supermarkets – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Good Food reveals winners of Christmas Supermarket Taste Test Awards 2024

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 35^th 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.”

Mains

Best turkey crown
Winner: Waitrose Glorious Treacle Glazed Turkey Crown, 2.5kg (£60)

Turkey crown on a plate wrapped in bacon

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

Aldi specially selected sugar baked crackling gammon joint on a platter with vegetables

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.”

Joint winner: M&S Collection Handcrafted Honey Glazed Vegetable & Barber’s Cheddar Galette, 400g (£12.50)

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.”

Best Christmas pudding
Winner: Waitrose No.1 Jewelled Cointreau & Cranberry Christmas Pudding, 800g (£15)

No.1 Jewelled cointrau cranberry Christmas pudding

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.”

Best showstopper dessert
Winner: Co-op Irresistible Spiced Gingerbread Crown, 600g (£8)

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)

Chocolate & orange fruit & nut brownies on a plate and the counter

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)

Stack of mince pies on a plate with one open mince pie in front

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

Aldi Scotland teams up with Cold Town to launch new Oktoberfest inspired beer

Customers can bring a taste of the German festival home with Aldi Scotland’s latest release

Aldi Scotland is bringing the excitement of Oktoberfest to its customers with its latest release of Scottish beers, featuring a Bavarian-inspired brew from Cold Town.

As thousands around the world raise a toast to celebrate the annual German festival, Aldi’s Scottish Beer Festival range promises to put a tartan tint on proceedings and showcase the diversity of the nation’s brewers with an exciting lineup of delicious beers.

Edinburgh brewers Cold Town are leading the party with their new Bavarian Pilsner (£1.89, 440ml, 5.2% ABV), putting their own unique take on the traditional festival tipple with a clean and malty brew. This will be joined by the re-release of their Topic Thunder (£2.15, 440ml, 7.0% ABV), a full-bodied stout packed with caramel, dark chocolate and hazelnut flavours.

Peterhead’s Brew Toon are also on the guestlist with re-releases of their El Juicy (£2.15, 440ml, 7.1% ABV), a double dry hopped New England IPA, and The J’Ale (£1.89, 440ml, 5.5% ABV), a punchy riot red ale bringing an earthy, hoppy character.

Black Isle are also joining the party, making a welcome return to Aldi Scotland after five years with their Red Kite (£1.89, 440ml, 4.2% ABV) organic red ale, bringing a rich but malty character and their flagship Blonde (£1.79, 440ml, 4.5% ABV) organic lager, providing its unique crisp refreshment.

Graham Nicolson, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Putting a uniquely Scottish twist on Oktoberfest gives us a great opportunity to celebrate and shine a light on the brilliant local brewers we have at our doorstep.

“We’re fortunate to have developed strong relationships with some of Scotland’s most innovative suppliers and this gives us a fantastic platform to provide our customers with new and exciting products at affordable prices.”

You can find your nearest Aldi store here.

Aldi announces 2024 Christmas recruitment drive in Edinburgh and the Lothians

With a wide range of permanent store positions available, Aldi is seeking team members to help replenish stock, assist customers, and maintain its high standards of service during the festive period and beyond.

Roles on offer in Edinburgh and the Lothians include Assistant Store Manager, Stock Assisant, Store Assistant and Store Cleaner.

Starting pay for Store Assistants at Aldi remains the best in the industry at £12.40 per hour nationally, and £13.65 per hour inside the M25. Aldi continues to be the only UK supermarket to offer paid breaks, which is worth more than £900 a year for the average store colleague.

These opportunities form part of Aldi’s continued growth plans to open a further 17 stores before the end of the year. This is in line with Aldi’s long-term commitment to expand its footprint to 1,500 stores in the UK to meet increased customer demand.

Kelly Stokes, Recruitment Director at Aldi UK, said: “Our mission is to make affordable, high-quality food accessible to everyone, and that is even more important at this time of year.

“Our colleagues are essential to ensuring Aldi shoppers have a great experience in store, and we’re once again closing our stores on Boxing Day to give them a well-deserved break as a thank you for their dedication.”

Those interested in applying for a role with Aldi this Christmas can visit www.aldirecruitment.co.uk for more information.

Tesco shopper selects Firrhill High School to receive a £5,000 donation

Firrhill High School is celebrating after being selected by a Tesco customer to receive a £5,000 donation.

On Saturday 21^st September, Tesco customers in Edinburgh were given the chance to take part in a lucky dip to find a specially created gold version of Tesco’s famous blue voting token.

