Shows
The Pick ListOlly Kohn, founder of The Jolly HogJulia is joined by Olly Kohn, one of the founders of The Jolly Hog brand of bacon and sausages.
Olly is also a former professional rugby player who used to play for Harlequins. He tells Julia how and why he transitioned from a career in rugby to running a food brand with his two brothers and how his experience as a professional sportsman shaped his attitude towards risk-taking and learning in public.
Plus, he shares how The Jolly Hog has coped in the face of supply chain disruption, why he’s sad about the demise of...2021-12-0344 min
The Pick ListPaul Hargreaves, founder and CEO of Cotswold FayreJulia is joined by Paul Hargreaves, founder and CEO of Cotswold Fayre, a wholesaler of speciality and fine foods.
Paul is passionate about business with purpose. He is the author of a book on how to create a better world through purpose-driven business, called Forces for Good, and recently published a second book about compassionate leadership, called the Fourth Bottom Line.
His own company is a certified B Corp, and Paul shares how having a clear, common purpose across the business has made a big difference during tough times.
He also talks to...2021-11-1250 min
The Pick ListLaura Ryan, chief executive of LavenparkJulia is joined by Laura Ryan, chief executive of Lavenpark, founder and global chair of Meat Business Women and co-founder of Global Meat Alliance.
An experienced marketeer and business strategist with deep knowledge of the meat industry, Laura shares her take on the prospect of carbon taxes on meat, how the sector is coping with labour challenges, supply chain disruption and soaring inflation and how processors and retailers are preparing for the Christmas trading season.
With the meat sector facing growing scrutiny from policymakers, Laura also talks about why she expects retailers and processors to...2021-11-0447 min
The Pick ListCaroline Drummond, chief executive of LEAFJulia is joined by Caroline Drummond, an expert in sustainable food and farming and chief executive of LEAF.
Ahead of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, they talk about food and farming’s role in our collective health and wellbeing, how to reconnect our increasingly urbanised population back to farming and why it’s important not to forget that food can be fun as we look to engage consumers with sustainability.
Plus, they discuss how the debate on ultraprocessed foods has made its way into the consumer media and unpick the latest trends highlighted in the...2021-10-2956 min
The Pick ListAdam Sopher, co-founder of Joe & Seph‘sJulia is joined by Adam Sopher, co-founder and director of gourmet popcorn brand Joe & Seph’s.
They talk about healthy snacking and what it’s like being an indulgent brand in the era of HFSS, the growing importance of DTC to the business and how its unique operational model makes it possible to produce an 80-strong range of flavours.
They also discuss the ongoing supply chain crisis, soaring container costs and how cost inflation is affecting SMEs.
Plus, Adam talks about the brand’s latest brand tie-up – a dry martini popcorn for the new Jame...2021-10-2258 min
The Pick ListNathan Ward, business unit director at KantarJulia is joined by Nathan Ward, business unit director at Kantar. As head of the Usage Foods service at Kantar, Nathan is laser-focused on understanding the ‘why’ behind shopper trends. He talks to Julia about which lockdown trends are proving sticky, how the ‘big return to work’ is affecting shopping and eating habits and what to expect from Christmas at a time when shoppers are more polarised economically than they’ve been in a long time.
Plus, they discuss what’s been driving the rise of plant-based, how ‘less but better’ is playing out in the meat category and how...2021-10-1549 min
The Pick ListJemima Bird, founder and CEO of Hello FinchJulia is joined by Jemima Bird, founder and CEO of Hello Finch. A self-described “greengrocer from Barnsley who became an accidental marketeer”, Jemima is an experienced CMO and brand strategist whose career has included stints at Co-op, Asda, Musgrave Retail Partners, Moss Bros and more.
Jemima is one of those people who always have an interesting take on what’s happening in the market and pick up on trends long before others. Right now, she is particularly focused on trends in the ready-to-drink cocktail market. She talks to Julia about why the RTD sector is so fast-growing and dy...2021-10-0852 min
The Pick ListAnnabel Makin-Jones, founder of Annabel‘s Deliciously BritishJulia is joined by Annabel Makin-Jones, a fifth-generation Yorkshire farmer and founder of Annabel’s Deliciously British as well as Tame and Wild drinks.
