Andy was born in London just in time to see England win the World Cup, and much later began his career in academia, gaining a PhD in American Literature and lecturing at several universities, including Maryland and Gothenburg in Sweden, and pursuing a sideline in sheep-farming before moving back to London and becoming a literary agent and TV documentary-maker (working for various broadcasters and making series such as the BBC’s Monsoon Railway, set in Bengal).
He has written several biographies, including the Second World War story American Pimpernel, and became the official biographer of India’s Prime Minister (then Chief Minister of Gujarat) publishing Narendra Modi, a Political Biography (Harper Collins).
Andy joined Asian Media Group in 2018, his first “proper” job, and has been there ever since, believing that, while trade journalism might not save the world, it might just save journalism.
Cadbury Dairy Milk is launching a new taste-led marketing campaign this month celebrating the iconic taste of "the nation’s favourite chocolate": “It’s the Glass & A Half that makes the Taste & A Half”. Helping to prompt key, familiar occasions for consumers across the UK, the campaign assets will hero and remind shoppers of the delicious taste of Cadbury Dairy Milk as part of a far-reaching investment into brand communications in 2022.
The communications campaign will run for approximately the next six weeks, achieving a reach of 80 per cent of adult consumers. Distinctive assets featuring familiar, in-home settings will be rolled out on digital, social and OOH. Retailers should ensure their full range of Cadbury Dairy Milk singles and tablets are well-stocked and visible throughout the campaign to tap into the additional demand and interest from shoppers.
THG Nutrition Limited has on Thursday issued a product recall for its Myprotein Gooey Filled Cookie, Double Chocolate & Caramel, after it was found to contain undeclared wheat (gluten).
The recall affects all batches and best-before dates between 17 June 2025 and 16 July 2026, and applies to both the 75g single cookie and boxes of 12 (12 x 75g).
According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), the product poses a potential health risk to individuals with coeliac disease, or an allergy or intolerance to wheat or gluten, due to the absence of allergen labelling on the packaging.
In its recall notice, THG Nutrition said the issue stemmed from the presence of wheat protein in an ingredient supplied for the manufacture of the cookie. The company has taken immediate action, recalling the affected products from customers and notifying relevant allergy support organisations to alert their members.
Consumers who have purchased the affected cookies and are allergic to wheat or gluten are advised not to consume them. Instead, they should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund, with or without a receipt. Customers who purchased online can contact the company through the Myprotein website.
According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), the product poses a potential health risk to individuals with coeliac disease, or an allergy or intolerance to wheat or gluten, due to the absence of allergen labelling on the packaging.
In its recall notice, THG Nutrition said the issue stemmed from the presence of wheat protein in an ingredient supplied for the manufacture of the cookie. The company has taken immediate action, recalling the affected products from customers and notifying relevant allergy support organisations to alert their members.
Consumers who have purchased the affected cookies and are allergic to wheat or gluten are advised not to consume them. Instead, they should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund, with or without a receipt. Customers who purchased online can contact the company through the Myprotein website.
Cadbury has announced the launch of four limited-edition Cadbury Dairy Milk Summer Edition bars and brand-new Cadbury Dairy Milk Iced Latte flavour.
Available from June, the packaging innovation features four summer-themed designs, all reflective of a traditional British summer: deck chairs, umbrellas, kites and inflatables. Using thermochromic technology, the wrapper visually transforms to reveal a deep blue colouring when each bar is chilled.
Retailers can purchase a mixed case containing all four designs, which are all available across non-PMP 110g packs, while the umbrella design is available in the 95g PMP pack. Each pack has an image encouraging consumers to Chill to Reveal the unique design.
Cadbury said the Chill To Reveal launch is set reignite the popular debate around where to store chocolate as we head into summer and firmly positions chocolate as a snacking option throughout the summer months.
To further tempt taste buds, the new Cadbury Dairy Milk Iced Latte flavour combines smooth coffee cream with delicious biscuit pieces, all enrobed in Cadbury Dairy Milk’s iconic chocolate. It’s a moreish chocolate-coffee crunch treat that perfectly captures the refreshing essence of an iced latte wrapped in cold-activated packaging.
“"This summer, Cadbury Dairy Milk is reigniting the debate around storing chocolate in the fridge,” Mara Popa, junior brand manager, Cadbury Dairy Milk, said.
