Blog

Free Mr Kipling Mince Pies: Fifth Year Running!

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0200

Christmas is a-coming and The Trading Post is once again giving away free mince pies with hundreds of customer orders. This is now our fifth year of festive mince pie madness and yet we keep going! That is our commitment to Christmas cheer.

Every time you spend over €100HT on a single online order between Monday 10th November and Monday 8th December 2025, you will receive a free box of mince pies with your delivery. It is that simple. You don't have to put in a promo code. You don't have to send us an email. You don't have to visit a sketchy voucher website. You don't have to even have to remember you are getting free mince pies. Just spend over €100HT and our system will add them to your order for free. Easy.

Merry Christmas to everyone. Enjoy your Mr Kipling mince pies.

Mince pie offer is only available for online orders made on the website (www.thetradingpost.fr) with a value of over €100HT between Monday 10th November 2025 at 12:00 and Monday 8th December 2025 at 09:00. Offer is available while stocks last and non-transferable. The offer is only available for orders where delviery is scheduled in November/December 2025. The Trading Post reserves the right to withdraw the offer at any time without notice.

L'offre de mince pie est valable uniquement pour les commandes en ligne passées sur le site (www.thetradingpost.fr) d'un montant supérieur à 100 €HT entre le lundi 10 novembre 2025 à 12h00 et le lundi 8 décembre 2025 à 9h00. Offre valable dans la limite des stocks...

Collection Points Temporarily Closed end of Dec 2025 into Jan 2026

Mon, 3 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0200

As has become traditional for The Trading Post, from Christmas 2025 into January 2026 there will be a temporary pause of deliveries to all of our Collection Points across France. This means that there is a gap in deliveries to each specified Collection Point from 22nd December which lasts two months.

Due to the high demands upon stock, vehicles and staff during the winter period, we traditionally temporarily pause all retail Collection Point deliveries in around Christmas. This is typically the quietest month of the year for collection points and, being just after Christmas, lends itself best to a fermeture exceptionelle, so we hope it will have a minimal detrimental impact.

From a practical perspective, this means that the deliveries to each Collection Point between 24th November and 21st December are the last ones before the cycle restarts on 19th January 2026.

If you are on our monthly email lists, your usual reminder emails will specify which order is the last before Christmas, and when the next opportunity will arise. Should you anticipate requiring Trading Post goods in at any stage during the pause, please plan your orders accordingly. We sincerely hope that this temporary break in service does not cause too much disruption or inconvenience.

For all the details of our collection point deliveries, please visit our regularly-updated dedicated delivery web page.

Who Reviews the Reviewer? An Easter Special (Part 1)

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0200

Here at The Trading Post we have been checking out some online reviews for some of our most popular products, as posted on the websites of some of the UK’s biggest supermarkets. We’ve then compiled the results, to give us a near-scientific meta-score of these reviews. At the same time we’ve had a look at some of our favourite reviews and tried to make some overall sense of what people are thinking… Furthermore, we are starting with an Easter Special, so there’s quite a lot of chocolate in there.

Cadbury Mini Eggs Easter Eggs
Sainsbury’s: 4.8 stars (6 reviews)
Tesco: 1.6 stars (8 reviews)
Asda: 4 stars (25 reviews)
Morrisons: No reviews
Average Score: 3.6 stars (out of 5)

Review Highlights:
Who’s does like a mini egg
I've always loved Cadbury Mini Eggs, and this 97g pack is the perfect treat! The chocolate is smooth and creamy, with that signature crunchy sugar shell that makes them so addictive. The portion size is just right for a snack or sharing (if you can resist eating them all yourself!).

What really stands out is the value for money—you're getting high-quality Cadbury chocolate at a great price. Whether for Easter or just a sweet treat, these mini eggs never disappoint. Highly recommend!
Sainsbury’s website (5 stars)
TP: Firstly, you have to love the title, and wonder exactly what went wrong with their processing of apostrophes. We have to assume they mean “who doesn’t like a mini egg?” They follow this with the most formal review of any product I think I’ve seen on one of the supermarket websites. This person LOVES mini eggs, but it also makes them sound like an employee...

Who Reviews the Reviewer? An Easter Special (Part 2)

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0200

Here at The Trading Post we have been checking out some online reviews for some of our most popular products, as posted on the websites of some of the UK’s biggest supermarkets. We’ve then compiled the results, to give us a near-scientific meta-score of these reviews. At the same time we’ve had a look at some of our favourite reviews and tried to make some overall sense of what people are thinking… Here is PART 2 of our very exciting Easter Special!

Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons Easter Eggs
Sainsbury’s: 5 stars (4 reviews)
Tesco: 2.6 stars (8 reviews)
Asda: 2 stars (2 reviews)
Morrisons: No reviews
Average Score: 3.2 stars (out of 5)

Review Highlights:
Great
Lovely just to snack on when you get that chocolate urge!
Sainsbury’s website (5 stars)
TP: This person will eat Easter eggs whenever they get “that chocolate urge.” This seems to be a very specific, and perhaps uncontrollable, chocolate urge. Whilst we think many people would consider Easter eggs to be a very particular type of confection, to be eaten at very a particular time of the year, this reviewer’s intimation that they are “lovely to snack on” present the refreshing idea of Easter eggs as a suitable “snack” at any time… on the train when commuting to work, in the park with friends, or perhaps just at your desk in the office.

Great texture and good price!
I bought this and my children loved it. As always .
Sainsbury’s website (5 stars)
TP: What would you say was the best thing about Cadbury chocolate Easter eggs?
No...

Who Reviews the Reviewer? An Easter Special (Part 3)

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0200

Here at The Trading Post we have been checking out some online reviews for some of our most popular products, as posted on the websites of some of the UK’s biggest supermarkets. We’ve then compiled the results, to give us a near-scientific meta-score of these reviews. At the same time we’ve had a look at some of our favourite reviews and tried to make some overall sense of what people are thinking… Here is the third and FINAL engaging instalment of our very exciting Easter Special!

Terry’s Milk Chocolate Orange
Sainsbury’s: 3.6 stars (46 reviews)
Tesco: 1.5 stars (4 reviews)
Asda: 4.8 stars (103 reviews)
Morrisons: 4.1 stars (14 reviews)
Average Score: 4.3 stars

Review Highlights:
pointless review
This is an orange. it is Chocolate. it was very nice.
Asda website (5 stars)
TP: Nailed it. Realised the futility of it all, yet still wrote the review. Kudos.

Great tasting chocolate orange
As always Terrys chocolate orange us delicious. This was fresh and irresistable.
Asda website (5 stars)
TP: “Fresh and irresistible” eh? I understand “irresistible” as, if nothing else, it links up with the visceral “chocolate urge” expounded by the earlier Buttons Easter Egg reviewer. “Fresh” is a slightly weird flex, but ok.

Terry can keep it!
Terry’s doesn’t taste like it used to, it’s got a waxy taste and texture. Does not leave a pleasant aftertaste.
Asda website (3 stars)
TP: Texture again! Perhaps we haven’t been paying enough heed to the texture of...

The History of British Food Imports in France: A Culinary Journey Across the Channel

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0200

When you think of France, your mind likely drifts to croissants, escargot, and a perfectly aged Bordeaux. But what about a steaming plate of fish and chips or a comforting spoonful of custard? At The Trading Post, we’re passionate about bringing British and international foods to France—and there’s a rich history behind why these flavours have found a home here. Let’s take a tasty trip through time to explore the history of British food imports in France.
The Early Days: A Tale of Trade and Taste
The story begins centuries ago when Britain and France, despite their famous rivalry, were busy trading goods across the Channel. While wine and cheese flowed north, Britain sent hearty staples south—think salted fish and wool, though not exactly the fish fingers we know today! By the 18th century, British ports like Dover were swapping goods with Calais, laying the groundwork for a culinary exchange that would evolve over time.
Fun fact: tea, now a British icon, started trickling into France from British traders in the 1700s. While the French stuck to their café au lait, a small but growing taste for British habits was brewing.
Post-War Nostalgia: The Rise of the Expat Craving
Fast forward to the 20th century—World War II changed everything. British soldiers stationed in France during the wars introduced locals to their rations, including tinned meats and biscuits. After the war, as Britain rebuilt, a wave of British expats settled in France, especially in regions like Normandy and the Dordogne. With them came a longing for home comforts: Marmite, baked beans, and proper cheddar.
By the 1950s and ‘60s, small British food shops popped up in Paris and beyond, catering to this growing expat community. These early imports weren’t...

