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Tag: british

  • Marmite Mania: Singapore Supermarkets Face Unexpected Shortage of Beloved British Spread

    Marmite Mania: Singapore Supermarkets Face Unexpected Shortage of Beloved British Spread

    Marmite, the unique British food spread revered for its savory umami flavor, has reportedly disappeared from the shelves of Singapore’s major supermarket chains and retail outlets. This comes as a surprise to the local populace who have grown to love the uniquely flavored condiment.

    Empty Shelves in Local Stores

    The top supermarket chains in Singapore, notably FairPrice, Sheng Siong, Cold Storage, and Giant, have all reported the absence of Marmite from their inventories. An employee at FairPrice confirmed that Marmite had been out of stock for several months. Similarly, a staff member at Sheng Siong revealed that they had not received any new Marmite shipments recently. Even online searches for Marmite on these supermarkets’ websites yield no results.

    While Marmite is still available from a handful of online sellers, the prices are considerably higher than before. For instance, last week, Shopee had only a few sellers offering 8g sachets for S$4.50 (US$3.48) each. This is a stark contrast to the previous price of a 200g jar, which was sold for S$7.08 at FairPrice.

    Marmite, a dark, sticky spread made from yeast extract, is renowned for its intensely savory, salty, and umami flavor profile. Traditionally spread on toast in the UK, it has also found its way into Singaporean cuisine, featuring in popular dishes such as Marmite chicken and Marmite pork ribs.

    Under New Management

    Unilever, the consumer goods behemoth that produces Marmite, announced in late March that it had agreed to merge its food business, including Marmite, with U.S.-based McCormick. The merged entity will operate under the McCormick name and will be managed by a combination of executives from both companies. The deal is anticipated to close by mid-2027, with Unilever and its shareholders retaining 65% control in the combined company.

    Earlier this month, a notice circulated on social media suggesting that Unilever Asia, the regional distributor responsible for Marmite supplies in Singapore, had removed the product from its portfolio as of April 1.

    Questions & Answers

    Why has Marmite disappeared from Singapore’s supermarket shelves?
    According to local reports, Marmite has been out of stock for several months. The exact reason remains unknown.

    Is Marmite still available in Singapore?
    While Marmite is no longer available in major supermarkets, it can still be purchased from a few online sellers although at higher prices.

    What changes are expected after the merger of Unilever’s food business with McCormick?
    The combined entity will operate under the McCormick name and will be managed by a blend of executives from both companies, with Unilever and its shareholders retaining 65% control. The deal is expected to close by mid-2027.

  • British Sportswear Giant Castore Bags Historic Brand Grenson Shoes: A Strategic Move to Boost Profitability

    British Sportswear Giant Castore Bags Historic Brand Grenson Shoes: A Strategic Move to Boost Profitability

    UK-based sportswear retailer Castore has recently announced its acquisition of the longstanding footwear brand Grenson Shoes. This strategic move is aimed at bolstering Castore’s financial stability and expanding its product portfolio.

    Embracing Heritage Brands

    According to Thomas Beahon, co-founder of Castore, the acquisition of Grenson, a 160-year-old brand, underlines the company’s belief in the value of heritage brands. Grenson has built a diverse customer base over the years and has successfully partnered with some of the most renowned global brands.

    Beahon highlighted that the rich heritage that brands like Grenson possess is one of the key factors contributing to their enduring appeal. He believes that the historical legacy, born out of years of dedication, love, and passion, is an element that cannot be artificially recreated or replaced by advanced technologies like AI.

    Grenson, which is based in Northampton, England, has earned international acclaim for its high-quality leather shoes. Among its wide range of styles, the brand’s signature wingtip shoes are especially popular.

    Overcoming Common Challenges

    Throughout Castore’s decade-long journey, Beahon has observed that many brands grapple with similar issues, such as balancing growth and profitability, deciding between short-term and long-term goals, developing multi-channel distribution, and strategizing international expansion.

