This week’s headlines has circulated around some major FMCG companies. Catch up the top stories from the last week on Inside FMCG.
Woolworths’ Cartology plans unveiled
Supermarket giant Woolworths revealed this week that it will introduce digital out-of home advertising and promoted products via its new retail media business, Cartology, to better connect its suppliers with consumers. Retailers Target and Walmart inspired the latest move by Woolies as it responds to the changing retail and media landscape. Woolworths’ managing director and CEO Brad Banducci and Cartology managing director Mike Tyquin revealed plans for Cartology to 400 FMCG and liquor sales and marketing partners at its launch in Sydney.
Arnott’s reportedly sold to KKR for US$2.2 billion
Iconic Australian biscuit company Arnott’s has reportedly been sold to US private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) for US$2.2 billion. The Australian Financial Review and The Australian reported that the biscuit company, along with the remainder of Campbell International was sold to KKR via an auction, with Australian rival Pacific Equity Partners losing out. However, a spokesperson for Campbell International denounced the reports to Inside FMCG, saying that the company “has not been sold” and that the process to divest Arnott’s and the rest of its international operations is “ongoing”.
Kellogg’s seals solar deal for NSW operations
Cereal maker Kellogg’s Australia has sealed a power purchase agreement with Beryl Solar Farm to provide energy requirements for its cereal production in NSW. It will allow the company to offset the carbon impact of its manufacturing plants for the next seven and a half years. The deal is part of Kellogg’s commitment to pursue a more sustainable way of producing food, with the farm to displace 139,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
Kellogg’s Australia & New Zealand managing director, Esme Borgelt, said the company is making continuous improvements in manufacturing to reduce energy demand and increase the available renewable energy in the system.
Marley Spoon launched Tasmania’s first meal kit service
Marley Spoon launched its meal kit service in Tasmania on Wednesday, making it the first service of its kind available in the state. Marley Spoon Australia managing director and co-founder Rolf Weber said that since Tasmania is one of Australia’s best food hubs, “now locals can benefit from having some of the best produce delivered straight to their doors”. He said the business is excited to bring stress-free, sustainable cooking to more Aussie households.
Confectionery giant Cadbury Dairy Milk has gone high tech with its chocolates by creating them using 3D printers for a limited time. The printer was brought to Melbourne from the UK for World Chocolate Day. The 3D printed Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate charms are made with layer upon layer of milk chocolate.
Katrina Watson, marketing manager, Cadbury Dairy Milk said the printer offers an “entirely new way to enjoy” the chocolate. The limited edition service printed chocolate charms in letters, shapes and iconic Australian symbols like kangaroos and thongs.
That’s it for now, have a restful weekend.Inside FMCG will be back again next week.
