Local Well pharmacies in Edinburgh have geared up to support patients affected by the closure of the Lloyds pharmacies in the following Sainsbury’s supermarkets:
Abbeyhill, Moray Park, Meadowbank, EH7 5TS (Well Edinburgh – Stenhouse Cross, Well Edinburgh – Mayfield Road)
Patients worried about the closure of their local Lloyds Pharmacy in Sainsbury’s are being invited down to meet the team one of their local Well pharmacies, which are just down the road.
Well Pharmacy, the UK’s largest independent pharmacy chain, has taken steps to make sure that its pharmacies across the country could add the capacity to support former Lloyds Pharmacy patients, including offering roles to some staff displaced by the closures.
And the CEO of the chain, Seb Hobbs, has urged locals to pop into any of the pharmacies to have a chat with the team about their healthcare needs the next time they are passing.
He said: “We were all really sorry to hear about the closures, as we know people really rely on having a local pharmacy that they can depend on.
““We want to make sure patients know there is an established and trustworthy pharmacy nearby that can support their healthcare needs, dispense their prescriptions and provide a full array of community pharmacy services. Our local team would be delighted to meet you, so please pop in anytime.”
Lloyds revealed recently that it planned to close all 237 of its pharmacies within the retailer’s stores, meaning that local patients will need to find a new pharmacy and its many members of staff now face an uncertain future.
Shoppers who regularly buy groceries from local supermarket convenience stores instead of bigger supermarkets are likely to pay hundreds of pounds more over the course of a year, new research from Which? has found.
The consumer champion analysed the prices of own-label and branded items at the two largest traditional supermarket convenience chains, Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s Local, and compared the costs with the same items at their larger equivalents or bought online.
The results highlight the eye-watering costs people face if they live in an area where larger stores are scarce or online delivery access is poor.
Which?’s research found that shoppers buying the same 75 items at Tesco Express, including Anchor Spreadable Butter, a Hovis white bread loaf and own-brand milk would be spending an extra £15.73 on average a week than those shopping online or at a larger Tesco store – £817.91 more over the course of a year.
At Sainsbury’s, Which? compared the prices of 69 groceries including Heinz tomato soup, McVities biscuits and Birds Eye Potato Waffles and found that shoppers using Sainsbury’s Local instead of shopping online or going to a larger store would have spent an extra £477.93 over the year.
While supermarket prices fluctuate all the time, Which?’s analysis revealed steep mark ups at both Sainsbury’s Local and Tesco Express stores on individual items.
In the worst case included in Which?’s research, own-label sweet potatoes were 95p on average when bought online or at a big Tesco but £1.30 on average at Tesco Express – a difference of 37 per cent.
Which? also found Mr Kipling Bakewell slices were £1.27 online or at larger stores, but cost £1.62 at Tesco Express – 28 per cent more.
At Sainsbury’s the worst offender was Heinz Cream Of Tomato soup, which was £1.15 online and at the bigger store but £1.37 at Sainsbury’s Local – a 19 per cent mark-up.
Similarly Birds Eye Potato Waffles were £1.71 at Sainsbury’s, both online and at bigger stores, but £2.01 at Sainsbury’s Local.
Not all items were more expensive at convenience stores compared to big supermarkets. Anchor Spreadable Butter Tub (500g), Colgate Total Original Toothpaste (125ml) and Magnum Almond Ice Cream (4 pack) were all 3 per cent cheaper on average at Sainsbury’s Local compared to larger Sainsbury’s stores and online. Tesco’s own-label unsalted butter block (250g) was 2 per cent cheaper on average at Tesco Express than at larger Tesco stores and online.
The large differences in price show how challenging food shopping can be, especially for people who are more vulnerable to food insecurity, don’t shop online, or don’t have easy access to a larger supermarket.
In November, Which? published the Priority Places for Food Index, developed with the Consumer Data Research Centre at the University of Leeds, which showed that seven in 10 UK Parliamentary constituencies have at least one area in need of urgent help accessing affordable food – meaning that people living in these areas are most at risk in the cost of food crisis.
