Posts by theo.foukkare@bigpond.com

New Check Locally label provides advice to consumersThe webinar highlighted the introduction of a new label for soft plastics under the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL). This label aims to connect consumers, via APCO’s website, with the latest information regarding the recyclability options for soft plastic packaging in Australia as collection services resume. The Check Locally logo can be applied to any material where significant curbside or drop-off collections exist but are not yet available to 80% of the Australian population. This label will be increasingly important as new collections and stewardship schemes come online in the years ahead. It is being offered to soft plastics labels being designed or updated now, with the assumption that these products will enter the market in the next 12-18 months, which aligns with when collections are expected to resume. Brands can start reviewing their artwork now and will have until 1 July 2025 to complete their…

In light of unprecedented industry disruption, a retailer’s actions today could determine whether it spends the next 20 years as a leader or a laggard. Here are four must-dos for retail executives. It now sounds like a cliché, but that doesn’t make it any less true: the retail sector has experienced as much disruption in the past five years as it has in the previous 25. Consider this: perhaps never before in the history of the industry has every single one of retail’s primary stakeholder groups—customers, suppliers, employees, and investors—dramatically changed their behavior and expectations, all at the same time. Consumers aren’t browsing like they used to and are abandoning their once-preferred brands; they’re also demanding speed and sustainability. As retail ecosystems evolve, suppliers are, in many cases, becoming customers. Employees are seeking workplace flexibility, which retail jobs traditionally haven’t offered. And, amid all this disruption, shareholders expect profitable growth.…

ACCREDITED DISTRIBUTORS TRADE SHOW 2023 Marvel Stadium came alive with our annual Trade Show- Changing the day to Wednesday 5th July instead of a Friday had concerns, no need to be worried they had the largest attendance ever. Suppliers showcasing what’s new and “deep cut pricing on the day” Record sales demonstrated that Accredited Distributors are committed to all their retailers. Product samples, food and refreshments were plentiful, and suppliers agree it was a hugely successful day. New customers were in awe of the event while many of the long-term customers felt that it was the best trade show they attended. A new venue bought the Cocktail party alive attended by Accredited Guests, Customers & Suppliers and enjoyed by all. The band kept the entertainment flowing. Thanks to our sponsors Smiths, Mondelez and Red Bull. Company Directors Craig Bain and Stuart Hobbs presented awards and thanked all Suppliers for their…

The competition regulator says the proposed sale of almost two dozen petrol stations in South Australia may not be enough to settle its concerns about Viva Energy’s acquisition of the Peregrine Corporation’s OTR Group. The ASX-listed energy group said in April that it had reached an agreement to buy OTR, which operates the 205-strong network of On the Run outlets, for $1.15 billion from Peregrine, owned by the Shahin family. Viva Energy chief executive Scott Wyatt and OTR Group’s Yasser Shahin in April. Approval from the competition regulator may present risk to Viva Energy’s plan to acquire OTR Group. Ben Searcy In a notice to market participants, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said it would consider whether the deal would lead to higher retail fuel prices and higher convenience and grocery prices. It is also considering whether the purchase would be likely to affect Viva’s incentives to supply wholesale customers who…

As Amazon’s robotics division celebrates a decade, the company revealed details on its latest robots and automated systems in a post. Amazon said it has more than 520,000 robotic drive units currently, a feat made possible by its 2012 acquisition of robotics company Kiva. Now it’s revealing its first fully autonomous mobile robot, Proteus. Amazon said Proteus can operate safely alongside humans on the warehouse floor. “Historically, it’s been difficult to safely incorporate robotics in the same physical space as people,” the post reads. “We believe Proteus will change that while remaining smart, safe, and collaborative.” Seen below, the robot autonomously moves through a warehouse emitting a green beam of light which stops it in its tracks when a human appears in front of it. The robot was built to perform its work and move around employees so it has no need to be confined to restricted areas, according to Amazon. Possible uses to…

Z Energy plans to have EV chargers available at 20% of its New Zealand service stations by the end of this year. “Charging an EV should be as simple as filling your car up with petrol,” says Z EV charging head Kieran Turner. “This roll-out is our commitment to EV drivers. It’s us saying, ‘We want to make the charging experience as good as possible’. ‘We’ve always said we’ll support customers in how they move around Aotearoa, and this is part of that.” With EV chargers planned for nearly 40 different sites, Z aims to not only make the experience a pleasant one – with large bays into which drivers can more easily charge their EVs – but also to reduce anxiety for EV drivers. Turner says range anxiety remains one of the barriers to EV ownership – the fear of running out of charge on a long drive and…