Tap into growing demand for natural ingredients with Itac
Premium nuts and dried fruit supplier Itac – available exclusively in Booker Wholesale’s fresh produce section – offers convenience retailers an easy way to boost sales over Christmas and into Veganuary
The UK market has seen volumes up five per cent for nuts and 3.4 per cent for dried fruits as consumers become increasingly aware of the potentially negative impact of ultra-processed foods and seek out healthier baking and snacking options, including dried fruits and nuts.
Itac’s comprehensive range offers premium quality nuts and dried fruits ideal for home baking in the run-up to Christmas, and for those looking to take part in Veganuary in the new year. Available in large pack sizes from 350-900g, they not only make the perfect baking and cooking ingredient, they are also ideal for larger family snacking and entertaining.
From pistachios to walnuts, Brazil nuts to almonds and everything in between, the range can help drive sales by catering to consumers appetite for wholesome and natural products. Whilst their long shelf life and ambient storage make them convenient and easy to store.
“The next three months offer retailers a huge opportunity with consumers looking to create festive recipes in the run up to Christmas and often switching to a more health-focused, vegan outlook in January and beyond," said said Ricardo Miralles, Marketing Manager, Importaco Nuts. Our premium nuts and dried fruits are the very best quality and allow consumers to enjoy the natural magic of nuts and dried fruit. What’s more, they offer real versatility for consumers – elevating a whole host of dishes, both sweet and savoury – and, because of their long ambient shelf life, retailers are also able to ensure waste – and the associated cost – is minimised.”
Itac have teamed by with chef Thomas Leatherbarrow to create a range of recipes perfect for the winter season which can be views on the campaign website.
Itac’s extensive premium nuts and dried fruits range is available to purchase in the fresh produce section at Booker Wholesale.
Leading fuel brand JET has launched its biggest national promotion to date - Pump Up To 70 - with a chance to win a Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid worth £26,000.
To enter the prize draw, part of JET’s 70th anniversary celebrations, JET customers simply have to fill their vehicle and stop fuelling at a price ending in £0.70 (e.g. £23.70). They then need to take a photo showing the price on the pump display, post it to their Instagram story and tag @JETLocalUK.
All information on how to enter will be available via pump topper frames and posters for all pumps and JET customers and their friends and family can enter as many times as they wish.
“I can’t think of a more fitting way to mark 70 years of JET, a driver-first business through-and-through, than to give away a brand new car,” Áine Corkery, manager, brand, UK marketing at Phillips 66 Limited, commented.
“2024 has been a very special year for JET and the ‘Pump Up To 70’ promotion is our way of saying thank you to our loyal customers and dealers. One JET customer is set for a very good Christmas this year!”
Supported by a media campaign featuring one of social media’s most-famous families, the Harfin’s, the prize draw promotion will run for three weeks (ending 1 December) with the winner notified via Instagram.
Arla Foods has launched three new branded yogurt products, signalling its ambition to invest and grow its yogurts portfolio.
The new products include Arla LactoFREE natural yogurt (400g), Arla Skyr Whipped (128g) – in three flavours – and Arla Protein yogurt, in a larger pot (450g)
Arla LactoFREE natural yogurt offers all the taste of dairy, but with none of the lactose. High in protein and containing added vitamin D, the larger format provides shoppers with the option to enjoy Arla LactoFREE natural yogurt at any time of the day, whether it’s to combine with cereal for the ultimate breakfast, snack on throughout the day, or to add a dollop to cooking for extra creaminess.
Arla Skyr Whipped is a new addition to the Arla Skyr family and comes in three flavours: Strawberries and Cream, Caramelised Orange, and Coconut and White Chocolate. It’s the perfect anytime snack, offering the ultimate blend of feel-good indulgence – protein rich and creamy Icelandic-style skyr, whipped to light and airy perfection, then layered over a fruit compote for a burst of flavour.
Leading dairy protein brand, Arla Protein, has also launched a 450g pot in Vanilla and Strawberry flavours. Containing 45g of protein, the bigger pot is an ideal base for breakfast and snacks.
