JTI’s ‘Perfect store’ winners

Jasper Hart

JTI UK has announced the 40 regional winners of its Nordic Spirit ‘Perfect store’ competition.

Ten winners from each of the four JTI regions won a prize bundle worth up to £2,000 per store, including one year’s supply of Nordic Spirit, a Fitbit Versa 3 Smartwatch, £125 restaurant vouchers and limited-edition

Nordic Spirit merchandise.

Bruce Terry, portfolio brand manager at JTI UK, said: “Nearly half (44.5%) of nicotine pouch sales come through the convenience and independent channel, so it’s important we support and reward our highly valued trade partners.”

In the spring, the supplier will name one national champion from each JTI region.

Appleby Westward gets Greggs

APPLEBY Westward, the Spar wholesaler for the southwest of England, has formed a partnership with bakery giant Greggs to install a franchise in one of its stores.

The Greggs franchise opened in the Bemerton Heath store in Salisbury, Wiltshire, on 16 February as part of a re�it of the store. It is the �irst of its kind in a company-owned Spar store, ahead of a planned expansion into other Appleby Westward sites.

The two companies distributed vouchers to properties around the store prior to the grand opening.

These vouchers offered customers the chance to get four weeks of savings, including a free coffee in the �irst week and a free sausage roll in the fourth week since opening.

Norwegian spirit brand lands in UK

NORWEGIAN spirit brand Bareksten Spirits has launched in the UK, including its Spirit of the Year-winning Navy Strength Gin.

Aside from Navy Strength Gin, the range consists of Botanical Gin, Old Tom Gin, Double Gin, Illsint Absint and Botanical Aquavit. It is available from Master of Malt, Specialty Drinks and Threshers.

Stig Bareksten, founder of Bareksten, said: “The UK is a nation of gin lovers and has one of the most vibrant gin markets in the world. We know it’s a mature market, with consumers opting for super-premium brands that deliver on taste, and that’s

Nairn’s launches gluten-free sourdough

NAIRN’S has launched Gluten Free Sourdough Flatbreads, bringing the sourdough option to the free-from shopper.

The new line is available now in packs containing two pouches of �ive �latbreads each, at an RRP of £1.99.

Emma Heath, head of marketing at Nairn’s, said: “It is essential to our strategy that we �ind the best product format to support the �lavour. Following research, product trials and taste panelling, it was concluded that our successful �latbread recipe offered the best texture to support a sourdough variety.” exactly what Bareksten offers: peerless, world-class ingredient quality and exceptional �lavour.”