JW Filshill has appointed Snappy Shopper as a partner to fulfil its e-commerce solutions its Scotland and north-east England store estate via Snappy Marketplace – Snappy Group’s white-label grocery delivery app and website.
KeyStore, Filshill’s award-winning symbol group, delivered £4 million in sales during 2023 with the support of Snappy Shopper. The partnership with the group will help further fuel delivery and q-commerce (quick commerce) growth in the convenience and impulse trade.
As part of this broader partnership between Filshill and Snappy Shopper, greater marketing of Filshill promotions will be available, plus exclusive new customer coupon codes and 1p store bundles. The 1p bundles in particular have resulted in significant increases in online orders for participating stores, by allowing shoppers to stock up on essentials such as cleaning products for a significantly low price.
The Filshill partnership will also see integration with its approved EPOS solution, making it even easier to do business for partner stores with quicker deliveries and better control over stock.
“At Snappy Group our vision is to foster long-term partnerships with our customers," said Snappy Shopper’s CEO Mike Callachan. "It’s important we support each other to make business simpler, increase sales and grow our customer base.
“We’re proud to be working with Filshill to support its network of convenience stores with our technology, empowering local communities by bringing wholesale and retail together.”
Filshill’s chief sales and marketing officer, Craig Brown, commented: “As part of our ambitious growth plans for KeyStore, it is important for us to have the required technology in place as we aim to recruit tech-savvy entrepreneurial retailers who have the community at the heart of their values.
“This agreement allows a seamless use of the Snappy Shopper platform through our ReScan till system and also improves sales data analysis to maximise the consumer offer for KeyStore. I am excited with this new growth opportunity and how we progress this across our KeyStore estate.”
The new Filshill-Snappy Shopper partnership is now live.
Bira (the), which represents 6,000 independent retailers across the UK, says the extension of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) regulations will finally create a level playing field between high street and online sellers.
"Electrical equipment like vapes are being sold in the UK by producers who are failing to pay their fair share when recycling and reusing of dealing with old or broken items," announced circular economy minister Mary Creagh on December 10. "Today, we're ending this: creating a level playing field for all producers of electronics, to ensure fairness and fund the cost of the treatment of waste electricals.
"As part of our Plan for Change, we are helping UK businesses compete and grow, and we continue to get more households recycling, cracking down on waste and ending the throwaway society."
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "This marks a significant step towards fairer retail competition. The regulation of online marketplaces for WEEE compliance has been a particular concern in the vaping sector, where we've seen a surge in online sales without corresponding waste management responsibilities. These new rules will ensure all sellers contribute to the environmental costs of their products."
The WEEE directive, which covers all items requiring batteries, solar energy, or electrical current to operate, will now require online retailers to cover disposal costs for products they place on the market. This brings them in line with existing requirements for high street retailers who have long managed these responsibilities.
Jeff Moody, commercial director of Retra, Bira's specialist electrical retail division, added: "The vaping industry exemplifies why these regulations are needed. High street retailers have managed disposal responsibilities while online sellers haven't faced the same obligations. This has created an unfair advantage for online marketplaces, particularly with products like vapes that have significant environmental impact."
The directive, first introduced in 2002 and updated in 2012, places responsibilities on all producers - including manufacturers, importers, distant-sellers, distributors and retailers. These regulations ensure proper disposal and recycling of everything from large household appliances to small electronics, including the growing category of vaping products.
"As part of the Bira group, Retra has long advocated for equal treatment between online and physical retailers," added Mr Moody. "This announcement marks a significant victory for independent retailers who have consistently met their environmental obligations while competing with online sellers operating under different rules."
Despite stormy weather conditions hitting the UK last weekend, the nation’s support for small businesses remains strong, according to new research. The study by American Express to mark this year’s Small Business Saturday (7 December) shows that even faced with the force of Storm Darragh, over 10 million Brits shopped small on Small Business Saturday.
The research suggests that a collective £634m was spent on Small Business Saturday in-store and online. The survey of 4,000 adults revealed average spend per person on the day was the highest since 2020, with top reasons for shopping small including wanting to support business owners on the high street (53 per cent) and recognising that it has been a tough period for small businesses (39 per cent). Encouragingly, seven in 10 (70 per cent) adults surveyed said they will continue to shop small next year because of the positive impact these businesses have on local communities.
These Small Business Saturday figures are based on a third-party study that gathered consumer self-reported data from a nationally representative sample of UK adults – and does not reflect actual receipts or sales from Small Business Saturday, or American Express Cardmember spending data.
The research asked consumers about their level of support for small businesses across this year; of those upping their support, they are doing so in a variety of ways; almost three quarters (72 per cent) say they are shopping small where possible; three-fifths (60 per cent) are recommending small businesses to friends and family; and nearly one-third (31 per cent) are posting positive reviews online.
