Autumn brings a natural shift towards orchard fruits, mature cheeses, cured meats, warming spices and richer dishes and drinks. For retailers and hospitality operators, the change of season offers an opportunity to introduce customers to new flavours while finding fresh ways to present familiar products.

Products carrying EU quality labels, such as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) or Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, can provide particularly strong inspiration. Their distinctive characteristics and links to specific EU regions give businesses both a culinary starting point and a provenance story to communicate through menus, displays, shelf-edge information and seasonal promotions.

The EU’s ‘More Than Only Food & Drink’ campaign explores six autumn pairing ideas and how they could be translated into retail and hospitality settings.

Parmigiano Reggiano PDO from Italy and chocolate

Pairing cheese with chocolate may sound unconventional, but it works particularly well with a mature cheese such as Parmigiano Reggiano PDO from Italy. Parmigiano Reggiano PDO can only be produced in its designated area of northern Italy, using raw cow’s milk and traditional methods, before being matured for at least 12 months. Its savoury, nutty and caramel-like notes can complement chocolate’s cocoa and roasted flavours, while the contrast between salt and sweetness makes each element more pronounced. 

For retailers: Bring mature Parmigiano Reggiano PDO and quality European chocolate together in an “unexpectedly good together” display. Smaller formats could be combined in autumn gifting selections, tasting boxes or premium hampers.

For hospitality: Serve small pieces of cheese and chocolate as an alternative petit four, alongside coffee or as part of an after-dinner tasting plate.

Pêra Rocha do Oeste PDO and Prosciutto di Parma PDO

Pear and cured ham is an established sweet-and-savoury combination that gains an even stronger provenance story by bringing together Portugal’s Pêra Rocha do Oeste PDO and Italy’s Prosciutto di Parma PDO. Grown in Portugal’s Oeste region, the local soil and climate help give the pear its distinctive sweetness, crisp texture and natural juiciness. Prosciutto di Parma PDO is produced in the Parma area of Italy using a traditional curing process, with carefully selected pork legs, sea salt and long maturation contributing to its delicate flavour and texture. This provides a refreshing contrast to the ham’s delicate savoury character and silky texture. Lightly roasting the fruit develops a deeper sweetness, making the pairing particularly suitable for autumn menus.

For retailers: Merchandise Pêra Rocha do Oeste PDO alongside Prosciutto di Parma PDO, cheese and speciality bread as an easy autumn lunch or entertaining solution. Recipe cards could suggest crostini, warm salads and seasonal sharing boards.

For hospitality: Serve the pear fresh or lightly roasted with thin slices of Prosciutto di Parma PDO. The combination could be incorporated into a starter, flatbread, seasonal salad, or European sharing board.

Tokaji PDO from Hungary and Roquefort PDO from France

Sweet wine and blue cheese are a well-established pairing, but the combination also offers an opportunity to encourage exploration beyond the most familiar pairings. Tokaji PDO wines are produced within Hungary’s historic Tokaj wine region using specified grape varieties and production methods associated with the area. Roquefort PDO is made from sheep’s milk and matured in the natural caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon in France, where the specific conditions contribute to its distinctive blue veining, creamy texture and powerful flavour. The sweetness and refreshing acidity of Tokaji PDO wine can balance the saltiness and intensity of Roquefort PDO from France, while their fruit and honeyed characteristics contrast with the cheese’s savoury depth.

For retailers: Cross-merchandise the wine and cheese with crackers, fruit and preserves as a ready-made autumn cheeseboard solution. Shelf-edge tasting notes can explain the balance between sweetness, acidity and salt, while also highlighting the PDO status and regional origin of both products.

For hospitality: Offer the pairing as a standalone cheese course, add a recommended serving of Tokaji PDO to the cheeseboard or include both products within a guided European wine-and-cheese flight.

Swedish Aquavit PGI with roast pork and apple

Aquavit is traditionally associated with rich, savoury foods, making Swedish Aquavit PGI an interesting partner for roast pork. Swedish Aquavit GI must be produced in Sweden, with caraway and/or dill providing its defining flavour. Its PGI status reflects this link to Swedish production and traditional flavouring practices. This herbal and spice character complements the seasonings commonly used with pork, while apple contributes sweetness and acidity to cut through the meat’s richness. Together, the elements create a distinct autumnal combination.

