Retail News CRM

Tag: Australia

  • Royal Enfield Classic 350 Launched In Australia, New Zealand

    Royal Enfield Classic 350 Launched In Australia, New Zealand

    Royal Enfield is expanding the presence of the new Classic 350 across the world, and the Asia Pacific region, and has now launched the all-new Classic 350 in Australia and New Zealand. The new model will be available in four variants, the Halcyon, Classic Signals, Classic Dark and Classic Chrome, each offering unique color options and styling options. In recent days, the Classic 350 has been launched in the UK, and the Philippines, and now the company has launched its most popular model in Australia and New Zealand.

    Pricing for the 2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 range will start at AUD 7,990 (approximately ₹ 4.21 lakh) in Australia for the Halcyon series. The Signals series has been priced at AUD 8,290 (approximately ₹ 4.37 lakh), while the Dark Series and Chrome Series will be priced at AUD 8,690 (approximately ₹ 4.58 lakh) and AUD 8,790 (approximately ₹ 4.63 lakh) respectively.

    The all-new Classic 350 is the second model to be based on the same platform as the Meteor 350, with the two models sharing quite a few components, including the new J-series Royal Enfield 350 cc single-cylinder engine. The new-generation Classic 350 was launched in India last year, and gets a complete makeover, with a new, more modern engine, new chassis, updated suspension, new wheels, and brakes.

    The 349 cc, the single-cylinder engine makes 20.2 bhp at 6,100 rpm, and 27 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The compression ratio has changed to 9.5:1 on the new 350 cc SOHC engine from 8.5:1 on the UCE 350 engine. The cam gears have been replaced with a timing chain, along with the SOHC system, which results in less noise and more efficient valve timings. The chain primary drive has been replaced with gear primary drive, which reduces transmission losses, and the primary balancer shaft reduces vibrations on the engine.

    The legacy of the Classic dates back to 1948 with the Royal Enfield Model G2, the first to have swinging arm rear suspension on a full production motorcycle. The Model G2 served as a strong design inspiration for the hugely popular Classic 500 and Classic 350 launched in 2008. The Classic 350, in fact, went on to become the highest-selling Royal Enfield model since then, accounting for 70-80 percent of the brand’s sales over the past decade or so. Even now, the Classic 350 accounts for 60-70 percent of the brand’s overall sales, but so far, these numbers have been limited to the domestic market of India.

    In the 12 years since the modern Royal Enfield Classic was first launched, it has built a legacy of its own, selling over 3 million (30 lakh) motorcycles. The Classic has also emerged as the motorcycle that redefined the middleweight motorcycling space and spawned the revival of Royal Enfield. And this time around, with the new Classic 350, Royal Enfield is positioning it as a global product, hoping to repeat some of its commercial success around the world.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Restaurant Brands sales exceed $1 billion, despite Covid-19 impact

    Restaurant Brands sales exceed $1 billion, despite Covid-19 impact

    Restaurant Brands NZ Limited reported a 19.7% increase in sales for the year ended 31 December 2021, making total sales of NZ$1.06 billion in 2021. While same-store deals stayed strong in the period, nearly NZ$100 million of the rise in annual sales came from the extra 8 months of trading from the California acquisition.

    The Group released sales numbers for Q4 FY21 on Thursday, reporting total sales of NZ$284 million for the period (+5.5% on pcp). All regions posted positive same-store growth despite the present COVID-19 impact.

    The Group faced COVID-19 impact strongly despite several government curbs, challenging trading atmosphere and altering consumer habits. Subsequently, RBD’s annual sales numbers surpassed NZ$1 billion, setting a robust footing for further growth in sales in all its 4 regions.

    RBD-owned store numbers increased by 11 in Q4 compared to the same period in the previous year to 359. This was majorly due to the purchase of 5 KFC stores in Sydney in early 2021as well as the present construction of new Taco Bell shops in Australia and NZ.

    Restaurant Brands is due to announce its year-end trading results on 28 February 2022.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Vietnam steps up dragon fruit exports to Australia

    Vietnam steps up dragon fruit exports to Australia

    Large volumes of dragon fruit are being exported to Australia though it is currently the harvest season there for the fruit.

    Twenty-eight tons were shipped to Western Australia and South Australia last week by 4 Ways Fresh and Australia Flower, according to the Vietnam Trade Office in Australia.

    Australia Flower is set to export another 14 tons this week.

    Several retailers like Dai Phat and MCQ are selling the fruit at the equivalent of VND200,000 ($8.84) per kilogram.

