In preparation for the Coronation of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey at the weekend, Pilgrim’s predicted a surge in demand for their products. Their snacking site in Ruskington will be producing and supplying approximately 2.5 million scotch eggs, over 20 million cocktail sausages, and 21 million mini scotch eggs, which is a significant increase of 15% from their average weekly output volumes.
Kelly Eastwood, the insight director at Pilgrim’s UK, recognizes the importance of food during celebrations in Britain. She says, “The King’s Coronation will be no exception, and we’re increasing production to help our retail partners meet the soaring demand expected for snacking products ahead of this momentous occasion.”
Pilgrim’s UK has set a royal precedent for snacking, as their sales soared by 20% during the Queen’s Jubilee last year, with scotch eggs being particularly popular with consumers. Eastwood expects a similar uplift in sales over the summer months, with an almost 22% increase compared to winter sales.
To capitalize on this trend, retailers should test how they can make their snacking lines work harder, utilizing promotions, in-store POS, and cross-merchandising to drive sales. In anticipation of the Coronation, food and drink manufacturers are releasing new products, from regal releases by Walkers to princely popcorn flavors from Joe & Seph’s.
Businesses in the food packaging industry should take advantage of this surge in demand by offering innovative products to meet the needs of consumers. Pilgrim’s is setting an example for others to follow, and retailers can also benefit by using promotional strategies to drive sales.
