Posts by theo@aacs.org.au

NIQ shared trend-spotting tips at the Sweets & Snacks Expo. Last week at the 2025 Sweets & Snacks Expo in Indianapolis, Jennie Bell, managing director, U.S. global clients, at NielsenIQ (NIQ), shared insights on how to navigate the shift to online shopping, and social media’s influence on the traditional path to purchase. “When we think about the pace of change, it is adapting very quickly,” said Bell during “The Future of Retail” education session. Retail was strictly brick-and-mortar 80 years ago. In the past decade the pace of change has gone from in-store and online only, to in-store, online, plus social commerce, quick commerce and omni channel. “We’re in the space where we’ve really seen retailers adopt the digital transformation. Retailers are investing in technology platforms; they’re investing in supply chain … and social commerce and quick commerce are going to continue to transform the way consumers shop,” Bell said.…

Consumers in the Apac region – including Australia – are more inclined to buy private label products, signalling growing trust and loyalty, a study by consumer intelligence company NielsenIQ shows. According to the report, more than half (54 per cent) of Apac consumers say they are more likely to buy private label products than ever before. Thailand saw the biggest trend with 64 per cent of respondents sharing this preference, followed by India (61 per cent), China (56 per cent), and Indonesia (55 per cent). Meanwhile, branded products continue to hold significant strength in the minds of consumers. Brand choice among consumers in the region is primarily driven by functional reasons (85 per cent).  Expectations differ between private label and branded products, with consumers seeking affordability, availability, and community support from the former while prioritising superior quality, wide assortment, omnichannel availability, and notoriety from the latter. “Asia Pacific’s retail landscape is evolving, and…

The Handmade Food Co was founded after a trip overseas, where its founders were impressed by the breadth and quality of sandwiches available, particularly in the UK. Determined to bring that experience to Australia, they established Lunchbox Solutions in Brisbane, focusing on supplying fresh sandwiches and wraps to local businesses in South-East Queensland. As demand grew, it became clear that national customers were struggling to find a consistent, high-quality sandwich provider. This led to the development of the Everyday Café frozen sandwich range, providing a reliable solution for customers across Australia. The company evolved into The Handmade Food Co, staying true to its roots of crafting sandwiches the traditional way, using fresh bread and pantry-style ingredients. Reflecting on the company’s growth, David Taylor, National Sales Manager, said, “There are actually so many differences and similarities when comparing The Handmade Food Co today to the early days. In essence, the products…

Remarks made by the Victorian Minister responsible for tobacco regulation, Enver Erdogan, that acknowledge the direct link between excessive federal tobacco excise and the alarming rise in illicit tobacco trade, firebombing, and organised crime, have been welcomed by the Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS). AACS CEO Theo Foukkare said Minister Erdogan’s remarks highlight the urgent action needed from the Albanese Government to adopt a national approach to tackling illicit tobacco and excessive taxation – rather than policies that inadvertently strengthen criminal enterprises, which is currently the case. “Minister Erdogan’s comments underscore what AACS has long argued: sky-high tobacco taxes have fuelled a dangerous underground market that’s putting legitimate retailers at risk and given more dangerous power to criminal networks,” Mr Foukkare said. “Minister Erdogan’s was spot on when he said “It’s clearly led to the creation of this illegal market. Tobacco is an addiction, and the illegal product is…

bp’s share price decrease has left it vulnerable to a takeover, the Financial Times reports. Along with Shell’s interest in merging with global oil and energy company bp, Chevron, ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) have all looked at the figures, according to a report Thursday by the Financial Times. While Shell executives have discussed the purchase with advisors in recent weeks, discussions are in the early stages and the oil giant is waiting to see if bp stock and oil prices continue to decline, according to a Bloomberg report. bp shares were up 1.9% on Friday but have fallen about 28% in the last 12 months. The slide in bp’s share price has left it vulnerable to a takeover as rivals weigh the opportunity to buy at a steep discount, FT said. If Shell acquired bp, it would pump nearly 5 million barrels of oil and gas per…

The Labor Minister for tobacco regulation has hit out at the federal government, claiming that the tobacco wars are a result of their huge smoke excise, and that new taxes won’t stop the issue. A Victorian Labor MP says the federal government is responsible for the disastrous tobacco war, which will only continue because of sky-high taxes. And in an embarrassing U-turn, state MP Enver Erdogan admitted the licence fee to sell tobacco products would be less than first planned after “robust feedback” from retailers. At least 130 firebombing attacks in the past two years have been linked to underworld figures muscling in on the illicit tobacco trade. Victoria’s long-awaited ­tobacco licensing scheme is ­intended to be up and running towards the end of the year. It will bring the state into line with the rest of the country. Until now, no licence has been required to sell tobacco in Victoria. But…