Andy was born in London just in time to see England win the World Cup, and much later began his career in academia, gaining a PhD in American Literature and lecturing at several universities, including Maryland and Gothenburg in Sweden, and pursuing a sideline in sheep-farming before moving back to London and becoming a literary agent and TV documentary-maker (working for various broadcasters and making series such as the BBC’s Monsoon Railway, set in Bengal).
He has written several biographies, including the Second World War story American Pimpernel, and became the official biographer of India’s Prime Minister (then Chief Minister of Gujarat) publishing Narendra Modi, a Political Biography (Harper Collins).
Andy joined Asian Media Group in 2018, his first “proper” job, and has been there ever since, believing that, while trade journalism might not save the world, it might just save journalism.
Carlsberg Britvic has announced that 1664 Bière 0.0%, expertly brewed to contain no alcohol, will launch in the Off Trade this April, following a successful launch in the On Trade at the beginning of 2025.
Delivering the rich and balanced taste that 1664 is known for, the new product ensures that the 1664 range can be enjoyed on every occasion. 1664 Bière 0.0% will be available in 6x330ml sleek cans.
Joining Carlsberg Britvic’s roster of Low & No alcohol beers, ranging from Carlsberg 0.0 to Erdinger Alkoholfrei, 1664 Bière 0.0% draught has gained positive traction in the On Trade, with nearly 500 outlets already pouring. This will be further supported with a standalone branded fount launching in April for the On Trade channel across both 1664 Bière and 1664 Bière 0.0%.
1664 Bière 0.0% has performed strongly in consumer research ahead of the beer’s launch. Amongst consumers, 1664 Bière 0.0% was particularly recognised for its excellent taste, with consumer testing showing the brand’s favourability for taste was on par with the UK’s market leading alcohol-free beer*.
Carlsberg Britvic will support 1664 Bière 0.0% with a multimillion-pound marketing campaign launching from April across TV, Out of Home, social & digital display. The campaign will lead into the busy summer period when shoppers are hoping to enjoy the sun and a refreshing beer with family and friends, whether out at a picnic or at home with a barbeque.
The Low & No alcohol category has continued to attract new drinkers, with figures showing that 42.8 per cent of drinkers (21.2m) have said they are moderating their alcohol consumption in the past 12 months, an increase of 2.2m drinkers compared to 2016. The alcohol-free category is also the fastest growing (CAGR 14.6 per cent) with an over index with Gen Z and millennials.
“1664 has gone from strength to strength since we relaunched the brand last year. As the alcohol-free beer category continues to grow, we are thrilled to continue driving the 1664 brand to new heights with the launch of 1664 Bière 0.0% in the UK," said Dharmesh Rana, Director of Marketing for Premium Brands at Carlsberg Britvic.
“As consumers look to moderate their drinking across different occasions, whether that’s out with friends or at home with family, it’s essential that brands provide great-tasting options that don’t compromise on flavour or sophistication. 1664 Bière 0.0% is a perfectly balanced, flavourful and eminently sippable beer and we’re confident that this brand can go head-to-head with the market leader.”
Toffifee is on a mission to bring families together with its latest on-pack promotion. Starting from 1 May to 30 June, Toffifee is giving shoppers a thousand chances every week to download the latest films with a £5.50 voucher on Rakuten – creating the ultimate movie night.
With at-home socialising still an important part of family life, watching movies at home has become the UK’s #1 popular social activity, enjoyed regularly by a massive 87 per cent of people. This promotion supercharges confectionery purchases, adding extra value while driving in-store excitement by tapping into these unmissable moments.
Toffifee is supporting retailers in growing sales of boxed chocolate, which are the perfect accompaniment to a movie night at home. Toffifee’s brand momentum is stronger than ever, now valued at £14.5 million, up +7.5 per cent from last year, with volume growth of +4.3 per cent – outpacing the category. With 83 per cent of Big Night In purchases pre-planned, retailers can maximise sales by stocking up ahead of peak weekend demand.
“Toffifee and movies go hand in hand, as both have the power to bring families together for special shared moments together, with 64 per cent of consumers snacking to connect with others,” said Rebecca Robert, Marketing Director at Storck. “We’re excited to partner with Rakuten to make at-home movie nights even more special with the delicious taste of Toffifee.
“We know shoppers are being more cautious with their spending, but value-added initiatives like these, that extend beyond price promotions, are key to driving shopper interest. We’re confident that this, paired with POS that we are providing to drive awareness of the campaign, will help encourage more footfall to the confectionery aisle and help retailers drive more sales.”
The on-pack promotion, launching on 1 May, will be available across grocery, impulse and wholesale channels. To enter, shoppers simply need to purchase a 125g promotional pack of Toffifee and scan the QR code, and enter the unique code found inside. Winners will be chosen through weekly prize draws, giving them the chance to plan the ultimate movie night with Toffifee. For full T&Cs, please visit: www.toffifeeprizes.com
PWR-BRU, from IRN-BRU, the No. 1 Scottish grocery brand, is introducing its first new flavour innovation since launching in 2023. Dynamo Fruit Punch will be hitting shelves from April 2025 in a 500ml big can format.
“PWR-BRU has been packing a powerful flavour punch in the fast growing Scottish energy market since launch," said Kenny Nicholson, Head of IRN-BRU Brand. "The range, with its distinctive can design and real IRN-BRU essence, provides something unique and individual. This latest flavour innovation is arriving with retailers just in time to maximise profit opportunities in the summer sales peak.”
