Lucozade Sport is bringing a zesty new launch to chillers across the nation from March. Lucozade Sport Ice Kick is a new collaboration with beloved England football star and Lucozade Athlete Jude Bellingham.
With a kick of zesty citrus flavours, the refreshing sports drink features Jude Bellingham on the front of pack to drive stand-out in the chiller and appeal to football fans across the country.
Significant marketing investment putting Bellingham front and centre will drive sales for retailers, including video content on both Lucozade Sport’s and Bellingham’s social channels to engage with football fans and shoppers directly.
Lucozade Sport Ice Kick will be available in both standard and price-marked 500ml bottles as well as 4x500ml multipacks from early March. As we move into spring and the weather starts to gets warmer, this new launch is set to boost retailers’ soft drinks sales at a perfect time in the lead up to the key summer selling season, boosted by a new football season on screen.
We have loved working closely with Jude to bring this icy new team member to chillers this season," said Tom Bell, Marketing Director at Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I (SBF GB&I). “This refreshing new addition to Lucozade Sport’s range is set to be a huge hit with shoppers and football fans, and our proven track record of launching new flavours with our sports stars means we’re confident that retailers will see it kick off an unbeatable summer of sales!”
Retailers should cite new Lucozade Sport Ice Kick alongside the brand’s core Orange and Raspberry flavours as well as Blue Force, last year’s popular addition, to capture attention from existing and new shoppers alike. The icy cues of the bottle including condensation drops on the label have been developed to help retailers drive impulse sales from shoppers looking for chilled hydration and fuel, or simply something new and refreshing from the category.
Lucozade Sport Ice Kick will be fully supported by a suite of impactful POS across wholesale and convenience to help retailers and wholesalers drive maximum sales from launch onwards.
Independent drinks wholesaler LWC has recently launched a set of ambitious environment commitments, unveiling a significant acceleration in its sustainability drive.
Centred around five key pillars - "Climate, Facilities, Operations, Marketing & Communications, and People" - these new commitments provide a clear roadmap for how LWC intends to reduce its environmental impact, operate more responsibly, and drive sustainability across the drinks industry.
Notable commitments include:
25 per cent reduction in Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions by 2030
Engagement with top 20 suppliers to reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions by 25 per cent by 2035
Accreditation achieved by 2026
Pilot HVO at key depots with bunded tanks by 2026
Electrify all warehouse equipment by 2030
2 per cent of annual profit donated to charity partners
Alongside its Headline Commitments, LWC has also unveiled a Green Ambassador Programme, the launch of a new internal ‘Sustainability & ESG Hub,’ plus the appointment of a new Sustainability Lead.
These developments follow the continued roll out of solar arrays across LWC sites, its road mile reduction partnership with Asahi, and the formation of its Sustainability Committee in 2024.
Ebrahim Mukadam, Managing Director for LWC commented, "Although we have been making progress in this space for some time, the announcement of our Headline Commitments alongside the launch of our green initiatives really underscores a strategic step change in pace for us.
“We have set our goals, supported them with robust action plans and are formally holding ourselves to account. We want to lead by example, by being transparent and taking responsibility for our own footprint, but also supporting our customers, partners, and suppliers to also make more sustainable choices.
“Sustainability isn’t just about business; it’s about people, communities, and the future we leave behind. By making these commitments now, we’re ensuring that LWC plays its part in protecting the planet for generations to come.”
With growing regulatory and consumer pressure for businesses to operate more sustainably, LWC is proactively positioning itself at the forefront of industry change.
By embedding sustainability into its business model and culture, the company is committed to not just making pledges, but delivering real, measurable impact.
Fulfilling a key request from those impacted by Post Office Horizon scandal, Department for Business and Trade today (3) announced that those who have had their convictions overturned will now have their conviction claims administered by the government, completely taking them out of the hands of the Post Office.
The Post Office will cease to be involved in the redress for postmasters with overturned convictions.
After a three-month transitional period, the Department for Business and Trade’s Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (HCRS) will broaden its scope to take on responsibility for redress for postmasters who have had their convictions overturned by the Courts.
