2 minute read
Retail Randoms
by 55 North
A TALE OF TINOPOLIS
Ever wondered where tin cans come from? No, neither have we.
However, the answer is Llanelli. Specifically, Tata’s Trostre works, which makes tinplated steel and counts Heinz among its customers. The works, which celebrates its 70th birthday this year, knocks out around 400,000 tonnes of tin-, chrome- and polymer-coated steel a year. That’s enough to make a whopping 7.5 billion cans, and if these were laid end-to-end, there would be nothing to put beans in. Llanelli has a rich history of tin production and was known as ‘Tinopolis’ in the late 19th century. Which goes to show that, despite their numerous breakthroughs in the arts and sciences, the Victorians were a fairly unimaginative bunch. The seaside town’s connections to the grocery industry don’t stop at canned goods, though. In 1958, six years after Trostre started production, the first supermarket in Wales opened in Llanelli. The Co-operative store was described as “the most modern and hygienic food store in the principality” and shoppers were lured through its doors with the promise of gift parcels and free entry into a cake weight guessing competition. Guessing the weight of a cake? The Victorians would have been giddy at the prospect.
TAKING THE BISTO
If you need to beef up your sauces and condiments sales, then you could do worse than rip off the World Gravy Wrestling Championships.
Back after a two-year coronavirus-induced break, the 12th annual Championships were held at the Rose ‘N’ Bowl Pub in Rossendale, Lancashire on 29 August to raise funds for East Lancashire Hospice.
As in-store events go, it’s a bit more exciting than guessing the weight of a Victoria sponge.
The event is straightforward: competitors wrestle in a pool of gravy for two minutes, with points given for fancy dress and entertainment value. Wrestling ability doesn’t appear to be that important. The fire brigade is on standby, ready to hose down contestants after matches.
Lloyd Clarkson won the men’s event, with Imogen Young claiming the women’s crown.
Commenting on proceedings, a laconic Carol Lowe – the Rose ‘N’ Bowl’s manager – said: “It’s very messy.”