Exceptional Easy Eats: 30-Minute Seared Ostrich Steaks with Garlic Butter Veggies Recipe

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0200

Looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that’s packed with protein and bold flavours? This Seared Ostrich Steak with Garlic Butter Veggies is a 30-minute gourmet dish that’s easy to make at home.
Ostrich meat is a lean, high-protein alternative to beef, with a rich, meaty taste and tender texture. Best of all, you can find premium ostrich steaks and essential ingredients at The Trading Post, making it easy to cook this restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Ready in just 30 minutes – Fast and easy to prepare.
✔ Healthy & High-Protein – Ostrich is leaner than beef but just as flavourful.
✔ Gourmet at Home – Perfect for a quick but impressive dinner.
✔ Made with The Trading Post Ingredients – Everything you need in one place!
Seared Ostrich Steak with Garlic Butter Veggies Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 2)
All starred (*) ingredients are available at The Trading Post.
For the Ostrich Steaks:
2 ostrich steaks (about 150g each) (*)
1 tbsp olive oil (*)
½ tsp salt & black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika (*)
½ tsp garlic...

Pairing British Foods with French Wine

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0200

France and Britain might have a historical rivalry, but when it comes to food and wine, they’re a match made in heaven. At The Trading Post, we’re all about bringing British and international foods to France—and pairing them with French wine is the ultimate cross-channel delight. Whether you’re an expat missing home or a French foodie with a curious palate, here’s how to pair British foods with French wine for a meal that’s both très délicieux and quintessentially British.
1. Cheddar Cheese and Bordeaux
Nothing says British like a sharp, crumbly cheddar—perfectly stocked in the dairy & chilled section of our shop. Pair it with a bold red Bordeaux, like a Cabernet Sauvignon from the Médoc. The wine’s tannins cut through the cheese’s richness, balancing every bite. Serve it with McVitie’s Digestives for a simple yet sophisticated snack.
2. Fish and Chips with Sauvignon Blanc
Golden, crispy fish and chips are a British staple—and yes, you can find the essentials at The...

The Spice Tailor @ The Trading Post

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0200

The Spice Tailor revolutionised takeaway night by creating a series of elaborate curry kits that make it super-easy to add layers of authentic flavour to your homemade Indian, Thai and South-East Asian dishes.
France can be a difficult place to live for curry aficionados. There is some suggestion that whilst the UK boasts over 18,000 "Indian" restaurants, the whole of France contains a fraction of that number (just over 1100). Furthermore, common consensus seems to be that, whilst curry houses can be found in the big cities, they are few and far between outside of urban areas. Furthermore, when you do find somewhere with a choice of curries, the spicing is often on the mild side (particularly for the British palate).
Fortunately, The Trading Post have always stocked a fine selection of curry sauces, pastes and ancilliary spices, condiments and marinades as part of our World Foods section. One of our most recent additions is the excellent Spice Tailor range, which allows even the most inept home cook to make a stunning, fresh and delicately-layered curry. Each kit has easy-to-follow instructions and contains all the ingredients, often seperated into dry spices, sauces and condiments, to ensure that you get all of the flavour with none of the hassle.
Whilst it is a lovely idea to have a larder full of all the kerala lime leaves, galangal, lemongrass,...

What English shops are in France?

Tue, 4 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0200

Whilst France has a large number of British citizens and expats living in it, there are relatively few particularly British shops in the country. It is almost strange to think that staple supermarkets of the British high street like Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Morrisons and Asda do not exist just across the English Channel. Tesco’s last booze-cruise-bastion in Calais has closed, whilst Marks & Spencer’s handful of Parisien stores appear to have permanently shut their doors. Lidl and Aldi exist throughout France, but their international model of supermarket mean that their offered goods are more reflective of local demands than providing anything that would appear particularly English, Scottish or British.
British goods are therefore most commonly found in small, specialist shops found haphazardly across the country, and through some online stores which offer delivery direct from the UK (or, quite-commonly...

Pancake Day - France vs Great Britain

Sun, 2 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0200

Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, is a beloved tradition in many countries, but the way it is celebrated varies significantly. In the UK and France, this day is marked by distinct customs, recipes, and traditions. Let’s explore the key differences between Pancake Day in these two nations and what makes each celebration unique.
What is Pancake Day?
Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, falls on the day before Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar. Traditionally, it was a time to use up rich ingredients like eggs, milk, and sugar before the 40-day fasting period. Today, it is widely celebrated with delicious pancakes, races, and social gatherings.
Pancake Day in the UK
In the UK, Pancake Day is all about making and eating pancakes, which are thin, crepe-like but slightly thicker than French crêpes. People often top them with classic ingredients like:
Lemon juice and sugar
Golden syrup or honey
Nutella and bananas
Savory fillings like cheese and ham
One of the most famous traditions in the UK is the pancake race, where participants run while flipping pancakes in a frying pan. These races take place in towns and cities across the country, adding an element of fun and competition to the day.
Pancake Day in France: La Chandeleur
While the UK celebrates Pancake Day on Shrove Tuesday, the French equivalent, La Chandeleur, is held earlier on February 2nd. This tradition, also known as Candlemas, has both religious and culinary significance.
French crêpes are much thinner than British pancakes and can be sweet or savory. Popular toppings include:
Sugar and butter
Chocolate spread
Jam
Ham and cheese (for savory crêpes)
A unique custom in France involves flipping a crêpe while holding a coin in the other...

