This week in the FMCG sector, big companies have been making waves. Here’s what happened in the supermarket and food industries:
Woolies, Amazon roll out FMCG Black Friday sales in Australia
Woolworths and Amazon rolled out Black Friday FMCG offerings on Friday in Australia. Aussies can shop until they drop with hundreds of products at half price while stocks last. Woolworths feature selected products in the household, health and beauty categories, as well as baby specials and pet category offerings. It also includes selected food category products in the freezer, chiller and deli sections. Amazon Australia holds its first ever Australian Black Friday and Cyber Monday event. It offers products in the Beauty, Baby Care and Pet categories. The big sale runs all weekend until 23:59 on Monday, November 26.
Supreme Court gives green light to Coles
Supermarket giant Coles commenced trading on the ASX this week under the new Code ‘COL’. Wesfarmers shareholders voted a majority yes to spin off the Aussie supermarket business. Wesfarmers chairman Michael Chaney said that the approved A$20 billion demerger of the supermarket giant allows Wesfarmers to “implement this significant repositioning of the Group’s portfolio, one which we believe sets up both Wesfarmers and Coles for future success.”
CCA halted offloading of IXL and Taylor’s
The planned sale of SPC Ardmona’s IXL and Taylor’s will not proceed. It’s parent company Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) said that next steps will be considered while the brands undergo a strategic review. CCA group managing director Alison Watkins said that a sale, partnership or merger were among the options to be considered. SPC first revealed its plan to offload IXL Jam and Taylor’s Marinade and Sauces to Kyabram Conserves in September. The fruit and veg business’ managing director Reg Weine said that the company has a “great sense of responsibility in ensuring these heritage brands found a good home”.
ALDI’s new domestic violence policy
German discount grocer ALDI has applied a new domestic violence policy for its workers. Employees are entitled to 10 days paid domestic violence leave, as well as a one-off payment of A$250 for incidental expenses associated with family and domestic violence. It will assist employees in accessing support services also. Viktor Jakupec, managing director at ALDI Australia said that the supermarket giant “recognises that family and domestic violence affects thousands of Australian families, including some of our own employees.”
The Wrigley Company celebrates 60 years in Asquith
The Wrigley Company has celebrated 60 years producing Skittles, Juicy Fruit, Extra and Eclipse brands at the Asquith factory in Sydney’s Upper North Shore. Wrigley general manager, Andrew Loader, thanked the people who have worked there over the last six decades. “It’s our associates who have made this site the successful and vibrant Australian manufacturing hub that it is.” The Asquith factory opened in 1958 and has been named the top manufacturer in the 2018 Great Place to Work Awards.
That’s it for this week in the FMCG industry. Have a great weekend everyone!
