Vaping firm Riot Labs and Northampton vape shop Right Vape have taken aim at the government’s new vape legislation with a ‘vape shop of the future’.
Opening ‘The Flavourless Vape Shop’ on Kingsley Park Terrace in Northampton, it aimed to draw attention to the implications of a looming tax rise and flavour ban proposed by the UK government, which Riot Labs say will have a devastating impact on people trying to quit.
The meticulously designed shop - from the signage to the interior decor - illustrated every detail the hypothetical future would hold if the ban is in full effect, to give vapers and smokers a taste of what might come - quite literally.
Customers faced two choices: One side of the shop which contained less flavour, less value and less choice. Or they could step to the opposite side where they’d be served by Right Vape at 2024 prices with access to the products they came in for.
The shop launch even featured a Rishi Sunak lookalike to help cut the “opening” ribbon and serve customers the proposed expensive and flavourless vapes.
“We’re committed to supporting smokers who want to quit and have already helped thousands to stop over the past seven years. The proposed vaping legislation is going to be so detrimental to everyone who wants to quit smoking,” Ryan Michlig, Right Vape shop owner, said.
“Partnering with Riot Labs to open the Flavourless Vape Shop and bring awareness to the new legislation was a no brainer. We wanted to create an experience that showed what the legislation could be like in real time, and get invaluable feedback from customers about how it’ll impact them.”
The launch of the shop even entered the mainstream after taking an unexpected turn when the Rishi Sunak lookalike (real name Sanju) was egged by an angry member of the public who mistook him for the real PM.
Videos of the chaos unfolding have now seen millions of views on TikTok leading to Sanju being inundated with media requests, and being covered in the Times, Star and Express.
Ben Johnson, chief executive of Riot Labs, which is taking the fight to the government through its Riot Activist programme, said the new legislation will give people “less choice, less value and ultimately less reasons to quit smoking at all.”
“Adults depend on flavours to support their quit smoking journey and this legislation is going to have a detrimental impact on smokers trying to quit. There are better ways to deal with youth vaping such as an enforceable licensing scheme for all retailers,” he said.
“Despite the unexpected egging, it was all a resounding success. Sparking conversation around the proposed flavour ban and its potential implications for the vaping community, whilst giving customers the opportunity to experience it first-hand.
“We're committed to continuing this dialogue and advocating for sensible, evidence-based regulations that protect public health without unfairly penalising responsible vapers and smokers looking to quit.”
Hershey's main controlling owner has rejected Mondelez International's preliminary takeover offer, terming it as too low, reports stated on Wednesday (11), citing people familiar with the matter.
The deal, which could’ve created one of the world’s largest confectioners, wasn’t realistic for the Hershey Company as they declared it was “too low to entertain.”
Bloomberg reported earlier this week that Mondelez was exploring the acquisition of chocolate maker Hershey, in what could have created one of the world's largest confectioners. The Hershey Trust Company's approval is key in any takeover deal, given its voting control of the chocolate maker.
It is not the first that Mondelez has sought to acquire Hershey, with the brand rejecting a £18bn takeover bid in 2016, labelling the offer as too low. Hershey and Mondelez did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.
Any deal would need the approval of the Hershey Trust Company, a charitable trust, that maintains voting control over the business.
Buzz is that the trust may be open to other offers even as the Mondelez deal loses steam, with PepsiCo and Nestle touted as possible suitors.
The surging cost of cocoa has hurt Hershey and forced it to raise prices, turning off some inflation-pinched shoppers. At the same time, consumers are moving toward healthier foods, a trend that is accelerating with the popularity of weight-loss shots.
Last month, Hershey trimmed its annual revenue and profit forecasts after its quarterly revenue dipped due to weak demand. In contrast, Mondelez reported a near 2 per cent rise in sales in the latest quarter.
Earlier in the day, the Chicago company said that given current market conditions, stock buybacks remain a key priority, and that it is committed to an acquisition strategy focused on "bolt-on deals" similar to its recent acquisitions of Chipita, Clif and Ricolino.
Retailers can capitalise on the rising demand for premium pet food by offering innovative, high-quality products like nutrient-rich supplements and superfood treats amid the evolving bond between pets and their owners, states a recent survey report's findings.
The UK has the largest dog population (13.02m) and one of the largest cat populations (11.71m) in Europe, with one in three UK households owning a dog, and one in four owning a cat.