While supermarket convenience stores offer a local lifeline for many, or are an easy alternative when looking to avoid doing a big shop, Which?’s research shows that at a time when grocery prices are soaring, many shoppers face higher costs than they would do if they went to a larger supermarket or shopped online.
Which? is campaigning for supermarkets to do more to support consumers through the current cost of living crisis in a range of ways.
This includes ensuring that affordable ranges are available, for example by offering a range of budget lines for affordable essential items that enable a healthy diet across their stores including convenience stores and particularly in locations where people most need support.
As well as ensuring budget range availability in all stores, Which? is calling for supermarkets to make unit pricing clearer, more legible and consistent so that people can more easily understand the best deals. Offering targeted support by focussing their marketing budgets and promotions to support those struggling, with offers, vouchers and loyalty card benefits targeted at the places and households where people are most in need.
As part of its Affordable Food For All campaign, Which? has published a 10-point plan of steps supermarkets can take across these three key areas to help ensure affordable food is available to everyone who needs it.
Sue Davies, Which? Head of Food Policy, said: “Convenience stores offer a local lifeline for some shoppers, but Which? research shows shopping at a supermarket convenience shop rather than a bigger store comes at a cost – at a time when soaring grocery prices are putting huge pressure on household budgets.
“We know the big supermarkets have the ability to take action and make a real difference to people struggling through the worst cost of living crisis in decades. That’s why we’re calling on them to ensure everyone has easy access to basic, affordable food lines at a store near them, can easily compare the price of products to get the best value and that promotions are targeted at supporting people most in need.”
Which? recently launched its Affordable Food For All campaign calling on supermarkets to step up and help consumers keep food on the table. The consumer champion has defined how this can be achieved in a 10-point plan that sets out specific steps supermarkets can take in three main areas: clear and transparent pricing, access to affordable food ranges across all stores and more targeted promotions for consumers who are struggling.
Alongside the University of Leeds Consumer Data Research Centre, Which? has developed the Priority places for food index which shows where in the UK people are the most vulnerable to food insecurity.
– Shoppers can choose from Oysters and Beef Brisket, Langoustines and Beef Sirloin or Scallops and Flat Iron at purse pleasing prices –
– All offers are available until Valentine’s Day –
Seafood and steak lovers rejoice! Morrisons has revealed its best deals on surf n turf yet – just in time for Valentine’s Day.
For £5 per person, couples can recreate a fine dining experience from the comfort of their own home – combining mouth-watering flavours of land and sea on one delicious plate.
For a truly pearl-fect match, couples can select the Counter Oysters (£1 each or 6 for £5 from 9th Feb) and Morrisons Flat Iron (£4.00) for a perfect premium main, especially for the day of love. Add a touch of luxury with a bottle of Charles de Villers Champagne Brut (down to £12 from £24 for My Morrisons members).
Not a time to be shell-fish, couples can treat their loved one to delicious Langoustines (£1.25) combined with tender Beef Sirloin (£15/kg My Morrisons, £17.50/kg) for a decadent meal to impress. Top off the meal with a glass of the delicately fruity Morrisons Pinot Noir (£4.79)*,which was commended at the 2022 International Wine Challenge.
If that wasn’t all, Morrisons fans will adore juicy King Scallops (£1 each or 6 for £5.00) served with Morrisons 100% Beef Brisket(£7.49) for a deliciously meaty treat. The Best Chilean Chardonnay (down to £6.99 from £8.25), with notes of citrus and richness on the palate, is the ideal accompaniment.
Shoppers can mix and match across fish and meat deals to create their ideal pairing and get something they can both enjoy. All deals will be available in-store until Valentine’s Day, giving lovers plenty of time to get their hands on these great deals.
Popular discount supermarket Aldi Scotland has launched Al-date, an exclusive dating service that helps lovebirds find romance this Valentine’s Day.
Testing the theory that the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, Al-Date is designed to encourage users to understand their love-type and help them bag a date on the most romantic day of the year.
