Author: Scott Dylan

Waitrose is prioritising its commitment to animal welfare to distinguish itself in the competitive market.In the face of declining sales, Waitrose is betting on its animal welfare standards to appeal to ethically-minded consumers.The company claims to have the world’s best animal welfare credentials, supported by numerous Compassion in Farming awards.A ‘no compromise’ animal welfare campaign is being launched alongside price cuts to drive sales growth.The campaign includes authentic social media content showcasing real-life farming practices and long-term supplier relationships.Over the past year, Waitrose’s sales have declined by 3%, with market share dropping from 5% to 4.7%. As inflation begins to…

Almost three quarters of shoppers are acutely aware of shrinkflation, a trend where product sizes are reduced while prices increase.Barclays’ recent research highlights that items like chocolates, crisps, and biscuits are most affected by shrinkflation.Consumers are responding by shifting to brands retaining product sizes, with 21% making this change.Factors such as the conflict in Ukraine have exacerbated costs for essential commodities, impacting production costs.Despite shrinking sizes, prices for numerous goods, including McVitie’s Digestives and Hellmann’s mayonnaise, continue to rise.Almost three quarters of shoppers are acutely aware of ‘shrinkflation’, a phenomenon where product sizes decrease as prices rise, indicating heightened consumer…

Southern Co-op implements ESLs across its UK estate, enhancing operational efficiency.Over half a million ESLs replace traditional paper labels across 197 stores.Partnership with Scotmid Co-op enables successful nationwide rollout.ESLs promise significant cost savings and operational improvements.The initiative supports sustainability by reducing paper waste.The Southern Co-op has successfully implemented electronic shelf labels (ESLs) throughout its entire network of 197 stores in the United Kingdom, marking a substantial shift towards digital operations. This rollout illuminates Southern Co-op’s commitment to integrating technology to enhance operational efficiency and aligns with broader sustainability goals by significantly mitigating paper usage. The ESLs have replaced over half…

Iceland has introduced significant price reductions on 200 products, aiming to support families during the summer holidays.Consumers can enjoy lower prices on everyday items such as Richmond Sausages and Lurpak.The initiative comes as many families plan to cut expenses to ensure food security.Iceland’s promotions include mix-and-match offers and additional savings through a Bonus Card scheme.The retailer reintroduces its 1p sale, aiming to alleviate financial pressures amidst rising costs.Iceland has announced a substantial price cut across 200 products as part of a strategic initiative to provide financial relief to families during the summer holidays. This move is designed to help families…

Nomad Foods plans to alter freezer temperatures to reduce energy consumption.A pilot study indicates a 3°C increase can cut freezer energy by over 10%.The study was in collaboration with Campden BRI, testing nine product types.Results showed no noticeable effects on food quality or safety at -15°C.The initiative aims to lower costs and the carbon footprint industry-wide.Nomad Foods, known for brands like Birds Eye, has announced plans to increase freezer storage temperatures by 3°C. This decision stems from a pilot study indicating potential energy reductions exceeding 10% without any changes required to product formulation. The change involves storing frozen foods at…

Beyond Meat revises its yearly revenue outlook, citing declining market demand for plant-based products.The company expects 2023 revenues between £283m and £299m, down from previous forecasts.Inflation is driving consumers towards cheaper animal proteins instead of plant-based alternatives.Second-quarter sales dropped by 31%, falling short of analysts’ projections.CEO Ethan Brown addresses changing consumer perceptions regarding plant-based meat benefits.Beyond Meat has adjusted its revenue expectations for the fiscal year, projecting a range of £283 million to £299 million. This forecast marks a reduction from the initial estimates of £295 million to £326 million, reflecting a notable shift in market dynamics.The slowdown in demand…

One Stop has initiated a partnership with Veolia to recycle over 380,000 milk bottles annually, enhancing sustainability efforts.Milk bottles from One Stop’s vending machines and staff refreshments are collected weekly by Veolia for recycling.These bottles are processed at Veolia’s facility in Dagenham to create pellets for new milk bottles.The initiative contributes to One Stop’s broader sustainability goals, including achieving net zero by 2050.One Stop has also collaborated with Müller and Whywaste to reinforce its sustainability initiatives.One Stop, a notable convenience retailer, has undertaken a significant step towards sustainability by partnering with Veolia, a global resource management company, to recycle over…

Luke Jensen, the departing CEO of Ocado Solutions, has been appointed as executive chairman at Hana Group, highlighting his significant industry experience.Jensen has held a non-executive director role at Hana Group since 2015, contributing to the company’s strategic development within the Sushi Gourmet brand.He will work closely with Hana Group’s CEO, Ed Romero, to drive global strategy and operations with a focus on transformative growth.Jensen’s previous achievements at Ocado Solutions, including global expansion initiatives, underpin his new leadership role.Steve Dacus, the outgoing chairman, supports Jensen’s appointment citing his transformative track record as a valuable asset.Luke Jensen’s appointment as executive chairman…

In July, food and drink emerged as the strongest performers on the high street, even as overall retail sales growth decelerated.According to the British Retail Consortium, retail sales in the UK grew by 1.5% in July, marking a decline from the previous year’s growth.Food sales surged by 8.4%, surpassing the 12-month average, amidst a slight easing in inflationary pressures.Non-food retail sectors experienced a downturn, with online sales hitting their lowest point since the pandemic’s onset.Consumers continue to grapple with ‘super-shrinkflation’, where reduced product sizes accompany rising prices, impacting purchasing power.In July, food and drink remained resilient as the leading categories…

The Bank of England’s chief economist warns that post-Ukraine invasion, food prices may not drop.Huw Pill attributes lasting high food prices to supply chain disruptions caused by the conflict.The UK faces compounded issues due to businesses securing high-cost commodity contracts.Food inflation has reached unprecedented levels, showing signs of moderate decline.Retailers remain cautious, expecting further food price increases at a 10% annual rate.In a recent Q&A, Huw Pill, the chief economist of the Bank of England, provided insights regarding the persistent high cost of food due to the Ukraine conflict. He stated that “the days of seeing food prices fall, that…