All articles by Alex Beckett – Page 20

  • Profiles and QandAs

    Saunders takes key role in S&N strategy

    2008-01-21T00:00:00Z

    Scottish & Newcastle has appointed a new head of off-trade customer marketing as part of its strategy to grow the off-trade long alcoholic drinks category by £300m over the next five years. Carol Saunders has been promoted to the position...

  • Profiles and QandAs

    Riley named Beam Global sales director

    2008-01-21T00:00:00Z

    Beam Global UK has appointed Mark Riley as sales director. He joins Beam from Yoplait, where he was grocery sales controller. Prior to that he held sales management positions with Diageo. He replaces Paul Elliott, who has been acting...

  • News

    Online services stumble intothe new year

    2008-01-14T00:00:00Z

    It seems retailers are suffering from an extended New Year's Eve hangover. Our latest quarterly online survey shows the high standard of service achieved in September could not be matched this time round, with lengthy delivery times, a...

  • News

    Asda passes the screen test - Q&A and Availability

    2008-01-14T00:00:00Z

    It has been a poor week for availability across the retailers, but Asda's colossal Patchway Supercentre near Bristol combined hi-tech style with personal customer service and a full basket to win our Top Store award. Last year the 100,000 sq ft...

  • News

    Price Survey - 12th January 2008

    2008-01-14T00:00:00Z

    Grocery prices were relatively static over the new year holiday but the retailers have made up for it this week with a flurry of pricing activity. The Christmas special offers on booze ended this week with Hardy's Stamp Shiraz Cabernet rocketing up...

  • News

    Tesco starts 2008 with a bang - Q&A and Availability

    2008-01-07T00:00:00Z

    Maintaining well-stocked shelves between Christmas and New Year has proved a challenge for retailers, but Tesco's Sale branch in Greater Manchester provided a full basket to win the first Top Store award of 2008. The 50,000 sq ft town centre store...

  • News

    Price Survey - 5th January 2008

    2008-01-07T00:00:00Z

    Asda has started the new year with its grip on the title of Britain's cheapest retailer showing no sign of weakening in what has been a quiet week for price changes. Although Morrisons and Tesco matched 26 and 27 of Asda's prices respectively, Asda...

  • News

    Union says Cadbury's Polish move will cost environment

    2007-11-10T00:00:00Z

    Cadbury's decision to move production of some of its chocolate bars abroad will lead to a massive increase in its use of diesel totally at odds with its environmental pledges, it was claimed this week. The Transport and General Workers'...

  • News

    A very warm Welsh welcome - Q&A and Availability

    2007-11-10T00:00:00Z

    Most bigger supermarkets struggle to recreate the sort of welcoming atmosphere that corner shops offer. Not Sainsbury's in Roath, Cardiff, however. It not only managed this feat but provided the only full basket this week, earning it our Top Store...

  • News

    Price Survey - 10th November 2007

    2007-11-10T00:00:00Z

    There's no change at the top with Asda achieving its sixth consecutive victory as cheapest retailer with a £47.38 basket, but Morrisons has let its grip on second position slip. It is testament to the consistency of Asda's low-pricing strategy that...

  • News

    We don't need rich shoppers - Q&A

    2007-11-05T00:00:00Z

    With attractions such as the Mary Rose, HMS Victory and a trendy shopping centre a mile away, Waitrose in Southsea, near Portsmouth's historic waterfront, may not be on the tourist trail but its colourful flower displays, enticing fireworks range...

  • News

    Outrage as Asda puts full halal meat on sale

    2007-11-05T00:00:00Z


    Halal meat from animals that have not been stunned before their throats are slashed will go on sale in Asda for the first time next month in a move that has infuriated animal rights activists.

    Asda admitted its decision would cause…

  • News

    Debbie & Andrew's sets up fair trade first

    2007-11-05T00:00:00Z

    Sausage-makers Debbie & Andrew's has launched the UK's first fair trade scheme for British pig farmers in a bid to end the crisis in the sector. The Yorkshire-based company has agreed to pay pigmeat suppliers a 15% premium over the market...

  • News

    Nijhar to deal with Spar PR

    2007-10-29T00:00:00Z

    Spar UK has expanded its head office marketing team by appointing Kam Nijhar as marketing manager. Nijhar will be responsible for internal communications with Spar wholesalers and retailers. She will also look after charity sponsorship...

  • Profiles and QandAs

    Commercial director for Greencore cake division

    2007-10-29T00:00:00Z

    Convenience food manufacturer Greencore has appointed Jonathan Hodgson as commercial director of its cakes and desserts division. Hodgson was previously account group director at Young's Seafoods, where he managed a team that looked after...

  • News

    Price Survey - 27th October 2007

    2007-10-29T00:00:00Z

    This week Asda announced it would be making £150m of price cuts in the run-up to Christmas but its winning basket this week proves its prices are already the lowest. Asda was the cheapest retailer for the fourth consecutive week with a £45.94...

  • News

    Commodity cost hikes push up snack prices

    2007-10-08T00:00:00Z

    Bagged snack and biscuit prices are set to soar by inflation-busting levels over the next month, as another major supplier feels the bite of rising commodity costs. United Biscuits increased trade price rises this week, with snacks such...

  • News

    McNamara takes on Tesco operations

    2007-09-24T00:00:00Z

    Tesco has promoted its IT director for the UK Mike McNamara to the role of operations director. McNamara will be responsible for creating better links between store, depot and back office operations. He takes over from John Browett, who...

  • Profiles and QandAs

    Cresswell to retire at Imperial Group

    2007-09-24T00:00:00Z

    The Imperial Tobacco Group has announced that David Cresswell will retire as manufacturing director in December. Cresswell has been in the role for five years and has been with the company for 46 years. He was previously MD of Imperial's...

  • Profiles and QandAs

    Stint as MD comes to end for Urquhart

    2007-09-24T00:00:00Z

    Ian Urquhart has retired from his position as MD of Gordon & MacPhail after 40 years with the company. Urquhart will continue to be involved as a non-executive director on a part time basis, taking responsibility for a range of projects....