Inspired by Aldi’s exceptional range of Valentine’s Day products, which includes everything shoppers need for a romance packed day, from its popular Love Heart Shaped Lorne Sausage (£1.29, 150g) to Specially Selected Sirloin Steak (£4.75, 227g), Scottish Vintage Cheddar Cheese (£1.69, 200g) and Specially Selected Chocolate Mini Cupcakes (£2.19, 9 pack), users will be asked a series of questions which gets to the crux of their dating habits.
They will then be served personalised advice and chat up lines, especially curated for use in the real world or on dating apps.
Launching on Friday 10 February, the online service will have hearts melting across the country. The service can be accessed at https://al-date.com/
Olive Yew, a spokesperson for Aldi Scotland, said: “Dating can be as tough as an overcooked steak, but on the most romantic day of the year, everyone deserves a wingman to help them in love.
“Whether you are looking to spice things up with a long-term partner, turn up the heat on a new relationship or simply make that initial approach, our Aldi-inspired chat up lines are an easy way to break the ice.
“Food plays such an important role in modern dating, and once again we have an exceptional range of special Valentine’s Day products on sale at everyday amazing Aldi prices.
“Our ever popular Love Heart Lorne Sausage – the perfect addition to breakfast in bed – will be back on sale from 9 February, and our Scotch Sirloin Steak is sure to get things sizzling over a candle-lit dinner. For your sweetheart with a sweet tooth, we have our beautiful Mini Cupcakes, while those looking for something a little more cheesy can finish off the meal with Scottish Vintage Cheddar Cheese and biscuits.
“What’s more, most of our Valentine’s Day products are created right here in Scotland from our fantastically talented local producers. Aldi Scotland works with over 90 Scottish suppliers who use the highest quality ingredients and produce from the country’s rich larder, and we bring them to shoppers’ plates at unbeatable prices.”
Asda announces its Valentine’s Day Meal Deal, which includes a starter, main, two sides, dessert, and either a bottle of wine or box of chocolates for only £15
Asda Rewards app users will also earn £1.50 in their cash pot when picking up the deal, making it even better value
Notable new items include the Vegan Mushroom Arancini Hearts, 30-Day Dry Aged Sirloin, Chantaney Carrots with Citrus Yuzu, and Dark Belgian Chocolate Hearts
The deal will run online and in-store from 9th until 14th February
This year Asda is pulling out all the stops for those looking to celebrate love with its Valentine’s Day Meal Deal, which includes a starter, main, two sides, dessert, and wine or chocolates for only £15. The deal features 17 all-new options, plus returning favourites and vegan offerings across all courses of the meal – including wine.
For starters, there are five options to choose from. Cheese fans will love the new Truffle Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Slow Cooked British Beef, which are baked into small bite-sized cups. For those who fancy something extra indulgent, there’s the Chicken Liver Parfait with Raspberry Jelly, perfect to enjoy with freshly-toasted, thick-cut baguette slices. For plant-based lovers, Asda’s new Vegan Mushroom Arancini Hearts with Truffle Dip delights are sure to set the scene for a romantic evening.
Now, onto the main event with eight options on offer. Standout selections include:
· The 30-Day Dry Aged Sirloin with Smoked Garlic Butter, which has been aged for 30 days for a deeply rich and succulent flavour. · The Wild & Roast Garlic Stuffed Yorkshire Bred Pork Kiev Cutlets. Topped with a Sicilian lemon, garlic, and herb crumb, this dish is the epitome of excellence. · The British Duck Breasts with Morello Cherry Sauce, sure to impress any date!
Shoppers can also choose from the Aberdeen Angus Beef Burger with Smokey Bacon & Cheese Heart, Braised British Beef Cheek Parcel with a Creamy Porcini Mushroom & Peppercorn Sauce, Cod Fillet with Samphire & Sicilian Lemon & Marjoram Butter, Plant Based Wellington with Mushroom Duxelle, or Nduja Stuffed Chicken Parcel. Each of the main options come with two servings and contain all relevant sauces and garnishes, so it’s all ready to go.
