Long reads – Page 340
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Analysis and Features
Party is over, but what’s the damage to Tesco from Double the Difference?
As consumers fume amid a press furore, was Double the Difference just embarrassing for Tesco or does it reveal deeper problems?
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Analysis and Features
Asda is the most successful at keeping inflation in check
The latest Grocer Price Index figures show Asda keeping its prices at the same level as a year ago. Not so at the other big multiples.
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Analysis and FeaturesWhat the Big Society means for grocery
David Cameron’s vision for a ‘Big Society’ has met with scepticism and confusion, not least from retailers and manufacturers who, for years, have been engaged in community and corporate social responsibility-based initiatives. But it’s the Localism Bill that provides most food for thought. Nick Hughes reports
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Analysis and FeaturesIn the world of off-licences, is Bargain Booze a bargain?
Wine Cellar and Threshers went bust. Oddbins is on the brink of a CVA. So who would want to buy Bargain Booze and why? Elinor Zuke reports
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Analysis and FeaturesAcid Test: Playboy Energy Drink
The new energy drink is positioned as “a great-tasting product that is energy and more”
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Analysis and FeaturesWhat effect will Japanese crisis have on tuna prices?
Uncertainty reigns in tuna, as Japan cuts back on bluefin imports. But the humanitarian crisis might also trigger more demand, reports Julia Glotz
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Analysis and FeaturesAcid Test: Kit Kat Four Finger 70% Dark
The higher cocoa content and sleeker look will help the brand tap into the popularity of dark chocolate
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Analysis and FeaturesFarmers take global gamble with plans for powder plant
Is Farmers for Action’s plan to abandon supermarket milk and play the global commodities markets a smart move, ask Richard Ford and Julia Glotz
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Analysis and FeaturesBig deal? The pledges that might make Brits healthier
More than 170 signatories have committed to voluntary pledges under the Responsibility Deal, but what practical results can be expected, asks Hannah Stodell
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Analysis and FeaturesThe death of the paperboy
The paper round has been a source of pocket money for generations of youngsters, reports Beth Phillips. But with newsagents’ profits being squeezed, are we about to witness the death of the paperboy?
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Analysis and Features
Commodities: Detergent ingredients soar, threatening retail prices
Detergent brands have been relying on consumer loyalty and large ad spends, says Mintec’s Robert Miles. But cost increases are threatening their dominance
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Analysis and FeaturesHugh won his fish fight. But how will discards ban work?
Brussels responded with uncharacteristic speed to the chef’s campaign to ban fish discards, but how will the new system work, asks Richard Ford
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Analysis and FeaturesLansley out of his mind over ‘blank cheque’ for criminals
Retailers fear unscrupulous gangs will undermine all the government hopes to achieve with a display ban and plain packaging, says Ronan Hegarty
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Analysis and FeaturesAcid Test: Original Sin hard cider
The 5.5% abv lightly carbonated cider provides “an easy-drinking, fresh apple taste”, according to maker Vertical Drinks
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Analysis and Features
Promo Dynamic: Confectioners make most of extra-long Easter season
Mars has finally joined the Easter promotion party, but it is rival Cadbury that led the way in confectionery promos this month. Hannah Stodell reports
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Analysis and FeaturesAcid Test: New York Bagels (multi-seeded)
The New York Bakery Co predicts its revamped bigger, softer and more New-York-style bagels range will reignite the overly promoted bagel category
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Analysis and FeaturesRed meat good, red meat bad... confused, anyone?
Last week saw the publication of two apparently contradictory reports on the health risks of red meat. Julia Glotz assesses their potential impact on sales
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Analysis and Features
World Food Special: On top of the world
Tesco doubled the size of its world foods range last year, while one Asda devotes 20% of shelf space to ethnic lines. Catering to ethnic shoppers and world cuisine fans has never been bigger business, says Nick Hughes
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Analysis and Features
World Food Special: Game over for importers?
With multiple retailers increasingly sourcing foreign lines direct from producers, what does the future hold for specialist food importers? Richard Ford reports on global sourcing developments and the search for exciting new products
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Analysis and Features
World Food Special: New world order
With China expected to become a wine superpower in the next few years, what will the likely impact be on UK retailers and suppliers, asks Anna-Marie Julyan