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Ensure your tills are ringing for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and more P24 13-26 JANUARY 2026 betterretailing.com

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EARLY SPRING EVENTS finds out how CHARLES WHITTINGing for Valentine’s Day, retailers are prepar e Day and more Mother’s Day, Pancak

13-26 JANUARY 2026 STRICTLY FOR TRADE USERS ONLY

have cut us too deep The supermarkets are other retailers for these events. How – Dee Sedani, Londis approaching them? Etwall, Derbyshire

Matthew Hunt, Filco Supermarkets, south Wales

Uthay Soundararajan, Inverleith Costcutter,

Fiona Malone, Office, Tenby Stores & Post Pembrokeshire

just Edinburgh do well for us. We’ve and Valentine’s Day shop, so we’re going to “MOTHER’S Day in the But over the summer, got the capacity to have �lowers much differently. bags. “WE don’t do too and summer cocktail big for it this spring. for us. We sell pancake up, because the dates gift bags, hampers do with Mother’s Day and go really a big deal might “Pancake Day isn’t we don’t do a big thing with it. We do is get the calendar to know when they we trialled look to something we’ll need “THE �irst thing to will be clear and eggs and �lour, but Snappy Shopper. But with Valentine’s quickly. So, that’s Day this year. The cocktail bags of these events. You a cocktail. mix, to on change for some displays and ranges Valentine’s needed to make them when they do a Pancake Day offer will be really important. We’ll be able need to �lip your then three days later come with all the ingredients lie because you’ll who are then take it out got Valentine’s Day, St DaDay, our home delivery things for people in the fridge and For example, we’ve less than two weeks after that it’s chocolate and other They can leave it then but deliver �lowers, it. Day. fruit, that and it’s Pancake Day, consume Mother’s to brands shakers of the on time. after that, it’s Day, we can want Pancake Day, we sell pancake mix some PoS from some silly than 800sq ft, tight vid’s Day. Two weeks “For to be made. On Pancake – “We’ll hopefully get interest, and we might do some store, which is less it can be very easy “There’s a good uplift else. We have a tiny different stock because of that. excite bump in sales and Day not much we can put up to people dressing up. lemons. Valentine’s in so we don’t bring in too much especially for the bigger mulget an extra 10-15% half of January. for social media with pancake mix and PoS into delivery, if someone videos start ramping this up in the secondbut the more reyou just need some you’ve got to get But we are leaning them in stock, but cash and “We’ll are both strong; are coming up, big, but it’s still an tipacks and cases. We don’t keep days as the the to and Mother’s Day quite know isn’t straight front David’s Day or Irn-Bru, we go we’ll Most people can give them, the better.” our Welsh products place for them. St orders a case of beer to them. It’s de�initely something for things. We get minders you deliver it daffodils. opportunity to look from carry, then always sell a lot of events.” out on the shelves and centre, and we ramp up for the spring Day stuff will be “The Valentine’s the �irst big play.” mid-January. That’s

range to review their store’s o.uk retailers are doing .whitting@newtrade.c team finds out what please email charles the Retail Express like us to explore, In the next issue, any problems you’d effectively. If you have

small s of card scams in Previous instance

shops

SCAM GANGS HITTING SHOPS • Retailers accuse card firms of dragging

their feet as fraud rips through shops

• What you can do to keep your store safe P3

POST OFFICE

ALLERGEN WARNING

PRODUCTS

Firm reveals new services to boost branch pay for subpostmasters

Retailers urged to check their Dubai chocolate stock over risk to customer health

Major launches from CCEP, Topps, Boost, Oreo and more to kickstart 2026

our say

Alex Yau, editor

Getting ready for 2026 needn’t be complicated HAPPY new year and welcome to the first Retail Express of 2026. It’s fair to say that 2025 was a challenging year for many shop owners, as legislative changes, crime and changing customer habits were among the mounting list of pressures. There was no reprieve from the slowerthan-usual Christmas trading period experienced by many of you. Unfortunately, 2026 doesn’t look too different, with a host of new rules, regulations and legislative developments expected to make trading tougher. These include wage rises, taxes on vaping products, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, and updates to the upcoming deposit return scheme. Recently, I spoke to multi-site retailer Jonathan James, who runs nearly 40 convenience stores ranging from small newsagents to larger convenience formats. He predicted 2026 will be a “transitional year”, preparing his business to tackle similar challenges to the previous 12 months. These changes helped his business become profitable in 2025, despite having to dispose of several sites. 2026 WILL BE A They’re also ones you can TRANSITIONAL similarly implement. To cater to changing customer habits and de- YEAR clining tobacco sales, the group increased the volume of pricemarked products with higher margins. It also began analysing product categories weekly, then tasking store managers with improving performance. As James has demonstrated, improvements to combat any upcoming challenges can be simple.

The five biggest stories this fortnight 01

Post Office misses £120m targeted branch pay increase

ALEX YAU

THE Post Of�ice (PO) has fallen short of a promised £120m annual increase to branch pay, the �irm’s latest annual accounts have revealed. In November 2024, PO pledged to increase branch pay by £120m per year by

April 2026. However, its lat- equivalent to £86m. In the results, Brockleest annual accounts for the year ending 30 March 2025, hurst stated the performance released last month, revealed re�lects the importance of that it had only achieved 8% “reaching new customers with new solutions”. of the targeted increase. He added: “We have some PO chief executive Neil Brocklehurst recently told exciting developments comRetail Express that the or- ing and I am con�ident we ganisation expects to hit 72% will see the continuation of of its £120m target by April, real change for PO, and that

our postmasters and strategic partners will begin to see the bene�its of our bold plan to deliver a more sustainable future for the business.” Despite the missed target, remuneration for subpostmasters in the 12 months increased by 3% to £426m, equivalent to £900 extra per branch.

For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘Post Office’

@retailexpress betterretailing.com facebook.com/betterretailing Editor Alex Yau alex.yau@ newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3358

Editor – news Jack Courtez jack.courtez@ newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3371

Editor in chief Louise Banham louise.banham@ newtrade.co.uk

News editor Ciarán Donnelly ciaran.donnelly@ newtrade.co.uk 07743 936703

Features editor Charles Whitting charles.whitting@ newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3350

Deputy insight & advertorial editor Jasper Hart jasper.hart@ newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3384

News reporter Kwame Boakye kwame.boakye@ newtrade.co.uk

Features and advertorial writer Shyama Laxman shyama.laxman@ newtrade.co.uk

Production manager Chris Gardner 020 7689 3368

Head of marketing Kate Daw 020 7689 3363

Finance manager Magdalena Kalasiuniene 020 7689 0600

Senior production & content editor Ryan Cooper 020 7689 3354

Head of commercial Natalie Reeve 07856 475 788

Managing director Parin Gohil 020 7689 3388

Copy editor Minhaj Zia

Senior account director Lindsay Hudson 07749 416 544

Head of digital Luthfa Begum 07909 254 949

Senior designer Jody Cooke 020 7689 3380

Senior account manager Tommy King 020 7689 3387

Designer Lauren Jackson

Cover image: Getty Images/Yellow duck

Subscribe online at newtrade.co.uk/our-products/ print/retail-express. 1 year subscription: UK £65; overseas (EU) £75; overseas (non-EU) £85 Retail Express is printed and distributed by News UK at Broxbourne and delivered to news retailers free by their newspaper wholesaler. Published by: Newtrade Media Limited, 11 Angel Gate, City Road, London, EC1V 2SD; Phone: 020 7689 0600

42,624

Rates scammer

INVESTIGATIONS by Retail Express have led to government action against a business rates scammer who targeted small business owners. The Valuation Of�ice Agency con�irmed it will refuse to work with any businesses

New lottery games

that are linked to 36-year- RETAILERS are to get new old Murtada ‘Jack’ Abady, National Lottey draw-based who also goes by the name games this year, Allwyn has Rico Banks. con�irmed. The body said its decision The �irm con�irmed the came after “investigations plans in an end-of-year update, into serious breaches of agent adding its terminal upgrades standards”. “will enable new and exciting

National Lottery games [that] deliver a brilliant experience for players and retailers”. Allwyn also con�irmed it has reached its target of converting 38,000 of its total 43,500 sites to new lottery terminals.

