T&S Stores: profiting through convenience

T&S' success relies partly on timely acquisitions and investment in new product tracking technology, but mainly in its provision of a much-needed service. The convenience meal market will continue to grow as families find themselves pressed for time, unconcerned about the traditional meal, and unable to agree on a joint menu.

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Breakfast: skipped 30% of the time in the UK

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Drinks: the Spanish and Italians drink out the most

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Cadbury/Experentis: promoting South American stimulants

The launch of two new guarana chocolate bars for UK clubbers highlights the increasing use of trend-spotting in product development. But while giant Cadbury relies on traditional advertising, newcomer Experentis will use experiential and event marketing to target its core audience more precisely. The smaller firm's approach could well pay off.

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Vitamin-enhanced beer: happy to be unhealthy

Consumers are used to their food being manipulated to make it healthier: fat is removed, vitamins and minerals added. But that does not mean they are complacent, and certainly not willing to forgo freedom of choice. The furor stirred up by Scotland's plans for vitamin-enhanced beer demonstrates just how swift and forthright the opposition to ill-judged ideas can be.

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Tesco/Asda: aggressors in UK price wars

Tesco and Asda have reacted to an expected tightening of the consumer belt by beginning a price war. Tesco will cut prices of over a thousand products by up to a third and Asda is planning to reduce prices in its George clothing range. If the supermarket war of 1999 is anything to go buy, the price cuts could cost rivals dearly.

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UK retailing: supermarket wars

UK supermarket group Morrison's, normally as commendably steadfast as its northern roots, has launched a bid for the Safeway chain. The move is a canny one that would launch Morrison's into the big time. However, it is likely to spark a bidding war that could herald major changes for the industry's leading players, with tougher competition meaning that consumers will be the real winners.<BR />

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Tesco: looking a bit greedy

Tesco, already the UK's leading supermarket chain, confirmed its interest in bidding for Safeway on Wednesday. However, as Tesco tries to convince the OFT that its increased share would still be fair, it is possible that the whole matter will result in an enquiry into the supermarket sector. Tesco is keen to ensure its position doesn't deteriorate when this happens.<BR />

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Britvic: Freekee tweenies

Identified as a new and growing market sector in the 1990s, 10-13 year olds are increasingly targeted with new products. These so-called tweenagers may not respond as enthusiastically as hoped, however. Understanding their aspirations while protecting adult brands will be a demanding task.

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Clearasil: clearing up the young adults

Boots Healthcare International is bringing out an extension to the Clearasil brand aimed at consumers in their mid-20s. In order to succeed, some very persuasive marketing will be required - older consumers will have some of the most entrenched views about Clearasil.

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