“Our new Cadbury Dairy Milk Summer Editions range features cold-activated packs, reminding consumers that chocolate is a great snacking option in the warmer weather. Additionally, our limited-edition Cadbury Dairy Milk Iced Latte tablet is designed to excite consumers with a brand new flavour crafted for summer. This NPD also features colour changing packaging, highlighting the chilled chocolate trend in a playful way and tapping into the debate.”
The Summer Editions launch will be supported by digital and in-store activations, asking consumers to Chill to Reveal.
Cadbury Dairy Milk Iced Latte is available in both PMP and non-PMP packs.
Fisherman’s Friend has urged retailers to make sure they don’t leave shoppers disappointed this hay fever season, as demand for relief from the annual ailment is predicted to soar.
With the UK hay fever season now in full swing, and warnings that the levels of suffering are shaping up to be more severe than ever, millions of shoppers are already reaching for products to help relieve their symptoms. We’ve also hit grass pollen season – which runs from mid-May to July – when most people suffer.
“Menthol has been associated for centuries with helping ease the discomfort of runny noses and scratchy throats – two of the most common frustrations during allergy season,” noted Jon R White, regional business manager, Fisherman’s Friend UK.
“With 10mg of menthol per lozenge, Fisherman’s Friend Original Extra Strong delivers more menthol than any other non-medicinal lozenge on the market, giving consumers a bold, trusted option to turn to when the sneezing sets in.”
The advice comes as demand for hay fever relief – and Fisherman’s Friend – continues to grow. Sales of the hay fever and allergy relief category soared in value by 23 per cent last summer versus 2023, with units up 13 per cent [Circana, 12w/e 07.09.24]. Fisherman’s Friend more than held its own, with ex-factory value sales up 22 per cent, and units up 12 per cent [June – August 2024].
“Like it or not, hay fever is a part of life for millions of people every year, and it’s not going away anytime soon. Menthol has been trusted for generations to help ease some of those irritating hay fever symptoms, and with Fisherman’s Friend packing more menthol than any other non-medicinal lozenge, plus a range of flavours to suit every taste, it’s an easy, no-nonsense choice shoppers keep coming back to,” White added.
“The sales numbers speak for themselves. Demand is climbing fast – with value and volumes sales on the up. That makes Fisherman’s Friend a clear must-stock for any retailer wanting to tap into this busy season.”
Last year, Fisherman’s Friend shook things up with its ‘Restore in the Great Outdoors’ campaign, teaming up with top UK influencers to firmly position the brand as a summer essential during hay fever season.
This summer the brand is going even bigger, rolling out a fresh consumer PR push that’s set to grab more headlines and attention than ever before. On top of that, a revamped influencer campaign will bring together a mix of macro and micro lifestyle stars to shout loud and clear that Fisherman’s Friend is the must-have hay fever sidekick.
“This renewed focus on authentic engagement is expected to drive even stronger consumer demand – so now’s the time to make sure your shelves are well-stocked to meet shopper needs during the peak pollen period,” White said.
Available in nine strong, minty and fruity flavours – including Original Extra Strong, Sugar-Free Spearmint, Aniseed, Honey & Lemon, Blackcurrant and more – Fisherman’s Friend caters to a wide variety of tastes and preferences. At an RRP of just 99p per 25g pack, and with a high lozenge count in each, it also offers standout value for money.
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Andrew Peace has teamed up with cricket legend Matthew ‘Hoggy’ Hoggard for summer 2025 with an ambitious food-led campaign
Australian wine brand Andrew Peace has announced its biggest-ever British campaign this summer with a major integrated marketing campaign, which includes its TV advertising debut.
The family-owned winery from the Murray Valley - which partners with UK industry giant Kingsland Drinks for its UK operations - will team up with England cricket legend turned grill school king Matthew Hoggard to drive its relevance at the summer barbecue occasion and assert its “Good Times Are Now” brand ethos.
The campaign will place its celebrated quality and price credentials at the centre alongside its stamp of approval from Good Housekeeping Institute.
Called The Sunshine Food Tour, the ambitious campaign will include targeted digital TV advertising, a heavy-weight ambassador campaign, a series of partnerships in the food space, recipe creation and photography, consumer research and PR and influencer activity developed to assert the brand throughout summer.
