Here’s what made headlines this week in Inside FMCG.
Johnson & Johnson lost US cancer case
Global FMCG giant Johnson & Johnson has been ordered to pay a record $US4.69 billion ($A6.34 billion) to 22 women in the US. The women involved alleged the company’s talc-based products contained asbestos and caused them to develop ovarian cancer. Johnson & Johnson is currently battling around 9000 talc cases.
Nestle exits sugar confectionery business in New Zealand
Nestle has decided to sell its New Zealand confectionery brands to focus on its chocolate, baking and medicated lozenge brands. The latest move will see the company sell off local brands including Mackintosh’s, Heards, Black Knight and Fabulicious Red Licorice, as well as the popular Life Savers brand.
Aldi took the lead as Australia’s most trusted brand
German discount grocer Aldi has beat its Aussie rivals Coles and Woolworths being recognised as Australia’s most trusted brand. The international discounter has lifted its standing among Aussie shoppers in recent months, lifting its ranking from third to first since April.
Avozillas sparked media frenzy
Giant avocados, clocking in at almost five times the size of a regular avocado, are now on sale in Australia. The aptly named ‘Avozilla’ variety weighs in at an average 1.2 kg each and has made headlines around the world following an interview aired on the ABC’s Rural report.
Unilever CEO urged resources rethink
Unilever CEO Clive Stiff announced this week the company’s bottles of OMO, Dove, Surf, Sunsilk and TRESemmé will soon contain at least 25 per cent locally-sourced recycled plastic. The latest move will prompt Australia’s circular economy by creating local demand for HDPE, a more rigid plastic type, used commonly in plastic bottles for home cleaning and personal care products.
That’s it for this week. We’ll be back again on Monday morning… have a good weekend!
