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.
PepsiCo is introducing two £1 RRP price marked packs into the value snacks category. Cheetos Footballs and Smiths Funyuns Onion Flavour Rings will allow retailers to capitalise on demand for fun, tasty snacks as spring approaches.
“Enjoyment is the number one reason for shoppers buying savoury snacks,” explains Ashley Birch-Ruffell, Brand Manager for Cheetos and Smiths at PepsiCo. “Both Cheetos and Funyuns allow retailers to stock fun, much-loved brands, while providing options for shoppers seeking tasty snacks and good value for money. Shoppers already know and love our range of Smiths snacks, such as Frazzles, Chipsticks and Snaps. We hope the launch of Funyuns will benefit from this existing popularity as Smiths extends its snack offering into the Onion Rings segment.”
With the nation’s love of football set to come to the fore this year, retailers will be able to capitalise on demand for themed snacks in the run up to the summer, through the fun shape of Cheetos Footballs. The launch will offer families the perfect way to get involved in the celebrations.
“Cheetos Twisted, our existing £1 RRP price marked pack, was a big hit with consumers at launch, and remains the number two best-selling snack .” Birch-Ruffell continues. “With such a proven track record for the brand, we have high hopes for the launch of Cheetos Footballs.”
Available now, PepsiCo will be supporting the launch with extensive in-store marketing, ensuring maximum engagement with shoppers.
MRSP: Cheetos Footballs 60g £1 RRP PMP - £1
Cheetos Footballs 2 x 340g - £4.79 (available in Costco only)
Funyuns 60g £1 RRP PMP - £1
Funyuns 125g - £1
Pack Size:
• Cheetos Footballs 60g £1 RRP PMP
• Cheetos Footballs 2 x 340g (available in Costco only)
• Funyuns 60g £1 RRP PMP
• Funyuns 125g
Flavours available:
• Cheetos Footballs 60g £1 RRP PMP – CHEESE
• Cheetos Footballs 2 x 340g – CHEESE (available in Costco only)
KP Snacks today announces that Butterkist, the UK’s number one popcorn brand, has launched an exciting series of new video-on-demand tie-ups to drive the brand’s association with movies and encourage consumers to grab their favourite bag of Butterkist.
In a new £1M media investment running until 19 July, Butterkist will appear across movie content on major video-on-demand services: ITVX, Sky Cinema, and Disney+ with a series of fun and playful adverts. Featuring the tagline, “For every movie moment, Go Grab The Butterkist”, the campaign creative includes a series of 20 and 10 -second indents to draw the viewer into a film opening in the style of either a horror or romance, before being comically interrupted by characters commenting on the movie from a red sofa while sharing Butterkist popcorn.
The campaign will also run across social media and capitalises on the increasing popularity of Big Night In occasions, with Butterkist representing the perfect snack to make every movie feel like a fun, shared experience.
“We are delighted to announce that Butterkist is featuring prominently across ITVX, Sky Cinema, and Disney+ through a series of engaging, movie-inspired adverts," said Rachael Rayner, Brand Manager, KP Snacks. "We know that Butterkist is the nation’s favourite popcorn brand, and we are keen to reinforce the brand's position as the must-have snack for movie nights in with family and friends. With the brand continuing to grow and prove its popularity, this investment will further drive brand awareness and consumer engagement.”
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.
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.”
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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.