Tesco: expanding further into "new Europe"

UK grocery retailer Tesco is rumored to be considering a bid for the Polish operations of troubled French supermarket chain Casino. This will provide Tesco with a larger share of the Polish market and provide Casino with the resources to embark on areas that can benefit the business.

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PLA Innovation of the Week: a toothbrush that reminds you when it should be replaced

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New personal care review: toothbrushes get a handle on replacement indicator technology

This month's rundown of the latest personal care launches looks at how toothbrush indicator technology is taking strides forward, with a recent innovative launch featuring an integrated device in the handle showing when the toothbrush should be replaced. In other news, the trend for personal care products to mimic indulgent food continues with the launch of a bath soap "chocolate bar."

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New personal care review: intimate gel targets the perfect date

In this month's rundown of novel personal care launches, one manufacturer is set to cause a stir with the launch of an arousal gel combined with a cinema ticket promotion that promises a perfect date. Meanwhile, the dual phase concept has moved to the lip balm category, and an indulgence-oriented supplement based on chia is a novel arrival on the functional scene.

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New personal care products: the supplements market gets personal

Along with a myriad of novel skin creams, Productscan has this month recorded the launch of an innovative range of supplements that are designed to be taken by people on different kinds of medication. This highlights the way the personal care market is becoming more reactive to the specific needs of different sectors of society.

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New personal care products: customers demand a more individual approach to skincare

Customization appears to be a rising trend in personal care, as a look at the latest product launches on Productscan reveals. Revlon's new foundation offers numerous color combinations, while Avon's anti-aging treatment allows the user to adjust the product's abrasiveness. With consumers demanding more personalized products, customizable products could reach other sectors in the near future.

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New household products review: splittable laundry capsule looks to lighten the load

This month's roundup of launches from the household goods industry sees manufacturers looking at ways of adding value through the use of innovative packaging. In Italy, a "splittable" pre-dosed washing detergent has hit the shelves, while in the US a "window" feature has appeared in a new laundry aid. In other news, a scented candle is hoping to make headlines with a novel newspaper fragrance.

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New food review: sweet and savory flavors create a harmonious mix

This month's run-down of new food launches finds some innovatively flavored products that mix sweet and savory tastes. A cheese has been launched that contains sweet Christmas cake ingredients, while a new pizza has an exotic touch with fruit and vegetable toppings. These could help to boost interest in the food market and encourage consumer curiosity.

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New food review: kids' snacks discover their healthy side

Much criticized for their low nutritional value, lunch snacks for kids could be finding their feet as a healthier proposition with innovative vegetable-related launches arriving on the market. Other products to feature in this month's roundup of interesting food launches are novel crispbreads and new formulations in the ice cream category.

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New drinks review: pure water reaches new spiritual heights

Bottled water makers have been making increasingly exaggerated claims about the health benefits of their brands, but a new variety that recently featured on the Productscan database appears to top all of them. The Spiritual Water brand claims to help purify the mind as well as the body, containing Biblical text and images to inspire the drinker.

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