Chelsea Ford

🚨 Commerce Commission blocks Foodstuffs merger proposal 🚨 The New Zealand Commerce Commission has declined the proposed merger of Foodstuffs North Island Limited and Foodstuffs South Island, citing concerns that it would substantially lessen competition in the grocery marketing . If approved, this merger would have combined the two co-operatives into one national grocery entity, further consolidating the market and reducing the number of major grocery buyers from three to two, alongside Woolworths. 🛒 What this means - The merger was expected to result in greater buyer power for the combined entity, potentially lowering prices for suppliers but raising concerns about reduced supplier innovation, choice, and consumer product quality. - Consumers could face fewer choices in grocery products and higher risks of price coordination between the two dominant players, Foodstuffs and Woolworths. - This decision also emphasises the importance of maintaining competitive dynamics in the sector, ensuring room for new players and a diverse retail landscape. 💡 Pros - Protects consumers from potential price hikes and maintains competitive pressure in the grocery sector. - Supports smaller suppliers by preventing a significant reduction in buyers for their products. - Helps avoid price coordination risks between the two largest grocery retailers. ⚠️ Cons - Foodstuffs argued the merger could have generated operational efficiencies, benefiting suppliers with lower costs and providing more consistent pricing across the country. - Missed opportunity for greater scale economies that could reduce prices for consumers over time. - Foodstuffs operates over 500 stores across New Zealand under its three main banners: PAK'nSAVE New World, and Four Square ​ - In comparison, Woolworths New Zealand (formerly known as Countdown Supermarkets has 194 supermarkets directly, along with approx. 70 SuperValue and FreshChoice stores​. - This highlights the scale and competition between the two major players in New Zealand's grocery sector and the efficiencies Foodstuffs New Zealand would have gained would have been significant. - Also Foodstuffs stores are franchise operated. While individual owner/operators are a core part of each and every community, they are also in business to make money. However, in my personal experience, owner/operators are typically well balanced in making a reasonable profit, being a great employer and contribution positively to their community. When they face competition they are fierce rivals. 🤔 For New Zealand shoppers and the grocery market, the decision ensures competition remains robust, though Foodstuffs misses out on potential efficiency gains. I can see both sides of the coin, but if I was Foodstuffs, this move makes perfect sense.

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The Australian Meat Industry Council is preparing to address the upcoming policy change proposed by the Australian Government on live sheep exports. However, the allocated funds are inadequate, leading to concerns within AMIC about meeting expected and potentially unrealistic outcomes, such as expectations of increased #WA #sheepmeat exports. To support sheepmeat processing growth, utilising schemes like the National Reconstruction Fund and the Made in Australia (MIA) fund via Department of Industry, Science and Resources is crucial. Despite being Australia's largest exporting manufacturing industry, there has been no communication to us, ever, about the MIA program. #auspol #liveexport #meatprocessing Murray Watt, The Hon. David Littleproud MP, Ed Husic MP, Don Farrell, Susan McDonald, Bridget McKenzie, The Hon. Peter Dutton MP, Anthony Albanese, National Farmers'​ Federation, Meat & Livestock Australia, Red Meat Advisory Council (RMAC), Australian Livestock Exporters'​ Council (ALEC), Sheep Producers Australia, WoolProducers Australia Ltd. Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

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UglyFace Whey Protein Isolate In Action. Real Ingredients, Real Doses, Real Results. Science backed supplements formulated in NZ.

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Interesting article to read!

