We’ve kicked off a new year and the FMCG industry is back with plenty of news this week. Take a look back at what happened in the sector this week.
Coles and Woolworths end holiday trading neck and neck
Woolworths and Coles battled it out over the Christmas trading period with the supermarket sector seeing strong growth, according to research from Citi analysts. Both delivered solid results and ended the period on a high note. Woolworths had an increase in food sales and is forecasted to deliver 3.4 per cent sales growth. While Coles surprised most suppliers with stronger than expected food sales after a weak Christmas in 2017. The supermarket giant is expected to hit 2.7 per cent growth for the period.
Pepsi debuted For the Love of It tagline
Soft drinks giant Pepsi unveiled its new For the Love of It tagline and marketing platform this year. New contents will be released throughout 2019 in more than 100 countries. The soft drinks giant is collaborating with music industry legend Simon Fuller’s pop group Now United. Roberto Rios, senior vice president, Marketing, Global Beverage Group, PepsiCo said that the company’s new tagline “For the Love of It is our rallying cry, proudly saying to go all in for the things you love – from passions and interests like football and music, to unabashedly enjoying one of life’s favorite treats – Pepsi.”
Arnott’s and Vegemite created a new snack
Launching just in time for Australia Day, Arnott’s and Vegemite collaborated over a new snack described as “the spirit of the nation distilled down into a cracker.” Arnott’s Shapes are baked in the shape of Australia and displayed in black packaging to reflect the colour of the iconic spread. Vegemite Marketing manager Matt Gray said the company loves “being a part of new innovations” that show how versatile the spread is.
Kaufland pulled Unilever products from its shelves
Supermarket giant Kaufland delisted several Unilever brands including Knorr, Lipton and Ben & Jerry’s from December 31, according to Reuters. Kaufland said it was due to drastic price increases and unilateral changes to the terms and conditions of the FMCG giant. The supermarket chain said that “despite all efforts no agreement could be reached with Unilever”.
ALDI UK recorded “best-ever” Christmas trading
Discount grocer ALDI UK delivered 10 per cent sales growth for the week commencing December 17, making it its busiest week ever in Britain. The sales growth was driven by exceptional demand from festive shoppers for premium ranges. Giles Hurley, CEO of ALDI UK, said shoppers treated themselves to Specially Selected for a fraction of the price of similar products in their stores.
Mondelēz to move global headquarters to Chicago
FMCG leader Mondelēz has planned to move its global headquarters from Deerfield to Chicago. The company’s 400 employees will move into a five-story office building at the Fulton Market neighborhood. Mondelēz chairman and CEO Dirk Van de Put said the new location reflects the company’s “new, dynamic and more consumer-centric growth culture”. Fulton Market is an area in the city known for world-class food.
