Author: Dave Antrobus

Dell’Ugo and This have teamed up to unveil two innovative plant-based ravioli products.The new varieties, Isn’t Bacon & Cheese and Isn’t Chicken & Pesto, are available at Morrisons.Increasing demand for vegan options has prompted this collaboration, citing significant growth in UK veganism.Both brands express enthusiasm about the new partnership and its future potential.The collaboration aims to deliver delicious plant-based alternatives without sacrificing flavour.In a significant move for plant-based food lovers, Dell’Ugo has joined forces with This to introduce two new ravioli products. Designed to cater to the rising demand for vegan options, these offerings are now available at Morrisons. Dell’Ugo,…

Lab-grown meat is expected to arrive at UK supermarkets soon, according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA).Applications for lab-grown variants like steak, beef, and chicken are increasing as companies push for market entry.Ensuring safety equivalent to traditional meat is a critical prerequisite for product launch.The FSA anticipates receiving around 15 more applications in the next two years.The approval process, engaging academic and industry experts, demands rigorous safety assessments.Lab-grown meat is poised to make its debut in UK supermarkets, a move driven by growing interest and applications for innovative meat varieties. According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), applications have already…

Aldi is enhancing its partnership with Arla, investing £30m over the next three and a half years.This initiative aims to support Arla farm owners, focusing on sustainability and animal welfare.Part of the investment will expand the FarmAhead Customer Partnership to reduce on-farm emissions.Aldi increases support for British farms, covering 100% of Arla’s fresh milk supply.This move reflects Aldi’s dedication to responsible sourcing and high-quality dairy products.Aldi, through an enhanced partnership with Arla, is set to invest over £30 million in dairy farmers over the next three and a half years. This strategic move will last until the middle of 2027,…

In the latest market analysis, Tesco has marked a significant milestone, achieving its largest market share since 2017.Kantar’s recent data shows Tesco’s market share rose to 28%, driven by significant sales growth.Sainsbury’s also saw a rise in sales and market share, while Asda’s share declined notably.Ocado continued its impressive growth trajectory, maintaining its status as the fastest-growing grocery retailer.Price competition remains fierce among supermarkets, with price reductions in some categories like toilet rolls and pet food.Tesco’s market share has reached 28%, its highest since 2017, buoyed by a 10% increase in profits and a 4% sales rise. This data, released…

In a remarkable show of financial strength, Greencore has surpassed its original profit expectations due to robust sales in the final quarter of 2024.The company witnessed a significant 3.7% rise in like-for-like sales for the three-month period ending 27 September.This performance uplifted its overall annual growth rate to 3.4%, indicating considerable market demand.Greencore’s revised annual profit forecast now stands at £95m to £97m, noticeably higher than its previous projection of £88m to £90m.CEO Dalton Philips commended his team’s outstanding performance and shared a strategic vision to enhance profitability and market leadership.In the closing quarter of 2024, Greencore, the UK’s leading…

Nish Kankiwala, CEO of the Waitrose-parent company John Lewis Partnership, is transitioning back to a non-executive role.Kankiwala will resume his non-executive position on the board by March 2025 to support the new chairman, former Tesco UK boss Jason Tarry.The CEO role will not be directly replaced, showcasing significant progress in the company’s transformation efforts.Nish Kankiwala initially took on the CEO position to assist in accelerating a major phase of business transformation.The transition underscores the positive advancements made under Kankiwala’s leadership, including strategic shifts and financial growth.Nish Kankiwala, the current CEO of the John Lewis Partnership, is set to step away…

John Lewis Partnership CEO Nish Kankiwala will transition to a non-executive role by March 2025, supporting a smooth leadership transition.Kankiwala originally stepped into the CEO role from a non-executive position in March 2023.Jason Tarry, currently chair, will oversee both the executive team and the partnership board.This transition marks significant progress in John Lewis’s transformation and operating model overhaul.Kankiwala expressed pride in the achievements during his tenure, highlighting improved cash flows and profitability.Nish Kankiwala, who assumed the position of John Lewis Partnership CEO in March 2023, will transition back to a non-executive role by March 2025. This change aims to support…

The six major UK supermarkets have collectively urged a reduction in business rates.An open letter was penned by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) to the UK Labour government.The letter was signed by chief executives from leading UK supermarkets such as Tesco and Sainsbury’s.The letter calls for a 20% reduction in business rates for retail properties.This initiative seeks to address the disproportionate tax contribution of the retail sector.The six largest supermarket chains in the UK have joined forces to advocate for a reduction in business rates. This collective call was formalised through an open letter written by the British Retail Consortium…

Ocado introduces a new online section, ‘Buy Women Built’.Over 1,000 products by female entrepreneurs are now available.The initiative is led by Coffee Republic founder Sahar Hashemi.Ocado features 130 women-created brands, including start-ups and well-known brands.Aims to champion female entrepreneurship in the UK, addressing confidence issues.Ocado has unveiled an innovative online platform called ‘Buy Women Built’, showcasing more than 1,000 products crafted by female entrepreneurs. This platform has been integrated across Ocado’s app, website, and an ‘Inspire Me’ section, making it easily accessible for customers.The initiative spearheaded by Sahar Hashemi, the founder of Coffee Republic, is designed to increase visibility and…

An appeal has been made by over 70 retail CEOs for a business rates amendment.The proposed “Retail Rates Corrector” seeks a 20% reduction in business rates for retail properties.Retail’s tax contribution is significantly higher than its GDP representation, prompting calls for change.The call to action aims to prevent store closures and encourage investment in the sector.Labour’s manifesto promises a fairer business rates system, addressing high street challenges.In a coordinated effort led by the British Retail Consortium, 71 retail CEOs have addressed Chancellor Rachel Reeves, urging the introduction of a “Retail Rates Corrector”. This proposal seeks a 20% reduction in business…