Murtada ‘Jack’ Abady

New food franchise

FAST-FOOD franchise Chicken Cottage has partnered with independent retailers to launch a ‘store within a store’ concept. Two stores, Premier Carnoustie in Angus and a Spar forecourt in Great Bookham, Surrey, have so far opened

Audit Bureau of Circulations July 2024 to June 2025 average net circulation per issue

Retail Express’ publisher, Newtrade Media, cares about the environment. Reproduction or transmission in part or whole of any item from Retail Express may only be undertaken with the prior written agreement of the Editor. Contributions are welcome and are included in part or whole at the sole discretion of the editor. Newtrade Media Limited accepts no responsibility for submitted material. Every possible care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information. No warranty for goods or services described is implied.

For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘Chicken Cottage’

franchises. Meanwhile, a third is soon to open in Manchester. Chicken Cottage franchise and business development manager Sadaf Kazi told Retail Express both shops had doubled their sales since partnering.

DRS trademarks

THE UK’s deposit return show trademarks for phrases scheme (DRS) operator has ‘exchange for change’, ‘spin it’ trademarked the logos and and ‘CaPring’. A DMO spokesperson said: slogans that will be potentially used to engage with busi- “The design of the DRS will be an important part of how nesses and consumers. Filings by the Deposit Man- consumers and businesses agement Organisation (DMO) engage with the scheme.”

@retailexpress facebook.com/betterretailing

13-26 JANUARY 2026 betterretailing.com

alex.yau@newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3358

Retailers left exposed to card payment scams CIARÁN DONNELLY RETAILERS have slammed card payment providers for leaving them vulnerable to costly card-not-present (CNP) scams, despite fraud incidents being on the up. Recent cases of the recurring scams have led to shop owners warning inconsistent safeguards from payment providers are leaving shops exposed to costly fraud. One retailer, who asked not to be named, had recently been hit by the scam. They claimed the function was still available on their card machine, despite asking provider Worldpay to remove it. “The criminals took advantage. They used the CNP function while distracting and overwhelming the staff member. Worldpay failed to remove CNP. I have all the evidence that it failed to remove it. “Be warned: don’t leave sight of your terminal and ensure manual entry is removed. No convenience store should have manual entry at all.” CNP settings allow card details to be manually keyed into payment terminals without the physical card required. Criminals will often enter stores in pairs or groups. One member will use the method with stolen card details to purchase high-value goods, while the other members will distract staff members at the till.

GOOD WEEK CO-OP WHOLESALE: The firm is launching its own-brand Served range into independent convenience stores, designed to help retailers cater to customer demand for evening meals. In addition to the launch, the multiple’s overall own-label range has been extended by 100 products, adding bakery, meat, canned goods and everyday essentials. For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘Co-op’ PROFIT OPPORTUNITY: SpotlessWater has claimed retailers can make £3,000 a year by hosting its water refill points. The firm has signed deals with Morrisons and Motor Fuel Group, but is also looking to work with unaffiliated stores. For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘Spotless Water’

Previous instances of card scams in small shops

Often, the transactions will then be later voided when the cards are reported stolen, leaving retailers with major stock losses. According to UK Finance, instances of the scam grew by 22% in the �irst half of 2025. The anonymous retailer added: “To remove CNP from Worldpay, a recorded delivery letter has to be sent to it, asking for the removal of CNP. However, it doesn’t update you and you have to keep on top of it. It will eventually say it’s done, but it still works, leading to further complaints.” Other retailers claimed they had been hit by the same scammers. Jonathan Cobb, of Miserden Stores & Post Of�ice in Gloucestershire, told Retail Express another provid-

express yourself “OUR store is based in a seaside town, so Christmas has never usually been a big one for us. However, we were up on 2024 in the shop and the post office. The post office helped provide the biggest boost due to increased demand for parcel services. Like previous years, January is horrible and quiet. It’s about using the quiet period to examine the business and look at where we can rebuild.” Vince Malone, Tenby Stores & Post Office, Pembrokeshire

er had denied his requests to remove CNP features from his terminal before fraudsters hit his store with the same scam in 2024. Cobb said: “When I signed up with our card provider, I speci�ically said, ‘Can we not have [the CNP feature] on there?’ It’s meant for telephone transactions and for deliveries, but we’ve never used that function. I didn’t check when it arrived, and obviously it was still on there. “After the scam, I realised that it came up on the receipt as CNP. At that point, I realised what they’d done after they left the shop. I phoned the provider and it said it would get rid of that transaction.” Other retailers have warned the proposed removal of the £100 contact-

the column where you can make your voice heard

less payment limit this year could lead to similar issues with fraudulent payments in convenience stores. Responding to the anonymous retailer’s concerns, Worldpay told Retail Express it does not discuss individual cases. However, when asked about the process for retailers to remove CNP settings from their terminals, the provider added: “CNP functionality on payment terminals is commonly available across the industry. If a merchant does not require this capability, the account holder can request for it to be disabled by contacting our customer support team. “We work closely with our merchants to help them recognise, prevent and respond to fraudulent activity – including providing

guidance within their onboarding journey, as well as through practical resources shared through our regular customer communications.” A Paymentsense spokesperson added that CNP functions cannot be disabled by the retailer from the terminal, but only by speaking to its fraud team. The �irm claimed it has issued speci�ic guidance to retailers on the dangers of CNP and how to avoid fraudulent transactions. It added: “We educate customers on the dangers associated with CNP and are committed to empowering merchants to ensure they can keep customers safe and secure from fraudsters. We are constantly reviewing our processes to ensure merchants are best safeguarded.”

BAD WEEK ILLICIT VAPES: More than one million units of dodgy products were seized from UK high streets in 2025, with convenience stores accounting for the most purchases (36%). According to the latest FOI data from councils, vape shops and market stalls were also common sources of illegal vapes. For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘vapes’ DISCOUNTERS: Independent retailers faced increased competition from discounters during the seasonal period. According to Worldpanel, discounters recorded their largest Christmas share at 16.8%, with Lidl reporting 10% year-on-year growth. For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘Worldpanel’

Christmas: how did your store perform in the period?

