Page 6 - Food & Drink Magazine Nov-Dec 2018

NEWS
Charges laid over needles in strawberries
$30b in sales on China’s Singles Day
ALIBABA has again smashed its Singles Day sales records with $US30.8 billion changing hands during the 24 hour 11.11 global shopping festival that was held on 11 November.
The day’s takings exceeded the $25.3 billion record set last year, and sales hit $US1 billion in one minute and 25 seconds.
More than 180,000 brands participated in the event, and 40 per cent of consumers made purchases from international brands, with Australia among the top five countries selling to China alongside Japan, United States, South Korea, and Germany.
“Today we witnessed the strength and rise of China’s consumption economy and consumers’ continued pursuit to upgrade their everyday lifestyles,” said Alibaba Group CEO Daniel Zhang.
“Participation from the entire Alibaba ecosystem enabled our brand and merchant partners to engage with consumers like never before. Looking ahead, Alibaba will continue to lead the evolution towards the future digital economy and lifestyle.”
The 11.11 shopping festival began in 2009 with participation from just 27 merchants as an event to raise awareness of the value of online shopping.
The event is often referred to as “Singles Day,” as it falls on a Chinese holiday that celebrates pride in being single with a special purchase. ✷
QUEENSLAND Police have charged a farm worker over the strawberry contamination that triggered a nationwide food crisis.
A Caboolture woman who allegedly had been an employee of the Berrylicious strawberry farm in Caboolture north of Brisbane working as a supervisor, has been refused bail.
The arrest comes after a protracted investigation into the sabotage of three Queensland strawberry brands and the 50-year-old woman was charged with seven counts of aggravated contamination of goods which carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence.
Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud welcomed the news and congratulated Queensland Police for their hard work and for “keeping at it long after the media attention died down”.
“The needles-in-strawberries
scandal has cost our farmers millions during tough times,” the minister said.
“Summer and Christmas are important times of year for strawberry growers and I hope news of an alleged offender being charged also brings
growers some mental relief.” Queensland's strawberry
industry collapsed during the growing season this year, with thousands of strawberries dumped as shops and supermarkets pulled the fruit from shelves. ✷
chef who will offer tastings and inspire customers with new recipes.
Coles Local branded products, including premium ready meals, will go on sale, as will the Beyond Meat vegan burger range, and Laurent baked goods.
“Coles Local gives the Surrey Hills community the convenience of a supermarket with the character of a specialty store,” Coles CEO Steven Cain said.
The move coincides with the sale by Woolworths of 540 service stations to the UK company EG Group for $1.72 billion.
EG runs large-format petrol stations, sells fuel, retailers and fast-food restaurants. ✷
Coles unveils first small-format store
COLES has opened its first Local shop, a small-format store that features local produce, an in-store chef, and a barista.
The Coles Local shop, located at Surrey Hills in Melbourne, features a “Foodie Hub” with premium meats and an inhouse
6 | Food&Drink business | November-December 2018 | www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au