The campaign aims to place the brand at the very heart of the “big shop” for sunny days in the garden, barbecues-on-a budget with friends and alfresco eating, as well as being front of mind for smaller, more ad-hoc shops inspired by great summer days and good weather.
The campaign comes off the back of a period of growth for the brand, which has seen it expand its national footprint in recent months. The vegan-friendly four-wine range boasts Good Housekeeping Institute accreditation, which is highlighted on the caps as a cue for quality and craftsmanship.
“Andrew Peace is gaining momentum very quickly in the UK and the brand has already earned a loyal fan base of shoppers who appreciate its well-made wines and excellent value prices. This year, the investment is the biggest and boldest yet, meaning that we can propel the brand to new heights with TV advertising as well as a plethora of other marketing tactics which are aimed squarely at UK shoppers,” Vicky Wood, head of brand development and insights at Kingsland Drinks, said.
“As purse strings tighten, consumers are still looking for ways to eat and drink well at home and this has been something which the brand is perfectly placed to deliver. During the Covid lockdowns, Andrew Peace kicked off its UK summer takeover with its “Good Times are Now” brand platform and this campaign forms the latest chapter of the series.
“The Sunshine Food Tour will show Brits how to pair the great wines with easy to make, tasty barbecue classics on a budget. With Matthew ‘Hoggy’ Hoggard and his grill school at the helm, we will bring the recipes to life across a wide number of channels, encouraging Brits to enjoy big eats and big flavours without breaking the bank.
“Andrew Peace wines are created and crafted by Andrew and his family at his winery in the Murray Valley, South Australia, and bottled, packed and distributed here in the UK by Kingsland Drinks. This eco-friendly and efficient way of shipping wines to the UK from sunny Australia means that shoppers get to enjoy well-made, great quality wines for less - something which truly resonates with shoppers in the current climate.”
The campaign will roll out across the UK ahead of the peak summer trading period, supporting current listings and driving the brand forward with UK consumers.
The campaign will place its celebrated quality and price credentials at the centre alongside its stamp of approval from Good Housekeeping Institute.
Called The Sunshine Food Tour, the ambitious campaign will include targeted digital TV advertising, a heavy-weight ambassador campaign, a series of partnerships in the food space, recipe creation and photography, consumer research and PR and influencer activity developed to assert the brand throughout summer.
The campaign aims to place the brand at the very heart of the “big shop” for sunny days in the garden, barbecues-on-a budget with friends and alfresco eating, as well as being front of mind for smaller, more ad-hoc shops inspired by great summer days and good weather.
The campaign comes off the back of a period of growth for the brand, which has seen it expand its national footprint in recent months. The vegan-friendly four-wine range boasts Good Housekeeping Institute accreditation, which is highlighted on the caps as a cue for quality and craftsmanship.
“Andrew Peace is gaining momentum very quickly in the UK and the brand has already earned a loyal fan base of shoppers who appreciate its well-made wines and excellent value prices. This year, the investment is the biggest and boldest yet, meaning that we can propel the brand to new heights with TV advertising as well as a plethora of other marketing tactics which are aimed squarely at UK shoppers,” Vicky Wood, head of brand development and insights at Kingsland Drinks, said.
“As purse strings tighten, consumers are still looking for ways to eat and drink well at home and this has been something which the brand is perfectly placed to deliver. During the Covid lockdowns, Andrew Peace kicked off its UK summer takeover with its “Good Times are Now” brand platform and this campaign forms the latest chapter of the series.
“The Sunshine Food Tour will show Brits how to pair the great wines with easy to make, tasty barbecue classics on a budget. With Matthew ‘Hoggy’ Hoggard and his grill school at the helm, we will bring the recipes to life across a wide number of channels, encouraging Brits to enjoy big eats and big flavours without breaking the bank.
“Andrew Peace wines are created and crafted by Andrew and his family at his winery in the Murray Valley, South Australia, and bottled, packed and distributed here in the UK by Kingsland Drinks. This eco-friendly and efficient way of shipping wines to the UK from sunny Australia means that shoppers get to enjoy well-made, great quality wines for less - something which truly resonates with shoppers in the current climate.”
The campaign will roll out across the UK ahead of the peak summer trading period, supporting current listings and driving the brand forward with UK consumers.