Annabel is passionate about farming, the countryside and British produce. She talks to Julia about the impact of labour shortages on her business, the challenges of the current growing season and why she believes more needs to be done to support British farming.
Plus, she shares her take on export opportunities for British produce, the impact of wonky fruit and veg on consumer attitudes, the role of brands in fresh produce an...2021-10-0144 min
The Pick ListFalu Shah, founder of HowdahJulia is joined by Falu Shah, founder of the Howdah brand of Indian snacks.
Having grown up in Mumbai, Falu wanted to bring authentic Indian flavours to the UK snacking aisle and show Brits there’s more to Indian snacks than Bombay Mix. Her brand is now listed in Sainsbury’s, Ocado, Selfridges and scores of independent retailers.
Falu talks to Julia about the rise of the at-home bar snack, why Howdah has partnered with craft beer and coffee subscription companies to tap new snacking occasions and how she’s been affected by the supply chain...2021-09-2446 min
The Pick ListJake Karia, MD of Food AttractionThe Pick List is back for season 4, with a slightly tweaked format and an exciting lineup of guests.
Julia’s first guest of the season is Jake Karia, founder and MD of Food Attraction, a food manufacturing business based in Leicester and creator of the Jake & Nayn’s brand.
With more than 20 years in the food industry and a business spanning foodservice, retail, contract manufacturing and branded food-to-go, Jake is an entrepreneur with a fascinating perspective on food and grocery retail.
He talks to Julia about his journey from estate agent to food manu...2021-09-1744 min
The Pick ListCorned beef boom, Snappy Shopper & picky teas – with guest Andy Napthine of CranswickIt's the finale of season 3 of The Pick List and Laura and Julia are joined by Andy Napthine, group marketing director at Cranswick. They chat about corned beef becoming popular with younger shoppers, Justin King’s backing of the Snappy Shopper app and why ‘picky teas’ are having a moment.
Plus, they discuss a US recipe website’s decision to stop publishing new beef recipes, and why hospitality businesses are struggling to recruit staff post-Covid.
Articles discussed in this episode:
'Covid inflation hits consumers as task force advises on home working' | The Times2021-04-301h 04The Pick ListGetting more Black-owned brands onto fmcg shelves, B2B ghost kitchens & Colin vs Cuthbert - with guest Sam Akinluyi of ADD PsaltJulia and Laura are joined by Sam Akinluyi, co-founder of ADD Psalt, a new not-for-profit innovation accelerator to drive growth of Black-owned fmcg brands.
They discuss how retailers can boost diversity not just in the workplace but also on shelf, lessons from US retailers Sephora and Target on supporting Black-owned brands and the importance of providing early advice and support to food entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups.
Plus, they chat about the new supermarket pop-up at the Design Museum, ghost kitchens going B2B and the caterpillar cake showdown between M&S and Aldi.
...2021-04-2354 minThe Pick ListEco labelling, Mrs Hinch at Tesco & the ‘shroom boom’ – with guest Hannah Leese of RoythornesLaura and Julia are joined by Hannah Leese, partner at agricultural law firm Roythornes Solicitors. They discuss the rise of on-pack sustainability scores and eco labelling, Tesco’s partnership with Mrs Hinch, Amazon’s new Aplenty private-label brand and the why the food world has gone crazy for mushrooms.
Articles discussed in this episode:
'Are local and digital shopping habits here to stay post-Covid?' | Food Navigator
‘Amazon unveils Aplenty, its newest private label food brand’ | Grocery Dive
‘Mrs Hinch reveals her full Tesco homeware range’ | The Sun
‘Eco-Score’s European expan...2021-04-1645 minThe Pick ListDTC for challenger brands, c-stores doing delivery & ketchup shortage – with guest Gaz Booth of Holy Moly DipsJulia and Laura are joined by Gaz Booth, co-founder of Holy Moly Dips. They chat about how the pros and cons of DTC for challenger brands, convenience stores getting into delivery and a ketchup shortage in the US.
Plus, they discuss the reopening of non-essential retail and how retailers can square excitement with safety, and what the rise of weight loss app Noom might mean for the food industry.