“It’s been nearly 10 years since we brought our first Arla yogurt to the UK market, and as the UKs largest dairy cooperative, and one of the largest food & drink companies in the country, we are proud to be expanding our yogurts portfolio to offer increased choice for those looking for natural and nutritious food options,” Catriona Mantle, associate category director at Arla Foods, said.
“Health and taste are the biggest reasons that shoppers are generally consuming yogurts, but we also know that shoppers aren’t shopping for ‘yogurts’, they’re shopping for specific occasions. We are therefore offering shoppers a choice; whether they’re looking for a yogurt to meet functional needs, big or small serving sizes, or for a particular level of indulgence. Our Arla yogurts portfolio is growing, but we’re not stopping there, as we have exciting plans to come in 2025!”
Arla LactoFREE Natural yogurt 400g (MRRP £1.85), Arla Skyr Whipped (MRRP £1.25) and Arla Protein yogurt 450g (MRRP £2.25) are all available now.
Premium vodka-based RTD brand Four Loko has released its new limited edition flavour, Black, which consists of a surprisingly green serve.
With notes of kiwi and an ABV of 8.4 per cent, Four Loko Black delivers a fresh and fruity blast to “excite the senses”, while the striking black and green can delivers high on-shelf visibility to help maximise sales and encourage shoppers to the fixture.
“With the festive season now upon us, this is the perfect time for consumers to get their hands on this limited edition release and embrace the season with an exciting new taste sensation,” said Clark McIlroy, Managing Director of Four Loko distributor Red Star Brands.
Four Loko Black is now available in 440ml cans, RRP £3.49, for a limited time only. Sales support focusing on the new ‘Party in a Can’ campaign includes a range of in-store POS material featuring shelf barkers, wobblers and digital aisle fins, as well as high-profile social media and influencer campaigns.
“We know that NPD drives consumer interest in the RTD category so we’re excited to add some more vibrant colour in the run-up to Christmas,” added McIlroy. “Dark Berry Burst launched in May 2024 and is now the number two fastest-selling SKU behind Four Loko White, so we have high hopes for Black.
“The fact that premium priced RTDs have grown faster than any other segment in the last two years means that there are some great opportunities out there for retailers to capitalise on this popularity.”
The launch of Four Loko Black is being supported by the “Party in a Can” campaign, designed to engage the brand’s target Gen Z audience through multiple platforms and social media channels. The campaign encourages consumers to share their #FourLokoMoments – authentic, fun experiences where Four Loko is part of the celebration. This user-generated content approach will help create organic brand ambassadors, showcasing real-life enjoyment of Four Loko and highlighting the spirit of #PartyInACan.
Selected entrants will have the chance to receive exclusive merchandise and become part of Four Loko’s brand story. To further support the launch, Four Loko has also partnered with Snappy Shopper in Scotland for Black Friday promotions, offering exclusive deals on For Loko Black during the festive season.
“The idea is to bring to life the brand’s authentic, bold positioning while driving deeper connections through social engagement,” added McIlroy. “This exciting campaign is anchored by out-of-home executions and influencer content that complement these consumer-driven stories.”
Four Loko’s premium vodka-based, caffeine-free RTDs are all available in 440ml cans. The launch of Four Loko Black brings the total range available to 10 flavours; other variants include Pink Melon, Dark Berry Burst, White, Strawberry Lemonade, Tropical, Blue, Fruit Punch, Gold and Tutti Frutti (all 8.4 per cent ABV).
Mangrove Global welcomes a range of Spanish spirits to its award-winning portfolio, as it takes on the UK distribution for Spanish spirits group, Osborne. Mangrove will add four brandies to its range along with a gin*.
Osborne, which is based in El Puerto de Santa Maria in the Cádiz region of Spain, represents the best of Spanish produce, including its stellar collection of Spanish spirits. Mangrove will take on the distribution of all spirits available in the UK, building on the foundations already completed by previous distributor.
“We’re committed to building a well-rounded and world-class portfolio of independent spirits – and welcoming outstanding Spanish brandies and Osborne’s unique Atlantic gin into the portfolio is a great moment for us," said Nick Gillett, Managing Director of Mangrove Global.
“Our portfolio features high-quality liquids that satisfy the discerning consumer and have a great back story too – Osborne’s collection of spirits fits the bill perfectly.”