For retailers: Feature aquavit alongside pork, apples, pickles and Nordic-inspired products. Recipe cards or bottle tags can show shoppers how to turn the ingredients into a complete autumn meal.

For hospitality: Pair a small serve with roast pork, pork belly or sausage accompanied by apple and pickled vegetables. It could feature on a Nordic-inspired set menu, tasting flight or seasonal bar-food menu.

Gouda Holland PGI from the Netherlands and coffee

Coffee and cheese share more flavour connections than might initially be expected. The Gouda Holland PGI designation requires the cheese to be produced in the Netherlands using milk from Dutch dairy farms and matured naturally within the country. The caramel, nutty and buttery qualities of mature Gouda Holland PGI can complement the roasted notes of coffee, while the cheese’s creamy texture helps soften its bitterness.  As a PGI product, Gouda Holland reflects a recognised link between the cheese, its Dutch origin and established production tradition. The result provides a simple savoury alternative to the cakes, biscuits, or chocolate usually served with coffee.

For retailers: Position mature Gouda Holland PGI close to premium coffee and autumn brunch products, supported by tasting notes or serving suggestions. The pairing could also be included in breakfast, weekend treats, or gifting promotions.

For hospitality: Cafés can serve a small piece of mature Gouda alongside speciality coffee, while restaurants could offer the combination as an alternative after-dinner course.

Dark České pivo PGI from Czechia and chocolate pudding

Beer can provide an unexpected alternative to wine when pairing drinks with desserts. Darker styles of České pivo PGI from Czechia can carry malt, caramel and roasted characteristics that complement the cocoa flavours of a rich chocolate pudding. České pivo PGI is linked to Czech brewing tradition and is characterised by specific production methods, quality ingredients and a balanced taste profile, often with a distinctive bitterness and full-bodied character. The beer’s gentle bitterness can balance the sweetness of the dessert, while its carbonation provides contrast to a dense or creamy texture.

For retailers: Merchandise selected dark beers alongside premium chocolate, brownies and desserts as part of weekend or autumn entertaining promotions. Food-pairing notes can help shoppers identify the appropriate beer style.

For hospitality: Add a suggested beer match to chocolate pudding, tart or brownie, or serve smaller portions as part of a beer-and-dessert tasting flight.

For more information please visit our website or contact: morethanfood_UK@agripromotion.eu

The 2026 winner is an inventive and striking 1972 Volkswagen Beetle created with a ‘no rules, no limits’ ethos. Kept a secret from everyone by Ray until its reveal in front of a stunned audience at Volksworld 2025, all proceeds from its sale will go to raise money to fight prostate cancer, a battle Ray himself is facing.

The ‘Volksrod’ build was inspired by 1960s Hot Rod legends such as Ed Roth and everything about it is unconventional. The body is chopped by 14 inches but the motor is raised by 6” and the front axle pushed forward by 10”. Converse to the wild body, the engine is a stock Twin Port 1300. A closer look reveals it’s packed with quirky details and creative upcycling ideas. These include the champagne cooler bucket that houses the cyclops lamp and speedo, a vintage cinecamera bought for £1, a dome that came from a primary school toilet roof, inverted Corvette bumpers and a spider strainer from a chip fryer that now forms part of the seat. Ray also created a chain link steering wheel and adopted an egg-whisk for the radio aerial. Even the hydraulic suspension, a fluid dispersal system, was devised by Ray. The rear wheels are from a 1951 truck and the front pair, each now a different colour, are space savers from a Porsche. Inside, every element, just like the exterior, has been chopped, stretched or reimagined by Ray. Accessing it is equally unconventional – either via opening the clamshell roof or passenger door that folds flat.

“I just built this car to make people smile, and hopefully, I achieved this,” says creator Ray Ramsay. “Lots of people say it looks like a Hot Wheels so maybe one day this day could come true.”

