Before we finish up for the long weekend, we are bringing you the top headlines from the industry this week.
Supermarkets limit number of shoppers in stores
Supermarket giants Aldi, Coles and Woolworths have introduced social distancing measures as they monitor the number of customers entering and exiting stores, particularly over Easter weekend. Customer limits will vary depending on the size of the supermarket and will be managed using a one in, one out policy. All supermarkets have ramped up cleaning and sanitation in stores in recent weeks. Floor markings have been introduced at the major retailers to promote social distancing, and at Woolworths and Aldi, plexiglass screens have been added to protect staff and customers.
General Mills streamlines product range to address high demand
General Mills Australia is changing tack to better manage the “unprecedented spike” in demand. The food manufacturer has simplified its line for the short term and collaborated with customers, to ensure access to their products during the busy period. It reported that Old El Paso, Latina Fresh and Betty Crocker are all in high demand in stores.
Treasury Wine mulls Penfolds demerger
Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) is mulling over a demerger and spin-off of the Penfolds brand by the end of 2021. The latest move comes after deciding to focus on premiumisation and accelerating the separate focus of its luxury and commercial portfolios. Following a potential demerger, shareholders would own a share in Penfolds and in New TWE proportional to their existing holdings.
Unilever partners with Yume to help food distributors
Yume, an online marketplace for surplus food, has launched Yume For Distributors with Unilever Food Solutions (UFS) to help food distributors who have excess stock due to the sudden closure of hospitality outlets due to the COVID-19 outbreak. UFS approached Yume to create a platform specifically for food service distributors. Distributors can list their products for sale on Yume For Distributors so that other distributors who have increased demand can purchase.
Chobani unveils Easter yoghurt
Yoghurt brand Chobani launched an Easter special for a limited time at Woolworths. The Chobunny Easter Flip pays tribute to popular Easter treat, hot cross buns, which combines spiced raisin low-fat creamy Greek yoghurt with cookie crumble, pie crust and white chocolate.
That’s it for this week. Have a great long weekend.
