Chilean blueberries

Shoppers can beat the blues with blues, says Tesco

Those among us feeling blue due to bleak weather and even bleaker bank accounts are offered salvation today (18 January) as Tesco is offering free fruit to counter what is officially the most depressing day of the year.

The giveaway will be available in stores across the UK today – but only between 3.30 and 5.30pm – and will include free kiwis, apples, clementines and blueberries to shoppers.

‘Blue Monday’ is a phenomenon apparently caused by traditionally poor weather, failed New Year’s Resolutions, and often the last week before the first post-Christmas paycheck.

Josh Hardie, corporate responsibility director for Tesco said: “We know today is the day people are most likely to be feeling the January blues, and we hope a free piece of fruit will help our customers feel a little bit happier as they shop with us.”

Tesco is also hosting a pop-up Blueberry Smoothie Station in its Tooley Street Metro store in central London today. The pop-up will open at 7am and provide blueberry-based smoothies “designed to make people feel happier and healthier”.