    He pointed out that it’s challenging for brands to achieve profitable growth without seeking external funding, which often leads to the dilution of the brand’s unique identity and values.

    However, Beahon argued that Castore’s new approach of investing in premium and established brands has effectively addressed the common issue of cash flow that many similar brands face. Moreover, he emphasized that Castore’s strategy is primarily focused on yielding long-term returns.

    He expressed his strong belief in the potential of great brands to continually strengthen over time with the right nurturing and management. As a company, Castore is deeply committed to promoting British brands’ competitive edge on the global platform.

    Questions & Answers

    Why has Castore acquired Grenson Shoes?
    Castore’s acquisition of Grenson Shoes is part of a strategic move to enhance its financial health and broaden its product range.

    What is Castore’s view on heritage brands?
    Thomas Beahon, co-founder of Castore, holds a high regard for heritage brands. He believes that their rich history and legacy, achieved over many years of dedication, love, and passion, contribute significantly to their lasting appeal.

    What are the common challenges that brands face according to Beahon?
    Beahon identified several common challenges that many brands face, including balancing growth and profitability, deciding between short-term and long-term goals, developing multi-channel distribution, and strategizing for international expansion.

  • British Airways attendant caught dancing naked mid-flight after suspected drug meltdown

    British Airways attendant caught dancing naked mid-flight after suspected drug meltdown

    On a recent British Airways flight from San Francisco to London, an unusual incident occurred high above the clouds. A male flight attendant was discovered in the throes of an unorthodox dance, completely unclothed, inside a business class restroom. Allegedly, he was under the influence of drugs during the scene.

    This unexpected episode unfolded mid-flight on the long, 10.5-hour journey aboard an Airbus A380-800. The airline crew member, whose duty it was to serve meals during the flight, vanished shortly after takeoff. This sudden disappearance sparked worry among his fellow crew members.

    The subsequent search of the sprawling double-decker aircraft reached a startling conclusion when the missing attendant was discovered in a state of undress. He was not merely naked, but also engaged in erratic dance movements in the confines of a Club World restroom.

    Upon the discovery, fellow crew members acted promptly to defuse the situation. The man was escorted out of the restroom and placed securely in a premium seat for the rest of the flight. There, he was restrained and kept under constant supervision, while the remaining crew members scrambled to take on the task of caring for the flight’s 470 passengers. Impressively, they reportedly managed this without taking any breaks.

    The flight touched down at Heathrow Airport around 11 a.m. on May 25, where authorities and medical personnel were waiting. The crew member was removed from the aircraft in a wheelchair. In the aftermath of the incident, he has since been suspended from his duties.

    Questions & Answers

    What was the flight route?
    The flight was from San Francisco to London.

    What actions were taken by the crew upon discovering the incident?
    The crew moved the man from the lavatory and secured him in a premium seat for the rest of the flight. They also supervised him while taking over his duties and serving the passengers.

    What actions were taken against the crew member involved in the incident?
    He was removed from the aircraft upon landing and has since been suspended from his duties.

  • LVMH’s shuttered Thomas Pink brand to be revived

    LVMH’s shuttered Thomas Pink brand to be revived

    British shirt-maker Thomas Pink is set to be revived after former JD Sports executive Nick Preston acquired the brand.

    According to the Mail on Sunday, Nick Preston has brokered a deal to take control of LVMH’s shirtmaker brand, including its intellectual property but not its website or shops.

    The retailer ceased operations last year amid the Covid-19 pandemic, as LVMH Group was seeking to sell the brand. Last December, the French luxury group removed Thomas Pink from its “Fashion and Leather Goods” website page.

    According to Retail Gazette, Thomas Pink updated its own website last month, saying “We’re excited to announce that we’re returning to our roots with the same team that has helped build Thomas Pink Shirtmakers over the years”.

    “We have some things to iron out and button-up, but will be back soon with an improved website to offer you the highest quality English shirting made for modern life that you have come to know and love.”

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