Browse Hughes, Nick

1-155 out of 155 article(s)

Title	Type	Date	Words
Eau what an opportunity: a sporting summer should buoy bottled waters--but in the long term, the UK must look to Europe to change the way Brits think (and drink).		Mar 24, 2012	1461
Ambient feels lie squeeze: innocent's entry into chilled juices has fuelled the migration from ambient to chilled-and deals have smoothed the way for shoppers.		Mar 3, 2012	2281
After the riots: for most of us, the riots were little more than a depressing news story. But six months on, several indie retailers are still feeling the pain. So what support have they received, and how is the future looking?		Feb 18, 2012	1198
Poewr to the people: with a miriad of high-drain devices hitting the shelves the industry is pulling out the stops to respond to new demands Nick Hughes reports.		Dec 3, 2011	1534
The axe falls on cheese brands: the supermarkets have been rethinking cheese fixtures, reviewing the number of cheddar brands listed and introducing new own labels to add greater interest, as Nick Hughes reports.	Statistical data	Dec 3, 2011	2985
King of the block: Cathedral City is the number one UK Cheddar - and indeed cheese. What's its secret and is its position unassailable or can any of its rivals mount a decent challenge? Nick Hughes reports.		Dec 3, 2011	1698
A tangled web: Britain's love affair with Italian cuisine is intensifying. But so is promotional activity - and with inflationary pressures building, it's not so straightforward, finds Nick Hughes.		Nov 12, 2011	2987
We're the kids from America.		Sep 10, 2011	1066
Imilk: how much truly radical innovation is in the works today and why is it often so difficult to generate momentum behind NPD?		Sep 10, 2011	1850
The new kids on the b1ock: Cheddar has started muscling in on kids cheese. How are new brands planning to succeed, and how is the category responding, asks Nick Hughes.		Sep 10, 2011	817
Are we using our noodle? The rice and noodles category is performing well overall - but the growing trend for cheap, convenient foods hasn't exactly made it plain sailing for plain noodles. Nick Hughes reports.		Aug 20, 2011	2158
Snap, crackle ... and flop: the weak economy has been good for breakfast consumption, but terrible for cereal sales. What's gone wrong - and will the arrival of Post prompt a shake up? Nick Hughes reports.		Aug 13, 2011	2483
The start of the line? The first MSC-certified line-caught fish from Iceland is hitting Sainsbury's now. Nick Hughes visits the country to see if its tie-up with Saemark presents a blueprint for the future.		Aug 6, 2011	1054
The lunchbox grows up: the lunchbox category used to be all about the kids. This year, adults are driving sales and their agenda includes health and premium quality as well as convenience.		Jul 23, 2011	2880
New frontiers: as growth slows in the 'old west', global suppliers are venturing into new territories. But they're facing stiff competition from domestic players--as this year's ranking of the top 50 global fmcg companies reveals. Nick Hughes reports.		Jul 9, 2011	3411
Hard times for benefit claims: against a backdrop of poor sales, functional foods suppliers remain on tenterhooks as they wait for the final EFSA verdict. Nick Hughes looks at a market struggling with its identity.		Jul 9, 2011	4147
Beef holds its head high again: exports may still be below pre-BSE levels but British beef back on the global scene, with a resurgent reputation. how will this affect UK supply, asks Nick Hughes.	Statistical data	May 21, 2011	1481
The end of cheap chicken? Rising input costs have put paid to the [pounds sterling]2 chicken and now further inflation could lead to shoppers paying even more for their poultry, says Nick Hughes.		May 21, 2011	1149
A solid start, but it's time to deliver on 'good intentions': the coalition's first year has not had the disastrous impact on the industry many feared it would, but now actions need to match words.		May 14, 2011	1144
Bakery falls flat: over-promotion has left the bakery sector flat and white bread is still losing favour. But suppliers remain stoic, looking to innovation to grab market share.	Statistical data	May 14, 2011	1994