Articles discussed in this episode:
‘How convenience stores have upped their online shopping game’ | The Grocer
‘The new shortage: ketchup can’t catch up...2021-04-0948 minThe Pick ListMarketing to ‘boomers’, US shopper trends, & insect-based catfood from Mars – with guest Bill Bean of Shopper IntelligenceLaura and Julia are joined from Los Angeles by Bill Bean, EVP of research at Shopper Intelligence. They chat about US shopper trends and how the pandemic has affected buying behaviour in the US, why marketeers need to pay closer attention to ‘baby boomers’ and Mars’ new Lovebug range of insect-based catfood.
Plus, they discuss celebrity ghost kitchens, how Covid has changed consumer attitudes to food waste and whether grocery delivery is on its way to becoming a utility.
Articles discussed in this episode:
‘A tale of two generations’ | The Robin Report
‘Will gr...2021-04-0250 minThe Pick ListMondelez buys Grenade, Kraft Heinz changes strategy & Timpson’s director of happiness – with guest Chris DeeJulia and Laura are joined by Chris Dee, former CEO of Booths and director of food and home at Harrods and now an online startup founder, NED, chair and advisor.
They chat about Mondelez’s eye-catching £200m acquisition of Grenade and what it tells us about the healthy snacking, protein and low-sugar trends, Kraft Heinz’s new strategy and quest to become “cleaner and greener” and James Timpson’s latest column for the Sunday Times about the importance of mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.
Plus, Chris shares his take on the pandemic and which shopp...2021-03-2652 minThe Pick ListPersonalisation, Iceland’s new Swift format & Pret’s retail range in Tesco – with guest Jack Hamilton of Mash DirectJulia and Laura are joined by Jack Hamilton, CEO of Mash Direct. They talk about the rise of personalisation and consumer-to-manufacturer production, Iceland’s new Swift convenience format and Pret’s new retail range in Tesco.
Plus, they discuss how the pandemic has disrupted meal patterns, the potential of NFTs in the food industry and how direct-to-consumer selling has given Mash Direct new insights into shopper behaviour.
Articles discussed in this episode:
‘How to know what consumers want’ | The Economist
‘Iceland goes upmarket with new fresh food chain’ | The Telegraph...2021-03-1945 minThe Pick ListInternational Women's Day, 'peganism' & Tesco's muddy spuds - with guest Michaela Hazzledine of FinnebrogueLaura and Julia are joined by Michaela Hazzledine, head of category and customer insight at Finnebrogue Artisan.
They discuss this week’s International Women’s Day and how food manufacturers are making progress on gender diversity, recent media coverage of ‘peganism’, aka a diet that combines aspects of paleo eating and veganism, and why Tesco is selling muddy spuds to reduce food waste.
Plus, they chat about how seaweed could help reduce cows’ methane emissions and Unilever’s decision to crack down on the word ‘normal’ on beauty products (and whether we can expect to see similar move...2021-03-1249 minThe Pick ListSainsbury's new slogan, food waste action week & the latest Kantar figures - with guest Barbara Bray MBE of Alo SolutionsJulia and Laura are joined by Barbara Bray MBE, a food safety and nutrition consultant and founder of Alo Solutions.
They talk about Sainsbury’s new slogan, Wrap’s inaugural food waste action week and what the latest Kantar figures tell us about discounters vs supermarkets and the importance of online.
Plus, they discuss food poverty and making the case for a legal right to food, Ocado’s new mini warehouses and an innovative Dutch supermarket app called Crisp.
Articles discussed in this episode:
‘Calls to make access to food a legal ri...2021-03-0551 minThe Pick ListHome Bargains goes hyper-local, low-alcohol boom & Tesco and Sainsbury's on TikTok - with guest Monisha Singh of KepakLaura and Julia are joined by Monisha Singh, shopper marketing manager at Kepak. They discuss the latest Home Bargains results and how variety discounters are becoming food destinations, lessons for the meat industry from the no & low alcohol boom and Aldi being voted supermarket of the year by Which?.
Plus, they chat about the future of duty-free shopping and why clothes from Tesco and Sainsbury’s are making waves on TikTok.
A big thank-you to Shopper Intelligence for sponsoring this week’s episode.
Articles discussed in this episode:
Another Strong...2021-02-2641 minThe Pick ListOcado’s City Food Lecture, shareholder pressure over obesity crisis & that viral Weetabix baked beans post - with guest Lowri Tan of Little TummyLaura and Julia are joined by Lowri Tan, CEO of Little Tummy. They talk about the key takeaways from Mel Smith’s City Food Lecture, including how data-driven tech can help with meal planning, shareholder pressure on Tesco over the obesity crisis and the race to offer 10-minute grocery delivery.