Firrhill High School was one of three local charities that customers could vote for to receive the £5,000 Golden Grant as part of Tesco’s Stronger Starts scheme.

Alexa Brown, Pupil Support Officer at Firrhill High School, said: “£5000 will make an enormous difference to us – it will mean security for the Breakfast Club and the ability to continue providing a healthy and nutritious breakfast to ensure the best start to the day for all our pupils.”

Over one hundred Tesco stores across the country took part in the Golden Grants event, with £500,000 in total being donated to good causes that help children and young people.

Golden Grants are awarded twice a year as part of Tesco’s £8 million Stronger Starts grant programme, in partnership with the charity Groundwork UK.

Stronger Starts grants help schools and children’s groups provide nutritious food and healthy activities that support young people’s physical health and mental wellbeing, such as breakfast clubs or snacks, as well as purchasing equipment for healthy activities.

Claire De Silva, Tesco Head of Communities said: “We know that £5,000 can make a huge difference to a school or community project, so we are incredibly proud to have been able to award Golden Grants to over one hundred schools and local projects to support the vital work they do for our children and communities.

“Our Stronger Starts programme continues to support our local communities year-round, and we encourage all customers to get involved by using a blue token to vote for a local project they feel will benefit people in their community.”

Since Tesco launched its Community Grants programme in 2016, more than £120 million has been given to more than 67,000 local schools and community groups.

All Aboard the British Farming Bus!

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.

Edinburgh shopper scoops over £800 for local foodbank in ALDI Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland’s much-loved Supermarket Sweep challenge has been all over Scotland this year, and after being chosen to take part in the gameshow inspired activity, a lucky local winner has raised £809.18 for a foodbank of their choosing, while picking up £404.59 in Aldi favourites for herself.

The lucky sweeper, Laura Robertson, was selected from thousands of applicants as part of a competition at this year’s Royal Highland Show. She selected Aldi’s Chesser store to take part in the five-minute trolley dash on Tuesday 13 August.

As well as taking home a trolley full of goodies, Laurasuccessfully found the hidden inflatable in store, meaning Aldi Scotland doubled the total value of her haul and donated the lump sum to her nominated charity, The Salvation Army.

Aldi Supermarket Sweep winner, Laura Robertson said: “The Supermarket Sweep was a brilliant experience. I had so much fun running around the store with my husband and Aldi staff cheering me on.

“It’s a lot harder than I thought it would be, and the time goes by so quickly, but it’s an experience I’ll remember forever. I’m so glad I was able to raise so much money for my local foodbank, as it will help so many people in need.”

Elizabeth Young, Community Programme Coordinator, The Salvation Army, said: “I would like to say a massive thank you to Aldi for the substantial donation to our foodbank.

“Life is very tough for lots of the people visiting our foodbank, and this donation will go a long way to help us provide food parcels and spread a little love and kindness through this generosity.”

Graham Nicolson, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “We know that the Aldi Supermarket Sweep is a firm favourite with shoppers across the country, so we were delighted to bring it back for another year.

“Congratulations to Laura who managed to raise an incredible £809.18 for The Salvation Army and snap up a whole load of Aldi treats for herself.”

Lidl: What’s In The Box?!

LIDL LAUNCHES 1,000 ‘MYSTERY BOXES’ EACH WORTH OVER £100

The supermarket is launching its first ever series of ‘Mystery Boxes’, packed full of characteristically random Middle of Lidl items for just £20
Fans will be able to get their hands on a wide selection of cult items, collectively worth over £100, from ukuleles to sandwich toasters and swimming goggles
Of the 1,000 limited edition boxes up for grabs, 50 lucky shoppers will also receive a high-value bonus item worth up to £199; anything from a swimming pool, to a dehumidifier, lawnmower or even a paddle board!
The Lidl Mystery Box will be available to purchase for £20 from 10am Thursday 15th August via www.lidlmysterybox.co.uk – but be quick!

The secret is out – Lidl is launching its first ever series of ‘Mystery Boxes’, each stuffed full of weird and wonderful ‘Middle of Lidl’ items, from coffee machines, ukuleles, goggles, crochet kits, massage guns and more!

Worth over £100 each, the launch will see just 1,000 limited edition boxes up for grabs, priced at just £20 each. The question is, what will be inside the box?

For 50 lucky dippers, a shiny Bonus Item Coupon will be hidden inside, unlocking a bigger bonus item worth up to a whopping £199. Coupon holders could receive anything from a Grillmeister 2-Burner Gas Barbeque to a Tower Air Fryer 5 in 1 Smokeless Grill, a Livarno Garden Furniture Set or even an Inflatable All-Round Stand-Up Paddle Board – so run don’t walk!