Scotland’s energy drinks market is the nation’s fastest growing category, adding the most value for retailers and selling an additional five million units per month during summer. Flavours are still driving these sales, as data shows flavoured SKUs are 60 per cent incremental to the market.
“We have been driving trial and frequency, achieving 35 per cent increase in penetration last year, thanks to our unbeatable flavours and unmistakable branding.
“Just two years after launch, PWR-BRU already has the third highest repeat purchase in stimulant energy, and we’re attracting three times the amount of ‘young shoppers’ vs. the rest of the category,” added Kenny.
Dynamo Fruit Punch performed incredibly well in consumer research with 93 per cent saying they would buy it and 81 per cent of shoppers who loved the taste. A full range of impactful and eye-catching PoS will be available for retailers to drive sales around launch and throughout summer.
On (Scottish) shelves from April 2025
PACKS: 500ml x 12 cans
RRP: £1 PMP
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Strawberry flavour with a playful new look, perfect for family snacking.
Fox’s Burton’s Companies has announced the introduction of a limited-edition Strawberry flavour to the Fox’s Party Rings range.
With a creamy taste and smooth finish, these sweet treats are available from today (24) with an RRP of £0.90 per 125g pack.
The limited-edition flavour is designed to engage and excite existing customers as well as bring in new users, with a particular focus on attracting families.
Strawberry was named the number-one flavour across all family age groups, with 85 per cent purchase intent – and with Party Rings featuring in 50 per cent of children’s occasions – it makes this new limited-edition flavour a must-stock for retailers wanting to boost family basket spend.
Party Rings Strawberry joins the Party Rings range, which includes biscuits for a variety of shopper needs and missions. From the classic, full-size Party Rings, through mini formats to the Party Rings Minis Chocolate flavour which launched back in 2023 and have proved popular with shoppers looking for on-the go snacking options.
“We know Party Rings fans love a new flavour and that flavour variants do a great job of attracting families, so we’re confident that the addition of Strawberry to the range will drive excitement amongst our customers and opens up incremental biscuit and basket spend," said Robin Norton, Head of Category Insight at FBC.
“The launch of this limited-edition range will also see the introduction of our brand-new look and feel designed to give the brand a more fun, modern appearance that will stand-out on shelf. We have some exciting things to come for Party Rings this year and this is just the first step on our journey to make sure we’re bringing more fun to the everyday for everyone!”
The brand refresh will see packaging across all flavours and formats updated to reflect the new, playful “colour me in” design. The new revamp will be completed by May 2025.
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Strawberry-flavored pig candy, Belgian chocolate, and premium popcorn.
March 2025 sees Popcorn Kitchen introduce Strawberry chocolate pigs in popcorn blankets as the latest addition to its home-popping portfolio. A fusion of fruit-themed pig candy, gourmet popping corn kernels and Belgian milk chocolate buttons, it allows any popcorn obsessive to make 14 generous portions.
Since its arrival in 2023 “Pop at Home” has become the business’s most successful new gifting launch with every topping from chocolate mini eggs and jellybeans, to peanut butter buttons, to novelty chocolate sprouts, festive chocolate coins and Rocky Road marshmallows. In 2024 sales grew by 95 per cent year-on-year.
“In an ever-changing global snacking landscape popcorn continues to shine, not least because of its unrivalled versatility, convenience and nostalgic associations,” said Co-Owner and Director Louise Monk.
“Whether we’re talking healthier, savoury, microwaveable or gourmet, popcorn retains the capacity to align with all manner of timeless flavours and turn heads. In particular, popcorn that aligns itself with high-end ingredients or cult childhood toppings are reaping the rewards for their ingenuity and daring-do.”
Pop-at-Home has shone in the UK’s growing gifting fixture which provides family friends, parents and grandparents to go the extra yard when visiting friends and family.
Mentos Sweets, the second largest brand in the hard chews category – now valued at £43.4m – is set to make its debut on the popular gaming platform Fortnite Creative, bringing a fresh and playful twist to the gaming world.
Over the next two weeks, Mentos Fizzookas – custom rocket launchers that
leverage the famously fizzy reaction for explosive fun – will be dropped into some of the most popular Fortnite Creative maps, “Piece Control 2v2”, “Piece Control 1v1”, “Troll Bed Wars”, and “Sky Wars” with a combined audience of over a million players per day, on average. This signifies the first time the Mentos and cola experiment has appeared in a gaming platform, and the first branded tactical item to be released in Fortnite Creative.
The entry into Fortnite Creative comes as the brand looks to build cultural relevance amongst younger, growing audiences. Research has shown that one in three Gen Z play games daily
and around 75 per cent play video games at least once a week, underlining the strategic importance of gaming as a platform for brand engagement.
To support this launch, a creative campaign will run globally, with over 20 markets
amplifying the Fizzooka launch with local influencers, media and across social
activations. On top of digital activations, Mentos also tasked influencers from all over the world to bring the campaign into the physical world, giving them 30 real-life, functioning Mentos Fizzookas replicas to create fun and engaging content.
“The Mentos x cola experiment first came to fame in 1999 and has been a mainstay on YouTube, TikTok and social media sites ever since,” said Sarah du Plessis, Mentos Brand Manager. “Now, with the invention of the Mentos Fizzooka, it seems there’s still plenty of fizz left in the famous experiment!
“We know gaming is a rich territory to connect with younger, Gen Z audiences and our latest foray into Fortnite Creative is a natural extension of our strategy to keep the brand fresh and relevant by engaging consumers in new and unexpected ways. We can’t wait to introduce a whole new audience to say Yes to Fresh.”