In todays FMCG news roundup we look at, Wetherspoons lockdown woes, Corona launches new sustainable packaging and we say goodbye to another British high street icon, as Thornton's Chocolatier becomes the latest pandemic casualty.
Corona launch new sustainable beer pack.
The Mexican brewed, Belgian owned beer label, Corona are launching a new, sustainable packaging method for six-packs of beer that is created with the use of surplus barley straw.
Corona is the first global beer brand to take heed of technological advancements that have been put forward by the AB InBev's Global Innovation and Technology Center (GITEC).
This technology reimagines how the barley is used in the packaging making process, giving the beer ingredients a new life of sorts as a sustainable packaging solution.The barley seed will still be used in the production of the beer, but the packaging will be made of straw.
Combined with recycled wood fibres, a unique pulping process creates a paper board to produce new packaging that Corona have stated is just as strong and durable as a regular six-pack, but better for the environment.
During the process of reforming barley straw into paper fibre also uses 90% less water in its than the conventional virgin wood process, along with using less energy and fewer nasty chemicals. It's a more expensive production, however, but worth it for the sake of the planet.
Wetherspoons boss announces £68 million loss during lockdown.
In the wake of the London anti-lockdown protests, the boss of town centre pub chain, Wetherspoons has demanded an end to the ˜mayhem' of lockdowns and tier restrictions as his chain of pubs have fallen to a £68 million half-year loss.
The bar and restaurant mogul reported a 54% reduction in revenues to £431 million for the 6-month period to the 24th of January as COVID-19 measures left pubs closed for much of that time. This what has sent Wetherspoons into the red. Compared to their profit last year of £36 million, it's easy to see why.
Thornton's Chocolate to close its doors.
The Ferrero-owned chocolatier Thornton's has announced as of late that, sadly, none of its stores will be reopening after the current COVID-19 lockdown finally leaves us, with the company instead focusing on its online presence and partnerships with supermarkets and other wholesalers and retailers.
It was with a heavy heart that Thornton's decided to close all its 61 company-owned high street stores as they feared that what would follow would be a long period of underperformance and a lessening of its financial estate as time passed. This way of thinking has been exacerbated by the long-lasting pandemic which has meant that stores have missed out on the usual key boost periods of Easter and Christmas.
Thorton's, however, have seen a sales surge online which amounts to 71% as of last year which sees more than 4 million customers visiting their website, so clearly not all hope is lost, but just a change in tactic is required.
