Environmental Nappy

Globally, its estimated that 300,000 disposable nappies are sent to landfill or incinerated every minute, leading to environmental issues as many contain plastics and synthetic materials and can take hundreds of years to decompose. While there's sustainable alternatives such as washable nappies, the effort and cost limits how widely they're used. Over the years many start-ups have marketed greener alternatives to disposable nappies. Can the latest make an impression? Texas-based company Hiro Technologies has created unbleached disposable diapers that comes with a packet of fungi which is added to the used diaper when it's ready to be thrown away. The fungi are able to break down and digest the diaper over time, says co-founder Miki Agrawa, who started the brand after being shocked by how many nappies her son was going through. The diapers cost $136 (£100) for a month's supply, though there is a subscription price of $199. That's significantly more than regular disposables, which are estimated to cost cost around $70 a month.Is the price out of range for most parents? Price tags aside, Sonali Jagadev, senior research analyst at Euromonitor, says progress in creating a more innovative and sustainable nappy remains slow and uneven due to several factors including high production costs and supply chain constraints. And, of course, there are consumer priorities. "Parents continue to prioritise performance, hygiene and convenience over sustainability, meaning brands take a risk if greener solutions compromise any of these core expectations."

BBQ - Do you think there will ever be enough demand for a sustainable nappy?

Hiro Nappies

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Denby Appoint Adiministrators

 

Derbyshire’s historic pottery firm Denby, which has been producing ceramics for more than two centuries, has announced plans to appoint administrators, describing the move as a precautionary step taken in response to mounting financial pressures. The company explained that rapidly rising energy costs and increasing employment expenses have placed significant strain on its operations, prompting it to seek short‑term protection while options for securing the business’s future are explored. Despite its long heritage and established reputation, Denby stated that these escalating costs have “squeezed the business financially,” making the decision necessary to stabilise the company as it evaluates potential funding or restructuring solutions. Union representatives have described the situation as a “worrying time” for workers, while local political figures have urged for urgent support — particularly in tackling high industrial energy costs — to help safeguard the future of this iconic British ceramics brand

BBQ - What would the impact be on different stakeholders if Denby closed?

Denby Administrators

John Lewis Bring Back Bonus

 

John Lewis is awarding its staff a bonus for the first time in four years as the retailer continues its turnaround. The partnership, which operates the eponymous department store chain and Waitrose supermarkets, said underlying profits had grown during its last financial year. The 2% bonus, equivalent to an extra week's pay, will be the first its staff have received since 2022. It was scrapped during the Covid pandemic when the business underwent a major revamp which included shutting shops and cutting jobs. Looking ahead, John Lewis said it remained "cautious" for the current year but was in a stronger position financially "to navigate the challenging macroeconomic environment". The latest results show the business reported a pre-tax loss of £21m, due to £120m worth of one-off costs which mainly related to write-downs in the value of old tech systems. But underlying profits rose 6% to £134m. Sales across the business rose by 5% to £13.4bn. Sales growth was higher at Waitrose compared to John Lewis. Supermarket sales grew by 7% to £8.5bn in the year to the end of January compared to a 3% increase to £4.9bn at its department stores.

BBQ - Is a bonus the best way of motivating staff?

John Lewis Bonus

Poppeggs!

Valeo Foods UK has announced the launch of Poppeggs, a new seasonal chocolate product under its Poppets brand, arriving in stores for Easter 2026. Poppeggs were designed to meet growing shopper demand for affordable, smaller-format seasonal treats, suitable for multiple occasions including snacking, sharing and gifting. The product’s straightforward format and familiar taste profile make it an easy, low-risk addition to the Easter aisle. Available in an 80g bag (£1.50 RRP), Poppeggs sit firmly within the mainstream Easter chocolate price bracket, offering strong value compared with similar solid chocolate products. The format supports impulse purchase as well as family sharing, helping retailers maximise basket spend across the seasonal period. The launch reflects continued growth in shareable and value-led seasonal confectionery, particularly as shoppers remain price-conscious. Marketing support will focus on in-store visibility, seasonal aisle activation and retailer digital channels, supported by light social activity to drive awareness and footfall. 

