Recent changes to EU competition rules, which often determine what terms such agreements can contain, mean that now could be the time to review existing contracts to ensure enforceability or benefit from newly relaxed provisions.
Companies have until 1 June 2011 to ensure compliance under existing agreements.
It is a challenge that extends far beyond consumer electronics, as a growing number of UK brand owners take active steps to drive supply chain efficiencies or secure a slice of new markets.
Only four years ago we launched Ella’s Kitchen with two products in one supermarket, with no market share and just me! Our aim was to make healthy, convenient and fun organic foods for babies and young children under a strong and personable brand. I persevered by focusing on the consumer needs and my big aspirations.
Relying entirely on one customer channel is a very shortsighted approach. To be an effective marketer today, companies need to leverage and monetise both traditional online channels and emerging online channels to reach and influence their audience.
Social media is the current buzz, of course. All the kids have Facebook accounts, in fact Facebook has just passed 500 million users. Which is a staggering number. If we could tap into that it would be absolutely brilliant. Ben & Jerry's has gone for it. And to be honest I really don't blame them.
For me, this means I’ll be eating and drinking outside in the sun as much as I can. Beer doesn’t get any better when it’s enjoyed with food, and especially if it happens to be al fresco.
A dry first half of the year is likely to impact on yields this year and although the UK will probably still produce a surplus of wheat and barley that surplus could be smaller than recent years.
From the factory floor to the shop shelves, we’ve been talking to industry leaders about the best way to keep your assets safe. Neil Jackson of the GB Security Group will be telling us about security measures in the food production sector.
Controlling assets to maximise value has never been more important for the food and drink sector. The value of modern security systems is not just about how it may keep intruders out and property safe; it’s just as likely to be about providing solutions for internal management to protect staff and improve production.
However, as business grows and the product takes off, the packaging and branding itself will become crucial, enabling customers to instantly recognize your products and reinforce your key product messages, be it quality, value for money, taste or well being.
