TASTE

Some recent work highlights… From working on Don Papa’s first Chefs and Shakers competition in the UK, judged by ACME Fire Cult’s Andrew Clarke, Apoy’s Budgie Montoya and World Class winning mixologist Matt Arnold… To planning and executing Seedlip’s Live Interesting: Conversations with Fearne Cotton, with guest panellists Reggie Yates, Patricia Bright and Josh Patterson… It’s been a busy start to summer ✨ #pr #marketing #foodanddrink #fandb #alcoholpr #donpapa #seedlip #diageo

With less 24 hours before we hit the polls, the recent launch of Iceland’s manifesto, "Frozen Out," speaks volumes about our collective mistrust of traditional institutions and political systems. Businesses have lobbied Parliament for years, and the past decade has seen brands across all sectors take up the mantle of 'purpose' as consumers become more socially and environmentally conscious. But this feels different. "Frozen Out" aims to share monthly insights from its shoppers, covering more than their concerns about food prices and inflation. The manifesto will address a wide range of issues, from health and social concerns to education and the environment. Iceland championing the concerns of its shoppers in this formalised way signifies a significant shift in how brands are influencing culture. This change isn't just a marketing strategy but a response to a genuine societal need. Is a business like Iceland the right channel for people to finally have their concerns heard by whoever takes power this election week? I would love to know others’ thoughts. #marketing #culture #trust

Tomorrow is the BIG day.. 🏆 We can’t wait to celebrate all the amazing work Independent Agency’s do at tomorrow’s Independent Agency Awards! With new categories, new agencies and new entertainment, this year’s ceremony is going to be the biggest yet 🙌 We’ll also be at MAD//FEST hosting our Indie Agency Club with What's Possible Group, TASTE , Anything is Possible, Amigo Partnership, PrettyGreen, altavia.uk, Vector Retail Media & Wooshii! #Awards #IndependentAgency #MarketingAndAdvertising

All the football chatter has got me thinking about how much of a national salve the game can be. This year, fans have taken the camaraderie a step further, swapping rivalries for food wars, comparing national dishes in these posters and displays. In a world that often feels divided, and amid the current political and social troubles, seeing food used as a joyful way to connect and share culture is truly heartening. It’s estimated that 40 million of us will watch a Euros match at home this summer, hosting friends, raising a beer, and sharing food together. In what’s been a tough few years—with ongoing political uncertainty and trust in our institutions at an all-time low—finding reasons to feel positive can be a challenge. The beautiful game offers joy, hope, and a reason to celebrate together. From casual kickabouts with the kids to planned parties, this year, the power of football as cultural glue is more evident than ever. And while we definitely associate football with pints of beer, all this camaraderie is forecasted to provide a fantastic £1.4 billion boost for the food industry too (pizzas are predicted as the front-runner). When the Euros are over, we’ll have the Olympics and Team GB to give us further distraction and hope (and something to be proud of!). *stats from Voucher Codes Euros Spending Report. #euros #eurosmarketing #football #culture #marketing

Trust in our institutions has plummeted to such depths that we now look to pop stars for hope. Enter Taylor Swift, whose recent donation to @The Edinburgh Project, a Scottish food bank, has infused a much-needed dose of positivity into a city grappling with hard times. Barclays estimates that the "Swiftenomics" effect of Taylor’s tour will inject a staggering £1 billion into the economy. The flurry of fans to her gigs provides a brilliant boost to the food and drink industry, and has inspired bars and restaurants to get creative with their menus and offers. The Eras Tour stands as one of the monumental cultural events of 2024. As Taylor Swift lands in Liverpool tonight, her cross-generational appeal is set to uplift millions more across the North West. I’m looking forward to seeing the impact of tonight’s show, and seeing more positive stories cut through the ever gloomy headlines. 

What a cracking start to the Royal Cornwall Show 🥚 We’ve only gone and picked up the award for Best Farmer-Producer!! Rebecca Tonks looks pretty eggstatic too… We’re in the Cornish Food tent, come say hello 👋🏼

With election fever sweeping the nation, has politics fed fear into food and drink? Recent data shows that half of shoppers across Europe don’t trust food and drink brands, largely due to concerns about sustainability (Food Monitor). How has it come to this? The food and drink industry has faced numerous scandals, from horse meat to pesticide scares, and most recently, contaminated water in the South East. These incidents, coupled with a general erosion of trust in institutions like the NHS and the Post Office, have left people wary. Post-Brexit uncertainties about food standards and potential trade deals, such as those involving chlorinated chicken and hormone-treated beef, add to the confusion. With conflicting nutritional information on social media and constant debates about ultra-processed foods, shoppers find it increasingly difficult to make informed choices for their health. Rebuilding trust requires more transparency and relevance in our modern lives. Brands must carve out their unique space within culture to offer substance, not just sustenance. Whether it’s a tea brand acting as a confidant, a biscuit providing humour in tough times, a ready-meal simplifying life, or a chocolate bar standing up for the underdog, authenticity and consistency are key. How do you think brands can navigate the issues around trust?

It’s a very EGG-CITING day for us at Egg HQ… 🧡 Excuse the use of egg puns, but we’re over the moon to say that we’ve launched brand-new 10-packs of our iconic Large ‘eggs in the blue box’ and Rich Yolk into Tesco nationwide! 💙 This is a double-yolker of a special launch as you’ll see we’ve invested in MORE colour, MORE boldness and MORE on-pack fun, including some very important egg how-to’s…   A cracking day indeed! #Food #Eggs #FreeRangeEggs #Tesco #ProductLaunch