For over a century women have been coming together to support and celebrate women’s essential role and contribution to family, work and culture – an order of contribution that over the decades has become increasingly fluid and influential.
Asian Trader supports International Women’s Day (IWD) for obvious human reasons, but also because the convenience channel depends for its survival on women, from independent retailers to women in wholesale, to delivery drivers.
IWD is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality – and equity. It is important to understand the nuance.
The Big Day
IWD belongs to all groups collectively, everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organization specific.
The day showcases commitment to women's equality, launch new initiatives and action, celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness, highlight gender parity gains and more.
IWD is supported globally by industry, governments, educational institutions, community groups, professional associations, women's networks, charities and non-profit bodies, the media and more.
Everyone can make a difference within their sphere of influence by taking action to help build a more equal world. From small powerful grassroots gatherings to large-scale conference and events – International Women's Day is a big day for inspiration and change
Last year’s theme was #BreakTheBias, which stated its programme as:
Imagine a gender equal world.
A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
Together we can forge women's equality.
The theme for 2023 is #EmbraceEquity.
The day showcases commitment to women's equality, launches new initiatives and action – such as introducing the idea of equity, and layering it on top of the raised consciousness around equality in 2022 – celebrating women's achievements, raising awareness, highlighting gender parity gains and more.
IWD is supported globally by industry, governments, educational institutions, community groups, professional associations, women's networks, charities and non-profit bodies, the media and more.
Everyone can make a difference within their sphere of influence by taking action to help build a more equal world. From small powerful grassroots gatherings to large-scale conference and events – International Women's Day is a big day for inspiration and change
#EmbraceEquity
Equity is the quality of being fair and impartial, which means equity of treatment – that given to others, and received by oneself.
At the same time, there is another facet of “equity”, which means having an interest, an element of ownership – a stake in something.
“So, what's the difference between equity and equality – and why is it important to understand, acknowledge and value this?"
The IWD 2023 #EmbraceEquity campaign theme seeks to get the world talking about why "equal opportunities are no longer enough" – and can in fact be exclusionary, rather than inclusive.
Image source: Image Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
So it is about ensuring that people are given what they need to make them flourish, according to their individual needs and circumstances. Equality is when everybofdy gets the same thing, despite the fact that their requirements – to truly make them equal in particular ways and according to their unique needs – might be different.
As Tamara Makoni, founder of Kazuri Consulting, explains:
"Imagine that you are babysitting two children, and they are hungry. You go to the fruit bowl, and you start to pick up two apples to give them to each child. However, you remember at the last moment that one of the children is allergic to apples. Instead, you reach for one apple and one banana, and that way you're being fair. You still give one piece of fruit to each child, but you're also being equitable because you're giving each child a legitimate way of satisfying their hunger. If you had gone for two apples, the child who's allergic to the apple would on the surface have a way to satisfy their hunger, but they couldn't do that without getting ill. In this way you're being fair. You're giving each child a piece of fruit but, you're also giving them something that is in line with their individual needs so they can be successful."
Equality is making certain everybody gets a pair of shoes. Equity is making sure the shoes are the right size.
IWD is the perfect occasion to think about how our industry is improving for women – and how much more can be done.
Last year we mentioned, for example, how JJ Foodservice had been actively hiring female drivers. “Only one per cent of HGV drivers in the UK are women – we want to help change that,” said HR manager Joanna Florczak.
Our recently-added Movers and Shakers section of Asian Trader, which tracks new hires and promotions withing the grocery sector, is replete with announcements of women who, having gained equality (of access, of respect, of opportunity) are now gaining true equity by being promoted to ever-more important and powerful positions, in organisations – not merely taking their place, but starting to change and influence the future direction of companies, industries and the economy and society as a whole. They are helped by the notion of equity, on top of equality (of education, opportunity etc) and encouraged with the right tools and resources to progress and improve circumstances for everybody.
Go to this page of the IWD website to download resources such as posters and cards, and find “Lean In” tools and resources and discover events near you. You can even download Zoom backgrounds!
Why not try dressing your store to celebrate IWD 2023 on March 8? Purple, green and white are the colors of IWD, originating from the suffragette-era Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the UK, which first began in Manchester in 1903: purple signifies justice and dignity. Green is for hope and white represents purity (a bit controversial these days!).
