Halloween 2024 is fast approaching, and so is the surge of creative brand collaborations in the food and drink sector. This year, even the most traditional brands are stepping out of their comfort zone and teaming up with partners to deliver innovative, attention-grabbing products and campaigns. Whether it’s an unexpected flavour twist, or quirky, cross-industry partnerships (think sausage roll socks by Greggs and Primark), these collaborations are letting brands tap into each other’s audiences while generating buzz and excitement through limited-edition, themed offerings.
We Brits take our pubs and bars seriously, from our beloved locals to splashy one-off ventures, right through to the well-known group operators that are always a safe bet. Heading to the pub for ‘one’, or perhaps a few more, as often ends up being the case, is a pastime so embedded within our culture that it’s practically in our DNA.
As a leading food and drink agency, insights and data are at the heart of our marketing campaigns. So, understandably, we make a point of keeping our finger on the pulse by attending Lumina Intelligence’s Food Strategy Forum.
Anti-marketing is seemingly on the up once more, with Oatly, Surreal and Days all leaning into, whilst simultaneously calling out, traditional marketing methods. Although outwardly work-shy in approach, this tactic is entirely well-thought-out and speaks to increasingly savvy consumers in a relatable, funny and memorable way. It seems the subtle art of not giving a f***, actually includes giving many f***s, and could be paving the way for a new type of tongue-in-cheek advertising.
Wondering where to take your Valentine’s? Well, being both an avid foodie and a Londoner, I have the insiders track to the top London restaurants for your date. Most options are slightly off the beaten track and dare I say it… better than the typical hot spots in central London that will no doubt be bustling with other lovestruck couples.
London is a notorious hot bed for swanky restaurants and cutting-edge dining experiences, and Dans le Noir, settled in the heart of the city, only serves to bolster this reputation. Exactly what is says on the French tin, this now rather well-known restaurant offers guests the unique culinary experience of eating your meal completely shrouded in darkness.
Burgers? Brooklyn Lager? SOLD. H2O once again pulled out all the stops for 2023’s National Burger Awards, paying homage to the heroes behind the grill with a gauntlet style showdown followed by an awards ceremony to honour the best burgers in the UK. The competition was fierce with over 200 entries, that were eventually whittled down to sixteen of our country’s leading burger restaurants, pubs and street food trucks.
Despite what my family say, you’re never too old for an advent calendar. And it seems that many companies agree with me on this, whether it be M&S and their cosmetic advent calendar or the many flavoured gin advent calendars. It now seems to be fact that we grown-ups should also enjoy daily gifts in the run up to Christmas! As such, here is my list of the top ten foodie advent calendars to keep your eyes peeled for, or put on your own wish-list.
The start of this month saw the kick-off of MAD//Fest’s three-day long festival. Full of forward-thinking, fraternising and food, the bean team were in attendance not only to join the hub of innovation but to collect a Wing Award from the Alliance of Independent Agencies. That’s right, Jellybean have scooped up the best B2B campaign for yet another year, this time for our campaign with Philadelphia – ‘You Don’t Know Philly’.
Last year jellybean ran, walked, and cycled in aid of Hospitality Action’s ‘To Hell and Back’ tour. And this year, as we all rush back to restaurants, bars, and hotels to enjoy our favourite industry, jellybean has once again taken to the road to support Hospitality Action’s ‘Back in Business’ tour. Recently slammed by the ever-increasing cost of living and inflation, those in need in the hospitality industry still require our help.
Between inflation, supply chain issues and energy prices, it seems price rises are never-ending. And sadly, the brewing conflict between Russia and Ukraine is signalling yet more price increases for their primary exports: wheat, gas, and fertiliser.
Every day at Great Ormond Street Hospital, young lives hang in the balance as patients, families and staff battle the most complex illnesses. Every day, the brightest minds come together to achieve pioneering medical breakthroughs that change the lives of thousands of children.
You may have heard of baked beans, but what about baking beans?
This year, we beans decided to bring a bit of healthy competition into the office via The Great British Bake Off! Soon we had an array of delicious baked goods piling high in the office, from Vanesa’s Strawberry Roulade to Sue’s Pork & Apricot Pie – it was stiff competition from the start. And despite reverting to WFH, the competition continued – much to our family and friends’ delight.
The hospitality and retail sector continue to be plagued with problems, from staff shortages to supply chain chaos. However, pop open the (English) bubbly! As there is hope to be had where British booze is concerned!
Half the joy of travelling is all the food you get to eat, from tapas to ramen, the world is full of flavours that are ready to be explored. However, with foreign travel being fraught with problems this summer, I have instead decided to explore a few cookbooks that champion foreign flavours so to con my body into thinking I’m abroad.
