A new supermarket is set to launch in the UK next month that will rival Aldi and Lidl for cheap produce.
Retailer Motatos, known for ‘saving’ food that would otherwise be thrown away and reselling it at discount prices, is hugely popular in mainland Europe.
Now, it’s set to be coming to the UK – with a launch date set for June.
The announcement comes as a number of UK supermarkets have dropped prices amid a rising cost of living crisis putting pressure on customers’ disposable incomes.
By selling food from wholesale suppliers that would otherwise end up in landfills due to short best before dates, changes in packaging, and seasonal changes, Motatos is able to undercut its competitors’ prices.
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We're incredibly smug to announce that we're working with wicked food retailer, Motatos, on its UK launch. You'll be able to fill up a basket up with discounted goodies that would otherwise have gone to waste very soon. Pretty cool, eh? https://t.co/ApXmBAk0ZC
Operating online, the supermarket will offer a range of large packs, beverages, snacks, household goods, pet food, and beauty products.
It promises that deliveries will be made within one to three days, with all drops being made by a third-party distributor.
Image: Motatos
As for the prices for delivery, this will vary depending on the amount of packaging used.
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Speaking on Motatos upcoming launch, UK country manager Christabel Biella said: “UK shoppers are incredibly passionate about sustainability but they need easy and cost-effective ways to make sustainable choices that often come with a hefty price tag.
“That is why I’m so excited to join Motatos, especially at this point in its development following incredible success in other European markets.”
The news of the new supermarket’s launch follows an announcement by supermarket chain Mere, known as the Russian Lidl, that it would close its first UK store in Preston in response to the invasion of Ukraine.
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Georgina Pellant -
12th May 2022 