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Takeaway Pockets: Wall’s new bold snack range hits chilled aisles
Leading sausage roll brand Wall’s has announced the launch of its new Takeaway Pockets, aiming to drive excitement in the food-to-go fixture.
Building on the success of the brand’s £20m+ slices range, the new trio of Takeaway Pockets – available in three takeaway flavours, Pepperoni Pizza, Cheeseburger and Bombay Potato Curry – offers a smaller version, designed as a lighter snack or meal option.
Each recipe is inspired by the UK’s favourite takeaway dishes to resonate with a younger, trend-driven generation.
Packed with flavour: Wall’s Takeaway Pockets target on-the-go consumers
The Pepperoni Pizza Slice is loaded with rich tomato sauce, extra mature cheddar, and smoky pepperoni for a nostalgic slice of pizza in a pastry shell. The Cheeseburger Slice combines a savoury beef filling with gooey cheddar, tangy pickles and classic burger sauce for a fun twist on the fast-food favourite. Completing the line-up is the Bombay Potato Curry Slice, offering a comforting, melt-in-the-mouth spiced potato filling bursting with warming Indian flavours, perfect for vegans, vegetarians and flexitarians.
Designed to stand out on shelf, the packaging features bold colours and vibrant graphics inspired by the neon lights and lively energy of UK takeaway culture, providing a visual cue that will instantly connect with younger shoppers.
Ready-to-eat straight from the pack, or enjoyed heated up later on, the new pockets are perfect for grabbing on-the-go, tucking into as a lunchtime pick-me-up or as part of a meal deal.
“Wall’s is building on the success of its slices range by tapping into the nation’s love of big, bold takeaway tastes,” Jason Manley, Brand Director at The Compleat Food Group, home of Wall’s, said.
“As a leading brand in the Chilled Savoury Pastry category, with strong resonance among younger consumers, we’re well placed to attract new audiences and bring real excitement to the food-to-go fixture.
“Our new Takeaway Pockets do exactly that. With three standout recipes launching the range, we’re confident they will capture the attention of new, younger shoppers, while also offering something fresh and exciting to existing consumers.”
Wall’s Takeaway Pocket Pepperoni Pizza Slice, Takeaway Pocket Cheeseburger Slice and Takeaway Pocket Bombay Potato Curry Slice (130g, RRP £1.50) will be available across the convenience channel from May.
Each recipe is inspired by the UK’s favourite takeaway dishes to resonate with a younger, trend-driven generation.
Packed with flavour: Wall’s Takeaway Pockets target on-the-go consumers
The Pepperoni Pizza Slice is loaded with rich tomato sauce, extra mature cheddar, and smoky pepperoni for a nostalgic slice of pizza in a pastry shell. The Cheeseburger Slice combines a savoury beef filling with gooey cheddar, tangy pickles and classic burger sauce for a fun twist on the fast-food favourite. Completing the line-up is the Bombay Potato Curry Slice, offering a comforting, melt-in-the-mouth spiced potato filling bursting with warming Indian flavours, perfect for vegans, vegetarians and flexitarians.
Designed to stand out on shelf, the packaging features bold colours and vibrant graphics inspired by the neon lights and lively energy of UK takeaway culture, providing a visual cue that will instantly connect with younger shoppers.
Ready-to-eat straight from the pack, or enjoyed heated up later on, the new pockets are perfect for grabbing on-the-go, tucking into as a lunchtime pick-me-up or as part of a meal deal.
“Wall’s is building on the success of its slices range by tapping into the nation’s love of big, bold takeaway tastes,” Jason Manley, Brand Director at The Compleat Food Group, home of Wall’s, said.
“As a leading brand in the Chilled Savoury Pastry category, with strong resonance among younger consumers, we’re well placed to attract new audiences and bring real excitement to the food-to-go fixture.
“Our new Takeaway Pockets do exactly that. With three standout recipes launching the range, we’re confident they will capture the attention of new, younger shoppers, while also offering something fresh and exciting to existing consumers.”
Wall’s Takeaway Pocket Pepperoni Pizza Slice, Takeaway Pocket Cheeseburger Slice and Takeaway Pocket Bombay Potato Curry Slice (130g, RRP £1.50) will be available across the convenience channel from May.