Warning labels on advertisements and consumer goods:
South African authorities have recently announced three areas of
proposed regulation aimed at helping consumers make informed choices
when buying certain goods. These are a proposed ban
on alcohol advertising, placing warning
labels on energy drinks, and proposed shock
advertisements for smokers.
But following this mindset, shouldn’t all types of advertised
goods carry warnings for consumers?
In hindsight all goods are potentially harmful to consumers. Imagine
if at the bottom of every vehicle manufacturer’s advert a
message read: “Warning: driving this motor vehicle is harmful
to the environment.” Perhaps this is absurd, but driving motor
vehicles is generally harmful to the environment because doing this
contributes to the production of greenhouse gasses.
Taking this idea a little further: what if there was a warning against
watching TV, either on the television set itself or, displayed at
the bottom of the live television screen? This message could read:
“Warning: watching television is a potential health risk.”
Is this ridiculous? Probably, but watching television can be a potential
health risk. For example, it could lead to bad posture and chronic
back pain (from sitting in an awkward position for too long).
I’m sure you’re not going to stop driving your motor
car, or refrain from watching TV after reading this editorial, but
it might get you thinking about where the crux of the issue lies
when placing warning labels on consumer goods. The truth of the
matter is that most goods are harmful when they’re used in
excess. And the problem is not with the item itself, it’s
with the consumer who uses it.
The question remains: What is reasonable in terms of placing warning
labels on products? It is not practical to place a warning on every
single product sold to consumers. And, in proposing these regulation,
are authorities only trying to cover themselves or are they truly
protecting the consumer?
Share your thoughts on this issue on our Facebook page, here.
Wendy Smith
wendy@fastmoving.co.za
Please feel free to make comments or raise new issues by emailing
the editor
editor@fastmoving.co.za
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Fastmoving Spotlight
new products · brand
activity · liqour ·
jobs · events
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· What
Happens to South African Retailers When Competition Comes
to Town?
A networking breakfast presentation addressing the retail
environment in South Africa and how to survive and thrive
under new competition. Join British and Global Retail Expert
Simon Mathers of SJM Retail International, interviewed by
award-winning former CNN correspondent Paul Tilsley, as
he explores Walmart’s entry into South Africa and
the impact on Africa’s retail chain. |
· Alcohol
ad ban would cost jobs and revenue: analyst
A complete ban on alcohol advertising will result in a total
loss of revenue, including sponsorship, sports development
leveraging, events and below the line activities, of R2.6
billion, a preliminary impact study has found. |
· Energy
drinks to carry warning labels, Spoor & Fisher
In an effort to enhance the public's awareness of the possible
harmful effects of energy drinks, the government will be
placing more stringent requirements on the manufacturers
of these beverages when it comes to the labelling of their
products |
· New
Chicken Chunky Breast Fillet
The new Gants Chunky Chicken range is set to capture food
lover's taste buds by storm. This revolutionary new chunky
chicken is well positioned for those who love snacks and
salads. Available in four mouth watering flavours that will
certainly leave lasting memories in the consumer's mouths. |
· Get
100% social with Wilde's first competition
Having recently started a Facebook Fan Page, Wilde is giving
their Facebook fans the opportunity to win an 8GB Apple
Ipod Nano. |
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New Products
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New
Chicken Chunky Breast Fillet
The new Gants Chunky Chicken range is set to capture food
lover's taste buds by storm. This revolutionary new chunky
chicken is well positioned for those who love snacks and salads.
Available in four mouth watering flavours that will certainly
leave lasting memories in the consumer's mouths. |
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Willow
Creek launches innovative Gourmet Squeeze bottle
Using your favourite olive oil will now be even more enjoyable
with the launch of Willow Creek’s revolutionary Gourmet
Squeeze bottle filled with their most popular Estate Blend
extra virgin olive oil.
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Liquor News
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Fleur
du Cap brings home International Wine Challenge Trophy from
London
Fleur du Cap Unfiltered Semillon 2010, one of two Fleur du
Cap wines to scoop gold medals at the highly contested 2011
International Wine Challenge, is also the proud winner of
the International Wine Challenge 2011 Western Cape Trophy.
Fleur du Cap’s second International Wine Challenge gold
medal went to the 2010 Unfiltered Viognier.
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Nederburg
on 2011 Muscats Du Monde Top Ten list
Nederburg has produced one of the highest-scoring wines on
the 2011 Muscats du Monde, with the 2008 vintage of the Private
Bin Eminence the only South African wine to make it onto the
top ten list. The wine also earned a gold medal, as did the
2007 vintage of Eminence. Just 25 gold medals were awarded
worldwide on the French annual event that attracted entries
from 23 countries.
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Alcohol
ad ban would cost jobs and revenue: analyst
A complete ban on alcohol advertising will result in a total
loss of revenue, including sponsorship, sports development
leveraging, events and below the line activities, of R2.6
billion, a preliminary impact study has found. |
Enter
now for 2011 Veritas Awards
More than two decades of first-class judging has seen the
Veritas Awards become the country’s most prominent competition
for market ready wines and brandies with awards coveted by
all cellar masters. The closing date for entries for this
year’s competition is 10 August. Late entries will be
accepted until 18 August at an increased fee. |
Fine
summer ahead with Monis Fino
Celebrate the return of sunshine by sipping something Spanish
in South Africa. Monis Fino, meaning fine in Spanish, is a
refreshing drink that partners equally well with the sun setting
as it does with a wild mushroom risotto. |
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Stellar
Winery moving to Fair for Life fair trade
Following a detailed review, South Africa’s Stellar
winery has announced they they are to move from the FLO Fairtrade
system to Fair for Life, a Swiss-based fair trade auditor
and the social and fairtrade arm of IMO (Institute for Marketecology).