When it comes to a little something on the side, Asda’s got it covered. For the Valentine’s deal, there are some seasonal offerings on the table, such as the new Chantaney Carrots with Citrus Yuzu – a yummy flavour sure to compliment any main. Another standout option is the all-new Truffle Mac & Cheese, for those looking for something indulgent. Of course, no selection would be complete without sides available from all year round, such as the Triple Cooked Chips and the Dauphinoise Potatoes.
Saving the best until last, the dessert. Take a romantic trip to Italy without leaving the house with the Italian Espresso Tiramisu Cups – intense layers of coffee sauce, mascarpone mousse and coffee-soaked sponge cake, Marsala wine, and a cocoa powder dusting make for the ultimate treat.
As it is Valentine’s Day, shoppers can’t go wrong with heart-shaped chocolate treats: enter the Dark Belgian Chocolate Heart with Raspberry. Dusted in pink shimmer, these chocolates are deluxe delights sure to end the night off on the right note.
It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without a box of chocolates – or for some, maybe a bottle of wine feels more appropriate this year. Whatever the case, shoppers can round out the meal deal with their choice of either a bottle of wine, such as the Extra Special Malbec Merlot or Extra Special Sauvignon Blanc, or a box of the new Extra Special Chocolates.
Not only has Asda kept the price of its stunning meal deal at £15 this year, but the supermarket has gone one step further: couples get the ultimate date night deal with a free Sky Movies voucher when shopping the meal deal*.
What’s more, shoppers using the Asda Rewards app will earn £1.50 in their cash pot when purchasing the deal, making the dine-in offer even better value for money.
For just £15, Asda’s meal deal means you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a delicious Valentine’s Day dinner. The deal will run online at www.asda.com and in-store from 9th until 14th February.
Aldi is rolling out its partnership with the world’s largest surplus food platform, Too Good To Go, to all of its stores in Edinburgh and Lothians.
Following a successful trial last year, the UK’s fastest-growing supermarket is making the surplus food bags available nationwide, in a bid to tackle food waste while also offering even lower prices to customers.
The ‘Magic Bags’ will contain a range of grocery products that are approaching their sell-by or use-by dates at less than a third of the price, costing just £3.30 each to purchase for at least £10 worth of food.
To get a Magic Bag, shoppers can download the free Too Good To Go app and search for their nearby Aldi store, before reserving a bag to collect from the store at an allotted time.
The nationwide roll out is expected to save a further 4,000 tonnes of food from going to waste annually and will form a key part of Aldi’s ongoing commitment to cut food waste.
In addition, all of Aldi’s UK stores in Edinburgh and Lothians will continue to donate surplus food to local causes 365 days of the year. Since 2019, the supermarket has donated more than 30 million meals via its successful partnership with Neighbourly.
Liz Fox, Corporate Responsibility Director at Aldi UK, said:“Rolling out our partnership with Too Good To Go is another way of allowing us to cut down on food waste, while also offering customers in Edinburgh and Lothians the opportunity to pick up our food at even lower prices.
“With the rising cost of living impacting so many, Too Good To Go offers a simple and accessible way for consumers to save money and reduce waste.”
Sophie Trueman, Managing Director UK & Ireland at Too Good To Go, added:“We’re thrilled to be officially launching our partnership with Aldi nationally.
“Having already had fantastic feedback during a successful trial period, I know our Too Good To Go community in Edinburgh and Lothians is going to jump at the chance to save Aldi Magic Bags and prevent even more good food from going to waste.”
Aldi Scotland has launched its popular budget friendly Burns Night range.
In store from 19 January, the discount retailer is once again offering unbeatable prices on its celebratory Burns Supper spread meaning up to four diners can enjoy a full Scottish feast of haggis, neeps and tatties for just £0.81pp (£3.26 total*).
This year, Aldi Scotland will be serving up its exceptionally popular Macaulay’s Haggis at a promotional price of just £1.49 (454g). In addition, the retailer will also have a limited number of Simon Howie’s Specially Selected Chieftain Haggis for just £3.39 (908g). Made by the Perthshire-based butcher to the traditional Scots recipe, Simon Howie pride themselves on quality food at budget-friendly prices.
