Malkin Law’s Post

It was great to be at The NEC, Birmingham for last week's various food and drink shows. It is a great chance to taste and hear from some of the most exciting grocery brands today. Some brands are just starting, while others are expanding and leaping into new categories— Crosta & Mollica and Cypressa being just two examples. One of the categories that struck me was the soft drink space, which felt so crowded. It ranges from TRANQUILO, which harnesses the power of Ashwagandha (a green plant found in Asia that reduces stress ), Hip Pop, which offers a range of functional sodas, some of which are merging previously different categories (e.g. Kombucha & CBD) to Mentos / Chupa Chups, the confectionary brands, who should just not be entering this category. Some are upmarket offerings born from the farm, like Leeds-based Tame & Wild, and others are dreamed up by famous UK rappers (SYPS). Some bring humour like buddy and others seem to be sweeping up the awards FHIRST. Some offer Collagen (Protein Water Co), and others have championed CBD for decades (Goodrays CBD). The challenge is that most retailers only have space for a few brands so the battle to unseat the established players like The Coca-Cola Company and those with a few years headstart from DASH Water to TRIP will be huge.

An Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) member recently named Business of the Year will this week become Australia's largest independently owned producer of snack bars. Fresh from scooping the Large Business Award at the Commerce Ballarat Business Excellence Awards then going on to be named Business of the Year, Ferndale Foods Australia is starting production at its new $21million FoodLine Australia facility. The factory — the company’s third — will initially manufacture for others, but Ferndale’s ultimate goal is to launch its own range of ‘better for you’ treats. Ferndale CEO Leigh Edward said: "When Ferndale Confectionery was launched with flagship brands that were sugar-free and fat-free and had no artificial colours or flavours, we spent the next 15 years trying to tell people that healthy confectionery was better for you — something they should try and eat.  “But people generally didn't understand it and generally didn't care. “It wasn’t until the past eight or nine years that Ferndale grew. Last year, it grew at the fastest rate in its 28-year history. “We did that with the same products, the same messaging and the same ingredients. The only thing that's changed is consumers’ buying habits; they’re now demanding ‘better for you’. “We were ahead of our time.” Read more in our latest Member Story. ⬇ #aigroup #confectionery #regionalmanufacturing #ballarat #memberengagement #memberstories Bruce Edward Jenny Berry Wendy Larter Jennifer Thompson Tim Piper AM

⬇ Not had time to catch up on recent retail news? We've got you covered with a summary of this week's top stories: 🚫 Superdrug is to stop selling disposables vapes in UK and Ireland stores, over concerns about the environmental harm caused by the millions of them disposed of daily. Superdrug said its decision followed recent reports that nearly five million single-use vapes were disposed of every week in the UK.   🍪 Lotus Bakeries Belgium has undergone a brand transformation to more prominently feature the core Biscoff name. The new packaging design, which will initially roll out across the Lotus Biscoff sweet spreads and biscuits range, would “immediately grab the customer’s eye in-store” owner Lotus Bakeries said. ☕ Headstand has added a three-strong range of loose leaf coffee infusions to its roster. The brand – which made its UK debut with a Yuzu & Ginger flavoured coffee leaf seltzer last year – is targeting posh tea drinkers with its latest innovation. 👀 The Collective UK | B Corp™ has launched a new and improved dairy-free range. The yoghurt alternatives are available in two flavours, Mango and Vanilla. The base of the product has been kept the same and combines British oats and coconut, rather than the more typical solely coconut or soy.   🍏 Apple growers experience dramatic drop in profitability. The average profitability of the UK’s major apple growers has dropped by 133% over the past year, new data from British Apples & Pears has revealed.   #latestnews #newstoday #podtalent #supplychain #recruitment #london #manchester

The recent Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Four Corners report, accompanied by today's article on ABC News, sheds light on a practice that's been an open secret within our industry: the disguising of "home brand" alcohol by major retailers like Coles and Woolworths. While this may not be breaking news for those in the field, it's heartening to see it gain broader attention. The growing trend of branding these products to mimic premium independent labels is particularly concerning, especially since these mass-produced products can be much more competitive in price. It not only adds a layer of complexity to the market but also sows confusion among consumers, undermining consumer trust in an era where brand integrity is more critical than ever. Globally, independent brewers, distillers, and winemakers face significant headwinds navigating economic challenges, including inflation, excises, market behaviours and rising production costs. Each week, we hear that loved brands face financial challenges, with Big Shed Brewing Concern and Hawkers Beer recently declaring voluntary administration. As consumers and industry, we must advocate for greater transparency, not only in terms of production but also regarding nutritional, health, and tax/excise information, giving the consumer the tools to make informed buying decisions. The alcohol industry should be champions for the values of quality and transparency, ensuring the promotion of safe, ethical consumption, catering to the evolving preferences of consumers, and contributing to building a more trustworthy and transparent industry. The rising trends of moderation, quality, and consumer choice is a positive one that should be encouraged, but not at the expense of the craft industry. I don't have all the answers, but I do believe that the alcohol industry needs to find ways to communicate and engage better with consumers, strengthen trust and be more transparent. In the immediate; - Support local, independent producers 🍺🍷🥃 - Read the labels and see where the product was produced - Check for trust marks like the Independent Brewers Association (IBA) - By direct where possible What do you think? https://lnkd.in/g-taHGBR #AlcoholIndustry #BrandIntegrity #ConsumerTrust #Transparency #MarketingEthics

According to Statista.com, the Snack Food Market is expected to show a volume growth of 4.8% in 2024. I have no doubt that @badmonkeypopcorn can beat that 😉🍿🐒 #snacks #trends #CPG #marketing #retail #wholesale #foodservice #entrepreneurship #snacking #popcorn #confection Joseph Zeppilli https://lnkd.in/eidU2V-q.

