JENNY HOPE, 17 December 2014 DAILY MAIL MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT Review of two trials found one in 10 smokers using e-cigs quit a year later Controversy rages over whether devices are beneficial with some claiming they ‘re-normalise’ smoking, especially in young people But Cochrane review found no serious adverse effects from short to medium use when looking at two trials Smokers who use e-cigarettes are likely to stop or reduce their smoking, claims an independent review of trial data. Almost one in 10 smokers using e-cigarettes had been able to quit the habit up to a year later, and around one-third had cut down. The review of two trials is published today in The Cochrane Library, the world’s leading producer of systematic reviews. Controversy continues over whether e-cigarettes have net benefits, amid fears that using them in public places will ‘re-normalise’ smoking, especially among young people, and reverse declining smoking rates.…

Rachel Eddie December 17, 2014 The Age Some incredibly intelligent humans just invented wine-infused ice-cream so now we never have to get drunk on an empty stomach again. Hurrah! Mercer’s wine-infused ice cream contains a whole 5 per cent alcohol, setting it apart from the deceitful wine-flavoured ice cream already on the market. The game-changing invention comes in seven different flavours — Cherry Merlot, Chocolate Cabernet, Peach White Zinfandel, Port, Red Raspberry Chardonnay, Spiced, Riesling and Strawberry Sparkling — and brings a whole new meaning to the words ‘dessert wine’. The bad news is that the ice cream is currently only available in upstate New York. International vendors are in the works, however, and it surely will not be long before Australian shoppers are ditching wine and cheese for a different dairy product. Although you need proof of age to buy the products, Mercer’s maintain that you can’t actually get…

Mark Hawthorne December 19, 2014 The Age The ACCC has now assigned one of Australia’s most experienced investigators to probe claims that Woolworths is engaging in unconscionable conduct. Woolworths buyers have told suppliers their products could be pulled from shelves just days before Christmas if they refuse to fund the supermarket giant’s new Cheap Cheap advertising campaign. “I was asked for a contribution of almost $1 million, and when I refused to pay I was told a ‘range review’ was under way and I would be informed of the outcome early next week,” said the sales manager of one of Australia’s leading health product companies. “The implied threat is that some of my products will no longer be stocked if I don’t pay up.” Woolworths staff have also been accused of telling suppliers the payment requests had the “endorsement” of the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission – a claim that…

Mark Hawthorne December 19, 2014 The Age Woolworths’ Christmas threat to suppliers “Down Down” versus “Cheap Cheap”. Welcome to the world of Australia’s supermarket duopoly, where the decades-long turf war between Coles and Woolworths dominates. From advertising campaigns to fresh food claims, differences between the two chains are often barely discernable. Sadly, it seems that in how they treat suppliers, the two supermarket giants also share similarities. Just days after Coles issued a mea culpa over its treatment of suppliers, and agreed to pay a $10 million fine, Woolworths has been hit with strikingly similar allegations of bullying, and now faces a probe from the corporate watchdog. Under investigation is “Project Close the Gap” – what Woolworths insiders say is a “request” for $50 million of additional payments from suppliers in the lead-up to Christmas. Inside Woolworths headquarters, they have always liked their project names. Back in 1999 it embarked…

December 23, 2014 NACS Online From social to mobile, and all the big data in between, retail marketers should look out for these trends. NEW YORK – As 2014 comes to a close, one thing is clear: Traditional retailing is under fire, writes Gary Lee, CEO and president of retail innovation firm InReality, in Chain Store Age. In his column, Lee points to four in-store trends that retailers and brands should consider if they want to impress consumers in the year ahead. •The Social Store: Traditionally, social media and the store are often viewed as separate channels; however, with the rise in digital content marketing, consumers increasingly expect personalized, value-driven messages from a digital presence, in-store and out-of-store. As digital marketing continues to grow, smart retailers and brands will work to merge digital marketing with the store presence — tapping into all the touch points within the store. •The Immersive…