It’s been another busy week at The Grocer.

On Monday we broke the news that Candy Kittens had acquired the snacking brand Graze from Unilever. It’s an intriguing move from the challenger brand. Could it be biting off more than it can chew? Possibly. But in a fantastic follow up online-only piece finance editor Ed Devlin argues this deal is merely an amuse bouche for the sale of other Unilever food assets, and canters through the likely runners and runners.

In another exclusive on Monday we reported that Maltesers are more expensive per kilogram than sirloin steak (at least in Sainsbury’s and Morrisons). The story was widely picked up and is it any wonder? It’s another memorable illustration of just how much the price of chocolate has risen, especially when you consider that beef prices have also soared. In a fascinating follow up online-only piece FMCG editor Niamh Leonard-Bedwell also examined the likely imact on Maltesers sales, arguing that, so far at least, the pricing has proved surprisingly elastic.

In another topical chocolate confectionery story, we also reported an update on Cadbury’s crackdown on haggis manufacturer Simon Howie, who used the colour purple for a limited edition Burns Night haggis-shaped chocolate brownie pudding. It’s now switched the packaging to blue. On the one hand it’s easy to criticise Cadbury for its heavy handed and humourless approach. On the other hand the colour purple could be the only weapon that Mondelez has left in its advertising arsenal.

In the meantime, with Black Friday out the way, attention has been turning to the Christmas value dinner wars this week. Actually Lidl went early (ie last week) with its £11.85 offer. And guess what, Aldi followed suit on Thursday with an identical specification that was identically priced. This morning Sainsbury’s also pitched in with a value meal that was a reassuringly expensive £13.31 for six. More interestingly it’s offered a break with tradition by creating a value vegetarian Christmas dinner.

Meanwhile, there are new warnings that fresh turkey supply may be impacted by bird flu. In some years the industry has been guilty of crying wolf (or fowl?). This time reaction so far has been pretty measured. But poultry businesses are increasingly concerned.

On the alcoholic drinks side the outlook is also quite gloomy in the runup to Christmas and clearly the recent budget has not done the sector any favours. News that three of Black Sheep brewer Keystone’s limited companies have filed notice of intent to appoint administrators has hardly lifted the spirits. The company insists its business fundamentals are “strong” despite needing protection from action by creditors, and being touted for sale by leading UK restructuring firm FRP.

It’s also a sign of the times that, with alcoholic consumption down over the Christmas period, retailers and suppliers are putting greater emphasis on adult soft drinks. So this week we spoke to Fever-Tree co-founder and CEO Tim Warrillow about its increased focus on adult soft drinks, which are now responsible for a surprisingly high percentage of sales. Also in this week’s issue our Focus On report on adult soft drinks (p41) explores the health claims brands are making. Do they stand up to scrutiny? And what constitutes an adult soft drink these days anyway?

Looking ahead to the new year, this morning we report on the much-delayed Committee of Advertising practice guidance on the new HFSS advertising restrictions. And we also reported on Thursday government plans to make dramatic changes to the nutrient profile model. These two develoments form the basis for my leader this week in a cry for continuity and consistency

There were also a couple of important exclusives on the dreaded extended producer responsibility (EPR) levy this week. The high cost of compliance has caused fury and fear and our story that companies are set to be billed an extra 4% on their existing fees to cover any potential shortfall from businesses that either can’t or won’t pay has not done anything to lighten the mood. We also revealed that an administrative blunder from Pack UK meant many operators were being erroneously billed multiple times for the same thing.

And also peering into the future we look at the rapid evolution of the rapid delivery market. The aggregator apps have explored partnerships with almost all the major multiples in recent years, as well as independents, but with the total addressable market for rapid delivery set to hit £5bn by 2030, Morrisons and Co-op have joined the likes of Tesco and Sainsbury’s in creating their own apps this year. Our brilliant technology editor George Nott looks into whether the supermarkets can indeed make it on their own and where it leaves the aggregators who have pinned their hopes for growth on grocery (p26).

Of course there’s loads of other brilliant stories in this week’s issue. And even more on thegrocer.co.uk. But those are some of my faves. And we would love to know your thoughts on our coverage. Or is there anything we’ve missed? We’re all ears! Get in touch via LinkedIn or adam.leyland@thegrocer.co.uk.

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