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EDITOR’S LETTER
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CONVENIENCE WORLD MAR/APR, 2021
EDITOR’S ILETTER
t’s been more than a year since the pandemic shook the world, disrupting life as we knew it. The rollout of the Covid vaccine is now well underway in Australia with the number of locally transmitted cases down to zero across most states and territories. The government has proposed discounted travel to regions throughout Australia to kickstart and promote a revival of the tourism industry, while the trans-Tasman travel bubble with New Zealand is now likely to
be open from next month. What a timely reminder to take a break and reset, and I mean further than a stretch and walk outside the house or office, to sample the great escapes, support local businesses and enjoy the finest produce on offer in our regions.
As we continue on the road to recovery, manufacturing capability and local sourcing in Australia are receiving a boost with the federal government’s $1.5 billion investment into the ‘modern manufacturing strategy’, which will increase local production and supply local demand. While not disregarding the yet-to-be-vanquished pandemic, the recent flooding in NSW and Queensland emphasises that local manufacturing and sourcing are more significant than ever in this country.
We’re pleased to welcome Bruce Billson as the new Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, whose contributions to Convenience World through regular authoritative columns, along with those of the Australian Food & Grocery Council, Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association, National Retail Association, Franchise Council of Australia and Australian Lottery and Newsagents Association, continue to help our readers, community and broader industry navigate the market.
Sustainability is more than just a lifestyle or trend. It goes beyond the personal and household efforts of recycling materials from consumed products. Consumers have been increasingly conscious of
their footprint and impact on the environment over the years. And now, sustainability is at the front and centre of retail and the supply chain with industry working towards reaching the 2025 National Packaging Targets by achieving 100 per cent reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging over
the next four years. You can read more about retailers and suppliers’ sustainability efforts in our sister publication, Retail World’s upcoming April digital issue.
Shopper mindset, consumption and convenience trends are ever evolving, particularly in the current climate, with Shopper Intelligence identifying the growing ‘foodvenience’ market where shoppers are fulfilling immediate consumption needs across grocery stores, home delivery, P&C, fast food and cafes.
As we head into the cooler months and perhaps into slight hibernation, the changing needs of the shopper must be addressed accordingly. In this issue, ShopAbility shares insights into space and category management, and the guidelines for executing these well. Also, our contributors New Sunrise, Illuminera and Poplever share their insights and the opportunities for fuelling occasion-based marketing for the autumn season and for retail in general.
At the height of the pandemic and lockdowns last year, the foodservice industry was greatly impacted. Convenience World has partnered with Foodservice Australia to help expand the scope of opportunities for retailers and suppliers alike, highlighting the news and key trends that are driving marketing for food on the go and convenience.
In this issue we share the latest trends and products to hit the market across beverages, healthy options, confectionery and snack categories, and we’ve also featured thought-provoking insights and data from our contributors to support the category features.
We hope you enjoy this issue of Convenience World. Feel free to write in with your feedback or news on what’s happening in your world. We’d love to hear from you.
Lorna Gloria
Lorna Gloria Managing Editor