American Express is founder and principal supporter of Small Business Saturday, which encourages consumers to ‘shop small’ and support independent businesses in their communities. It is the UK’s most successful small business campaign; over the 12 years it has been running in the UK, it has engaged millions of shoppers and seen billions of pounds spent with small businesses.
Widespread support for this year’s Small Business Saturday campaign came from across the political spectrum, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosting a reception for small businesses at Downing Street last week and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves undertaking a special visit to meet small firms in Leeds on Friday (6 December). Government ministers joined MPs from all political parties, including the Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch, in posting their support across social media. The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham were also among senior figures supporting the campaign.
“I am thrilled to see so many people out supporting small businesses on Small Business Saturday, even despite the weekend’s terrible weather,” said Michelle Ovens, Director of Small Business Saturday. “Not only that, but spend per shopper is up this year, showing a really encouraging trend for small businesses looking for a Christmas boost. It is so critical for businesses that we get out to support them, not just this weekend but throughout the festive season. Being conscious about where our spend goes, even when budgets are tight, gives consumers the power to make a real difference to communities. Together we can shepherd in an optimistic 2025.”
Dan Edelman, UK General Manager, Merchant Services, American Express, said: “Small businesses are vital to local communities so it’s incredibly encouraging to see this level of support on Small Business Saturday, even with the bad weather across most of the country. Looking ahead, it’s positive that consumers are intending to continue their support into next year too, something which will help keep local high streets thriving.”
Most (70 per cent) of consumers are more likely to visit the high street after online retailers introduce return fees, shows a recent survey, indicating a shift in consumer buying habits.
According to the findings from consumer insights platform Vypr, 70 per cent of shoppers say they are now more likely to visit bricks and mortar stores rather than shop online due to the added costs of returning unwanted items.
The research highlights a growing dissatisfaction with the rise of online return fees, with 47 per cent of consumers stating they would avoid purchasing from retailers that charge for returns as they don’t believe their products are unique enough. A further 27 per cent said they would stop shopping with such retailers as a matter of principle.
While online shopping continues to be a dominant force, the research signals potential cracks in its convenience. Brands like Boohoo and ASOS, which have recently introduced return charges, may be particularly vulnerable as shoppers lack strong brand loyalty.
27 per cent of consumers said they think these retailers offer similar products to their competitors, making it easier to shop around for better deals. 53 per cent of those surveyed will be buying less from ASOS after the charges were introduced and 51 per cent shop less with Boohoo.
The growing frustration with online shopping is further exacerbated by issues with sizing and quality. According to Vypr’s survey, the most common reasons consumers return online purchases are due to items being smaller than expected (26 per cent), lower quality than anticipated (17 per cent), and larger-than-expected sizing (14 per cent).
Ben Davies, founder of Vypr, commented, “The rise in return charges reflects a broader shift in consumer sentiment. As confidence in online sizing and quality inconsistencies drops, many shoppers are reconsidering where they spend their money. One in 10 consumers say they typically order multiple sizes of the same item, knowing they’ll return some.
"Retailers must do more to improve size guides and product descriptions to help shoppers make better-informed decisions from the outset.
"As online shopping becomes more expensive and less distinct, it’s possible we could be witnessing a return to high street shopping — not only as a more reliable option but also as a more sustainable one, given the reduced packaging waste compared to online purchases.”
The research also reveals growing support for independent retailers, with 60 per cent of consumers now preferring to shop with smaller, independent brands over larger, fast-fashion retailers. Additionally, 64 per cent of respondents reported receiving better customer service from independents, compared to the experience with major online retailers.
World foods leader Surya Foods said it has acquired a major stake in leading health snack brand Karma Bites, as part of a series of moves to up its presence in the snacking arena.
Karma Bites produces a range of naturally flavoured, popped lotus seeds, a popular snack with a rich history in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine - recognised as among the most nutrient dense seeds on the planet.
They have the moreish crunchiness of popcorn, and are packed full of protein and nutrients. The clean label range comes in five sweet and savoury flavours including: Himalayan pink salt, Peri-Peri, Wasabi, Caramel and Coconut & Vanilla. The range is also vegan, gluten free, non-GMO and free of refined sugars.
“My Grandma introduced me to the magic of popped lotus seeds. They have been a staple in my family for three generations, so I have experienced the benefits of these miracle seeds first-hand,” Karma Bites founder Ashwin Ahuja said.
“When I launched Karma Bites I was so excited to share them with the world and spread goodness! Working alongside Surya Foods, my aspiration is to take Karma Bites on the next big step of its journey - to scale up production, distribution, enter multiple markets and expand the range.”