Ahead of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour’s first visit to CarFest, the Hot Wheels Design Team in Los Angeles whittled down entries from right across the UK to the three displayed at Silverstone – a 1989 Fiat Panda, known as The Flying Washing Machine, a 1951 Tempo Matador truck that used to deliver potatoes in Australia and the 1972 Beetle. Judging took place at Silverstone with each vehicle carefully scored against the authenticity, creativity and garage spirit criteria.

This year, Hot Wheels built its biggest stand ever for the UK leg of the Legends Tour. Spanning 450 sq metres, it featured full-size vehicles from the Garage of Legends, including Bone Shaker, TV’s Ultimate Challenge winning off-road R33 Nissan Skyline and Pontiac Firebird and lastly, a life-size Hot Wheels Formula 1® 2026 Car with custom Hot Wheels livery, all on display for automotive and racing enthusiasts to enjoy. Fans also had the chance to visit the largest ever Smyths Pop-Up Store at a UK round – offering a range of Hot Wheels die-cast including the coveted, limited-edition, 2026 Legends Tour diecast Team Transport.

“The UK turned up some stunning entries with incredible stories behind each build,” says Hot Wheels design manager Dwayne Vance. “The amazing condition of the Matador and how it has been brought to life demonstrates the sheer hard work these builders put in. The Panda is packed with authenticity as a true track car but ultimately the VW was a real gem. Full of creativity and inspired by Hot Rod culture. It embodies everything that Hot Wheels stands for.”

As well as the prestige of winning the UK leg and entering the Garage of Legends, Ray Ramsay also received Hot Wheels merchandise alongside prize bundles from Hot Wheels Legends Tour UK partners Meguiars and Players. The UK winner will also have the opportunity to head to Los Angeles and visit the home of Hot Wheels with exclusive access to the iconic Design Centre where both Legends and all other Hot Wheels die-cast designs are created.

This year is the ninth and biggest Hot Wheels Legends Tour to date with a record 19 countries celebrating Hot Wheels fandom, car culture and true garage spirit. Ray’s VW will now face cars from Europe in a regional final before the Global Finale in the US in November.

London, 23 February 2026
Today marks the close of London Fashion Week (LFW) 2026, and OMODA UK’s most high-profile brand moment yet in the UK. As Principal Partner of this year’s LFW and in recognition of its wider relationship with the British Fashion Council (BFC), OMODA UK spent the week making its presence felt across the capital, establishing the OMODA 7 as the mode of transport of choice for fashion’s most discerning figures, and a design statement that belongs squarely in the world of contemporary style.

Alongside OMODA UK’s LFW activation was a campaign that did what the best fashion statements always aim to do: turn heads. ‘I’m Not a Supermodel, But This Car Is’ was a confident, viral campaign that flipped the convention of automotive advertising on its head. Rather than placing a human at the centre of the story, it positioned the OMODA 7 as an undisputed showstopper of the season.

Fronted by model Denise Ohnona, who often gets mistaken for one of the UK’s most famous and iconic supermodels of the 21^st Century, OMODA UK’s campaign unfolded through a series of photo and video content in which the OMODA 7 was styled, lit and presented with the same admiration afforded to the world’s most famous faces. Denise’s role was knowing and playful, which added the human presence precisely to remind people that the real star isn’t a ‘face’ as expected, but the OMODA 7 itself.

High-impact digital billboards at The Outernet ran during LFW, designed to make tourists and passers-by do a double-take before directing them to the website imnotasupermodel.com, tying people back to the brand and the car. The messaging reflected the OMODA 7’s confident design language and its ambition to challenge expectations, both in automotive, fashion and culture.

Throughout the wider London Fashion Week spectacle, a fleet of OMODA 7s provided VIP transport for designers, models and senior industry figures across London. From backstage arrivals to after-show departures, the OMODA 7 was woven into the fabric of LFW, not only as a sponsor but as a genuine participant in fashion’s most important week, making it the mode of choice in the industry.

Inside the official BFC NEWGEN space at 180 Strand, OMODA UK created the ‘OMODA Lounge’, which displayed an immersive environment inspired by the brand’s “Art in Motion” design philosophy. In collaboration with FOUNDATION FM, the female-led radio station championing underground music, art and culture, the space hosted live DJ broadcasts and served as a meeting point for designers, artists and tastemakers throughout the week. It was a physical expression of what OMODA represents: a brand that understands the space where design, technology and culture converge.