“TRADE in the store was notably down during Christmas and it was quite dead. It wasn’t just us who experienced issues with slow trade, though. Other retailers I have spoken to experienced a similarly quiet period over Christmas. It does raise concerns about how business will perform overall going forward, as many are predicting trade will be noticeably quieter than last year for the next few months.” Ali Awan, H & H Convenience, Felling, Gateshead

“FOOTFALL during Christmas was quite mixed. We had a good amount of footfall on Christmas Eve and sales were positive, but this ended up being offset by a quiet period during Boxing Day and the days after. It’s a reflection of the industry as a whole, as I see retailers mentioning similar challenges. It’s not just my store with these issues, and it’s about weathering it the best you can for the next few months.” Ian Lewis, Spar Minster Lovell, Oxfordshire

Do you have an issue to discuss with other retailers? Call 020 7689 3358 or email alex.yau@newtrade.co.uk

Ian Lewis

NEWS

13-26 JANUARY 2026 betterretailing.com

Dubai chocolate allergen warning ALEX YAU

uct, after it became “aware ity to ensure the safety of that some of these products the food products they sell. RETAILERS stocking Dubai- may contain allergens such as We’ve also shared our constyle chocolate have been peanut and sesame that are cerns with allergy charities warned by the Food Stand- not declared on the label”. so they can help us make sure The body’s director of poli- consumers have the informaards Agency (FSA) and Coop Wholesale that some cy, Rebecca Sudworth, added: tion they need to make inlines do not meet required “For someone with allergies, formed choices.” food safety and labelling this could be dangerous. Following on from the FSA’s standards. “People should be able to warning, Co-op Wholesale isLast month, the FSA issued trust that food in UK shops is sued advice to independent advice to consumers with al- safe and that it’s what it says retailers concerned they may lergies toai1705406665114_RN16JAN avoid the viral chocbe 12:04 stocking non-compliant is, 2024 so we’re reminding1busiFuelcarditDis Ad FullPage-V1.pdf 16/01/2024 olate confectionery prod- nesses of their responsibil- products.

In messages sent to stores, seen by Retail Express, the wholesaler advised: “Immediately check if Dubai‑style chocolate products are stocked and verify labelling compliance against UK standards. “If affected products are present, remove them from sale. Share this precautionary notice with store team [and] await further updates from the FSA.”

For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘Dubai chocolate’

Chetan’s new deliveries CHETAN Wholesale is launching a delivered wholesale service, following increased demand from new and existing retailers. Director Jay Mandalia told Retail Express: “Since we opened in Southend-on-Sea,

Essex, at the beginning of 2025, we’ve created a core base around cash and carry. “Now we’re exploring aspects of delivered, and the technology to support this is being developed in the background.”

For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘Chetan’

CO-OP SENIOR APPOINTMENT

CO-OP Wholesale has appointed Robbie Moore as its trading director, a move the wholesaler claimed would “shake up the wholesale sector”. Upon his appointment, Moore said Co-op Wholesale is “building something special” and has “ambitious growth plans”. Co-op Wholesale is also recruiting a “brand-new” trading team.

CMY

For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘Co-op Wholesale’

Moore previously worked for wholesaler Bestway as director of trading for convenience.

Store security support QUAIL Digital has launched a “next-generation” headset system for store staff, which it says will help deter shoplifters and ensure staff well-being. While established in multiples, the company is now

targeting more smaller, local shops. Chief executive Tom Downes said the firm had seen a spike in interest from independents. He said the sets are currently in around 3,000 stores.

For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘Quail’ RN Full page ad.indd 1

26/01/2024 10:17

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• Are you struggling with household bills or financial commitments outside of your business? • Have you experienced retail crime?

For more information contact us for FREE on 0800 917 8616 email: mail@newstraid.org.uk

www.newstraid.org.uk/retailer-support-scheme/

NB. Financial support must be for commitments outside the business and will be subject to eligibility checks.

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If you have experienced a drop in income as a result of unexpected change, disability, bereavement or illness, we may be able to support you with a financial grant as well as provide emotional support.

t o m

PRODUCTS

Diet Coke Cherry back for good SHYAMA LAXMAN COCA-COLA Europaci�ic Partners (CCEP) has announced Diet Coke Cherry will be added to its permanent range following its limited-edition run last year. The limited-edition launch delivered £250,000 in value sales in three weeks, according to the supplier, and the now permanent line will aim to help retailers tap into the rising demand for cherry-�lavoured varieties. Cherry variants, according to CCEP, have made £270m in value sales over the past year, and Diet Coke continues to perform well, now worth more than £500m in retail.

Diet Coke Cherry has now rolled out nationwide in 300ml cans, 500ml PET bottles and multipacks, and will be supported by paid social activity, in-store sampling, and digital and outdoor advertising to drive trial and repeat purchases. Rob Yeomans, vicepresident and commercial director at CCEP GB, said: “Diet Coke continues to enjoy exceptional loyalty – so much so that 32% of its drinkers say they’d drop out of the cola category altogether if it wasn’t available.” Convenience retailers can request PoS materials and download digital assets via MyCCEP.com to help bring the launch to life in store.

Cointreau launches RTD Margarita cans

Radnor Hills partners with Cardiff City FC

COINTREAU has introduced two new ready-to-drink Margarita cans – Original Margarita and Passion Fruit Margarita – to its range, available to convenience retailers in 125ml formats. Original Margarita combines Cointreau L’Unique orange liqueur, premium tequila, lime peel distillate and lime juice concentrate, while the Passion Fruit Margarita incorporates Cointreau L’Unique, premium Tequila, lime juice from concentrate and natural passionfruit �lavour. Both Cointreau Cocktail Twists’ �lavours can be sipped chilled straight from the can or poured over ice. RRP: £4

RADNOR Hills has signed a two-year partnership deal with Cardiff City FC. The partnership will see Radnor Hills provide its natural mineral water to players, coaching staff and fans at Cardiff City Stadium and its Vale training base, as well as to its soccer school program. Chris Sanders, sales and marketing director, Radnor Hills, said: “We’re looking forward to keeping the Bluebirds players naturally hydrated with our pure, Welsh spring water on match days and also to be supporting the club with our other brands,

LAUNCH

Sunshine Punch arrives in the UK SUNSHINE Punch Orange Creme Liqueur has landed in UK convenience retail, exclusively via Red Star Brands in cases of six bottles (RRP £25). Made from a blend of rum, cream and citrus �lavours, Sunshine Punch can be served over ice as a lighter alternative to classic cream liqueurs or mixed into a Brunch Punch. Ryan McCann, �inance director at Red Star Brands, said: “We’re con�ident retailers will embrace Sunshine Punch, and that consumers will love its striking packaging – we expect it to be the summer drink to enjoy all year round.”

The launch will be supported by a marketing campaign in the build up to summer.

LAUNCH

including Radnor Fruits, Radnor Fizz and Radnor Splash.” Available now, the company has launched Radnor Fruits Disney, Radnor Spring and Radnor Hydrate.

Topps releases new UCL sticker album

TOPPS has launched its new UEFA Champions League Sticker collection and album for the 2025/26 season. The 76-page album contains more stickers than last year (up from 529 to 574), and the artwork was inspired by this year’s �inal host city, Budapest. The album will introduce all-new Three-Tier Parallels alongside one-of-one Regular Team stickers. Collectors can also chase 2,000 Ultra-Rare Jersey Relic sticker cards, available only in lucky starter packs.

LAUNCH

13-26 JANUARY 2026 betterretailing.com

Take it easy with Zyn Millbrook Dairy’s X-Low nic pouches new cheese sticks PHILIP Morris Limited has launched a campaign to highlight Zyn X-Low, the latest addition to its Zyn nicotine pouch range. Zyn X-Low is available in Spearmint, Black Cherry and Cool Mint (all 1.5mg). It’s designed for less tingle and delivers a smoother �lavour release, according to the supplier. The ‘Be bold enough to take it easy with X-Low’ campaign is designed to raise awareness of Zyn’s strength variation in the portfolio and highlight the latest innovation behind the brand.