Plus, they chat about fermentation in the context of alternative proteins and that infamous Weetabix tweet featuring Heinz baked beans.
Articles discussed in this episode:
‘Tesco under fire for lack of action on obesity crisis’ | Financial Times
‘Groceries in 10 minutes: t...2021-02-1943 minThe Pick ListOnline sales tax, Waitrose animal welfare app and meat by mail – with guest Tom Richardson of Warrendale WagyuJulia and Laura are joined by Tom Richardson, a former supermarket category director and now commercial director of Warrendale Wagyu.
They chat about key shopper trends for 2021, post-Brexit import struggles and a new ‘meat by mail’ service launched by a former HelloFresh exec.
Plus, they discuss calls for an online sales tax and a new animal welfare app trialled by Waitrose.
A big thank-you to Shopper Intelligence for sponsoring this week’s episode.
Articles discussed in this episode:
‘Three key trends that will influence grocery shopping habits in 2021’...2021-02-1249 minThe Pick ListUnilever’s ‘nano factory’, the latest Kantar grocery stats & PepsiCo’s jv with Beyond Meat - with guest Emily Daw of BakkavorLaura and Julia are joined by Emily Daw, who is part of the strategic and corporate development team at Bakkavor Group.
They discuss Unilever’s ‘nano factory’ trial, the latest Kantar grocery stats and PepsiCo’s eye-catching new joint venture with Beyond Meat.
Plus, they talk about how to make insect protein palatable to UK consumers and why the online shopping boom as caused a cardboard shortage.
Articles discussed in this episode:
‘Unilever trials portable travel factories’ | Food Manufacture
‘British lockdowns drive acceleration in grocery sales growth’ | Reuters
‘U...2021-02-0546 minThe Pick ListRising bread prices, ready meals after Covid & SuperBowl ads - with guest Donal Denvir of Bord BiaThe Pick List is back for season 3! Julia and Laura are joined by Donal Denvir, GB general manager for Bord Bia.
They chat about trade disruption in the wake of Brexit, soaring bread prices in Ireland, the fate of the ready meals category post-Covid and whether supermarkets are doing enough to cut plastic.
Plus, they discuss why Brits don’t seem to value UK-grown food as much and why major advertisers have pulled out of SuperBowl advertising this year.
A big thank-you to Shopper Intelligence for sponsoring this week’s episode.
A...2021-01-2951 minThe Pick ListBrexit brinkmanship, retail employees as influencers & food marketing lessons from Chile - with guest John Giles of Promar InternationalLaura and Julia are joined by John Giles, divisional director at Promar International. They chat about Brexit brinkmanship and the impact on food and drink, the evolution of the recipe box model and Asda’s Christmas shopping safety measures.
Plus, they discuss an innovative employee influencer programme at Walmart and what the UK food industry can learn from how Chile markets its cherries in China.
Check out Laura’s new website for her Lavenpark consultancy business and Julia’s weekly newsletter, The Trim, which has just been recognised by Sifted.
Articles discussed in this e...2020-12-1847 minThe Pick ListBusiness rates relief, Waitrose food & drink trends report & taking inspiration from Harrods – with guest Bryan Roberts of Shopfloor InsightsJulia and Laura are joined by Bryan Roberts, retail analyst and founder of Shopfloor Insights. They chat about Bryan’s experience working on the Tesco shopfloor during the pandemic, why (some) supermarkets are paying back their business rates relief, the biggest trends from the latest Waitrose food and drink trends report and why we’re running low on ginger.
Plus, they discuss a new DTC concept from Kraft Heinz on the Continent, the retail proposition at Gridserve’s new e-forecourt in Essex and what’s next for Harrods.
Articles discussed in this episode:
‘Asda joins...2020-12-1152 minThe Pick ListCovid cooking fatigue, lab-grown meat & Brits embracing kimchi - with guest Claire Handley of MoguntiaLaura and Julia are joined by Claire Handley, head of marketing UK for ingredients maker Moguntia. They chat about Covid cooking fatigue and the rise of convenience foods during lockdown 2.0, why Brits are embracing kimchi and Thanksgiving, and Singapore’s landmark decision to allow lab-grown meat to go on sale.