Simon Howie, Owner, Simon Howie Foods said: “All our haggis’ are made with quality ingredients to award-winning recipes and are the perfect choice for celebrating all things Scotland as we enjoy a fine meal and raise a glass this Burns night.
“It’s always a highlight in the calendar and we are thrilled to be partnering with Aldi Scotland, once again.”
A haggis feast is never complete without traditional ‘neeps and tatties’. Available at amazing Aldi prices, a 2.5kg bag of Maris Piper potatoes is just £0.99, while swedes are currently available at £0.39. For those adding a bit of culinary flair to their Burns Supper there are 1kg carrots (£0.29), white/red cabbage (£0.39 each), 1kg onions (£0.49) and 500g leeks (£0.99) available as part of the renowned ‘super six’ reduced range.
For customers looking to pick up a plant-based option, Aldi Scotland is stocking Macaulay’s Vegetarian Haggis (£1.49), as well as a gluten free option from Simon Howie (£1.99).
Not a fan of the ‘Great chieftain o the puddin’-race’? No problem, Aldi Scotland has a selection of products which offer a twist on the classic, including Punjab Pakora Haggis Pakora with a tomato and mint sauce (£1.59), Specially Selected Haggis Bon Bons (£2.29), Simon Howie’s Haggis Olives (£2.99), Specially Selected Beef and Haggis Pastry Parcels with Peppercorn Sauce (£3.99), and Simon Howie’s Curried Haggis Bon Bons (£1.99).
To wash down the Bard’s celebratory fayre, Aldi Scotland will be retailing a variety of Scotland’s favourite fizzy ginger including Barr’s 1901 Irn Bru (£1.99, 750ml), Irn Bru (£3.99, 12x 330ml), Irn Bru Sugar Free (£3.99, 12x 330ml) and Irn Bru Xtra (£3.99, 12x 330ml).
Aldi was named UK’s Cheapest Supermarket 2022 by consumer group Which? for the second year in a row.
Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Haggis is Scotland’s dish, and something that every Scot should sample at least once. Whether it’s the real deal, a vegetarian option, or haggis inspired pakora, with our Burns Night range there is something for every shopper.
“At Aldi we pride ourselves on being able to bring great, locally sourced, products to market that represent incredible value, and this Burns Night range is no different. Offering premium dishes at budget friendly prices, every one of our haggis dishes have been chosen for their exceptional quality and taste.
“In 2022 we continued to underline our commitment to Scottish suppliers and producers with the aim of bringing the best of Scotland’s vibrant food and drink sector to our customers. We are now pleased to be kicking off 2023 by once again working with so many of our long-standing suppliers in Scotland to offer our customers a fantastic range of products.”
Available at all 104 Scottish stores, Scots are guaranteed unbeatable bargains on all essential food and drink in honour of the country’s foremost poet.
Aldi continues to support to Scottish food and drink producers with 25% of its range now locally sourced in Scotland. The supermarket’s commitment to local produce was recognised at the 2022 Scottish Sourcing Business of the Year by Scottish Food and Drink Excellence Awards. The discount retailer also scooped 63 individual awards for their Scottish product offering in 2022.
Shoppers are being advised to buy big if they want to avoid price hikes on eggs this winter – with the cost of very large eggs rising at a slower rate than medium ones.
Experts from price intelligence company Skuuudle have revealed new data which tracks the rising cost of eggs over the past five months.
A box of six medium eggs has risen by 14% while the same number of very large eggs has risen by only five percent according to the data.
In the comprehensive analysis of the price of eggs in the UK, 120 products sold across the seven major supermarkets have been forensically tracked over a five month period up until 5th December 2022.
With fresh food price inflation rising to 14.3% for the 12 months until November 2022 the price of a box of six medium eggs has risen by this figure in just the last five months.
Avian flu has disrupted the supply chain of some egg ranges, tightening supply of the most popular products and pushing the price up of sizes most in demand.
But savvy consumers can find better value on the shelves if they buy a box of six very large eggs rather than smaller sizes.
