Waitrose, a leading UK supermarket, has announced a 10% increase in the price of its popular meal deal, now charging £5.50 for a combination of a drink, main meal, and snack. The meal deal, introduced in 2023 at an initial price of £5, continues to offer customers a variety of high-quality lunch options made with carefully sourced ingredients.
A Waitrose spokesperson emphasized the value customers receive: “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.”
In addition to the price change, Waitrose is experiencing a significant surge in demand for its unhomogenised organic whole milk. To keep pace with this growing interest, the Waitrose Farm at the Leckford Estate in Hampshire has installed new milk processing units to increase capacity.
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Alice Grigoleit, Milk Buyer at Waitrose, explains the appeal of unhomogenised milk: “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, adds: “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 driven by a desire for whole foods and growing awareness about ultra-processed foods. Many customers are 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 Leckford Estate has risen by 74%. Following the installation of new milk tanks, total production capacity has nearly doubled, increasing by 95% compared to 2023 levels.
All Waitrose own-brand fresh cow’s milk is free range, reflecting the company’s commitment to high animal welfare standards.
As part of the John Lewis Partnership—the UK’s largest employee-owned business—Waitrose operates 320 stores across the country along with a robust online platform. The supermarket also extends its footprint through partnerships with brands like Welcome Break and Shell, ensuring accessibility in locations such as Birmingham and Solihull.