- New product innovation with market-first heart shaped Cherry & Chocolate Panettone, Lemon Drizzle Scones and Afternoon Tea Selection
- Savvy shoppers are already looking ahead to Spring, with searches on Waitrose.com for, ‘crumpets’ and ‘panettones’ up 94% and 88% compared to this time last year, and ‘afternoon tea selection’ up 80% over the last 30 days
- Our Spring range is now available to view in our Spring Media Edit
Spring has bloomed at Waitrose and we have everything you need to spread seasonal cheer. From market-first heart-shaped panettones, to an indulgent afternoon tea selection with gorgeous flavoured mini cakes; zingy teatime treats and flower-shaped crumpets to a delicious selection of gifts, there is something for all to enjoy this spring.
All you need is ... Cherry & Chocolate Panettone
Leading the way in innovation, Waitrose has launched a market-first, heart shaped Cherry & Chocolate Panettone, that comes in a heart-shaped tin. This unique panettone is perfect for Mother’s Day, Spring and Easter gifting, not to mention Valentine’s Day where the panettone is currently on an introductory offer for £10.
The launch of this panettone builds into a wider trend with customers looking towards panettones all year round, not just at Christmas. Compared to this time last year, searches on Waitrose.com for ‘panettones’ are up 88%, with people looking towards this cake all year round, with the cherry and chocolate flavours bringing seasonal flavour and variation.
Serena Jackson, Seasonal Bakery product developer at Waitrose comments, “We are proud to be bringing our customers innovation with a market-first Cherry and Chocolate Heart-shaped Panettone, which comes in its own beautiful, heart-shaped tin. Made to a traditional recipe in a third-generation, family-run bakery in Piedmont, Italy, this panettone takes over 24 hours to expertly craft and create. With a sweet and jammy cherry filling, dark chocolate chips and a sachet of sweet cocoa to dust and finish with a heart-shaped stencil, it’s sure to delight your loved ones.”
A slice of British tea time
Who doesn’t love an afternoon tea – especially when all the effort is taken care of with a premium selection lovingly prepared for you? On Waitrose.com, searches for ‘afternoon tea selection’ have soared 80% over the last 30 days, with customer appetite soaring to look for this culinary experience. Make it GOOD with our No.1 Spring Afternoon Tea Selection which includes six gorgeous cakes, including Mini Daisy cakes made from golden sponge, buttercream & lemon curd; Mini St Clements cakes with lemon sponge and orange buttercream, and Mini Raspberry Cakes.
Emilie Wolfman, Trend Innovation Manager at Waitrose comments, “As retro flavours make a strong comeback, we’re seeing classics like the lemon drizzle flavour reimagined into new formats and sparking a wave of nostalgia for many. Compared to this time last year, searches on Waitrose.com for ‘lemon drizzle’ have soared over 60%, with our new Lemon Drizzle Scones capturing that nostalgic, comforting taste we all crave, and are delicious served with No.1 Luscious Lemon Curd.”
With searches on Waitrose.com for ‘crumpets’ up 94% compared to this time last year, these simple and comforting griddle breads are undoubtedly growing in popularity. Will Torrent, Senior Brand Development Chef at Waitrose comments, ‘With crumpet popularity showing no signs of slowing down, we’ve launched our Flower Crumpets which will undoubtedly raise a smile among all the food lovers. I love to serve mine hot, topped with our No.1 Heather Honey Smoked Scottish Salmon, smashed avocado and a poached egg."
Presents with a sweet touch
There’s nothing like surprising someone special with the perfect gift. With customers already looking for their chocolate treats with searches on Waitrose.com for ‘truffles’ up 144% compared to this time last year, we’re delighted to launch our irresistible new collection of delicious sweet treats, perfect for those who appreciate a little indulgence. Our Salted Caramel Truffles with silky smooth fleur de sel caramel, delectable Milk Chocolate Hearts and crumbly Belgian Heart-shaped Biscuits are not to be missed – our mouths are watering, too!
Food lovers can also experience the ultimate gift experience with our relaunched gift cards, Waitrose Cookery School gift cards and Dishpatch gifts to treat your loved ones.
Notes to Editors
Waitrose All you need is… 4 Flower Crumpets - £1.50
Waitrose All you need is…Cherry and Chocolate Heart-shaped Panettone - £15.00/ 500g - currently at introductory £10 Valentine’s Day offer
Waitrose All you need is…Salted Caramel Truffles - £5.00/100g
Waitrose All you need is…Milk Chocolate Hearts - £3.50/88g
Waitrose All you need is…Belgian Heart-shaped Biscuits - £6.00/ 165g
Waitrose Colomba Cake - £14.00/740g - launches 17/02
Waitrose Lemon and Raspberry Torta - £8.00/500g - launches 17/02
Waitrose Simnel Cake - £13.00 - launches 17/02
Waitrose 5 Simnel Slices - £3.75/ 5x pieces - launches 17/02
Waitrose No.1 Spring Afternoon Tea Selection - £7.00 - launches 19/02
Waitrose Lemon Drizzle Scones - £2.00 - launches 19/02
Waitrose Speckled Chocolate Crispy Mini Bites - £3.50 - launches 19/02
