A passionate journalist with about a decade of experience, Pooja has developed a strong hold on the UK grocery retail sector. From exploring legislative changes, supply chain shifts, consumer buying habits, trends to retail crime, her work is driven by a deep belief in investigating, finding the truth and telling authentic unbiased stories.
Be it convenience pathbreakers, wholesale trendsetters or Post Office Horizon scandal victims, Pooja has an equal flair for deciphering industries as well as human complexities. At Asian Trader, she aims to bridge the gap between policy, trade, and the shop floor, always keeping a finger on the pulse of what matters most to retailers.
The second reading of the Crime and Policing Bill held in parliament on Monday (10) during which Yvette Cooper reiterated the new measures to tackle the rising crime, abuse and shop thefts, declaring that the new measures will reverse the damage done by the Conservative government.
Among the key announcements made by Yvette Cooper, Secretary of State for the Home Department, during the parliamentary debate were a standalone offence for assaulting a shopworker, introducing Respect Orders, scraping the £200 threshold for shop theft offences, and placing £200 million for the next financial year for recruiting 13,000 more neighbourhood police and police community support officers.
Additionally, the Secretary of State highlighted the unique challenges faced in crimes against rural communities which she stated are often driven by organised gangs.
The Bill introduces measures to prevent prolific offenders from entering places such as town centres, as well as introducing new interventions to help addicts into treatment and end the cycle of reoffending.
Cooper said during the debate, “The Bill introduces stronger action on retail crime. I thank the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers, the Co-op, the British Retail Consortium, the Association of Convenience Stores and more for their determined campaigning over many years to protect shop workers.
“They are the staff who kept their shops open and kept our local communities going through the pandemic, but in recent years they have had to face a truly disgraceful escalation in threats, abuse and violence. Our party has campaigned on this measure for very many years.
“Through the Bill, we will introduce a specific offence of assaulting a retail worker, sending the message loud and clear that these disgraceful crimes must not be tolerated, because everyone has a right to feel safe at work.
“We will reverse the damage done by the Conservative government through years of cuts to community police. There are half as many PCSOs as there were 14 years ago, and many thousands fewer neighbourhood police officers.
"Some 10 years ago, the Conservative Government introduced a new £200 rule, categorising shop theft below that amount as low value. That sent the signal, which has shaped the police response ever since, that such crime should not be taken seriously.
"It became a Tory shoplifters’ charter—a signal to thieves and gangs across the country that they could operate with impunity, wandering from shop to shop and stealing away because nothing would be done.
"That kind of crime spreads. It creates a sense of lawlessness, and huge anger and frustration among the law-abiding majority, who see criminals getting away with it and respect for the law hollowed out. This Government will finally end the damaging £200 rule."
The ACS 2025 Crime Report was also launched yesterday, revealing the extent of crime committed against the convenience sector and its retailers, estimating a record-breaking 6.2million incidents of shop theft.
Key figures from this year’s report include:
Crime cost retailers an estimated £316m over the last year
Retailers have spent over £265m on crime prevention and detection measures in their store over the last year
Taken together, the cost of crime and investment in crime prevention amount to a 10p crime tax on every transaction in a convenience store
There were over 59,000 estimated incidents of violence in the convenience sector over the last year, and 1.2million incidents of verbal abuse
59 per cent of retailers believe that incidents involving organised crime have increased over the last year
Chewing gum releases hundreds of tiny plastic pieces straight into people's mouths, researchers said on Tuesday, also warning of the pollution created by the rubber-based sweet.
The small study comes as researchers have increasingly been finding small shards of plastic called microplastics throughout the world, from the tops of mountains to the bottom of the ocean - and even in the air we breathe.
They have also discovered microplastics riddled throughout human bodies - including inside our lungs, blood and brains - sparking fears about the potential effect this could be having on health.
"I don't want to alarm people," Sanjay Mohanty, the lead researcher behind the new study which has not yet been peer-reviewed, told AFP.
There is no evidence directly showing that microplastics are harmful to human health, said Mohanty of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
The pilot study instead sought to illustrate yet another little-researched way that these mostly invisible plastic pieces enter our bodies - chewing gum.
