‘Very dissatisfied’ – Sainsbury’s confirms it has discontinued own-brand item in stores and online

‘Very dissatisfied’ – Sainsbury’s confirms it has discontinued own-brand item in stores and online

  • 16.03.2025 14:00
  • thesun.co.uk
  • Keywords: Discontinued Product, Plant-Based Products

Sainsbury's discontinued its own-brand Plant Pioneer Meat Free Steaks, with a customer service agent confirming the item is no longer available. A shopper expressed "very dissatisfied" over the decision. Sainsbury's is not alone in discontinuing products; other retailers like Greggs have also removed popular items due to changing consumer demand.

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Estimated market influence

Sainsbury's

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

Discontinued Plant Pioneer Meat Free Steaks due to low demand.

Greggs

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

Removed ham salad baguettes despite popularity.

Context

Analysis of Business Insights and Market Implications

Key Facts and Data Points:

  • Product Discontinuation: Sainsbury's has discontinued its own-brand "Plant Pioneer Meat Free Steaks" online and in stores.
  • Customer Reaction: A customer expressed "very dissatisfied" with the decision.
  • Market Trend: UK shoppers' searches for "Food" and "Vegan Diet" have declined by an unspecified percentage over three years.
  • Greggs Ham Salad Baguettes: Discontinued despite popularity, leading to customer backlash.
  • Six-Pint Milk Bottles: Phased out by the UK's biggest supermarket in 2023 to reduce wastage.

Market Trends and Business Impact:

  • Declining Vegan Demand: The gradual decline in searches for "Vegan Diet" suggests a potential shift in consumer preferences away from vegan products.
  • Strategic Product Culling: Companies like Sainsbury's and Greggs are discontinuing items to align with changing customer tastes or cost-cutting measures.
  • Operational Efficiency: Phasing out six-pint milk bottles indicates a focus on reducing waste and optimizing supply chains.

Competitive Dynamics:

  • Customer Loyalty Risks: Discontinuation of popular products like ham salad baguettes and Plant Pioneer steaks may harm brand loyalty and lead to negative customer feedback.
  • Regulatory Influence: Government regulations, such as the "sugar tax," are forcing companies to adapt their product offerings.

Strategic Considerations:

  • Cost Optimization: Companies are tweaking ingredients or discontinuing items to manage rising costs while maintaining stable prices.
  • Sustainability Focus: Phasing out certain packaging sizes (e.g., six-pint milk bottles) aligns with sustainability goals and reduces waste.

Long-Term Effects:

  • Shift in Consumer Preferences: The decline in vegan product demand may signal a broader shift in dietary trends, impacting the market for plant-based products.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Future regulations could force further changes in product formulations or availability.

Conclusion:

The discontinuation of popular items by major retailers highlights evolving consumer preferences and strategic adjustments driven by cost, sustainability, and regulatory pressures. These moves may have long-term implications for brand loyalty and market positioning.