NEW CAMPAIGN

MILLBROOK Dairy has unveiled a new Shirgar Cheese Sticks range, available exclusively in England and Scotland. Made in Wales with premium Welsh milk, the new lines include Mature Cheddar, Mild Cheddar and Red Leicester. Each individually wrapped 20g cheese stick contains 5g of protein, according to the supplier. With a 90-day shelf life and packed 50 per case, the products are a strong �it for retailers wanting reliable rotation and minimal waste, the supplier added.

LAUNCH

Fray Bentos adds Boost launches new tinned pie lines Water+ range

FRAY Bentos has added two new recipes to its tinned pie range: Mac & Cheese and Chicken & Mushroom. The Mac & Cheese Pie is a �irst for the brand and is suitable for vegetarians. Both are encased in the brand’s trademark 64-layer

golden puff pastry. The two pies are available through Nisa wholesale at an RRP of £2.99

LAUNCH

BOOST has launched Boost Water+, a range of zero-sugar water with electrolytes in three �lavours: Citrus, Strawberry & Peach and Cherry. The range is aimed at bridging the gap between �lavoured and functional water, according to the supplier, and is available in 500ml £1 price-marked bottles. Lisa McKenna, Boost brand director at AG Barr, said: “Water consumption is on the rise and shoppers are not prepared to compromise on taste. Boost Water+ delivers more for water consumers – greattasting �lavours, electrolytes, zero sugar and just £1.”

LAUNCH

Asahi unveils Super Sales advice site

New nicotine pouch brand seeks to Slay

ASAHI UK has launched Super Sales, a new category advice resource to help retailers grow beer sales. Touted by the supplier as ‘Retail advice on tap’, Super Sales delivers data-led advice on the beer market, ranging insights and conveniencefocused planograms for different sized stores. Regional

HUNGARIAN supplier Continental Tobacco Group is set to launch Slay, a range of nicotine pouches that it describes as ‘female-led’. At launch, Slay consists of �ive varieties: Raspberry Sky, Mad Menthol, Sweet Emotion, Caffe Latte and Matcha Mint, with the range characterised by pearlescent packaging and a soft colour palette. These will be available in 3mg, 6mg and 9mg strengths. The lines are currently

bestsellers are also highlighted, helping retailers re�lect local preferences. The site also features insights on three key growth areas in the market – premium lager (up by 5.4%), no & low (up by 20.4%) and mid-packs, which are the fastest-growing pack size in convenience (up by 2%).

LAUNCH

listed on the brand’s consumer website at an RRP of £6 each.

PRODUCTS

Celsius debuts four flavours SHYAMA LAXMAN FUNCTIONAL energy drink brand Celsius has added four new zero-sugar, fruit-forward �lavours to its range. The new additions include Sparkling Raspberry Peach, Sparkling Mango Lemonade, Sparkling Kiwi Guava and Sparkling Strawberry Watermelon. According to the supplier, the range is set to capitalise on the seasonal surge in �itness culture and maximise incrementality for retailers. Sparkling Raspberry Peach and Sparkling Mango Lemonade are also available as a multipack to offer a drink-later format, the supplier added.

Garrett Quigley, president of Celsius International, said: “We believe the zero-sugar, fruit-forward �lavours that distinguish Celsius from traditional energy drinks align with consumers’ evolving needs for great taste without compromise. “This innovation is designed to bring new consumers into the growing energy category, drive growth and be a meaningful contributor to higher basket value for our retailers.” Celsius contains a blend of essential vitamins, including B6, B12 and C, to contribute to the normal function of the immune system, and the reduction of fatigue with B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12.

LAUNCH

Getting trippy with Trip Cherry Lemon

Spraga Kombucha debuts in the UK

FUNCTIONAL drinks brand Trip’s latest product, Trip Cherry Lemon, is now available to independents and via wholesale. Cherry Lemon garnered more than 100 million views within a week of launching in November 2025. Cherry Lemon is made with botanicals, magnesium, lion’s mane, chamomile and lemon balm, along with crushed cherries, lemon, and subtle notes of strawberry and blueberry. The drink contains no added sugar and is low calorie, the supplier added. It is available at an RRP of £2.30.

UKRANIAN brand Spraga has launched four of its Kombucha drinks into the UK market, available through wholesalers, including CLF. The drink is available in four �lavours: Original, Ginger & Lemon, Pomegranate and Apple & Pear at an RRP of £2.99 for a 330ml can. The brand also plans to offer wider national distribution early this year. Made using organic tea, organic cane sugar and a live culture, Spraga is naturally fermented, rich in probiotics and low in sugar, according to the supplier.

sponsored

LAUNCH

Win one of four £100 McCoy’s Salted Amazon vouchers launches in PMP YOU could win a £100 Amazon voucher by sharing your views on the convenience industry, to in�luence how one of the biggest suppliers works with you and your fellow retailers. There are four £100 vouchers up for grabs. To be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is answer a simple 20-question survey on topics including what PoS materials work best in your store, how seasonal occasions affect your sales and how effective new products are in your shop. To answer the survey, scan the QR code

KP Snacks has announced the expansion of its pricemarked pack (PMP) range with the launch of McCoy’s Salted in £1.35 PMP, available from 26 January. The launch capitalises on the strength of McCoy’s PMP portfolio, growing at more than 11.1%, according to the supplier. By introducing McCoy’s Salted in a PMP, the brand is tapping into the rising demand for the format, with PMPs representing 71% of all bagged snack sales in independent stores, the supplier added. McCoy’s existing PMP portfolio includes core �lavours, Flame Grilled Steak, Salt & Malt Vinegar and Cheddar &

Onion, alongside Thai Sweet Chicken, Sizzling King Prawn and Hot ’N’ Spicy.

Ghost Energy unveils Sour Pink Lemonade GHOST Energy has expanded its �lavour line-up with a Sour Pink Lemonade variety, marking its �ifth �lavour in the UK. The new variant is available via TikTok Shop, Ghost’s wholesale and on Amazon. Ghost Energy’s UK-EU head of sales, Jon Hutchinson, said the brand is aiming to launch in the Republic of Ireland in March, and add a sixth and seventh �lavour to its range this summer. Ghost has also partnered with the Archon University Fitness League to give brand exposure to students from more than 20 universities. It will also be exhibiting at this

year’s National Convenience Show in Birmingham. It has an RRP of £2.25.

CALYPSO has launched a line of sparkling zero-sugar lemonades, available in 330ml cans at an RRP of £1.50. The �lavours include Blood Orange Breeze, Apple Oasis and Berry Bloom. The brand has also reformulated its core lemonade range by reducing the sugar content by

nearly 60%. Moreover, two new �lavours – Yuzu Lychee Lemonade and Sunset Peach Lemonade – have joined the core lemonade line-up. They are available in 473ml glass bottles at an RRP of £2.50. Both launches will be supported by retail activations and consumer campaigns.

LAUNCH

Calypso unveils new lemonade range

LAUNCH

Oreo limited-edition Creme Egg biscuits OREO has introduced a limited-edition Oreo Creme Egg biscuit, featuring the iconic �lavour of Creme Egg in an additional layer of �illing. Available until Easter, the launch will be supported with in-store activations and a campaign across outdoor, radio and organic

social media. Nikita Yadav, brand manager seasonal biscuits and Oreo at Mondelez International, said: “This limited-edition biscuit is set to drive excitement in the biscuit category, adding basket spend as family and friends come together to celebrate Easter.”