Lisa Lowe, a PhD student at UCLA, chewed seven pieces each of 10 brands of gum, before the researchers then ran a chemical analysis on her saliva.
They found that a gram (0.04 ounces) of gum released an average of 100 microplastic fragments, though some shed more than 600. The average weight of a stick of gum is around 1.5 grams.
People who chew around 180 pieces of gum a year could be ingesting roughly 30,000 microplastics, the researchers said.
This pales in comparison to the many other ways that humans ingest microplastics, Mohanty emphasised.
For example, other researchers estimated last year that a litre (34 fluid ounces) of water in a plastic bottle contained an average of 240,000 microplastics.
'Tyres, plastic bags and bottles'
The most common chewing gum sold in supermarkets is called synthetic gum, which contains petroleum-based polymers to get that chewy effect, the researchers said.
However packaging does not list any plastics in the ingredients, simply using the words "gum-based".
"Nobody will tell you the ingredients," Mohanty said.
The researchers tested five brands of synthetic gum and five of natural gum, which use plant-based polymers such as tree sap.
"It was surprising that we found microplastics were abundant in both," Lowe told AFP.
David Jones, a researcher at the UK's University of Portsmouth not involved in the study, said he was surprised the researchers found certain plastics not known to be in gum, suggesting they could have come from another source in the lab.
But the overall findings were "not at all surprising", he told AFP.
People tend to "freak out a little bit" when told that the building blocks of chewing gum were similar to what is found "in car tyres, plastic bags and bottles", Jones said.
Oliver Jones, a chemistry professor at Australia's RMIT University, said that if the relatively small number of microplastics were swallowed, they "would likely pass straight through you with no impact".
"I don't think you have to stop chewing gum just yet."
Lowe also warned about the plastic pollution from chewing gum - particularly when people "spit it out onto the sidewalk".
The National Confectioners Association, which represents chewing gum manufacturers in the United States, said in a statement that the study's authors had admitted "there is no cause for alarm".
"Gum is safe to enjoy as it has been for more than 100 years," it said, adding that the ingredients were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
The study, which has been submitted to a peer-reviewed journal, was presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society in San Diego.
A.G. Barr, the company behind popular UK beverage brands like IRN-BRU and Rubicon, has on Tuesday announced its decision to discontinue its Strathmore brand.
This announcement comes as the company reported its results for the year ended 25 January 2025, showcasing strong revenue growth and increased profitability.
The discontinuation of Strathmore could lead to the closure of the manufacturing site in Forfar, Scotland, subject to employee consultation.
Despite this, the company's overall performance has been robust. Revenue increased by 5.1 per cent to £420.4 million, driven largely by a 6.4 per cent growth in soft drinks. Rubicon and IRN-BRU were particular highlights, with distribution gains and successful new product launches contributing significantly to this growth.
Adjusted profit before tax saw a substantial increase of 15.8 per cent, reaching £58.5 million. The company's strategic programme to improve operating margin is reportedly ahead of schedule, with adjusted operating margin up by 130 basis points to 13.6 per cent.
A.G. Barr also reported a strong financial foundation, with net cash at bank of £63.9 million. Shareholders are set to benefit, with adjusted return on capital employed improving to 20.1 per cent and adjusted EPS up by 17.4 per cent. The company has also recommended a final dividend of 13.76p.
A.G. Barr said current trading aligns with expectations, and the outlook for the 2025/26 financial year anticipates continued revenue growth and margin improvement. This positive forecast takes into account the 53-week year, the proposed Strathmore discontinuation, and additional regulatory compliance costs.
“2024/25 was a successful year for the company,” Euan Sutherland, chief executive, said. “Looking forward, we have a refreshed strategy centred on growth and are committed to our long-term financial targets. I am confident that successful execution of our plans will see another year of positive progress towards our long-term goals.”
In February 2025, A.G. Barr announced an organisational simplification, integrating Barr Soft Drinks and FUNKIN into a unified operation.
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Scottish Anti-Illicit Trade Group relaunches to combat counterfeiting
The Scottish Anti-Illicit Trade Group (SAITG) has relaunched this month, with the aim of combating counterfeiting and intellectual property crime in Scotland.