With Mystery Boxes bursting on to the scene with brands such as Candy Kittens* and Nike** jumping on the trend, the launch of the Lidl Mystery Box is a celebration of the beloved cult classic ‘Middle of Lidl’ which regularly grips the nation’s attention with its unpredictable product offering.

They have recently gained significant traction online, with #MysteryBoxes trending on social media with a whopping 175.9M posts***. Shoppers are clearly looking to add some additional Middle Aisle pizzazz to their shopping sprees, and Lidl’s latest drop provides just that.

In true ‘Middle of Lidl’ fashion, each box presents different surprises; fans could receive a Silvercrest Slushie Maker in one, whilst in another, shoppers could channel their inner Arnold Schwarzenegger and get DIY savvy with Parkside Spanners, or even learn a few chords with a Clifton Ukulele. Each box is a mystery just waiting to be solved…

Hopeful mystery-solvers can head to www.lidlmysterybox.co.uk to purchase one of the 1,000 Lidl Mystery Boxes from 10am Thursday 15^th August for just £20 – available while stocks last.

All proceeds of the Mystery Boxes will be donated to the NSPCC.

RIPPED OFF: Drivers still paying too much for road fuel, says CMA

Increases in retail fuel margins cost drivers over £1.6bn in 2023

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published an update today on the widespread action it is taking to ensure that people can get the best possible choices and prices in the face of ongoing cost of living pressures.

New analysis highlights how the cost to drivers of weakened competition in the fuel sector persists, but competition in the groceries sector appears to be more effective in bearing down on retail margins.

Road Fuel

In its third interim monitoring update, the CMA has found that:

Retailers’ fuel margins – the difference between what a retailer pays for its fuel and what it sells at – are still significantly above historic levels.
Supermarkets’ fuel margins are roughly double what they were in 2019.
The total cost to all drivers from the increase in retail fuel margins since 2019 was over £1.6bn in 2023 alone.
Competition among fuel retailers is failing consumers, just as it was in July last year when the CMA published its road fuel market study.

When the CMA published its road fuel market study report, it recommended that a smart data driven fuel finder scheme be set up to make prices available to motorists across the UK in real time, such as through map apps and sat-navs. This will be backed up with ongoing monitoring by the CMA to hold the sector to account. This scheme could save drivers up to £4.50 each time they fill up, as it would make it easier to find cheaper fuel in their area.

The CMA is currently monitoring developments in the fuel market using information provided voluntarily by fuel retailers. It has created a temporary price data-sharing scheme, and it is positive that some major players have started to integrate this into consumer-facing products, like apps. However, the current scheme covers only 40% of fuel retail sites and is not comprehensive enough to be utilised by map apps or sat-navs to bring accurate, live information to people – and this is what would have a substantial impact on the market.

The proposed introduction of the Digital Information and Smart Data Bill by the new government could provide the legislative basis to set up a compulsory and comprehensive scheme that would change this – which the CMA would welcome.

Legislation – which is needed to establish the scheme fully – may take time to come into force. So that motorists can start to benefit from quicker, easier access to fuel prices through everyday apps sooner, the CMA encourages the government to introduce an enhanced interim voluntary scheme that is as close to the final scheme as possible.

Richard Evans, head of technical services at webuyanycar comments: “Rising motoring costs are unsurprisingly taking a toll, as our research revealed 4 in 10 drivers (40%) trying to drive less as a result of expensive fuel.

“As households unfortunately feel the pinch from rising costs across the board, there are a few things drivers can do to get the most out of their fuel. The more weight a car is carrying, the more fuel it will consume, so remove anything that isn’t needed.

“Driving habits have a huge impact on fuel consumption; making sure to accelerate gently and use the highest appropriate gear will help to use as little fuel as possible. And, keeping a car in good condition can also help to improve fuel consumption, as fuel won’t be wasted on broken parts.

“Amidst the fluctuation of fuel prices, it’s also important that drivers are aware of the cost to fill up and where they can get the best deal in their local area. Drivers can use our fuel cost calculator to estimate their weekly, monthly (and even annual) fuel spend.”

Groceries

Many households have been struggling to put food on the table. Last year the CMA launched a wide-ranging project looking at competition and prices in the groceries sector, to make sure that people can get the best deals possible when they are shopping for essentials.