LAUNCH

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PAID FEATURE GROW YOUR SALES

13-26 JANUARY 2026 betterretailing.com

In partnership with

PAIR SOFT DRINKS WITH HOT FOOD The colder weather presents a prime opportunity to entice customers and increase sales, says CARLSBERG BRITVIC. The secret? Pairing your hot food offering with the nation’s favourite on-the-go soft drinks

WHAT’S THE OPPORTUNITY? NEW research from Carlsberg Britvic reveals that soft drinks remain a staple in colder months, with nearly seven in 10 consumers enjoying them at least once a week1. More than a third of shoppers say they’d like to see a wider range of hot meals available – representing one of the biggest growth opportunities for your store this winter1. For retailers, the

real win comes from pairing their hot food offerings with soft drinks in on-the-go formats, such as 330ml cans and 500ml bottles. By offering shoppers core favourites that pair perfectly with hot meals, retailers are able to satisfy thirst and shoppers’ desire for flavour, but also position the store as a go-to destination for a complete meal solution.

WHAT’S TRENDING? DID you know that 31% of consumers say lunchtime is when they’re most likely to buy hot food and a drink together, making the occasion the singlebiggest moment of demand for retailers to target daily1. Carlsberg Britvic’s instant consumption portfolio is designed to deliver instant re-

freshment and drive sales no matter the weather. In fact, 41% of shoppers say cola is their go-to choice during winter1, making Pepsi Max an essential pairing with hot food items or lunchtime favourites. For those after a unique twist, Tango gives retailers the opportunity to target consumers

seeking flavour excitement with their meal. Meanwhile, 7Up, with its crisp, citrus flavour, complements heartier meals, helping shoppers feel refreshed while enjoying a more comforting option. Finally, with 22% of consumers preferring functional drinks1, Lipton Kombucha is great for shoppers looking for

a naturally fermented tea with live cultures. Stocking these brands in 330ml cans and 500ml bottles, and promoting them alongside hot food, helps create compelling meal deals that drive repeat visits and increase basket spend even when the temperature drops.

Visit Carlsberg Britvic’s At Your Convenience platform to claim your FREE meal deal and soft drinks PoS kit* for everything you need to start driving sales today 1 Carlsberg Britvic x Censuswide – Winter Soft Drink Consumption Research 2025. Survey of 1,000 UK adults (16+) conducted 17.09.25 – 19.09.25. Available at: charts.censuswide.com/J16331CWMP/J16331CWMP_VIbox.html * T&Cs: Max 1 kit per outlet. 400 kits available on a first come, first served basis. No purchase necessary. Registration & email required. Visit atyourconvenience.com for Terms and Details. Promoter: Britvic Soft Drinks

MUST-STOCK PRODUCTS

Pepsi Max – the classic companion for hot meals

7Up – refreshing and light for balance

Tango – bold flavour for adventurous taste buds

Lipton – functional appeal for conscious consumers

RETAILER

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Suki Athwal, Shop Around the Clock, Tenterden, Kent “WE recently brought the concept to life in store, amplifying our meal-deal opportunity through bold PoS with Carlsberg Britivic. “Soft drinks are still super-important to us in the colder months. We are finding that customers are still coming in for their hot food, and they do want to grab a drink like Pepsi Max or Lipton Iced Tea alongside that. They’ll be picking up a drink as well as the hot food, so it’s increasing basket spend. Activations like these help disrupt the shopper mission and they might now grab something else.”

OPINION

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CATEGORY ADVICE

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Alternative snacking brands

Eight brands and 10 launches in healthie snacking deservin r on your shelves g space Page 34

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Scottish symbol invasion

KeyStore expands efforts to convert more English store owners to its brand Page 5

“IT’S not a wise decision and it opens up more opportunity for fraud. The risk for retail is that someone will come in with a stolen card, ask for £150-to-£200-worth of spirits and tap the card machine. Then the retailer will lose that money once the owner of the card reports it as stolen.”

● The changes,

Ken Singh, BB Nevison Stores, Pontefract

challenges and opportunities shaping next-gen nicotine in 2026 your energy bills with clever gadgets and better supplier deals

NEW YEAR’S HONOURS: How does it feel to be recognised?

I was in shock when I received the news

Pricewatch: discover the most profitable price points on top-selling vaping devices

Paul Patel, Dibden Purlieu News, Southampton

It opens up more opportunity for fraud

● How to reduce

EXCLUSIVE PRICING DATA TO BOOST YOUR PROFITS

“WHAT if someone who’s stolen a card suddenly goes on a big spending spree? When that card gets reported as stolen, there’ll suddenly be retailers losing out on money. There needs to be a campaign warning consumers of the risks and how they can be protected.”

“I WAS in shock when I received the news of my New Year’s Honours recognition. My husband scooped up the mail and said there was a letter for me. He read the first line of the letter, then said ‘I really think that you should read this’. I was most surprised to read it.”

Jenny Fell, Daventry Post Office, Hellidon, Northamptonshire

“I WANTED to give back to the community. There are people in this area who are underprivileged, and I wanted to help them. Many people who have benefitted by the work of the charity [I chair] go on to help others by volunteering, which builds their confidence and skills.” Pritesh Pattni, Bristol Street Post Office, Aston, Birmingham

RETAIL CRIME: How are you engaging with the government? “IT was great to meet with crime and policing minister Sarah Jones and explain the heavy toll that retail crime has mentally, physically and financially on shop owners. We look forward to working with the Home Office in the coming months.” Hetal Patel, Stop ’n’ Shop, Maidenhead

“IN a letter to Scotland’s finance secretary Shona Robison, I said we were grateful for the Retail Crime Task Force. We urge the government to continue the task force, which has a budget of just £3m and a 12-month lifespan which expires in March.” Hussan Lal, Usave Ferguslie Park Avenue, Renfrewshire

We look forward to working with the gov’t STORE FEATURES: Are you introducing anything innovative?

FREE 2026 wallplanner for every reader WIN £50 for your store with the RN weekly giveaway

I’m the first UK retailer to trial the chiller

“I’M the first retailer in the UK to trial EasyFill fridge cabinets, which allow staff to fill it with drinks from the back. It’s all gravity-fed. With the old fridges, staff never take all the old stuff out. Now, we load from the back, and everything about it just makes perfect sense.” Pritpal Sandhu, Brookside Premier & Post Office, Telford

“WE began working with a company for premium loose chocolates. The chocolates look a lot different to what is already on the market, and customers are willing to spend more. They’ll work well for upcoming seasonal opportunities such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.” Avtar Sidhu, St John’s Budgens, Kenilworth

