As consumers become increasingly vigilant, a significant shift in shopping habits is emerging due to shrinkflation.Recent research highlights that 73% of shoppers are now more aware of shrinkflation, particularly in products like chocolate and biscuits.A noticeable trend is the move towards brands that have maintained product sizes, with 21% of shoppers making the switch.The geopolitical climate, notably the conflict in Ukraine, has significantly influenced commodity prices, exacerbating shrinkflation.Consumers are adapting by buying in bulk and shopping at multiple stores as they contend with persistent food price inflation.Recent research indicates that a majority of consumers are noticing the effects of shrinkflation,…
Author: Dave Antrobus
Southern Co-op has successfully implemented over half a million electronic shelf labels across its UK stores, aiming for efficiency and cost savings.This initiative involves 197 stores in the UK, significantly reducing paper and printing expenses by approximately £220,000 annually.The implementation programme was executed in partnership with Scotmid Co-op, who trialled the scheme initially in Scotland in December 2020.Feedback from store employees has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting reduced workload and enhanced promotional capabilities.The new electronic labels can display vital information like allergens and promotions instantly as stores open.Southern Co-op has made a significant move within its retail operations by rolling out…
Nomad Foods proposes increasing freezer temperatures to save energy in an innovative study.The study shows a potential reduction in energy use by over 10% without altering product quality.The research was conducted in collaboration with food science organisation Campden BRI.Nine different products were tested, revealing no significant changes in quality at -15°C compared to -18°C.The initiative could significantly reduce the carbon footprint in the frozen food sector.Nomad Foods, the parent company of brands including Birds Eye, has announced a groundbreaking study revealing that increasing freezer temperatures by just 3°C can significantly decrease energy consumption. By adjusting the storage temperature from the…
Beyond Meat has revised its annual revenue forecast due to declining demand for plant-based products.Consumers are opting for cheaper animal proteins amidst inflationary pressures.Beyond Meat’s latest quarterly revenue fell short of analysts’ expectations.The company struggles to achieve cash flow positive operations by mid-2023.Efforts to boost demand include price cuts and expanding product ranges.Beyond Meat is navigating a challenging market environment, adjusting its revenue expectations for 2023. The company now anticipates revenue between £283 million and £299 million, a decrease from previous forecasts ranging from £295 million to £326 million. This revision highlights the impact of slowing demand on the financial…
Meatless Farm products have made a successful comeback to Asda shelves, bringing excitement to plant-based food lovers.This return follows a strategic takeover by Vegan Fried Chick*n, aiming to revitalise the brand.Consumers can now find a range of vegan products like mince, chicken breast, and burgers in Asda stores.The reintroduction also includes innovative products such as beef and porcini mushroom girasole and pork and apple sausage.Despite recent financial struggles, this move marks a new beginning for Meatless Farm with production by former partners.Meatless Farm products have triumphantly returned to Asda after a strategic takeover by the plant-based brand, VFC. The company,…
Consumers are increasingly facing a trend known as shrinkflation, where product sizes decrease while prices rise.Recent investigations reveal that products in major supermarkets have surged in price, doubling in some instances compared to last year.Specific examples include McVitie’s Digestives and Penguin biscuits, which have seen reductions in size but increases in cost.Economic pressures, including the war in Ukraine, have been identified as contributing factors to rising production costs.Food inflation is anticipated to persist at double-digit rates through the end of 2023, affecting consumer pricing.Consumers are increasingly experiencing the effects of shrinkflation, a phenomenon where the size of the products decreases…
In a significant move, Tesco has allocated £10 million to support the recovering UK egg industry, following severe challenges faced over the past year.Buying restrictions on eggs, implemented in November 2022 due to supply chain strains, have now been lifted.The investment follows a prior £27.5 million backing by Tesco to source eggs from the UK and ensure high welfare standards.From August 2023 until March 2024, £6 million will be allocated to cover increased costs in egg handling, processing, and production.Tesco’s commitment includes maintaining their leading poultry feed model, offering financial protection against fluctuating feed prices.Tesco has announced the provision of…
Tesco plans to introduce Creams café concessions across its UK stores, expanding its dessert offerings.The initiative follows a successful trial of a Creams café at a Tesco in Streatham last November.The first new in-store cafés will open in Gateshead and Maryhill in early August, with more to follow this year.Customers will enjoy 24 different gelato flavours alongside waffles, sundaes, and milkshakes.Tesco is innovating its café operations with new digital ordering systems and automated kitchen solutions.Tesco is embarking on an innovative partnership with Creams café to launch concessions in its UK stores. This strategic move builds on the successful trial of…
Iceland introduces significant changes to the role of area managers, extending their responsibilities to include oversight of both Iceland and The Food Warehouse stores.Previously, area managers’ duties were brand-specific, but now they are geographically oriented to enhance operational efficiency.This move aims to facilitate growth opportunities and reduce unnecessary travel time for area managers.There are concerns among employees regarding job security, despite Iceland’s assurance of no imminent redundancies.Store closures are compounding uncertainties with recent and forthcoming shutdowns amid economic challenges.Iceland has strategically increased the responsibilities of its area managers, who will now manage both Iceland and The Food Warehouse stores within…
Virtual Data Rooms (VDRs) are revolutionising the way businesses manage secure data sharing.Entrepreneurs demand VDRs for optimising business processes and ensuring data safety.Key performance metrics, like IOPS, are crucial for VDR efficiency.Advanced features including AI and blockchain enhance VDR functionality.VDRs provide unparalleled security with military-grade encryption.Virtual Data Rooms are becoming indispensable in modern business environments for secure and efficient data management. Entrepreneurs are increasingly turning to VDRs to create secure work atmospheres, crucial for today’s digital-dependent operations. These platforms automate and optimise business processes, offering a transparent environment to collaborate safely with colleagues.Performance metrics such as Input/Output Operations Per Second…