delightful treat.”
Best biscuit tin
Winner: M&S Collection Shortbread Tin, 400g (£10) Judges’ comments: “These Christmas shortbreads are melt-in-the-mouth buttery, with a good salty hit and a rich, milky chocolate coating. Their soft, crumbly texture makes them a true winner.”
Best mulled wine Winner: Asda Extra Special Mulled Wine, 75cl (£5)
Judges’ comments: “This mulled wine offers a delightful boozy flavour with a rich ‘mulled’ quality, making it a standout choice for a sweet, spiced experience.
All prices correct at time of publishing.
The Christmas issue of Good Food is out now, get your copy in store or order direct from www.MagsDirect.co.uk
MORRISONS TOURS TO TAKE CUSTOMERS TO MEET THE FOODMAKERS
New Farm Tours will bring to life Morrisons close relationship with British Farmers
First stop: Barrack End Farm in Cumbria at the start of British Food Fortnight
Morrisons is trialling a ‘British farm bus tour’ with the first tour taking place this week, hosted by Cumbrian farmer Paul Coates who has been supplying beef to Morrisons for over ten years.
The trips will offer customers a unique behind-the-scenes perspective of working farms and the chance to meet the makers of their food. Passengers on the Morrisons Farm Bus Tours will have the chance to see the day-to-day operations of farms and learn more about sustainable agricultural practices.
Morrisons is British farming’s biggest customer – supporting, growing and championing more farmers than any other supermarket, working directly with 2,500 farmers and growers all year round.
The first trip is touring the 420-acre Barrock End mixed cattle, sheep and crops farm which is on top of Barrack Fell in the North Pennines. Paul and his father Peter run the farm at Armathwaite, near Carlisle, where Morrisons has helped the family build their herd of 250 Beef Shorthorn cattle – a foraging, hardy and feed-efficient pedigree known for exceptional eating quality.
The Coates family farm also produces lamb from over 1,000 grazing sheep and arable crops which complement each other to aid self-sufficiency.
Sophie Throup, Technical and Sustainability Director at Myton Food Group for Morrisons, said: “The Morrisons Farm Bus Tours will set off from stores to take the mystery out of where and how Morrisons food is produced.
“We’re proud of our amazing farmers and want to show our customers the care that goes into producing the high-quality, fresh produce, dairy, and meat products that stock the shelves of Morrisons stores across the country. We are looking forward to hearing the feedback from our first bus trippers.”
Rosie Fielder, Customer that attended the first Bus Farm Trip in Penrith, added: “Getting to see where Morrisons produce comes from as well as the different animals and how they are kept was a great learning experience.
“It was clear to see that the cattle have a good, happy life, and I would recommend more customers to visit their local farms to get a better understanding of the journey of food from farm to plate. It’s a great family day out!”
The first Morrisons Farm Bus Tour coincides with British Food Fortnight which takes place between 20th September and 6th October.
Morrisons is the exclusive retail partner and is supporting the event in all its supermarkets and online with a celebration of the best of autumn’s British produce, meat and fish on its Market Street with great value prices and in store marketing displays.
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 and is working directly with its farmers to create affordable zero emission produce.
It was the first supermarket to introduce its own carbon neutral egg and has partnered the NFU, Harper Adams University, and McDonald’s UK to launch the first UK School of Sustainable Food and Farming aiming to embed new sustainable farming methods.
Its partnership with The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture (TIAH) and DEFRA also supports its farmers on the journey to net zero and helps address the skills gaps in agriculture.
In celebration of Morrisons 125th Anniversary, the Morrisons Foundation is delighted to launch the ‘Community Spaces Fund’.
The fund will see 125 charities receive a share of £1 million with grants of up to £8,000 each to enhance community spaces and local facilities, helping them to make a difference for many more years to come.
To benefit from the fund, charities need to be recommended by one of the supermarket’s Community Champions. Each Morrisons store has a Community Champion whose role it is to support local good causes that are close to customers’ hearts.
Until the 13th July Community Champions will be looking for suitable charities to be considered for support from the fund.
Tess, Community Champion at Edinburgh Gyle said: “The Community Spaces Fund is a great opportunity for local charities to bid for funding that could improve our community.
“There are lots of community spaces and facilities that would benefit from this funding boost. It will be a difficult choice to make, but I’m excited about the positive impact this fund will make.”
