Heinz celebrates its 150th birthday

The brand has launched a campaign across TV, radio and digital to celebrate the milestone, using the line ‘150 years of clean plates’.  In partnership with its original UK stockist, Fortnum & Mason, Heinz has launched limited-edition versions of its ketchup, baked beans and tomato soup, featuring specially designed labels in the store’s famous Eau de Nil blue colour. The activity also involved special store window features at Fortnum’s flagship store in London and the launch of a limited-edition ketchup ‘caviar’ – where the sauce is formed into small spheres similar to the expensive delicacy – of which there are just 150 jars! See here for more information

 

Lindt personalising Easter

Leveraging the current trend, particularly in the premium brand arena, Lindt offered shoppers free personalised ribbons for their iconic Easter bunnies this year.  Most had to fulfil personalisation online, but others in leading large stores could have them prepared while they shopped, ready to take home. The offer was supported by extensive in-store display.

 

Northern Monk and Henderson’s Relish create a Bloody Mary stout

Leeds-based craft brewery Northern Monk, first publicised the beer on social media on 1st April, masquerading as an April Fool’s gag. Yet it announced days later that this was a double bluff, as Northern Monk had been secretly creating the beer with the relish brand for a limited run.  The brew is a 5% abv porter ‘inspired by the savoury cocktail’ with ‘subtle spice’, and is made with Henderson’s, cayenne pepper, ancho chilli and Szechuan pepper. See here for more information

 

Hotel Chocolat VIP Me loyalty scheme

Hotel Chocolat’s customer loyalty scheme has received 750,000 sign-ups since it was introduced in November 2018.  VIP Me is part of the luxury chocolatier’s strategy of keeping its ‘best customers close in these volatile times’. It offers cardholders a surprise gift on their birthday, exclusive previews, in-store tastings, free samples of its latest lines, early access to end-of-season sales and 15% off their first purchase. See here for more information

 

Alf Turner launches Iron Maiden inspired new pork & ale sausage with brewer Robinsons see here

Heinz and Cadbury create the Mayo-Crème Egg Combo see here

Gift ideas – candles with the tasting notes of favourite drinks

Fever-Tree takes Perfect Pairings in-flight

 

And finally our pick of the April Fools

Roast Beef Hot Chocolat

Lego’s prank ‘Find my brick’ AR tool

Sainsbury’s trainer trolley concept #Gainsburys

Sainsbury’s pink avocados – the ‘Rosa-vo’ – to ‘guac your world’

Cath Kidson’s limited edition chip wrap paper

Primark’s sock vending machines