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LETTERS

13-26 JANUARY 2026 betterretailing.com

One Stop

PRIYESH Carlton VEKARIA Convenience, Salford

Letters may be edited

Be kind to others and keep helping people SINCE the Budget was announced, a lot of retailers have been looking for ways to fine tune their business. Often, what they will do is find ways to tighten their belts. That could be reducing staff hours or cutting back on orders or activations. And while that might seem like a good way to cut losses, it’s also One of two leading retailers cutting down on shares his thoughts on the your opportunities challenges in retail for growth. You can’t just batten down the hatches because you’ll be missing out. You’ve got to try to find other revenue opportunities and work harder with brands and suppliers. We, as retailers, leave money on their table every year because we don’t reach out and grab it effectively. We don’t work with them enough on activations and community initiatives. This year will see me doing more collaborations with brands. We do it at a hyper-local level, but we also ask the brands to scale it up and run it through different symbol operations to see how to fine tune and improve it further. All these things go hand in hand and ultimately drive our growth. As retailers, we’re very good at looking at what other stores are doing and drawing inspiration from that. But, we need to do more to help those retailers who are struggling to realise their potential or can’t quite work out how to “find their edge”. In December, I worked with a retailer who was opening a store. While a normal store opening will have the big announcements and queues outside the door for the first couple of hours, we tried to make it bigger. We had coffees in the morning, then something for newspaper customers, then a lunchtime event and a curry event in the evening. We also had a ‘Dancing around the Christmas Tree’ activation. All these things kept the momentum going and the customers coming through the front door throughout the day. If you as a retailer see someone who wants a bit of support and you can see they’re aspiring to do something better, but don’t know how, you need to help them and give them the tools. My New Year’s resolution for 2026 is to be kind and keep helping people. We need to share the love and embrace new opportunities, rather than going into our shells because of the Budget.

RISING

STAR

‘National Lottery rep was acting rudely to my staff’ IN December, I received a call from Allwyn asking why my stand was a mess and next to a bin. It’s because I’m still waiting to get a new lottery stand from Allwyn and have kept the current unit on the �loor behind the counter for the time being. It was the manner in which the rep spoke to my staff

which was annoying. It’s not the �irst time they were rude when engaging with my employees, and it appears this is the way they speak to all their customers. This seems to be a way of the world. Due to how we’ve been treated on multiple occasions, I have told my staff to never entertain a National

COMMUNITY RETAILER

OF THE WEEK

Deep Patel, Meet & Deep Newsagents, Twickenham

Lottery rep in store or on the phone ever again. Vas Vekaria, Kegs N Blades, Bolton

Allwyn responded: “We are sorry to hear that Mr Vekaria is unhappy with aspects of the service he’s received from us. We have been in touch with

him to better understand his concerns, and are hoping to schedule a visit to discuss this with him in person. “We also are doing everything we can to push through the installation of Mr Vekaria’s new permanent PoS equipment as quickly as possible. This should happen in the next couple of weeks.”

COMMUNITY RETAILER

OF THE WEEK

Sheraz Awan, Premier Westerhope Convenience Store, Newcastle upon Tyne

‘We appreciate ‘May our beloved customer friendship’ customers prosper’

“THE best New Year’s Eve celebrations are the random ones where strangers find each other and end up dancing on the street together, buses tooting their horns and everyone having a good time. For the past few years, we’ve stood outside the shop at 11.59pm to see in the new year with whoever we bump into. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for your support and love in 2025. Our shop isn’t the biggest, we don’t always have everything, but we appreciate your loyalty and friendship. Happy 2026 to one and all.”

“FOR 2026, we want to be able to continue providing support to food banks and giving back to the community. We normally give more than 1,200 loaves of bread, buns and food items every week, and have been doing so since March 2020. We also ask that customers continue to give support to our little convenience store. Without their custom, we wouldn’t be able to buy the hundreds of food items that we give away daily. We want to thank our customers, and hope they stay safe and blessed. May they prosper and have a year filled with happiness and health.”

Get in touch

@retailexpress betterretailing.com facebook.com/betterretailing alex.yau@newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3358

CATEGORY ADVICE ST PATRICK’S DAY

13-26 JANUARY 2026 betterretailing.com

Image credit: Getty Images/Moussa81

GET READY FOR ST PATRICK’S DAY CHARLES SMITH finds out how retailers can build a larger offer around St Patrick’s Day to drive sales, regardless of location

GETTING INVOLVED IN ST PATRICK’S DAY ST PATRICK’S Day, which falls on 17 March, has evolved from a traditional celebration of culture and heritage for local Irish communities into a feel-good event for everyone to enjoy. Stores in city centres and neighbourhoods with sizeable Irish populations can expect big sales around the day, but retailers elsewhere with the right offer can do well, too, and use St Patrick’s to win

new regular shoppers buying for other occasions. “We don’t have a big local Irish population,” says Jeet Bansi, at Londis Meon Vale in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. “But we see St Patrick’s as an opportunity to get people joining in and feeling part of a multicultural society. We have a formula that works, around price and availability.” Bansi sells a lot of Jameson

Whiskey, Bushmills and Guinness around St Patrick’s Day, signposted with cards saying, ‘Don’t forget St Patrick’s Day’ and the date. He buys Jameson in bulk and sells it from Christmas onwards at £21.50, instead of £28. For St Patrick’s Day, Bansi also repositions his Irish whiskeys so they’re more visible behind the counter, and posts on social media.

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CATEGORY ADVICE ST PATRICK’S DAY

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BALANCING ST PATRICK’S DAY WITH OTHER SPRING EVENTS ST PATRICK’S Day falls on a Tuesday this year, but the sales window opens the Friday before and lasts the whole weekend, boosted by ‘Super Saturday’ in the Guinness Six Nations’ fifth and final round. Ireland play Scotland, Wales face Italy and France meet England in the evening. The tournament kicks off on

Thursday 5 February, so retailers should get displays in place early. Pratik Patel, at Jay’s Budgens in Brockley, south London, puts his display out in mid-January, supported with Instagram posts. Mother’s Day this year falls on Sunday 15 March, meaning retailers will need to think carefully about how they are

decorating and merchandising their store to ensure they are maximising the sales opportunities of two different events taking place within three days. “Mother’s Day is bigger here than St Patrick’s Day,” says Patel. “It is also a longer lead-up, but they don’t really affect each other too much. St Patrick’s Day is more alcohol-

oriented, and serves a captivated segment.” On 15 March, there are scheduled to be St Patrick’s Day celebrations in London, Birmingham and Manchester, as well as other towns and cities. Neighbourhood retailers should prepare for homebound event-goers wanting to keep the party going.

new product What’s new for St Patrick’s Day? Jameson Ginger Ale & Lime Pernod Ricard UK has brought back its Jameson Ginger Ale & Lime RTD. Available in a 330ml can, it has an RRP of £2.39. “RTDs are the number-one value-gaining category in the UK off-trade,” says Pernod Ricard UK commercial director Ian Peart. “The new, larger 330ml format will make it even easier to enjoy a smooth Jameson Irish Whiskey at home or away.”

SUPPLIER

WHAT TO STOCK RETAILERS should focus on bestselling Irish products like Guinness Extra Stout, Guinness 0.0 and Murphy’s Irish Stout, with a variety of different-sized multipacks especially important. Additionally, Irish whiskeys and ready-to-drink formats (RTD), along with Bailey’s Irish Cream, will also have strong appeal. Consider offering ingredients for green cocktails, Guinness-flavoured cakes and puddings, branded drinks glasses and big hats. St Patrick’s isn’t just about alcohol, especially for young-

er shoppers. With growing numbers seeking non-alcoholic alternatives, a choice of zero-alcohol options will be important this year. Beyond this, retailers should consider St Patrick’s Day in a similar manner to any other large-scale event, with various big-night-in options available – from multipacks of snacks and soft drinks to ready meals. For retailers looking to add some highmargin items to their sales, novelty gifts, hats, glasses and more can bring some additional store theatre without any concerns about wastage.