The data revealed that less popular egg products including the very large size and larger quantities of eggs rose by between five and seven percent whereas the more popular boxes of six large or medium rose by higher percentages.
This might also reflect a need for retailers to sell the most popular products for the highest prices relative to other variants.
Skuuudle generates market-leading data analytics to help retailers understand the markets they are operating in to continue to provide optimum prices for consumers – in the face of rising inflation.
This allows retailers to compare like for like products and accurately track changes in price of the same product across different retailers.
This level of insight is critical when accurately tracking the price of a product such as eggs that are in high demand but subject to supply shortages currently.
A Skuuudle spokesman said that retailers have an unenviable ‘balancing act’ to perform when it comes to pricing, having to consider the needs of the customer, their suppliers and the supply chain.
He said: “Egg shortages have been in the news recently with some supermarkets going as far as rationing the number individual customers can take home.
“These have largely been driven by supply chain issues which have also had an impact on the prices supermarkets are paying to their suppliers.
“What is interesting is how supermarkets are choosing to pass these increased costs onto ordinary consumers.
“Our data reveals that it’s the prices of the high volume products which are rising at the highest rate while variants such as very large eggs, are in effect becoming cheaper compared to medium-sized ones.
“By choosing very large eggs shoppers can avoid some of the price hike although as the cost of very large eggs is higher than medium anyway it may not feel like they are getting a bargain.”
– Over 50 per cent of the range has been cut in price –
Morrisons is cutting 130 prices across its entry-level products to help customers’ money go further throughout the January squeeze.
The cuts include important fresh and frozen products for family meals and lunch boxes, together with cupboard essentials and household products to help customers across their shop.
Morrisons has invested over £16 million to make these cuts as customers look for help on their weekly shop after the expense of Christmas and as the cost of living crisis continues to impact household grocery budgets.
Fresh products such as bacon, cooked chicken and cheese which can be used to make hearty meals have had their prices reduced as well as fruit and vegetables including apples, pears and potatoes.
Frozen ready meals, fish fingers and prawns have been cut along with cupboard fillers like tins of beans, chopped tomatoes and tuna chunks. Household essentials such as laundry powder, washing up liquid and dishwasher tablets have also seen their prices slashed as have toothbrushes, toothpaste and sanitary products.
Morrisons entry level range has 263 products, 28 of which were new additions within the last six months. This month the range will grow further with the introduction of cherry tomatoes, easy peel oranges, green beans and mixed peppers.
David Potts, Chief Executive, Morrisons, said:“Our Savers range offers customers great value on the products they buy every day.
“We want to do all we can to help when it comes to the cost of grocery shopping and by investing in the range and cutting the prices further, our customers will see a noticeable impact on their budgets at a time when they really need it.”
Morrisons price cuts will be communicated to customers via TV, radio, press, digital display and social media as well as email and online activity.
On the website, the Savers range will be highlighted on the homepage under Morrisons ‘More Way to Save’ section and until January 22nd, the seasonal aisle in Morrisons stores will feature displays of the ambient Savers products in one place to help customers shop the breadth of the range, while the fresh and frozen items will have prominent displays in their aisles to help customers identify them.
SAVERS PRICE CUTS: BREAKFAST EXAMPLES
WAS
NOW
MORRISONS SAVERS WHITE LOAF MEDIUM SLICED 720g
£0.45
£0.39
MORRISONS SAVERS ORANGE MARMALADE 454G
£0.52
£0.33
MORRISONS SAVERS ORANGE JUICE FROM CONCENTRATE 1L
£0.89
£0.75
MORRISONS SAVERS MUESLI 1KG
£1.39
£1.25
SAVERS PRICE CUTS: MID-WEEK DINNER EXAMPLES
WAS
NOW
MORRISONS SAVERS ITALIAN STYLE HARD CHEESE 170G
£1.70
£1.59
MORRISONS SAVERS PASTA SAUCE 440G
£0.57
£0.39
MORRISONS SAVERS LONG GRAIN RICE 1KG
£0.71
£0.48
MORRISONS SAVERS TUNA CHUNKS IN BRINE 145G
£0.65
£0.55
MORRISONS SAVERS CHILLI CON CARNE 392G
£1.49
£0.97
MORRISONS SAVERS PLUM TOMATOES IN TOMATO JUICE 400G
-Morrisons festive TV ad puts food, farmers and its own foodmakers at the heart of Christmas-
-Stars real Morrisons colleagues alongside Farmer Christmas who swaps sleigh for tractor-
-Launches ‘Officially Approved By Farmer Christmas’ stamp-
-Debuts on Good Morning Britain on 7th November-
Morrisons is bringing back Farmer Christmas for the second year running as part of its latest Christmas campaign.
