Waitrose shoppers are now facing an extra 50p charge as the supermarket chain has increased the price of its meal deal. The drink, main meal and snack combo now costs £5.50, marking a 10 per cent increase from its original £5 price when it was introduced in 2023.
A Waitrose spokesperson said: “Our meal deal remains exceptional value for money – offering a wide variety of lunch options prepared with the quality ingredients you’d expect from Waitrose, and following the industry leading welfare standards we insist on.”
Surge in Demand for Unhomogenised Milk
Waitrose has reported soaring demand for unhomogenised organic whole milk. The demand has been so high that the Waitrose Farm at the Leckford Estate in Hampshire has installed new milk processing units to keep up. Alice Grigoleit, Milk Buyer at Waitrose, explained: “Unhomogenised milk is dairy much closer to its natural state. While safely pasteurised, it bypasses the high-pressure valves used to break down fat molecules, allowing the cream to rise naturally to the top. By not homogenising, it preserves the milk’s structural integrity, preserving its unique texture and a richer, more complex flavour profile.”
Dan Robinson, Food Processing Manager at the Leckford Estate, added: “Unhomogenised milk is truly becoming the cream of the crop. We have seen customer demand for unhomogenised organic whole milk grow significantly in recent years; and in response we’ve invested in new processing equipment at our Leckford Estate to increase capacity by approximately 20%. We believe this surge in popularity is being driven by a desire for whole foods and a growing awareness of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Many customers are now seeking the ‘brilliant basics’ and embracing a simpler, more natural approach to their diets. Plus - this milk tastes absolutely delicious!”
Between July 2023 and now, weekly production of Waitrose Duchy Organic Unhomogenised Milk at the Leckford Estate has surged by 74%. Following the installation of new milk tanks, total production capacity has now increased by 95% compared to 2023 levels to meet ongoing demand. All Waitrose own brand fresh cows milk is free range.
Part of the John Lewis Partnership, the UK’s largest employee-owned business, Waitrose has 320 shops and a strong online business. It also has agreements with brands like Welcome Break and Shell, further bolstering its local footprint. It operates stores in Birmingham and Solihull.
