Aldi has been taunting M&S with Cuthbert the Caterpillar again, this time rolling up a giant Christmas-themed one outside a store in Brighton.
The giant topiary sculpture of Aldi’s Cuthbert chocolate cake stopped off at an M&S store as it toured Brighton landmarks on a lorry bed, decorated with baubles and lights.
It was pictured today at landmarks including Brighton’s pier and Royal Pavilion, before arriving at Aldi’s store on Pacific Drive in Eastbourne, where it will remain until 22 December.
Cuthbert was the focus of a high-profile intellectual property dispute in 2021, when M&S accused Aldi of copying its Colin the Caterpillar cake. The two retailers reached a confidential out of court agreement later that year, and Aldi has used the rivalry to poke fun at M&S ever since, including a 2023 TV ad in which the two characters came to blows.
M&S is unlikely to have failed to spot the 12ft-long, 8ft-tall Cuthbert outside its store today.
“Cuthbert is an Aldi icon, so it only felt right we gave him a festive twist, swapping chocolate for topiary, baubles and fairy lights to spread the festive cheer,” said Aldi chief commercial officer Julie Ashfield.
“After letting him loose for a spot of Christmas sightseeing, he’s now settling into its new home at our Pacific Drive store in Eastbourne. We can’t wait for shoppers to come down, grab a photo and get into the Christmas spirit with him.”
Aldi’s Cuthbert Cake (£6.99, 625g) is in stores now.
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