Sainsbury’s has launched a new service called Occasions by Sainsbury’s, designed to simplify the process of hosting by offering made-to-order food that can be delivered or collected alongside customers’ regular grocery orders. This fully integrated service replaces the retailer’s previous ‘Food to Order’ microsite and aims to tackle the common barriers to entertaining—time, expense, and effort—by providing a convenient ‘one-stop shop’ for party and celebration essentials.

The range caters to a broad spectrum of occasions, including birthday parties, family gatherings, office events, and casual hosting, with a selection that promises something for everyone. Customers can choose from ready-to-serve items like sandwich platters, pizzas, sushi, sides, and desserts, as well as more substantial meal options such as pies and curries designed for dinner parties. By ordering these bespoke dishes alongside everyday groceries—such as drinks, party plates, crisps, and even household staples like kitchen roll and washing-up liquid—shoppers are afforded significant convenience and efficient planning for any event.

The assortment is crafted to suit seasonal and special occasions, featuring summer-specific items like the Taste the Difference King Prawn Platter and Pina Colada Cheesecake, perfect for outdoor entertaining. Year-round offerings include children’s birthday cakes, larger celebration cakes, tea-time treats, and a variety of nibbles and sides. The service also embraces dietary diversity, offering gluten-free and special diet options to ensure all guests’ preferences are met.

In addition to the Occasions service, Sainsbury’s is expanding its bespoke food offerings, available for advance order. Shoppers can find products such as the Taste the Difference Lamb Guard of Honour and Large Beef Chateaubriand, which add a premium touch to gatherings. Complementing this is an exclusive partnership with Sound Seafood, a family-run fishing company based in Plymouth, Devon, offering wild-caught British fish and seafood delivered directly to customers’ doors. This collaboration supports local coastal communities and promises fresh, quality seafood options.

Rhian Bartlett, Chief Commercial Officer at Sainsbury’s, explained that the new service was born from understanding customers’ busy lifestyles and the desire to make hosting more accessible. She stressed that the company aims to be customers’ first choice for food by continuously evolving the product range to include both everyday occasions and seasonal celebrations, ensuring there is always “something extra special” available.

Occasions by Sainsbury’s products are available to order on Sainsburys.co.uk with a lead time as short as four days. The range is set to expand rapidly, with over 200 made-to-order products expected by the end of the year, more than half of which will be new to the range. This initiative represents Sainsbury’s effort to blend quality, convenience, and variety, creating a seamless experience for customers looking to entertain with ease.