10th April | Amy Bainbridge back

Stout’s Back, Baby – and Cider’s Gone Posh

Big news in the world of booze – The Grocer’s latest Focus on Beer & Cider report (29th March 2025)  has landed, and it’s spilling some serious insights. The headline? Stout is making a bold comeback and cider is getting a premium glow up. Drinkers are getting more adventurous, chasing bigger flavours, better quality and a proper drinking experience. And the brands that nail it (Westons, and a certain Irish stout, we’re looking at you) are cashing in. So, what’s behind the shift, and how can brands ride the wave?

The Stout Renaissance – Dark, Rich and Back in Fashion

For years, stout was a bit of an underdog – a bit too ‘Dad at the pub’ for some. But not anymore. According to The Grocer’s report, UK stout sales are up +14% YOY, as drinkers (especially younger ones) are rediscovering its smooth, indulgent appeal. And they’re not just sipping the old-school classics. Modern stouts are shaking things up with nitro-infused creaminess, rich coffee and chocolate notes, combined with sessionable ABVs, making them more accessible than ever. The days of heavy, one-dimensional stouts are over – now it’s about smooth, flavour-packed pours that feel fresh and exciting. And let’s talk influence. When A-listers, sports stars and musicians start sipping on something, it doesn’t stay niche for long – it becomes the drink everyone wants to be seen with. A certain dark, creamy pint has been having its viral moment, popping up in the hands of celebs left, right and centre, proving that a well-placed endorsement can shift an entire category overnight.  

Premium Cider is Winning – And Westons is Leading the Charge

It’s official: cider drinkers are levelling up. Neon-coloured, artificially flavoured ciders? Dead. Today’s drinkers want the real deal – proper cider made with proper apples (shocking, we know). And the numbers back it up. The premium and crafted segment is surging, with more consumers happy to pay extra for authenticity and quality. That’s exactly where Westons is smashing it. Henry Westons Vintage 500ml isn’t just the UK’s best-selling cider SKU – it’s worth a massive £20.4 million more than the next bestseller – while the new Westons Vintage Pear has added £550k in sales over the past year. And if you need any more proof that premium cider is big business? One bottle of Henry Westons Vintage is sold every 0.75 seconds across the UK. Riding high on that success, Westons has just dropped Henry Westons 1880 Vintage, to mark 145 years of cider-making heritage with a recipe picked from the family archives. Designed to capitalise on the booming crafted cider segment, it’s already shaping up to be another crowd-pleaser. The key takeaway? Premium cider isn’t trend, it’s a full-blown category shift. And Westons is proving that premium cider doesn’t have to be pretentious – just proper.

Drinking is Now an Experience – Not Just a Pint

Pubs, bars and even supermarkets aren’t just selling drinks anymore – they’re selling experiences. That’s why beer tasting flights, cider and food pairings, and immersive brewery and orchard tours are on the rise. Drinkers want to know the story behind what’s in their glass, and brands that offer more than just a product are winning. Heritage, craftsmanship and sustainability all play a part. And when you throw pop culture into the mix – from celeb-backed brands to viral social media moments – you’ve got a recipe for drinks brands to own the conversation.

Want to Make Some Noise in Beer & Cider?

Stout is cool again. Cider is getting fancy. And brands that own these trends will win big. But standing out in a crowded market takes more than just a great product – it takes a killer PR strategy. That’s where we come in. At Richmond & Towers, we help brands like Westons and Brooklyn Brewery own the conversation, with game-changing trade coverage to make sure the right people are paying attention. So, if you’re ready to turn industry trends into big wins, let’s talk.  

21st March | Anouska Leon back

Celebrating B Corp Month at R&T: Where Profits Meet Purpose

In March 2023, Richmond & Towers proudly became the UK’s first 100% employee-owned, B Corp certified PR and social media agency. Achieving B Corp status was a further demonstration of our commitment to ethical and environmental business practices and social responsibility. Celebrating B Corp Month felt like an opportune moment to reflect on our certification and what it means to us as a business. ​

What is B Corp Certification?

B Corp, is a seal of approval to say that we meet the highest standards of social and environmental business performance. B Corps are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on all stakeholders, including employees, clients, suppliers, community and the environment. It ensures that businesses operate, not just for profit, but for the greater good.

The Richmond & Towers Legacy of Integrity and Innovation

As a business, we’ve always led with innovation – a world war, a pandemic and a few recessions will do that to you. Established in 1930 by two pioneering women, Suzanne Richmond and Majorie Towers, Richmond & Towers has consistently evolved, adapting to the changing landscapes of the PR industry and the world around us. So, it was a natural evolution when, in 2019, we became the first 100% employee-owned PR agency. That means, that the whole team have a stake in the business and, therefore, a say in how we do business.  It’s important to us as a team to balance profit with purpose, so the obvious next step was to become B Corp. We wanted our business to be a force for good.

