Posts by theo@aacs.org.au

London: Greater emphasis is being placed on the quality of the overall charging experience, according to new research from the 2024 Shell Recharge Driver Programme. The 2024 Shell Recharge Driver Programme looked at the views of 33,696 drivers across Europe, China, and the USA and, for the first time, non-EV drivers were also surveyed. Around two-thirds (59%) of European EV drivers and more than seven in ten among those in the U.S. (76%) and China (72%) would be willing to travel further to a site that offered superior amenities such as faster charging, retail options and dining facilities. With charging infrastructure exceeding demand in some markets, this emerging trend in EV charging behaviour that could dampen utilisation rates for Charge Point Operators who don’t prioritise experience. David Bunch, Global Executive Vice President of Shell Mobility commented: The willingness to drive further for a better charging experience shows the value consumers place on…

The grocer also announced that the small-store concept’s second location will be in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. Dive Brief: Whole Foods Market is gearing up for a national rollout of its Daily Shop concept, which will begin after the opening of several New York City locations under the small-store format, according to a Monday announcement. The grocer also announced plans to open its second Daily Shop at 301 W. 50th St. in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. A Whole Foods spokesperson confirmed that the grocer has five leases in the New York City area for upcoming Daily Shops. A third New York City Daily Shop will be announced soon, according to the spokesperson, and a national rollout “will follow,” per the press release. The grocer did not specify a timeline or what other cities the national rollout will include. Dive Insight: The first Daily Shop, originally announced in March,…

Caltex has raised $291,385 during its annual Starlight Week, raising much-needed funds for the Starlight Children’s Foundation Australia. The amount surpassed last year’s total and will help over 7471 kids transform their hospital experience, thanks to the generous support of its people, partners, suppliers, and customers. Lorne Chambers, General Manager of Chevron Australia Downstream (Caltex), said Caltex is proud to be a platinum partner of Starlight Children’s Foundation Australia, raising nearly $5 million to help bring joy to the lives of sick children. “Our teams across Australia donned the yellow and purple to drive donations, and generate support for in-store promotions, bake sales, raffles and Starlight signature events. “A huge shout out to our company owned and operated retail network for their creative contributions that make Starlight Week a truly special occasion and a unique experience for our customers. “We’d really like to thank our amazing customers and suppliers who…

DoorDashers will have convenient access to goods from local restaurants and retailers in 15 minutes or less as it expands its drone delivery to Melbourne. A first for Victoria, the drones took flight on Thursday, delivering to 26 suburbs in Melbourne’s east. The drones can travel up to seven kilometres from their nest at QIC’s Eastland Shopping Centre in Maroondah, and can carry just over 1kg, while travelling at a speed of around 110km/h. Teaming up with drone delivery service, Wing, DoorDash has unveiled the innovative delivery method in the Maroondah City Council area. Spokesperson for Wing, Jesse Suskin, said the drones were a safe and environmentally friendly option. We’re thrilled to kick off delivery in a new state and city, delivering to the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne. “Our first Nest in Victoria will be located at QIC’s Eastland Shopping Centre in Maroondah, and cover an area which will give…

Leading retail associations, including the Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) and the National Retail Association (NRA), have opposed the Health, Aged Care and Sport Standing Committee’s proposed sugar-sweetened beverages tax. The Committee has recommended that the Australian Government implement a levy on sugar-sweetened beverages that is graduated according to the sugar content. Theo Foukkare, CEO of AACS, said they do not support this proposed simple approach to this very complex issue. “Strong evidence from countries around the world that have implemented a sugar tax clearly shows that this does not achieve the desired health outcome of reducing childhood obesity rates. All it does is increase the price consumers are paying for their beverages without changing behaviour.” Foukkare highlighted the fact convenience retailers continue to provide consumers with choice through increased ranging of low and no sugar products. “In 2024, 49 per cent of all litres sold nationally across all…

A record number of people attended Accredited Distributors’ trade show in Melbourne last week, which also saw its best ever sales result. Held at Marvel Stadium on July 3, the event was a resounding success, with multiple suppliers telling C&I that it was an extremely successful and busy day, with a total of 5947 orders placed and $8,358,420 in sales made. With over 75 exhibitors showcasing their products, the show featured an array of impressive stands, from the iconic Red Bull car parked in the foyer to the Twisties ‘Twist of Fortune’ stand where attendees could have their future told. Not only was it a profitable day for suppliers but also a great day out for the 1992 guests that turned up. Later that evening, guests attended the Showtime Event Centre for an evening of networking and recognition of the year’s top achievers. Attendees mingled the night away with a…