Supercooks and Foodies rejoice as Waitrose launches new food networking site

July 6, 2007 - These are exciting times for Waitrose in cyberspace. Commended by Which? as the UK’s Best Broadband Provider 2007, the re-launch of Waitrose.com on 4th July will also see the retailer unveil an ambitious bid to become Britain’s premier food networking site, with the launch of a new ‘open to all’ Food Forum.

Soon, passionate foodies, from traditionalists in the Home Counties to city-based ‘super cooks,’ will be given the opportunity to join the debate on hot topics including Fairtrade and organic food. Users will also be able to trade culinary tips on everything from maximising seasonal produce to how that extra slug of wine, handful of freshly-torn herbs or dollop of locally produced cream can turn an existing recipe into a signature dish. In addition, enthusiasts can add their own comments to recipes and upload pictures of their efforts for the first time.

Adding 20 new recipes a month to its famous 4,500 strong archive, Waitrose.com will unveil an e-scrapbook facility which will allow a new generation of users to create their own e-culinary library, complete with notes as they would in their cookbook collection at home. Those keen to access step-by-step video demonstrations on how to improve skills and techniques from slicing a pineapple to carving a turkey will also be able to do so at the click of a mouse.

Already renowned for food and wine expertise in its shops, the new navigation system on the Waitrose website will give food lovers even easier access to an almost limitless amount of expert information. In addition to offering arguably the most comprehensive nutritional information of any supermarket website, professional nutritionists will also be on hand to answer questions online about everything from eating your way through a healthy pregnancy to the dos and don’ts of a diabetic diet.

Updated content on Waitrose branches including details of local produce stocked and local community news will be complimented by access to online shopping. Meanwhile food glossaries and wine guides will be available alongside an archive of the award winning Waitrose Food Illustrated Magazine.

Mark Price, Managing Director of Waitrose said:

“We aim to bring the same principles, expertise and quality our customers expect on the shop floor to our online offerings. As a result, we are delighted Which? recognised our ‘consistently high-quality internet service’ and that revenues generated by our broadband offer last year raised over £110,000 for charities including The British Heart Foundation, The British Red Cross, The Princes Trust and MacMillan Cancer Support.

Meanwhile, as every foodie knows, sharing advice and tips is a hugely rewarding experience and this is something we want to bring, free of charge to enthusiasts, with our new Waitrose.com site. Having launched this site 8 years ago, I've always been committed to the Waitrose online experience.

The re-launched website will allow people who are passionate about food to get inspired, discover great recipes and ingredients as well as share opinions and exchange ideas with each other".