Marks & Spencer has delighted fans by launching four new sandwiches as sales of the lunchtime snack have rocketed by 200 per cent in the last month with Britons return to offices.
Customer demand for sandwiches is back on the rise at M&S, with some city centres hitting, and even exceeding the same levels as this time two years ago, despite the majority of office workers still working from home.
Cardiff, Cambridge, Exeter and Norwich have seen weekly sandwich sales grow more than 170 per cent since restrictions were first lifted on 12th April.
It comes as the British High Street favourite is launching four new sandwiches – all at £4.75 – including Smoked Salmon, Avocado & Egg.
Marks & Spencer has delighted fans by launching four new sandwiches as sales of the lunchtime snack have rocketed by 200 per cent in the last month with Britons return to offices.
M&S Senior ‘Food On The Move’ Buyer, Sophie King, puts the rise down to an increase in the number of outdoor social occasions we’re now enjoying with friends and family, from picnic lunches to a quick after work drink and sandwich in the park, as well as well as people continuing to get out of the house during the working week and picking up lunch.
She told FEMAIL: ‘The humble sandwich is getting its moment to shine once again, as customers are drawn back by the convenience, great quality and extensive range we have on offer – a simple luxury for those suffering with WFH lunchtime fatigue!
‘M&S was the first retailer to launch pre-packed sandwiches in the UK in 1980 and today we have over 55 options.
‘To help with this return in demand, we’ve brought back our full range of sandwiches, wraps, rolls, salads and sushi sets into stores for the first time since the start of the pandemic, including customer favourite sandwiches the chicken & bacon, BLT, egg & watercress and prawn mayo which has been our best-seller since its introduction in 1981.’
Four brand new luxury sandwiches are also launching this week, for sandwich connoisseurs looking for something extra special.
Launching into the Collection range, which represents the very best from M&S, each of the four new sandwiches is made with light, fluffy and flavoursome ciabatta which has been enriched with extra virgin olive oil, and includes British meat, fish, cheese or eggs from M&S Select Farms.
New range includes Collection Smoked Salmon, Avocado & Egg Mayo Ciabatta (right) and Collection Mature Cheddar, Pickled Onion & Chutney Ciabatta
This includes Aberdeen Angus beef, which is specially selected for its incredible flavour and is traceable back to every farm and animal, and delicate Scottish smoked salmon which is always responsibly sourced, reared to higher welfare standards and RSPCA assured.
Fans went wild as the news of the sandwiches were shared on Marks & Spencer’s Instagram today.
‘Oh yum….couldn’t choose my favourite….would eat them all,’ wrote one.
‘I know what I’m getting for lunch!’ said another.
‘These looks scrumptious,’ added a third.
Those who enjoy a packet of crisps with their sandwich, can also enjoy new flavours as Walkers have launched a selection of football-themed flavours ahead of the Euros.
Available now for a limited time only, the new football crisp flavours are inspired by match day meals.
Also included in the range is Aberdeen Angus Beef, Watercress & Chutney Ciabatta (left) and Chargrilled Chicken, Smoky Bacon & Tomato Ciabatta (right)
From the pre-match pie outside the ground, the half-time hot dog to distract match day nerves, to the celebratory curry at the local restaurant after the big win.
Walkers has even confirmed rumours that Walkers Steak & Ale ‘Pie-nalty’, Chicken ‘Tackle’ Masala, ‘Hotshot’ Hot Dog and Sour Cream and Chili ‘Kicker’ will be available in supermarkets nationwide until July.
After pleas from crisps fans on Twitter, the nostalgic favourite, ‘Salt & Lineker’ crisp packs will come out of retirement on an exclusive transfer to Tesco stores just in time for the summer of football.
Affy Halari at Walkers told FEMAIL: ‘For some time, football fans haven’t been able to enjoy their favourite match-day meals, so ahead of all the football this summer we’re excited to unveil our brand-new crisps, Walkers Limited Edition Footy Favourites.
‘Inspired by iconic match day meals, our new and unique flavours of Hot Dog, Sour Cream and Chili, Steak & Ale Pie and Chicken Tikka Masala are the perfect snack to cheer on your team to glory’.
The new flavours can be purchased as grab bags, recommended retail price marked sharing packs and multipacks from major retailers nationwide.
Each Multipack is priced at £1.00 for five 25g bags, £1 RRP for 75g Price Marked Sharing Packs and £0.65 RRP for a 45g Grab Bag.