An ageing population can no longer be ignored by the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector, with a new approach needed to attract the lucrative market, according to a new series of reports from independent market analyst Datamonitor. Traditionally, Young Adults have been the key target demographic, but marketers must adapt in order to maximise the huge potential of the Seniors market, their research found. “The ageing of populations globally is an issue that will increasingly shape both society... ...Read more »

Kentucky Fried Chicken, the world’s largest chicken restaurant chain, has announced a second secret recipe has been added to its menu – Kentucky Grilled Chicken (KGC). The announcement, made yesterday, deals only with their American outlets but grilled chicken could go global if it proves a hit in the US. The move has been made to help stagnant American sales at the chain and is a ploy to attract more health-driven customers to their stores. “The introduction of Kentucky Grilled... ...Read more »

Highlighting the potential of grocery retailing, UK specialist online grocer Ocado has recorded a year-on-year sales boost of more than 30 per cent. Co-founder Jason Gissing said the company, which sells goods from upmarket retailer Waitrose, would have sales this year of around £450m (A$930m), up from just under £400m (A$830m) last year. “The economy is horrible at the moment but our growth is accelerating,” he noted. Success has accelerated for the business after they carried out... ...Read more »

Foster’s Group Limited yesterday announced the appointment of Andrew Leyden to the newly created senior leadership role of Chief Information Officer. The news follows last Wednesday’s appointment of Donna Watt to another new role, that of Transformation Director. Both began in their new positions yesterday. Ms Watt, who has 16 years of experience in large scale transformation programs, will play a key role in their extensive restructure plan following a major review of operations last... ...Read more »

The Federal Government has today announced that the controversial alcopops tax legislation will be reintroduced to Parliament in May. Speaking at a press conference Health Minister Nicola Roxon and Treasurer Wayne Swan advised that new legislation would also be brought in to validate the tax that has already been collected, ensuring that distillers will not receive a refund. The controversial tax was first introduced in April last year, with alcopop taxes rising 70 per cent before legislation had... ...Read more »

By 2022 we will source and eat our food in ways radically different from today, according to a new report from the UK-based Food Ethics Council. Although the future is unpredictable, the scenarios highlight some of the challenges consumers, business and governments may face in the next decade. An insight into emerging and possible future trends, they can help us make the right choices to ensure our future food is good for people and the planet. Headlines from the future, in the different scenarios,... ...Read more »

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke is in China and Hong Kong this week with Australian industry leaders promoting wine and meat and pushing for a free trade agreement.Mr Burke will meet with Chinese counterparts including the ministers responsible for agriculture and quarantine and the head of China’s State Forestry Administration. He is expected to seek undertakings from China to work collaboratively on supporting global food supplies and to accelerate negotiations... ...Read more »

The private label products of Australia’s largest supermarket operator are set to undergo a major facelift, according to a report on the weekend. Woolworths will work with Hulsbosch Strategy & Design to redesign some of its private label product lines in one of the biggest design briefs to be handed out this year, The Australian reported. The design company, which worked with Woolworths to create their new logo last year, is expected to focus on updating two brands within their private... ...Read more »

Despite concerns about the economic downturn, fish suppliers have reported strong sales for one of their busiest times of year.At the Sydney Fish Market, consumers were buying anything and everything, according to reports from leading seafood retailers over the weekend. “Sales so far Easter… been up, so really good, we’re really happy,” an employee from De Costi’s told the ABC. “All types (of seafood have been popular). Prawns, oysters, lobsters, whole fish.” Greg... ...Read more »

PepsiCo has filed a lawsuit against major competitor The Coca-Cola Company, alleging false advertising that unfairly tarnishes their Gatorade brand. The owners of the world’s largest selling sports drink have taking umbrage with a campaign in the US, which implies that Coca Cola’s Powerade ION4 is the more “complete” sports beverage because it has magnesium and calcium. The campaign has showcased photos of Gatorade bottles cut in half beneath slogans such as “Don’t... ...Read more »