Co-op exclusively unveils its summer range for 2024 featuring a significantly upweighted food-to-go selection, 100% British BBQ range with on trend flavours and ready-to-eat picnic lines inspired by global cuisines, one of which is making an appearance as Co-op’s signature summer flavour, shawarma. The season also marks two firsts for the retailer: the introduction of a premium sushi line with the debut of its ‘Dragon Rolls’ and an ‘all that can be’ Fairtrade Neapolitan ice cream cone.
Focused on the summer convenience shopper, the whole range reflects Co-op’s commitment to quality, taste, and values whilst delivering innovation in key categories. Summer serves as a peak season for convenience retailers, and as one of the longer trading periods in the year, significant emphasis is placed on those core categories that shoppers frequently buy into, such as pre-prepared picnic fare, lunchtime meal deals, easy-to-prep 100% British BBQ lines, summer tipples and refreshing ice creams.
As 2024 is set to be a bustling summer of sport and celebrations with major international sporting events taking place, Co-op has boosted its food-to-go offerings inspired by flavours from around the globe. The selection will include wraps, sushi, and subs which can be enjoyed as part of its standard or premium Meal Deals.
A Chinese classic Salt & Pepper Chicken Wrap (227g, £3.85) and a Mexican style Steak Fajita Wrap (209g, £3.85) joins the standard meal deal whilst Asian inspired Korean Style Chicken Dragon Rolls (188g, £5.25) and Sriracha Prawn Dragon Rolls (187g, £5.25) and a delicious Italian style Irresistible Salami Mortadella Focaccia Sandwich (218g, £3.85) which promises an authentic taste of Italy will join the premium meal deal.
In response to evolving food trends and consumer preferences, this year’s range features a variety of options catering to everyday summer moments, alfresco dining, seasonal events, and spontaneous gatherings. Highlights in the picnic range include Middle Eastern inspired Chicken Shawarma Parcels (150g £3.00) filled with British chicken, red cabbage, carrot, spring onion in a chilli sauce.
Bringing a taste of Greek cuisine to the UK, the Irresistible Whipped Feta Dip (160g, £2.50) blends feta, yoghurt, mint and parsley whilst the classic potato salad features an Indian style twist in the Bombay Potato Salad (225g, £2.50) with onions, spiced mango chutney, mayonnaise and yogurt dressing.
Co-op’s award-winning crisps lineup sees two new additions: Irresistible All Dressed ‘Seriously Saucy’ Crisp (150g, £1.75) features a unique blend of tangy and sweet seasonings reminiscent of a Canadian crisp flavour – proving so popular that the retailer is on its second round of production less than a month after launch. The Irresistible Chilli Chicken Shawarma Crisps (150g, £1.75) offers a festival-inspired flavour with spicy chicken and creamy mint yogurt, capturing the essence of a shawarma wrap straight off a food truck.
Nicole Tallant, Head of Co-op Brand said: “The summer season is really important for us and we work hard to deliver flavours and products we know our members-owners and customers want. Our product development team have taken inspiration from culinary innovations both locally and globally, creating summer staple foods that can be enjoyed whatever the British summer weather throws at us.”
Staying true to its ethical and sustainable values, Co-op continues to focus on sourcing fresh, quality produce and supporting local farmers with a BBQ range which is 100% British. The varied styles and flavours include Cajun Style Mini Fillets (330g, £3.50), Smoky Hot Dogs (400g, £3.50), and Minted Lamb Kebabs (240g, £3.50).
A hero item in the retailer’s ice cream range – Fairtrade Neapolitan Ice Cream (4x140ml, £2.85) – a unique product in the UK, made with ‘all that can be’ Fairtrade cones filled with vanilla chocolate, and strawberry ice cream flavours, drizzled with chocolate sauce and sprinkled with strawberry flavoured sugar pearls. This product celebrates 30 years of Fairtrade at Co-op and is one of the many items that are part of the retailer’s expanded Fairtrade offering for this year.
The leading convenience retailer’s own label summer range is now in stores nationwide. Enhancing the summer experience, there will also be exclusive deals and member pricing across the ranges throughout the summer months, including 3 for 2 on picnic essentials and two for £5 on BBQ products.
Tallant added: “As a convenience retailer, we understand that our members and customers seek quick and easy solutions, especially during the busy summer months. We want to enhance their dining experience, allowing them to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying moments with friends and family. Whether it’s drinks for a Euros party, everyday summer essentials, or everything needed for an impromptu BBQ, our customers still expect quality and taste, and we pour our passion into ensuring we deliver on that.”
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