Subscribe Login
Retail Intelligence

Did You Know? January 7th 2013

By Publications Checkout
Did You Know? January 7th 2013

Did you know… Flahavans has launched a new ad campaign called ‘Energy for Life’? The 30 second TV and radio commercial aims to raise awareness of the importance of breakfast, in particular slow-energy release food like Flahavans porridge. John Noonan, Flahavan’s Sales and Marketing Director, said, “This campaign highlights what consumers like about Flahavan’s and what sets it apart from the competition – its strong Irish heritage, its wholesome goodness and slow release of energy and its distinctive creamy taste.” The ad will be broadcast on television and radio over the next three months until the end of March.

Did you know… Londis and Stonehouse have signed a strategic membership agreement? The deal will increase the Stonehouse Group's turnover by one third and will surge its retail sales towards €1.5 billion through its 600 symbol stores nationwide. A Londis statement said that the deal will “have no impact on ADM Londis’ ownership by its franchisees and participating symbol groups will continue to compete with one another, but with the benefit of improved buying terms and enhanced opportunities for supply chain synergies.” Londis chief executive Stephen O’Riordan said, “This agreement is a step change for participating symbol group shops that are integral to the communities they serve. Arising from this agreement, local, independently owned stores will have the purchasing power of the major retailers but with the convenience and service that appeals to consumers."

Did you know… Aldi has launched a new own-label line of natural and organic products in the US? The SimplyNature range includes ambient and chilled products and comprises of cereal, fruit bars, honey and juices, as well as pasta sauces, pizza, salsa and snacks. Aldi is also planning to expand its organic and locally sourced items at an affordable price. Before Christmas, Aldi announced its plans to increase its number of stores in the US. Currently the discounter has 1,300 stores in 32 US states and it plans to open an average of 130 new outlets a year for the next 5 years. Aldi expects to create 10,000 new jobs with the new stores.

Did you know… Police in the UK are investigating the recall of Tesco own-label ice cream cones? The product line was recalled after painkiller tablets were found in two individual cones in November 2013. The products were produced at a plant in North Yorkshire, run by the ice cream supplier R&R Ice Cream. The UK police are investigating to see if the tablets were added to the ice cream on purpose. Detective Superintendent Dai Malyn told The Independent, "If it was felt to be accidental from the outset, the resources we have put into it probably wouldn’t be to the scale we have done. We have got to look at it as we think it's suspicious unless we prove otherwise.” R&R Ice Cream has introduced new security measures at its factory since the incident, including CCTV monitoring on the production line.

Did you know… A proposed Aldi store in Cavan has received five objections? Complaints were lodged with Cavan County Council against the planning permission for the Bailieborough store development at Beckscourt, located across the road from a Tesco store. Those objecting against the new Aldi store included Tesco, SuperValu, the Bailborough Traders Association, the local Development Association and a local man named Rory Clarke. The local businesses feel there is an oversupply of retail stores and that another store located on the outskirts of the town will affect street trade in the town.

ADVERTISEMENT

Did you know… Mondelez International has sold off its US company SnackWell’s to Back to Nature Foods Co.? SnackWell’s produces reduced fat and fat free cookies and crackers in its range including creme sandwich cookies, devil’s food cakes, fudge pretzels and popcorn products. Back to Nature Co. is controlled by a private equity firm, Brynwood Partners, in which Mondelez owns a minority stake. Back to Nature CEO Vincent Fantegrossi said SnackWell’s iconic brand will significantly increase the groups scale in the crackers and cookies sector.

Did you know… Dawn Meats is reportedly set to take a non-controlling interest in French company Terrena’s beef subsidiary Elivia? The two companies entered into talks which may result in Dawn Meats exporting to 40 markets internationally if it buys into Elivia, the number two beef supplier in France. Terrena is a co-operative group with 22,000 members and 11,800 employs, of which Elivia employs 2,600. Terrena posted revenues of €4.5bn in 2012, of which Elivia turned over €1bn.

Did you know… 28% of Irish people are drinking less wine than a year ago? The data comes from the Wine Intelligence survey commissioned by Wolf Blass and Lindemans Wines, and showed that under-35s are drinking more, while over-55s are drinking the same as last year. The main reason for lower wine consumption cited by consumers was a desire to cut down on alcohol (59%), while 27% cited wine price increases. The survey also found that the number of consumers who’d stop buying a brand almost doubles with each €1 increase, while 44% of people are spending more on wine that they did a year ago. 42% spend the same and 14% spend less on wine.

Did you know… Irish Trade Unions are seeking private sector pay hikes? Unions are preparing to lobby the private sector to increase the wages of lower paid workers, as a key to growing the economy. Siptu president Jack O’Connor said, “Personal consumption represents half of the growth in the economy and the best way to increase purchasing power is to increase wages, which have been stagnant for the past five years.” He said that increasing wages will ensure people spend more money and thus boost the economy. The unions have already achieved some pay rises in more profitable sectors such as pharmaceutical and manufacturing, of about 2% on average. Retail union Mandate successfully negotiated a number of pay increases in Dunnes Stores (3%), Marks & Spencer (2.5%) and Tesco, Debenhams, Brown Thomas and Superquinn (2%).

© 2013 - Checkout Magazine by Genna Patterson

{loadposition ri07012014}

Stay Connected With Our Weekly Newsletter

Processing your request...

Thanks! please check your email to confirm your subscription.