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Only branded podcast in both the Apple and Spotify Global Top 100 charts, and the only in the UK Top 20
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More than half of Waitrose app visits driven by customers seeking recipes, meal inspiration and food expertise
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New weekly YouTube series launches this month as Waitrose continues to expand its food expertise across digital channels
Dish from Waitrose has become the world’s most successful branded podcast, surpassing one billion combined downloads, views, and listens since launching in 2022*.
Hosted by Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett, the show has produced 165 episodes and is currently the only branded podcast featured in both the Apple and Spotify top 100 charts globally and the only branded podcast in the UK top 20.
The milestone marks another step in Waitrose’s ambition to be the Home of Food Lovers, with customers increasingly turning to the grocer for recipes, meal ideas and food expertise alongside their weekly shop. More than half of visits to the Waitrose app are now driven by customers seeking food inspiration, alongside their grocery shopping.
Building on the success of Dish, Waitrose is continuing to expand its food content offering, including the launch of a new weekly YouTube series later this month. The retailer has the largest YouTube subscriber base of any UK supermarket (as of June 2026).
Nathan Ansell, Waitrose Chief Customer Officer, said: "Customers are increasingly looking for ideas, inspiration and expertise alongside the products they buy, and helping people discover and enjoy great food has always been at the heart of Waitrose. From our Partners and food experts to our products, magazines and podcasts, customers trust us to inspire and guide them in the kitchen.
“Our commitment to food storytelling stretches back decades and today we’re bringing that expertise to new formats including podcasts and video. We’re excited about the next phase of our strategy with more opportunities for customers to engage directly with our food experts and Partners.”
Dish from Waitrose
The show combines conversations about food, life and culture with celebrity guests including Natalie Portman, Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch.
Since launching in 2022, Dish has grown into one of the UK’s most popular food and entertainment podcasts, attracting a broad and highly engaged audience. The Tom Holland episode reached an audience of 2.3 million.
Dish continues to grow, with listens up 35% year-on-year. It is also reaching a younger audience, with almost 30% of the show's UK podcast listeners and 35% of YouTube viewers aged under 35. More people now watch Dish than listen to it, reflecting the growing popularity of video-first podcasting.
Research conducted in May 2026 found that 78% of listeners said that Dish had encouraged them to shop more frequently at Waitrose. It also found that the more episodes listeners engage with, the more likely they are to associate Waitrose with helping them discover new products, food trends and cooking skills**.
Nick Grimshaw, Dish co-host, said: “I love doing Dish. Getting to spend time laughing and learning with Angela has been one of my most favourite things I’ve ever done and I can’t believe it’s grown into this community. It feels special because we have become firm friends and our relationship has grown with our audience witnessing our growing love (and/or annoyance) for one another.”
Angela Hartnett, Dish co-host, said: “I love working with Nick, The Cold Glass and Waitrose team and all the amazing guests that come on. We have a lot of fun, and I believe that's reflected in the show."
Ben Kerr, CEO of Cold Glass Productions, the producer behind Dish, said: “Behind the billion views, downloads and listens and millions of likes, shares and comments is a community of food lovers who are hungry to engage with the show across multiple video channels for; recipes, celebrity chat, the fast-food quiz, cooking tips, Nick and Angela’s relationship and more. Dish is there for them however they want to engage, and it’s a joy to share the show with our fans.”
YouTube
Waitrose is continuing to grow its YouTube presence to meet increasing demand for food-focused video content.
In mid-June, the retailer will debut a new weekly series focussed on helping customers become more confident and creative cooks. Each episode will centre on a hero ingredient and feature Waitrose chefs and food developers sharing flavour pairings, techniques and recipe ideas.
The launch follows Food Lovers Uncut, the retailer’s creator-led video series, hosted by influencer, Will Hughes (@WhatWillyCook), which takes viewers inside the kitchens of food-loving celebrities.
Both formats link directly to shoppable recipe content on Waitrose.com, allowing customers to move seamlessly from inspiration to purchase.
Publishing and storytelling
Waitrose continues to build on its long-established publishing heritage through the relaunch of free weekly instore newspaper,Your Week in Food, and the continued evolution of Waitrose Food magazine.
Notes to Editors
For further information, please contact Ruth Roycroft:
[email protected] or 07792 591035
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*Most popular branded podcast based on long form audio and views of the episodes (across podcast platforms such as Apple, Spotify, and views on YouTube)
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One billion views, downloads and listens based on long form audio and views of the episodes (across podcast platforms such as Apple, Spotify, and views on YouTube) plus short form views of clips from the show (across YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook)
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**Effectiveness study conducted by insights consultancy, HYFI, in May 2026 - using qualitative research to understand perceptions of Dish listeners and non Dish listeners. Total 1,000 respondents.
About Waitrose
Waitrose is the Home of Food Lovers, serving customers with exceptional quality products and expert service.
Part of the John Lewis Partnership - the UK’s largest employee-owned business - Waitrose has 320 shops and a strong online business. It also has agreements with brands like Welcome Break and Shell, further bolstering its local footprint.
It works closely with British farmers and suppliers, and is a market-leader for animal welfare and responsible sourcing - using sustainable farming methods, including on its very own farm, the Leckford Estate.
Waitrose has 800 specialist counters across its shops, and holds a Royal Warrant as Grocer and Wine & Spirits Merchant to His Majesty King Charles III.