Mangrove will distribute a selection of the award-winning Carlos 1 series of brandies, which are produced via traditional Spanish distilling techniques, using high quality grapes from the region, and aged in the unique climate of South-western Spain in their highly appreciated very old sherry casks. The range offers something luxurious and sippable at every price point, with each spirit showcasing the mastery of Spanish distilling.
As well as the Carlos 1 series, Mangrove will distribute Veterano Solera Reserva, an exceptional brandy for those who like a brandy-based old-fashioned as much as a sipping spirit. And into a different category, Mangrove will also distribute Nordes Atlantic Galician Gin - which brings UK drinkers a refreshing and somewhat Spanish twist on our beloved spirit.
“This agreement is part of the company's international development, which plans to build Osborne brands in our strategic markets," said said Maarten Van Dam, Western Europe Area Director at Osborne. "We are very satisfied and excited, since we share many values with Mangrove, and we will be able to bring to the UK market a selection of our spirit´s portfolio and continue advancing in our purpose of being ambassadors of the best Spanish gastronomy."
In 1772, James Duff and Jean Haurie, two of the biggest names in the history of sherry, founded a company which Thomas Osborne Mann would later join as a partner. A distinguished merchant and winemaker, he grew and developed the business, a task continued by his widower Aurora Böhl de Faber y Ruiz de Larrea and gain sole ownership in 1857.
Today, 250 years later, Osborne continues to be a family saga and business venture guided by a vision: to be a leading international ambassador of Spanish food and beverages.
* Mangrove takes on distribution for the following spirits: Carlos I Gran Reserva – an aromatic brandy that’s great for mixing; Carlos 1 Gran Reserva Pedro Ximenez – a chewy brandy with notes of caramelised oak and black liquorice; Carlos I Imperial Gran Reserva XO – a mahogany coloured brandy that’s silky with nutty flavours; Veterano Solera Reserva – a brandy with a deliciously unique flavour that’s ideal in an old-fashioned, and the drinkable Nordes Atlantic Galician Gin with its delicious notes of fruits, white flowers, and herbs.
Hot on the heels of the launch of Mud House Sauvignon Blanc in Mini Box format, Accolade Wines is continuing to diversify and is expanding its mini-boxed wine portfolio with the addition of fan-favourite wine: Jam Shed Shiraz – guaranteed to stay fresh for up to six weeks.
Known for its rich, bold and jammy flavour profile, the Jam Shed Shiraz Mini Box is widely available across grocery and retail channels. A key benefit of boxed wine is that its freshness and quality is preserved for up to six weeks after opening, so consumers can savour the wine at their own pace or share with friends over multiple occasions. Delivering a 26 per cent overall size reduction and a 13.6 per cent cardboard by weight reduction compared to Accolade’s previous 1.5L format, this innovation sets a new standard across the category, proving it’s possible to prioritise convenience and sustainability, without compromising on taste.
The Jam Shed Shiraz Mini Box features similar functional, clear messaging that educates and engages consumers at the point of sale, such as on-pack distinct flavour cues, designed to enhance brand recognition and make it easier for shoppers to navigate. Whilst, retailers can benefit from enhanced efficiency, with the design allowing for 12.7 per cent more wine per pallet compared to Accolade’s previous 1.5L boxes.
The launch comes off the back of new research conducted by Accolade Wines, that has explored consumer’s evolving attitudes towards alternative wine packaging. The research identifies significant barriers to broader adoption, including the generational divide in the acceptance and preference for alternative wine packaging. The research also highlights the need for innovation in boxed wine design and messaging.
“With the festive season just around the corner, the launch of the Jam Shed Shiraz Mini Box couldn’t be timelier," said Lucy Ramsay, Head of Portfolio, Innovation and Sustainability - Europe, at Accolade Wines, "It’s ideal for social, holiday gatherings, making it easy to share a delicious, quality wine with friends and family. Plus, its guaranteed freshness for up to six weeks after opening means that consumers can savour the taste of Christmas long after the festivities have ended.
“There’s still a big job to be done in terms of educating consumers about the benefits of alternative wine packaging and breaking down long-standing stigma, but Accolade Wines is entirely committed to driving this change through the launch of our new Mini Boxes, including Jam Shed and the recently launched Mud House Sauvignon Blanc”.