The past year has seen much upheaval in the workplace and been strange for all, but maybe especially challenging for employees. For those of us lucky enough to have the opportunity, our homes have become our offices. We have converted spare rooms, dining tables, bedrooms and sheds into our workspaces and sometimes even into classrooms.

Retailers can no longer rely solely on conceptual brand values like reputation, heritage and goodwill. The rules are changing.

If ever there was a time for reflection, it’s now. In a year where we have lived (and continue to live) through a deadly global pandemic, devastating wildfires across several continents and one of the most brutal hurricane seasons, we all need a reason to be positive. The theme of World Earth Day 2021 is ‘Restore Our Earth’ and thankfully at its heart is optimism.

Regional, country specific legislative changes are complex enough however take a moment to appreciate the pain global brands and retailers face.

Regional, country specific legislative changes are complex enough however take a moment to appreciate the pain global brands and retailers face.

Is there a vegan revolution underway? There’s been an explosion of interest in vegan products and lifestyles over the last few years and whilst there’s definitely a gender bias towards female vegans the divide is shrinking.

It’s not just retail that needs to embrace the new digital world, it is also businesses. 

I think it’s fair to say that Covid 19 is affecting all of our lives as we learn to cope with the challenges of social distancing, home schooling and working from home whilst the pandemic devastation unfolds around us directly effecting many lives. 

Our Group Commercial Director Greg Lawson shares his thoughts on COVID-19 and how it's affecting the world we live and work in. Greg has 30 years of packaging expeience under his belt and has significantly influenced the packaging market in terms developing IT systems and strategies for the environmental impact of packaging across global supply chains. 

We were privileged to be invited to The Grocer Breakfast Briefing on Packaging Sustainability held in The Gherkin with magnificent views over London. Although the view was definitely a topic of conversation over breakfast, the main topic of sustainable packaging was the reason we had all come together.

The purpose of food labelling is to help consumers make appropriate food choices. Labelling undeniably has a contribution to make in addressing how consumers choose foods to ensure their diet is healthy. 

There’re literally thousands of health and beauty brands out there and so many of them revolve around cleaning your skin and hair. The industry has been scrutinised in the past for not having the best record when it comes to sustainability, with an excess of non-recylable plastic packaging being one of the biggest issues.

This year’s NPD (New Product Development) Food and Drink Conference provided insights into the latest consumer, shopper, health, packaging, retailer & market trends. 

It’s not just retail that needs to embrace the new digital world, it is also businesses. 

There is no doubt on the damage that packaging is doing to our oceans and marine life, and that this should not be shied away from. 

There are some consumers who want to live ‘plastic-free’ lives and there are retailers who aim to provide ‘plastic-free’ products, but is this possible? And more importantly, is this the most sustainable solution for our planet?

Pressed for time, spoilt for choice and always wanting more; today’s consumers’ demand for convenience in every area of their lives presents a huge challenge for brands and retailers. We designed this infographic to give a bit of an overview as to what trends we're seeing in the convenience sector today.