As the first month of 2020 draws to a close, we look back at the big stories that dominated the headlines this week. Read below what happened in FMCG.
Metcash could face competition from independent supermarket co-op
A number of Australia’s independent supermarkets and convenience stores are set to form a new co-operative which could mean trouble for grocery wholesaler, Metcash. Former Coca-Cola Amatil managing director Warwick White will lead the group, under his independent grocery firm Stone Advisory, with Ritchies Supa IGA boss Fred Harrison on the board. Co-Operative Supermarkets Australia will collectively bargain with suppliers directly and will run under a subscription model.
AuMake assures investors amid coronavirus scare
As the deadly coronavirus spreads globally, daigou retailer AuMake has reassure investors that it is in a good position financially to deal with any disturbance it may cause the business. The company said its management team is experienced in managing travel disruptions as it has already dealt with the SARS epidemic in 2003. Last weekend, China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism suspended tour groups, flights and hotel bookings.
Treasury Wine Estates cuts guidance due to tough US market
Winemaker Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) slashed its earnings guidance due to the impact of growth of private label wines, disruptive leadership changes and aggressive market pricing in the US. TWE chief executive Michael Clarke said that earnings are now expected to lift by just 5 per cent to $229.2 million and not 15 per cent as forecasted.
Coke, Amazon partner on personalisation promo
Soft drinks maker Coca-Cola Australia is using voice technology with online retail giant Amazon for its latest Share a Coke campaign. Consumers can get a free personalised Coke bottle by using the ‘Coke Skill’ on an Alexa-enabled device. By saying, “Alexa, let’s Share A Coke”, up to 6000 Australians can redeem the offer. A text message is sent directing users to the Share a Coke website to arrange the free beverage to be delivered.
Dan Murphy’s sells most expensive bottle in its history
Liquor store Dan Murphy’s in Double Bay sold the retailer’s most expensive bottle recently, a 72-year-old Macallan, for A$150,000. James Duvnjak, Dan Murphy’s dark spirits category manager said the buyer is a local whisky enthusiast who is collecting special bottles. The whisky is the oldest single malt from the Scottish distillery and was the only bottle available for retail in Australia out of only 600 ever made.
That’s it for this week. We’ll be back on Monday morning!