(SUBHEAD): Woman power in the marketplace
As we pointed out in 2022, IWD is also a great opportunity to promote products aimed at women – not just “women’s products” but items that take their place on a universal platform of goods while expressing an ethical foundation that is in tune with the ideals of the day.
It’s also important to properly acknowledge the role of women’s innovation and success in the brands and products that we recognise today in every shopping basket. Häagen-Dazs is doing just that by celebrating the previously unheralded fact that it was Rose Mattus, the wife of ice-cream maker Reuben Mattus, who made the company a success.
"This International Women’s Day, Häagen-Dazs is celebrating its trailblazing female co-founder Rose Mattus with a global initiative to shine a light on her unsung contribution to the brand and her #DontHoldBack ethos," said Clare Brosnan, Global Brand Experience Director at Häagen-Daz.
Born to Polish-Jewish parents in Manchester (also the birthplace of IWD!), Rose (Vesel) Mattus was the business brain and marketing pioneer behind making Häagen-Dazs famous, although until now she has remained relatively unsung compared to her husband.
So, to honour Rose’s contribution, Häagen-Dazs is launching a global rebrand, with "Rose Mättus Woman Founded Business Established 1960" to accompany the Häagen-Dazs logo across multiple touch points in its global Shops and on digital and social platforms.
“In 2021, we launched our ‘Women Who Don't Hold Back’ campaign, shining a light on female trailblazers around the globe, but now it's time to recognise our own remarkable female founder,” said Clare. “Reuben Mattus made our flavours but Rose Mattus made us famous! By telling Rose’s untold story as a marketing pioneer who built our brand as a true partner to her inventor husband and helped create our Shops business with her daughter Doris, we hope to use this year’s IWD celebration as a beacon for #EmbraceEquity."
International Women’s Day 2023 marks the launch of ‘The Rose Project’, an initiative honouring Rose’s legacy, which pledges $100,000 in bursaries to support remarkable women around the world who Don’t Hold Back just like Rose herself. People across the globe will have the opportunity to nominate unsung women (or even themselves) who deserve recognition for their trailblazing efforts, achievements and societal contributions.
From these nominations, a shortlist of 50 ‘WOMEN WHO DON’T HOLD BACK’ will be selected for their commendable efforts and put forward for the opportunity to win one of five monetary grants of $20,000 each. The bursary fund will enable these five Rose Project Honourees to continue their exceptional work and unleash their potential or even give to a cause they’re passionate about.
Scottish business conglomerate Glenshire Group has hired Daniel Arrandale as its new Property Director.
Starting in the newly created role last week, Arrandale brings a wealth of industry experience to the business, including his most recent position as Acquisitions Manager for Asda and his previous position as Development Manager at EG Group.
“I am thrilled to be joining Glenshire Group in a period of tremendous growth, with many exciting opportunities on the horizon,” said Arrandale. “I’m looking forward to working with the existing development team to maximise the opportunities within our current estate, whilst also growing the business further with the acquisition of new sites.”
As part of Arrandale’s remit, he will oversee acquisitions, development, and growth for Greens Retail, Pizza Hut, and wider Glenshire Group property development and investment interests.
The bulk of Arrandale’s career has been as Retail Director at commercial agents Christie & Co, focussing on the convenience, forecourt and franchise markets. Arrandale served at Christie & Co. for 23 years.
Harris Aslam, Managing Director at Glenshire Group added: “We are very excited to welcome Dan into the Glenshire family. Having worked with Dan many times over the years on several transactions, I can confidently say his breadth of knowledge and experience in this sector will give us a huge advantage as we continue to expand our portfolio.”
Currently operating 27 convenience stores and 20 Pizza Hut franchises in Scotland, Glenshire Group has committed to significantly furthering new location openings in Scotland as well as bolstering their property portfolio.
Brewer Carlsberg is shifting some of its marketing focus to cheaper brands, it said on Thursday (31), as consumers in major markets bought cheaper beer and in reduced quantities.
