The Chief Executive of the UK’s largest supermarket operator, Tesco, has given a message of hope for the future of retailers provided they adhere to the simple philosophy of reacting to the desires of customers rather than telling them what they want. “Now, more than ever, we must be the consumer’s champion. Deliver for the customer, and you will survive,” Sir Terry Leahy said in a speech at the British Retail Consortium’s Annual Conference last week. “Yes –... ...Read more »

Australia’s largest independent grocery chain, FoodWorks, has reported strong sales growth as supermarkets continue to defy any economic deterioration. The company, which operates over 710 outlets across Australia, announced like-for-like sales growth of 10 per cent in April and 12 per cent in May as it turned around a stagnant end to last year. The health of the main players in the supermarket sector appears as strong as ever, with Coles and Woolworths posting sales rises above the rate of... ...Read more »

The functional foods market, while predicted to grow substantially over coming years, has seen many expensive failures over recent years. In fact, failure is far more common than success and most products sell on a niche basis with very few ever graduating into the mass market, according to a new report. The report, Failures in Functional Foods and What They Reveal About Success, noted that approximately 80 per cent of functional food launches fail within 18 months and suggested “seven golden... ...Read more »

For the first time in 85 years there has been a change to Vegemite. Kraft, the American owner of one of Australia’s most iconic brands, has decided to tamper with Vegemite to produce a new version with cheese, however the original will remain on supermarket shelves. Last October, the one billionth jar of Vegemite was sent down the production line after first hitting retailers shelves in 1923 – a year after it was created by Chemist Dr Cyril P Callister. The product was not immediately... ...Read more »

UK-based confectioner Cadbury has the most trusted brand in Australia, while Arnott’s claimed the award for Australia’s most iconic brand in a list created by Reader’s Digest. Cadbury, Panadol and Band-Aid claimed the first three spots on the annual Most Trusted list of 158 well-known brands, joined in the top ten by Sony, Colgate, Dairy Farmers, Nokia, Johnson & Johnson, Streets, Peters and Bunnings. With Cadbury, Streets and Peters in the top ten it shows that Australians... ...Read more »

The world’s largest fast-food chicken company is bringing their new grilled chicken options to Australia. KFC, famous for its fried chicken, introduced grilled chicken with success into America via a trial last year, with an official launch made in April. The move was made to help stagnant American sales at the chain and attract more health-driven customers to their stores. “The introduction of Kentucky Grilled Chicken is a defining moment in our brand’s storied history,”... ...Read more »

Cadbury is conducting a voluntary consumer level recall of Old Gold Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa (200g block) due to the possible presence of milk protein, which is not labelled on the packaging. Consumers who are allergic or intolerant to milk protein should not consume this product. Apart from this labelling irregularity, there is no other fault with this product. No other Cadbury products, including the Old Gold Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa 250g block (in paper packaging) are affected by this recall. Food... ...Read more »

The Venezuelan Government has enforced a ban on Coca-Cola Zero products due to unspecified health concerns. The Coca-Cola Company maintains the drink is safe but has complied with the Government’s request to halt production just two months after it first went on sale in the South American country. Coca-Cola remains in discussions with Venezuela over the prospect of overturning the ban and said they were not informed of any specific concerns the Government may have with the drink or the American... ...Read more »

The European Food Safety Authority expert Panel on food contact materials sees no health risks from the short-term consumption of breakfast cereals contaminated with 4-methylbenzophenone at levels reported earlier this year. The Panel reached its conclusions after re-assessing the toxicological data on the similar substance, benzophenone. However, the Panel confirmed that should the use of 4-methylbenzophenone continue, more data would be needed for a full risk assessment.Benzophenone and 4-methylbenzophenone... ...Read more »

Regal Cream Products (Bulla) is conducting a voluntary recall of the below-listed product as a precautionary measure following reports of pieces of plastic in a small number of tubs. Only Bulla Creamy Classics – Cookies & Cream 2 litre tubs with the Best Before date listed below are affected. No other dates or Bulla products are affected by this recall. Anyone with the specified product and date code should not consume it and instead should take the product to the place of purchase for... ...Read more »