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Articles by Mark Craft
UK Budget 2026: Small Wins For Households, But Brands Will Still Need To Fight For Every Pound
The 2026 Budget has offered households some welcome breathing room. From help with energy bills to higher minimum wages and continued support for motorists, the government has spread its cost-of-living support across a range of everyday expenses. But for consumers, the bigger question is simple: will I actually feel better off? For many, the answer is likely to be: a little, but not dramatically. Read the full article on the Mintel website
Tesco Agrees To Sell Operations In The Czech Republic And Slovakia To Ahold Delhaize
Tesco has agreed to sell its businesses in the Czech Republic and Slovakia to Dutch supermarket group Ahold Delhaize for €1.7bn (£1.5bn), as it continues to simplify its operations and focus investment on the UK and Ireland. Tesco expects net cash proceeds of approximately €1.2bn (£1bn) from the deal, before tax and transaction costs.
Mondelēz Profits Rise As Sales Growth Recovers Despite Weak European Trading
Mondelēz International has reported an improvement in third-quarter profitability, supported by recovering sales volumes and easing cocoa costs, although revenue growth remained subdued in Europe. The Cadbury, Oreo and Milka owner reported net revenue of $9.97bn for the three months ended 30th September, an increase of 2.3% compared with the previous year.
Rising Seafood Purchases Reveal New Growth Opportunities For UK Retailers
The UK seafood market has grown by 4.7% in value to £4.96bn, with consumers purchasing fish and seafood more frequently despite continued pressure on household budgets. According to the Norwegian Seafood Council’s (NSC) Mid-Year Market & Retail Report 2026, seafood purchasing frequency increased by 1.5% year on year, while average spending per shopping trip rose by 2.9%.
Exchange For Change Publishes List Of Certified Reverse Vending Machines And Artwork Guidelines For DRS Launch
Exchange For Change, the industry-led organisation delivering the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), has published the first list of certified Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), supporting retailers as they prepare for the scheme’s launch on 1 October 2027. Certification confirms that a machine is compatible with the RVM specification required to operate within the scheme, having undergone rigorous testing and assessment to reach the certification standard.
Biona Expands Organic Snack Range
Organic food brand Biona is expanding its snacking portfolio with several new products across five ranges, as it looks to capitalise on consumer demand for snacks made with natural ingredients. The new products, which will be available to retailers from November, include three new ranges alongside extensions to the brand’s existing chocolate bar and coconut wafer roll portfolios.
Warrior Launches ‘Serious Protein’ In Asda
Sports nutrition brand Warrior has launched a new line to meet growing consumer demand for “accessible protein”. Rolling out in Asda, Warrior Serious Protein is said to offer a convenient way to incorporate more protein into people’s daily routines. Available in three flavours – Chocolate, Strawberry and Vanilla Milkshake – Serious Protein delivers 24g of protein, 110 calories and only 0.3g of fat per 30g. Each 500g tub contains 16 servings, priced at £12.50.
Poppi Expands Range With Limited-Edition Cranberry Soda For Festive Season
Poppi is expanding its UK soft drinks portfolio with the launch of Cran Fizz, a limited-edition cranberry-flavoured soda aimed at the autumn and festive market. The new variant, inspired by one of the brand’s seasonal flavours in the US, is rolling out to selected UK retailers from this month. Cran Fizz combines sweet and tart cranberry flavours and is made with real fruit juice, including 0.6% cranberry juice from concentrate.
Paragon Brands Secures UK Distribution Deal for Shanky’s Whip
Paragon Brands has secured an exclusive UK distribution agreement with Irish whiskey liqueur brand Shanky’s Whip, adding to its expanding spirits portfolio. The agreement, which takes effect in November 2026, will see Paragon Brands take responsibility for distribution across retail, e-commerce, wholesale, cash and carry, convenience and the on-trade. Paragon Brands takes over distribution from Global Brands, with the partnership aimed at increasing Shanky’s Whip’s presence in the UK market.