These are currently dealt with by the Post Office through their Overturned Convictions scheme. This is something that postmasters, campaigners, and Parliamentarians, including the Business and Trade Select Committee, have all called for.
Stating that the victims have "suffered a huge amount", the department stated that while the government can’t fully put right what they have been through, it can make sure the compensation process "works better for them by listening to their grievances and acting upon them where possible to ensure postmasters are treated with dignity and respect".
"Today, this means ending the difficulty of dealing with the organisation which upended so many of their lives," stated the department.
The delivery of redress for victims of the Post office Horizon scandal is a key government manifesto commitment, with a commitment of £1.8 billion to ensure all postmasters receive the justice and financial redress they deserve.
Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas said, "My priority upon coming into office was to speed up the delivery of compensation to the victims of the Horizon scandal.
"We have made significant progress, and we are now moving to ensure there is a quick transfer of schemes from the Post Office to the Department.
"In the meantime, I encourage all those eligible to apply for redress under the Overturned Convictions scheme and continue to progress their claims with the Post Office until the transfer date."
The Department for Business and Trade will formally take over on June 3 2025. The three-month transitional period between now and then will allow for the smooth transfer of active claims from one scheme to the other, ensuring there is no gap in service for postmasters who have claims in the system.
As of 31 January, approximately £663 million has been paid to over 4,300 claimants, which has more than doubled since the end of June 2024.
Today’s announcement is the latest in a series of government actions to address the Post Office Horizon Scandal, including:
launching the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (HCRS) for postmasters whose horizon-related convictions were quashed by Parliament. This scheme has made 364 interim payments to eligible claimants and has fully settled 208 claims, paying out a total of £156 million.
on the HCRS, committing to provide first offers on receipt of detailed claims within 40 working days in 90 per cent of cases.
beginning payments of a £75,000 fixed offer for those postmasters in the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS) who want to accept it: approximately £171 million has been paid in award top-ups and £75,000 awards.
publishing our response to the consultant’s report into the Post Office Capture software (predecessor to Horizon) and have committed to offering redress to all non-convicted postmasters who fell victim to flaws in Capture software.
announcing an independent appeals process for the HSS to provide individuals with a chance to have their claims reassessed through a DBT-run process. We expect the first cases will be ready for submission in the Spring.
confirmed the Horizon Compensation Advisory Board in place.
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Protein popularity surge sparks demand for cottage cheese, chicken
Retailers should stock well on protein-rich natural food and ingredients in the stores as recent surveys' findings indicate rise in demand for protein-laden ingredients majorly driven by social media-influenced Gen Z and millennial buyers.
According to a recent report from online grocer Ocado, nearly half of UK adults increased their protein intake in the past year. This figure rises to two-thirds for people aged 16 to 34.
The increase in popularity was largely driven by social media, with nearly 50 per cent of Gen Z using Instagram and TikTok for inspiration, compared to a third (35 per cent) of millennials and just 5 per cent for boomers.
Ocado said that searches on its website for high-protein food have doubled since 2023.
Demand for the low-fat, high-protein dairy product cottage cheese has increased by 97 per cent while demand for greek yoghurt is also up by 56 per cent.
Consumers are favouring natural protein sources, such as dairy and lean meat and turning away from the highly processed protein bars or protein shakes, which were in fashion a decade ago.
Searches for chicken breast are up 43 per cent, steak searches are up 39 per cent, tuna searches have risen by 35 per cent, and searches for egg whites are up 27 per cent.
Searchers for plant-based protein sources have also risen, with a 27 per cent increase in searches for chickpeas and an 18 per cent increase for lentils.
Nicola Waller, buying director at Ocado Retail, said, “Protein was once seen as the reserve of bodybuilders, but today, it’s a staple for anyone looking to eat well and feel their best. Consumers are becoming more conscious of where their protein comes from, favouring natural, whole-food options over ultra-processed alternatives.”
A nationally representative survey of 2,205 UK adults, conducted by Savanta, shows attitudes to protein have shifted in the past year.