    The exporters said they are targeting young consumers in Australia. The Vietnam Trade Office is offering promotions to retail buyers that include air tickets, toys and other gifts.

    Last year Vietnamese dragon fruit exports to Australia grew by 14 percent despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Vietnamese farmers grow nearly 1.4 million tons of the fruit every year, and most of it ends up exported to China.

    However, industry insiders said China has been increasing its area under the fruit in the last three years and would become self-sufficient in another five years, meaning Vietnamese exporters need to look for other markets.

  • Bitmex Announces CEO for Swiss Business

    Bitmex Announces CEO for Swiss Business

    After announcing plans to expand in Switzerland, the trading crypto exchange has now found someone to lead its Swiss business.

    Seychelles-based Bitmex is appointing Ivo Sauter as chief executive of Bitmex Link Switzerland, according to his Linkedin profile. Sauter joins the crypto trading exchange from Gazprombank where he worked as a chief digital, transformation, and strategy officer.

    Bitmex is a platform for crypto asset trading. Bitmex Link is the exchange’s digital trading asset service, which includes spot trading, brokerage, custody, information products and a so-called academy for digital asset and crypto trading training.

    The company announced its intention to launch a Swiss office last year, along with plans to apply for a Finma license.

    Lees ook:

  • Australia’s love affair with boxed wine endures

    Australia’s love affair with boxed wine endures

    Boxed wine is one of Australia’s most extraordinary contributions to the wine industry, also known as cardboardeaux, bag-in-box (BiB), or more commonly.

    Australian winemaker Thomas Angove patented the design for a one-gallon polyethylene bladder in a cardboard box in 1965, inspired by the ancient method of storing wine in goat skins. The first model required drinkers to cut a corner of the plastic bag and reseal it with a special category peg (used to transport battery acid).

    Once a tap was designed in the 1970s goon climbed quickly to make up about 50% of wine sales in Australia. In the days when restaurants sold “house wine”, goon was known for being economical above anything else, and convenient, associated more with families on a budget and people on low incomes.

    Wine in the ‘70s was still perceived as for special occasions and casks may have helped change that. Thirty years later, between 2004-2014, there was a 30% drop in cask sales but a 40% increase in bottled wine during the same decade. As domestic sales had been dropping, the cask concept (and its contents) was also being exported.

    Goon has come a long way from its origins and reputation. The visual appeal of the box and the bag has evolved, along with the narrative the wine label communicates about history, geography, identity.

    As the environmental benefits of wine in a box have become more important to new consumers, the quality of its contents has also improved. Jilly Wine Company’s Chateau Cardboard Red at $71 for 3 liters, is a long way from the one-gallon packs of table white, table red, port, sweet sherry, and muscat launched in 1965.

    There are good reasons why Australians love goon, and there are strong reasons for the love to grow.

  • McDonald’s Yagoona store reopens, 50 years since first restaurant unveiled

    McDonald’s Yagoona store reopens, 50 years since first restaurant unveiled

    McDonald’s is stepping back in time and reopening Australia’s first restaurant in Yagoona. Celebrating 50 years since the very first Macca’s opened its doors in December 1971, the new McDonald’s Yagoona will open on Friday and adopt its original 1970s prices. From 11 am to 1 pm on opening day the humble hamburger will be just 20 cents each, with a limit of four per customer, so you’ll need to get in quick to take advantage of the deal.

    Celebrating 50 years since the very first Macca’s opened its doors in December 1971, the new McDonald’s Yagoona will open on Friday and adopt its original 1970s prices

    The interior of the restaurant will reflect the original décor from half a century ago with a historic timeline on the wall, images of the 1971 restaurant, and a Happy Meal display with iconic toys from across the years.

    ‘We are incredibly proud to reopen McDonald’s Yagoona and recognize its important part of our history,’ Chief Executive Officer for McDonald’s Australia Andrew Gregory said.

    ‘Everything our customers know and love about McDonald’s Australia started at Yagoona from Happy Meals and birthday parties to first jobs and community contribution.

    The interior of the restaurant will reflect the original décor from half a century ago with a historic timeline on the wall, images of the 1971 restaurant, and a Happy Meal display with iconic toys from across the years

    ‘The reopening celebrates 50 years of supporting our customers, people, and communities in Australia. We look forward to once again serving the local community and welcoming back customers from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.’

    The new restaurant will operate 24 hours a day and feature a McCafé, dual-lane drive-thru, dedicated delivery partner room, and PlayPlace.