Is there a British shop in Lyon?

Sun, 2 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0200

Strictly speaking there is no British shop in Lyon. There was a shop selling British goods in the 6e arrondissement but that appears to have permanently closed. There is also a small Irish chain store in the city centre (or hypercentre) which, although it appears to be largely a clothes store, actually sells an impressive range of Whiskies as well as a selection of groceries from the British Isles.
For the expats, anglophiles (or caledophiles) and fans of British cuisine, it is possible to receive direct deliveries of British groceries to Lyon (and much of the surrounding area) from The Trading Post free from any delivery charge. The Trading Post stock over 2000 British, French and International products and deliver direct to the door across the vast majority of Lyon every fortnight. There is no delivery charge whatsoever and deliveries are made by Trading Post drivers in temperature-controlled vans, ensuring you can get everything from frozen back bacon to Linda McCartney vegan sausages, vintage cheddar cheese to halloumi, baked beans are amongst the most popular traditionally British foods sold in France, yet that is a very short answer to what is actually a fairly complicated question.
The Trading Post provide a large number of Tour Operators, hotels, chalets, restaurants and cafes with all kinds of products, but whilst they might choose different goods in general, breakfast items are taken by very a large proportion of them, making sure the ingredients for classic full cooked breakfast are well-represented. This is exacerbated by the fact that we sell only a small number of pack sizes for back bacon, whereas there could be around 80 types of chocolate on sale at a given moment. We also sell an astronomical number of eggs, but you can hardly call those exclusively British. Because The Trading Post have many different types of customers (supermarkets, catering businesses, normal retail customers, etc…) it is worth looking at what British goods are generally popular for different groups.
For our retail customers, which includes a large number of British expats (as well as other EU, Australian, New Zealand, Canadian and American expats), people who have spent time in the UK and many people who enjoy the varied International goods and dietary-specific products we provide, there are a few main trends.

Is there a British shop in Grenoble?

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0200

Strictly speaking there is no British shop in Grenoble. There is a shop selling largely American and Canadian goods in the cool Championnet sector near Le Club Cinema which is largely drinks-focussed. There is also a small Irish chain store in the city centre (or hypercentre) which, although it appears to be largely a clothes store, actually sells an impressive range of Whiskies as well as a selection of groceries from the British Isles.
For the expats, anglophiles (or caledophiles) and fans of British cuisine, it is possible to receive direct deliveries of British groceries to Grenoble (and much of the surrounding area) from The Trading Post free from any delivery charge. The Trading Post stock over 2000 British, French and International products and deliver direct to the door across the vast majority of Grenoble and many places along the Gresivaudan valley every fortnight. There is no delivery charge whatsoever and deliveries are made by Trading Post drivers in temperature-controlled vans, ensuring you can get everything from frozen back bacon to Linda McCartney vegan sausages, Heinz Baked Beans, or Branston Baked Beans, these are quite commonly found in the produits du monde or “World Foods” aisle of the supermarket (rather than the tinned or canned foods section).
As one of the biggest importers of British goods into France, The Trading Post currently supply many of the main supermarket brands in France with baked beans (amongst other things). Certainly across the French Riviera, and particularly around Monaco, Nice and Cannes, you will find supermarkets selling Heinz beans (and Branston beans) supplied by The Trading Post. There are a number of Super U, Marche U, E.Leclerc, Carrefour, Spar and Intermarche supermarkets throughout the south of France that you’ll be able to pick your baked beans straight off the shelf.
Also,...

Can I Buy Bacon in France?

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0200

The simple answer is yes. British back bacon is slightly more difficult to find, however, as the French have a different idea of what constitutes “bacon” (in a similar, but different, way to Americans, who consider “streaky” bacon to be the default). The Trading Post sell back bacon across France, in both smoked and unsmoked versions. This is the traditional teardrop-shaped bacon, with a thin-strip of fat across the top, commonly found in British bacon butties, on full English breakfasts (or full Scottish breakfasts, or full Irish breakfasts… essentially traditional cooked breakfasts/fry ups). Supplied frozen, The Trading Post deliver back bacon throughout France, as well as any number of complimentary products (think thick sliced white bread, baked beans, pork sausages and

Where Can I Buy British Food in France?

