Bestway Retail is celebrating the royal recognition bestowed upon its executive Jagrupe Singh Binnig after he was awarded the prestigious British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s New Year’s Honours list.
A former Costcutter retailer, Binning who now works for Bestway Wholesale. He has been awarded the BEM in the King’s New Year’s Honours list in recognition of his services to the community in Tuxford, Nottinghamshire.
Binnig's family ran the village store in Tuxford since 1989. He took over the business from his parents in 2002, running it first as a non-affiliated shop, then a Premier, a Select & Save and finally a Costcutter for 10 years.
The BEM was awarded in recognition of his and the family’s contribution to the community over a number of years, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the family helped make sure locals were taken care of and supplied with food, even stepping in to provide school meals in the form of sandwiches.
He has also served as a school governor and ran local football teams. While Binnig still owns the property, he now works full-time for Bestway as a new business manager covering Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Peterborough, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Derbyshire.
In this role, he is responsible for onboarding new retailers, providing business support, and designing and developing stores for brands, including Best-One, Costcutter, and Bargain Booze.
Bestway Retail took to social media to celebrate the royal recognition.
"We’re thrilled to congratulate our very own Jagrupe Singh Binnig, New Business & Acquisitions Manager, on being awarded the prestigious British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s New Year’s Honours list!
"This incredible recognition highlights Jagrupe’s outstanding contributions to the community, reflecting his dedication to making a positive impact in local areas. His story is a true testament to the power of community spirit and the great difference one person can make.
"We are very proud to have Jagrupe as part of the Bestway Retail team," Bestway Retail wrote on a social media platform.
Other prominent names mentioned in the list are Hemandra Hindocha and Richard Gresham Haley, postmasters serving their local communities in Epworth, Doncaster and Westcotes, Leicester respectively, received Medals of the Order of the British Empire (BEM).
Better known as “H” by customers, Hindocha has been at the heart of his Westcotes community for nearly 38 years after initially starting his postmaster career in Northampton, for five years.
Anne Croucher, Community Champion at Tesco, has also won a BEM for services to the community in Dumfries and Galloway while Younis Chaudhry, founder of Regal Food Products Plc, was honoured with an MBE for his business contributions and community work in Bradford.
The Portman Group’s seventh annual survey in partnership with YouGov reveals more people are drinking low and no alcohol alternatives than ever before, showing the UK is drinking more moderately than ever.
The results show that well over a third (38 per cent) of UK drinkers are now consuming low and no alcohol alternatives semi-regularly (12 per cent regularly and 26 per cent occasionally) – compared to 35 per cent in 2023 and 29 per cent in 2022, with a notable increase in regular consumption from eight per cent in 2023 to 12 per cent in 2024.
Young adults continue to drive the trend as the biggest consumers of low and no alcohol alternatives, with close to half (46 per cent) of 25-34 year olds surveyed considering themselves either an occasional or regular drinker of alcohol alternatives, compared to 37 per cent in 2023. Whilst 40 per cent of 18-24 year olds also drink these products semi-regularly.
Trends show that the younger generation also continue to be the most sober age group overall, with 39 per cent of 18-24 year olds not drinking alcohol at all.
The results continue to highlight the positive impact of low and no alcohol alternatives in helping people to moderate their drinking, with almost a quarter (24 per cent) of current alcohol drinkers stating that their weekly consumption has fallen due to low and no alcohol products, up from 23 per cent in 2023 and 21 per cent in 2022.
The survey also highlights an increasingly health-conscious UK consumer, with 29 per cent of low and no drinkers citing collective “health and medical” concerns as a key reason for choosing an alcohol alternative – an increase of almost a third (32 per cent) when compared to 2021 (22 per cent).
Not only are UK drinkers increasingly using low and no alcohol alternatives as a tool with which to moderate their drinking, but their rise in popularity is playing an important role in helping to tackle wider alcohol harms such as drink driving.
For the seventh year in a row, being able to drive home from social events is the number one reason cited by low and no drinkers for choosing an alcohol alternative, with over a quarter (28 per cent) stating they will most commonly drink low and no alternatives in situations where they are unable to have a regular strength alcoholic drink such as when they are driving. This is especially important as pubs and bars remain the most popular locations for adults to drink low and no alternatives.