Plus, they discuss Unilever’s trial of a four-day working week and Sainsbury’s virtual queuing app.
Article discussed in this episode:
‘Thanksgiving embraced as Britons find any excuse to celebrate’ | The Times
‘Singapore grants world’s first approval to lab-grown meat’ | FT...2020-12-0445 minThe Pick ListTikTok for food companies, Morrisons’ new Market Kitchen concept & Whole Foods trends for 2021 – with guest Simon Day of Winterbotham DarbyThis week, Julia and Laura are joined by Simon Day, head of marketing at Winterbotham Darby. They talk about Simon’s first-hand experience of using TikTok and why the platform remains underused by the food industry, the latest food trends forecast from Whole Foods (‘epic breakfast everyday’ is a firm favourite) and Morrisons’ new Market Kitchen concept.
Plus, they chat about what’s next for the desk lunch and how founder-led businesses can get comfortable with money while keeping their authenticity.
Articles discussed in this episode:
‘Camden Town Brewery faces identity challenge following full AB InBe...2020-11-2750 minThe Pick ListAppealing to younger shoppers, trade disruption & lockdown 2.0 trends - with guest Asia Walker of Alliance Group NZLaura and Julia are joined by Asia Walker, regional marketing manager for Alliance Group NZ. They chat about how grocery brands can appeal to younger shoppers, trade disruption in the face of Covid and Brexit, Pret moving into takeaway dinners and lockdown 2.0 trends.
Plus, they discuss why video games could be the next retail frontier.
Articles discussed in this episode:
‘Christmas grocery delivery slots are full – but it’s not the only channel for shoppers’ | The Grocer
‘Brands struggling to get a handle on woke capitalism’ | The Times
‘Felixstowe Port in 'chaos...2020-11-2041 minThe Pick ListMcPlant, Mindful Chef acquisition and Aldi expands click & collect – with guest Bruce Drinkwater of StormBrandsLaura and Julia are joined by Bruce Drinkwater, chairman and founder of branding consultancy StormBrands. They chat about McPlant, the new plant-based range from McDonald’s, Nestlé’s acquisition of Mindful Chef and the boom in recipe boxes and Aldi’s expansion of its click and collect trial.
Plus, they discuss an innovative vertical farming trial that involves growing animal feed in vertical systems, and the demise of the supermarket deli counter.
Articles discussed in this episode:
‘Aldi UK to ramp-up click and collect trial’ | Reuters
‘McDonald’s unveils McPlant line, which includes...2020-11-1342 minThe Pick ListBurger King lockdown campaign, Walmart inventory robots & the secret life of shopping lists - with guest Rod Addy of Food ManufactureThis week, Laura and Julia are joined by Rod Addy, editor of Food Manufacture. They discuss Burger King’s eye-catching ad campaign calling on shoppers to eat at McDonald’s, Walmart’s decision to stop using inventory robots and what shopping lists reveal about supermarket buying habits.
Plus, they chat about US election-themed cocktails (piña colada is a favourite) and why chocolate sales are soaring.
Articles discussed in this episode:
‘Burger King is asking people to eat at McDonald’s during lockdown’ | Manchester Evening News
‘The secret life of shopping lists’ | LinkedI...2020-11-0645 minThe Pick ListAsda's sustainable store trial, lab-grown meat & the rise of TwitchIt’s a rare solo episode for Laura and Julia this week. They chat about lab-grown meat and how soon it’s likely to be commercially viable, restrictions on supermarkets in Wales and Asda’s sustainable store trial.
Plus, they discuss the rise of Twitch as a marketing platform for brands and the latest food trend predictions for 2021.
Articles discussed in this episode:
‘Lab-grown meat is scaling like the internet’ | The Spoon
‘Grocers in Wales have “discretion” over ban on selling non-essential items’ | Retail Gazette
‘Are ‘kidfluencers’ making our kids fat?’ | The New York...2020-10-3043 minThe Pick ListMaking sustainability come to life, preparing for Christmas & the retail job of the future - with guest Sophie Throup of MorrisonsLaura and Julia are joined by Sophie Throup, head of agriculture, fisheries and sustainable sourcing at Morrisons.
They chat about how supermarkets are preparing for this year’s Christmas trading period, why ‘online associate’ could be the retail job of the future and an innovative ‘wet farming’ trial that aims to protect peat and produce some nice gin in the process.