Retailer profitability analysis

In the CMA’s review of the sector in July 2023, it did not find widespread evidence of weak competition: profit margins were historically low; consumers were switching to get the best deals; and the lowest-price retailers were gaining market share from others. But the CMA committed to have another look at this and monitor margins as costs came down.

Overall, the updated retailer profitability analysis that the CMA has published today should provide shoppers with reassurance that competition in the groceries sector appears to be effective in bearing down on retail margins.

Grocery retailer revenues, profits and margins have increased slightly, in aggregate, in the most recent year (FY 2023/24), as inflation has eased. However, the CMA found that the average operating margin for grocery retailers was less than 3% last year, which remains below pre-pandemic levels. Overall, this does not give the CMA cause for concern about the general state of competition in the groceries sector.

Pricing

The CMA has also been investigating a range of pricing issues, to help shoppers access clear and accurate pricing information:

When shoppers are looking for the best deal possible, they need to be able to easily compare the prices of similar items. Unit pricing can help with this, but a lack of consistency or accuracy can cause confusion. The CMA has identified a number of concerns with retailers’ unit pricing practices, some of which stem from the legislation itself – the Price Marking Order (PMO) 2004, which allows for inconsistences in retailers’ practices, including when products are on promotion. The CMA has recommended changes to the PMO and the Northern Ireland PMO which will help people access better information when they shop, and encourages the government to implement these changes.
Alongside this, the CMA has published guidance aimed at independent retailers to help them display clear and accurate prices in general.
Shoppers are looking for deals more than ever, and, increasingly, supermarkets offer special prices only for customers that use their loyalty schemes. The CMA has been assessing whether the savings on offer through loyalty schemes are genuine. The analysis – involving tens of thousands of loyalty price promotions – is ongoing, but the results to date suggest it is unlikely to identify widespread evidence of loyalty promotions that mislead shoppers. The CMA has commissioned a consumer survey to understand consumer attitudes and the impact of loyalty pricing on how we shop around and compare prices. The CMA will report on this work in November.

Infant formula

Infant formula is a vital part of the weekly shop for many parents and carers.

Through our review of the groceries sector, the CMA identified significant price rises for infant formula (over 25% between 2021-23) and launched a formal market study in February. Five months into the study, the CMA has concerns that the combined effect of the current regulatory framework, the behaviour of suppliers, and the needs and reactions of consumers buying formula, may be resulting in people paying more than they need to.

The CMA will publish an interim report in October setting out in full the concerns it has in this market and its provisional recommendations for action to improve it.

Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said: “At a time when household budgets are under huge strain, it’s our job to make sure people can be confident they are getting good deals and that they are not being harmed by weak competition or unfair sales practices.

“Despite inflation falling to 2%, many people are still struggling to pay for everyday items – whether it’s filling up at the pump, buying groceries, feeding babies, treating ill pets, or having somewhere to live.

“Last year we found that competition in the road fuel market was failing consumers, and published proposals that would revitalise competition amongst fuel retailers. One year on and drivers are still paying too much.

“We want to work with government to put in place our recommendation of a real-time fuel finder scheme to kick-start competition among retailers. This will put the power in the hands of drivers who can compare fuel prices wherever they are, sparking greater competition.”

A full list of the CMA’s work to help tackle cost of living pressures – including any recommendations already made – can be found on its collection page.

Exclusively for Scotland: M & S launches free sandwich campaign

From 17^th July – 17^th October, Scottish shoppers get their 7^th sandwich FREE when they buy 6 – available with Sparks
THIS IS NOT JUST A SANDWICH: New offer in Scotland follows a host of award wins for M&S sandwiches – including the coveted Multiple Retailer of the Year Award at The Sammies Awards

From 17^th July – 17^th October, shoppers in Scotland can get their seventh sandwich on us when they buy six in a new 3 month campaign.

The offer is open to EVERYONE who is a member of Sparks in Scotland. Simply activate your offer in the M&S App and scan your digital Sparks card every time you buy a sandwich, wrap or roll. Collect six stamps and your seventh sandwich is free! If you don’t have the offer in your Sparks account, you can scan the QR code in an M&S Foodhall to get started.

When you’ve redeemed your free sandwich, you can start collecting all over again!

How to get your seventh sandwich on us in four easy steps:

Download the M&S app
Activate the offer in your Sparks account or add the offer by scanning the QR code in store
Choose any delicious sandwich, wrap or roll
Scan your Sparks card at checkout

Available for a limited time in 53 M&S stores and 15 Franchise stores in Scotland.

