Cookbooks and lifestyle magazines were amongst the top-selling items in Australian newsagencies during the lead-up to Christmas 2011, according to anecdotal reports emanating from a number of sources including various shops, blogs and advertising media websites monitored by Australian Food News during December 2011. There have been concerns about long-term viability for newsagencies reliant on newspapers and magazines competing against growth in on-line publications. However, the indications were... ...Read more »

The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) today launched a campaign urging Australian consumers to buy Australian-made products to support the food industry during the holiday season. According to the AFGC, the cost of manufacturing food is, on average, 25 per cent higher in Australia than in regional competitor nations. The AFGC says this is seriously affecting the Australian industry’s competitiveness and profitability. The high Australian dollar is also to blame, making imports cheaper... ...Read more »

Australia’s leading online commerce enablers are predicting this week will be the busiest online shopping week Australia has ever seen. PayPal, eBay and Australia Post have forecast their busiest online shopping day this year will be on Sunday 11 December 2011. According to PayPal’s Secure Insights report, eBay, PayPal and Australia Post predict a surge in spending this week as Australian consumers seek to save time and money by shopping for this year’s Christmas presents online... ...Read more »

Newly appointed CEO of Australian retail giant, Woolworths Limited, Grant O’Brien today warned of subdued Christmas trading in Australia this year. Addressing shareholders at Woolworths’ Annual General Meeting in Sydney, Mr O’Brien said he believes trading in Australia will “remain subdued – most probably through to the next financial year”. His warning comes days after market research organisation, IBISWorld, forecasted a flat Christmas for food retailers in Australia. Mr O’Brien... ...Read more »

Market research organisation IBISWorld has predicted that A$9.8 billion will be spent on food in Australia this Christmas – a timid 3.4 per cent increase spending in 2010. According to IBISWorld, with annual inflation of around 3.3 per cent in Australia, this means that most food retailers will simply be treading water. IBISWorld General Manager (Australia), Ms Karen Dobie said that in 2011, Australian shoppers have been savvy, seeking out the best value for money, the best range and the best... ...Read more »

The UK’s top four retailers all experienced growth in premium own-label ranges in the run-up to Christmas, according to data released yesterday (11 January). Figures from Kantar Worldpanel for the 12 weeks ending 26 December, showed that premium own-label ranges across Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s grew by 11% year-on-year. Sainsbury’s was the only ‘top-four’ retailer to increase its market share during the period – from 16.3% a year ago to 16.6%. Tesco’s... ...Read more »

Drinkers are in the pink when it comes to choosing a tipple, latest Waitrose data shows.Rosé-coloured wine, liqueurs and even port are all the rage in the UK this festive season – despite the chilly weather. Pink drinks are no longer just for hot summer days as rosé wine and colourful cocktails are increasingly drunk at home during the winter, according to Waitrose. Sales of rosé wine at the supermarket have surged 20% so far this year compared to the same period of 2009. Waitrose Wine... ...Read more »

Nestlé today unveiled a range of international seasonal twists on its products around the world, with Christmas products launching in the UK, Czech Republic, Canada, Brazil, China, Mexico, France, Belgium, Italy and the Phillipines. As well as gift boxes and holiday wrappings, this year’s Christmas offerings include an ice-your-own chocolate pig, festively-printed Smarties, a vanilla and walnut Nescafe Winter Blend, ice cream logs and a special edition Bvlgari bottle of San Pellegrino sparkling... ...Read more »

Hot weather, large, multi-generation gatherings and the rush of the holiday season create a perfect storm for food poisoning, warns Dr Michael Eyles, Food Safety Information Council Chairman. Inadequate refridgeration, dodgy leftovers, undercooked meat and cross-contamination from meat and seafood to uncooked dishes are the major risks with large home-cooked meals, and the FSIC has offered a variety of tips to help Australians keep food poisoning off the menu in the silly season. “The statistics... ...Read more »

The Food Standards Agency is reminding people to follow some simple safety steps this Christmas when preparing their turkeys, to help keep the festive period free from the misery of food poisoning. Many people aren’t used to cooking such large meal, so remembering and sticking to the basic rules should mean food poisoning is one less thing to worry about over Christmas. If you buy a frozen turkey make sure it’s completely thawed before you cook it by checking there are no ice crystals... ...Read more »