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FMCG BLOGS

Reflections of Iconic South African Brands

Reflections of Iconic South African Brands

01/10/2013 - 16:46
After celebrating South African Heritage Day, take a moment to think fondly of those iconic brands that contribute to our heritage and who we are; we are unique in this world and proudly South African. read more
Consumer trial is fundamental to new brand & product success

Consumer trial is fundamental to new brand & product success

28/08/2013 - 11:04
Launching a brand through consumer trial and sampling is critical to its success within the first year, yet many FMCG companies do not have a clear understanding of consumer trial barriers and drivers. read more
Assume nothing when it comes to the township shopper

Assume nothing when it comes to the township shopper

01/07/2013 - 13:21
Many FMCG companies have failed to reach the township shopper effectively due to the assumption that the same rules apply in townships as they do with traditional urban shopping.  read more
Is Africa the next BRIC market?

Is Africa the next BRIC market?

28/05/2013 - 12:57
Africa has become the next springboard for FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) companies due to strong African GDP growth, an increasingly urban and growing middle class, and a strong consumption drive in the African economy.  read more
Where to Play and How to Win in Africa

Where to Play and How to Win in Africa

29/04/2013 - 17:13
When it comes to expansion into Africa, FMCG companies must do a strategic assessment of ‘Where to Play’ - which country, region and city to go into - and a solid ‘How to Win’ approach of selecting the winning route-to-market.  read more
Shoppers dictate Manufactures and Retailer’s future

Shoppers dictate Manufactures and Retailer’s future

17/04/2013 - 11:25
In a world where shopper and consumer behaviour is proving to be very difficult to predict, it is becoming increasingly difficult to market effectively and more efficiently to consumers.  read more
No Shelf Space For Second Or Third Place

No Shelf Space For Second Or Third Place

21/08/2012 - 08:50
I recently presented at the Liquor Path to Purchase Conference and caught the end of Gareth Pearson’s presentation where he stated that with the proliferation of private label, there’s probably a good chance that second and/or third ranked category brands will lose their listings. This was the second time in as many weeks that I was exposed to this thinking. As someone who built his FMCG career mainly servicing the second and third tier, it caused me great concern. read more
Retailers Have The Power

Retailers Have The Power

07/08/2012 - 06:45
Five of the top eight FMCG manufacturers globally are retailers. This is according to Greg Thain and John Bradley who’ve just launched Store Wars: The Worldwide Battle for Mindspace and Shelfspace, Online and In-store. read more
If you’re giving something away you have nothing to say?

If you’re giving something away you have nothing to say?

11/07/2012 - 06:27
“If you’re giving something away you have nothing to say”, is the first thing I used to fire back at the marketing teams. There was this incessant desire to find something to say and attract consumers (rather than shoppers) usually through discounted price and/or a convoluted competition. Often this is at the expense of previously successful mechanics and to the detriment of increased return on investment (ROI). read more
Isn’t Packaging the Zero Moment Of Truth?

Isn’t Packaging the Zero Moment Of Truth?

29/05/2012 - 11:54
Packaging is the most important media in fast moving consumer goods. Yet, in most cases it doesn’t garner the attention, investment and resource it deserves. This is the hardest working vehicle at grocer retail – 365/24/7 and often the shopper’s first interaction with a product. read more
Gondola Dead End

Gondola Dead End

15/05/2012 - 10:57
Gondola Ends, End Caps, end-of-aisle displays. Whatever you call them. Treasure, appreciate, respect, dress and love them. They don’t come around as often as you’d like, so give them a big hug and don’t let them go. read more
The tables have turned on customer care

The tables have turned on customer care

10/05/2012 - 07:55
FMCG brands need to give more attention to their consumer care strategies as regulatory frameworks and consumer demands dictate the accuracy and speed at which they respond to grievances and complaints. read more
Is your cash flow walking on a tight rope?

Is your cash flow walking on a tight rope?

26/04/2012 - 07:57
Very often an FMCG supplier’s biggest challenge has little to do with the manufacture and delivery of goods. The delay between making a delivery and receiving payment for it is responsible for a great deal of anguish. read more
Do we need Hypermarkets?

Do we need Hypermarkets?

