Asda and Tesco have become the first two UK supermarkets to unveil their festive food ranges for 2024.
Sure, it may quite literally be August right now, and we’ve still got the rest of summer, and the small matter of a bank holiday weekend, Halloween, and Bonfire Night to get through first, but it seems two of the UK’s biggest supermarkets are already looking ahead to the most wonderful time of year.
That’s right, whether you can believe it or not, Asda and Tesco have already unveiled their festive food ranges for Christmas 2024.
Although we didn’t want to bring up the ‘C’ word nearly five months before the festive season is actually upon us, here we are – and considering Greater Manchester hasn’t really had much of a ‘summer’ so far this year, maybe there’s no harm getting in getting into the festive spirit a little earlier than normal?
Thankfully, there’s some real mouthwatering treats on the menu to make these early releases worthwhile.
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Asda and Tesco have unveiled their festive food ranges for 2024 / Credit: Tesco | Asda
Over at Tesco, you won’t just find the traditional turkey and Christmas pudding on the lineup this year, as joining those are inventive alternatives like a Dry Cured Bone-in Gammon Joint with a Black Cherry Glaze, a large Winter Berry Pork Pie, a Brie, Bacon & Cranberry Galette, a Roasted Vegetable & Cranberry Star, mini Pigs in Blankets Yorkshire Puddings, and even a whole range of festive-themed party foods and cheese selection.
For those with a sweet tooth, Tesco is serving up a Belgian Chocolate & Sea Salted Caramel Snowy Semi Freddo, and a Speculoos and Belgian Chocolate Highwall Cheesecake, both from the ‘Finest’ range among others.
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There’s also a giant Christmas star-shaped chocolate panettone to tuck into too.
There’s some real mouthwatering festive treats on the lineups this year / Credit: Tesco
Can Asda rival that then?
Well, aside from the usual classics, just like Tesco, the supermarket has some snazzy alternatives on the lineup including the a Slow Cooked Beef Shin, a Welsh Lamb Shoulder with Fig, Whiskey, and a Spiced Honey stuffing, and even a cleverly-named Charcuter-wreath, alongside lots of party food and ‘picky bits’.
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These include Butter Chicken Samosas, Prawn & Veg Dim Sum, and Tempura Prawns, all from the ‘Exceptional’ range.
There’s classics, inventive alternatives, and new and returning fan-favourites / Credit: Tesco
When it comes to desserts and sweet treats, shoppers are spoiled for choice once again, with some of the stand-outs being the fan-favourite Exceptional Panettone, and the new Raspberry, Pistachio & Passionfruit Pavlova Wreath from the ‘Extra Special’ range.
Both supermarkets also have a wide range of vegan and ‘Free From’ food options available across their ranges this year, so no one need miss out on the festive feasting fun.
It’s expected that we won’t have long to wait now until the rest of the other major supermarkets get into the Christmas spirit too, so keep your eyes peeled.
Featured Image – Tesco
Shopping
M&S launches massive recruitment drive in Greater Manchester with hundreds of jobs available
Emily Sergeant
M&S has launched a massive recruitment drive across Greater Manchester.
With the festive season fast approaching, and most British stores having already unveiled their Christmas ranges for 2026, one of the country’s largest brands has launched a massive UK-wide seasonal recruitment drives to gear up for what is always one of the busiest times of the year for the retail industry.
M&S has announced it will recruit more than 300 new colleagues to support its store teams across Greater Manchester this festive season.
As mentioned Christmas is one of the busiest moments of the year for M&S, and seasonal colleagues play a ‘vital’ part in delivering that.
New recruits will be tasked with helping M&S deliver a ‘brilliant’ service for customers.
Stores with vacancies span the whole of Greater Manchester – including Altrincham, Bolton Middlebrook, Bury The Rock, Manchester Market Street, Prestwich, Sale, Stockport, Stretford, Trafford Centre, and Walkden.
M&S has launched a massive recruitment drive in Greater Manchester with hundreds of jobs available / Credit: M&S Manchester | Supplied
M&S says the roles are ‘fast-moving and hands-on’, with colleagues required to work together to make sure customers still get the very best of M&S, even at its busiest.
The roles will pay £13.41 per hour, with successful applicants receiving the training, tools and support needed to get up to speed quickly.
“We can’t wait to welcome over 300 new colleagues to our store teams here in Greater Manchester,” commented Zeba Khan, who is the Regional Manager at M&S.
“As we get ready for our busiest time of year, it’s a great opportunity to join us and help bring a magical M&S Christmas to our customers.
“We have a range of opportunities available, whether joining our city centre flagship or our fresh market-style foodhalls. We’re looking for colleagues who are passionate about delivering great customer service and being part of a team.”
Fancy it then? Applications are now open, and you can find out more and apply on the M&S Christmas careers page here.
Featured Image – Supplied
Shopping
Trafford Centre begins months-long refurb of its iconic The Orient foodhall
Emily Sergeant
A new era for The Orient is on the horizon, as the Trafford Centre has begun its months-long refresh of its iconic foodhall.
Forming part of its ongoing commitment to ‘enhancing the visitor experience’, the Trafford Centre is investing in a major refresh of seating and customer facilities within The Orient – creating a more vibrant and welcoming environment for guests to eat, meet and relax.
Works are now underway and will be delivered in phases over the coming months.
Improvements are being carried out in phases to minimise disruption to shoppers, while creating a more comfortable and contemporary dining environment at the same time.
The refreshed area will increase seating capacity by more than 60%, introducing a range of new seating styles in the process – including banquettes, family-friendly tables, accessible seating for guests with mobility requirements, and dedicated areas equipped with phone and laptop charging facilities.
The Trafford Centre begins months-long refurb of its iconic The Orient foodhall / Credit: The Manc Group
Inspired by The Orient’s longstanding maritime heritage, the design takes cues from a contemporary cruise liner, and the space will also feature upgraded furniture and enhanced lighting, alongside flexible areas designed to encourage visitors to spend more time in there.
There’ll also be modern furnishings and a ‘refreshed’ colour palette to create a brighter and welcoming environment.
“The Orient is one of the most popular destinations within Trafford Centre, welcoming millions of visitors each year,” a Trafford Centre spokesperson said on the refurb.
“This investment reflects our commitment to continually improving the experience for our guests, creating a more modern, comfortable and social environment where visitors can meet, dine and spend time together.
“The improvements will not only significantly increase seating capacity but also deliver a much more flexible and accessible space for all visitors to enjoy.”
Emily Sergeant -
8th August 2024 