Soft drinks harden up: soft drinks have had to weather commodity price hikes and trend changes, but are fighting back with relaunches, collaborations and shifts in marketing strategies, says Nick Hughes.		Apr 30, 2011	4159
Fresh ideas keep ice cream cool: ice cream suppliers are coming up with increasingly clever ways to avoid passing commodity price rises onto consumers. Nick Hughes reports on the latest innovations in the sector.		Mar 12, 2011	3024
Weathering the storm: this resilient industry is one of the few that has flourished in the current economic turmoil, Nick Hughes reports.	Industry overview	Mar 12, 2011	1696
On top of the world: Tesco doubled the size of its world foods range last year, while one Asda devotes 20% of shelf space to ethnic lines. Catering to ethnic shoppers and world cuisine fans has never been bigger business, says Nick Hughes.		Mar 5, 2011	1421
The UK's Hot 100 c-stores: no one's done it before. But now 37,000 of the country's c-stores--their locations, facilities, competition and customer bases --have been weighed up so we can reveal the UK's 100 hottest spots for convenience retailing. Nick Hughes reports.	Company rankings	Feb 19, 2011	6262
One step forward, two back as EU labelling vision blurs: with the European Council at odds with the EU Parliament on standardised nutrition labelling, what is the current outlook for the UK, asks Nick Hughes.		Dec 11, 2010	679
Lansley's vision: is the health secretary being myopic? This week Andrew Lansley outlined the contents of the Public Health White Paper--and the role he wants industry to play. Nick Hughes reports.		Dec 4, 2010	1140
The proof is in the Pudding Club: what started as an invite-only event for sweet-toothed foodies in gloucestershire has turned into a mass production business serving retailers nationwide. Nick Hughes finds out more.		Nov 6, 2010	518
Confectionery and the city: so far it has been business as usual for the Cadbury brand following the Kraft merger but analysts say the UK confectionery market should be prepared for a flurry of M&A activity. Nick Hughes reports.		Oct 2, 2010	3702
Why is the UK so rubbish at recycling? Try the label for size: the industry derided Bill Bryson's call to bring back a bottle deposit scheme, but does it have better alternatives to boost recycling, asks Nick Hughes.		Sep 25, 2010	1076
How much for a cuppa? Coffee and tea are becoming more sophisticated as suppliers drive premiumisation, but commodity pressures threaten to make brands even more expensive, says Nick Hughes.		Sep 11, 2010	5400
Cheap as chips: in just two years, the proportion of dairy goods sold on deal has rocketed from 20% to 30%. For how long can the industry support a market that sells branded Cheddar for less than own label? Nick Hughes reports.		Sep 11, 2010	2260
All change please: it has only been in power for four months, but Cameron's coalition government has given the dairy industry plenty to think about. While some fear budget cuts will bring long-term harm, others are pleased with the curbing of FSA powers and pledges on TB. Nick Hughes reports.		Sep 11, 2010	1328
Stormy times for rice and noodles: commodity price pressures might not lead to a hefty retail hike for rice and noodles but even a slight rise could damage a sector hit by slowing growth. Nick Hughes reports.		Aug 21, 2010	4560
The final score: World Cup a bit of a non-event for grocery: England's World Cup washout was a damp squib for grocery sales. Using data compiled exclusively for The Grocer, Nick Hughes assesses the damage.		Jul 17, 2010	1213
Visions of the future: Unilever is using cutting-edge virtual reality technology to find out what makes shoppers tick. Nick Hughes tours the company's Customer Insight and Innovation Centre.	Brief article	Jul 3, 2010	926
The pie movement gathers pace: after six years on the festival circuit, gourmet pie maker Pieminister has risen from the mosh-pits of Glastonbury to the shelves of the mults. Nick Hughes discovers what's next for the company.		Jul 3, 2010	517
