Tesco has today launched what it claims is the biggest free sampling event in UK supermarket history in the run-up to Christmas.

It predicts more than 2.6 million customers will receive free samples of Tesco’s festive food products in a campaign boss Dave Lewis hopes will help boost loyalty in a vital trading period for the retailer.

The campaign will run until Christmas Day, with products available for at 600 of its superstores and Extras across the country.

As part of the campaign, 270 stores will host Christmas Food Festivals, offering samples of products across Tesco’s entire Christmas range.

Tesco said key products available for tasting during the campaign included party food, Tesco Finest Prosecco and free-from products such as profiteroles. 

“We’re very proud of the quality of our Christmas food range this year so we wanted to help our customers to try some of the amazing new products we’ve developed,” said Jason Tarry, Tesco’s chief product officer.

“Buying something new can sometimes feel like a risk, especially if you’re entertaining guests, so we hope the tastings will help our customers to find exciting new products to enjoy.”