This week on FMCG news, the business sector had some big news for consumers and industry players. From the anniversary of an iconic Australian spread to check-out free supermarkets, it has proved to be another interesting week for readers.
Vegemite celebrate 95 years with special art jars
Aussie brand Vegemite is turning 95 years old this October. The iconic Australia spread has collaborated with three Australian artists to design special edition art jars this month. Vegemite marketing manager Matt Gray said it was “an honour to work on a brand with such a rich Australian narrative.” Artists David Bromley created a piece called “Mighty”; Claudia Moodoonuthi responded with an art design called “My Vegemite Family” and Mitch Revs’ designed “Vegemite x Revs: Rainbow Slider”.
Woolworths tested check-out free shopping
Woolworths has offered customers a check-out free shopping experience with its new Scan&Go program trial in Double Bay. Rewards members are able to scan items using the app as they shop and make a payment through the app before tapping off at a dedicated station. It was developed by the WooliesX digital team and the supermarket operations group. Woolworths Group head of Payments Paul Monnington said to Inside FMCG the company “believe smartphone technology and mobile payments have the potential to transform the shopping experience for our customers in the future.
Bega confirmed stake in Capilano amid honey controversy
Bega Cheese has confirmed a major stake in Capilano Honey for A$5.38 million. The honey company is currently undergoing controversy about the quality of its Allowrie-branded Mixed Blossom Honey, which is allegedly mixed with other substances. There were 28 blended and imported honey samples tested from stores including Coles, Woolworths, ALDI and IGA. Phil McCabe, president of the International Federation of Beekeepers’ Association said NMR testing is the most accurate available.
Alibaba, Wine Australia promote Aussie wine
Alibaba Group and Wine Australia have partnered to promote local wines at the third annual 9.9 Global Wine and Spirits Festival this Sunday. Maggie Zhou, managing director of Alibaba Group in Australia and New Zealand said that the company sees a “significant growth in imported wine purchases from China’s young generation.” The online festival will have more than 100,000 international wine and spirit brands onboard at the online shopping website, Tmall.com. Treasury Wine Estates, Casella Family Brands, Pernod Ricard Winemakers and ASC Fine Wines Limited are set to participate during the event online.
Bubs founder to replace outgoing CEO
Infant formula maker Bubs Australia’s chief executive Nicholas Simms has decided to leave the company and founder and managing director Kristy Carr will take over. Carr said Bubs is poised for rapid expansion. Bubs’ Board of Directors and Simms agreed the transition is the right time after the company’s successful repositioning of the business from a private entity to ASX Top 500 All Ordinaries company.
Nestlé acquired major stake in natural foods company
Nestlé has acquired a majority stake in Terrafertil, a natural foods company. The new investment puts the FMCG giant in a good position to lead the plant-food based segment. Nestlé Zone Americas CEO Laurent Freixe said it aligns with the overall company vision. Freixe said that their consumers are eyeing for more organic and natural food with high nutrient content and the latest move “Nestlé to strengthen its presence in fast-growing categories such as healthy plant-based foods, beverages and snacks.”
That wraps up another week for Inside FMCG. See you again on Monday morning!
