Tag: supermarkets

Morrisons opens aisles to British entrepreneurs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Call me Old-Fashioned …

MORRISONS SLASHES PRICE OF WHISKY BOX FOR WORLD WHISKY DAY

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

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

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

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

The Woodsman Whisky Box includes the items listed below:

The Woodsman Whisky 70cl

Fentimans Natural Ginger Beer 750ml

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

Butterkist Crunchy Toffee Popcorn 170g 

Morrisons Marshmallows 200g

Morrisons Milk Chocolate Digestives 300g

Morrisons Bamboo Skewers 100 Pack

Morrisons The Best Chipotle Pulled Pork BBQ crisps

Job opportunities with Aldi

ALDI RECRUITING 20 COLLEAGUES IN THE EDINBURGH AREA

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

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

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

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

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

  1. Visit the store before your interview

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

  1. Do some desk research

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

  1. Show enthusiasm

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

About the roles available:

Job title: Store Assistant

Salary: £9.55 per hour rising to £10.57

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

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

Apply here.

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

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

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

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

Morrisons launches Little Library Book Exchange with 50,000 books to help disadvantaged children

– Morrisons will be donating 50,000 books to help families in need –

– Customers can also bring unwanted books to Morrisons Little Libraries where children and families can pick up a book for free –

Morrisons has launched a book donation and exchange station for children – the Morrisons Little Library – in its stores across the UK which aims to promote reading and literacy in children, particularly those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Morrisons Little Library was inspired by Canterbury-based children’s author, Rebecca Smith, who approached Morrisons asking for help to tackle the issues surrounding children’s literacy and the lack of availability of books at home.

Morrisons Little Library exchanges will be set up in stores across the UK from this week. Customers can bring along unwanted books to donate and all children, teenagers and parents can pick up a book for free. Books will also be donated through the initiative to local schools and community groups, via Morrisons Community Champions.

David Potts, Morrisons CEO, said: “The past year has been extremely difficult for everyone and we want to help as much as we can. We know that our younger customers love reading but some may not have access to books of their own. That’s why we’re launching the Morrisons Little Library – so every child has the chance to enjoy reading and brighten their future.”

Rebecca Smith said: “To think that there are children who have never enjoyed a bedtime story is heart-breaking.  Stories change lives. Every child and every parent should have access to that experience. The Morrisons Little Library provides that potentially life-changing access.”

Research from The Open University, which has been involved in shaping the initiative, shows that reading books helps children to start conversations, spark imagination and support emotional wellbeing.

The National Literacy Trust recently reported that children who own books are six times more likely to read above the level expected for their age but that one in 11 disadvantaged children don’t own a single book.

Teresa Cremin, Professor of Education Literacy at The Open University, added, “It’s been great working with Morrisons to help make the Little Library idea a reality. Reading benefits children and young people in so many ways and is especially vital after such a difficult and disruptive year, as it creates a safe space to escape and learn.”

To continue to support children’s literacy, Morrisons has created a new book – Cedric The Seed – and will be publishing 50,000 copies. The book will be distributed nationwide by Morrisons Community Champions to local community groups and schools to ensure they are reaching those who need them most. 

Cedric the Seed has been written for Morrisons by Danielle Corrigan from Saddleworth, who began writing children’s books last year whilst she was homeschooling her own children. Danielle began writing positive stories for children to read last year to help them cope with the mental health effects of lockdown.

Inspired by the pandemic and how lives were changed in an instant, the book follows Cedric, a small sunflower seed as he is separated from his family and friends. His journey is full of unexpected adventure, friendship and fun as when Cedric begins to grow, he realises his friends and family were there all along. 

The initiative is the latest from Morrisons which aims to make good things happen and bring hope to the nation. Last month, Morrisons gave away over 2.5 million packets of sunflower seeds to customers to grow at home and half a million postcards for people to send messages to their loved ones who they haven’t been able to see due to lockdown. 

Morrisons Community Champions have also launched the “Little Sunshine” awards which aim to recognise those who have gone above and beyond to help their community during the pandemic.

Morrisons launches mega sale on baby products

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brewtiful: Aldi unveils line up for Spring Scottish Beer Festival

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morrisons tackles period poverty with ‘Package for Sandy’

– ‘Package for Sandy’ was created by Morrisons Community Champion, Emma Parkinson, in response to period poverty at her local store in Bolton –

– Initiative now available at 497 stores –

– 125,000 sanitary products to be distributed to local charities nationwide by Morrisons Community Champions –

Morrisons is helping to fight back against period poverty by rolling out ‘Package for Sandy’ – a service available for customers in need who can access a discreet package of sanitary protection products – across all its 497 stores after a store colleague in Bolton came up with the idea to help vulnerable customers. 

