Five London Finds: Market Inspiration from the Frontline

Welcome to this week's edition of GRATE

I spent a few days in London recently, and as always, came back buzzing with ideas. There’s nothing quite like getting out into the market — seeing what’s new on shelf, what’s trending in stores, and how brands are capturing attention. These five finds caught my eye not just because they’re interesting launches, but because they reflect the energy and direction of where food, retail, and experience are heading. From cross-cultural influences to smarter sustainability and reimagined indulgence, innovation is alive and well.

And yes, I did see plenty of Christmas ranges — but I’m not quite ready to delve into tinsel and truffles just yet! I’ll share my festive observations in a later edition.

Have you and your team been out in the marketplace recently? Have you planned your food safaris — to London, Dublin, or maybe even further afield — to explore Christmas or gather inspiration for next year’s planning? 

As always, enjoy the read, and drop me a note with any views or insights.

Annie x

FIX - DUBAI'S DESSERT SENSATION POPS UP IN HARRODS

Dubai’s viral FIX Dessert Chocolatier has made its international debut with a candy-coloured pop-up inside Harrods’ Chocolate Hall, open until November 23. The space captures FIX’s playful, pastel aesthetic — complete with its “Flavour Stop” seating inspired by London’s iconic transit map. Outside, a special FIX truck serves a world-exclusive creation: the OG FIX Hot Chocolate, developed with Harrods and topped with pistachio chantilly, a dark chocolate disk, and a croissant-filo twist. A perfect blend of indulgence, theatre, and global brand energy arriving in London.

BOSH! - PLANT-BASED READY MEALS & PIZZAS HIT TESCO

BOSH! has evolved from social media sensation to a full lifestyle brand. The move marks a major milestone for Henry Firth and Ian Theasby, co-founders of BOSH! and authors of several bestselling vegan cookbooks. Since 2016, the pair have built a global following through social media and video content, where their simple and flavourful recipes have been credited with helping to popularise plant-based cooking. The range includes six ready meals and two pizzas, designed to make plant-based eating more accessible and easier.

VNILLA - BANANA PUDDING BAKERY BUZZ

New on the London dessert scene, VNILLA brings a New York-style (think Magnolia Bakery) banana pudding bakery concept to the UK, Covent Garden to be precise, with lines snaking out the door. It’s tapping the “dessert destination” trend — a social media-ready, sensory indulgence moment that merges nostalgia with modern flavour play. And quite cleverly, this Covent Garden dessert shop only sells two puddings: the original banana pudding and a monthly special.

WAITROSE - THE WORLD'S FIRST FULLY CARDBOARD 

INSTANT COFFEE JAR

Waitrose has launched the Presto brand of instant coffee in what it claims is the "world's first" fully cardboard, recyclable jar, as part of its new challenger brands scheme. This innovation aims to offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional instant coffee packaging, which often uses mixed materials or plastic. The new jars are fully recyclable through standard paper and cardboard recycling streams.

SABA - LONDON'S FIRST KOREAN RAMEN CONVENIENCE STORE

Part ramen bar, part retail space, SABA blends Korean street-food culture with convenience innovation. It’s the UK’s first Korean ramen bar featuring self-serve ramen machines — a playful, immersive format that’s redefining what “quick-serve” and “cultural convenience” can look like.