Welcome to the supermarkets of the future: self service checkouts, ‘Tap N Go’ card readers, new smartphone barcode scanning apps and trolleys complete with computers and GPS tracking.  They promise speed, convenience and even more information for customers and retailers. But just how useful are they? Consumer group CHOICE has reviewed these new innovations to see if they live up to the hype, by truly benefiting consumers and retailers. Self service checkouts allow consumers to scan,... ...Read more »

A new consultative forum, set up to facilitate more effective engagement between consumer and public health groups and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), will meet for the first time today.Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Chief Executive, Steve McCutcheon, said the Consumer and Public Health Dialogue would include representatives from peak consumer and public health bodies and public health academics. “This forum is intended to improve FSANZ’s understanding of community... ...Read more »

The head of Europe’s leading consumer watchdog has said mandatory EU labelling information has become so complex and detailed even she cannot understand it.Speaking at the CIAA Congress in Brussels last Thursday (18 November), Monique Goyens, director-general of the European Consumers Organisation (BEUC), said: “Being able to read what’s on a packet is becoming more difficult as more and more information is included and the letters get smaller.” Goyens admitted she did not... ...Read more »

Global consumer goods company Unilever today announced plans to decouple future growth from environmental impact. At the London launch of Unilever’s Sustainable Living Plan, CEO Paul Polman explained: “We have ambitious plans to grow the company. But growth at any price is not viable. We have to develop new ways of doing business which will ensure that our growth does not come at the expense of the world’s diminishing natural resources.” He also announced plans to help over 1 billion people... ...Read more »

SABMiller on Friday published research into beer drinking culture around Europe. The findings include:- Britain is the biggest round-buying nation, with 82% of people saying that they buy beer in rounds – three times more than in Germany, where drinkers prefer to pay for their own drinks individually - British bosses are amongst the most sociable in Europe – and the most generous, whereas French bosses are the least likely to ever go out for a beer with their teams - British women are... ...Read more »

Stevia supplier PureCircle yesterday (3 August) launched a global campaign in a bid to boost awareness of the natural sweetener among consumers. The UK-listed group said a “trust mark” entitled “Stevia by PureCircle” would be carried on the packaging of “leading manufacturers around the world”. The print, digital and TV campaign will start next month alongside other co-marketing activities already in place. Products with the message “naturally sweetened... ...Read more »

German discount supermarket chain Aldi has once again topped Australian consumer satisfaction rankings for supermarkets during the month of October 2009 according to an independent survey released today. A recent Roy Morgan Supermarket Satisfaction Report shows that supermarket chain, Aldi, gained a 2.2% point increase from last month, equating to a satisfaction of 9 out of 10 customers for a total rating of 91.0% satisfaction. IGA was down 1% point to 86.4% from September, while Woolworths (86.0%)... ...Read more »