Health campaign groups have criticised Morrisons after it launched multibuy deals for Christmas confectionery just weeks before the government’s delayed ban on multibuy deals and bogofs comes into force.
The supermarket said this week it was helping customers stock up on family favourites ahead of Christmas, with a two for £9 deal across Christmas chocolate tubs on Quality Street (600g), Celebrations (550g), Cadbury Heroes (550g) and Cadbury Roses (550g).
Morrisons has previously sought to gain an advantage over rivals including Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose, who have avoided such HFSS multibuy deals despite the government delaying the introduction of the ban because of he cost of living crisis.
The latest deal is available only until Sunday (31 August) with Morrisons saying customers needed to be quick to get their hands on festive favourites.
However, Sonia Pombo, head of research and impact at Action on Salt and Sugar, said: “Why are we pushing Christmas chocolate tubs in August?
“Families don’t need nudges to buy more sugar months before the holidays, especially when obesity and type 2 diabetes are already piling pressure on the NHS.
“With restrictions on multibuy promotions for high fat, salt and sugar products scheduled from 1 October, this looks like a last-minute dash to bank sales before the rules change.
“Retailers should be harnessing their influence to make healthier options the simple and affordable choice, rather than driving families to stock up on oversized packs of confectionery.
“As autumn approaches, we hope Morrisons and other retailers will pivot their deals towards healthier staples and real value for families – not just tempting oversized treats.”
Katharine Jenner, director of the Obesity Health Alliance, added: “Supermarkets and food companies have long used multibuy promotions to push families into buying more unhealthy products than they otherwise would. These tactics undermine people’s ability to buy healthier options, especially when household budgets are already stretched.
“The new restrictions on these promotions from 1 October are a sensible, evidence-based step. As the Leeds evaluation of location restrictions showed, these measures work – making it easier for families to put healthier options in their baskets. Voluntary approaches have consistently failed; proper regulation is needed to rebalance our food environment.”
A Morrisons spokeswoman said: “We offer seasonal confectionery deals in August as we know our customers are looking to stock up on the family favourite and spread out the cost of Christmas. This offer helps them to do this.”
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