The FMCG sector was rocked with big news this week as a major supermarket chain called it quits. Read below what happened this week.
Kaufland abandons plans to launch in Australia
German discounter Kaufland shocked the FMCG and retail sector as it canned plans to expand in Australia. The supermarket had already invested over $500 million, secured 23 sites and recruited 200 people. Frank Schumann, acting CEO of Kaufland International, said it was “not an easy decision” but was based on “focusing business activities in Europe”. Experts believe the retailer may have faced difficulties with fresh food supply.
Coles created Lamington hot cross buns for Australia Day
Supermarket Coles unveiled Lamington Hot Cross Buns at more than 700 stores to mark Australia Day. The limited edition treats are made with chocolate, sprinkled with milk chocolate chips, toasted shaved coconut chunks and filled with soft raspberry jellies.The retailer said it “spent months fine-tuning the recipe”.
Coca-Cola unveiled No Sugar drink at McDonald’s
Soft drinks giant Coca-Cola Australia released Frozen Coke No Sugar exclusively at McDonald’s as part of the company’s plan to reduce sugar across its portfolio. George Wheen, brand director of Flavours, said that the company is excited to bring the new drink to market in Australia.
VB partnered with over 1000 pubs on Australia Day fundraiser
Beer brand Victoria Bitter hopes to raise at least A$750,000 for bushfire victims at over 1000 pubs during the Australia Day weekend. Parent company Carlton and United (CUB) has donated kegs to pubs for the fundraiser, This Round’s For Them. The proceeds from VB sales will go to the Rotary Clubs of Australia Bushfire Disaster Fund. CUB also donated A$250,000 and provided 80,000 cans of CUB drinking water to communities affected by the fires.
Unilever and Kellogg’s create refill stations for Asda
UK supermarket Asda will test a green store over a 12 month period. It will reduce, remove and reuse plastic packaging at its Middleton store in Greater Manchester. Shoppers can bring their own containers for own brand coffee, rice and pasta at designated refill stations. It partnered with Unilever and Kellogg’s to create refill points for cereals such as Rice Krispies and Coco Pops and PG Tips tea. Asda said it will monitor feedback from customers to see if the new program will affect consumer’s shopping habits.
Have a good long weekend! We’ll be back on Tuesday morning.