BBQ - With a price almost one third cheaper than Cadburys will people switch brand?

Poppets

Aston Martin Must Adapt

It is the firm famed for making the car James Bond drives, but its history has been almost as turbulent as some of the adventures of the Ian Fleming hero. Aston Martin confirmed this week it would be cutting a fifth of its workforce, after the firm's net losses jumped by more than 50% last year. Bosses at the luxury car firm blamed its woes on US president Donald Trump's tariffs in a statement made last month. Experts believe Aston Martin, which is headquartered in Gaydon, Warwickshire, was particularly susceptible to those headwinds but believed there were opportunities for its fortunes to be revived once again. Its troubles come at a time when the car industry is facing one of the most difficult periods in its history, according to former Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer. He said car makers were having to adapt to manufacturing electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, as well as changes in consumer behaviour. He added that China was the largest automotive market in the world and that vehicles produced there were now competing within the luxury market traditionally occupied by the likes of McLaren and Aston Martin. Sales of Aston Martin vehicles helped make the West Midlands the UK's largest exporting region to America. The firm's success was also critical to supporting the wider supply chain in the region, with many local firms providing parts for the vehicles. He believed Aston Martin would now need to collaborate more with larger companies like Mercedes, to access technology it would otherwise struggle to develop on its own, in order to return it to a more profitable position.

BBQ - What will happen if Aston Martin fail to adapt?

Aston Martin

Seedance

A new artificial intelligence (AI) model developed by the Chinese company behind TikTok rocked Hollywood this week - not just because of what it can do, but what it could mean for creative industries. Created by tech giant ByteDance, Seedance 2.0 can generate cinema-quality video, complete with sound effects and dialogue, from just a few written prompts. Many of the clips said to have been made using Seedance, and featuring popular characters like Spider-Man and Deadpool, went viral. Major studios like Disney and Paramount quickly accused ByteDance of copyright infringement but concerns about the technology run deeper than legal issues. Seedance was launched to little fanfare in June 2025 but it is the second version that came eight months later that has caused a major stir. Many industry experts and filmmakers believe Seedance is a new chapter in the development of video-generating technology. Seedance has run into trouble over copyright issues, a growing challenge in the age of AI. Experts warn that AI companies are prioritising technology over people as they make more powerful tools and use data without paying for it. In the year since Beijing has put AI and robotics at the core of its economic strategy, investing heavily in advanced computer chip production, automation and generative AI as it bids for a technological edge over the US.

BBQ - How worried should Hollywood be about the continued advancement in AI?

Seedance

Poppi To Debut in UK

A new soft drink is about to land in the UK — and it’s already caused a storm across the Atlantic. Poppi, the prebiotic, low‑sugar soda that’s gone viral in the US, will be hitting Tesco and Pret from early March. PepsiCo snapped up the brand last year, and it’s clear they see Poppi as more than just another fizzy drink. With its bold cans, fruity flavours, and gut‑health message, Poppi has built a reputation as the drink for the social‑media generation. Now it’s crossing the pond with five flavours: Strawberry Lemon, Raspberry Rose, Orange, Lemon Lime and Wild Berry. What’s interesting from a business perspective is how Poppi fits perfectly into the UK trend for functional beverages. Consumers aren’t just looking for “less sugar” anymore — they’re after drinks that claim added benefits, whether that’s energy, immunity, or now gut health. And retailers love a product that looks good on shelves and taps into a growing market. Poppi’s launch also signals a strategic shift for PepsiCo. Rather than trying to reinvent older brands, they’re investing in new ones that already have cultural momentum. If Poppi performs like it did in the States, we could soon see the big UK players reacting quickly, especially in the premium soft drink category. It’s always fascinating to see how quickly the soft drinks market evolves. One big launch can set the tone for the year ahead — and Poppi might just be the brand to watch in 2026. In terms of pricing, Poppi will sell in 330ml cans, both individually and in four‑packs. Recommended pricing sits at £2.59 per can and £7.79 for multipacks, putting Poppi firmly in the premium soft drinks bracket.

BBQ - With its premium pricing and gut‑health positioning, do you think Poppi will become a UK staple — or will it remain a niche American import?

Poppi