Wilko Owner Invests In Mirakl Technology To Expand Online Marketplace
CDS Superstores, the owner of Wilko, The Range and Homebase, is investing in new marketplace technology from Mirakl as part of plans to expand Wilko’s online retail operations. The investment will see Mirakl’s technology integrated into Wilko’s existing marketplace, with the aim of simplifying the process for third-party sellers to join the platform and improving the management of its e-commerce operations.
FMCG Marketers Must Hedge Their Bets During The Peak Season
By Holly Williams, VP Client Services & Growth at Epsilon FMCG brands are heading into the golden quarter with larger budgets and high sales expectations, while shoppers plan to spend more carefully than they have in previous years. The latest IPA Bellwether Report shows UK companies revising their marketing budgets up at the strongest rate in over two years, with a net balance of +14.3% in Q3.
Aldi Leads Scottish Sourcing Rankings As Local Produce Share Rises To 68%
Aldi has retained its position as the leading supermarket for Scottish sourcing, with 68% of its own-label fresh products originating in Scotland, according to the latest NFU Scotland ShelfWatch report. The figure represents a significant increase from 40% in the corresponding period last year, while a further 30% of Aldi’s own-label fresh range is sourced from elsewhere in Britain, taking its total British-sourced proportion to 98%.
Booker Launches Christmas Programme For Independent Retailers
Booker has unveiled a new Christmas trading programme aimed at helping independent retailers increase sales during the festive period through exclusive products, seasonal promotions and category advice. The wholesaler will roll out the initiative across its UK depots from the beginning of November, targeting key shopping occasions including gifting, entertaining, sharing and last-minute purchases.
Pukka Teams Up With Mash Direct To Launch £5 Meal Deal At Tesco
Pukka has partnered with Mash Direct to launch its first meal deal promotion, offering Tesco Clubcard customers two pies and two sides for £5. The promotion, which runs until 17th November 2026 in participating Tesco stores, offers shoppers savings of up to £5 on a meal for two. The initiative is designed to appeal to cost-conscious consumers seeking convenient meal options during the colder months, while encouraging shoppers to purchase products across the chilled pies and side dishes categories.
Smol Expands Homecare Offer With Dermatologically Accredited Sensitive Range
Homecare brand smol has expanded its cleaning portfolio with the launch of a multi-category range of dermatologically accredited products, including fragranced formulations designed for consumers with sensitive skin. The new range covers laundry detergents, fabric conditioners, hand wash and washing-up liquid, with products independently accredited by the Skin Health Alliance (SHA) following skin patch testing.
Bearfields Secures More Listings For ‘Made Without Nitrites’ Range
Bearfields has expanded its UK retail distribution with a launch on Ocado and an increase in its Tesco Express listings to more than 1,000 stores nationwide. The expansion will see Bearfields Traditional Ham (100g) and Honey Roast Deli Ham (100g) become available through Ocado, alongside a new 140g Family Pack. The move follows what the company describes as a positive consumer response to its existing range and forms part of its strategy to increase availability across the UK grocery market.
Retailers Face Flat-Volume Christmas As Shoppers Trade Down On Essentials And Up On Treats
UK consumers will save on festive essentials while trading up to premium treats this Christmas, creating a more polarised festive basket and leaving grocery retailers facing modest value growth but largely flat volumes, according to research by IGD. More than half (51%) of shoppers say they plan to buy more premium own-label products, highlighting how consumers are increasingly seeking affordable indulgence despite ongoing pressure on household budgets.
McBride’s Chief Executive To Retire After Nearly 12 Years
McBride, the British manufacturer of private-label cleaning products and owner of the Oven Pride brand, has announced that its Chief Executive Chris Smith is to retire after almost 12 years with the business. Smith has formally notified the company’s board of his intention to step down but has agreed to remain as Chief Executive and a director until mid-2027 to allow sufficient time to appoint a successor and ensure an orderly handover.
