News

Welcome to our weekly round-up of news from the packaging industry's biggest clients.

Retailers
Supermarket giant Tesco is adding 100 new lines to its discount products, including a skincare range and a children's clothing line called Molly and Jack.

The Adams Childrenswear brand and its remaining 120 stores have been bought out of administration by its former managers, John Shannon. The deal could save 1,900 jobs throughout the UK and Ireland.

The Co-operative is to rebrand 650 UK Somerfield stores to its own brand. The Co-op bought Somerfield in a deal worth £1.6bn.

Waitrose is inviting customers to get involved in helping create foods on its new website. On MyWaitrose.com, shoppers will also be able to take a look behind the scenes at the retailer and meet its buyers at VIP tasting events.

Toys 'R' Us has bought three websites from media firm The Parent Company, which filed for bankruptcy protection in 2008. eToys.com, BabyUniverse.com and ePregnancy.com will retain their domain names, but the toy retailer will take over their operations, including merchandising, site management and distribution.

Brands
Fast-food chain KFC has announced a £150m expansion plan that will lead to 300 new outlets opening over the next three to five years, creating 9,000 new jobs.

Drinks giant Coca-Cola has developed two online films to promote its web forum, 'let's get together'. The videos present Coca-Cola's position on recycling and packaging, hoping that they will allow further engagement with the public.

Arla Foods is launching a new television ad for Lurpak as part of a £12m marketing campaign. The advert celebrates a leisurely weekend breakfast.

Burton's Foods is to launch BrunchBreaks and Brunchbakes under its £12.3m Cadbury's Brunch brand later this month. The products combine oats, nuts, fruit and seeds with Cadbury's chocolate.

Cider producer Magners is set to launch Magners Pear in the UK to broaden its product portfolio. The launch will be backed with a multimillion-pound advertising campaign.