Marks & Spencer releases Christmas Colin the Caterpillar and Percy Pig mince pies in new festive range

‘We’ll be looking to extend the festive season and turn it into a series of moments, celebrating with loved ones in whatever way we can,’ retailer says

(Courtesy of Marks & Spencer)

Marks & Spencer has revealed its extensive festive range, unveiling a Colin the Caterpillar cake designed to look like a Christmas tree and Percy Pig-themed mince pies.

Christmas celebrations this year will undoubtedly be markedly different than usual, with many people unlikely to be permitted to take part in big family gatherings due to local lockdowns and other restrictions.

While members of the public may not be able to celebrate the festive period as they would have wished to, the food on their Christmas dinner tables could help them spread joy among their nearest and dearest. 

April Preston, director of product development at Marks & Spencer, explained that the retailer doesn’t want to “confine Christmas to one day” this year, but to “extend the festive season and turn it into a series of moments, celebrating with loved ones in whatever way we can”. 

“This year, customers have been telling us they want to embrace the spirit of Christmas more than ever,” Ms Preston said. 

“Some of the festivities may look a bit different, some might even be virtual, but they will be more special than ever as we treat, thank, celebrate and unite with friends and family.”

The Marks & Spencer Christmas collection features a Molten Mountain Cheesebake, a Mushroom & Camembert Pie and Chicken Doughnut Dippers, in addition to several new vegan and vegetarian offerings, including Plant Kitchen No Pigs in Duvet, Plant Kitchen Mini No Chicken Kievs and Chocolate Tortes.

But perhaps most excitingly for fans of Marks & Spencer’s signature cartoonish sweet treats, the supermarket is releasing a Colin the Caterpillar cake designed to look like a Christmas tree and a range of Percy Pig-inspired mince pies.

“Everyone’s favourite caterpillar has gone all seasonal with a makeover, including a festive Santa hat and edible decorations,” Marks & Spencer said in its description of the festive Colin cake, which is available to purchase for £10 online from 22 December and in store from 19 December.

The Percy Pig “Percymas” pies, which can be bought in sets of four for £2 in store from 6 October, are a “fun alternative” to mince pies, the supermarket stated.

The pies are made from “shortcrust pastry with a fruity filling and a Percy Pig-flavoured sponge, topped with Percy Pig-flavoured fondant icing”, with a Percy Pig added to the top.

Also on the menu in Marks & Spencer’s Christmas range is a Chocolate Orange Christmas Pudding, Salted Caramel Brownie Liqueur and a Giant Gold Bullion Bar, which can serve six people.

To find out more about this year’s Christmas food launches, click here.