Posts by theo@aacs.org.au

The Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) has welcomed the NSW Legislative Council’s final report into the illegal tobacco trade, which calls for an immediate reduction to the excise rate to 2019 levels. The report found that the increasing tobacco excise has been a major factor in the “dramatic expansion” of Australia’s tobacco black market in Australia and calls on the NSW Government to ask its Commonwealth counterpart to act now. AACS CEO Theo Foukkare said the recommendations from the NSW Legislative Council should not go ignored. “Every day the chorus of calls for a real solution to the illicit tobacco crisis grows louder but the Albanese Government is stubbornly sticking their fingers in their ears and pretending this isn’t the right move,” said Mr Foukkare. “This report spells it out in black and white: the tobacco black market is fuelling organised crime, murder and arson – and the Federal…

The Coalition is considering slashing the tax on tobacco products by at least 80 per cent – as experts warn that more Aussie smokers will be “encouraged” to source cigarettes from the booming black market when the excise rises again next month. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson on Tuesday promised to cut the excise by 75 per cent in a bid to crackdown on the tobacco wars, saying Australians were “sick and tired of the firebombings, shootings and murders”. In a statement, she said indexation would be frozen for three years, there would be stronger border enforcement, faster tobacco shop closures, tougher penalties for traffickers and attack organisers – but did not provide details. Nationals leader Matt Canavan accused Ms Hanson of flip flopping on the policy, after she previously called for a 50 per cent reduction, and said the Opposition’s comprehensive plan to crush illicit trade would be “costed and considered”. “We have said…

VEVEY, Switzerland, August 17 (Reuters) – Nestle is seeking to turn the rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs from a threat into a business opportunity, using artificial intelligence and nutritional science to develop products aimed ​at millions of consumers taking medicines such as Ozempic and Wegovy. The rapid adoption of drugs made by Novo Nordisk (NOVOb.CO), opens new tab and Eli Lilly (LLY.N), opens new tab has fuelled investor ‌concerns that appetite-suppressing medicines could permanently reduce demand for packaged foods, snacks and beverages. Nestle believes the drugs are also creating a new market for products designed to address the side effects of rapid weight loss. Chief Technology Officer Stefan Palzer told Reuters that Nestle was using AI and other technology to analyse clinical research, identify nutrient combinations and develop products tailored to GLP-1 users. “We are well positioned with the portfolio. It’s a huge opportunity ​for our company,” he said. Presentation materials shown to Reuters…

This morning marked a milestone for 7-Eleven as we opened our first-ever concept store in Macau. After captivating shoppers in Causeway Bay, Kai Tak and Tseung Kwan O, we’re bringing our Place of Discovery experience beyond Hong Kong for the very first time. And the response has been incredible, with eager customers lining up early to be among the first through the doors. Inside, they’ll find much more than everyday essentials. From collectible toys and blind boxes to Pokémon cards, Beyblade exclusives and the latest 7-Eleven x niko and … collaboration, every corner is designed to spark discovery. Making its debut is a collection of Macau-exclusive clicker toys, featuring iconic local-inspired designs including a custard tart and lucky “777” available only at this store while stocks last. One store. Endless discoveries. And this is just the beginning. 📍 Shop P, V & W, G/F, Macau Plaza View article source here.

The 2026 Peter Jowett finalists took to the stage on 3 August at Auckland’s Grand Millennium, presenting their concepts to a packed room of more than 165 registered attendees — the largest NZACS Awards Night in the organisation’s history. Beloved broadcaster Hilary Barry led the evening as Master of Ceremonies, bringing her trademark warmth and humour to one of the industry’s most anticipated annual events. The programme began at 3pm with afternoon tea, followed by a welcome from NZACS Executive Director Dave Hooker, who acknowledged the strength of this year’s talent pool. A record eleven entrants competed in the Peter Jowett competition, with finalists selected by members of the NZACS management committee. 2026 Peter Jowett Finalists •        Kaitlyn Dalton – Suntory •        Clara Walsh – Goodman Fielder •        James Leggott – Imperial •        Mariska Jenkins – CCEP •        Harsh Mehta – PMI •        Devika Modak – PMI After the presentations,…