Recommended charities will be invited by their local Morrisons Community Champion to submit an application by 14th July, with the £1 million given away to the final 125 successful applicants being held at the end of August.
David Scott, Morrisons Foundation Trustee said: “Morrisons has always sought to give back to the communities it serves. So it’s fitting that as Morrisons celebrates 125 years, the Morrisons Foundation is launching this special fund which will improve community spaces and local facilities up and down the country.”
The Morrisons Foundation was set up by Morrisons supermarket in 2015 and awards grants for charity projects which help improve people’s lives. Since launching, over £41 million has been donated to hundreds of charities across England, Scotland and Wales.
– Prices will be locked at new price until 31st December –
– Morrisons is investing over £4 million in these new price reductions –
Morrisons is cutting the price of 58 popular festive items and is committing to keeping the prices low until the end of the year. The cuts are being made well in advance of December 25th so that customers can stock up and spread the cost of their Christmas grocery shopping.
Key festive items such as stuffing, roast potatoes, cranberry sauce and tin foil have been cut in Morrisons latest wave of price activity – its tenth of the year.
Morrisons is investing over £4 million to cut the price of the products by an average of almost 20 per cent from current prices. The items have all been chosen because they were particularly popular at Christmas last year – with an average uplift in sales of over 90 per cent throughout the festive period.
The total price of all 58 items in Morrisons festive basket is nearly two pounds cheaper than the same basket of items would have cost in Christmas 2022, despite the significant inflation over the last year.
The cuts cover Christmas dinner must-haves and trimmings as well as drinks and nibbles including Bucks Fizz, tonic and peanuts. Festive hosts can also stock up on kitchen essentials such as kitchen foil and napkins while key ingredients needed to create seasonal bakes have also been cut such as mincemeat, sultanas and pastry – as well as cream.
These lower festive prices introduced in Morrisons supermarkets and online this week are on top of further 62 price cuts made last week on items such as chicken wings & drumsticks, frozen chips, bread and smoked fish. Those prices will be held for at least eight weeks and form part of the commitment Morrisons has upheld since January to always have over 1,000 prices lowered and locked each week.
Rachel Eyre, Morrisons Chief Customer and Marketing Officer, said: “We know that Christmas is an expensive time of year and that our customers are having to make tough choices about what to put in their baskets.
“We are working hard to help them when it comes to their festive grocery shopping and want to protect them from rising costs so despite the significant inflation we have seen over the last twelve months, our basket of 58 festive items is cheaper than it was in 2022.”
KEY DEALS ON CHRISTMAS FAVOURITES
WAS
NOW
Morrisons Cocktail Prawns 300g
£4.30
£3.59
Morrisons Raspberry Sherry Trifle 900g
£4.00
£2.99
Winter Warmer Mulled Wine 75cl
£3.00
£2.50
Morrisons Cranberry Sauce 200g
£1.09
£0.59
Morrisons Mincemeat 822g
£2.79
£2.15
Morrisons Dry Roasted Peanuts 450g
£2.50
£1.59
Morrisons Yorkshire Wensleydale with Cranberries 200g
– Morrisons has the largest supermarket Christmas pet range this year –
– The dog and cat range will include almost 30 products, from advent calendars to Christmas dinners and festive jumpers –
– 10% of sales of the Morrisons Rudi Reindeer Iced Dog Cookies go to charity partner Together for Short Lives –
– The range is available in-store and online now nationwide –
With more than half (57%) of British households owning a furry friend, animal companions are an integral part of Christmas festivities for much of the nation. Morrisons is making sure Christmas 2023 is the ulti-mutt celebration for pets as it unveils its biggest festive pet range to date.
Comprising nearly 30 products, pet owners will be able to pick up advent calendars, Christmas dinners, jumpers and more so furry friends don’t miss out on the festive fun. With prices starting from just £1.49, there’s a pocket-friendly treat for every pet owner to pick up.
For those looking to share the Christmas countdown with their pets, shoppers can grab the Morrisons Pawsome Meaty Christmas Dog Treat Advent Calendar and Morrisons Purrfect Meaty Christmas Cat Treat Advent Calendar, both £3.99, filled with tasty treats for pets to enjoy each day.
Customers can also kit their pets out in the finest festive wear with the Gifts for Pets Dog Festive Jumper (£4.99) and Gifts For Pets Reindeer Headband for Dogs & Cats (£2.99).
