John Porter
Category ReportToys category report 2014
Toys and collectables are on the front line in the battle between grocers and high-street retailers - and the supermarkets are sustaining heavy casualties.
Category ReportFocus on toys and collectables 2014
Supermarket toy sales are falling. Could new film, TV and World Cup licensed lines help them?…
Category ReportBeer & cider: a case of brewer's droop
A cut in ‘unsustainable’ deals has hit beer sales hard. Even cider is starting to flag. Will efforts to restore value help…
NewsE&J Brandy gives retailers the chance to Spin to Win
Independent retailers stocking E&J Brandy can win prizes including iPads and Kindles in a game-show style promotion….
NewsBateman's ale recipe inspired by exploding bottle
An exploding bottle has inspired family brewer Bateman’s to recreate a classic ale recipe…
NewsEisberg tells Brits to love their livers
Alcohol-free wine brand Eisberg is teaming up with the British Liver Trust to promote a healthier approach to drinking….
NewsTerrePure promises to 'age' own-label spirits in just hours
A process that claims to age spirits rapidly is being targeted at the UK own-label drinks market….
NewsBoozeberries lands Spirited Drinks with Aussie export deal
Northern Irish producer Spirited Drinks is to export its Boozeberries liqueur brand to Australia….
NewsKestrel revamp kicks off neglected beer brand revival
The new owner of Kestrel lager says its revamp is the start of a plan to acquire and revive neglected British beers….
NewsGold Label cider revived by Westons in on-trade
Westons Cider is reviving the historic GL brand….
NewsCreative Nature launches cold-pressed raw health bars
Health food brand Creative Nature has launched a premium range of raw health bars.
NewsWine Selection brings 80 new lines to Asda
Asda has become the latest grocer to announce it is revamping its wine offer in a bid to make it easier to shop.
NewsFortified liquid breakfast promises Fast start to the day
Be Fast – a flavoured and fortified milk drink billed as ‘breakfast on the go’ – is making its debut in Asda…
Analysis & FeaturesLaverstoke ruling: intelligent self regulation or plain silly?
Jody Scheckter is outraged by a Portman Group ruling banning the use of his crayon drawing label for Laverstoke…
Category ReportSmaller booze brands look to catch the next wave
With Brits shifting to in-home consumption, demand for exciting NPD means new openings fopr little-known world alcohol brands…
Category ReportUK alcohol multibuys fall after Scottish stores implement ban
It’s been a year since Scotland introduced a ban on alcohol multibuys - and, unsurprisingly, Assosia data shows a shift away from x-for-y…
NewsFocus On Oils: Extending the olive branch
Despite pricing volatility and a fall in promotional activity, shoppers continue to flock to the oil fixture – particularly for olive oil. It’s all down to NPD and added value, finds John Porter
NewsFocus On Crisps, Nuts & Snacks: The great credit munch
Crisps, snacks & nuts are seen as an affordable indulgence by hard-up consumers, with sales of the mainstream brands’ sharing bags surging ahead as a result, as John Porter reports