From:Packaging News

In the wake of the Starbucks red cups controversy, Waitrose has decided to keep faith in the same Christmas packaging range, after its success in 2014.

Created by freelance illustrator Kate Forrester, customers will be able to browse the festive aisles with the familiar traditional, snowy designs on products, decorations and trimmings in-store. There is also a festive touch to the Waitrose website during the Christmas period, with the wallpaper also featuring Forrester’s designs.

As well as giving the Christmas treatment to some of their old favourites, including mince pies, biscuit selections and various cakes, Waitrose has expanded its range in 2015, with new pack designs following the same artwork.

Some of the new packs include Christmas Signature Spice Nut Mix (185g), Christmas Signature Spice Hot Chocolate (250g), Macadamia Mix (200g) and Christmas Signature Spice Greek Style Yogurt (450g).

The early Winter period has proved to be a success at Waitrose, with the company confirming that sales were up 2.5% (excl fuel) during the week ending 21 November.

If the success of this particular packaging range continues throughout Christmas 2015 and beyond it appears likely that the range will become a fixture of the festive season for years to come.