All articles by James Ball – Page 2
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NewsAsda shows it can do nice as well as cheap
The UK's leading supermarkets have stepped up their game to keep shoppers spending. Queues are shorter, shelves are fuller and basket prices are cheaper, The Grocer 33 six-month review has revealed. The Grocer 33, the only independent...
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NewsMonkey business? Cadbury has already upped its prices
Kraft warned this week that an independent Cadbury would mean pricier chocolate and it appears it already does. Cadbury has pushed through a raft of hefty product cost price rises this month, The Grocer can reveal. The confectioner,...
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NewsGrocer 33 Six-Month Review: Asda in the lead for price and service
There may have been a sustained battle on pricing and promotions between the major retailers this year, but it's been a one-sided one.
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A greener future will mean a drabber diet
A sustainable diet is achievable, but might require trade-offs in taste, quality or health, admits a new report by the Sustainable Development Commission to be published today.
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Festive fizz falls flat as beer and cider deals surge
The washout summer has prompted supermarkets to push more beer and cider offers than ever this Christmas at the expense of deals on sparkling wine and Champagne.
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If packaging contains aluminium, expect a rise in product price
Aluminium, a key component in planes, trains and oven-ready meals, has shot up 43% in price in 2009 and it is set to soar further in 2010 pushing up many fmcg prices.
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NewsTesco tipped for 3% third-quarter sales growth
Tesco is expected to post like-for-like sales growth of around 3% in its third-quarter update tomorrow.
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NewsNestlé flagship Kit Kat switches to Fairtrade status
Nestlé has followed in the footsteps of Cadbury by announcing its flagship Kit Kat chocolate brand will be certified Fairtrade from next year.
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NewsFSA names Spanish egg producer in salmonella scare
The Food Standards Agency has named the site in Spain it believes is responsible for the recent salmonella outbreak in the UK.
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Analysis and Features
The Grocer Price Index: Retailers must be wary of impending price deflation
Barring any unexpected spikes, food price deflation is finally upon us - but it may not necessarily be a good thing for UK stores, reports James Ball
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Heat is on but who will carry the can for climate change?
The industry will have to move faster and work harder on cutting emissions if it is to meet the 2020 targets. The tension is rising, says James Ball
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NewsStorm brews over Twinings cuts as workers plan protest
Twinings Tea workers are planning a protest outside the shareholders meeting of brand owner Associated British Foods, scheduled for Friday.
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NewsBakkavör is back from the brink, says Gudmundsson
In an exclusive interview with James Ball, Bakkavör chief executive Ágúst Gudmundsson says the business’s worst times are behind it
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Analysis and Features
Promo Dynamic: Cadbury boosts deals 102% as Christmas push kicks off
Cadbury has upped its promotional spend a whopping 102% since last month as the festive push gets well and truly underway. James Ball reports
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NewsProject Golden put on hold as recession hits expansion
Chief executive Stefan Barden's £50m factory reveamp has been shelved, but does Northern have another ambitious plan up its sleeve? James Ball reports
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Quality test: Own-label macaroni cheese
Anyone looking for a classic comfort eat as winter draws in knows the value of a good macaroni cheese. Unfortunately, the Asda meal wasn't good.
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NewsCalorie count guide wrong for 18 years
The calorie counts used as the basis of dietary advice and food labelling for the past 18 years are too low, The Grocer can reveal.
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NewsKraft beats deadline to launch formal Cadbury bid
The Cadbury board has rejected a formal bid from Kraft, launched just four hours ahead of the ‘put up or shut up’ deadline set by the Takeover Panel.
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NewsRetail Prices: Retailers revert to type as economy starts to perk up
The recession forced a change in promotional tactics but as the economy starts to recovery, retailers are reverting to their old ways. James Ball reports
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Ready for change?
Within six months the current parliament will be dissolved and, unless Labour makes a spectacular recovery over the next few months, the Toies will be preparing for power. James Ball explores how the shift in power will affect the grocery trade