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Tag: elizabeth

  • Ferrero Boosts US Breakfast Presence with Purely Elizabeth Acquisition

    Ferrero Boosts US Breakfast Presence with Purely Elizabeth Acquisition

    The Ferrero Group, an international confectionery company, has confirmed its plans to acquire Purely Elizabeth, a wellness brand from the U.S. that has gained significant recognition in the health-conscious food sector. The move by Ferrero is aimed to further solidify their standing in the American breakfast market.

    The collaboration with Purely Elizabeth will allow Ferrero to extend its consumer reach through a blend of continued product innovation, enhanced operational abilities, and wider distribution. These initiatives will guide the next growth stage of the Purely Elizabeth brand.

    Implications for Ferrero’s U.S. Market Presence

    Giovanni Ferrero, president of Ferrero International SA, expressed his satisfaction with this addition to Ferrero’s expanding U.S. portfolio, citing Purely Elizabeth’s impressive range of high-quality, palatable products.

    He further asserted that this deal amplifies Ferrero’s recent acquisition of WK Kellogg Co, strengthening both its influence in American breakfast consumption and its foothold in the health-centered food market.

    Purely Elizabeth, established in 2009, has witnessed its sales more than double in the last two years. This success has been primarily fueled by its innovative collection of granola, oatmeal, and cereals, and its venture into the rapidly expanding protein market.

    Elizabeth Stein, founder and CEO of Purely Elizabeth, expressed her pride in the brand’s evolution over the past 17 years. She emphasized that partnering with Ferrero is the result of finding a collaborator who recognizes the unique essence of the Purely Elizabeth brand and shares a mutual commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainable growth.

    Upon merging, Purely Elizabeth will operate as an independent brand within the Ferrero Group. Stein will maintain her position alongside the current leadership team.

    Aligning with Consumer Preferences

    Lapo Civiletti, president of Ferrero Ice Cream and WK Kellogg Co, praised Purely Elizabeth’s knack for creating premium products that align with changing consumer preferences. He emphasized that this makes it a perfect addition to Ferrero’s portfolio and aligns with the company’s strategy of investing in high-growth categories.

    Civiletti emphasized Ferrero’s anticipation to support the continued growth of Purely Elizabeth while preserving the entrepreneurial spirit that has contributed to its success.

    The finalization of this transaction is anticipated in the following months, pending customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

    Questions & Answers

    What does the acquisition of Purely Elizabeth mean for the Ferrero Group?
    The acquisition allows Ferrero to strengthen its presence in the American breakfast market and expand its reach within the health-conscious food sector, aligning with evolving consumer preferences.

    What will happen to Purely Elizabeth post-acquisition?
    Purely Elizabeth will operate as an independent brand within the Ferrero Group. The current CEO, Elizabeth Stein, will continue in her role alongside the existing leadership team.

    What makes Purely Elizabeth a good fit for Ferrero’s portfolio?
    Purely Elizabeth’s ability to stay in tune with changing consumer tastes through its premium product range makes it a complementary addition to Ferrero’s portfolio. It aligns with Ferrero’s strategy of investing in high-growth categories.

  • Coles Plans Closure of Crime-Plagued Elizabeth Street Store in Melbourne CBD by 2027

    Coles Plans Closure of Crime-Plagued Elizabeth Street Store in Melbourne CBD by 2027

    Coles, a leading supermarket chain in Australia, has disclosed plans to shutter its store on Melbourne’s infamous Elizabeth Street due to the location’s ongoing issues with crime and antisocial behaviour. The location, which has once again come under the spotlight following two separate machete attacks recently, is situated across from Melbourne’s Flinders Street station. The Coles Central store shares its vicinity with Woolworths Metro, located just a few doors down.

    A Strictly Commercial Decision

    Coles has stressed that the decision to vacate the premises at the end of their lease agreement in 2027 is purely a business move. This will result in the supermarket maintaining only one store in Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD), based in Melbourne Central.

    The supermarket chain has recently made public its extended collaboration with Crime Stoppers Victoria, aiming to address the issue of crime within retail settings. Increasing instances of theft, abuse and hostility towards frontline workers have contributed to a progressively challenging environment within the retail sector, a Coles representative explained.

    Martin Smithson, General Manager of Supermarket Operations at Coles, stated that the rise in retail violence was absolutely unacceptable. He emphasized that the partnership with Crime Stoppers was just one of the steps being taken to tackle it, and called for a collaborative approach involving industry, retailers, government and police.

    Victoria: A Hotspot for Retail Crime

    Victoria, and particularly Melbourne, has been a focal point of Australia’s escalating retail crime issue. In 2025, the state recorded 95,181 criminal incidents at retail locations, marking an increase of 25.7% over the preceding decade.

    According to Chris Rodwell, CEO of the Australian Retail Council, the trend is irrefutable. Retail crime in Victoria continues to surge, posing a persistent, widespread threat to frontline workers and customers.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the reason for Coles’ decision to close its store on Elizabeth Street?
    The decision is strictly commercial, according to a Coles spokesperson.

    How is Coles addressing the issue of retail crime?
    Coles has announced an extension of its partnership with Crime Stoppers Victoria to help tackle retail crime.

    What has been the trend in retail crime in Victoria over the past decade?
    The state has seen a 25.7% increase in criminal incidents in retail locations over the past decade.