Sainsbury’s teams up with Carluccio’s to test new in-store concepts
Sainsbury’s is teaming up with Carluccio’s to test out three new in-store food concepts this summer.
The companies will firstly be launching a coffee shop in Sainsbury’s St Albans superstore where customers will be offered both eat-in and takeaway options. Due to launch on 3 June, Caffè Carluccio’s will be the first Carluccio’s to open in a supermarket.
Spanning 900 square feet, the coffee shop will have space for up to 45 customers who will be able to choose from a range of real Italian coffee, iced coffees, Cremosa blended drinks and granita fruit ices. There will also be a selection of all-day breakfast foods and light-bites, including freshly made ciabatta sandwiches, toasties, filled croissants and pastries. In addition, customers will be able to buy Carluccio’s branded retail products such as biscotti, cantucci, ground coffee and gianduiotti chocolates.
Meanwhile, a Carluccio’s Counter launching in June at Sainsbury’s Leamington Spa superstore will offer the brand’s trademark range of deli products and pizza for take-away or delivery via Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat.
In a further move, the companies will also be trialling a restaurant hub at Sainsbury’s Selly Oak superstore that will offer grab-and-go and delivery options from Caffe Carluccio’s, GBK, Slim Chickens, Harry Ramsdens and Ed’s Easy Diner.
Carluccio’s was acquired by Boparan Restaurant Group in May 2020. Sainsbury’s said the two companies will listen closely to customer feedback in all three stores before deciding on any next steps.
Rhian Bartlett, food commercial director at Sainsbury’s, said: “We’re testing these new offers as part of our plan to put food back at the heart of Sainsbury’s – bringing even more innovative and delicious food and drink to our stores. This is the first time we’ve worked with Carluccio’s and we’ll be listening closely to see what shoppers think of the different concepts, which also include GBK, Slim Chickens, Harry Ramsdens and Ed’s Easy Diner.”