While our research continues to tell a positive story of how low and no products are becoming increasingly normalised in everyday life, almost a quarter of adults (24 per cent) would still like to see more low and no options available on tap in pubs to further encourage them to drink. They also want to see greater use of price promotions (30 per cent) and greater availability of low and no products in non-traditional hospitality spaces (26 per cent) such as nightclubs, theatres, cinemas and live music and event venues.
“It’s fantastic to see low and no alternatives continuing to soar in popularity, while helping to encourage more mindful and moderate consumption among UK alcohol drinkers,” said Matt Lambert, Portman Group CEO. “We welcome the drinks and hospitality industry continuing to work together to increase choice, availability and visibility of low and no alcohol alternatives, and we continue to urge the UK government to provide us with the outcome of the recent consultation on low alcohol descriptors which will further facilitate growth of the UK low and no alcohol market.”
Mevalco, one of the UK’s leading importer and wholesaler of Spanish fine foods, has reported 6 per cent growth in 2024, despite tough trading conditions and increased costs associated with import and post Brexit tariffs and processes.
With turnover now approaching £10 million, Mevalco has returned consistent growth for the past 10 years. The company now has a strong presence in retail and fine dining markets, as well as the creation of specialist retail signature ranges, working closely with high profile chefs and the company’s unique cohort of suppliers in Spain.
David Menendez, managing director, said 2024 was a tough year for specialist retailers as the rising cost of living and inflationary pressures impacted on business’s bottom line.
“There is no question that 2024 has been a tough year and 2025 is looking equally challenging with the new national insurance and minimum wage thresholds set to further impact on retail markets,” Menendez said.
“However, we have been pleased with the results of 2024 which has been driven by offering value and innovation in our product ranges and investing in our people. We have brought more than 80 new products to market and through working closely with our valued Spanish suppliers have looked to help our customers re-energise and refresh their offer at affordable prices in order to continue to attract the consumer.
“By doing so, we have engaged with more businesses and driven growth through volume in the bottom line. Consumers want value and they want quality – both of which we are pleased to supply in abundance”.
Mevalco offers an extraordinary service that brings new products and meat cuts to market from Spain, supported by training and workshops to help its customers optimise the opportunity for fresh innovation and inspiration.
From its base in Bristol, it supplies establishments right across the UK and is seeing a growing foothold as Spanish produce increases in popularity and demand.
Müller UK & Ireland has joined the processor-led organisation Dairy UK as it targets further industry collaboration.
Dairy UK represents farmer-owned co-operatives and private dairy companies and aims to promote the consumption of British dairy products at home and on the international market.
As the UK dairy industry faces into a wide range of challenges and opportunities, the two organisations said cross-industry collaboration and collective action will be key to promoting and protecting the consumption of UK dairy products, benefitting the entire supply chain.
“We’re delighted to confirm Müller to our membership, marking a significant step forward for industry collaboration. This reflects the value of collective action in addressing the pressing challenges and opportunities facing the UK dairy sector today,” Dr Judith Bryans, chief executive of Dairy UK, said.
Rob Hutchison, chief executive of Müller Milk & Ingredients, added: “Our purpose is to deliver a better future for the British dairy industry and where possible, we want to come together as an industry to build a more resilient and sustainable future.
“So, whether that’s through first-class service levels for our retail partners, great tasting products for shoppers or genuine partnerships with our supplying farmers, we are taking steps that we think can benefit everyone.
“The whole supply chain benefits if we can promote British dairy products both at home, and on the international stage, while ensuring sustainability is at the heart of the sector. So, for that reason, it makes perfect sense to join Dairy UK and we’re excited to get started.”
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Players from Mansfield Town Ability Counts Football Club attend Crossroad Service Station to present Prem Uthayakumaran with a Mansfield shirt
Nisa retailer Prem Uthayakumaran has made a significant donation totalling £5,000 to Mansfield Town Ability Counts Football Club through Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally (MADL) charity.
The donation will provide essential support to the club, enabling it to continue its invaluable work in the community.
The donation was made in two parts. In October, Eastfield and Crossroad Service Stations contributed £2,500 to the club, followed by a further £2,500 awarded recently through the Heart of the Community Awards under the Stronger Communities initiative. These funds will be used to enhance the club’s programs, improving the experience for current players and making it possible for even more individuals to participate.
Mansfield Town Ability Counts Football Club provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to engage in football, fostering inclusion, teamwork, and physical activity.
Prem Uthayakumaran is awarded a shirt outside Mansfield's One Call Stadium
“Supporting our community has always been a priority for me. Mansfield Town Ability Counts Football Club does incredible work, and I’m delighted that, through MADL, we can help them reach more people and improve their programs. I’d like to thank all our customers whose support makes these donations possible,” Prem Uthayakumaran said.
