A shopper experience study underway in the United States has shown that consumers are beginning to define value differently than before. More often consumers are attributing value to price, where the past couple months it was defined as an equal balance between quality and price, the researchers from Integer Group and M/A/R/C Research advised. “Across all channels, shoppers continue to report buying cheaper items lately, compared to three months ago,” said Randy Wahl, executive vice president... ...Read more »

Woolworths, Wesfarmers and Lion Nathan have been among the big winners when it comes to brand value gains over the past year, with Woolworths claiming top spot as Australia’s most valuable brand owner. The research by Brand Finance showed half of the top ten most valuable brands were indeed companies with strong links to the food and beverage sector. Beyond Woolworths, Coles owner Wesfarmers, soft drink maker Coca-Cola Amatil and brewers Lion Nathan and Foster’s made the top ten. Wesfarmers,... ...Read more »

The global economic downturn has presented the perfect conditions for private label products to flourish, according to a new report from beverage research agency Canadean. Private label products in the total soft drinks sector now account for over 1 in every 10 litres traded in the global marketplace. And, if you discount the on-premise sector, where private label use is marginal, then private label’s share of the market rises yet further. The rise of private label is proving to be a considerable... ...Read more »

While technology brands are at the top of the tree when it comes to Australia’s favourites, food and beverage brands do not sit too far behind, according to recently released research. George Patterson Y&R’s Brand Asset Valuator study saw Google top the list of the favourite brands of Australian consumers, however Vegemite (3), Coca-Cola (8) and Tim Tam (9) all claimed top ten positions as food and beverage brands continue to command the attention of consumers. The study, conducted... ...Read more »

Marks & Spencer is to sell a selected range of around 400 branded grocery and household products in all of its UK stores. The roll-out follows a 16 month trial in its stores in the North East and South East of England, the UK retailer said. The range of ambient products will be introduced into M&S stores over the next year, starting this month with additional stores in the trial areas, and expanding into other regions from January 2010. Branded grocery products will include Coca-Cola, Marmite,... ...Read more »

Consumers who are buying more private label brands say they won’t return to name brands in the foreseeable future, the yearlong shopper experience study currently underway by American-based The Integer Group and M/A/R/C Research has revealed. However, brand names still have the opportunity to claw back market share with sound strategy implementation. “Almost eight in 10 shoppers report seeking products on sale and comparing prices between brand name and store brands when buying groceries... ...Read more »

Product of the Year, Australia’s largest independent consumer survey of product innovation, has attracted 44 entries this year, with nine judges set to narrow down the field today. The survey, initially started three years ago by infomercial advertiser ‘what’s new?’ and conducted by Roy Morgan, will this year be carried out by global research company TNS – in line with the global program. Product of the Year manager Sarah Connelly was delighted with the number of entries this year,... ...Read more »

Consumers are spending again in developed economies, but they’re buying less with the change in behaviour to impact dramatically on retailers, suppliers and brands within the grocery sector. Playbook 2: The Sky Did Not Fall, a report published by The Store-WPP, saw a need for sweeping change by retailers and manufacturers. “The new retailer will operate stores that are easy to navigate, respect the shopper’s time, and offer plenty of choice but less frivolity,” the report... ...Read more »

Grocery manufacturing giant General Mills has reported profit growth of 21 per cent in the first quarter as brands like Old El Paso and Cheerios continue to perform well. The maker of Latina and Haagen Dazs reported a sales increase of one per cent despite the negative impact of currency translation with volume growth stagnant. “We’re very pleased with this start to the year. We’re seeing continuing strong consumer demand for our products,” Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,... ...Read more »

Coca-Cola remains the No. 1 brand for the ninth year in a row, according to BusinessWeek and Interbrand’s annual ranking of the “Best Global Brands”. Coca-Cola has been positioned at the top for the entire nine years the research has been carried out. A number of other food and beverage brands were seen to prosper during a year in which many brands lost value. Heinz, Wrigley, Kellogg’s, Nestlé and Danone were among the big risers as consumers faith in food and beverage brands... ...Read more »