Author: Sam Allcock

AB InBev, the global beverage company, has reported a rise in its third-quarter profits, despite facing challenges with falling volumes.In the third quarter of 2024, AB InBev’s profits surged by 13.9%, reaching £1.48 billion. This financial improvement occurred alongside a modest sales growth of 2.1%. However, the company experienced a setback in its total volumes, which fell by 2.4%. This decline was notably marked by a 3.1% drop in its beer product lines, contrasted by a slight uptick of 0.6% in non-beer products.The company’s performance was further highlighted by the performance of its ‘megabrands’, including Brahma, Cass, and Skol, which…

Vega Comms has promoted co-founder Nick James to Managing Director, ushering in a new era for the agency.The promotion comes as the agency successfully concludes its second year and opens a new office in Gibraltar.Named one of Prolific North’s Independent Agencies to Watch, Vega Comms is renowned for its dedication to excellence.James has been instrumental in shaping the strategic direction of Vega Comms, aiming to enhance client growth.Co-founder Ian Lees commends Nick James for his passion and strategic vision as key drivers in the agency’s journey.Vega Comms has made a strategic decision to promote co-founder Nick James to Managing Director,…

Cornish Company partners with a leading agency to boost growth.Impression agency to implement diverse marketing strategies.Focus on digital strategy, media, SEO, and PR services.Partnership aims to elevate brand reach while staying true to values.Key figures express optimism and excitement about the collaboration.In an ambitious move to achieve significant revenue growth, The Cornish Company, known for its gourmet cream tea and hamper delivery service, has partnered with a marketing agency with a strong reputation. The agency, known as Impression, will focus on a wide range of services including digital strategy, paid media, SEO, digital PR, and creative solutions. This comprehensive approach…

Today, the Chancellor announces a significant increase in National Insurance contributions, affecting major UK supermarkets.The UK’s largest supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons, are expected to incur an additional £200 million in National Insurance payments as a result of the government’s latest budget adjustments. The increase comprises a two-percentage point rise in employer National Insurance contributions, a development first reported by Sky News.Analysts estimate that Tesco, with around 300,000 employees in the country, might see an increase of £75 million to its National Insurance bill. This financial burden comes amidst warnings from business leaders about the potential detrimental impact…

Premier League Darts will remain in iconic UK venues through a new ASM Global partnership.This announcement follows record-breaking sales and fan enthusiasm for the league.Five major arenas, including in Manchester and Leeds, are confirmed to host until 2027.The extension underscores the popularity and electric atmosphere of these events.Top darts players, like Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen, will headline future matches.In a significant development, ASM Global, in collaboration with the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), has secured a multi-year deal ensuring that Premier League Darts will continue to be held in some of the United Kingdom’s most renowned arenas until at…

Mondelez International has reported a significant rise in its third-quarter financial performance, showcasing a strategic shift in its core business operations.The parent company of Cadbury, Mondelez International, announced a remarkable 21% increase in its operating profits for the third quarter ending on 30 September, amounting to £1.3 billion ($1.7 billion). Additionally, the company’s net organic sales witnessed a 5.4% rise, reaching £7 billion ($9.2 billion), surpassing market expectations. These numbers reflect Mondelez’s concerted efforts to reposition and enhance its portfolio strategically.Despite these successes, the company’s results were slightly tempered by the sale of its developed market gum business, which includes…

Aldi is inviting charities, community groups, and food banks across the United Kingdom to register for surplus food donations ahead of the Christmas season.Working with the community giving platform Neighbourly, Aldi aims to help those facing food insecurity by providing fresh and chilled food nearing its expiration from local stores. This initiative seeks to match charities with their nearest Aldi outlet to facilitate the collection process efficiently.Luke Emery, the national sustainability director at Aldi UK, highlighted the increasing need for support from charity partners, emphasising Aldi’s commitment to aiding local communities during the festive period. He stated, “We know that…

In a forward-thinking move, Asda has expanded its festive food offerings with the introduction of new Christmas sandwiches and wraps for 2024.The 2024 range includes eight distinct items, featuring two novel additions designed to excite the palate. Leading the charge is the ‘Let It Spice Festive Curry Wrap’, a unique concoction of chicken breast, winter-spiced slaw, cranberry chutney, and sweet yet mildly spiced curry sauce. This offering aligns with the familiar tradition of using Christmas leftovers to create a curry, presenting a bold alternative to the conventional roast turkey.Another highlight of the collection is the ‘Christmas Club Sandwich’, which revamps…

Today, Majestic, a specialist wine retailer, has launched a strategic partnership with Just Eat, a prominent rapid delivery firm, to broaden its on-demand services.This collaboration allows Majestic customers to select from a vast array of wines, including Champagne, Sparkling, Bordeaux, and Loire, as well as wines from Italy, New Zealand, and Australia. Both the Chosen By Majestic and Definition By Majestic own-label wines are included. Additionally, a wide range of premium spirits and beers can now be ordered through the Just Eat app, with delivery times averaging as little as 30 minutes.The initiative kicks off from 43 Majestic locations, encompassing…

Sainsbury’s has experienced a notable increase in food sales, achieving a 5% rise during the first half of the year.The company’s market share has now reached 15.2%, positioning it as a leading player in the British grocery market, just behind Tesco.The growth in food sales is attributed to changing consumer habits, with more people choosing to dine at home due to the rising costs of eating out.Despite strong performance in the grocery sector, Sainsbury’s faced challenges with its Argos division, which saw a 5% decline in sales.Sainsbury’s remains optimistic about future prospects, expecting a stronger performance for Argos in the…