Plus, they talk about the rise of influencer culture in food and grocery and why more and more Brits are developing a serious taste for takeaways – including at breakfast.
Articles discussed in this episode...2020-10-2344 minThe Pick ListGender diversity in the food industry, automated stores & investor hunger for DTC - with guest Huw Llewellyn-Waters of MBS GroupJulia and Laura are joined by Huw Llewellyn-Waters, director at MBS Group. They discuss diversity and inclusion in food and grocery, whether automated stores really are about to go mainstream and Octopus Ventures' growing focus on consumer businesses.
Plus, they chat about an intriguing clothes recycling initiative by H&M and celebrate two Co-op employees' recognition in the birthday honours.
Articles discussed in this episode:
‘Two Co-op employees recognised in birthday honours for services during pandemic’ | The Grocer
‘Automated stores are heading for the high street’ | The Sunday Times
‘Karen Betts...2020-10-1645 minThe Pick ListAsda is sold, Tesco sets 300% sales target for plant-based & Danone launches ingredients sustainability drive - with guest Mary Johnson of Meat & Livestock AustraliaThis week, Julia and Laura are joined by Mary Johnson, market access manager at Meat & Livestock Australia. They chat about UK-EU trade talks and the implications for British and Australian sheepmeat producers, what’s next for UK supermarkets in light of the sale of Asda as well an interesting new partnership that will allow Danone North America to capture the environmental impact of its ingredients.
Plus, they talk about Tesco’s eye-catching new target to increase plant-based meat sales by 300% and M&S’s decision to cut soya out of its milk production to fight deforestation.
Arti...2020-10-0948 minThe Pick ListChristmas food trends, revolutionising workplace snacking and the rise of ‘pandemic pallets’ - with guest Josie Morris of WoolcoolLaura and Julia are joined by Josie Morris, MD of packaging company Woolcool.
They chat about Christmas food trends and the rise of ‘Mini-mas’, as predicted by M&S; a French startup that’s trying to revolutionise workplace snacking; and why US retailers have started putting together ‘pandemic pallets’ to prepare for coming Covid waves.
Articles discussed in this episode:
‘Five trends that will shape Christmas 2020 according to Marks & Spencer’ | The Grocer
‘Totem: A new twist in the food delivery space’ | Sifted
‘How can brands and retailers utilise the reimagined vending m...2020-10-0244 minThe Pick ListTransforming school meals, supermarket ‘air rights’ and Amazon’s bid to go premium - with guest Ged Futter of The Retail MindJulia and Laura are joined by Ged Futter of The Retail Mind. Ged’s a former Asda buyer who now works with suppliers to help them get the most out of their negotiations and relationships with retailers.
They discuss supermarket ‘air rights’, adding theatre to stores with vertical farming and a pioneering initiative involving chefs running school kitchens.
Plus, they chat about the race to redesign sugar and Amazon’s bid to go premium with its invitation-only, high-end fashion portal.
Articles discussed in this episode:
‘Vertical farming firm Infarm raises $170m in funding...2020-09-2544 minThe Pick ListGen Z's attitudes to lab-grown meat, PepsiCo's new Driftwell drink and the latest food waste tech - with guest Murray KingThe Pick List is back for season 2! This week, Laura and Julia are joined by Murray King, a dairy entrepreneur from New Zealand and self-confessed ‘farmer who is easily bored’.
They discuss new research on Gen Z’s attitudes to lab-grown meat, PepsiCo’s new Driftwell drink, which promises to aid sleep and relaxation, and an innovative ingredients initiative looking to kick-start a new Māori-led export sector. (To learn more about the Te Taiau approach to land management and the environment, also check out this video: https://youtu.be/EV9OmshOF0c)
Plus, they chat abou...2020-09-1845 minThe Pick ListAmazon Fresh on the offensive, mining DTC for data & edible cities - with guest Tessa StuartJulia and Laura are joined by Tessa Stuart, a self-proclaimed ‘shopper stalker’ who interviews hundreds of food shoppers a year, right there as they are buying in supermarkets.
They discuss Amazon Fresh’s aggressive expansion plans for the UK (including that eye-catching move to offer free grocery delivery), why violence against shop workers has got worse during the pandemic and why so many fmcg giants – including Heinz and PepsiCo – are now selling direct to consumers.