Sharry Cramond, M&S Director of Food Marketing and M&S Loyalty, said: “We’re delighted to introduce the seven for six sandwich campaign for Scottish shoppers this summer.

“With our loyalty scheme Sparks, we aim to give back to our customers with personalised offers and rewards they’ll love. I hope they’ll be delighted when they get their 7^th (award winning) sandwich free! These are not just any sandwiches, and this is not just any campaign!”

When you’re a member of Sparks, good things happen every time you shop! Sign up for personalised offers and rewards you’ll love, including money off, free treats and charity donations.

And never queue again with the time saving Scan & Shop. Simply use the Scan & Shop feature on the M&S app to scan and bag items as you go. Then pay for your food shop directly from the M&S App – no need to visit a checkout.

Download the M&S App to scan your Sparks card straight from your phone and keep track of offers and rewards.

IT’S OFFICIAL: M&S SANDWICHES REIGN SUPREME

The new Sparks sandwich offer in Scotland follows an incredible haul of wins at this year’s Sammies Awards – the ULTIMATE awards for sandwiches and food to go.

Multiple Retailer of the Year AwardThat’s right – we’re THE go-to destination for your next lunch. With 61 sandwiches, wraps and rolls to choose from, there’s something for everyone with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

Healthy Eating Award: High Protein Korean Egg WrapWith a whopping 23g of protein, you won’t want to miss this one. Fiery Marinated British chicken, pickled slaw, red pepper and chilli mayo and spinach, all in a carb clever egg wrap.

WHAT ELSE IS NEW? Be one of the first to wrap your jaws around the latest sandwiches to join our stellar line up:

Roast Chicken & Chorizo Sandwich

This is not just a Roast Chicken & Chorizo sandwich.

Generously filled with British chicken and chorizo, packed with a lemon and paprika dressing on thick cut bread.

Cheddar Cheese New Yorker Sandwich
Farmhouse Cheddar cheese, gherkins, soft cheese mustard dressing, pickled onions and cabbage with spinach, on soft seeded rye bread.

Want a gluten-free version? We’ve got you covered!

Our Made Without Cheddar Cheese New Yorker Sandwich won GOLD at the Free From Food Awards 2024 and was developed using our award-winning Made Without New York Deli Sandwich’s soft gluten-free seeded rye bread as a base.

Cheese & Marmite® Sandwich

Your favourite Marmite® spread with cream cheese and farmhouse mature Cheddar in soft vitamin-D enriched white bread. Under 400kcals, with one sold every 20 seconds in first two weeks of launch!

Natalie Tate, M&S Food Product Development Manager for sandwiches, salads and on-the-go options, said:“At M&S, we are iconic for our sandwich quality, and we have been busy coming up with more products to add to our amazing range of products.

“Our Cheddar & Marmite® sandwich is a collaboration made in heaven (for some!) and I assure you that more people love it than hate it, as it’s packed full of farmhouse cheddar and marmite cream cheese.

“The Roast Chicken & Chorizo is selling quicker than most other sandwiches in the range, and I can see why, as it’s packed full of British chicken, chorizo, and a delicious lemon & paprika dressing on thick-cut malted bread.

“Lastly, we have reintroduced our very popular Made Without Cheddar New Yorker which also just won GOLD at the Free From Awards 2024.”

Morrisons Gyle fights holiday hunger

Morrisons Gyle has announced that it will continue to support its local community by joining the national effort to help prevent holiday hunger this summer.

Morrisons Community Champion Tess at Edinburgh Gyle donated £200 to Community One Stops Shop and Space at The Broomhouse Hub to help towards their free breakfast and free lunch for kids, to support families and children in the community and to tackle holiday hunger this summer.

It was our pleasure to donate £100 to our friends at Community One Stop Shop and £100 to Space at The Broomhouse Hub. Community One Stop Shop are offering free breakfast packs, and Space at The Broomhouse Hub are offering free lunches to children. Tess met with Willie from Community One Stop Shop on Monday to hand over the donations.

Morrisons stores across the country will support school holiday activity programmes – arranged by local schools, community groups and HAF (the Holiday Activities and Food Programme), by donating £100,000 of food across the UK this summer.

To help those in need, Morrisons already has its in-store Food Bank ‘Pick Up Pack’ scheme which allows customers to purchase a bag filled with a mix of products which are distributed to local food banks and community organisations by the in-store Community Champions.

To find out more about the work being done by your local Morrisons community champion please visit: https://www.facebook.com/GyleCommunityChampion/