Starbucks has announced initiatives in two major markets aimed at reinvigorating its business.

Starbucks is to shed 75% of its stores in Australia, following difficulty penetrating the country’s coffee market, and provide free top-ups in the UK and Ireland in recognition of a consumer downturn. Although these moves could be seen to be a reversal of the company’s global aims and premium image, they should allow Starbucks to provide greater value for money during tough economic conditions. Continue reading “Starbucks Responds to Slowing Market” »

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to investigate a possible association between anti-TNF therapies and childhood cancer. Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF) blockers have become the latest drug class to undergo a detailed FDA safety review, with the potential link between these agents and cancer, particularly in children and young adults, to be assessed. Although the review could increase prescribing caution of anti-TNF therapies for children in some physicians, ultimately it will not affect the use or sales of these agents in the near-term.

Continue reading “FDA Investigates Possible Association Between anti-TNF Therapies and Cancer.” »

UK bottled water sales are experiencing the fastest growth in Europe due to health associations.

Sales of bottled water in the UK have increased at the fastest rate in Europe over the past five years. The association between drinking plenty of water and a healthy lifestyle is driving demand as consumers choose it over other soft drinks because it does not contain calories, caffeine, or artificial colours. However, environmental concerns may hinder growth going forward. Continue reading “Bottled Water Despite Environmental Concern- Sales Boosted by Health-Conscious Consumers” »

Coca-Cola is set to launch a range of coffee energy drinks under the Full Throttle energy drinks brand in the US in August 2008. The drinks are said to combine the taste of coffee with the intensity of an energy drink, representing another example of how manufacturers are maximising the appeal of energy drinks by combining energy-boosting ingredients with hedonistic flavours.

Continue reading “Coca-Cola Launches Energy Drink Especially Targeted at Urban Males” »

A combination of the 2007 VAT hike and the discounter boom that has spread like wildfire from grocery to other sectors is severely impacting Germany’s retailing landscape, reveals a new report. For the first time since 2002 the sector contracted, posting a decline of 0.9%. With a current value of €354bn, the overall retail market in Germany has receded back to what it was in 2005 meaning expenditure has been similar to that seen at the tail end of the last recession in the country. As a direct result of extremely tough trading conditions the wheels of the consolidation bandwagon have begun to turn and looking ahead Verdict Research expects more retailers to jump on.

Continue reading “By 2012 Half of German Grocery Retailing Sales will be Lost to Discounters” »