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0200

The Trading Post have been providing British and International groceries throughout France (and beyond) for over fifteen years. It is now the largest supplier of UK goods to supermarkets, holiday tour operators, wholesalers, trade customers and individuals in France. Boasting an absolutely huge range of British goods, as addition to products particularly popular on the British Isles, The Trading Post has developed a vast offering of British groceries, confectionery, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages particular to the needs of various types of customers. Through supplying to everyone from individual retail clients to grands surfaces supermarkets and hypermarkets, The Trading Post has benefitted from a long-established supply chain to import over 2000 different products from the UK, France and elsewhere across the EU, ensuring that our customers have regular access to the British and International products they want and need.
If you are looking for classic British breakfast items, like baked beans, back bacon, black pudding, traditional pork sausages and white sliced bread, The Trading Post has them in France, ready to deliver. If you are looking for British beers, English ciders...

Quick & Delicious: 30-Minute Crispy Chicken Bao Buns Recipe

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0200

Craving a fluffy, flavour-packed meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes? These Crispy Chicken Bao Buns are the perfect balance of soft, pillowy buns and crunchy, golden chicken—finished with a tangy, spicy mayo and fresh toppings.
Best of all, you can find authentic bao buns and essential ingredients at The Trading Post, making it easier than ever to enjoy this Asian-inspired dish in France!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Ready in just 30 minutes – Quick, easy, and stress-free.
✔ Crispy & Fluffy – The perfect contrast of textures.
✔ Customisable – Add your favorite sauces and toppings.
✔ Made with The Trading Post Ingredients – Everything you need in one place!
Crispy Chicken Bao Buns Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 2-3)
All starred (*) ingredients are available at The Trading Post.
For the Chicken:
2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
50g panko breadcrumbs (*)
50g plain flour (*)
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp...

Focus on Wine

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0200

The Trading Post have been supplying wine to some of the biggest hotels and tour operators across the Alps for a number of years. Over time we have developed a network of wine producers and suppliers to ensure we get the best quality wines at genuinely excellent prices.

We stock a wide range of red, white, rose and sparkling wines from a variety of different regions. This allows us to offer a level of quality and exclusivity to suit every price point and every client type. As we handle such high quantities of wine, particularly during the winter season, we are able to command the best prices, which makes our wine selection exceptionally good value for our customers.
Whilst many of our larger clients buy wine exclusively from The Trading Post, it appears that many people are still not aware that we can supply wine at very competitive prices. We have therefore created a new catalogue for our wine selection including tasting notes.

White Wines
Forcola Pinot Grigio (12%) - A light/medium bodied Pinot Grigio. Delicate with a light minerality and medium acidity. Notes of green apple, pear and citrus. Perfect partner with shellfish, vegetarian dishes, mushrooms or as an apéritif.
Granges des Merveilles Sauvignon Blanc (12.5%) - Dry and fruity Sauvignon blanc. Aromatic and powerful nose offering aromas of exotic fruits and lime. Serve as an aperitif or with seafood/fish.
Les Amandiers' Chardonnay (13.5%) - Aromatic dry Chardonnay in a new world style. Well structured with tropical fruit notes and aromas of white flowers. A perfect food companion.
La Belle...

Heinz Baked Beans with Richmond Sausages: a super-combo

Sun, 9 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0200

History is full of spectacular combinations that have allowed their individual component parts to transcend and create wonderful art, timeless music and other incredible achievements. You might be thinking Andy Warhol, Nico & The Velvet Underground… maybe Damian Hirst and Alexander McQueen… George Michael & Elton John… or from the world of sport Michael Jordan & Nike… Now two of the biggest names in cooked breakfasts have come together to create Heinz Beanz with Richmond Sausages.
This is a veritable one-stop, breakfast-in-a-can, that combines two undoubted icons of British cuisine: Heinz Baked Beans and Richmond Irish Pork Sausages. Heinz’s director of meals and infant UK, Alessandra de Dreuille, has explained that they decided to “permanently upgrade” their Heinz Baked Beans with Sausages by partnering with Richmond, a brand “with over 100 years of expertise” that represent “a natural choice” for collaboration. Similarly, Chris Roe, representing Richmond Sausages, considers this to be an “exciting evolution” between two well-matched “heritage brands.”
At The Trading Post we have been selling Heinz Baked Beans and, separately, Richmond Sausages, for a...