Holland & Barrett Expands Irish Operations With €17.5m Investment
Holland & Barrett has announced a €17.5m investment across digital and retail fulfilment in Ireland over the next three years, as it builds on its long-standing partnership with Kildare-based Road Truck Services (RTS). From 1st November, fulfilment of health and wellness retailer’s Irish online orders will move from the UK to Ireland through an expanded three-year partnership with RTS, building on an eight-year relationship spanning import, customs, warehousing and distribution.
CPM, A Pioneer Of Sales And Field Marketing, Celebrates Its 90th Anniversary
In 1936, long before supermarkets, trolleys or self-service shopping, everything was sold over the counter in local shops. It was here that founder Bede Egerton had a simple but powerful idea that would transform the relationship between brands, retailer environments and consumers forever: what if brands had their own salespeople ensuring products were stocked, visible and selling?
Coty Partners With Brandlight To Boost Brand Visibility In AI Search
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Household Spending Power Growth Slows As Rising Bills Squeeze Budgets
Growth in UK household spending power slowed for the third consecutive month in September as rising essential costs continued to absorb much of the increase in incomes, according to the latest Asda Income Tracker. The research, produced by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), found that household incomes increased by 3.8% over the past year, but growth in spending power was limited to 2.4% as higher housing, energy and transport costs put further pressure on family finances.
Carling Unveils Biggest Brand Refresh In 30 Years To Attract New Drinkers
Carling has unveiled its biggest brand refresh in more than 30 years as owner Molson Coors Beverage Company looks to broaden the lager brand’s appeal and attract a new generation of consumers. The updated identity, rolling out this month, follows significant investment in the brand and is designed to improve shelf visibility while retaining elements of Carling’s brewing heritage.
Tesco Launches New Nutrient-Dense Ready Meal Range
Tesco has launched a new range of nutrient-dense ready meals aimed at shoppers seeking convenient, balanced meals, including those managing their weight or looking for smaller portions. Developed in collaboration with nutritionists and chefs, the new Plentifuel range is designed to provide protein, fibre and essential micronutrients, including iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium and potassium.
Sanpellegrino Expands Zero Added Sugar Range
Sanpellegrino has expanded its Crafted Soda Italiana Zero Added Sugar range with the introduction of a new Strawberry Crema flavour, as parent company Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages looks to capitalise on growing demand for low-sugar and functional soft drinks. The new variant, which contains 10 calories per can, combines Mediterranean strawberry juice with a dessert-inspired flavour.
Ferrero Research Highlights Growing Adult Participation In Halloween Celebrations
New research commissioned by Ferrero suggests Halloween is becoming increasingly popular among UK adults, creating additional opportunities for confectionery manufacturers and retailers. The study found that 57% of UK adults believe Halloween is as much for adults as children, while 46% said they now celebrate the occasion more than they did during childhood. Half of respondents also believe there should be no age limit for trick-or-treating.
Della Vite Expands RTD Cocktail Range With Mimosa Spritz Launch And New Retail Listings
Della Vite is expanding its ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail portfolio with the launch of a new Mimosa Spritz, alongside securing wider distribution for its existing range through Morrisons and WHSmith. The new Mimosa Spritz (10% ABV) will launch in early December, ahead of the Christmas trading period, and combines Sicilian blood oranges with Prosecco produced at the Della Vite winery.
OurCoop Makes Solid Start As Merger Savings Exceed Expectations
OurCoop has reported gross sales of £1.3bn in its first interim trading update since the formation of the enlarged co-operative society in January, with integration savings running ahead of expectations. The group, formed through the combination of Central Co-op, Midcounties Co-operative and Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society, recorded a 180.3% increase in sales during the first half of its 2026/27 financial year, reflecting the increased scale of the business following the mergers.
Hospitality Confidence Rebounds As Sector Calls For Budget Support To Sustain Recovery
Confidence among UK hospitality businesses has risen to its highest level since early 2024 following an improvement in trading during the third quarter, although rising costs and concerns over taxation continue to weigh on the sector’s recovery. The latest Business Confidence Survey from NIQ and Zonal found that 53% of hospitality leaders were optimistic about their business prospects over the next 12 months, up from 37% at the end of the second quarter.