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If you haven’t yet, register now for #UNitingBusinessLIVEAustralia: https://bit.ly/4cuq1AU. Using your budget before EOFY ensures you don't miss out on these: • Sessions are streamed by the event pillars (Lead, Learn, Connect) and job focus so you gain maximum value from attendance, whether you’re a sustainability leader, C-Suite, board member or future and emerging sustainability leader. • Invite-only and exclusive events arm you with the knowledge, connections and confidence to navigate current and upcoming socio-environmental and regulatory challenges. • UN Global Compact Assistant Secretary-General and CEO Sanda Ojiambo’s will deliver a call to action for the Federal Government and Australian businesses on how to achieve its rapidly approaching 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Commitment. • Candid conversations with industry leaders where they unpack their mistakes and outline the battles they fought to instil sustainable practices. • Global insights on COP16, COP29, and the Global Nature Positive Summit, with a uniquely Australian lens. • Foster relationships with peers and build knowledge around the UN Global Compact’s ESG workstreams: Environment and Climate Change; Business and Human Rights; and Sustainability Governance. #UnitingBusinessLIVE #UNGCNAevents #OneGlobalCompact #AusBiz #LeadLearnConnect

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What's grown in the dark, has unparalleled umami, and is a natural food solution for the one in three Aussies suffering from Vitamin D deficiency? Not a vegetable, nor a plant, but a nutrient packed Aussie mushie!   In adults, long-term vitamin D deficiency can cause loss of bone density and increase your risk of osteoporosis. Older people who don't have enough vitamin D are more likely to fall and fracture their bones, not to mention autoimmune conditions, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, the list goes on. Research from Hort Innovation, Australian Mushroom Growers' Association and FOODiQ Global has found prepping your mushies in the sun will supercharge the Vitamin D in every serve, and that 75g (about 3 mushrooms) four nights a week will ensure you're getting your dietary requirement for bone development and strength, cell growth and maintaining a healthy immune system. Is there anything this little fungi can't do? 🍄‍🟫🍄‍🟫🍄‍🟫 #lovemushrooms #farmtoplate #innovation 🍄‍🟫🍄‍🟫🍄‍🟫   Leah Bramich Flávia Fayet-Moore

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Whether it’s frozen, protein-filled, indulgent, healthy or gluten-free, Australians love their snacks. We don't just only see snacks as treats; they're our energy boosters, mood enhancers, and comfort foods. Today's snack choices reflect a complex interplay of taste, health, convenience, and cost of living pressures. PLAY's latest snacking research has unlocked what snacks Aussies are buying and the all-important reasons for buying them. We will share the fascinating results with you during our new webinar called Aussie snack attack: trends, triggers, and tastes shaping 2024. In this live 30-minute webinar you'll discover: - The curious reason 40% of Aussies reach for a snack - The category of snacks Aussies are turning to in the morning - The top five reasons consumers munch on a snack - The balance parents look for when choosing snacks for their kids - The type of snack that's lowest on consumers’ shopping lists and why - When and why consumers are likely to hit the drive-through - What snacks consumers will grab on impulse versus what they plan to buy - Eight cost-saving measures consumers are taking right now when it comes to their snacks - The problems consumers have with healthier snacks - How Aussies like to indulge with a snack But wait, there's more… The future of snacking: consumers and AI design the ultimate snack Find out what happened when we: 1. Asked consumers to invent their ultimate snack 2. Ran their responses through ChatGPT for a brief You'll get a fascinating glimpse into the thoughts behind consumers' dream snacks. You'll also see how we use AI to transform consumer responses into some pretty cool product options, complete with ingredients and packaging design. Our panel I’ll be on the panel along with Taryn Sullivan, account director of PLAY. Taryn has 15 years of research experience and a wealth of multi-national insights experience. She has worked across a wide range of industries, methodologies and categories, from banks to booze. The details Please lock this date into your calendar: Date: Wednesday 29th May 2024 Time: 12 pm to 12:30 pm Medium: Zoom webinar (recording available to everyone who registers). Join us live to ask your questions on the day. The recording will be available within 24 hours to everyone who has registered. Reserve your spot now! Don't miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the snacking market and learn how to align your products with consumer expectations. Please use this link to register for the webinar ⇒ https://lnkd.in/gyCHc629 See you there. #fmcg #consumerinsights #consumerbehavior #snacking