    In addition to the 20 cent hamburger, McDonald’s Yagoona will also sell $1 cheeseburgers and $2 coffee from December 17 to January 7 as part of a special promotion for customers.

    Lees ook:

  • Coles launches low-carb bread

    Coles launches low-carb bread

    Coles has launched a new range of low-carb bread after the demand for calorie-conscious bread surged this year. Priced at $4.80 a loaf, Coles 85 percent Lower Carb Loaf contains 21 grams of protein and 8.5 grams of fiber per serve, as well as being vegan-friendly and low in sugar.

    While it only launched in Coles supermarkets a fortnight ago it’s already gone on to become its third best-selling line in the “health bread” category.

    The multigrain loaf has got 85 percent fewer carbs than a traditional multigrain sandwich loaf and was given the tick of approval by Brisbane dietitian Leanne Ward. The bread has proved very popular with customers. Picture: Supplied.

    In a TikTok, which was sponsored by Coles, Leanne said it was “my favorite new high protein bread” and a “great option for those needing/wanting low carb and more protein and fibre”.

    As well as the Coles 85 percent Lower Carb Loaf, the supermarket has also launched a Coles Gluten Free Premiun White Loaf and Herman Brot Complete Protein Loaf exclusive to the supermarket chain.

    Demand for these “health bread” varieties has already grown by 40 percent since they were introduced.

    Coles general manager for bakery Andy Mossop said the new bread was part of the supermarket’s mission to provide new healthy options to customers.

    “At Coles, we want to sustainably feed all Australians to help them lead healthier, happier lives, and our Bakery team is constantly looking at ways we can expand our offering to cater to increasingly health-conscious Australians who are seeking healthier alternatives across the supermarket aisles,” he said.

    Brisbane dietitian Leanne Ward raved about the new bread on TikTok. Picture: TikTok/Leanne Ward.

    “Bread is a household staple and we sell more than 400 million Coles Bakery loaves and rolls from the in-store bakery each year.

    “We’ve worked hard to satisfy the increasing demand for healthier bakery products, offering a great tasting, nutritious and wholesome bread range.

    “Shoppers can feel confident they are not compromising on taste, value or convenience with these new options.”

    Earlier this year Coles announced it had reduced the salt content of its in-store bakery loaves and rolls by up to 25 percent.

    The supermarket also went viral back in July when one shopper spotted Coles was now selling white bread with 50 percent fewer carbs in its bakery section.

    TikTok user Jasmine Templin posted a video revealing how the bread had half the normal carbs and higher protein than a standard loaf of white bread, labeling it an “insane” find for those watching their caloric intake.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Australia to Shake Up Digital Payment Regulations

    Australia to Shake Up Digital Payment Regulations

    Australian authorities will revamp the regulatory landscape for digital payments, broadening its remit on online transaction providers, cryptocurrency exchanges, and the possible creation of a central bank digital currency.

    On crypto exchanges, Australia will begin consultation early next year on establishing a licensing framework and regulations for businesses the hold crypto assets on behalf of consumers.

    It will also consult on the feasibility of a central bank digital currency with advice provided by the end of 2022.

    Online transaction providers and buy-now-pay-later providers will also effectively see the end of unregulated business as Australia will also broaden its payment laws to cover such payment players.

    If we do not reform the current framework, it will be Silicon Valley that determines the future of our payment system, according to a report citing notes by Australian treasurer Josh Frydenberg.

    Australia must retain its sovereignty over our payment system.

  • Coles Plus adds extra benefits

    Coles Plus adds extra benefits

    Coles customers can now earn double Flybuys points on eligible products1every time they shop in Coles Supermarkets and Coles online, thanks to subscription-based service Coles Plus.

    Since launching in February, Coles Plus member numbers have grown rapidly and now Coles is offering members unlimited free delivery2, including free Same Day Delivery at select stores3, for all orders of $50 or more – down from the previous minimum of $100.

    The new offer means customers will be able to save up to $11 per home delivery in the lead up to Christmas.

    For just $19 a month, Coles Plus members also have exclusive access to a number of benefits including a Priority Customer Care line and unlimited use of Click&Collect Rapid, which allows Coles online customers to order and pick up their groceries in less than 90 minutes – a service priced at $5 per order for non-members.

    Coles General Manager Online Commercials Karen Donaldson said Coles was listening to customer feedback and responding to changing customer needs to tailor the benefits offered to Coles Plus members.

    “In the past year we’ve seen more customers adopting a hybrid approach by shopping both in-store and online, so it’s important we expand our subscription program to reward those customers in a meaningful way,” she said.