The maker of Kronenbourg 1664, Tuborg and Somersby said beer sales volumes fell by 1.3 per cent in the third quarter, noting declines in China, France and the United Kingdom. Premium sales fell 0.5 per cent in the quarter."In Western Europe, there's no doubt that the average consumer is holding back," CEO Jacob Aarup-Andersen told Reuters.
"In Asia, China stands out as a market where the consumer is very weak. Most other Asian markets are actually okay," he said, adding the company had not yet seen Chinese stimulus measures having any impact on consumer behaviour.For years, brewers have relied on a strategy of developing and promoting their more expensive premium brands to offset an overall decline in drinking.
Aarup-Andersen said he remained confident in the long-term growth potential of premium beer and that the category will comprise a significantly larger portion of Carlsberg's business in a decade.For now, however, the company is adjusting its marketing.
"In markets where we are seeing a significant pressure on premium, we are reallocating some of our focus into making sure that we are promoting properly around the right mainstream brands," he said.
The world's third-largest brewer behind Anheuser-Busch Inbev and Heineken said third-quarter sales rose 1 per cent to 20.5 billion Danish crowns ($2.98 billion), compared with 20.7 billion expected on average by analysts in a poll gathered by the company.
Despite the shift in consumer behaviour, Carlsberg said it still expects full-year organic operating profit growth to be between 4 per cent and 6 per cent. The company lifted its full-year guidance in August.
Also on Thursday (31), the world's largest beer maker Anheuser-Busch InBev reported third-quarter profits, revenues and volumes behind forecasts. AB InBev's third-quarter statement highlighted stronger growth for its more expensive beers, like Corona, which grew 10.2% outside of its home market, Mexico, during the period.
Consumers now want a greater commitment from retailers in cutting food waste, refilling stations, sustainable packaging, and partnering with social purpose organisations, states a recent research, which also highlights that a good majority (69 per cent) of younger consumers are more likely to shop with what they see as socially responsible retailers though price sensitivity still plays a crucial role.
According to the findings, published in Vypr’s Consumer Horizon Report, reducing food waste is the most important factor for the majority of UK consumers (29 per cent), especially for Gen Z women aged 18-24 (38 per cent). More than a third (37 per cent) of men aged 18-24 said they needed food storage advice. A similar number of women aged 18-24 (33 per cent) want meal kits with the exact amount of ingredients included for them to cut down on food waste.
Refill stations for personal care, cleaning products, dry goods, and beverages are also in high demand. Consumers, particularly Gen Z women, are keen to use these stations, provided they offer a cost-saving of 6-10 per cent compared to packaged goods. The study indicates that older shoppers are less likely to use refill stations unless prices are reduced by 15 per cent or more, which Vypr said shows the importance of price in driving consumers to adopt sustainable shopping habits.
The third priority for brands and retailers is to adopt sustainable packaging. Awareness of eco-friendly packaging is high, especially among younger generations. Two-thirds of UK consumers say they expect to pay more for sustainably packaged products, and that figure rises to 86 per cent among Gen Z and Millennials. However, Vypr’s research suggests that while shoppers express willingness to pay more, price sensitivity still plays a crucial role.
Ben Davis, founder of Vypr, said: “There’s often a disconnect between consumer intentions and actions. Brands need to understand that simply offering sustainable options may not be enough if price points don’t match consumer expectations.
“For Gen Z and Millennials, sustainable products need to be competitively priced or risk losing long-term loyalty. We tested this by presenting products with and without the label ‘100 per cent Recycled Packaging’ and found price remained the key purchase decision-making factor for most consumers.”
Another factor in building loyalty among younger consumers is to showcase social responsibility. The research reveals that 60% of shoppers are more likely to shop at retailers that partner with food rescue organisations or promote a charitable cause. Among Gen Z and Millennials, this figure jumps to 69%, showing a strong preference for brands that demonstrate a social purpose.
The report also reveals that 85% of shoppers are willing to pay a deposit for reusable products, though it is younger consumers, particularly those aged 18-24 who express the strongest support for such initiatives.
The Consumer Horizon report which provides insights shaping retail, product innovation, and consumer behaviour going into 2025, can be seen here.
Sugro UK, the number one buying and marketing buying group*, in partnership with b2b.store, is thrilled to announce a further expansion of its existing E-Loyalty scheme programme, which has proven to be very popular with its members and retailers, by introducing E-Loyalty Extra Compliance and Execution scheme as well as E-Coupons.