It's not just traffic-light labels making the industry see red: the colour-coded system grabbed the headlines last week, but it wasn't the only aspect of labelling MEPs cast their eyes over, writes Nick Hughes.		Jun 26, 2010	639
You know when you've been quango'd: as George Osborne laces up his size-12s for Tuesday's emergency budget, the more than 50 quangos influencing, subsidising, supporting and even regulating grocery are braced for a crushing. Nick Hughes weighs up the chances of survival for 10 key quangos in food and drink.		Jun 19, 2010	1309
World Cup Watch the quiz: think you know your Pele from your paella? Then grab a pen and see how well you tackle our quiz. There's an official World Cup ball, a team shirt of your choice and five, boxes of 48 Mars bars up for grabs. Your quizmaster is Nick Hughes.		Jun 12, 2010	1008
World Cup watch the quiz: think you know your Pele from your paella? Then grab a pen and see how well you tackle our quiz. There's an official World Cup ball, a team shirt of your choice and five, yes five, boxes of 48 mars bars up for grabs your quizmaster is Nick Hughes.		Jun 12, 2010	400
Sailor Jerry.		May 29, 2010	319
On the ball: retailers and brands warm up for the Cup: with 28% of consumers saying they will change their shopping habits during the World Cup, the stakes are high for brands and retailers. Nick Hughes reports.	Statistical data	May 22, 2010	1289
Banking on a bonus: while the bankers look back mournfully on the happy days of bombastic bonuses, supermarket managers are cleaning up. Performance-related payouts are the next big thing, reports.	Statistical data	May 22, 2010	1422
The courage to go into cola: Richard Branson never quite cracked it, but Miranda Walker wasn't going to let that put her off. Three years after launch, her Ubuntu Cola is going into Waitrose Nick Hughes reports.		May 8, 2010	527
Great Scott: Gordon Scott, the new managing director for retail at logistics giant Wincanton, tells Nick Hughes why the company's future includes moving more goods by rail--and possibly on Britain's neglected waterways.	Interview	May 8, 2010	1029
Grocery exports have grown a beefy 4.4%, but can it last? As the pound strengthens and the initial impact of the lifting of BSE and foot and mouth bans subsides, exports may need a little help. Nick Hughes reports.		May 1, 2010	652
The FSA's big fat birthday: as the Food Standards Agency celebrates its 10th birthday, Nick Hughes looks at its evolution to date and considers the impact of the upcoming election on its future direction.		Apr 3, 2010	1636
Merron hits back at Lansley's claims Labour is 'short-term': child obesity has improved under Labour and is set to continue improving, despite what the Conservatives say, Gillian Merron tells Nick Hughes.		Mar 27, 2010	1197
Tories' health strategist vows a dose of joined-up thinking: andrew Lansley tells Nick Hughes why he will consign to the past Labour's "inconsistent and short-term" approach to health if the Tories take power.		Mar 20, 2010	1149
Lansley vows he will rein back FSA.		Mar 13, 2010	400
Hot topic.		Feb 27, 2010	202
If retailers choice edit, will it really improve sustainability? No-one denies sustainability needs to be addressed. But when it comes to how best to tackle the challenge, opinion is divided. Nick Hughes reports.		Feb 27, 2010	1118
Quality test: steak & kidney pie.	Brief article	Feb 27, 2010	164
Warburtons seeks a slice of credibility in bagged snacks; Warburtons may be the second-biggest brand in the country but can it succeed in the "notoriously difficult" adult snacks market, asks Nick Hughes.		Feb 20, 2010	663
Talent turns its back on food; even lousy publicity for the finance sector hasn't encouraged Britain's best graduates to consider working in food and drink. the industry risks being starved of talent unless it sexes itself up for 'Generation Y', warns Nick Hughes.		Feb 20, 2010	1640
Catering to every requirement: it's not big, but it's pretty clever. Catering Academy is in double-digit growth despite the recession thanks to its flexible and "personally tailored" approach. Nick Hughes reports.		Jan 30, 2010	520