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Alexander Wilson, category and commercial strategy director, Heineken UK “ST PATRICK’S Day is a fantastic calendar event for retailers to make the most of, as 79.5% of adults up and down the country will be looking to celebrate. “As UK drinkers continue to develop a taste for stout, retailers can maximise the opportunity by prioritising stocking up on authentic Irish drinks, such as Murphy’s Irish Stout. “The demand for stout has increased over the past year as consumers explore the category further, with off-trade sales up 15.6% in value and 11.3% in volume. “More than a quarter of consumers said they would consider drinking Murphy’s when celebrating St Patrick’s Day, rising to 46% of stout drinkers, and with 80% of consumers saying they feel it is important to offer Irish drinks on St Patrick’s Day, it is a must-stock for retailers.”

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Got a question? Just ask us! Email marketing@newtrade.co.uk Or call Kate on 07886784465.

CATEGORY ADVICE ST PATRICK’S DAY

13-26 JANUARY 2026 betterretailing.com

TOP TIPS Five top tips for a successful St Patrick’s Day Do your homework See what sold well last year, check out wholesalers’ offers and launches, and know what events are on near you. Ensure availability Stock up early and keep chillers and fixtures filled. Maximise visibility Highlight offers with displays in high-traffic areas to disrupt shoppers and encourage impulse buys. Make it special Decorate stores with green bunting and other Irishthemed decorations, as well as PoS from suppliers and wholesalers. Engage staff Encourage staff to wear green and other Irishthemed accessories if they’re comfortable doing it.

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MAKING THE MOST OF ST PATRICK’S DAY THE key to St Patrick’s Day sales is drawing people in with an attractive selection of authentic Irish drinks and treats at competitive prices, backed with displays and decorations. Neighbourhood retailers who don’t sell alcohol can generate extra sales by putting up bunting to show they’re taking part. Town and city centre stores serving commuters could see

sales impacted by nearby supermarkets’ promotions and travel disruptions, but they should keep their range in place afterwards for shoppers to buy for the Easter break two weekends later. Retailers likely to do best are neighbourhood stores whose nearest supermarket is a few miles away, like Bansi, who is known locally for his drinks

range. Bansi has a seven-metre alcohol chiller, a beer chiller, and a dedicated ambient fixture for Guinness and other multipacks. Start early, highlighting wholesalers’ promotions during the Six Nations with big, bold displays and stocking additional items to encourage extra purchases. Despite the financial pres-

sures, people will still want to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, and a Guinness four-pack to drink at home costs the same as a pint in the pub. And don’t stop there. Encourage shoppers to try something different by offering other options, too, like Irish whiskey RTDs, and low- and no-alcohol versions of popular drinks. Whatever you do, begin preparing now.

Amish Shingadia, Budgens Caterways & Post Office, Horsham, West Sussex “A LOT of our customers are of Irish descent or have Irish connections. We make St Patrick’s theatrical with bunting and decorations, and sell three or four extra cases of Guinness on the day, and 20% more Irish whiskey. “The Six Nations ties in well, with increased drink sales over the weeks before. With St Patrick’s Day on a Tuesday, purchases on the day could be more subdued because people go to work the next morning, but we’ll have strong weekend sales. “The cost-of-living crisis had a major effect on beer sales, unlike the wine price rises. We follow Booker’s promotional cycle and put everything out three weeks before in a dedicated area. Booker also does PMPs on Guinness around St Patrick’s Day, which sell well.”

Est. 1919 Federation of Independent Retailers

CATEGORY ADVICE PROTEIN PRODUCTS

PACKING A PROTEIN PUNCH

The rapid growth in protein products presents a significant opportunity for retailers to create a point of difference and attract customers to their stores, as KATE BAKER discovers

Image credit: Getty Images/Obradovic

THE GROWTH OF PROTEIN A FEW years ago, high-protein products were almost exclusively the domain of bodybuilders and professional athletes. But more recently, the benefits of a high-protein intake for weight loss and other health benefits have come to the fore. Although athletes still represent the core market, high-

protein supplements are now a common choice for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious adults of all ages, and the market has soared as options have expanded. “Protein and energy products were all the buzz in 2025, and are seemingly set to rule the roost in the new year, especially as shoppers resolve

towards a healthier start to 2026,” says Kieran Fisher, founder of KBF Enterprises and Warrior. The sports nutrition category as a whole is worth £1.1bn in the UK and has been growing at an impressive 19% year on year, with protein bars worth £161m, representing 5% growth, and protein shakes

£113m, an increase of 21% [Circana, data 2024/25]. “As consumers increasingly demand practical and effortless ways to incorporate protein into their daily routines, demand for protein-rich foods and beverages has accelerated significantly,” says Bill Randles, managing director of SuperNutrio.

13-26 JANUARY 2026 betterretailing.com

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Carmen Ferguson, brand manager, Windmill Organics and ProFusion “IN recent times, the protein category has witnessed significant shifts, particularly towards plant-based and health-oriented products. The UK market for plantbased protein is projected to reach £16.8bn by the end of this year. “Protein-based snacks are thriving as consumers look for convenient, health-driven options. The protein bar category, for instance, is now valued at £144m, experiencing a remarkable 26% growth. Also, proteinbased snacks, particularly ready-to-eat items, are wellsuited for impulse purchases due to their convenience and portability. “To maximise sales in this area, we would definitely recommend that retailers position protein snacks near checkout areas of high-traffic zones to capture impulse buyers effectively.”

If I need to know the latest retail trends or industry news, I start by looking at Better Retailing Dave Hiscutt, Better Retailing survey, 2024.

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CATEGORY ADVICE PROTEIN PRODUCTS

WHAT PROTEIN PRODUCTS TO STOCK RETAILERS can stock protein products in various formats – it’s a part of the market that’s regularly growing. From ready-to-drink shakes in a range of flavours to bars and ready meals, there’s a lot to choose from. Some contain animal-based proteins like whey or casein, while others feature soy or pea, so are suitable for vegans. Crawley Down Garage in

West Sussex has become a go-to destination for proteinbased products, says owner David Wyatt. He says: “Protein products are the most important growth category. There is a massive market for those who want to eat healthier. They have been the biggest growth area over the past two years – only outstripped by water. “The more you do some-

thing properly, the more people will make a conscious effort to come because of the range.” This is echoed by Ian Lewis, of Spar Minster Lovell in Oxfordshire, who says protein dominates his food-to-go range and is growing. Wyatt carries a wide range of brands, including Grenade, Ufit, Yfood, Huel, Bol and For Goodness Shakes, with his

three bestselling lines of these being Ufit, Huel and Yfood. Lewis stocks a similar range and sells across all demographics, but mainly to middle-aged customers looking for a convenient meal replacement. His bestseller is Huel. He says: “Customers are looking for convenient and healthier options offering a little bit more than just crisps and a sandwich.”

product Launches

What’s new in protein? Grenade Grenade has unveiled a limited-edition Soft Core Protein Bar made in collaboration with Creme Egg, available to convenience retailers until April. Available in a 45g on-the-go format, the bar contains more than 13g of protein, which makes it Grenade’s lowestprotein bar to date. It also has 2g of sugar, making it non-HFSS. Raw Raw is launching a range of protein bars with two new flapjack flavours: Strawberry Cheesecake and Cherry Bakewell. Each bar offers a high-protein, high-fibre, low-sugar option designed to meet growing consumer demand for functional, on-the-go nutrition. ESN As Germany’s biggest sports nutrition brand, ESN successfully expanded into the UK earlier this year. The launch sees ESN bring peachflavoured Ultrapure Creatine Gummies to the UK market, as well as Crank – the brand’s three-in-one pre-workout formula. Vybey Australian company Vybey has introduced a three-strong range of minimally processed protein bars and smart hydration sticks. Warrior Warrior has expanded its Creatine+ range with the launch of Creatine+ Sachets. Available in a Mixed Berry flavour, it comes in four blends – Electrolytes, Vitamins, Energy and Collagen. Each box contains 15 packs, with each sachet delivering two servings which mix with water, juice or a shake.