“The superfood credentials of lotus seeds has helped the product take off in health conscious markets across Australia and the US (Los Angeles). The UK market generally follows these trends and there is a definite shift here in people understanding how their food choices impact their health,” Ahuja added.
Surya Foods plans to expand the brand with a swathe of NPD, to up its presence in the healthy snacking arena, and use the contemporary design of the brand to gain greater access to mainstream markets.
Surya Foods achieved an impressive 30 per cent increase in revenue last year and now supplies almost half of the UK’s branded dry rice supply across its leading UK Top 10 rice brands; Laila, Salaam and Mai Thai.
The food giant has also announced significant expansion plans at its Harwich site which will bring 200 additional new jobs to the Essex area over the next three years. It is on course to open a brand new custom-built, 40 acre head office/distribution centre, with 250,000 sq ft of storage facilities in Essex by 2026.
In 2020, Surya Foods made its first move into the snacking category, pouring £2m into a state of the art snack factory at its Harwich site. The factory currently produces snacks for its market leading brands including Laila, Thai Dragon and Kingstons, as well as offering private label services across a broad range of products.
Harry Dulai, group chief executive officer of Surya Foods, said: “We are pleased to have acquired a major stake in Karma Bites, which is a stylish contemporary brand with lots of mainstream potential. It aligns well with our plans to grow our snacking portfolio with several new launches in 2025. We continue to invest in the Harwich site to support our expansion plans and are committed to creating ‘better for you’ snacks, that have an improved nutritional profile.”
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Paški Sir PDO (Pag cheese), a sheep milk cheese from the Croatian island of Pag
The EU will remain a key resource for the UK food and beverage industry despite the challenges imposed by Brexit, according to new insights from UK industry supply chain professionals.
A survey carried out on behalf of the European Commission, which interviewed wholesalers, importers, producers and HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant and Catering) professionals across seven different food and beverage sectors, revealed that the majority will continue to import from the EU over the next 12 months.
Respondents from the wine and dairy/cheese sectors are 100 per cent committed to sourcing additional SKUs from the EU over the coming year, the data revealed. Whilst beer and spirits (80%), charcuterie and meat (80%) and bakery (70%) also showed a clear commitment to the EU.
In contrast, it is the confectionery and fruit & vegetable sectors which expressed the highest level of uncertainty or non-commitment. Both sectors only showed a 30 per cent commitment to sourcing additional SKUs from the EU in 2025, according to the data.
UK industry respondents cited quality (95%), pricing (81%), authenticity (78%) and sustainability (77%) as the most important factors that they consider when adding new SKUs to their product ranges. In parallel, authenticity and tradition were voted the most popular characteristics of EU food & beverage products (79% and 70%, respectively), whilst diversity (64%), good taste (62%), safety (59%), and high quality (54%) also ranked highly by those who were questioned.
When it comes to the wider merits of EU food and drink, more than two-thirds of respondents (66%) agreed that the EU’s Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) and Organic labels are either ‘very important’ or ‘somewhat important’ when sourcing ingredients. Overall recognition of the three labels amongst the UK industry is high – around two-thirds know what they are and what they mean. The European Organic Products label is the most widely recognised (93%), while the PGI label is the least recognised of the labels, however recognition is still high (78%).
The research was conducted in April 2024 against the backdrop of the UK government’s Border Trading Operating Model, which set out a new approach to security controls with the aim of maintaining border security while minimising trade burdens.
“These insights demonstrate that despite the challenges and complexities of new cross-border trade agreements, the EU remains a valued partner and important resource for the UK’s food and drink industry and is likely to remain that way”, says Andrew Crumpton, founder of AMC Consulting and advisor to the ‘More Than Only Food & Drink’ campaign.
Veryan Bliss, managing director of Food Intelligence and fresh produce advisor to the EU’s ‘More Than Only Food & Drink’ campaign supports this view.
“It is clear that the relationship between the UK and EU is incredibly important. In 2023 the UK was the number one destination for EU agri-food, accounting for 22 per cent of exports and with a value of €51.3 billion,” Bliss said.
“The geographical diversity of the EU ensures a steady supply of seasonal produce and often complements the UK’s own growing patterns. When certain crops are out of season in the UK, EU producers support the offer, ensuring that UK retailers can offer a consistent, high-quality selection to consumers throughout the year.
“However responses from fruit and vegetable industry professionals highlight the impact of controls for fresh produce, which have been complex and changeable.”
“But with an easement on fresh produce checks now in place until July 2025 and confirmation that several fruit and vegetable products, which were previously deemed medium risk have now been changed to ‘low risk’, there is an increased potential for UK importers to benefit from the quality of organically and sustainably grown produce from the EU.”