The character was so well received by customers last year*, that Morrisons is building on that success. Farmer Christmas has been integrated throughout the whole of this year’s campaign to highlight the great quality and value of Morrisons festive range, with his ‘seal of approval’ the common thread throughout.
The 60 second TV ad, created with Publicis•Poke showcases the other hero of Christmas as Morrisons once again illustrates the work British farmers do to help make Christmas so special.
The spotlight is also on Morrisons own colleagues – many of whom feature in the ad – who are the “real life elves” who help make more than half the fresh food that Morrisons sells.
The ad follows Farmer Christmas, who we hear speak for the first time in his rich Welsh brogue, as he travels across his fields on a tractor to his festive workshop.
There we see Morrisons ‘elves’ hard at work preparing festive dishes made by Morrisons. Farmer Christmas introduces a Morrisons baker creating puff pastry mince pies in “magic ovens” (or normal ovens, as the baker clarifies), a fishmonger showing off smoked Scottish salmon, and a butcher who passes Farmer Christmas a traditionally glazed gammon joint, which he describes as being “like a big edible Christmas present”.
Viewers then follow Farmer Christmas as he travels on his tractor to deliver a festive feast to a family, before cheekily inviting himself to sit down and join them.
The ad finishes with Farmer Christmas proudly explaining that Morrisons is the “only supermarket to be officially approved by me” because of its commitment to British farming, its food makers and its great value Christmas products. The ‘Officially Approved By Farmer Christmas’ stamp will be seen throughout the festive campaign in store and across paid media.
While the ad kicks off the festive season in Morrisons, some Christmas products have been on the shelves since mid-September to help customers spread the cost of this year’s festivities.
Other recent activities that have been introduced to help customers with the cost of living include cutting and then freezing the prices of 150 of the most popular products, the introduction of exclusive offers to My Morrisons members and the continuation of the Kids Eat Free All Day initiative in Morrisons cafés.
In the coming days, Morrisons Christmas Collector scheme will go live for eligible My Morrisons members enabling them to receive a significant money-off voucher to spend at Christmas if they meet the criteria and shop in the relevant weeks.
Rachel Eyre, Morrisons Chief Customer and Marketing Officer, said: “We know that customers are having to manage their budgets closely at the moment but they have told us they don’t want to compromise on the Christmas meal.
“We’ve brought Farmer Christmas back this year to show them the food and great prices that, thanks to Morrisons foodmakers and farmers, will be available throughout the festive period, all stamped with his seal of approval.”
Dave Monk, Publicis•Poke Executive Creative Director, said: “Farmer Christmas is back. This year with a twinkle in his eye and a tractor to match.
“As the authority on Christmas food, with a mouth full of his own wisdom and a sack full of Morrisons mince pies, he’s here to remind us all that the most precious moments at Christmas are the ones we spend around the table with our family, and that the presents on our tables make Christmas just as special as the presents under the tree.”
The ad was directed by Frank Todaro of Moxie Pictures and will launch on TV during Good Morning Britain on Monday 7th November, followed by network TV spots that include Coronation Street, Bake Off, I’m a Celebrity and Goggle Box. It will also be shown in cinemas throughout the festive period.
The wider campaign will run across radio, press, digital display, social media and out of home bringing Farmer Christmas to streets, as well as screens, across the UK.
This ad is the first in a series of ten Christmas TV ads showcasing Morrisons fresh food and festive deals to tie in with the World Cup as well as the Christmas period.
