fire and smoke snack pots

Stoking the NPD fires

Sir, I read with interest your report regarding research from IRI showing a 13% fall in the number of new launches between 2013-15 (‘Range resets and cost hikes causing NPD to plummet’, 30 July, p32), as well as the assertion of Daniel Selwood in his Hot Topic on 6 August (p3) that “this competitive industry needs innovation now more than ever”.

Selwood is absolutely right, as he is when he adds that more could be done “to recognise the potential of high-protein options for kids”. However, it’s also important to look at some of the great work being done.

At Kerry Foods, we have worked hard to ensure our strike rate on innovation remains high, most recently with the launch of our awardwinning Fire & Smoke range of meats, to which we have just added a new range of three on-the-go chicken snacks (‘Fire & Smoke adds chicken snack pots,’ 6 August, p38).

We are working hard to replicate the success that Fridge Raiders has enjoyed in driving teen protein snacking in other areas of the market and are confident that through Fire & Smoke on-the-go and a raft of innovations across Cheestrings we can play our own part in pushing up IRI’s figure to a more palatable level all round.

Sue McVie, strategic marketing director, Kerry Foods



Do your field work

Sir, I found your piece on modern slavery excellent (‘Supply chains at risk with modern slavery rife’, thegrocer.co.uk, 12 August). Spending many years in the UN, I saw all too clearly these ‘statistics’ played out in very real terms, particularly with young women sold into deceptive ‘working arrangements’.

That is why it’s really exciting to take those learnings in building babyfood brand Piccolo with a transparent and caring supply chain. I spend a lot of time talking to the workers in the factories and in the fields as it’s it all starts with good practice from those commissioning these services and purchasing. It’s our responsibility as brands to be on top of the whole chain, including the workers.

Catherine Gazzoli, founder, Piccolo



WHO scare factor remains

Sir, Regarding ‘More Brits tucking into bacon WHO scare’ (thegrocer.co.uk, 4 August), IRI is still measuring sales of bacon and sausages in UK supermarkets in decline by 11% and 8% respectively compared with the pre-WHO report, with absolutely no sign of a recovery, so I can only admire the valiant efforts of the AHDB to paint a positive picture!

Martin Wood via the grocer.co.uk