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This week in FMCG

News-This-WeekIt’s been another interesting week for the FMCG sector. Let’s take a look back at what’s made headlines in Australia and around the world.

Woolworths reusable bags free for 10 days

Supermarket giant Woolworths has decided to handout free reusable eco-bags for the next 10 days. Woolworths managing director Claire Peters said its challenging for customers to get use to using reusable bags, but the grocery business has “listened … and heard they just want a little extra help to get through the transition to a more sustainable way of shopping.”

Amazon acquisition puts pharmacy sector on notice

E-commerce giant Amazon has acquired the startup pharmacy, PillPack, for an undisclosed sum this week. The latest major move has already impacted several established pharmacy retailers including CVS, Walgreens and RiteAid. PillPack reported over US$100 million in revenue in 2017 and has raised US$118 million in funding from investors such as US pharmacy giant CVS and Menlo Ventures.

Patties Foods boss on Boscastle acquisition

Inside FMCG interviewed the Patties Foods’ head honcho Paul Hitchcock after the recent announcement of its latest acquisition of gourmet pie business Boscastle. Patties Foods said it will be business as usual for the new addition to the growing stable of brands including Four ‘N Twenty and Herbert Adams. Hitchcock said they will focus on making the gourmet pie brand “more recognised on a national level.”

Coca-Cola and Pepsi pledged to cut sugar

Australia’s biggest soft drink manufacturers, including Coca-Cola and Pepsi, have pledged to cut sugar use by a fifth over seven years to help deal with obesity problem in the country. Beverage producers have witness Aussies switching away from sugary drinks due to health concerns. Geoff Parker, chief executive officer of the Australian Beverages Council, confirmed the sector generates A$5 billion in annual revenue.

SPC to implement Country of Origin Labelling

After two years since the regulations were first mooted, the 100-year-old Australian business SPC has confirmed its excitement that Country of Origin Labelling regulations will come into play on July 1. SPC GM Marketing and Innovation, Simone Coté said the fruit and vegetable business supports the “transparency these regulations bring, with Australians often mislead by the impression that certain packaged products are Australian, when in fact they’re not.”

That’s it for this week! Have a good weekend everyone. We’ll be back again on Monday morning.

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