Smart Store Network Launches Social Media Advertising Platform for Independent Retailers
A new retail media initiative has been launched to help independent convenience retailers generate additional advertising revenue while providing brands with a cost-effective way to reach local shoppers. The Smart Store Network, developed by Rascal Systems and SG-retail and powered by Talysis and Socio Local, enables independent retailers to participate in social media advertising campaigns traditionally associated with larger corporate chains.
Shop Price Inflation On The Rise As Retailers Face Wave Of Costs
UK shop price inflation accelerated to its highest level in two-and-a-half years in October, driven by rising food, energy and transport costs, according to the latest figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC). The BRC-NIQ Shop Price Monitor showed that prices increased by 2.1% in the year to October, up from 1.4% in September and above the three-month average of 1.6%. This represented the highest annual rate since February 2024.
Morrisons Rolls Out Data-Led Range Overhaul To Focus On Bestselling Lines
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Holland & Barrett Secures Exclusive UK Launch Of Eve Wellness Supplements
Holland & Barrett has expanded its women’s health supplement offering with the exclusive UK launch of New Zealand brand Eve Wellness. The range, which focuses on hormone health and general wellbeing, is now available across the retailer’s UK stores and online, with five products priced between £25.99 and £29.99. Founded by Beatrice Laloli, Eve Wellness developed its supplement range using insights gathered through hormone testing involving more than 2,500 women.
Supreme Revives Typhoo’s Gnu Character For New National Advertising Campaign
Supreme is bringing back Typhoo’s iconic Gnu character after 50 years as part of a national advertising campaign aimed at revitalising the heritage tea brand and attracting a new generation of consumers. The campaign, which launches in November, will introduce ‘Drew the Gnu’, a modern interpretation of the character that first appeared in Typhoo’s television advertising in 1976.
Sprite Teams Up With NBA For On-Pack Promotion
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) is launching a new Sprite on-pack promotion in partnership with the NBA, aimed at helping retailers capitalise on growing interest in basketball among younger consumers. Limited-edition promotional packs will roll out across the Sprite and Sprite Zero Sugar ranges from November until March 2027, with the 500ml Supercan format featuring the design throughout next year.
KP Snacks Unveils Festive Tyrrells Packaging Ahead of Christmas Sales Push
KP Snacks has introduced limited-edition Christmas packaging across its Tyrrells crisp range as it looks to capitalise on increased demand for premium sharing snacks during the festive season. The new packaging is rolling out across sharing bags of five of the brand’s leading flavours: Sea Salt & Black Pepper, Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar, Lightly Sea Salted, Sweet Chilli & Red Pepper, and Mature Cheddar & Chive.
Oovi Launches Functional Soda Range Targeting Mainstream Soft Drinks Market
New British soft drinks brand Oovi has launched a range of functional sodas as it looks to bring the growing category to a wider audience with accessible pricing and familiar fruit flavours. The brand has introduced six flavours across two collections, The Classics and The Twists, with each 330ml can containing 3g of fibre, magnesium, zinc and botanical extracts.
Aldi To Open Seven New Stores In November
Aldi is accelerating its UK expansion programme with plans to open seven new supermarkets during November. The openings, which include two stores in London, form part of the discounter’s £370m investment in its UK store estate this year as it works towards its long-term target of operating 1,500 stores nationwide.
The Value Convenience Shopper
Economic pressures continue to shape convenience retail, with rising household costs encouraging consumers to think more carefully about where and how they spend. While convenience shopping remains firmly embedded in everyday routines, shoppers are increasingly seeking reassurance that every purchase delivers genuine value. Importantly, value is no longer just about price.
