As Christmas approaches, we have the launch of a Harry Kane-fronted crisp product, the UK listing of a LeBron James-backed tequila, and the release of plant based chicken nuggets to celebrate the release of Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget. We also have watermelon gin, drinks themed cloth wrap, and the appearance of Christmas gift-wrapping stations across the UK.
Image Source: kertlis/Getty Images
As Christmas approaches, we have the launch of a Harry Kane-fronted crisp product, the UK listing of a LeBron James-backed tequila, and the release of plant based chicken nuggets to celebrate the release of Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget. We also have watermelon gin, drinks themed cloth wrap, and the appearance of Christmas gift-wrapping stations across the UK.
Image Source: kertlis/Getty Images
UK-based Fry’s Family Foods is partnering with Aardman Animations and Netflix to launch a new plant-based chicken nugget, to celebrate the release of Aardman’s new film Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget.
Made through a combination of non-GM soy, wheat and pea protein, they are, like most chicken nuggets, coated in a crispy golden crumb.
“It’s a massive win for us to be collaborating with such an iconic movie brand, and the likes of Netflix and Aardman,” said Nicola Yates, Head of Marketing at Fry’s and plant-based food association, LIVEKINDLY Collective, in the UK.
“We hope that bringing such an exciting collaboration to the meat free aisle will engage even more consumers to try plant-based this Veganuary and beyond. It couldn’t be a better fit for us – bringing out a new plant-based nugget just in time for those family movie moments watching the film. We really hope that this will encourage families up and down the country to try plant-based for the first time or swap out a few more meals.”
The product will be available on 26 December at Tesco, Iceland, The Food Warehouse and selected Spar outlets with an RSP of £3.
Image Source: Fry's Family Foods
Harry Kane, captain of the England football team, is collaborating with crisp brand Insane Grain as the face of its new Insane Kane Strikin' Hot Crisps, it has been announced. Kane is also making an investment in the brand.
The limited edition crisps are very spicy, which the brand intends to evoke Kane’s skill on the field, and contain the supergrain Sorghum. Furthermore, each box has a QR code linking to an interactive experience of Kane.
The brand undertook several stunts to get Kane’s attention, such as swapping his football shirt to read ‘Insane Kane’ and erecting a billboard asking him to be its ambassador.
"Insane Grain is a really exciting brand to be involved with,” said Kane. “Their persistent efforts to catch my attention, coupled with proof that they could deliver a range that my fans love, made it an obvious choice for me. We share a genuine passion for healthier snacking options, and I can't wait for people to try these Strikin Hot snacks.”
“Finally we've scored Harry Kane as our brand ambassador and the face of our crisps - this really is a dream come true!” said Rushina Shah, Founder of Insane Grain. “For months, we have been trying to get Harry's attention and prove to him why we were the right crisp company to join.
“We know that to sell millions of crisps, you need an incredible footballer backing you and we wanted to be the next-gen version of the well-known brand before us!”
The crisps are available from Insane Grain’s website and TikTok shops at an RRP of £5.15 for a box of two.
Image Source: Insane Grain
London-based drinks brand Club Soda has launched a range of drinks-themed cloth wraps, which are used for the Japanese method of furoshiki.
The wraps, each of which are adorned with a drinks-themed design, are posed as a zero-waste alternative to wrapping bottles with paper, tape and string.
The wraps are available in store and can be wrapped there. However, for those ordering their wraps from Club Soda’s website, a wrapping tutorial is provided. The cloth wraps, each measuring at 53cm and 80cm square, aim to uphold Club Soda’s status as a B Corp brand through zero-waste wrapping.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer our customers something a bit different this season,” said Club Soda Founder Laura Willoughby MBE. “Our Furoshiki encapsulates everything important to us here at Club Soda - it’s colourful, fun, and effortlessly sustainable - and is the perfect way for individuals and brands to elevate their Christmas gifting this year.”
Image Source: Club Soda
French drinks brand G’Vine has launched a watermelon gin, the latest addition to its June by G’Vine range. The brand makes gin from grape alcohol rather than grain, and has previously released Wild Pear & Summer Fruits and Pear & Cardamom.
The watermelon gin, which the brand says also has hints of citrus, is also made from 100% natural flavours with no colouring components.
“The release of June Watermelon is another opportunity for us to demonstrate the versatility a premium gin such as G’Vine holds,” said Chris Jones, Managing Director at G’Vine distributor Paragon Brands.
“The new launch marks the continuation of G’Vine’s quest for excellence in the world of spirits, and our desire to offer original and premium creations within the gin sector.
“Our June by G’Vine collection has continued to rise in popularity among those that enjoy a flavoured, luxury spirit, and we are certain that June Watermelon will be a new favourite both with our core customers and beyond.”
Image Source: Paragon Brands
The brand Lobos 1707 Tequila & Mezcal, which is backed by the athlete LeBron James, is now available in UK department store, Selfridges.
Found at Selfridges outlets in London, Birmingham and Manchester, and harvested, distilled and bottled in Jalisco, Mexico, the drink, according to Lobos 1707, is gluten free, with no colouring or flavour additives. The drink is made with 100% Blue Weber Agave, aged in American White Oak Barrels, and finished in Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry wine barrels using the solera method.
“I am thrilled to announce that Lobos 1707 & Mezcal is now available in Selfridges and welcome the UK to our wolf pack,” said Diego Osorio, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Lobos 1707 Tequila & Mezcal. “We encourage everyone to visit Selfridges and experience our best-in-class tequila!
“It’s exciting to see our pack continue to grow as we expand our footprint around the world,” said LeBron James, Investor and Partner of Lobos 1707 Tequila & Mezcal. “We can’t wait for people in the UK and all over to taste our best-in-class liquid.”
The tequila is available from in store or Selfridges’ website between £64.99 and £180.
Image Source: Lobox 1707
Following the release of data which reveals that wrapping presents is one of Brits’ least-favourite Christmas tasks, Pepsi MAX has opened gift-wrapping stations across the UK.
The stations, where staff wrap presents free of charge, are open in key shopping locations in London, Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Birmingham, and Edinburgh.
The data showed that while people do not like wrapping presents themselves, most people would rather receive a well-wrapped present.
“The holiday season in the UK is a time for celebration, laughter and memorable moments,” said Philippa Pennington, Senior Marketing Manager at Pepsi MAX UK.
“We should be spending time with friends, family, and basking in the festive spirit, but there’s always a list of things to get done before the fun begins. In 2023, we’re creating experiences that save time, stress, and energy, allowing for a better Christmas season - including offering respite from one of the least enjoyable chores, gift wrapping! Providing a personalised experience that adds sentimentality and ease to the gift-giving process, we're ensuring that your Christmas is not just merry but also better with Pepsi MAX.”
Image Source: Daniel Grizelj/Getty Images
