This year, the Co-op’s Christmas ranges and products have been specially created with the convenience shopper in mind, based on a firm belief that convenience shopping shouldn’t mean compromising on quality, value or values.
From easy-to-cook party foods to a ready-prepared stuffed turkey joint for two that’s ready to pop into the oven. Each product within the Christmas range has been carefully selected for its great taste, shoppers can enjoy Co-op's delicious Irresistible party food range, made only with the finest of ingredients.
The range also firmly stays true to the Co-op’s ethical and sustainable values as it's extended its offering to include more outdoor-bred British pork and responsibly sourced Scottish salmon, too.
Also, there will be exclusive member pricing across a range of lines this year and shoppers can take advantage of a ‘2 for £5.50’ multi-buy offer across the standard party food range.
Taking note of emerging food trends, changing shopping habits and listening to members and customers, the Co-op is bringing the party with an all-new premium Irresistible party food offering which takes centre stage, extending the party season to allow more time for celebrations.
Key products include Irresistible Vol-au-Vents (170g, £5.00) topped with delicious cheese, onion and chive, and cheese and ham hock, plus the crunchy Irresistible Orange Bubble Tempura Prawns (206g, £5.00) with a crispy tempura batter and a sweet chilli dip.Another party food must-have at Co-op HQ this year is the delicious Pizza Puff Dippers (190g, £3.25) – tasty tomato, mozzarella and basil empanadas that will leave party guests wanting even more.
Nicole Tallant, Head of Co-op Delicious Food (EDITOR: Wow! What a fantastic job!) said: “As a convenience retailer, we’re committed to making our members and customers lives that little bit easier, which is even more important during the busy Christmas period.
"We’re proud to be revealing our premium party food offering – elevating a range which is easy and convenient to cook for our busy hosts! Whilst our shoppers can be rest assured that we’ll also be fully stocked on the Christmas essentials for those last-minute trips to the shop.”
Along with investing time into perfecting much-loved Christmas classics, Co-op is introducing a twist on the traditional mince pie, with the arrival of its Irresistible Black Forest Mince Pies (4 pack, £2.65), bursting with a cherry flavour, found in the fruity compote and sweet kirsch frosting.
Turkey curry fans (novelty jumper and Bridget Jones on the TV not essential!) can rejoice at Co-op’s take on a Boxing Day classic with new Irresistible Turkey Tikka Masala Crisps (150g, £1.50) made with British potatoes and a blend of cooked turkey and punchy spice flavours. It’s a turkey curry in a crisp!And not forgetting Co-op’s Christmas sandwich range, this year, Co-op is partnering with Barnardo’s with an aim to raise £5m to support 750,000 young people access basic needs like food, manage their mental wellbeing and access opportunities for their futures. £50,000 from the sales of the Christmas sandwich range will be donated to Barnardo’s as part of this important partnership.
Consisting of customer favourites, this year, there’s a premium sandwich offering too, with the launch of the 'Irresistible Christmas Market Sandwich’ (255g, £3.85) Currywurst style pork sausage sandwich with Cheddar cheese, sauerkraut, tangy mustard mayo and gherkins on a dark rye bread.
Tallant went on to say: “Our dedicated team of developers have worked passionately on our Christmas range by looking into what our customers really like and observing the latest food trends, even sampling Christmas Market favourites up and down the country to create the delicious Christmas Market Sandwich which transports you straight to the wooden stalls that light up our cities in December!”