Author: Dave Antrobus
In a strategic move, Tate & Lyle circumvents a shareholder vote.The decision follows new rules set by the Financial Conduct Authority.A £1.4bn acquisition of CP Kelco from J.M. Huber has been announced.CEO Nick Hampton describes this as a strategic fit to bolster growth.The deal aims to expand Tate & Lyle’s core platforms significantly.In response to new regulations introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority, Tate & Lyle has strategically decided to bypass a shareholder vote on its proposed acquisition of the US-based ingredients manufacturer, CP Kelco. This decision marks a significant shift in corporate governance practices following the imposition of these…
Aldi continues to assert its position as the United Kingdom’s cheapest supermarket, providing significant savings for consumers.In September, Aldi offered a basket of 65 items at £102.68, outperforming other major UK supermarkets.Waitrose was found to be the most expensive option at £130.37, presenting a stark contrast in pricing.Lidl followed closely behind Aldi, with a slight price difference of £1.18 for the same set of items.Sainsbury’s and Tesco loyalty schemes offered competitive pricing, yet remained higher than Aldi.Aldi has once again proven its capability to deliver the most affordable grocery options, maintaining its crown as the UK’s cheapest supermarket for September.…
Walkers has significantly reduced the salt content of its Sensations Thai Sweet Chilli crisps by 18%.This reformulation is a response to the increasing health awareness among consumers.The changes were implemented without affecting the signature sweet and spicy flavour of the crisps.This move aligns with Walkers’ broader strategy to offer healthier snack options by 2025.The reformulation supports Walkers’ goal of having 50% of sales from healthier snacks.Walkers has proactively reduced the salt content in its popular Sensations Thai Sweet Chilli crisps by 18%. This significant reformulation caters to the growing segment of health-conscious consumers demanding lower salt content in their snacks.The…
M&S has announced the initiation of its festive recruitment drive, targeting 11,000 customer assistant positions for the Christmas period.This recruitment exceeds last year’s effort, introducing over 1,000 additional roles to enhance customer service.Recruitment commences on 9 October, with candidates joining M&S in mid-November.Roles feature flexible working patterns to accommodate diverse applicants.The initiative supports the Christmas Food to Order service, enhancing holiday shopping convenience.M&S has initiated its annual recruitment for the festive season, with plans to hire over 11,000 new customer assistant roles, significantly surpassing last year’s recruitment figures by more than 1,000 positions. This expansion reflects the company’s recent investment…
Innocent Drinks has rolled out a comprehensive packaging redesign, unifying its product portfolio across 18 markets.The strategy emphasizes simplicity and aims to enhance brand recognition by featuring the redesigned ‘Dude’ logo more prominently.The update targets juices, smoothies, and super smoothies, aligning visual elements with the nutritional value they offer.The brand hopes to make product selection easier for consumers, focusing on the health benefits associated with its drinks.Innocent previously refreshed its ‘Juicy Water’ range, reflecting a consumer shift towards healthier choices.Innocent Drinks has undertaken a significant redesign of its packaging, affecting its extensive product line available across 18 diverse markets. This…
Gousto has strategically appointed Murray Lambell as its new Chief Customer Officer to enhance customer experience and expand in the dinner market.Lambell brings extensive experience from eBay, aiming to leverage his skills in insights, brand management, and customer services at Gousto.His role will involve overseeing various teams, emphasising sustainability, brand development, and customer care to align with Gousto’s growth ambitions.The company reported returning to profitability in 2023, highlighting an increase in EBITDA and setting the stage for further expansion.Gousto’s CEO, Timo Boldt, expresses enthusiasm for the new appointment, citing cultural alignment and customer-centric focus as key advantages.Gousto, a prominent recipe…
The plant-based industry is experiencing a shift away from mimic meats towards natural options.Mimic meat brands face declining demand due to inflated early projections.Natural plant-based products show strong growth contrary to mimic meats.Deliciously Ella remains unaffected by the decline in mimic meats.Industry turbulence highlights varying success within plant-based brands.The plant-based sector is witnessing a notable shift as mimic meat products, once anticipated to dominate the market, are now experiencing a downturn in demand. According to Matthew Mills, CEO of Deliciously Ella, the industry has experienced a ‘bifurcation’. This trend has disadvantaged mimic meat brands, which initially perceived a much larger…
UK independent retailers show optimism for upcoming seasons despite mixed summer results.Mixed weather conditions over the summer have posed challenges for UK retailers.Retailers are adjusting strategies to capitalise on autumn/winter opportunities.A focus on tailored customer experiences is becoming increasingly important.Retailers are anticipating positive growth in the fashion sector this season.Independent retailers in the UK are expressing a positive outlook for the upcoming autumn and winter seasons, notwithstanding the challenges posed by the inconsistent summer weather. The unpredictable climate has led to variable consumer spending patterns, which have negatively impacted sales for many in the fashion retail sector.Retailers are now shifting…
Leading UK food businesses and investors are urging the government for stricter regulations to combat poor diets.Tesco, Iceland, and Nomad Foods advocate for mandatory reporting on high fat, salt, and sugar product sales.The proposed measures include developing legislative roadmaps to promote healthier eating habits.Industry leaders highlight childhood obesity as a worsening crisis requiring diverse policy reforms.The discussion gains momentum as the government plans to restrict junk food advertising on TV before 9pm.In a coordinated effort, prominent UK food businesses and investors have called upon the government to implement tighter regulations in the food industry aimed at addressing unhealthy dietary habits.…
Frasers Group has made a significant move by placing an £83 million offer to takeover Mulberry.The bid follows Mulberry’s announcement to raise £10 million through new shares, which Frasers criticises for lack of transparency.Frasers’ offer is priced at 130p per share, a notable 30% premium to Mulberry’s recent share subscription price.Mulberry’s financial difficulties are highlighted by a reported £34.1m loss before tax in their recent financial results.Frasers is committed to preventing a scenario similar to Debenhams’ administration and is highly critical of Mulberry’s current state.Frasers Group has put forward a substantial £83 million takeover bid for the luxury retailer Mulberry,…
