This opinion piece is part of VPASA's (Vapour Products Association of South Africa) We Are Not Tobacco (WANT) campaign, which seeks to differentiate electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) from combustible tobacco products. 22 Jan 2021
To enable more flexible and agile food production, engineers at consumer goods company Unilever have designed a nano factory that fits into a 12-metre container. The prototype is a fully-functioning, mini production line that houses everything needed to produce a batch, from the point where raw materials go in at one end to where finished products come out at the other - bottled, capped and labelled. 21 Jan 2021
The new era of smart packaging, and consequently products, will connect, improve and transform industries and shape new consumer expectations. 21 Jan 2021
While the South African population is much more comfortable shopping in-store, retailers and brands still have a way to go in making up for the losses experienced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. 21 Jan 2021
The Department of Employment and Labour has taken action against Queenstown food company Truda Foods where a worker's hand was severed by a machine last week. 20 Jan 2021
Tasmika Ramlakan, Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking
In the fourth quarter of last year, as Covid-19 appeared to be receding and the country had moved to a virtually lockdown-free scenario, the SA retail sector undoubtedly would have been looking forward to a significant uptick in festive season trade and hoping for that momentum to be maintained into, and through, 2021. 20 Jan 2021
African liquor group Distell and Invenfin, the venture capital arm of Remgro, have entered into a partnership with Releaf Pharmaceuticals to share ownership in South African cannabis wellness brand Rethink. 20 Jan 2021
Traditionally, scenes from global Black Friday sales depict packed stores and long lines of shoppers fighting to secure the best deals. But in 2020, the annual shopping holiday looked a little different. 20 Jan 2021
"No longer do brands have to worry about one consumer telling another about bad service, but rather one disgruntled consumer telling hundreds of others through social media," says veteran marketer Chris Moerdyk about the new world of instant feedback between buyers. 19 Jan 2021
How customers buy products and services online has changed forever because of 2020's pandemic. Online retail is now the norm, and in 2021 immersive, visual experiences will deepen customer immersion. Here are eight key trends that will affect online retailers in 2021 from Craig Bellingham, founder and CEO of Studio[K]irmack an innovative high-tech production studio that enables e-commerce brands to produce world-class photography and digital content campaigns faster, easier and more cost-effectively. 19 Jan 2021
Global market research company Euromonitor International has released its 'Top 10 Global Consumer Trends 2020' report. The annual report reveals the trends that the company believes will define consumer behaviour and influence business strategies in the year ahead. 19 Jan 2021
Under the pandemic prohibition, ever-resourceful South Africans found unconventional and innovative ways to quench their thirst. From fermenting pineapples for a home brew, to whipping up non-alcoholic versions of their favourite cocktails, consumers have opened themselves up to new and refreshing taste experiences in a wonderful way. 18 Jan 2021
Food and beverage giant PepsiCo plans to more than double its science-based climate goal, targeting a reduction of absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its value chain by more than 40% by 2030. In addition, the company has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, one decade earlier than called for in the Paris Agreement. 18 Jan 2021
The Liquor Traders Formation, which represents township-based liquor traders including taverns, has requested an urgent meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss ending the third alcohol sales ban currently in place. 18 Jan 2021
It is written in the annals of marketing 101 (I didn't actually attend any of these lectures, but I do recall reading this in the study notes I stole) that every year needs to begin with a trends email. "Behold" some marketeer needs to proclaim, "this is how you will all be drinking in the months to come." 15 Jan 2021
Citing new data on the growing plastic pollution problem, California-based not-for-profit group As You Sow has filed shareholder proposals with 10 leading consumer goods companies and retailers, calling for commitments to absolute cuts in the use of plastic packaging. 15 Jan 2021
Engen has introduced its own private label convenience brand, Quickshop & Co., focused on offering quality, locally-sourced products at a competitive price. 15 Jan 2021
As recently as last year, terms like 'evolution' and 'survival of the fittest' were bandied about various boardrooms, airport lounges, strat sessions and team builds like a dingbat on time trials. And then, slam dunk - virus 1, global teams 0. Albeit, for a brief moment. 14 Jan 2021
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