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NZ Business Confidence Strong in Retail Other sectors in ‘Still Air’ Media report Businesses more optimistic Despite current activity levels remaining weak and signal need for further policy easing Retail was at the forefront of buoyancy But even that optimism has yet to translate into wider economic activity Dairy durables construction & manufacturing were reportedly down in the doldrums In accordance with global trend activity levels continue to remain subdued A net 31% of firms reported decline in trading activity an increase from a net 27% on the June quarter There’s risk NZ will record a triple-trough recession Board’s should be pencil sharpening preparing Because it’s another quarter of the Kiwi economy running backwards At the very least, below-trend growth remains the near-term outlook Experienced activity levels remain subdued. There’s risk we record a triple-trough recession another quarter of the Kiwi economy running backwards. At the very least, below-trend growth remains the near-term outlook. Try overlaying the number of unemployed people on the business confidence chart! Last big jump in confidence was in 2009 - the last time interest rastes crashed and the number of people unemployed rocketed The NZ contracting economy was partly induced by the RBNZ: partly by weak export performance Partly poor AI Tech take up Little or no effort to move the productivity needle And a persistent 80’s Governance mindset Current account deficit balance of payments (external account) deteriorated from about $10b a quarter before 2020 to around $30b today That means that exporting remains weak and therefore not driving growth in the economy All while Government debt is burning up economy oxeygen The volume of exporting has been near-stagnating since 2019 GDP on a per person basis, economic output declined for the seventh straight quarter (down 0.5%qoq). Compared to a year ago, per capita GDP is down 2.7%. Forward-looking indicators suggest that the September quarter will record another contraction The recession, engineered by RBNZ will lead to more people unemployed It's the dark side of the Phillips curve unemployment rate to continue climbing & exceed 5% by year-end. means more defaults and more failures I’m Doug Marsh JP(Rtd) Life Fellow IMNZ, Fellow IoDNZ (Rtd) To 40 year Chair Director Experience International Diplomat Founding President Business NZ NZ Past President Inst Management  E: [email protected] #chair’s #managers #ceo #companydirectors #ema #nzinstituteofdirectors #economy

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🛒 Supermarket Pricing Practices Under Scrutiny: What It Means for Australian Consumers Speaking on 3AW, Country Hour ABC, The World Today, 2BC. Featured on Yahoo, AAP Network The recent supermarket inquiry has revealed concerning issues in Australia's grocery sector, highlighting the financial challenges many families face when purchasing basic necessities. Key points: The ACCC has uncovered evidence suggesting major supermarkets may have been inflating prices while creating the illusion of discounts. This revelation calls for greater transparency in grocery pricing. The Supermarket Inquiry recommended that new mandatory rules for the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct be implemented. Trust between consumers and retailers is at stake, and action is necessary to protect Australian families. Concerns arise that these pricing strategies may have contributed to overall inflation. My thoughts: The ACCC's findings confirm what many consumers have long suspected about deceptive discount pricing. It's crucial that we take immediate action to protect Australian families and ensure they can access affordable groceries without fear of being misled. These practices affect individual households and may have broader economic implications. Their potential contribution to inflation is a serious concern that warrants further investigation and action. Economics @RMIT RMIT College of Business and Law #AustralianRetail #ConsumerRights #GroceryPricing #ACCC #EconomicPolicy Article source:

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You’re a food manufacturer thinking of going global, excited about the prospects of international expansion. But looking at the Australian Border Force’s website, you are horrified by the very long list of declarations, permits and certificates that need to be completed prior to exporting! Does this sound like you? You’re not alone. While exporting food products isn’t 100% straightforward, overcoming the miles of red tape can mean the difference between no new sales and hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars in new revenue. Our international business analyst, Justin Hadinoto breaks down what you need to know to ensure a smooth and hassle-free exportation process. From understanding which type of food products require additional permits to conducting market research, he has listed key things you need to make informed decisions and thrive internationally. Want to know more? Comment below or message me and I'll send you a copy.👇 #Internationalmarkets #goglobal #Marketaccess

