This is a crucial Christmas for Tesco and CEO Dave Lewis will be relieved to see a well thought out and well executed range to suit all tastes and pockets. Frozen whole Canadian lobsters weighing around 400g will go for £7, while a pair of fresh lobster tails will be available to pre-order for £20. Free-range turkey will be priced at a competitive £7 per kg, and the 90-strong party range includes ‘Croquette Roulette’, a round platter complete with spinning dial (see pic, left). One lucky guest will spin the dial and land on a fiery hot one. “It’s joyful and playful, which as a business we are driving towards,” says Tesco. 

Verdict: Fresh ideas combined with convenient solutions for stressed out home cooks are in abundance. 

Star product: Turkey in 10: a stuffed 500g turkey breast cooked sous vide then frozen. Takes 10 minutes in a microwave and will be marketed at singletons, novice cooks, elderly couples or anyone experiencing the thrill of a last-minute unexpected guest.