Starbucks: What went wrong?
July 31, 2008

The reputation of global coffee chain leader Starbucks has taken a hit in recent months, with declining sales leading to 600 store closures in America and a further 61 in Australia (more than two-thirds of their Australian outlets). The company is by no means in dire straits, quarterly revenue of US$2.57 billion highlights that point, but things certainly don’t look as rosy as they did just a couple of years ago. Starbucks posted their first quarterly loss on Wednesday since going public in... ...Read more »

Retail trade data heightens economic concern
July 31, 2008

Peak retail industry body, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), said the retail trade trend estimates released today, which indicated no change for June 2008 and a turnover decrease of 3.9% compared with May 2008, imply continued tough times ahead for Australia’s economy. Overall, food retail, Australia’s largest retail sector, bucked the trend with a slight increase in turnover. Restaurants and cafés, however, are beginning to lose customers as more Australians start... ...Read more »

European Commission approves Mars proposed acquisition of Wrigley
July 31, 2008

The European Commission has cleared, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of sole control of Wrigley by Mars. The EU concluded that the proposed transaction would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any substantial part of it. In April this year Wrigley, the world leading gum maker, agreed to the takeover by Mars Inc., with Wrigley to become a subsidiary of Mars. Mars, a US-based family-owned company is a global leader in confectionery,... ...Read more »

Coles and Woolworths make list of world’s leading grocers
July 31, 2008

Planet Retail has announced the world’s top 30 grocery retailers (by sales), with Wal-Mart at the top of the heap for the tenth straight year. Sales of US$395.31* billion (A$419.45 billion) last year enabled US retailer Wal-Mart to eclipse the French-based Carrefour in second place, which had approximately A$145 billion in sales. Tesco, the leading UK retailer, climbed from fourth to third thanks to sales of A$105 billion. Australia’s two market leaders, Woolworths and Coles Group, ... ...Read more »

Woolworths’ attempt to purchase The Warehouse blocked by Court of Appeal
July 31, 2008

Woolworths’ bid to gain a greater foothold in the NZ supermarket sector has been quelled by a court ruling, which will not enable them to purchase The Warehouse. The Commerce Commission, the competition watchdog in New Zealand, has claimed the decision by the Court of Appeal, which overturned the High Court decision on ownership of The Warehouse Group Ltd, is a victory for supermarket consumers and competition in markets. In the second appeal from the Commission’s clearance decision,... ...Read more »

Coca-Cola Amatil trials cashless vending machines
July 31, 2008

Coca-Cola Amatil Australia is to pilot new cashless vending technology in partnership with Vending Management Services Limited (VMSL). The trial of the new Cashless Payment System and Cashless Reconciliation Engine (CRE) for Coke Vending will allow credit card and scheme-based debit card payments at vending machines. Gary Meier, General Manager of Coke Vending, says the initiative is in response to Australian consumer research. “In Australia, cards already account for more than half of all... ...Read more »

Food Recall: Whisk & Pin Gluten Free Muesli
July 31, 2008

Whisk & Pin Pty Ltd wish to advise that they are conducting a voluntary consumer level recall in NSW, VIC and QLD on the below product due to an important product safety issue. The product may mistakenly contain gluten wheat bran, which could pose a health risk to consumers with gluten intolerance. Best Before: From 15 APR 09 to 25 APR 09 inclusive Australian Distribution: NSW, VIC, QLD Overseas Distribution: Nil Reason for Recall: ... ...Read more »

Don Smallgoods closes factories as part of restructure
July 30, 2008

Don KRC, a leading Australian smallgoods manufacturer, has announced a major restructure of manufacturing operations which will result in the closure of two factories. The company, a subsidiary of George Weston Foods, will end production at their factories in Altona (Vic) and Spearwood (WA) - resulting in all manufacturing being moved to an expanded Castlemaine site by 2010. There will be a progressive winding down of production at both the Altona and Spearwood facilities, with the West Australian... ...Read more »

Queensland chocolate factory a shining light in the industry
July 30, 2008

Worldwide cocoa production has been tainted by child slave labour over the course of the past decade, but an Australian company is now one of an increasing number worldwide who are looking to eradicate slave labour from the industry. On a visit to Cocoa Australia’s cocoa plantation and processing centre at Mossman Central Mill last week, Opposition Spokesman for Northern Australia, Senator Ian Macdonald, indicated that this Australian first would help to reduce the use of child labour to produce... ...Read more »

Coca-Cola face legal action over use of “Zero” trademark
July 30, 2008

Coca-Cola Zero has proven to be one of the company’s most inspired product launches but a Chicago businessman is now initiating legal action against the company amid claims they stole the idea from him. Businessman Mirza Baig is requesting that the Chicago Federal Court ban the Coca Cola Company from using the “Zero” trademark on any of their products and asking for profits from sales of Zero-brand drinks. He claims that he started selling Naturally Zero Canadian spring water some... ...Read more »

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