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🛒 Understanding Direct Costs and COGS Direct costs are like the ingredients in your favourite Aussie pie – essential for the final product. They are the raw materials, workforce, and resources directly tied to what you sell 🥧. That's why they're known as COGS or Cost of Goods Sold! These costs take centre stage on the income statement, showcasing the expenditure to whip up the products that businesses serve. Keep track of COGS to savour the flavour of your gross profit! #BusinessBasics #COGS #DirectCosts #FinancialHealth 📊💡

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Recalls are a big deal in AU. In this particular salami, milk was inadvertently mixed in and isn't included in the allergen declaration. Thus an immediate recall, refund, replacement was enforced yesterday - 6 June 2024. What does milk do for processed meats? If added in high enough quantities, it becomes an extender for meat; adds flavor, opacifier (makes the emulsion less translucent, more solid; the fat opaque), and if full cream milk powder is used, makes for a softer, creamier texture. Is it a big deal in the Philippines such declarations of allergens? I believe it is only practiced by the big players selling in the supermarkets, otherwise - small and medium players who do not have regulatory officers and R&D (to analyze for allergens) are working on a CCP/hazards right in their midst. Or maybe, Filipinos aren't a litigious society as the Americans, thus - 'it's just fine' with them.

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Who says recognition has to be all serious? Add a bit of fun to your appreciation and recognition programs with our playful miniature awards awards! At Pinnacle, we’re all about making people feel awesome—not just handing out another plaque. Awards people actually keep on their desks. Talk to us we are filled with ideas 🙂 Miniature Milestone Awards, for the all important or fun milestones people reached. Always Charged Up, For the super charged up people in your team. Ready to take on projects or always ready for fun. Proactive Planner, For the one who’s got it all figured out. They plan out everything to the T. Infinite Possibility, for people who turn ‘no way’ into ‘heck yes!’ Like a Rocket Award, their speed of work is amazing. Bomb of a Performance: Kaboom! the one absolutely smashing it at work or at your latest fun meet. #FunRecognition #EmployeeAppreciation #LoveRecognition #RecognitionMatters #MiniatureAwards #EmployeeEngagement #RecognitionDoneRight

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In a world of constant change, agility and innovation are your biggest assets.

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We recently got featured in a great article by News.com.au (https://lnkd.in/gB4EHz4h) discussing the ongoing cocoa crisis and its impact on bean-to-bar chocolate makers like us at Federation Chocolate As the article highlights, rising cocoa prices are a complex issue. While it might mean slightly higher prices at the checkout, it also reflects a long-overdue shift towards fairer compensation for cocoa farmers, well at least we hope it does. However, navigating these price hikes requires innovation and adaptation. Here at Federation Chocolate, we're committed to sourcing high-quality, ethically sourced cocoa while keeping our bars accessible. We want you to enjoy our chocolate We want Cacao farmers, families and communities have a better life We want to create amazing chocolate that everyone can enjoy We'd love to hear from you! What are your thoughts on the rising cost of chocolate? How do you think bean-to-bar chocolate makers can adapt? Have you tried Federation chocolate before? What's your favourite? #bean2bar #chocolatelover #fairtrade #ethicalchocolate #cocoaeconomics #cadbury #federationchocolate P.S. If you're interested in learning more about our commitment to ethical sourcing, contact me directly or check out our webpage at https://lnkd.in/f29sqMv

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Australian retail sales rose 3.8% year-on-year in October 2024. It was a strong month for non-food retail up 5.1%, which is above long-term trends. It is uncommon for non-food to outperform, but the combination of good household income growth and a softer September has brought out shoppers. Pharmacy, cosmetics, recreational goods and online were the strongest growing categories. Our feedback on Black Friday sales suggests November will show solid growth too. We may see some weakness in December as promotional fatigue sets in. For more detail on retail sales trends click https://lnkd.in/gZGrv47E

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