- Sainsbury Sainsbury has launched a new range of bacon on its delicatessen fixture, @west Country Premium Bacon, sourced in the West Country. "It is traditionally cured for a fuller flavour and thicker cut for a meatier texture," says category buyer for bacon, Rupert Nichols. Nichols wants to make the fixture more convenient and easier to shop. "Customers are not prepared to spend a long time browsing the fixture. We have to ensure that the bacon range on offer is clearly labelled with the key messages the consumer is looking for." - Somerfield Bacon buying responsibilities at Somerfield are about to change. "Bacon, sausages and bacon meal centres will be bought by the bacon buyer in the meat department, bringing raw meat products under one roof," says buyer John Hall All bacon and sausages outside the delicatessen are merchandised with chilled convenience foods, but destined to move onto the meat fixture when the switch is made. - Safeway Safeway believes growth in bacon will come from driving quality premium products at affordable prices. An example, it says, is its recently launched Best range which includes dry cure, traditional cure and maple cure bacon. - CWS CWS buyer for cooked meats and bacon Paul Dumbrell says the sector with the most potential is added-value or convenience joints and steaks, but that has yet to be realised. - Waitrose The fixture runs two promotions a month and is performing strongly, says bacon buyer Sophie Read. It is looking at developing the category with more speciality cures and meal solutions. {{FOCUS SPECIALS }}