All articles by Rob Brown – Page 29
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Analysis & FeaturesCrunch time: what now as PepsiCo loses fizz?
What lessons can the struggling PepsiCo US learn from its more successful UK arm? Is ditching the focus on health the key to reversing its fortunes?
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Analysis & FeaturesWhen duty calls
The black market in booze and fags is booming. The Grocer joined Customs, police and Trading Standards…
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NewsHMRC to 'turn off taps' on black market booze
Revenue & Customs is preparing to brief ministers on a raft of new measures to crack down on duty fraud, according to a top HMRC boss.
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Analysis & FeaturesHelping out the hungry... under cover
His Food started out with half a pallet of soup and a makeshift office in a shipping container. Now the charity operates out of a 50,000 sq ft depot - not that you’ll be able to find it.
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InterviewsThe godfather of modern grocery
He opened Britain’s first supermarket and pioneered self service. Patrick Galvani’s Premier Supermarket chain very nearly ruled the world.
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Analysis & FeaturesHas The X Factor lost its shine as a big time advertising slot?
The X Factor had a rocky ride this year - viewers switched off in their millions and it was linked to the riots. Will it put off advertisers?
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NewsBoffins look for way to fight organic fraud
The organic sector will soon have a reliable means of identifying conventionally produced food fraudulently said to be ‘organic’.
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Analysis & FeaturesWholesale change for Asda?
Asda is lavishing growing attention on its recently revamped foodservice supply website. Is it gearing up for an assault on the hospitality wholesale market?
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Comment & Opinion
Asda pitch-perfect, M&S cheap and tacky?
Asda’s surprisingly classy ad leaves M&S in its wake. For proof that Christmas isn’t a slam dunk…
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News‘Terrible’ SEO: how do people find Waitrose online?
Waitrose’s £10m website isn’t just infuriating existing shoppers - it’s also virtually invisible to new ones.
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Analysis & FeaturesSEO: Are grocers failing online?
Never mind the back end. Search is the most important component of successful e-commerce. But exclusive research for The Grocer reveals that some of the supermarkets are ill-equipped for the fight. Rob Brown reports
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InterviewsKing Cobra
When Cobra Beer went bust in 2009 Lord Karan Bilimoria of Chelsea did a very unusual thing.
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Analysis & Features
Especially for you
The days of one-size-fits-all retail are dead. Today, shoppers want a bespoke experience. Rob Brown takes a bizarre ride to the far side of retail to find out what it means for retailers
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NewsMars targets ‘absolute’ reduction of emissions
Mars is drawing up a raft of new green initiatives, with targets experts claim will be among the most ambitious ever set by a food and drink supplier. The manufacturing giant will set absolute caps on the toll its activities take on the...
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Analysis & FeaturesThe Green Issue 2011: Does waste stack up?
The supermarkets say they’re leading a recycling revolution, saving everything from batteries to carrier bags from landfill. Is this true – and what more can be done? Rob Brown investigates
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Analysis & FeaturesThe Green Issue 2011: How green is grocery?
Most big players in grocery don’t shy away from blowing their own trumpets on green issues.
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ProfilesIGD’s Leading Light finalists announced
The efforts of three rising stars of fmcg to build stronger partnerships with retailers were recognised on Wednesday as they were named as finalists in the IGD's Leading Light Award 2011. The trio showed "drive, creativity and...
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Analysis & FeaturesDiageo's virtual drinks aisle
Diageo has big plans. They won’t be realised without retailers’ help. So it’s opened a hi-tech virtual reality suite to get them on board. Rob Brown is the first to visit
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NewsCo-op trialling shelf sales of spirits after Diageo indie success
The Co-operative Group has taken a lead from independents, teaming up with Diageo to boost spirits sales in its c-stores. The society is working with the drinks giant as part of its ongoing Free Your Spirits campaign, through which...
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Profiles
The Italian job
Food co-op Produced in Italy is gunning for a four-fold increase in sales this year, despite the difficult market. Rob Brown talks to MD Mike Slegg about how he’s making the business work