WHO’S BUYING PROTEIN PRODUCTS? AS more people join the gym, the benefits of protein supplements to aid muscle growth and recovery have made them an important part of many diets. High-protein drinks are particularly popular with men aged 16-24 – the demographic with the highest consumption rates. Wyatt sells mainly to younger people on their way to the gym. “They are fitter and drink less alcohol,” he says. But the popularity of protein

drinks is expanding across a more diverse range of healthconscious adults, such as women looking to lose weight who use high-protein drinks as a way to curb hunger or need a quick meal replacement. “Brands that emphasise everyday nutritional benefits, rather than exclusively targeting athletic performance or fitness-specific goals, will capture significantly broader consumer segments and sustain relevance throughout the year

beyond the post-New Year’s resolution surge, ensuring category growth extends well beyond January’s peak fitness enthusiasm,” says Randles. Seasonality is still important when it comes to pushing protein products, with January a key selling period as people embark on New Year’s resolutions “Right now is a big period for us,” says Dan Thorpe, trade marketing manager at Grenade.

“Everyone indulges at Christmas, and January is new year, new me, healthier eating. It’s not our biggest; we see a bigger seasonal period around May-June, but January is that second peak. “The third one is around September, post-holiday, people getting back into that routine. May-June is pre-summer, it gets warmer and lighter, people start to get more conscious about what they’re eating, it’s very seasonal.”

13-26 JANUARY 2026 betterretailing.com

TOP TIPS

Build the right protein offer Understand your demographic Find out whether your protein customers are fitness enthusiasts looking for muscle recovery aids or dieters looking for meal substitutes. This will influence which products you stock.

MERCHANDISING TOP TIPS MEANINGFUL promotions are essential. There is always an offer on in January when diets start and wholesalers have deals. “Don’t rely solely on pack messaging,” says Fisher. “Use shippers, free-standing units or simple A4 displays to call out protein content and bene-

fits in a clear, eye-catching and low-cost way.” Grenade works closely with its retail partners to drive visibility and education. Wyatt has a dedicated section that is prominently positioned so his customers “can’t miss the range”. He also stocks his bars within his confectionery and

his protein drinks among other soft drinks. “Secondary placements outside the chiller can help drive impulse purchases,” says Fisher. “Including protein bars or energy drinks within meal deals encourages incremental spend and enhances value for money.”

Lewis sets up a secondary site to draw attention and signal availability, especially when people are looking to change their lifestyles as their New Year’s resolution. Although available at the secondary site, customers usually opt to take drinks from the chiller.

Build visibility Protein is still a relatively new category, so to attract those customers seeking it out and to showcase it to those less aware, a stand-out display is critical. Place them alongside similar categories to give customers greater choice. Push them now January is a time for New Year’s resolutions, when people will be looking at protein products more intently. Similarly, the lead-up to summer when people are dieting is another key time period. Check EPoS data Make sure you are monitoring the sales of these protein products. It will take time to find the right balance for your store and you’ll need to hone your range accordingly – and quickly.

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Luke Morgan, head of convenience and wholesale, Grenade

Image credit: Getty Images/FluxFactory

“THE protein category continues to perform well, with the protein bar segment worth £163.2m, up 6% versus previous 52 weeks. Snacks that offer protein as a functional ingredient remain in high demand from shoppers across the UK. “As the category continues to grow, we have seen protein appear in more food and drink categories, like yoghurt and cereals, for example. These categories help fuel interest in protein products and have a role to play in haloing the benefits of protein. “Not all protein shoppers are looking for the same type of protein snack. We see two distinct types of shoppers in this category: those that are embarking on active lifestyles and those that are looking for alternative, healthier snacks. “Protein bars and shakes, however, continue to hold more than 96% of category value. Forty-two per cent of consumers are looking for bars that contain 20g or more protein.”

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13-26 JANUARY 2026 betterretailing.com

EARLY SPRING EVENTS CHARLES WHITTING finds out how retailers are preparing for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Pancake Day and more

The supermarkets have cut us too deep for these events. How are other retailers approaching them? – Dee Sedani, Londis Etwall, Derbyshire

Matthew Hunt, Filco Supermarkets, south Wales

“THE �irst thing to do is get the calendar up, because the dates change for some of these events. You need to know when they lie because you’ll need to �lip your displays and ranges quickly. For example, we’ve got Valentine’s Day, then three days later it’s Pancake Day, then less than two weeks after that it’s St David’s Day. Two weeks after that, it’s Mother’s Day. “There’s a good uplift to be made. On Pancake Day, we can get an extra 10-15% bump in sales and it can be very easy – you just need some pancake mix and lemons. Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day are both strong; you’ve got to get PoS in place for them. St David’s Day isn’t quite as big, but it’s still an opportunity to look for things. We get our Welsh products front and centre, and we always sell a lot of daffodils. “The Valentine’s Day stuff will be out on the shelves from mid-January. That’s the �irst big play.”

Uthay Soundararajan, Inverleith Costcutter, Edinburgh

“WE don’t do too much differently. But over the summer, we trialled gift bags, hampers and summer cocktail bags. So, that’s something we’ll look to do with Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day this year. The cocktail bags will be clear and come with all the ingredients needed to make them a cocktail. They can leave it in the fridge and then take it out when they want to consume it. “For Pancake Day, we sell pancake mix shakers and fruit, but not much else. We have a tiny store, which is less than 800sq ft, so we don’t bring in too much different stock because of that. But we are leaning into delivery, especially for the bigger multipacks and cases. We don’t keep them in stock, but if someone orders a case of beer or Irn-Bru, we go straight to the cash and carry, then deliver it to them. It’s de�initely something we’ll ramp up for the spring events.”

Fiona Malone, Tenby Stores & Post Office, Pembrokeshire

“MOTHER’S Day and Valentine’s Day do well for us. We’ve just got the capacity to have �lowers in the shop, so we’re going to go big for it this spring. “Pancake Day isn’t really a big deal for us. We sell pancake mix, eggs and �lour, but we don’t do a big thing with it. We might do a Pancake Day offer on Snappy Shopper. But with Valentine’s Day, our home delivery will be really important. We’ll be able to deliver �lowers, chocolate and other things for people who are tight on time. “We’ll hopefully get some PoS from some of the brands that we can put up to excite interest, and we might do some silly videos for social media with people dressing up. “We’ll start ramping this up in the second half of January. Most people know the days are coming up, but the more reminders you can give them, the better.”

In the next issue, the Retail Express team finds out what retailers are doing to review their store’s range effectively. If you have any problems you’d like us to explore, please email charles.whitting@newtrade.co.uk

RE - 13 January 2026