    “We continue to see significant growth in demand for online grocery shopping and we are investing in customer experience and capacity, which is having a positive impact on customer satisfaction.

    We recently launched our shoppable Coles App enabling customers to order through the app, view the catalog, or build their shopping list and then use it to map out their trip to the supermarket aisle-by-aisle.

    “By rewarding the loyalty of our digitally-engaged customers both in-store and online, it ensures Coles continues to lead anytime, anywhere, anyhow shopping.”

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Singapore’s Sustenance meal-replacement shakes entering Australia

    Singapore’s Sustenance meal-replacement shakes entering Australia

    Gautam Param and Leon Chen started meal replacement company Sustenance to solve this key issue that most of us are facing – “I wanted a simple way to eat healthy without putting my diet at the center of my life. I didn’t like other options in the market, they had lots of artificial junk and were too far away from nature to be considered an actual meal.”

    Noting this gap in the market, the duo wanted to offer people minimally processed products that use real food ingredients from premium suppliers. Their products contain plenty of protein and fiber and minimal bad stuff like saturated fat and artificial junk.

    “The idea behind Sustenance is simple — we want to make it simple and painless for people to eat healthily. We want to empower people to lead healthy, disease-free lives without having to put diets at the center of their lives,” said Gautam.

    Gautam added that Sustenance is suitable for time-starved people like busy workers who prefer quick, yet healthy meals. There are also some who turn to Sustenance to incorporate it as part of their diet to lose weight.

    The winning factor of Sustenance over a conventional meal is its convenience. If you are short on time, can’t find affordable options or healthy food around you, then Sustenance’s meal shakes make a good alternative to unhealthy food.

    “Science has established that consistently eating healthy is a behavioral problem, not a knowledge problem. People know what eating healthy means, but they struggle with doing it consistently in the long run because of the hassle.”

    “Nobody wants to spend their lunch break queuing (up for food), spend a bomb eating grain bowls every day, or spend an hour cooking and cleaning up during weekdays. If we can reduce the friction to eating healthier, many people would eat healthier more consistently.”

    This is the unique proposition of meal replacements – they serve as a “backup option” that is readily available anytime, anywhere.

    Most of their customers started out as non-believers who never tried any meal replacements before. However, after buying and trying their products, they instantly became converts.

    “These people who were initially on the fence end up being regular customers and making many repeat purchases. They would then recommend it to their family and friends — this is our main source of growth.”

    Its pool of customers has grown to several thousand over the past 12 months, and its products are rated 4.9 out of 5.0 stars across hundreds of reviews on Google and Facebook. Many of these reviews talk about the unexpected deliciousness of the shakes despite their green appearance, and how filling they are.

    The company has grown by more than six times in 2020 and started selling in Hong Kong and Australia in March 2021. They plan on entering two more markets by the end of 2021.

  • AuMake and Miniso to launch dual-branded stores in Sydney

    AuMake and Miniso to launch dual-branded stores in Sydney

    The specialist retailer in Australia and New Zealand, Aumake Limited shared on Thursday that it has entered into a distribution agreement with a Japanese-inspired lifestyle product retailer MINISO Master Franchisee Pty Ltd (MINIS0).

    As per the agreement, MINISO will provide operational support and products to three of Aumake’s physical stores initially, strategically picked for their high foot traffic locations and traction with Asian customers.

    The key terms of the distribution agreement include:

    • Initial physical stores are located in Chinatown, World Square CBD and Burwood in Sydney, NSW.
    • Physical stores to be dual-branded as Aumake and MINISO.
    • MINISO will pay Aumake a percentage of sales (GST incl.) in exchange for using Aumake’s premises to sell the products.

    Aumake’s deal with MINISO creates a significant revenue opportunity and subsequent reduction in overhead costs due to increased physical foot traffic, especially when the restrictions on international borders are likely to be eased for Asian tourists and international students in the coming weeks.

    In addition, the cooperation between the two companies will also provide Aumake with an opportunity to introduce and expand new skincare and cosmetic brands.

    Meanwhile, the stock AUK was spotted trading 10% higher at AU$0.016 per share at 2:00 PM AEDT.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Vinomofo bets on in-person events with latest acquisition

    Vinomofo bets on in-person events with latest acquisition

    Vinomofo has purchased Melbourne-based events company Revel in an effort to better ingrain itself in the events industry – betting that as life in Australia continues to move toward normality, more Australians will want to get out and attend in-person events.

