Posts by theo.foukkare@bigpond.com

GRIDSERVE has announced the largest debt raise to-date globally for a privately-owned chargepoint operator, demonstrating the market’s confidence in both the transition to electric mobility and GRIDSERVE’s mission to help deliver net zero transport at speed and scale. Comprising £326 million in committed loan facilities, with a further £200 million uncommitted accordion facility for future assets – a total of £526 million – the green infrastructure financing facility covers the company’s full Sun-to-Wheel ecosystem. The refinancing of its existing and future electric vehicle charging Super Hubs and Electric Forecourts®, as well as related infrastructure including operational solar and battery projects, will allow GRIDSERVE to accelerate the upgrade and expansion of its UK network. Projected to include the installation of more than 500 new Electric Super Hubs nationwide, the growth will deliver more than 3,000 new High Power chargepoints with class-leading speeds of up to 350kW, capable of providing 100 miles…

Job candidates can apply to numerous jobs at lightning speed. This article is brought to you by Sprockets, a NACS supplier member. It’s never been easier to apply for a job. With just a few clicks, job seekers can apply for several jobs in a matter of minutes. This expedited process, coupled with an ongoing labor shortage, creates an uber-competitive environment for talent. Since they applied to multiple companies, applicants can be scooped up and hired almost immediately by whichever company reaches them first. The rest of the companies are often left ghosted while holding the bag for a big job board bill. “This new hiring landscape means that c-stores can spend thousands to reach candidates who aren’t even available by the time they get in touch with them,” said Zach Matook, director of marketing at Sprockets, a provider of hiring software. So how can convenience retailers keep up in…

For over 120 years, Suntory has been driven by our Yatte Minahare spirit, which has encouraged us to dream big. Today we are proud to announce Suntory Oceania, a new partnership between Beam Suntory and Frucor Suntory which will create a new multi-beverage powerhouse across Australia and New Zealand.  This is just the start of our journey, with the partnership set to be operational in the Australian market from July 2025 and New Zealand from January 2026. Unlocked by our diverse talent, market-leading brands, and commitment to quality craftsmanship, our combined scale will position us as Oceania’s fourth largest beverage player. With over 40 market-leading brands, we will offer consumer beverage moments from sunrise to sunset, fueling fun, energy and connection and elevating the everyday so they can celebrate responsibly. Under the umbrella of Suntory Oceania, we will manage our full portfolio of alcohol and non-alcohol beverages. This portfolio will be…

SYDNEY – Renewed calls for a sugar tax on non-alcoholic drinks will add a strain to family finances without providing a concrete, wholistic solution to a decades old problem. The non-alcoholic beverages industry is leading the way in supporting healthier consumer choices with initiatives like our Sugar Reduction Pledge and prioritising low-and-no sugar beverages in our drinks portfolios. The Australian Beverages Council (ABCL) CEO, Geoff Parker says the non-alcoholic beverages industry has for some years been making tangible, proactive changes to help support healthy consumer choices – including, through the Pledge, to reduce sugar consumption. “The industry’s Sugar Reduction Pledge is a commitment to reduce sugar across signatory portfolios by 2025”, said Mr Parker, “as at end of 2022 we have already achieved an 18% reduction in sugar”. The latest Sugar Reduction Pledge report shows that for the first time, more than half of all drink sales are low and…

Police continue to put tobacconists operating illegally on notice, with a warrant executed at a business in Swanston Street this week resulting in police seizing approximately $800,000 worth of items. The Melbourne West Neighbourhood Policing team continue to investigate city-based tobacconists who are selling items illegally. This follows concerns raised about at-risk youth purchasing products freely displayed within the stores across Melbourne, causing a flow on effect and attracting anti-social activity to the area. A warrant was conducted at a business in Swanston Street on Tuesday evening, with police seizing the following items: • Over 2,500 packets of illicit tobacco cigarettes • Over 25,000 illegal nicotine vapes Police are making enquiries with the owner of the store and are expecting to conduct an interview in the coming days. Anyone with information about suspicious activity at tobacconists is urged to contact crime stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au Quotes attributed…