The Significance of B Corp Certification for Richmond & Towers

As Jonathan Sacks notes in his book, “Morality”, businesses have become disconnected. They lack accountability and responsibility to anyone, beyond their shareholders. They are, “Institutions that have power without responsibility“, solely focused on short-term financial gains at the expense of long-term sustainability and ethical considerations. We don’t do business that way… Achieving certification is a testament to our dedication to running an ethical and sustainable business.  The rigorous assessment process evaluates us on governance, employee rights, community impact, environmental impact, and customer stewardship. We’re very proud to have received a B Impact Score of 114.3 – significantly higher than the average score – proving that we walk the walk. In an era where everyone – employees, clients and their customers – are increasingly looking for socially responsible businesses, our B Corp certification positions us as a leader in ethical business practices. It shows our clients that we are committed to making a positive impact – and we’re able to pass that impact on to their supply chain. B Corp is not a one-time achievement to get and then tick it off your list, it’s an ongoing commitment to excellence and therefore (a gruelling) recertification every three years, but we think that’s a positive – it encourages us to continuously improve rather than becoming complacent. By joining the global community of over 7,600 certified (at time of writing) B Corps across 84 countries, we align with a collective mission to redefine what success in business means. It allows us to collaborate with like-minded organisations, and contribute to a movement that champions an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy. Our B Corp certification is more than a badge of honour; it reflects our enduring commitment. We live and breathe our values and, as we celebrate B Corp Month, we reaffirm our dedication to these principles, recognising that true business success encompasses not only profitability but also the positive impact we give back to our team, clients, community, and the environment. We are so proud to be part of a global movement that sees business as a force for good.  

20th March | Dani Cooper back

From Crunch to Crave: The Trends Shaping Snack Bars This Year

Snack bars are evolving – fast. While some brands are feeling the squeeze (cheers rising costs and HFSS regulations), others are proving that with the right mix of innovation, great taste and a strong brand story, there’s still massive room for growth. And we’re not just saying that – the numbers speak for themselves. As reported in The Grocer’s Focus on Snack Bars category report last weekend, our clients TREK, nākd. and BEAR are all in growth – up +19%, +15.1% and +4.6% respectively. Even with more shoppers reaching for indulgent treats, brands that get the right balance between health, function and flavour are the ones thriving. So, what’s shaking up the snack bar world and how can brands ride this wave rather than get lost in the crunch?

Rising Costs, Promotions & Pack Changes (Oh My!)

Ingredient costs are through the roof (wheat, cocoa, nuts – take your pick), meaning brands have had to adapt. Whether it’s strategic pricing shifts, increased promotions or format adjustments, the reality is that snack bars, like many other categories, are navigating a tough economic landscape. According to The Grocer, the average price of a cereal bar is up +6.5% and promotions now make up 33% of sales. But, despite these challenges, branded bars are outperforming own label, proving that when consumers spend, they’re choosing brands they trust, which is why branded category leaders are thriving, while others struggle to keep up.

Health vs. Indulgence: The Big Snacking Dilemma

Consumers are torn between wanting to eat well and wanting a treat, with snack bars having to deliver on both to stay ahead. But, when it comes down to it, taste is still the number one purchase driver above all. If it doesn’t deliver on flavour, it’s not making it into baskets. That’s why brands that strike the balance between indulgence and function – all while making sure their products taste great – are winning. TREK is a prime example, combining bold, crave-worthy flavours with its high protein, natural ingredient credentials. At the start of 2024, the brand launched TREK Power Biscoff®, which has already racked up £4.6m in sales. And it’s not stopping there – the new Biscoff® Protein Flapjack is set to continue that momentum, giving consumers exactly what they want. Meanwhile, nākd. is thriving, proving that simplicity sells. Its focus on wholefood ingredients with no added nonsense makes it a go-to for health conscious snackers who still want great taste. The key takeaway? Better For You snacking has to be delicious first, or it just won’t win with shoppers.

HFSS: The Ever-Changing Landscape

HFSS rules continue to shake up the category. As The Grocer notes, brands that haven’t adapted are losing out on key shelf space, while those that have (think reformulations, Better For You innovations and strategic product launches) are still securing prime positions. And here’s the deal: having a great product isn’t enough. If retailers and buyers don’t know what makes it special, they won’t stock it. That’s why brands need to own their narrative – whether that’s through trade media, on-pack messaging or social media storytelling.

So, How Do Brands Make Noise?

The brands that win aren’t just the ones making great tasting products – they’re the ones who are front and centre in the industry conversation. That’s where trade PR comes in. Because having a brilliant product is one thing, but getting it noticed by retailers, buyers and decision-makers? That’s what turns momentum into sales. From securing must-read coverage to crafting compelling brand stories, we know how to make snack brands unmissable. At Richmond & Towers, we help brands stand out and stay ahead. So, if you’re ready to make waves in your category, let’s make it happen.