Why is nanotech treated as the industry's little secret? A new report has accused food manufacturers of a lack of openness over nanotechnology. Nick Hughes asks why secrecy is such a big deal for nanotech R&D.		Jan 16, 2010	1146
Man bites dog food: Wagg Foods makes a fifth of the UK's dogfood, and sales are up 26%. No wonder its sales and marketing director is partial to a nibble, says Nick Hughes.	Financial report	Jan 16, 2010	544
Has Defra planted the seeds for a secure UK food supply? While much in Defra's latest report on Britain's future food security is familiar, there are signs of a shift in thinking, reports Nick Hughes.		Jan 9, 2010	637
Is the FSA demanding too much of cheese suppliers? Suppliers accept that there's a need to cut satfats, but actively promoting low-fat cheeses puts them at odds with consumers, says Nick Hughes.		Dec 12, 2009	1128
Activism on ice? They're retired, but certainly not retiring. The Ben & Jerry's founders talk to Nick Hughes about life under Unilever.	Interview	Dec 12, 2009	1813
Will the FSA halt its advice to ministers on traffic lights? A new report suggests traffic-light labels have not affected how consumers choose their food--in contrast to the FSA's own study.	Report	Nov 7, 2009	693
The man with the lentil touch: since Clive Moxham transformed Merchant Gourmet from an aloof specialist into an affordable everyday ingredients supplier, sales have been soaring.		Nov 7, 2009	502
Ebay4 grocery: a new online trading platform for retailers and fmcg suppliers appears to herald the coming-of-age of grocery ecommerce. But is there a market for it.	Industry overview	Oct 31, 2009	1665
Campaign fails to recognise reformulation say suppliers: the FSA has infuriated bread and cereal manufacturers with the aggressive tone of its latest salt-reduction campaign. Has it gone too far.		Oct 17, 2009	794
Health claims thrown into disarray by EFSA rejections: EFSA has assessed the first batch of health claims--and rejected a massive 70%. Where next for those that have lost out.		Oct 10, 2009	1164
Rising talents vie for Leading Light award.	Brief article	Oct 10, 2009	211
Is Red Bull taking a shot at success or shot in the dark? New energy shots have been popping up all over the shop recently, but Red Bull has been conspicuous by its absence--until now. Has it left it too late, asks Nick Hughes.		Oct 3, 2009	685
Red Bull's energy shot launch is a timely boost.		Oct 3, 2009	335
Who's wining in Westminster: the grocery industry spends miliions of pounds each year bending the ear of politicians and making sure the industry's needs are understood by policy makers. As party conference season rolls on, Nick Hughes asks ...	Conference news	Oct 3, 2009	2070
Who will win the carbon race? From 2010, Britain's food retailers will be ranked according to their carbon usage. Nick Hughes reports on how supermarkets are limbering up for the race to be greenest.		Sep 19, 2009	1327
Super skinny milk: the government wants less salt and saturated fat but shoppers want the same taste they are used to buying. Nick Hughes examines how dairy producers are facing up to the challenge of keeping everybody happy.		Sep 12, 2009	1344
Quality test: frozen cheese and tomato pizza, 300-395g.		Aug 29, 2009	109
The extinction list: the food industry is being slowly poked and prodded into becoming ever healthier, better labelled and more sustainable. And hard work though the process may be, most agree that the benefits outweigh the inconveniences. But there are potential casualties. Nick Hughes looks at the foods on the brink.		Aug 22, 2009	1560
Bellevue celebrates 40th year: birthdays are about receiving presents, right? Not at Bellevue. Instead, the wholesaler is treating customers to a whole year of promotional offers.		Aug 22, 2009	507
FSA's satfat demands pose a calorie-cutting conundrum: manufacturers are perplexed that the FSA is calling for calorie cuts and marketing initiatives as part of its satfat consultations. Nick Hughes finds out why.		Aug 8, 2009	607
Lads go nuts for skincare: despite the recession, the market for men's toiletries is going from strength to strength. So who's driving the demand--and what are they splashing out on?		Aug 8, 2009	1596