According to Mars Petcare's research based on insights from over 20,000 pet parents in 20 countries, the bond between owners and pets driving trends in premium nutrition, personalised care, and sustainability - all of which are shaping the future of petcare.
An impressive 37 per cent of pet parents consider their pets the most important part of their lives — a sentiment even stronger among younger generations, with 45 per cent of Gen Z and 40 per cent of Millennials expressing this bond.
Globally, the number of pet parents is rising, with a large portion of first-time owners. Out of the 56 per cent of pet parents surveyed who own a dog or cat, nearly half (47 per cent) are first-time owners, reflecting a new generation of pet parents keen to embrace tailored and innovative solutions for their pets' needs.
The report also shows that sustainability is a key consideration for pet parents, with 45 per cent believing it is very important when purchasing pet food. This sentiment is particularly strong amongst the younger generations, indicating a shift towards a demand for more sustainable and ethically produced products.
In the UK, one in three owners don’t change the food they originally feed their pet throughout their lifetime. This demonstrates the importance for retailers and brands alike to target the growing number of first-time pet owners, many of whom prioritise sustainable products.
Brands like Sheba Kitten for example, are continuing to build lifelong value by targeting first-time pet parents early in their journey. With kittens comprising 14 per cent of the UK cat population, this premium, grain-free range of wet food made of natural ingredients, vitamins and minerals, is designed to secure long-term brand loyalty while meeting nutritional needs.
Adelina Bizoi, Category & Market Activation Director at Mars Petcare, comments: “The evolving bond between pets and their owners signifies a shift in behaviour that the industry must react to.
"We know the strong relationship between owners and their furry friends means that petcare continues to be one of the last categories that pet parents will look to decrease spending on, making sure they provide offerings that are beneficial to their pets’ health even during tough time economically.
“Retailers have a significant opportunity to tap into the growing demand for premium petcare by offering a diverse range of innovative products. High-quality, nutrient-rich options such as supplements and superfood treats appeal to wellness-focused owners prioritising their pets' digestion, immunity, and joint health.
“Retailers can also tap into the rise of first-time pet parents and demand for sustainable products by offering starter kits and sustainability-driven initiatives. Starter kits, especially those tailored for first-time pet parents, can simplify pet ownership and create loyalty from the outset.”
The findings from Mars Global Pet Parent Study highlights the substantial opportunity for retailers to diversify their product offerings and build stronger, more meaningful connections between pets and their owners in an increasingly competitive market.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has launched a new initiative in partnership with wholesalers to donate the equivalent of up to 300,000 meals to FareShare, the UK’s leading food redistribution charity.
Running until 6 January 2025, CCEP will donate the equivalent of five meals to FareShare for every Coca-Cola Zero Sugar 6 x 2L pack purchased during the promotion across 108 Booker participating wholesale depots, up to a maximum donation of 100,000 meals.
In addition, throughout December CCEP will donate the equivalent of five meals to FareShare for every Coca-Cola Zero Sugar 12 x 500ml pack purchased during the promotion across 100 Unitas and Bestway participating wholesale depots, up to a maximum donation of 200,000 meals.
The promotion will be supported by depot standees, pallet shrouds and digital screens, alongside digital assets that wholesalers can share through their own communication channels.
This activity coincides with CCEP’s recent milestone of providing 7 million surplus soft drinks to FareShare since 2017.
The promotion also runs alongside Coca-Cola’s commitment to donate the equivalent of one meal per person that attends the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck tour. Coca-Cola aims to donate the equivalent of up to a total of 1 million meals via FareShare this festive season.
“We are so grateful to Coca-Cola Europacific Partners for their continued support for FareShare. The donations made to FareShare from this initiative will help us get good-to-eat food, which might otherwise go to waste, to people who need it,” Kirsty Ford, head of fundraising at FareShare, said.
“Every day, the food we redistribute to a network of over 8,000 charities in every region helps to strengthen communities. From homelessness shelters and afterschool clubs to refuges and older people’s lunch clubs, these groups are all working harder than ever to provide people with essential support services.
“By purchasing Coca-Cola Zero Sugar products this winter, wholesalers can help people affected by the cost-of-living crisis come together through food and access vital services. Coca-Cola’s generous support for FareShare makes a huge difference in helping us make the food go further.”
