On-trade alcoholic drinking occasions: consumers engaging in more moderate week-round drinking

Consumers are increasing their visits to bars, cafes, restaurants and hotels during the week, engaging in more moderate week-round drinking and moving away from so-called weekend session drinking, according to a new report by Datamonitor. In order to capitalize on these increased drinking occasions, the on-trade sector will need to offer exclusive products, encouraging consumers to trade up.

Published By Datamonitor

Lion Capital: frozen food heats up market

Lion Capital's purchase of the owner of the Findus brand highlights a shake up in the consumer goods world. Although until recently frozen food was perceived to be losing appeal to its more upscale neighbor, fresh food, the economic downturn has given the frozen sector a new lease of life, with consumers conscious of the cost benefits that it offers.

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Whole Foods Market: whole lot of loss

Fresh & Wild Ltd, the UK unit of Whole Foods Market, has posted sales of GBP35.9m for the year to September 30, 2007, an increase of 18.5%. However, it also reported a loss of GBP9.9m and, although the GBP2.9m cost of opening a store in Kensington, London, partially accounted for the fall in profitability, it does bring into question the viability of operating a large-scale luxury food concept.

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AG Barr: diversifying its portfolio has proven fruitful

AG Barr has made the biggest purchase in its history through the acquisition of Rubicon, continuing its diversification away from fizzy drinks into stronger growth sectors. The company's move into juices and other healthy beverage sectors is wise: as consumers demand healthier beverages to fit in with healthier lifestyles, these sectors continue to display better growth potential than carbonates.

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New drinks launches by category, March to May 2008: raising a glass to wine

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New food launches by category, March to May 2008: going cold on ice cream

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Product claims: new drinks launches, March to May 2008

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Product claims: new food launches, March to May 2008

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Liqueurs and other alcoholic drinks: top flavors in new global product launches

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InBev: announces disappointing UK sales and profits

InBev has announced a drop in second quarter UK sales in 2008. The Belgian-based brewer has deflected suggestions that its recent acquisition of Anheuser-Busch has distracted its European focus. The harsh reality for InBev and rivals is that European consumer trends are becoming less favorable for beer sales, lending increasing importance to emerging markets.

Published By Datamonitor