TV barrister Rob Rinder casts his verdict on Quality Street’s Christmas paper tub move
One of the hottest cases of the festive season is set to be presided over by Rob Rinder MBE, the barrister turned broadcaster, who will be adjudicating the trail of the new Quality Street tubs, reports Neill Barston.
The screen star, who has enjoyed success with his own series and numerous screen appearances in recent years including on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, has been drafted in by Nestle to offer his esteemed verdict with a fresh Netflix-style trailer for Youtube to engage the nation’s chocolate lovers.
As previously reported, the move to the paper tub has appeared to divide consumers, with media headlines such as ‘it’s a sin without the tin’ emerging in recent weeks that have left the move with a case to answer.
Notably, as part of the company’s trial some 200,000 paper tubs have been distributed to selected Tesco stores across England and Wales, marking a key move forward in its sustainability journey, after moving to recyclable paper packaging for its twist-wrapped sweets in 2022.
It has set out to remove almost two billion pieces of packaging material from its supply chain – which has gained plaudits for its environmental performance, though has drawn some degree of concern by consumers on social media, who have yearned for the return of traditional packaging.
But as barrister Rinder asserts in the advert (watch below), “the only thing that the new tub is guilty of, is modernising, innovating, and trying to improve the sustainability of packaging.”
As the brand acknowledged, the new recyclable paper tub is officially ‘on trial’ this Christmas at selected Tesco stores, in England and Wales. The leading confectionery brand has recruited the nation’s favourite legal expert, Rob Rinder, to oversee the courtroom proceedings, creating a dramatic trailer fit for one of the most hotly contested subjects of our time: the iconic Quality Street container.
Moreover, like all highly anticipated courtroom dramas, the trailer lays out the case ‘for’ and ‘against’ the new tub, in a bid to head off the debate that’s set to get the country talking. Rob Rinder – acting for both the prosecution and the defence – delivers his closing arguments: the innovative, recyclable tub versus the nation’s love for the classic Quality Street packaging. Only Rinder can deliver the verdict.
Commenting on the case, Rob Rinder, representing the prosecution, defence and judge commented: “I love a good trial so lending my expertise to this case was a pleasure. And despite compelling arguments from both sides, there was only ever going to be one verdict. The Quality Street recyclable paper tub trial is another bold step in the right direction from my favourite Christmas brand, and it’s been a privilege to be a small part of their sustainability journey. Now we’ve settled that, the court is dismissed, and everyone can enjoy their Christmas.”
Jemma Handley, Senior Brand Manager for Quality Street, added that it was a great experienced to have gained the services of the renowned barrister for its latest consumer engagement.
She said: “We take great pride in our packaging, and a lot of care has gone into the new paper tub to ensure we deliver a luxurious feel and beautiful design that our customers have come to love. We know however that change can be difficult so working with Rob Rinder to make a case for it on our behalf felt like a great way of reassuring our customers. We’re proud to be the first major manufacturer to trial a paper tub at Christmas and look forward to hearing people’s verdict.”
