In the wake of concerns about the waste created by ‘buy-one-get-one-free’ offers (BOGOFs), UK retailer Sainsbury’s has introduced a new, but similar offer, to tackle such concerns. The ‘buy now free next time’ deal allows customers to get the product free next time they are in store and it will be initially offered on nappies and baguettes. “Following feedback from our customers, we learnt that whilst ‘buy one get one free’ promotional offers on nappies... ...Read more »

Around 78% of people are spending the same or more on food and groceries, according to a global report from Deloitte, while the majority insist changes to their shopping habits are permanent. The report noted that 52% of shoppers say their shopping habits have changed for the long-term, although most say they are spending as much as they were prior to the financial crisis – due in part to higher prices. And, while retail conditions may be tough,supermarkets should be able to perform well. “Consumers... ...Read more »

Ocean Spray has announced that, from March 2010, manufacturing giant Heinz will manufacture and distribute the Ocean Spray range of beverages and sauces in Australia. Heinz will takeover from Coca-Cola Amatil who, via their subsidiary SPC Ardmona, began a three-year production deal with Ocean Spray in 2007. The partnership will boost Heinz Australia’s share of the grocery ambient fruit juice/juice drink category to around 28% in the wake of last year’s Golden Circle purchase and offers... ...Read more »

US chocolate giant Hershey and Italian chocolatier Ferrero have confirmed their interest in buying UK confectioner Cadbury. In separate statements to the London Stock Exchange this morning (18 November), the two companies confirmed that they are each mulling a possible bid. The news follows reports that the pair were in preliminary talks for a joint bid to counter the GBP9.8bn (US$16.45bn) hostile offer already on the table from US food giant Kraft Foods. Neither company made mention of the other... ...Read more »

Patties Foods has today informed investors that accounts to the end of October and estimates for November and December have ensured a positive revision to profit forecasts for the first half of the financial year. The maker of the Four ‘N Twenty pie said they anticipate net profit after tax to be in the range of $7.25m to $8.75m – considerably above the $4.7m figure reported last year. Patties said the profit growth was due to a number of factors including stronger sales, improved manufacturing... ...Read more »

The breakthrough trends for 2010 in the consumer packaged goods industry are likely to be twists on something recognisable to consumers, according to predictions from market research firm Mintel. “Post-recession, we don’t expect manufacturers to reinvent the wheel. Instead, we predict 2010′s new products will give shoppers something familiar paired with something new to better satisfy their needs,” Lynn Dornblaser, Mintel’s leading new products expert, advised. “On... ...Read more »

As the Senate prepares to release their report into the GroceryChoice website, consumer group Choice has renewed its call for the major supermarket chains to offer consumers access to their prices online.Upon controversially scrapping the GroceryChoice website, the Federal Government said they would work with supermarkets toward the possible creation of an industry-run site, something Choice hopes they follow through on. Choice spokesman Christopher Zinn maintained that the prospect of providing... ...Read more »

The recession has boosted the satisfaction rating of manufacturers that produce comfort foods such as chocolate, the American Consumer Satisfaction Index revealed today (17 November). While ketchup maker Heinz topped the list for the tenth year running with the highest level of consumer satisfaction at 89%, confectioners were among the biggest gainers. Nestle and Hershey both pushed their satisfaction levels up by 2%, rising to 85% and 87% respectively. Meanwhile, Mars gained 1%, also rising to 87%. “The... ...Read more »

Millennials – or Generation Y – are one of the largest demographics in the world and will soon be entering a strong growth period in both income and consumer packaged goods (CPG) spending. However, this generation is not a typical consumer group and taking advantage of the emerging multi-billion opportunity presents significant challenges. The latest research from American-based IRI, “Winning with Millennial Women Shoppers,” highlights key Millennial-driven U.S. growth markets,... ...Read more »

The rumour mill over Cadbury was in overdrive overnight, with reports of merger talks and the possibility of a new bidder entering the fray. Ever since Kraft announced their non-binding offer for Cadbury in September there has been speculation of interest from Hershey. And, while talk of a potential purchase with the help of Nestlé have been dismissed by the Swiss food giant, the rumours of Herhsey’s interest have picked up since Kraft formalised their bid last week. This time reports suggest... ...Read more »