Who stands to gain most from Waitrose Duchy deal? Waitrose is in talks to rescue the struggling Duchy Originals brand, but there are pitfalls to a multiple owning a branded supplier.		Aug 1, 2009	1192
Join us for the final push: The Grocer's campaign has won support from suppliers, retailers, industry bodies, MPs, consumers--even the national press. But we're not done yet. We need to keep up the pressure so that when the Chancellor comes back from holiday he has no choice but to Push Back the Tax!		Aug 1, 2009	1419
Candy plan: Tangerine executive chairman Steven Joseph tells Nick Hughes why he thinks the business has sweet prospects.	Interview	Jul 25, 2009	1060
Is health report blueprint for next government's strategy? Last week saw the publication of the Public Health Commission's report into improving the health of the nation. Will it provide the backbone for the Tories' health policy.		Jul 11, 2009	1086
Netto's interceptor: Netto's Claus Juel-Jensen and Charles Kay tell Nick Hughes how they'll get the UK's forgotten discounter back on track.	Interview	Jul 4, 2009	1629
Southern Comfort Lemonade & Lime.	Brief article	Jun 27, 2009	275
How to serve a promotional ace this summer: retailers can make the most of a super summer of events with a raft of promotional strategies being offered by buying groups, wholesalers and suppliers.	Viewpoint essay	Jun 20, 2009	1477
Caribbean rum lifts its profile with new provenance marque.	Brief article	Jun 13, 2009	246
A balanced approach: in four years Balance Foods has built up a portfolio of organic, Fairtrade and licensed goods set to top 10m [pounds sterling] in sales. And it's still hungry.		May 30, 2009	487
Netto boss: 'we didn't adapt quickly enough'.	Brief article	May 23, 2009	329
The rise of value own label: here today gone tomorrow? After the recession, will budget own-label lines remain in the limelight? Nick Hughes reports from The Grocer's Own-Label Excellence Seminar.		May 16, 2009	1166
GDA camp vows to continue bottling truffle-light regime.		May 9, 2009	510
The social evolution: social media are changing the way people interact with brands, Nick Hughes looks at how companies are adapting to the new era.		May 2, 2009	2086
Totally Frank: Fredericks Daries' Frank Frederick is taking on ice cream's big boys with his own brand.		May 2, 2009	1168
The best branded suppliers in Britain: cutting prices and working closely with retailers are valued strategies in a recession, but the way to win over retail buyers is to invest in your brand. Nick Hughes reveals ...	Company overview	Apr 11, 2009	3073
FSA ignores science in bid to save kids from sugary bran: after two years of deliberation, the NPM panel recommended removing the protein cap. So why has the FSA disregarded this advice.		Mar 28, 2009	1123
Is it all over for traffic light labels: next month, the FSA will publish research into how the British public is using traffic light labels. But with the EU leaning towards a simpler system, how isolated is the UK on nutrition labelling.		Mar 28, 2009	1804
Ethical approach puts Co-op on IGD's elite list of retailers: it takes a certain type of retailer to thrive in a downturn and that's what makes IGD's 10 to watch in 2009 list so interesting.	Company rankings	Mar 21, 2009	767
Independents have a good crack at Easter: at this time of year it's all about the eggs and bunnies. All but one of the stores surveyed in this month's mystery shop stocked a good range of Easter products.	Interview	Mar 21, 2009	1737
Hey big spender: the over-50s account for more than half of grocery spend. So how can their needs be better met.	Industry overview	Mar 14, 2009	2096
Is walkers' red sky brand set for delight or warning? Walkers is taking on the likes of Kettle and Tyrrells with its new premium brand Red Sky. But is it a smart move or a brand too far?		Feb 21, 2009	631
Sharing the load: as the need to cut costs--and food miles--rises up the agenda, retailers and manufacturers have started to take collaborative distribution to the next level.		Feb 14, 2009	1201