Incrementality or cannibalization? That’s the question that should be running through the minds of every alcoholic beverage portfolio CEO right now when it comes to the growing non-alcoholic wine/beer/spirits movement. It makes us think about a similar CPG debate ragging on between animal and plant-based ingredients. Anyone industry jargonators have a "flexitarian type of word" for this beverage battle? That’s because while some will choose full-on sobriety…most will continue drinking a beer, glass of wine, or spirit-based mixed drink 99% of the time during those normal consumption occasions. The opportunity though is in having products in the portfolio that can still capture those 1% annual adjustments… #strategy #trends #markets #beverages #fmcg #cpg #alcohol #innovation #marketing #change #productdevelopment #retailing #retail #merchandising #grocery #businessintelligence #business #entrepreneurship #consultants

Are you Black/ethnic minority food and drink producer? Want to get your product in front of supermarket buyers? Imagine getting your DREAM listing with Sainsbury's, Macknade , Selfridges, Waitrose & Partners etc? Spill the Beans, UK’s only event for Black/ethnic minority food and drink founders? Hear our panel ⬇ Charlie Odunukwe II. , founder, Riddles ice tea known as the Chemist Charlie, embarked on a passion project named Riddles. →His aim was to craft a refreshingly unique beverage suitable for both health-conscious individuals and social gatherings. He coined it as 'a riddle for your taste buds' and aptly named the blend Riddles - Alcoholic Ice Tea. Troy Johnson, founder, Sweet Dee's Jerk’s In 2017, Sweet Dee's Jerk, burst onto the culinary scene of South London. →Combining Caribbean flavours with modern innovation, they quickly became pioneers as the first Black-owned Caribbean business in Selfridges history. Nadia Hamila , founder, Amboora →Amboora began with the mission of bringing pioneering North African delicacies to the UK. →Nadia Hamila's Moroccan and Tunisian heritage, coupled with her love for sharing new flavours, inspired her to start this venture. →Selling in Selfridges & on Sell on Amazon and part of “BUY WOMEN BUILT”- A campaign to mobilise consumers to buy from female founded businesses Shadia Al Hili, founder, CUZENA →Cuzena started its journey as a solution for busy individuals seeking to savour the slow-cooked magic of the Middle East conveniently and effortlessly. →The first company to introduce Ful Madamous in a ready-made format to launching innovative resealable on-the-go Chip & Dips, Cuzena has continuously evolved. →Stocked in Asda, Spar, Co-op, Nisa, train lines, and ferries Stefano Cuomo, CEO, Macknade →For 13 years, he has been leading this award-winning food & drink brand, taking it from a partnership to a limited company back in 2014. →Stefano leads the business, inspiring a team of over 80 people to deliver emotive spaces and experiences Wycliffe Sande, founder, BLUE TURACO COFFEE →Wycliffe Sande is pioneering change with BLUE TURACO COFFEE, the first Black African-owned coffee brand to grace leading UK supermarkets' shelves. →Stocked in Waitrose & Partners, Co-op and online 🎟 ➡ https://lnkd.in/e3nZxY28 🎤 Indie Love Gordon 🎥 Jeffrey Oyinlola 🥘 🥟 Natasha Orumbie, Dawn Burton ♻ 📌P.S. Start your foodie business today! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 👋I’m Colin, aka (“the food scene’s Kanya King”) a London-based food and drink Content Creator🧙 📚Helping foodie brands promote themselves via storytelling. 🎤Founder, Spill the Beans - UK's sole event for Black/ethnic minority food producers to meet supermarket buyers 💻Connecting foodie brands with their target audiences via social media 🗣 Wanna chat? 📲Connect with me, and we can talk about your projects😁

Great article from Laura Willoughby MBE of Club Soda in Drinks Retailing on the path to low/no success Supermarkets, listen up! With three in four adults moderating their drinking, the UK sales growth for alcohol-free is forecasted at 10% from 2022-2026 and the market already worth an annual £255 million. So, stocking a good quality range of low/no drinks within the BWS aisle is a no brainer!! Shoppers who buy alcohol-free also increase the amount they spend on alcohol. Sounds like it’s time to catch their eyes when they scan the shelves, and remind them that there are far more exciting choices then soft drinks to enjoy at home. At CROSSIP we always champion being unapologetically bold, and have a whole catalogue of low / no recipes to enjoy at home on those nights of moderation - so go and grab a bottle from Club Soda and start experimenting! CROSSIP Recipes: bit.ly/3WjbfaI #crossip #crossipdrinks #CGA #insight #deseasonlisation #salesgrowth #ontrade #UKontrade #nonalcoholic #lowandno #nonalc #nonalcaholicdrink #nonalcaholicbeer #nonalcaholicdrinks #founderlead #dryjan #dryjanuary #categorygrowth #investment #angleinvestment #growth #FMGC #NPD #News

Did you know? "hi Seltzer, one the fastest growing THC-infused beverages in the country, has partnered with Spec's Wine & Spirits to distribute to its 200+ stores and nearly 70% of all on-site retailers in Texas." Read the article from PR Newswire linked below to learn more about hi Seltzer and our new partnership with Spec's. #sayhi #happywithoutthehangover #hiseltzers

There's a recent revenue surge among small beverage manufacturers, driven by increasing consumer demand for artisanal and craft beverages. These businesses are not only capitalising on innovative products and effective marketing but are also aligning with growing preferences for sustainability and local sourcing. This trend is transforming the beverage industry, making it more dynamic and competitive. 👏 #BeverageIndustry #SmallBusiness #CraftBeverages https://lnkd.in/gZScabry