CPG innovation down 20% across Europe, study finds
Emily ManockDespite falling sales, the UK remains one of the leaders of innovation in consumer packaged goods across Europe.
Pret to introduce meal deals as chain doubles down on value
Molly InnesThe launch of Pret’s first UK meal deal marks the latest step in the brand’s ongoing value push, following changes to its Club Pret subscription last year.
Diageo CEO admits it got into a ‘vicious cycle’ on marketing investment
Josh StephensonDiageo’s interim CEO believes the business was chasing growth by increasing marketing spend rather than investing in the areas of the business primed for growth.
Government to ban sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s
Grace GollaschThe ban would make it illegal for retailers, including online, shops, restaurants, cafes and vending machines, to sell energy drinks to under-16s.
Pernod Ricard CEO: We’re basing decisions on data, not perception
Niamh CarrollModeration among younger drinkers is often framed as an existential threat to spirits companies, but Pernod Ricard says it will look to data, not assumptions.
Children’s food brands told to cut salt and sugar levels and ‘improve’ marketing
Molly InnesChildren’s food brands have 18 months to reduce sugar and salt levels and limit their marketing to children, as the government steps up efforts to tackle childhood obesity.
‘High empathy tasks’: Mars’ CMO on AI, commercial models and being future fit
Niamh CarrollFrom negotiating a changing media landscape to the impact of AI, Mars Food and Nutrition’s CMO is ensuring the brand can meet the challenges of the future.
Young people face ‘widespread exposure’ to junk food marketing online
Grace GollaschMore than half of young people have been exposed to junk food promotions on social media in the past month, with influencer-led posts proving the most influential.
‘A reappraisal moment’: Why Gousto is repositioning as a rival to traditional grocery
Molly InnesWith profitability restored and post-pandemic consumer habits settling, Gousto is repositioning itself as a direct rival to supermarkets with its ‘convenience without compromise’ messaging, explains chief customer officer Murray Lambell.
Elf backlash and sustainable growth: Your Marketing Week
Lucy TesserasAt the end of every week, we look at the key stories, offering our view on what they mean for you and the industry. From Elf’s use of controversial comedian Matt Rife in its latest campaign to Gousto’s shift to sustainable growth, it’s been a busy week. Here is my take.
Guinness on taking its Premier League partnership ‘from association to meaning’
Niamh CarrollSince it kicked off its Premier League sponsorship, Guinness has become the number one beer for the football watching occasion in the on-trade, but its ambitions are much longer-term, as it looks to drive a deeper connection with the sport.
Carlsberg commits to brand investment despite missing forecasts
Amrit VirdiAfter facing struggles in a “challenging environment”, Carlsberg remains committed to its marketing investment amid the “good performance” of Britvic.
‘Pairing ambition with real marketing rigour’: Gousto marketing VP on profitable growth
Niamh CarrollFollowing a period where profit was the priority, Gousto is now focusing on “sustainable growth” by chasing “share of stomach” rather than market share.
Guinness boosts appeal among women and younger drinkers to fuel success
Niamh CarrollEvery one in nine pints in Britain is now a Guinness, with the brand having made significant headway among women and younger adults, audiences which are traditionally harder to reach for beer brands.
‘Rowing in the same direction’: Mars Food on uniting the organisation behind growth
Niamh CarrollHaving marketing and sales singing off the same hymn sheet is crucial to drive sustainable growth, says Mars Food and Nutrition CMO Matthew Graham.