Will Andy Burnham’s stockpile missive start a tinned food revolution?

In the 1970s, the extravagant department store known as Big Biba captivated Londoners with its innovative and luxurious shopping experience. The store featured a food hall with eye-catching canned food displays, showcasing tinned goods in a glamorous manner. However, despite its initial popularity, Big Biba closed down just a year later, leading to a decline in the British public's consumption of canned food over the following decades.

Recent government statistics reveal that per capita consumption of canned beans, fruit, peas, beef, potatoes, tomatoes, and beans has dropped significantly since the 1970s, with some categories experiencing a dramatic decrease of up to 90%. However, there are exceptions; canned tomatoes and fish have actually seen a boost in popularity. This trend is attributed to retailers finding ways to make tinned food more appealing through stylish packaging and branding.

Recently, Andy Burnham has called for Britons to stockpile at least three days' worth of tinned food in anticipation of potential crises. This suggestion has sparked speculation about a potential resurgence in the premium tinned food market, similar to the luxury tinned fish currently available in some stores. With certain tinned fish products commanding prices as high as £50 for a can of anchovies, and £60 for white tuna, there is clearly a market for high-end tinned products.

Burnham's call to action may indeed trigger a renewed interest in tinned food and the creation of a new market for those seeking a taste of the past in these uncertain times.