    Vinomofo chief executive Paul Edginton said the deal will give the online wine firm’s customers ‘special access’ to events and offers.

    “As our customer base grows year-on-year, we are seeing demand for a more extensive offering, with tactile, engaging, fun experiences at the top of the must-have list,” Edginton said.

    “Today’s news to acquire Revel further builds our capabilities to continue meeting the growing needs of our customers who love wine, food and the adventure of experiencing it all.”

    And, Edginton hinted that more projects outside of Vinomofo’s core wine business are well underway and will be launched in 2022.

    “The time was right for us to look at new opportunities to add more diverse offers for our tribe. The Revel acquisition allows us to do this,” Edginton said.

    Revel handles a number of events in the food industry already, namely: Pinot Palooza, Game of Rhones, Mould: A Cheese Festival, and Gauchito Gil’s Malbec Day.

    Lees ook:

  • PepsiCo names new CEO for Australia/New Zealand

    PepsiCo names new CEO for Australia/New Zealand

    PepsiCo has announced the appointment of Kyle Faulconer as the new CEO of Australia and New Zealand, effective January 2022.

    Faulconer will replace outgoing CEO, Danny Celoni, who was recently appointed to the Asahi Beverages Oceania Executive Leadership Team as the new CEO of Carlton & United Breweries, effective February 2022.

    To take up the new position, Faulconer will relocate to Sydney from the US, where he is currently Vice President and General Manager at PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay snacks business.

    He has had a 14-year tenure at PepsiCo and is a passionate advocate for consumer-centric innovation. Most recently he was responsible for leading the strategic agenda for Walmart, one of PepsiCo’s largest global customers.

    Wern-Yuen Tan, CEO, PepsiCo APAC, says that Faulconer’s strong market experience and people-first approach will be a great asset to the Australia and New Zealand team.

    “We are delighted to welcome Kyle to ANZ and know he will lead the team to new heights,” said Tan.

    In his new role, Faulconer will work to strengthen operations and drive innovation and growth across PepsiCo’s portfolio of drinks and snacks.

    He said: “I’m thrilled to join the world-class team and help the PepsiCo business continue to grow across Australia and New Zealand. I look forward to creating new opportunities to accelerate our positive, purpose-led impact for our partners, customers ad consumers.”

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Court Finds Mazda Australia Misled Customers On Refunds For Faulty Vehicles

    Court Finds Mazda Australia Misled Customers On Refunds For Faulty Vehicles

    An Australian federal court has found that the local unit of Japanese automaker Mazda Motor Corp misled customers over their rights, the country’s competition regulator said on Tuesday.

    The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission started court proceedings against Mazda in October 2019 in a case involving seven different Mazda vehicles and 10 customers.

    It said the court found that Mazda made 49 separate false or misleading representations to nine consumers, who sought refund or replacement after facing serious and recurring faults with their vehicles within a year or two of purchase.

    Mazda either ignored or rejected the claims of the customers and told them that the only available remedy was another repair, the ACCC said.

    “Mazda’s conduct towards these consumers was not just appalling customer service as noted by the judge, it was a serious breach of the law,” ACCC Chair Rod Sims said in a statement.

    Mazda Australia said it was carefully considering the federal court finding, but declined to comment further.

    The court, however, dismissed the regulator’s allegations that Mazda engaged in “unconscionable conduct” in its dealings with these customers. It will decide on penalties and other orders sought by the ACCC at a later date.

    Lees ook:

  • Watchdog Greenlights NAB’s Citi Acquisition in Australia

    Watchdog Greenlights NAB’s Citi Acquisition in Australia

    The acquisition «would not substantially lessen competition,» the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said on Thursday.

    The competition watchdog in Australia will not oppose the proposed acquisition of Citigroup Australia’s consumer business by National Australia Bank.

    Its review focused on competition in the supply of credit cards, as Citi is a substantial provider of credit cards and credit card services. ACCC also focused on was the provision of «white label» credit card services, as following the acquisition, NAB will be the dominant white label credit card supplier to a number of commercial partners, and will compete with those partners in the consumer-facing credit card market.

    Evidence showed that the proposed acquisition was unlikely to raise competition concerns in any other areas of overlap, given Citi’s minimal market share in these markets, ACCC said in a statement.

    NAB, Australia’s second-biggest bank, said in August it would buy Citigroup Australia in a deal valued at around A$1.2 billion ($880 million).

    The U.S. bank is preparing to exit the region in the face of strong challenges to the old credit card business model from buy-now, pay-later companies.

    Lees ook: