Japan’s Fair Trade Commission has contended that Seven-Eleven Japan, the convenience business of Seven & I, illegally pressured franchisees to avoid discounting the price of food products. In a statement, the competition watchdog claimed that 7-Eleven franchisees were advised not to reduce food prices with a reported implication that they would terminate the contracts of those who did. The FTC ordered the company to cease such practices but the company is reportedly considering appealing... ...Read more »

7-Eleven, Inc., the world’s largest convenience store chain, has launched a new line of private-label products in the US this month under the brand, 7-Select. With the rollout of the 32 new items, 7-Eleven has greatly enhanced the presence of store-brand packaged foods, a business that it reports has increased dramatically over the last year and promises strong future growth, especially in light of consumer budget-tightening while the US economy deteriorates. The announcement comes soon after... ...Read more »

Innovation and continued technological improvements were the themes of the MYOB Excellence in Franchising Awards announced in Sydney on Saturday night, as a number of franchisors in the food and beverage sector walked away with major awards. Bakers Delight, The Coffee Club, 7-Eleven and Gloria Jeans were all among the winners. Bakers Delight received the ‘Media Campaign of the Year’ award for its Top Sports community engagement program. The Top Sports campaign was entered as an example... ...Read more »

7-Eleven, Inc. last week named Mars Snackfood as the recipient of its US Retailer Initiative Award for 2007. The annual honour recognises a “top supplier and partner who excels at supporting 7-Eleven stores in meeting their customers’ changing needs through team merchandising, demand-chain solutions, cost of goods, category management, and creativity in advertising and promotional programs”. The collaboration between retailer and manufacturer is often vital to success and Mars and... ...Read more »

Sony has taken the title of Asia-Pacific’s most popular brand in Media’s 2008 Top 1000 Brands survey, with Coca-Cola (6th) and 7-Eleven (9th) the only two brands in the food and beverage industry to make the top ten. The findings were dominated by technology companies, but many food and beverage companies showed they still commanded strong public interest and support. This year’s survey, conducted by TNS on behalf of Media Magazine, included Australia for the first time and found... ...Read more »