Insight & Opinion

F&BM0007 Bites May FRONT PAGE v001 CC 2025-05-29

Insight

June 2nd, 2025

May Retail Highlights

As warmer weather returns to the UK (and we keep our fingers crossed it lasts!) - we are pleased to share the latest edition of our retail highlights. We are seeing signs of summer in store too, with new summery flavours launching and a slew of holiday based promotions across various categories.

Miami Peachy Vibes... 

"A standout example of how to launch NPD with impact in-store. The bold, vibrant displays evoke the energy of Miami while clearly conveying the new flavour profile. Supported by high-visibility activations across wholesale and the on-trade, this launch is well-positioned for success.”- F&BM view

Summary

Smirnoff has brought its new Miami Peach flavoured vodka to the UK, tapping into the rising popularity of flavoured vodka and the appeal of tropical fruits for summer occasions. The launch evokes Miami’s vibrant atmosphere, and features in-store activations that create a summer feeling for shoppers.
 

Wholesale

In-depot theatre was supported by POS to build connections and retail relationships whilst promoting the launch. 

On-Trade

From the first pour to the final cheers, this activation is all about bringing a taste of Miami to the UK and encourages experimentation with different mixers to create unique summer serves.
 

Shopper

A bold, Miami-inspired in-store photo moment featuring tropical backdrops and peachy vibes—designed to grab attention, spark fun, and encourage sharing.
 

Prepping for Summer Hols


“After entering personal details and purchase info, consumers place a pin on a map of Italy where they think Capri is located – the closest pin wins. Holidays and hotel vouchers are always popular and a great way to increase rate of sales, but the game element of this promotion adds the fun that many standard ‘entry forms’ lack.” - F&BM view

Summary

Peroni is launching a summer promotion in UK stores in partnership with Secret Escapes, giving consumers the chance to win luxury Italian holidays and travel-related prizes, including Antler luggage. Everyone who enters with proof of purchase receives a £50 discount code for future Secret Escapes bookings. The campaign also includes on-trade activation and incentives for venues to stock Peroni products.
 

Travel & Lifestyle Promotions

Trip Down Under

Oxford Landing gave two lucky participants the chance to win a trip for 2 to a British & Irish Lions test match in Australia, plus British & Irish Lions merch bundles. Receipt upload required to enter.

Win with Westons

Henry Westons Cider is boosting summer sales with a ‘Win a Luxury Escape’ on-pack promo on 14M bottles. Prizes include holidays for 4 to exotic spots and 145+ summer gifts.
 

Sip & Escape with Poretti

Win a luxury Lake Como villa escape with Birrificio Angelo Poretti on pack promo! Plus, a £150 Virgin Experience Days gift card is up for grabs every hour!

 

100 Years On...

"This fun, clever campaign celebrated McVitie’s as a British icon, comparing its biscuit to major inventions like the wheel or phone. Giant landmark projections and interactive pop-ups marked the 100-year milestone, with a standout £100 giveaway every 100 minutes." - F&BM View

Summary

To celebrate 100 years of its Chocolate Digestive biscuits, McVitie’s have created a playful brand campaign spotlighting the biscuit’s iconic chocolatey moment. The work includes TV, OOH, social, in-store and a Piccadilly Circus pop-up celebrating nostalgic joy and sensory delight, inviting fans
to indulge in the nation’s favourite chocolate biscuit.

OOH

Celebrated across London’s most iconic landmarks such as the London Eye and Tower Bridge! These served as a backdrop for dazzling displays and a wide variety of OOH formats.

Shopper

McVitie’s launched a special new packaging design alongside an on-pack promotion offering the chance to win £100 every 100 minutes across the UK and ROI.

Experience 

A delicious immersive McVitie’s pop-up lit up Piccadilly! Guests sampled new creations, won merch, played games and spotted celebs like Amanda Holden.

Sampling

Shoppers will be disrupted on their path to purchase whole front of store takovers and sampling trucks nationwide.

Summer Displays 

Fever-Tree x Maison Mirabeau
 

This collab brings a refreshing, lower-alcohol wine just in time for summer — perfect for those seeking a lighter sip from two top-tier drinks brands.
 

Sunny vibes for Gin lovers!

Tanqueray display triggers seasonal desire for summer cocktails, drives impulse buys with prominent placement and creates urgency around seizing golden moments.
 

First bbq of summer?


Yellow Tail display with 4-for-3 offer evokes seasonal anticipation, BBQ planning urgency, and social gathering aspirations through casual friendly messaging.

 

Seizing summer moments

Sainsbury’s is creating aspirational summer drinking occasions with complete spritz ingredients. Creating a sense of seasonal escapism, convenience, social gatherings and urgency to seize summer moments.

Gift with Purchase Promotions

Summer Spritz Cocktails
 

A perfect summer offering and incentive to drive sales and trial of the classic Italian aperitif brands with free branded glassware.

Sip in style

To celebrate the summer season and bank holiday deals, ASDA and Aperol are giving away a branded bucket hat on purchasing a 1L bottle.
 

Cheers to Footie


Football fans can enjoy a free limited-edition Guinness glass with every Guinness 4-pack purchased! Available in participating convenience stores while stocks last this summer season.
 

BrewDog's Birthday Cheers! 

To mark 18 years of Punk IPA, BrewDog is offering a £10 meal + pint deal via on-pack QR codes. Deal can be redeemed at any BrewDog bar or participating venue.