Supported by the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO), the group brings together law enforcement, government and businesses to strengthen Scotland’s fight against this illicit trade.
According to IPO research, almost one in three of those asked (29%) across the UK have purchased counterfeit goods in the past. Almost one in five (19%) said they purchase them often, sometimes or on an occasional basis.
For 2021, the overall estimated value of imported counterfeit goods into the UK was over £7 billion.
The group will focus on developing best practice and enhancing collective strategies to tackle the supply of counterfeit goods across Scotland. They will form a coordinated response to protect Scottish products, businesses and consumers from the threat of IP crime.
“The Scottish Anti-Illicit Trade Group has an important role to play in disrupting the production and distribution of counterfeit and illicit goods," Scottish justice secretary Angela Constance said.
"As well as harming legitimate businesses, the profits of such activities fund other criminal activity. The Serious Organised Crime Taskforce, which I chair, will continue to work with the SAITG to do everything we can to tackle this illegal activity.”
Panel discussion at the relaunch of the SAITG on 3 March 2025
SAITG brings together members including the Scotch Whisky Association, Police Scotland, Trading Standards, The Wine & Spirit Trade Association and The Anti-Counterfeiting Group. Together, they will create a forum for distinct industry areas to share insight, intelligence and provide training and support for law enforcement agencies.
The group’s work will also help build a greater understanding among the wider public of the harms this trade causes, emphasising that counterfeiting is anything but a victimless crime.
“We are pleased to support the re-launch of the Scottish Anti-Illicit Trade Group, which marks an important moment in tackling this significant threat to businesses and consumers in Scotland,” Miles Rees, the IPO’s deputy director of enforcement, said.
“Counterfeit goods not only harm those using them, but also cause wider harms to society, our economy and communities. Government, industry and law enforcement all have a crucial role to play in working together to combat counterfeiting and piracy, and the group represents a vital forum, helping drive action together.”
Rachel Jones, newly appointed chair of the Scottish Anti-Illicit Trade Group and founder of Snapdragon, said: “Counterfeiting is not a victimless crime. It is the second largest source of criminal income in the world, after drugs. I’m very honoured to chair this group as we bring together key partners to protect Scotland’s heritage brands and consumers.”
Alan Park, director of legal affairs at the Scotch Whisky Association, highlighted the importance of protecting Scotland’s premium products.
“Food and drink products strongly associated with their origin, like Scotch Whisky, carry a significant reputation based on their quality, authenticity and generations of investment,” Park said.
“Those who attempt to take fraudulent advantage of that reputation will always face strong action, and the formation of this group is a significant step to help serve a strong message that this illegal activity won’t be tolerated.”
Members of the public can report suspected counterfeit goods to Police Scotland by calling 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers.
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UK Easter spending shifts amid cost concerns - Vypr research
Chocolate purchasing intent for Easter is expected to slide due to factors like the ongoing cost of living crisis and growing concerns over sustainability while Easter-themed wrapping paper is expected to be in demand this year, states a recent report.
According to a UK consumer survey by product intelligence platform Vypr, 39 per cent of people are cutting back on chocolate eggs this year, while 24 per cent plan to spend less than £5 on Easter gifts.
While health concerns have led 29 per cent of consumers to scale back their Easter egg purchases, sustainability is a factor for many shoppers.
The desire for more eco-friendly options is evident for some, as 17 per cent of people are looking to choose gifts with less packaging, and another 17 per cent are prioritising items wrapped in less plastic.
Additionally, 15 per cent are opting to skip Easter altogether this year to avoid contributing to waste.
Despite these preferences, many shoppers are still planning to spend this Easter, although most say it’s going to be very low-key, with the majority (53 per cent) expecting to spend less than £10 in total, covering gifts, decorations, and entertaining.
Encouragingly for retailers, over a third (35 per cent) of consumers plan to spend between £10 and £50.
Chocolate eggs will still play a key part in these purchases, but for some, alternatives are gaining popularity. Cash gifts (10 per cent) and toys (9 per cent) are among the most popular choices.
Additionally, 10 per cent are looking for chocolate that isn’t egg-shaped, while 8 per cent will be buying Easter decorations.