Kate Carroll, head of charity at Nisa, added: “Making a Difference Locally empowers our retailers to give back to their communities and support causes that matter most to them. Mansfield Town Ability Counts Football Club is a fantastic organisation making a real difference in people’s lives, and we are proud to help fund their important work.”
Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally charity enables independent retailers to donate to local good causes through the sale of Co-op own brand products in their stores. A percentage of the sales from these products goes into a MADL fund, which retailers can use to support charities, schools, sports clubs, and community groups.
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A Christmas shopper walks on South Molton street on December 6, 2024 in London, England.
Total Till sales growth slowed at UK supermarkets (+3.2%) in the last four weeks ending 28 December 2025, down from 3.7 per cent in the previous month, according to new data released today byNIQ.
After a slow start to December 2024, food sales rallied in the final three weeks leading up to Christmas, with sales hitting £14.6bn, helped by intense discounts and increased promotional activity.
“In the last four weeks we've seen the highest levels of promotions in the last three years, with 27 per cent of all FMCG sales being purchased on promotion, with branded promotions at 37 per cent of sales,” Mike Watkins, NIQ’s UK Head of Retailer and Business Insight, said.
“This has no doubt helped to boost purchasing over the Christmas period. In particular, this was led by Tesco and Sainsbury’s where promotional spending on FMCG increased to 35 per cent and 34 per cent respectively as these retailers engaged shoppers with big loyalty app savings.”
NIQ data reveals over the last four weeks, in-store visits were up 8 per cent helping in-store sales to increase 3.6 per cent on this time last year. This came at the expense of online where sales fell -1.7 per cent with online share falling to 11.9 per cent from 12.5 per cent a year ago. The timing of Christmas Eve will have given a boost to stores with Monday 23 December the peak shopping day.
Despite the decrease in online share of sales, Ocado (+13.9%) was the fastest-growing retailer over the last four weeks, while the discounters were the fastest-growing channel (+5.5%). Aldi and Lidl’s combined market share increased to 16.3 per cent, up from 15.8 per cent a year ago.
In contrast, trading over the last four weeks was more challenging for the convenience channel (+2.4%).
Moreover, Tesco (+4.5%) grew market share, with Sainsbury’s (+3.1%) holding market share with both retailers seeing strong increases in visits and new shoppers. Marks & Spencer momentum continued (+6.8%) and this resulted in its highest ever market share of 4.8 per cent on record.
NIQ data shows that in the last four weeks, shoppers put fewer items in their baskets, with an average basket value of £21.95, down 4.9 per cent compared to last year. This suggests that shoppers are still bearing the brunt of the high cost of living. This is despite dissipating food inflation at 1.8 per cent compared to 7.8 per cent a year ago.
“Overall, it was a good Christmas for most food retailers with sales growths in line with the expectations that had been set in the last three months,” Watkins noted.
“The topline growths were helped by the return of low inflation but also by shoppers being inclined to buy more in the final week leading up to Christmas Eve. However, shoppers still had to spend more money this year on household bills before buying Christmas indulgences and this may have taken the edge off the growth in some other categories such as alcohol and also household.”
With shoppers purchasing items to celebrate the festive season with family and friends, NIQ data shows that there was a significant boost in sales for sushi (+20%), olives and antipasti (+10%) as well as chilled bread (+12%), nuts (+10%) and fresh and frozen fruit (+10%).
There was also strong growth across the major supermarkets for fresh produce (+7.4%), bakery (+4.8%) and soft drinks (+3.6%). Sales for meat, fish and poultry also fared better than the same period last year - with value growth up 4.4 per cent and 2.1 per cent in unit growth. Confectionery also did well with 13 per cent value growth and 5.5 per cent unit growth. Health and Beauty also performed well at 6.3 per cent.
NIQ data also shows that sales for beers, wines and spirits fell flat with sales weakening to -1.6 per cent value growth and -1.3 per cent unit growth. However, sales rose for stout (+13%), maybe influenced by the challenges around draft supply of Guinness to pubs.
“Looking ahead to 2025, we expect shoppers to keep managing their budgets by shopping smart and shopping around for wherever the savings are the most attractive,” Watkins said. “This means that shopping ‘little and often’ will continue with omnichannel shopping becoming an even bigger consumer trend across the industry.”