For a delicious Christmas Eve treat, pups can chow down on Morrisons Rudi Reindeer Iced Dog Cookies (£3.99), adorably shaped like festive reindeer. 10% of sales from the Rudi range go to charity partner Together for Short Lives, giving shoppers even more reason to pick up the tasty treats.
Pets don’t need to miss out on the big day itself either, as the range boasts all of the ingredients needed for a paw-sitively delicious pooch Christmas dinner. Customers can choose from Morrisons Turkey and Bacon Hot Dogs for Dogs (£1.99), Morrisons Sausages in either Christmas Dinner or Pork & Apple Stuffing Flavour for Dogs (£1.99), Morrison Pigs in Blankets for Dogs (£2.99), and of course Morrisons Mince Pies for Dogs (£2.99) to top it all off.
The range also includes plenty of treats purr-fect for stocking fillers, such as the Morrisons Merry Poochmas Rawhide alternative Chew sticks (£1.99), available in the shape of Christmas trees, or Gingerbread people. Cats can tuck into the Morrisons Tasty Tuna Meowy Christmas Cat Sticks or Morrisons Delicious Duck Christmas Quackers Cat Treats, just £1.49 each, and there are pet safe crackers for both cats and dogs (£2.49).
Andy Whiteman, Product Developer at Morrisons, said:“Santa Paws is truly coming to Morrisons this year as we introduce our biggest and best Christmas pet range.
“We know pets are an important part of so many families, so now shoppers can pick up everything they need to share the celebrations with their cuddly companions, without breaking the bank.”
For more information on the wider Morrisons Christmas range, visit:
MORRISONS LAUNCHES WICKEDLY HOT WING ROULETTE FOR HALLOWEEN
Morrisons is turning up the heat this Halloween with the release of their sizzling sensation – the limited-edition, Wickedly Hot Wing Roulette – perfect for anyone looking to spice up their Halloween party.
Inviting all spice lovers who dare to spin the wheel of flavour, each pack of Wickedly Hot Wing Roulette contains 10 chicken wings, split between two flavour coatings – but which is which?!
First up is ‘Hot as Hell’, with a 4-chilli rating – these wings aren’t for the faint-hearted and are eye-wateringly hot according to the Scoville Heat Scale which measures the pungency of peppers and chillies. Next is described as ‘Hot and Spicy’, with a tingling 3-chilli rating that provides a perfect blend of heat and flavour.
Nicole Olive, Buyer of Poultry & Turkey at Morrisons, said: “We know our customers love our extra spicy creations and the new Wickedly Hot Wing Roulette will not disappoint – they pack a punch!
“Perfect for Halloween parties, these chicken wings are a great way to bring together friends for a bit of fiery fun!”
The Wickedly Hot Wing Roulette costs £4.45 and is available in Morrisons stores and online now.
– Customers can save up to 57% off select toys with savings of up to £60 –
– Barbie, Disney, Pokemon, Hot Wheels & Lego all included in giant toy sale –
– Toy sale available while stocks last –
Morrisons has today launched a huge toy sale across over 50 products with savings of up to £60, to help customers spread the cost over the Christmas period.
Customers can bag a bargain on Squishmallows Stackers which are reduced to £12 from £20 – alongside up to 50% of must-have toys this year from Barbie, Pokemon, Hot Wheels & Lego .
Following the release of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie earlier this year, it’s predicted that Barbie will be the top toy seller this festive period.
Morrisons shoppers can bag some Barbie bargains with 57% off the Dream Camper Playset, £60, down from £140 , 50% off the Barbie Best Friend Fairy £15, down from £30, and 30% off the Barbie Pet Supply Playset £25, down from £37.50
For mini musicians, customers can snap up the Academy of Music 54 key keyboard for just £20 reduced from £40, making a saving of 50% as well as nearly 30% off the Mi-Mic Mini Karaoke Speaker With Microphone, £17, down from £23
50% savings are available on other big brands including the Cocomelon Pram for £30 (normally £60), Hotwheels Rhinomite/Bone Shaker for £35 (normally £70) and Peppa Pig Wooden Playhouse for £52.50 (normally £105).
David Catton, Toy Buyer at Morrisons says:“We’re excited to offer our customers 50% off a range of must-have toys.
“With the festive season fast approaching, we hope this huge sale will help customers spread the cost of purchasing Christmas gifts this year.”
Morrisons toy sale is available now in 423 stores while stocks last.
