Royal retailers and Brilliant British brands – how the food industry is marking the Coronation of King Charles III

The highlight of the Royal calendar is upon us as the Coronation of King Charles III looks set to dominate this weekend. There is a real excitement in the air, as Royal Family fans prepare to witness the first coronation in 70 years.

Here are our top 5 coronation concoctions:

 

1. Heck – Coronation Chicken Sausages

Heck is a real challenger brand, renowned for their bold and brave branding and marketing. To mark King Charles’ big day, the team at Heck have launched an innovative twist on the dish first served during Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s coronation banquet in 1953

 

Heck has combined its classic chicken sausages with mild curry spice, seasoning, and raisins just in time for May 6th. So run – don’t walk – to your local Tesco where these royal bangers (complete with crown-embellished sleeves) will be exclusively available until 16th May.

 

2. Walkers Sensations – Regal Lamb & Mint and King Prawn Cocktail crisps

Known for their quirky flavours, Walkers are hoping to repeat the success of their Platinum Jubilee limited edition varieties, which saw a 41% brand growth year-on-year.

 

This time they’re launching two special-edition flavours to mark the coronation, including Regal Lamb & Mint and King Prawn Cocktail – two quintessentially British favourites.

 

3. Fortnum & Mason Gold Coins

 

The connection between the Royals and Fortnum & Mason is long-standing. In fact, Queen Elizabeth II was known to love their Earl Grey, reportedly drinking a cup at breakfast every day. King Charles himself also awarded F&M a royal warrant as Tea Merchants and Grocers back in 1996.

 

So it’s only fitting that they marked His Highness’ coronation with a dedicated line. We love the Coronation Chocolate Coins, which come in an exclusively designed keepsake tin.

 

4. M&S biscuit tin & Colin the Caterpillar

No Royal celebration is complete without a Marks & Spencer limited edition biscuit tin. From Royal weddings and new arrivals to the Platinum Jubilee in 2022, there has been a shortbread-filled commemorative tin for many the royal occasion. And King Charles’ coronation is no different, with two colourways available in-store.

 

We can’t mention M&S without a nod to our friend Colin. Of course, the retailer has launched a special-edition Colin the Caterpillar cake, adorned with gold crowns and chocolate jewels.

 

5. Morrison’s Coronation range

Supermarket giant, Morrisons, has added several treats to its stores to honour the regal festivities, including its own royal-themed pastry dish - a crown-shaped pork pie. They have also added a coronation chicken sandwich, Union Jack cupcakes and a British grazing box to their royal line-up.

 

Branding brilliance

 

Some British brands don’t need to create a new product line to get in on the celebrations. Some have opted for a royal facelift, with clever branding tweaks to make the most of the frenzy.

 

From Heinz’ Kingchup and Pimm’s No.1 Limited Edition Bottle to Premier’s on-pack takeover of Bisto’s ‘Gravy King’ granules, we love how these household favourites have tapped into the trend to connect with consumers.

 

Coregeo celebrations

 

We’ve also been hard at work, creating coronation content for our Tenderstem® and Pink Lady® brands. Our Great British Recipes will be shared on social media to help consumers celebrate in style this weekend, from Roast Dinners with Tenderstem® to Pink Lady® cakes and pies.