Ruth Fawcett, associate director for wholesale & convenience at CCEP, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with our wholesale customers to support FareShare in their mission to fight food insecurity and reduce food waste, especially during the festive season when no one should go without a meal.
“Through this promotion, we hope to make a meaningful difference to communities, and it’s fantastic to see so many of our wholesale customers already getting behind the initiative. Their support will have a real impact in tackling hunger across the UK this Christmas.”
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(Photo by Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Acknowledging the devastating impact of rising retail crime, Prime minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday (11) reiterated the action his government is taking to tackle the problem.
Responding to a question from Labour politician Kirith Entwistle in the House of Commons, Starmer said. "I have spoken to many who work in our shops who are very concerned about shoplifting. It went out of control because of the approach taken by the previous Government.
"We are bringing it under control. It is not low level; it has a huge impact on other customers and a particular impact on staff working in supermarkets.
"That is why we are dedicating funding to train police and retailers and to support specialist analyst teams to crack down on the gangs that are targeting retailers."
Welcoming the Starmer's show of empathy towards retailers, retail trade union Usdaw General secretary Paddy Lillis said, “Keir Starmer’s response shows that we have seen a complete change in the government response, under Labour, to a significant increase in theft from shops, which has doubled since the pandemic and risen by 29 per cent in the last twelve months.
"This contrasts with 14 years of the Conservatives refusing to support the calls from Usdaw and many major retailers for significant action.
“We are pleased that the new Labour Government announced a Crime and Policing Bill in the King’s Speech. This new legislation will deliver a much-needed protection of retail workers’ law; end the indefensible £200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifters, which has effectively become an open invitation to retail criminals; along with introducing Respect Orders for repeat offenders.
"The Chancellor announced in the Budget funding to tackle the organised criminals responsible for the increase in shoplifting, as Keir Starmer highlighted.
"Last week, the Prime Minister announced funding for 13,000 more uniformed police officers, patrolling our communities and high street. It is our hope that these new measures will help give shop workers the respect they deserve.”
East of England Co-op on Thursday announced the appointment of Andy Rigby as acting chief executive for a minimum of 12 months.
Rigby joined the East of England Co-op in early 2022 as chief operations officer and has over 40 years’ leadership experience in senior executive roles across a range of formats in the UK, EU and international markets.
“Andy has proven himself to be a force for good in many ways for our Society in the time he has been with us; we welcome his appointment as we continue on our journey together to make a bigger difference in our communities and return to sustainable profit,” Joy Burnford, president of the East of England Co-op, said.
Rigby commented: “It is an honour to lead the East of England Co-op on our exciting journey which will continue at pace. Our focus remains on our customers, our colleagues, our members and our communities who we take great pride in supporting and serving, now and in the future.
“I’d like to thank our 3,000 incredible colleagues who continue to work so hard for our co-op and our Board too for their continued support, I’m excited and proud to continue to work closely with them to deliver our strategy. We’ve come a long way in a short-time and we have lots to be excited about.”
East of England Co-op Food store in Woolpit
Meanwhile, the regional retailer has also re-opened its Woolpit store after being refurbished as part of a wider £5 million investment by the retailer, including upgrades to the sustainability and food-to-go offering of its stores.
The refurbishments, which form part of the East of England Co-op’s portfolio reshape, improve the stores’ member and customer experience alongside their environmental impact with new eco-friendly refrigeration units.
The Woolpit store, on The Street, reopens with a larger store footprint, the East of England Co-op's much-loved serve behind in-store bakery, a larger chilled range and brand-new self-service checkouts.
This is the final refurbishment of 2024 and forms part of the retailer’s wider refurbishment of a total of 12 stores across the East of England which began in August.
“This investment in Woolpit has allowed us to enhance our member and customer offering through upgrades to store sustainability and improved shopping experience. This is part of our commitment to continue supporting the local communities these stores serve by providing quality products and exceptional customer service,” Rigby said.
“We want to do everything we can to minimise our environmental impact, which is why we’re placing a large emphasis on the stores’ sustainability throughout these refurbishments. These are crucial upgrades as we continue to invest in and reshape our wider portfolio.”
The East of England Co-op is the largest independent retailer in East Anglia with food stores, travel branches and local funeral service branches across Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.