Author: Scott Dylan

This article details the latest confectionery releases from major brands, highlighting their unique features and availability in the UK market.KitKat has reintroduced its popular Chunky Hazelnut bar after a three-year hiatus, available in shops nationwide for 70p.Quality Street introduces a new chocolate bar combining fan-favourites ‘The Purple One’ and ‘Green Triangle’, currently exclusive to Asda.Haribo’s new limited-edition Awesome Axolotls bring fruity jelly and foam sweets to stores for £1.25 per pack.Mars unveils Secret Centre Biscuits, offering an indulgent treat with chocolate, caramel, and nougat, initially exclusive to certain UK retailers.Fruit-tella expands its Curiosities jellies with ‘Out in Space’ and ‘On…

Aldi is conducting a trial for sensory-friendly shopping hours in nearly 100 UK stores, aiming to enhance accessibility for customers with non-visible disabilities.The trial, running from early August to late October, includes stores in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, and Yorkshire.Sensory-friendly features include quieter environments with reduced tannoy announcements, lower till scan sounds, and visible signposting of dedicated shopping times.Aldi staff have received training on hidden disabilities and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower symbol to support customers needing additional assistance.Aldi’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond this trial, reflecting broader efforts to ensure accessibility for both shoppers and employees.Aldi has announced the initiation of…

Economists indicate a challenging future for UK food prices.Food inflation reached its peak at 19.2% but slightly decreased.Despite moderation, high food prices will persist, experts say.Shrinkflation affects popular brands, increasing price pressure.Lower income households drastically cut grocery spending.The unprecedented rise in food prices in the United Kingdom signals a significant economic shift, as economists suggest that the affordable food era is over. In March, the Office for National Statistics reported that food inflation had reached a 45-year high at 19.2%. However, this number slightly decreased to 17.4% by June, marking a tentative moderation in inflation figures.Despite the easing of food…

Meatless Farm faced significant financial struggles in Europe, leading to a bankruptcy declaration earlier this year. The company’s relocation of its head office from Leeds to Amsterdam resulted in increased costs, ultimately surpassing its revenue. A challenging market environment and difficulties in attracting investors further exacerbated the situation. Meatless Farm amassed over £17 million in losses in Europe over three years.Meatless Farm relocated its head office from Leeds to Amsterdam in 2020, aiming to better serve the European market, but this led to higher expenses.The company generated less than €7 million in revenue since 2020, with losses amounting to nearly…

Marks and Spencer is set to transform its Newcastle store with a significant £13m investment, enhancing its presence in the North East.The overhaul of the M&S Northumberland Street store in Newcastle is planned to begin this month, marking a major redesign.This extensive transformation will allow for continuous store operations while renovating in stages.The initiative includes the expansion of M&S’s ‘Scan & Shop’ system to enhance customer experience.Plans align with M&S’s ongoing commitment to expand and upgrade its store portfolio in the North East.Marks and Spencer has announced an ambitious plan to transform its Northumberland Street store in Newcastle, with a…

One Stop has partnered with Whywaste to tackle the growing issue of food waste.The technology provides retailers with precise expiration data and smart markdowns for products.Initial trials in four stores resulted in a 14.3% reduction in food waste.The initiative supports One Stop’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2050.Previous collaborations of Whywaste have shown up to 40% waste reduction in other retailers.One Stop has commenced a strategic partnership with Whywaste, a Swedish company specialising in food technology, to address food waste in its stores. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to incorporate sustainable practices within the retail sector.The…

Morrisons has introduced a trial to support British farmers by covering 100% of crop-growing costs.The initiative aims to alleviate financial stress caused by rising costs and adverse weather.Initial trials are underway on select potato and carrot farms with produce expected by the year’s end.Successful trials may lead to a broader implementation across more farms next year.Farmers like Andrew Nash highlight the scheme’s role in providing financial security and risk mitigation.Morrisons has embarked on a new endeavour to assist British farmers by underwriting all expenses associated with growing crops. This initiative is designed to mitigate financial pressures arising from rising costs…

The UK government is set to postpone post-Brexit border checks on food from the EU due to inflation concerns.The Border Target Operating Model, which was scheduled for October 31, will be delayed.New import rules will require vet-signed export certificates for certain products.Businesses and ports are expected to gain more time to adapt to these changes.A survey indicates a significant portion of EU food suppliers are unprepared for new UK import rules.The decision to delay the implementation of post-Brexit border checks on EU food imports emerges from rising concerns about potential inflation. Initially planned for an October 31 rollout, the Border…

Aldi introduces bag checks in select UK stores as a response to increased shoplifting.Customers are required to present both empty and full shopping bags at checkout.This policy is a temporary measure, not uniformly applied across all Aldi stores.Other retailers like Sainsbury’s and Morrisons have adopted similar anti-theft measures.The initiative has faced criticism from some customers feeling unjustly targeted.With shoplifting rates reportedly on the rise due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, Aldi has implemented a controversial policy at select UK stores requiring customers to present their shopping bags for inspection. This measure is intended to combat theft by ensuring that all…

Tesco, a leading UK supermarket, now offers flexible working rights to its entire workforce.This initiative is in anticipation of new legislation expected in 2024.Employees can request flexible working from their first day without waiting six months.The move aims to enhance work-life balance and retain talent within the company.Full-time positions will be advertised as flexible, with various part-time options available.Tesco, a renowned name in the UK grocery sector, has taken a pioneering step by introducing flexible working rights for all its employees, a decision that positions it ahead of forthcoming legal changes anticipated in 2024. This rights-based approach enables over 300,000…