Victor Zhang, UK Country Director, OMODA UK, said: “For OMODA UK, London Fashion Week represented a perfect meeting point between design, creativity and technology, values that are already central to everything we stand for as a brand. The word ‘MODA’ is not incidental to our name; it is our intent. We believe a car can be as culturally relevant and as aesthetically compelling as high fashion, and the OMODA 7 is our most powerful proof of that yet. 

“The ‘I’m Not a Supermodel, But This Car Is’ campaign reflected our confidence in the OMODA 7 as a fashion-forward SUV that belongs in contemporary British culture. We close London Fashion Week 2026 with the OMODA 7 firmly established as the most stylish new arrival of the season.”

The connection is more than symbolic. Embedded in the brand’s very identity, “MODA”, derived from the word for “fashion”, speaks to OMODA’s founding belief that a car can be as fashion-forward, as expressive, and as culturally relevant as anything on a runway. The OMODA 7 is that belief made real as a bold, stylish and technology-forward mid-size SUV that doesn’t just keep pace with modern taste but rather sets the benchmark.

Positioned between the compact OMODA 5 and the flagship OMODA 9, the OMODA 7 represents a significant step in the brand’s UK portfolio. Available in Knight and Noble specification grades, it is offered with either a 1.6-litre TGi petrol engine or OMODA’s Super Hybrid System, which delivers over 700 miles of total range, including up to 56 miles of EV-only driving, with fast charging and Vehicle-to-Load capability.

Inside, eco-leather finishes, dual digital displays, SONY audio and wireless smartphone connectivity come as standard. The OMODA 7 is also the first UK-delivered OMODA model to feature an in-built fragrance system, which adds an innovative sensory dimension to the cabin, setting a new benchmark for interior experience in this segment.

The OMODA 7 will arrive in UK dealerships from March 2026, priced from £29,915 OTR* for the petrol variant and from £32,000 OTR* for the SHS. All models are supported by a comprehensive 7-year/100,000-mile vehicle warranty, an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty for SHS variants, and RAC Home Start as standard for the lifetime of the warranty.**

* All prices quoted are correct at time of writing
** Subject to servicing within the OMODA&JAECOO network, in line with the maintenance schedule

The Zip Yard was founded in 2005 with a clear vision: to make professional tailoring fast, affordable and accessible. What began as one store near the Harland & Wolff shipyard has evolved into a trusted brand recognised for quality craftsmanship, reliability and care.

Today, the business remains committed to the same founding principles while continuing to adapt to modern customer needs. From one-hour express services to specialist bridal, formalwear and school uniform alterations, The Zip Yard has altered and repaired millions of garments, helping to keep clothes in circulation and out of landfill.

At the helm of The Zip Yard are Neluka and Neil Dunning, who together lead the brand’s continued growth. Neluka opened her first franchise in Leeds in 2019 and quickly recognised the potential of the business model. Two years later, she acquired the UK master licence, and in April 2025, alongside Neil, became owner of the entire Zip Yard network across the UK, Northern Ireland and Ireland.

“When I bought my first Zip Yard franchise in 2019, I had no idea how quickly my journey would grow,” says Neluka. “From doubling the customer base in Leeds to partnering with Tesco and appearing on BBC’s The One Show, every milestone reminded me that what we do is about more than just alterations – it’s about building trust, solving problems, and making people feel good about their clothes. Leading the business today with Neil by my side makes the journey even more meaningful.”

Under their leadership, The Zip Yard has continued to champion sustainability and slow fashion, promoting repair and reuse as essential steps toward reducing clothing waste. The brand remains part of a growing movement encouraging customers to buy better and repair what they love.

“We’re incredibly proud of our reputation for quality and professionalism,” says Neluka. “Whether it’s a simple hem repair or a complex restyle, we approach every garment with care and craftsmanship. As more people look for sustainable alternatives to fast fashion, our role feels more important than ever.”

With over 40 franchisees and hundreds of skilled staff employed across the network, The Zip Yard’s ambition is to continue expanding, with the long-term goal of having a store in every major UK town and city centre.

As it celebrates 20 years in business, The Zip Yard’s message is simple: repair, restyle, reuse – and rediscover the joy of clothes that fit and last.

