Supermarkets and brands across grocery retail have paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, who died peacefully at Balmoral on the afternoon of Thursday 8 September 2022, aged 96.
She had reigned over the UK for more than 70 years, an achievement marked earlier this year with the nationwide celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The announcement was met with condolences and tributes to Her Majesty, with respects being paid from across the globe; including those from leading names, retailers and brands from across the grocery sector.
Co-op chief executive Shirine Khoury-Haq said: “On behalf of Co-op UK, I would like to offer our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, following the news about the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.
“Our thoughts are with the Royal Family and we join all others who will be reflecting on her historic reign.”
M&S chief executive Stuart Machin described the Queen as “our nation’s strength and stay. Our rock.”
Tesco made its announcement on Twitter, saying: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty The Queen. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family, as we mourn the loss of our longest-serving British monarch. We are indebted to her dedicated service to this country.”
Sainsbury’s also tweeted, saying it was “very sorry to learn of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II”.
“She was a truly remarkable woman and an inspiration to so many people.
“We thank her for her decades of service to our country. Our thoughts and condolences are with Her Majesty’s family at this difficult time.”
Asda said: “For more than seven decades Her Majesty has been a constant in our lives.
“We are profoundly grateful for her extraordinary service to the nation and send our heartfelt condolences to The Royal Family.”
Morrisons reacted to the news by saying it was: “deeply saddened by the news that Her Majesty The Queen has passed away and would like to send our sincere condolences to The Royal Family.
“Her Majesty The Queen lived a life of extraordinary public service and we share the nation’s gratitude at this very difficult time.”
Marks & Spencer also said it was “deeply saddened” to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, adding that she has “led for over 70 years with quiet determination and selfless devotion.
“We join the Royal Family and the nation in their grief and offer the Royal Family our heartfelt condolences.”
Waitrose took to Twitter to say: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty The Queen. She faithfully served the nation as our sovereign during her long, happy and glorious reign. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Royal Family.”
Aldi UK said: “We are heartbroken to hear the news that Her Majesty The Queen has passed away. As our longest-reigning monarch, she led with grace and selfless devotion. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family at this difficult time.”
Iceland tweeted its condolences, saying: “we thank [Her Majesty] for her extraordinary decades of service to this country. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family”.
The royal grocer Fortnum and Mason, which has held a warrant from Her Majesty since 1959 and served the royal household throughout her life has lowered its flag to half-mast and stopped the Piccadilly façade clock.
“It was with great sadness that we learnt of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” its statement said.
“We are grateful to Her Majesty for a lifetime of devoted service to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.”
Heinz said it was “deeply saddened” by the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and offered its “sincerest condolences to all members of the Royal Family at this time”, adding that it was “so grateful for the extraordinary service she gave to the nation”.
Birds Eye expressed its “sincere condolences at the passing of Her Majesty The Queen,” saying that its “sympathy and thoughts are with The Royal Family at this sad time”.
FMCG giant Innocent Drinks revealed it will be going silent for a few days, “out of respect”, but before that stated: “The Christmas Day speeches, the excellent hats, the iconic wave, the thousands of handshakes. Rest in peace, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”