Vypr noted that many supermarkets, convenience stores and wider retailers have expanded their range of Easter decorations this year, with 21 per cent of shoppers saying they have noticed the increased variety.
However, only 8 per cent report that this is likely to persuade them to purchase. Overall, 54 per cent of people do not decorate for Easter, and of those who do, 14 per cent plan to reuse last year’s decorations, while only 10 per cent will buy new ones.
Ben Davies, founder of Vypr, commented, “Retailers have plenty to consider when planning their 2025 Easter ranges.
"A quarter of shoppers are looking to gift-wrap Easter presents this year, making Easter-themed wrapping paper a clear opportunity to drive sales.
"Meanwhile, one in ten plan to buy Easter-themed clothing for children – which is something supermarkets could tap into to boost seasonal sales.
“Sustainability is also becoming a bigger priority for consumers, and demand for eco-friendly alternatives will only grow. This is a key area for NPD teams to explore, ensuring their ranges appeal to increasingly eco-conscious shoppers.”
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UK consumers cut spending as economic worries grow - KPMG
Majority of Brits feel that the economy is heading in the wrong direction, and this feeling is leading many to cut everyday spend, defer big ticket buying, and save more, a recent report has stated.
According to the latest quarterly Consumer Pulse survey from KPMG in the UK, three in five people say that the UK economy is worsening, leading even consumers feeling financially secure to cut back on spending.
The number of people feeling that the UK economy is worsening grew by fifteen percentage points in the last three months to 58 per cent.
But despite the perception of a downbeat economic picture, the majority (55 per cent) of people currently feel financially secure (which is just 2 percentage points lower than the previous quarter).
The research gauged the confidence of 3000 UK consumers and assessed their buying behaviour over the last quarter.
Those feeling insecure about their finances grew from 21 per cent to 24 per cent over the last three months, but within that only 15 per cent of people reported that their finances are such that they are having to actively cut discretionary spend to pay for essentials – with a further 2 per cent saying they are incurring debt to pay bills.
The growing negative economic perception is leading more consumers to take spending action than those who say their financial situation means they need to, with:
43 per cent saying they are reducing spend on everyday items.
36 per cent saying they are saving more as a contingency.
29 per cent saying they are deferring big ticket purchases.
19 per cent feeling less inclined to leave their current employment.
Reflecting upon the findings, Linda Ellett, head of consumer, retail and leisure for KPMG UK, said, “Our research continues to show that while only a minority of consumers feel financially insecure, the majority feel that the economy is heading in the wrong direction.
"And this nervousness about the economy is leading many, including some of those who are secure in their current personal financial circumstances, to cut everyday spend, defer big ticket buying, and save more.
“Some may be taking this action as they prepare for higher costs, such as a new mortgage deal or the higher cost of travel.
"But other cautious consumers are certainly preparing for the potential impact on them from what they believe to be a worsening economy. This week’s Spring Statement needs to give people the confidence in the longer-term UK economic outlook.”
Comparing consumer spending in the first quarter of 2025 to the results from the final quarter of 2024:
Eating out remains the most common target (38 per cent) for those cutting spend. Takeaway was second, with 34 per cent of consumers reporting less spend over the last three months. The number of people saying they are cutting back was 2 percentage points higher than the last survey.
The number of consumers reporting they cut clothing and footwear spend in the last three months rose 3 percentage points from the last survey to 32 per cent.
Cost cutting behaviour when shopping was once again evident, with:
Nearly a quarter of consumers (23 per cent) saying they shopped for promotional or discount goods more in the last three months.
Just over a fifth (22 per cent) of consumers saying they bought more own brand or value goods in the last three months.
A fifth (21 per cent) of consumers saying they used loyalty schemes more this quarter.
70 per cent of consumers said that price was a top purchasing driver for everyday items – rising 3 percentage points from the last survey.
Holiday spend was again the most common ‘big ticket’ quarterly spend, with 21 per cent of consumers reporting related spend in the last three months. 30 per cent of consumers say they will spend on a holiday in next three months.
45 per cent of consumers said they bought no ‘big ticket’ items in December, January and February. And 38 per cent said they won’t make any larger purchases in the coming three months.