The results of Neilsen’s latest Global Online Consumer Confidence Survey (released 27 July 2011) reveal that increases in costs of living are undermining the confidence of Australian consumers. Australian consumer concerns coincide with the uncertainties common to countries that faired worse than Australia during the 2008 Global Financial Crisis (GFC). Global picture The increasing price of food was consumers’ top global concern, for the second quarter in a row: •      Nearly one-fifth... ...Read more »

The salmonella outbreak in America linked to the now bankrupt Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) has been responsible for 666 illnesses and one of the biggest food recalls in US history. Tragically, it may have also led to nine deaths. Over 2,000 products have been recalled from manufacturers large and small, who have used PCA’s products in everything from biscuits to ice-cream. The scandal has caused consumer confidence in the food supply to plummet. Fewer than one in four consumers now believe... ...Read more »

Food retailers & restaurateurs will be watching their own cash registers to see evidence of Roy Morgan research which indicated that Australian consumer confidence increased for the fourth week in a row, as the Government’s stimulus packages was delivered to Australian families and pensioners. The latest weekly Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence Rating increased 1.5 points from the previous week, to 99.9. The rating was 26.9 points below the average index registered in December 2007, but was... ...Read more »

The October 2008 ACCI (Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry) Survey of Investor Confidence shows business trading conditions have continued to deteriorate in the September quarter. Business’ own conditions and profits are at their lowest level in six years, sales have fallen to below their five year average and future expectations for these measures are down further still. The slowing global and domestic economy has also reduced the expected rate of growth for own business employment,... ...Read more »

The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment rose by 7% in September from 86.2 in August to 92.2 in September in further welcome news for retailers. The bounce was expected in the wake of recent events, according to Westpac’s Chief Economist, Bill Evans. “This type of result comes as no surprise,” he reported. “It is a direct response to the decision by the Reserve Bank to cut their overnight cash rate by 0.25% and the swift response by the banks to reduce their... ...Read more »

The Reserve Bank of Australia today reduced the cash rate by a quarter of a percentage point to 7.00 per cent, providing some welcome relief to retailers. Leading retail industry bodies the Australian National Retailers Association and the Australian Retailers Association have both warned, however, that it will take time for consumer confidence to return. “… nobody should assume that Australians will race out tomorrow and start spending up,” ANRA CEO Margy Osmond said. “This... ...Read more »

The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment increased by 9.1% in August from 79.0 in July to 86.2 in August – the biggest jump in the last five years. The data showed a recovery from a sixteen year low and the improvement has been put down to a softening of fuel prices. The bounce in consumer confidence will hearten Australia’s retailers, CEO of the Australian National Retailers Association Margy Osmond said in response to the findings. “It’s clear... ...Read more »

Business confidence amongst Australian fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturers has taken a turn for the worse with 45 per cent suggesting business conditions have deteriorated in the past 12 months, according to the latest Nielsen research. The hit to confidence appears to have been driven by rising costs, coupled with a drop in consumer confidence. The findings were released by The Nielsen Company as part of its latest bi-annual Retail Barometer survey. The research captured responses from... ...Read more »

Prebiotics, known for their ability to improve intestinal regularity, appear to be slowly stepping out of the shadow of probiotics as more options become available to manufacturers. Buoyed by positive scientific data, prebiotics such as fructans are making their mark in the prebiotics market. Following in their footsteps are a new set of prebiotics, such as mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS), galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS), which rely on the same marketing methods to garner... ...Read more »

As trying economic conditions dampen consumer confidence and spending in the US, Kraft has implemented a new strategy to help drive supermarket sales of their brands. The “Wall-to-Wall” sales concept has resulted in a change in the method by which Kraft representatives work with retailers. In essence it has led to greater contact and communication, with many Kraft sales reps now frequenting stores on a daily basis in an endeavour to boost sales. The reps are responsible for the majority... ...Read more »