The decision has been made in order to maximise the benefits
to its workers and communities. |
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Retail Services News
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The
South African Service Awards – Recognising Great South
African Service
Products and Services (not service delivery) are becoming
more and more commoditised in all lines of business. The same
or similar products can be bought from numerous providers
at competitive prices. So what differentiates one company
from the next? Why do some companies achieve massive customer
retention and growth whilst others with the same product never
achieve repeat customer experience or customer growth? |
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FMCG Jobs
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National
Sales Manager, Orley Foods
Reporting to the CEO, you will develop and implement successful
business-to-business sales & marketing strategies and
activity plans, both regionally and nationally. Your main
focus would be to grow and strengthen the Orley Brand, ultimately
achieving volume and profitability targets.
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Financial
Executive (For a leading FMCG company’s international
division)
My client, one of SA's leading FMCG companies, is looking
to appoint a Financial Executive for their international division.
You will be responsible for managing and consolidating results
from a number of operations based in Africa and will be appointed
as a board member for some of these companies.
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Trade
Channel Planner
We have an exciting opportunity for an innovative, proactive
individual that has a passion for Trade and Shopper Marketing.
We need a highly motivated, self directed, strategically minded
individual with strong business acumen and a proven track
record in Trade Marketing.
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Head
of Business Development
Our client is a multinational FMCG giant. With key growth
objectives, business development initiatives need to be defined
and managed consistently and coherently. With this in mind,
the Head of Business Development will own the overall business
development programme and lead key strategic development initiatives.
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Country
Manager
Our world-renowned FMCG client requires a Country Manager
for one of their Africa business units. The successful candidate
will work closely with the South African leadership team ensuring
the implementation and monitoring of review policies, strategies,
operational plans and budgets. |
Nicolene
Di Bartolo
Leadership is action... not position! Business Leaders engage
our services to identify individuals who will elevate their
organisations to new heights. It is our mission to source
exceptional talent in mid-to executive management levels across
all job categories. We support these extraordinary individuals
in furthering their careers
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Zakhele
Staffing Solutions
Zakhele Staffing Solutions believes in developing and maintaining
Long-Term relationships with Candidates and Clients. Our objective
is to introduce exceptional Human Capital to enhance the productivity
of the company as well as the opportunities for individuals. |
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Events
|
|
“What
Happens to South African Retailers When Competition Comes
to Town?”
A networking breakfast presentation addressing the retail
environment in South Africa and how to survive and thrive
under new competition. Join British and Global Retail Expert
Simon Mathers of SJM Retail International, interviewed by
award-winning former CNN correspondent Paul Tilsley, as he
explores Walmart’s entry into South Africa and the impact
on Africa’s retail chain. |
Robertson
Slow 2011
Only 90 minutes drive from Cape Town (on the popular, scenic
Route 62), why not take the time to head out to the country
and enjoy the simple pleasures in life… slowly at the
Robertson Wine Valley’s slow-living festival. At Robertson
Slow, one can sample honest, old-fashioned, rural hospitality
synonymous with the Robertson Wine Valley’s wine-making
community. Relish the slow food and wine that will satiate
your senses and revel in the relaxed pace that will replenish
your soul. |
InneSense
Cellar2Cellar Trail Run & Wine Experience
Wine your way through 12 kilometres of picturesque Paradyskloof
vineyards |
Africa’s
Big Seven Food and Beverage Trade Show
In Midrand this midwinter, amidst the hustle and bustle of
Gauteng province, food and beverage purveyors will find Africa’s
Big Seven (AB7), the biggest Food and Beverage Expo on the
African continent. This unique seven-in-one trade show has
attracted hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors
from around the world every year for the past decade. Last
year 300 exhibitors from 42 countries took part, and 7 600
people visited AB7. |
Markex
- World of Events
Held for the first time in Cape Town in 2005, Markex World
of Events 2011 promises the same one-of-a-kind showcase of
marketing and events products and services last seen in Cape
Town in 2008 by nearly 3 500 visitors. |
RMB
Winex Cape Town 2011
There is a great deal happening at RMB Winex Cape wine enthusiasts
must flag the 8th and 9th September for the annual RMB WineX
Cape Town at the CTICC. Now in its 9th year, the Mother City
can look forward to the annual wine show – distinguished
by its cosmopolitan and wine-in-the-city feel – where
show visitors meet and mingle with award-winning winemakers,
taste their most recent vintages and trophy wines, while updating
on the latest wine gadgets and glassware. RMB WineX also offers
an excellent opportunity to stock up via not-to-be-missed
Shop@Show deals. |
Be
prepared for the fifth Limpopo Wine Show
Polokwane wine enthusiasts and show-goers should plan for
the annual Old Mutual Limpopo Wine Show. Taking place at the
Meropa Casino & Entertainment World for the fifth time
on 29 and 30 July, the festival is also a good reason for
Gautengers to “make a weekend of it”. Offering
a great number of delicious wines for tasting and purchase,
Cape winemakers and producer representatives from 50 exhibitors
look forward to sharing their wines and within the relaxed
and fun atmosphere of the Meropa facilities. |
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