Carolyn Wilson
NewsFocus On Speciality & Fine Foods: The survivors
Pricing has now become a key weapon as the speciality food sector changes its tactics. On the eve of the Speciality & Fine Food Fair, Carolyn Wilson reports
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Walking a fine line
The recession put paid to a host of fine foods players, but RH Amar has emerged bullish, having boosted sales 40% by boldly taking on new brands, as Carolyn Wilson reports
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Ocado hails passing 100,000 order mark
Ocado founders are "grinning from ear to ear" having hit 100,000 orders last week a milestone they say is "proof" their business model is succeeding.
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Grocer 33: Asda uses its loaf to come top on service
Well-stocked shelves and strong service at Asda in High Wycombe impressed our shopper. No items were out of stock and only the own-label baking potatoes were not stocked.
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Sainsbury’s non-food website makes TV debut
Sainsbury’s first TV advert for its non-food website will promote the 8,000-product range this evening.
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Grocer 33: Helpful staff clinch title for Waitrose
Waitrose boasted the strongest availability for the second week in a row, with only own-label plain naan out of stock.
NewsSandwich body blames mults for bland products
The pre-packed sandwich market has grown by 3.6% in the last year to more than £6bn, with volume sales up 4%. But there are fears that cheaper, recession-inspired ranges could now stunt the growth of the industry.
NewsWaitrose woos festival drinkers with wine in plastic bottles
Waitrose is responding to demand for lightweight packaging from festival-goers with a range of wine in plastic bottles.
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Grocer 33: Well-trained staff win title for Waitrose
Our shopper was effusive about the staff at Waitrose in Cheltenham this week, describing them as friendly and exceptionally well-informed.
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Sainsbury’s suppliers to offer training roles
Sainsbury's launched a new trainee scheme this week that it says could create thousands of new jobs across the UK.The Supplier Trainee Partnerships will initially offer 100 trainees 12-month paid contracts with 60 suppliers in...
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Grocer 33: Sainsbury’s delivers the green beans
Sainsbury's in Drumchapel came top this week as it was the only retailer to stock own-label green beans after flight disruptions hit availability.
NewsSainsbury’s cuts queues with new till technology
Sainsbury’s is to roll out new multimillion-pound check-out technology across 330 of its stores, the supermarket giant announced today.
NewsChilli-chocolate meatballs kick-start Waitrose World Cup bid
Waitrose hopes to cash in on World Cup fever this week with the launch of a new range of meatballs – including a chilli and chocolate flavour.
NewsWaitrose uses monk's recipe for ewes' milk cheese
Waitrose is adding a new British ewes' milk cheese to deli counters in 180 of its stores from next month.
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Sainsbury’s tightens the net on fraudsters
Sainsbury's is successfully keeping fraudsters at bay after ramping up the security for online transactions.The retailer revealed that it had been subjected to an "alarming" number of potentially fraudulent transactions when it launched...
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Grocer 33: Sun-seekers no problem for Waitrose
Our shopper was impressed with the spotless presentation and "superbly bubbly" staff at the Waitrose store in Cheadle Hulme, which was heaving with shoppers looking for barbecue items. Wall's Thick Pork Sausages were not stocked, but otherwise...
NewsUnilever fury as BNP hijacks Marmite for web ‘spoof’
Unilever is threatening the British National Party with legal action over the appearance of Marmite in an online political broadcast.
NewsHow could Cadbury’s café chain avoid an early Bath?
Kraft has green-lit Cadbury’s plan to create a network of 60 branded cafés across Britain. Can Cadbury succeed in a fiercely competitive market, ask Alex Beckett and Carolyn Wilson
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Grocer 33: Service and display send Asda to top
Asda, Sainsbury's and Waitrose all boasted full baskets this week, but excellent customer service, combined with eye-catching displays, put Asda in first place.
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Innocent swoops upon Sainsbury’s Brightman
Innocent has headhunted Philippa Brightman, special diets and health manager at Sainsbury's, to help steer the technical side of its fruit sourcing.The 27-year-old, who was instrumental in the February relaunch of Sainsbury's 100-strong...