The ‘Package for Sandy’ initiative was created and launched by Community Champion, Emma Parkinson, who saw the need for the service in her local area. The initiative is now being rolled out nationwide across all Morrisons stores in the UK in a bid to beat period poverty.

Customers in need can now go to any Morrisons customer service desk nationwide and ask for a package for ‘Sandy’ or a ‘period product pack’. The customers will then be given a free discreet envelope with sanitary products and no questions asked. 

The package is made up of a brown paper bag with two single sanitary towels. 

Emma, who works at the Morrisons Bolton Atlas store, came up with the idea in response to the issue of period poverty. The ‘Package for Sandy’ offers discreet support for those who may be in emergency need or are struggling for sanitary products.  

Emma Parkinson, Community Champion at Morrisons Bolton Atlas, said: “Period poverty is a real problem and going to a school in a predominantly low-income area gave me an insight into what it’s like to have no access to sanitary wear.

“It’s shocking that young girls and women go without sanitary products through no fault of their own so I’m really pleased that we at Morrisons can help to support those in need across the whole of the UK.” 

Following the success of the recent Buy One Donate One campaign on sanitary products, Morrisons is also donating 125,000 sanitary products which will be distributed to local charities by community champions nationwide. 

For more information visit www.morrisons.co.uk.      

#letsendperiodpoverty

Aldi donates 12,088 meals to Lothian charities over the Easter School Holidays

Local charities in the Lothians helped Aldi donate 12,088 meals to people in need over the Easter school holidays. 

The supermarket paired up its stores with local charities, community groups and foodbanks to donate surplus food, prioritising donations to those focused on feeding children. 

Around 36 tonnes of food were donated throughout Scotland, with more than 61,000 meals, including over 47,500 meals for children, donated to causes supporting families and children in need. 

The donation is part of Aldi’s commitment to donate 10 million meals across the country in 2021, in partnership with community giving platform Neighbourly.  

So far this year, Aldi stores across the UK have already donated more than two million meals to good causes.  

Mary Dunn, Managing Director of Corporate Responsibility at Aldi UK, said: “We’re proud to support good causes in the Lothians, helping them to provide meals to those in need over the Easter period.  

“At a time when more people are experiencing financial hardship and food insecurity due to Covid-19, we are committed to doing what we can to donate more meals in 2021 than ever before.” 

Steve Butterworth, from Neighbourly, added: “The school holidays are often a busy time for the nation’s charities and food banks. I’m sure Aldi’s donation will have been a massive help for so many of these vital organisations.” 

Aldi launches New Scottish Summer Ice Cream Range

Aldi customers are set for a sweet taste of the warmer months ahead following the launch of the supermarket’s delicious range of new ice cream flavours.  

There is no need to play flavourites as customers can pick and choose from three refreshing new ice cream creations as part of Aldi’s much-loved Strachan’s range: Peach Melba, Mixed Scottish Berries, and Raspberry Pavlova. 

At just £1.99 per litre, each tub takes advantage of the best produce Scotland has to offer and are the perfect treat to cool down with on a warm summer’s day. 

Peach Melba is swirled with sweet raspberry and peach pieces; Mixed Berries uses various Scottish berries to create an indulgent fruit compote; and Raspberry Pavlova boasts a smooth dark pink raspberry ripple, as well as crunchy meringue pieces.  

On sale now, the new Strachan’s ice cream flavours are 100% Scottish and are made in Scotland using Scottish milk and cream.  

If you’re more of a chocolate ice cream fan, then why not try Aldi’s recently launched indulgent Specially Selected Belgian Chocolate ice cream? 

Created by Equi’s, who currently offer Specially Selected Double Cream and Madagascan Vanilla and Specially Selected Scottish Isles Sea Salt and Caramel, it is guaranteed to go down a treat with anyone looking for a little indulgence this summer, customers can scoop this up for only £1.99 per 500ml. 

Aldi’s new summer flavours are sure to be the ice cream of the crop and are on sale now at all 96 Aldi stores in Scotland.

You can find your nearest Aldi store here. 

Aldi currently works with over 90 Scottish suppliers, and after reaching their initial goal of stocking over 450 Scottish products by the end of 2020, the supermarket has now increased this target to stock over 500 locally sourced products in the next two years.