A study by Unilever, one of the world’s leading consumer products companies, reveals how different demographic groups in America will change their shopping habits as belts continue to tighten during challenging economic times. More than 30 per cent of consumers are eating at home more and eating out less and 40 per cent feel worse off than a year ago as shoppers continue to grapple with managing their budgets during uncertain economic times, according to the new study - ‘Winning Shoppers... ...Read more »
New Zealand can no longer rely on being the lowest cost producer, with its food industry needing to raise its game to adapt to the changing economic climate of the global industry, according to Professor of Food Marketing Dr David Hughes from the Imperial College London. His advice, while primarily directed toward the New Zealand food industry, is also relevant to Australian producers and manufacturers. Quality products, not fancy packaging Consumers, despite more difficult economic conditions, are... ...Read more »
Dairy farmers must be ready to take on the retailers if the latest round of supermarket milk price cuts threatens to damage farmgate prices, the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) dairy board chairman has advised. The price ward between the major supermarkets has come at a time when discount supermarkets have been gaining popularity due to the credit crunch. Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda have been at the forefront of the battle, with offers such as sausages for 8p each and the promotion of a... ...Read more »
A major step forward in efforts to protect Scotch Whisky in one of its most exciting, emerging markets has been welcomed by The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA). Following an SWA application, the Chinese Trade Mark Office under Administration of Industry & Commerce (AIC) has agreed to protect ‘Scotch Whisky’ as a Geographical Indication (GI) by registering it as a ‘collective trade mark’ in China. As a result, there will be nationwide official protection of the description ‘Scotch... ...Read more »
Research and development work into boosting the recyclability of plastic milk bottles is to be launched by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme).WRAP is inviting tenders to develop a cost-effective label, ink and adhesive system for use on HDPE milk bottles that will not contaminate the plastic during recycling, with the aim of encouraging its greater use in new bottle manufacture. WRAP’s target is for 50% of the milk industry’s capacity to commit to implementing the new system... ...Read more »
Fuel is just one factor in the commodity boom that is expected to continue due to income and population growth, freer trade and globalization, and resource scarcity, according to a Rabobank report, “The Boom Beyond Commodities.” Food prices are anticipated to remain high and there will be substantial growth prospects for some sectors of the food industry. “While biofuels will be responsible for a significant share of added demand for commodities in the coming years, food will remain... ...Read more »
A report from foodservice consultants Technomic has found that many top restaurant chains grew their 2007 sales through signing more franchisees, instead of relying on same-store sales increases. “Restaurant chains are facing an increasingly challenging environment and higher costs,” notes Darren Tristano, Executive Vice President of Technomic Information Services. “Expansion through franchising transfers some of the downside risk of a slowing economy to the franchisees, while the... ...Read more »
The Brewers Association, the trade association representing the majority of U.S. brewing companies, reports beer sales from American craft brewers continue to grow despite a softening economy and challenges with raw materials supply and pricing. Craft beer dollar sales during the first half of 2008 increased 11 per cent compared to the same period in 2007. The Brewers Association attributes this growth to a grassroots movement toward fuller flavored, small batch beers made by independent craft brewers. According... ...Read more »
The battle between national brands and private labels is heating up in America with supermarket chain Publix launching a promotional campaign pitting their home brands against national brands in a ploy designed to highlight the quality of their private labels. Safeway, meanwhile, has sought to take private label products to the next level by selling their own brands to competitors. Publix, the largest employee-owned supermarket chain in the US, will offer customers a free private label product when... ...Read more »
H.J. Heinz Co.’s CEO William Johnson has flagged the possibility of an attempt to acquire Campbell Soup Company by advising that the world’s leading soup manufacturer would be a “nice fit” for the company. “Campbell is a great company,” Mr Johnson said upon being questioned by a shareholder at the Heinz AGM about making an offer for Campbell. “Campbell would represent a nice fit with the company. We are always looking for opportunities to expand and grow.” Heinz... ...Read more »