Capping the week off with interesting news in the FMCG business sector. We’re already half way through August and it has been filled with big stories for consumers in Australia.
From the mini supermarket collectibles to Kangaroo meatballs, it certainly has been an interesting week.
Aussies flocked to collect Coles’ Little Shop Swap
Australians couldn’t wait to get their hands on supermarket giant Coles’ Little Shop collectibles. Thousands gathered at the swap event this week. Shoppers were able to get miniature replicas of 30 iconic food brands like Vegemite, Nutella and Weet-Bix as well as toy-sized household cleaning items for every $30 spent online or the supermarket stores. Around the country, 37 Coles stores participated and excited customers were able to swap items to collect a full set. Quite a hit for the young and the young at heart!
PepsiCo, Marriott sealed multiyear deal
Soft drinks maker PepsiCo and its longtime hotel partner Marriott International has signed a multiyear deal. The FMCG giant’s beverages Pepsi, Aquafina, LIFEWTR, Mountain Dew and others will be added on top of its existing Quaker Oats and Lays brands for the hotel chain’s international legacy brands and Starwood brand guests. Anne Fink, president, PepsiCo Global Foodservice said that it expands their more than “[25-year] relationship with Marriott International and extend the work we do together to the entire portfolio of properties”.
Coca-Cola expanded energy drink line with BODYARMOR
Soft drinks giant Coca-Cola has pushed through with a minority ownership stake in the sports drink company, BODYARMOR. It’s a strong competitor of Coke’s already existing Gatorade and Powerade drinks. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed with the latest move. Coca-Cola North America president Jim Dinkins said that the global drinks maker is currently “challenging the status quo and bringing innovative, boundary-less thinking to our strategic relationships to ensure we are offering the products consumers want”. Basketball player Kobe Bryant is the third-largest shareholder in the company and plans to continue to be heavily involved in BODYARMOR.
Allen’s whipped up a limited edition Freckles chocolate bar
The iconic Australian sweets company Allen’s has created a new limited edition Freckles inspired milk chocolate block launching next week at the supermarket giant Coles. The colourful rainbow 100s and 1000s is mixed in creamy milk chocolate with a crispy bite. It’s an addition to the already existing Allen’s Freckles chocolate.
IKEA rolled out Aussie “Roo Balls”
Swedish retailer giant has decided to create a “Roo Ball”, a Kangaroo meatball that is. The new spin on their classic meatball will be available at the upcoming Democratic Design Days at the Museum of Contemporary Art this August. IKEA Australia food manager Ivana Frost said instead of launching the usual furniture the company is known for, the new “Roo Ball” unites “our Swedish heritage with modern Australian cuisine.” It will be available at the Donate by Plate Meatball Restaurant and all the proceeds will be donated to Foodbank. Sounds quite interesting!
Treasury Wine Estates gained strong liquor demand in Asia
Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) full year profit has propelled by 34 per cent contributed by the strong liquor demand in Asia. Despite a decline in the US market and delays hampering the delivery of Australian wines to China, AAP said the Penfolds wine owner has delivered a five-year EBITS CAGR of 25 per cent. TWE chief executive Michael Clarke said its primary focus lately has shifted to “portfolio premiumisation”.
That’s all the big headlines this week. Have a restful weekend everyone!