Plus, they chat about a heartrending account of how coronavirus has devastated winemakers in the Alsace region of Fra...2020-07-3149 minThe Pick ListMorrisons' four-day week, James Timpson on kindness in business and what's next for click & collectLaura and Julia discuss Morrisons’ move to a four-day working week for staff at their HQ, Tesco’s innovative refillable packaging trial with Loop, the future of click & collect in the wake of Covid and a landmark UK project to create animal feed from air (well, sort of).
Plus, they chat about what lessons corporate op ed writers can draw from James Timpson’s latest Sunday Times column – and discover why the cake meme that’s been making the rounds on the internet is so irresistible.
Articles mentioned in this episode:
‘Tippi...2020-07-2444 minThe Pick List'Back to school' after Covid, making polenta trendy & Johnnie Walker's new paper bottle - with guest Cat Gazzoli of PiccoloJulia and Laura are joined by Cat Gazzoli, founder of the Piccolo brand of food for babies and toddlers. They chat about what ‘back to school’ ranges and promotions will look like this autumn and why Cat thinks it’s time UK grocery retailers started offering dedicated kids food aisles, why polenta has emerged as the new on-trend carb and why Diageo chose Johnnie Walker to debut its innovative new paper bottle.
Plus, they talk about what the future holds for Nespresso in light of packaging waste concerns and growing competition from cheaper competitors, why frozen food sales...2020-07-1743 minThe Pick ListSupermarket profits, tough times for Pret & vertical farming lessons from Singapore - with guest Adam Bedford of the NFUJulia and Laura are joined by Adam Bedford, NFU regional director for the North East of England. They discuss why supermarket profits have been less than super despite the coronavirus sales boom, what the rise in remote working means for office lunch specialists such as Pret a Manger and what the UK can learn from Singapore's push for vertical farming.
Plus, they chat about an innovative social platform that allows workers to campaign for better working conditions and what the grocery store of the future might look like.
You can find Julia's report on the...2020-07-1047 minThe Pick ListGhost kitchens, social media ad boycotts & Driscoll’s on online grocery after CovidLaura and Julia discuss how consumer attitudes to buying fresh produce online have changed in the wake of coronavirus, what the rise of dark kitchens means for restaurants and why some of the world’s biggest fmcg advertisers have pulled the plug on their social media ad campaigns.
Plus, they chat about what post-Covid range rationalisation means for consumer choice and why scientists are trying to grow chilli peppers in space.
You can find out more about the online grocery webinar Julia is hosting and register here.
Articles mentioned in this episode:
‘...2020-07-0335 minThe Pick ListPlant-based terminology, Amazon after ‘day 1’ & agile innovation at Morrisons - with guest Julia Kessler of Nix&KixJulia and Laura are joined by Julia Kessler, co-founder of soft drinks brand Nix&Kix. They chat about the continuing controversy over the use of terms such as ‘milk’ for plant-based alternatives, how the UK food supply chain coped during Covid-19, Morrisons’ move into hot takeaway food, the role of AWS in Amazon’s global empire and Ahold Delhaize’s first human rights report.
Plus, Julia shares her experience of running a small fmcg brand during the coronavirus outbreak and why she thinks the crisis has created a greater sense of community within the industry.
A big thank...2020-06-2645 minThe Pick ListHyper-local shopping, Harrods after Covid & a new retail concept from Dr Oetker - with guest Vince Bamford of British BakerLaura and Julia are joined by Vince Bamford, editor of British Baker. They chat about the rise of hyper-local shopping in the wake of Covid-19, how Harrods has changed its iconic department store as it reopens after lockdown, hatching ducklings from eggs bought in Waitrose and an eye-catching new retail concept that's being trialled by Dr Oetker in Germany. Plus, Vince shares his experience of reporting on the bakery sector during the coronavirus crisis and what it's been like to be asked about flour all the time.
A big thank-you to Shopper Intelligence for sponsoring this week’s epi...2020-06-1946 minThe Pick ListChina's queen of livestream selling, foods wrapped in silk & a bold new chapter for IcelandJulia and Laura discuss a fascinating account of how livestreamers are driving product sales in China (P&G are among the big brand owners to get involved), what’s next for Iceland now that Malcolm Walker and Tarsem Dhaliwal have taken control and how an ingenious silk coating could help prevent food waste. Plus, they chat about the outlook for the UK foodservice sector between now and 2025 and explore the hidden history of chilli powder.