18/04/2012 - 14:31
I have always viewed Hypermarkets predominantly as a bulk shop (once a month) destination that usually has the widest selection of groceries and you could save a few extra rands versus shopping at your local supermarket. So why do Hypers in South Africa today offer the same products at the same prices as supermarkets especially when it comes to food? read more
The True Cost of Point of Sale Material

The True Cost of Point of Sale Material

03/04/2012 - 20:19
Many might think that they're pretty savvy in ordering large quantities of temporary Point of Sale Material (POSM) and driving unit costs down and ultimately saving. I have a different take on this. If you are centred mostly on saving on unit costs through bulk purchasing you're probably costing your company and brand, huge opportunities. read more
Woolworths enters the supermarket fray

Woolworths enters the supermarket fray

28/03/2012 - 14:09
Woolworths have recognised a need to service its growing customer base by providing a more comprehensive shopping experience. Until now most shoppers have used its stores as an auxiliary format to purchase only certain items on their shopping list or as a "top up" type daily purchase of convenience items. The group has performed well on this basis but have found themselves vulnerable when trading conditions have tightened. Already we have seen pricing strategies change with more products becoming falling into line with competitive supermarkets, a premium shopping experience without the associated cost is certainly a comfortable proposition for consumers. read more
Retail buying: simplifying the terms of purchase

Retail buying: simplifying the terms of purchase

08/03/2012 - 08:06
The terms of purchase are integral to a retailer’s supply chain and the more simplified this process is, the easier it is for retailers to maintain tighter margins and optimise profits. The role of a retailer buyer is essential in making this work.  read more
Private labels competing for market share

Private labels competing for market share

01/03/2012 - 08:02
Private labels are taking on a new role in retail, positioning themselves as higher quality products on supermarket shelves, rather than the “low quality’ option they were initially perceived to be.  read more
Retail marketing: solutions for in-store brand promotion

Retail marketing: solutions for in-store brand promotion

26/01/2012 - 07:56
Whether launching a new FMCG brand or rejuvenating an existing one, in-store promotion is essential for grabbing a consumer’s interest, ahead of the clutter and many other brands in-store, all competing for the same attention. read more
What is retail's link in recycling?

What is retail's link in recycling?

09/11/2011 - 15:48
Retailers play an essential role in the recycling chain. They are the last exit point for food packaging and should be the first point of entry for re-useable waste. read more
Agriculture: the key to our food security

Agriculture: the key to our food security

02/11/2011 - 15:56
Agriculture is one of South Africa’s most important industries and accounts for a large percentage of our GDP. It’s already a large employer, has potential to create more jobs and is a major driver of investment. But, reports suggesting that thousands of commercial farmers could give up their land are distressing, especially when considering that agriculture is essential to our food security.  read more
Fashion Victims

Fashion Victims

03/10/2011 - 15:44
To what extent should packaging design be 'on-trend'? Other areas of design, such as fashion, interior and industrial design are known for their cutting edge adherence to new trends and directions. As designers, it is our responsibility to guide clients on the best way to keep products relevant and future-focused, while still creating work that is still solid and timeless in its execution. While nothing lasts forever, it's important to note that due to the costs involved with large-scale printing and packing, designers and brand managers need to ensure that they remain true to their product intrinsics and avoid following trends that may disappear after one or two seasons. read more
Sustainability in food and retail

Sustainability in food and retail

29/09/2011 - 08:05
Regulations set by the Consumer Protection Act have businesses in the food industry scrambling to ensure that their product packaging meets all the necessary requirements before the deadline in March 2012. An off-set to this is that consumers will become more aware of what food products contain and how they are sourced. One retailer and a few food producers are taking it a step further to ensure that their offerings come from sustainable supply chain, keeping their offerings in the best interests of the consumer and those involved in producing it.  read more
FMCG update: competition for turf

FMCG update: competition for turf

25/08/2011 - 08:04
Local food manufacturers will soon be challenged by two international FMCG players, namely Diplomat and Iffco. Iffco is a food manufacturer and distributor based in Dubai and has a presence in more than 85 countries. Diplomat is one of Israel’s largest FMCG distributors and has made its way into South Africa under an agreement with Proctor and Gamble (P&G). Both contenders have great financial and international influence and timed their entry well with the arrival of Walmart. Read more Two major newcomers plan to spice up SA's FMCG food market  read more
Peanut and tree nuts in the food manufacturing facility

Peanut and tree nuts in the food manufacturing facility

19/08/2011 - 16:03
This is an update on peanut and tree nuts in the food manufacturing facility. This information has been compiled by FACTS. FACTS provide food allergy consulting and testing services.  read more
Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development

27/07/2011 - 13:32
Sustainability is no longer a project undertaken by a small team within a company, it has become an integral part of doing good business. The results are measurable and executives are held to account, not just by shareholders or regulators but also by consumers. Sustainability is not just about minimizing the negative impact of a business but also about actively striving to make a positive impact on the environment and on the lives of those associated with the company.  read more
Are Tesco waiting in the wings?

Are Tesco waiting in the wings?

27/07/2011 - 12:50
With the Walmart / Massmart deal in the final throws of approval, it is only a matter of time before the South African retail landscape changes significantly. The giant’s entry will have implications for all South African retailers, it’s not just the grocery specialists who will find themselves under fire. read more