Visit The Zip Yard

A new accessibility review conducted by Halton Stairlifts, a leading stairlift provider, has analysed the 25 largest shopping centres in the country to highlight which destinations truly support inclusive access and which still have work to do.

The research assessed each centre based on five key criteria:

• Availability of mobility hire (wheelchairs or scooters)
• Whether Changing Places toilets were available
• Accessible toilet availability
• Quality of online accessibility information
• Presence of quiet hours or sensory-friendly sessions

Top scorers achieved full marks, offering mobility hire services, comprehensive accessible facilities and clear public information. These are the most prepared destinations for visitors with mobility requirements.

Centres with a score of 4/5 performed strongly overall, but often lacked sensory-friendly hours or clear public documentation around Changing Places facilities.

Centres scoring 3/5 may require more planning for visitors, particularly those reliant on mobility aids. Halton Stairlifts recommends checking ahead before travelling.

Halton Stairlift’s mobility expert, Neil McKenzie, comments:

This upcoming shopping period can be extremely challenging for anyone with mobility issues, especially in busy and crowded environments.

Our research shows that while many centres are investing in accessibility, there are still large gaps in major shopping centres. The UK population is ageing, which is why we stress how important it is to ensure shopping spaces are inclusive.

Standout regions include the North West, Midlands, Scotland, and the South East, while the centres falling behind are Atria Watford, Royal Victoria Place, Merry Hill, and Lakeside, all of which are missing key accessibility features or clear public information.

Why this matters

More than 14 million people in the UK live with mobility challenges, and for many, accessibility is not a luxury. It is fundamental to independence, safety and dignity. An accessible shopping centre can make an ordinary day enjoyable rather than stressful.

Studies like this help families, carers and mobility users make informed choices while setting a standard for improvement across public spaces.

1.     Majority Pulse 1 Bluetooth Party Speaker – £69.99 (was £99.99), Currys

Big sound. Smart lights. Serious fun. This early Black Friday deal is a steal – and possibly the best-sounding gift under £100.

The Majority Pulse 1 doesn’t just play music – it performs it. Packing an impressive 80W output, a 6.5-inch bass driver, and responsive AI lighting, this speaker brings concert energy to your kitchen, garden, or wherever the party lands. With Bluetooth 5.4, USB/SD playback, Bass Boost mode, and up to 10 hours of battery life, it’s built for both house parties and karaoke nights (yes, there’s a mic included).

2. Moto Bluetooth Turntable – £89.99, Currys

Vinyl is back, and the Majority Moto blends retro style with modern convenience. With a warm walnut finish, an Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge, built-in speakers, and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, it bridges old-school charm and new-age tech. You can even record vinyl directly to USB – ideal for those who love preserving their records as digital keepsakes.

3. Majority D40 Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers – £72.99, Currys

For the audiophile who takes their playlists seriously, the D40 speakers deliver crisp, balanced sound with punchy bass and polished trebles. With Bluetooth, RCA, optical, AUX, USB, and SD connectivity, they’ll fit seamlessly into any setup – whether that’s a minimalist desk or a full home cinema. Compact, powerful, and beautifully designed, they’re proof that bookshelf speakers can do big-room sound.

4. Mix Tape USB Stick – £19.99, Suck.uk.com

Before playlists and streaming, there were mixtapes – handmade love letters in cassette form. The Mix Tape USB Stick revives that nostalgia with a 1GB USB drive inside a retro cassette-style case, complete with space to jot down track listings and messages. It stores up to 900 minutes of MP3s, making it the perfect way to share your personal soundtrack with someone special.

5. Cat Scratch Turntable – £21.99, Suck.uk.com

Finally – a turntable your cat can get behind. This cardboard DJ deck features a spinnable platter and poseable tone arm, so your feline friend can “mix” while saving your sofa from destruction. A hilarious (and oddly stylish) addition to any music lover’s home.

6. Music Creator Mini Karaoke Station – £25, Argos

Great for tweens, kids and karaoke fans. Turn any living room into a stage with this wireless mini karaoke system. Featuring 8 LED light modes, two microphones, and funny voice effects, it’s made for duets, dance-offs, and spontaneous performances. Connect it via Bluetooth or load your own tracks using a microSD card – then let the show begin.

