The evolution of Picky bits in 2026

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 Source: Gavin Rothwell, Linkedin post

Picky bits and snacking - a part of the store we've been paying close attention to recently given its significant recent expansion. And while National Picky Bits day may have been started by M&S last year, it feels like it gained greater momentum this year. So what have we seen in our visits? Here are three points to start with:

1. Extensive focus on multi-buys. 3 for £8 is very common, but alternative deals are available. And, as to be expected in the UK in 2026, the deal is only often accessible to loyalty scheme members.

2. Inspiration from Spain 🇪🇸 and Argentina 🇦🇷has been strong. Tapas style solutions and empanadas among the new products that have arrived on shelf this year. Any coincidence with the World Cup Final may or may not be purely coincidental, and I'd hoped to celebrate the M&S Ploughman's Pot more here, but the key message is that there has been extensive product development this year and increased focus on the whole section in-store.

3. The growth of grazing platters. Increasingly in conversations with clients I talk about showcasing solutions over products, and this is a great example of that. Other markets - like the US - have long had a strong focus on this area, so it's great to see more of this coming into UK supermarkets.




















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