The E-Loyalty Extra is aimed to boost compliance and execution at retail store level to drive new product launches, core range compliance, some exciting fixture trials with its supply partners and more! It will be available to all member owned and member affiliated retail stores within the group.
The E-Loyalty Extra loyalty scheme will be accessible by retailers via WhatsApp platform and will allow retailers to capture evidence of compliance by simply clicking “take photo” button.
With the addition of another digital enhancement introduced to the group recently – Coupon - based loyalty mechanic, members are now empowered to incentivise and reward customers, driving stronger consumer connections and fostering brand loyalty at a granular level. Retailers can now simply redeem a coupon at the point of check out. Another key digital development within the group is WhatsApp E-Presell which enables Sugro UK’s retail partners to provide advance product volume commitments for new product launches. This functionality is particularly powerful as it ensures that suppliers have accurate forecasts before product launches, enabling better stock availability from day one of product being available on the market.
The ease and speed of using WhatsApp for these commitments simplifies the presell process, ensures accuracy and strengthens relationships across the supply chain.
While other industry players may soon consider introducing similar digital tools, Sugro UK are proud to be at the forefront of enhancing retail-focused digital solutions. This early adoption not only ensures that Sugro UK members remain competitive but also guarantees them access to the best digital tools available in the market. These efforts are part of Sugro UK's ongoing commitment to delivering value to its members and empowering them with innovative solutions for growth and success in an increasingly digital retail environment.
Sugro Head of Commercial and Marketing, Yulia Petitt said: “I am delighted that Sugro UK members are now able to provide photographic evidence of retail compliance and in-store execution to our supplier partners, using a wide range of display and compliance criteria such as planograms, secondary displays, trials, and new product developments (NPDs).These digital features allow members to share real-time proof of execution, enhancing accountability and building supplier confidence. The launch of E-Presell functionality opens a huge digital advantage for the group which will benefit all – members, retailers and suppliers in gaining accurate forecast and ensuring product visibility in store from day one of product being on the market and with the ease of using WhatsApp, the entire pre-sell process becomes a much quicker and easier process to manage for all parties.
"The Group has had 18 consecutive years of growth and, once again, on track to deliver in 2024, with the year-to-date performance of +15% year on year and growth across all categories.” Rob Mannion, CEO of b2b.store, added: “The rate of innovation in the wholesale sector is increasing and these launches are further great examples of that. We’re particularly excited about the developments and different uses of WhatsApp in the industry, with more coming in the pipeline for 2025 – it’s a tool no wholesaler or buying group can afford to ignore because of the level of influence it’s having in the sector and there’s no sign of that direction of travel changing any time soon.”
Sugro UK is proudly owned by its 90 plus independent wholesale members, with a combined turnover of over £2.5 billion.
Expanding its footprint in the World Foods category, Paulig has acquired Panesar Foods, a prominent UK-based producer of sauces and condiments.
Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Tipton, Panesar Foods is a family-owned business with three production facilities, employing 308 staff and achieving a turnover of £59 million in the 2023 fiscal year.
This collaboration is expected to accelerate product launches and drive growth in diverse offerings, including sauces, salsas, marinades, dips, and condiments.
"We have collaborated with Panesar Foods for 17 years, and we are very pleased to welcome the company to Paulig," said Rolf Ladau, CEO of Paulig. "Today, our combined taste expertise and innovation skills unite around a shared ambition: to accelerate our international growth and expand our World Foods offerings."
Bill Panesar, CEO of Panesar Foods, expressed confidence in the partnership, stating, “As Panesar Foods becomes part of Paulig, I am confident that our ambitions for international growth will be realised, and the business will continue to thrive. We share a strong commitment to innovation and delivering high-quality, flavourful products, and I look forward to bringing even more delicious products to the market, together."
Jas Panesar, MD of Panesar Foods, echoed, “This partnership will allow us to reach new markets and deliver our authentic World Food flavors to a broader audience. We look forward to combining our passion for quality food with Paulig’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.”
All 308 Panesar employees will transition to Paulig’s team. Financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed.