Client Newswrap: special editions and revolting suppliers

Brand owners

The butter is even less likely to melt after Lurpak launched 50g packs in response to consumer concerns that the larger pack sizes led to product wastage.

Following last year’s Salmonella outbreak and the ad racism row, Cadbury is trying to win back consumer trust with its dearCadbury.com corporate social responsibility website. The firm has also appointed Reckitt Benckiser chief financial officer Colin Day as a non-executive director.

Luxury retailers Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges have added a new “Pret-a-Porter” line to their racks in the form of a special edition Evian water bottle from French designer Jean-Paul Gaultier.

The falling price of cream is hitting the profit margins at Robert Wiseman Dairies – pre-tax profit fell by 36% in the first half of the year. However, the firm remains confident its robust sales growth put it in an excellent position going forward.

For those looking to add a more personal sparkle to the Christmas season, Moët & Chandon has opened a temporary store on Bond Street that will decorate a Champagne bottle with your name. The store closes on 28 December.

Retailers

Marks & Spencer chief executive Stuart Rose is determined that he doesn’t need a Plan B to get “through these difficult times”, despite pre-tax profit almost halving in the first six months of the year. The retailer has also slashed its marketing budget by 20%.  

Unpackaged is unwrapping Christmas with its refillable hampers and recycled paper as part of the first anniversary party being held today at its packaging free London store.

‘Every little’ is not enough help for Tesco suppliers who are on the verge of revolt over the multiple’s demands in its price war with rivals. Britain’s largest retailer is said to have contacted several suppliers for cash considerations or lower prices to pass on to customers.

Sainsbury’s is making life taste better for its staff by offering those who need it professional courses in basic maths and English.

Morecambe and Wise. Laurel and Hardy. Holland and Barrett? The chain of health food shops has launched a TV ad campaign, featuring a comic double act, to help boost its customer base.

And finally

If Jonathan Ross is stuck for something to do for the next 12 weeks he can always visit the more than 300 shopping, food and cinema outlets at the new Westfield shopping centre that opened its doors opposite BBC Television Centre in west London.

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