A big thank-you to Shopper Intelligence for sponsoring this week’s episode.
Articles mentioned in this episode:
The worl...2020-06-1243 minThe Pick ListNestlé’s tie-up with Deliveroo, ecommerce post-Covid & the future of plant-based seafoodLaura and Julia talk about Nestlé’s new tie-up with Deliveroo, why European retailers are at risk of falling behind the US and China on ecommerce, how tech could help pubs reopen post-Covid, the future of plant-based seafood alternatives and how punters in Germany and Malaysia have had to adapt while eating out in the age of social distancing.
A big thank-you to Shopper Intelligence for sponsoring this week’s episode.
Articles mentioned in this episode:
Coronavirus: UK farmers face brutal test ahead of Brexit | Financial Times
Julie Ashfield on how Aldi...2020-06-0544 minThe Pick ListWalmart’s omnichannel success, US meat buying trends & moist breath zones - with guest Richard Tufton of Meyer Natural FoodsLaura and Julia are joined by Richard Tufton, national sales manager for grass-fed beef at Meyer Natural Foods. They chat about how the coronavirus outbreak has affected meat sales and shopper behaviour in the US, get his first-hand experience of Walmart’s kerbside grocery pick-up service and discuss some fascinating research from New Zealand on how store design might need to adapt in the wake of the pandemic.
A big thank-you to Shopper Intelligence for sponsoring this week’s episode.
Articles mentioned in this episode:
Trump floats halt to US cattle imports as pand...2020-05-2943 minThe Pick ListGreggs, floor scrubbing robots and the growing intersection between beauty and foodLaura and Julia chat about the challenges faced by high-footfall foodservice outlets in the wake of the pandemic, unpick Cargill’s latest global consumer survey, discuss Ahold Delhaize’s new robot competition – and consider whether collagen latte should be added to the Greggs menu.
Articles mentioned in this episode:
With unease baked in, keep Greggs in oven | The Times
10 ways coronavirus will impact future supermarket and restaurant design | The Grocer
Coronavirus: Is this the pub of the future for enjoying a post-lockdown pint? | Sky News
Ahold Delhaize launches cleaning bot ch...2020-05-2237 minThe Pick ListSupply chain chaos, lockdown shopping habits & pivoting from coffee filters to face masks - with guest Lydia Stratton of RSPCA AssuredThis week, Julia and Laura are joined by Lydia Stratton, head of commercial development at RSPCA Assured. They chat about supply chain disruption in the wake of coronavirus, how the hospitality sector can adapt to the ‘new normal’ and what the new John Lewis/Waitrose report on Britain in lockdown tells us about how shopping habits have changed post-Covid.
Articles mentions in this episode:
A long way to go | Foodservice Footprint
Hotels to bin buffets and pull plug on spas as Covid-19 lockdown eases | The Times
The coronavirus crisis will lead to c...2020-05-1539 minThe Pick ListTough times for US meat, recycled plastic & Tesco’s inspired ‘doomsday’ prepLaura and Julia discuss the ongoing crisis in the US meat industry, what’s next for single-use plastic and how one farsighted exercise helped Tesco prepare for the coronavirus outbreak.
Articles mentioned in this episode:
One meat plant. One thousand infections | The Daily by The New York Times
How Tesco's 'doomsday exercise' helped it cope with the coronavirus | The Guardian
Most climate and agriculture research has focused on crops, not the people who pick them | Anthropocene
You’ve got mail…finally. The pandemic is jamming up the world’s post | Wa...2020-05-0829 minThe Pick ListCoronavirus on UK high streets, frozen food boom & candy-selling influencersLaura and Julia talk about how the coronavirus crisis is affecting UK high streets, whether buying your groceries online really is more carbon-friendly than going to store and the candy-selling influencers teaching kids how to get better at selling sweets at school.
Articles mentioned in this episode
What to know about coronavirus meat shortages | Time
Lockdown drives frozen food sales up 28% in UK | Food Navigator
Frozen, fresh or canned: what’s more nutritious? | BBC Future
Jeff Bezos says ordering groceries is better for the planet. Is he right? | Grist...2020-05-0121 min