Half of those surveyed said they eat more protein to increase their energy levels and to stay fuller for longer. Four in ten said a high protein intake helps them manage their weight.
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Tilda set to spark further growth in ready to heat with debut 'all-in-one' meal range
Tilda, the UK’s leading rice brand, is stepping into full meal solutions with the launch of a new ready-to-heat product range.
Catering to growing consumer demand for convenient, healthy, and flavoursome meals, Tilda Easy Meals, Tilda's latest ready meal range, is set to hit stores soon.
Perfect for busy professionals and people on-the-go, the Tilda Easy Meals range offers a delicious, nutritious option in just two minutes.
With four recipes inspired by some of Britain’s favourite world flavours – including Sundried Tomato & Beans, Vegetable Paella, Chickpea Korma – these meals offer a protein-packed, ‘one of your five-a-day’ solution for time-poor shoppers seeking lunchtime inspiration.
After introducing its Tasty Sides range in 2023 – ready to heat pouches of pulses and vegetables in sauce to enjoy with rice – and perfectly-portioned Rice Pots in 2024, this latest launch marks the next step in Tilda’s mission to unlock further category growth through insight-led innovation which caters to genuine consumer need.
“The Tilda brand has achieved strong growth year-on-year, which goes to show consumers’ appreciation for our strong focus on taste, quality and convenience,” says Anna Beheshti, Tilda’s Head of Marketing.
“We’re all so busy these days – short on inspiration and always on the lookout for shortcuts to elevate mealtimes. Our Easy Meals range offers up a complete meal, providing tasty vegetables and protein, in just two minutes – making healthy eating effortless, across any occasion.”
Tilda Easy Meals will be available in microwaveable 250g pouches (RRP: £2.50). Three tasty recipes have just hit shelves in Sainsbury’s, with wider distribution to follow.
Visibility for the new range will be driven via PR, influencer and social activity, followed by shopper marketing in April to help retailers create in-store theatre and drive shoppers to fixture.
Flavoured water brand Radnor Splash is introducing a new range of price-marked packs in April to expand its presence in the convenience sector.
Radnor Splash will be available in 12x500ml sports cap formats for wholesalers and convenience stores in the new 85p PMP bottle. Flavours include Lemon & Lime, Strawberry and Apple & Raspberry.
The brand is the hugely successful flavoured water range from soft drinks company Radnor Hills.
It has been a family favourite in UK households for over 20 years, the drinks are completely sugar-free and a blend of pure spring water and all natural fruity flavours. Radnor Splash brand sells at the rate of two units every second. Its bottles are 100% recyclable and made from 30% recycled plastic.
Simon Knight, Managing Director of Radnor Hills, said, “The cost-of-living crisis continues to have a major influence on how shoppers spend, and they are increasingly value-driven.
“We’re seeing soft drinks dominating when it comes to pulling in shoppers at Symbols and Independents, driving a massive third of all foot traffic.
“It’s the first time we’ve launched a PMP and we’re excited to see how it performs in the convenience sector offering great margins for wholesalers and independent retailers.”
“As a trusted, high-quality and great tasting flavoured water brand, it gives us a big point of difference and it allows our customers, who are looking for value, taste and healthy soft drinks, to easily see the price and the great value that Radnor Splash offers.
“Our flavoured water sells very well in the wholesale and convenience channels, so PMP felt like the obvious next step for us.”
Radnor Splash is seeing record growth at +41 per cent year on year value growth and +31 per cent unit growth.
Independent and family-owned, Radnor is one of the UK’s leading soft drinks manufacturers and produces over 400 million still, sparkling and flavoured water drinks every year.
Its brands include a full range of Radnor spring water, Heartsease Farm, Radnor Splash, and their market-leading range of school-approved children’s drinks, Radnor Fizz & Fruits.
All of Radnor’s products are fully recyclable - its plastic bottles are 100 per cent recyclable and are also made up of 30 per cent recycled material, its cartons are straw free, and all aluminium cans are infinitely recyclable and sourced only 59 miles from its farm in the heart of the Welsh countryside.