How Nestlé Builds Brands That Last
Being known doesn’t get a brand chosen. Being the ‘must have’ choice does. Brand strength is earned when superior products, innovation, value, visibility and communication all work together to create consumer preference in the marketplace, and, over time, growth. Strong brands are the result. With more than 30 “billionaire” brands, including KitKat, Maggi, Milo, NAN, Nescafé, Nespresso and Purina, Nestlé as one of the strongest portfolios in the industry. Read the full article on the Nestlé website
IGD Event Delivers An Insightful Day Focused On The Future Of The Food System
More than 460 people from across the food system came together at IGD’s Future of the UK Food System 2026 conference last week for a day of practical collaboration. Sarah Bradbury, CEO Of IGD Government ministers and senior leaders from industry and civil society brought a broad range of perspectives to the challenges and opportunities shaping UK food.
Majority Shoppers Back Deposit Return Scheme Despite Low Awareness
More than seven in ten UK supermarket shoppers say they would be willing to return empty drinks containers to reclaim a 20p deposit under the forthcoming Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), despite widespread lack of awareness about how it will operate. New research from YouGov found that 71% of shoppers would be likely to participate in the scheme, which is scheduled to launch in October 2027, while just 13% said they would be unlikely to return containers.
Co-op Wholesale Secures Five-Year Supply Deal With 35 VST Convenience Stores
Co-op Wholesale has secured a five-year supply agreement with convenience store operator VST covering 35 stores across the South West and South Coast of England. The partnership will see VST’s stores operate under the Loop Convenience fascia, incorporating Proud to Stock Co-op branding and giving customers access to the retailer’s own-label product range. The agreement was marked by the opening of the first store under the partnership in Weymouth, Dorset, last week.
Unitas Launches Supplier Collaboration Programme To Drive Growth In 2027
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HIDE Expands Tesco Range With Two High-Protein Curry Ready Meals
Ready-to-eat nutrition brand HIDE has expanded its range in Tesco with the launch of two high-protein curry meals, available exclusively in selected stores. The brand, co-owned by entrepreneur Grace Beverley and backed by scientific ambassador Dr Rupy Aujla, has introduced Chicken Tikka Masala and Chicken Katsu Curry variants in response to consumer demand for more adventurous flavours and convenient, nutritionally balanced meals.
Biotiful Gut Health Unveils Brand Refresh To Support Further Growth
Biotiful Gut Health has unveiled a new brand identity and packaging across its product portfolio as it looks to strengthen its position in the expanding UK gut health category. The redesign, developed in partnership with strategic design consultancy Lewis Moberly, introduces updated packaging, a refreshed visual identity and a revised tone of voice aimed at improving shelf visibility and making the range easier for shoppers to navigate.
Remedy Launches Festive Kombucha As UK Category Sales Rise 14%
Remedy is expanding its kombucha range with the launch of a limited-edition festive variant, Merry Cherry, as the brand looks to capitalise on growing demand for better-for-you soft drinks. The new flavour combines cherry with notes of white chocolate, raspberry and biscuit. Naturally sugar-free, vegan and gluten-free, the drink contains five calories per serving and is brewed for 30 days.
Vitabiotics Expands Wellbaby Range With New Friendly Bacteria Supplement
Vitabiotics has expanded its Wellbaby range with the launch of Wellbaby Friendly Bacteria, a new live cultures supplement designed for babies and children from birth to four years. The launch comes amid growing consumer interest in gut health, with research cited by the company suggesting that more than half of consumers are more aware of their gut health than they were a year ago.
The Loyalty Problem Hiding In Agentic Commerce, And Why Retailers Shouldn’t Wait For It To Arrive
UK shoppers aren’t handing the trolley over to AI just yet, but the direction of travel is hard to miss. PayPal data shows almost two-thirds of UK shoppers are interested in trying agentic shopping tools, with seven in ten wanting AI to help them shop in the future – whether that’s finding the best price, or flagging a better deal elsewhere. That shows shoppers are ready to be won over, even if most haven’t made the switch yet.
Bestway Wholesale Expands Field Sales Team
Bestway Wholesale has expanded its field sales operation with the appointment of 23 Territory Sales Managers as part of a strategy to strengthen support for independent retailers across the UK. The new nationwide team will focus on unaffiliated independent retailers and Bestway Retail Club members, providing more frequent face-to-face contact and commercial advice aimed at improving store sales and profitability.
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