7. Broken Records 200-Piece Jigsaw – £14.99, Suck.uk.com

For those who prefer to unwind offline, these vinyl-shaped puzzles combine classic album aesthetics with tactile satisfaction. Choose from Hip Hop Classics, Rock Legends, or Pop Stars, each packed in a sleeve that looks like a real LP. A perfect rainy-day nod to the golden age of records.

8. Boombox Lunch Box – £21.99, Suck.uk.com

School lunch never looked this loud. Styled like a retro ghetto blaster, this metal lunch box features a lenticular EQ display, embossed detailing, and stickers for personalisation. It’s the ideal gift for anyone who thinks 1989 was peak cool – or just wants to carry their snacks in style.

9. Spot The Intro Music Board Game – £26.99, ASDA

Think you know your chart-toppers? This fast-paced trivia game challenges players to name songs and artists from six decades of hits. Connect your phone to stream the mystery tracks, then race the clock to prove your musical prowess. Bonus questions add extra points – and extra pressure.

10. You Rock! Gold Hand Charm – £11.99, Suck.uk.com

A pocket-sized salute to anyone who deserves applause. The You Rock! Lucky Charm is a miniature gold hand making the universal rock gesture – equal parts desk ornament, lucky token, and ring holder. Packaged in an elegant black-and-gold box, it’s a subtle but stylish way to say: “You’re awesome.”

Buchanan Galleries has announced it will be gifting shoppers £1,000 in Glasgow Gift Cards in its Great Gift Card Givaway campaign to encourage local shopping.

The Great Gift Card Giveaway campaign goes live at Buchanan Galleries on the 20th October 2025 and runs through to 2nd November. During this time, businesses at the shopping centre will hand out small cards to customers with a QR code linking to an online game, which will reveal if the recipient has won a Glasgow Gift Card.

A total of 15 prizes will be handed out during the campaign: 5 x £100 Glasgow Gift Cards and 10 x £50 Glasgow Gift Cards. Winners can choose between a physical version of the Glasgow Gift Card or the digital version, which can be added to digital wallets, enabling the recipient to ‘tap to pay’ with local businesses.

The campaign follows the launch of the partnership between Buchanan Galleries and Glasgow City Council in 2025, whereby a self-service kiosk dispensing the Glasgow Gift Card was installed at the Sauchiehall Street entrance of the shopping centre.

Operated by Landsec, many of Buchanan Galleries’ 80 plus businesses, including John Lewis & Partners, LEGO, Social Bite, and ARRAN Sense of Scotland, also accept the Glasgow Gift Card.

Ellen McCartney, Events Co-Ordinator at John Lewis & Partners, said, “”While summer might not be long behind us, we know that our customers are already gearing up for Christmas – so we’re getting everything in place to help them celebrate.

“Whether you’ll be using these gift cards to buy presents for others or simply treating yourself, the team at John Lewis Glasgow will be happy to help. Best of luck to everyone entering!”

The Glasgow Gift Card, part of the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card initiative, is one of the biggest local Gift Cards in the UK with over 1200 city businesses accepting the card, including national brands and independent businesses. Almost £10 million has been locked into the city through the Glasgow Gift Card since its launch.

Kathy Murdoch, Centre Director at Buchanan Galleries said: “Our partnership with the Glasgow Gift Card has been really popular with guests at Buchanan Galleries.

“Shoppers appreciate the ability to spend their Glasgow Gift Card in a wide range of their favourite brands at the centre, in addition to many other fantastic businesses in the city. With Christmas approaching, what better time to give people the chance to experience the Glasgow Gift Card for themselves than with the Great Giftcard Giveaway!”

Colin Munro is the CEO of Miconex and said: “It’s brilliant to see the partnership between Buchanan Galleries and the Glasgow Gift Card developing with the Great Gift Card Giveaway. This campaign is all about rewarding shoppers for supporting their city. The choice on offer with the card is staggering, including the big brands you know and the local businesses you love and I encourage Glaswegians to kick off their Christmas shopping at Buchanan Galleries from the 20th October for a chance to win.”