News
CLF signs new deal with McKeith
CLF Distribution will be taking over the handling of the Gillian McKeith brand, Organic & Natural Business can reveal.
From February 1, CLF will handle all McKeith Research brand sales, marketing, distribution and logistical responsibilities, in what has been described as a new strategic alliance.
CLF Founder and MD, Robin Holiday, commented: “We’re very pleased to move forward with our growth plan and could not imagine a stronger strategic alliance than combining the complementary strengths of two companies whose reputations have been built on innovation and customer service.
“Nutrition and healthy lifestyle retailers can rest assured that our distribution capabilities and dedication to providing high levels of service will now encompass Gillian’s range of products.”
Commenting on the new alliance, Gillian herself said: “We are delighted to have found partners of the highest calibre who are able to work synergistically with us and we look forward to working together to make this venture successful.”
Along with the new alliance, it’s a busy time for Gillian, as she prepares for the launch of a new TV show, Eat Yourself Sexy, in March.
New year sales flat
The cold snap coupled with the increase in VAT is being blamed for figures suggesting new year sales on the high street have been weak.
According to the CBI’s latest Distributive Trades Survey, 36 per cent of retailers said that volume of sales in the year to early January had dropped. Looking ahead, February is expected to be much the same as last year.
The three-month moving average of sales volumes had dropped from November and December, although was still higher than earlier months in 2009.
“2010 has opened on a weak footing, especially compared to the tail end growth of 2009, but the picture should stabilize in February,” commented Andy Clarke, Chairman of the Distributive Trades Panel said.
“The big freeze kept many shoppers away from the January sales and the VAT hike has hit bigger purchase like furniture and electrical. Overall, the recovery through 2010 is likely to be tentative and weak with a long road to recovery, and consumers are still cautious about spending.”
Ethical threat to Cadbury takeover
If the takeover of Cadbury by Kraft goes ahead, the company will fall in The Good Shopping Guide.
The ethical company guide currently has Cadbury, which includes Green & Black’s, ranked at 68, but has warned that it will drop nearer to Kraft’s existing score of 44 if the takeover goes ahead.
The final scoring will be published in September, listing those companies that have a progressive attitude towards the environment, human rights and animal welfare, and penalises those that disregard such factors.
New venture to encourage nutrition studies
Target Publishing and the Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION) have joined forces.
The Optimum Nutrition magazine has been published since 1984 and is offered free to ION members, as well as to non-members on subscription. The quarterly magazine contains in-depth, fully referenced articles aimed at anyone with an interest in the field of nutrition.
It has been announced that the magazine will now be published digitally, with the first issue under Target Publishing due out in the spring.
As a further benefit, Target Publishing will be establishing a new scheme to help the health writers of tomorrow. This will see those graduated from ION offered various writing opportunities with Target Publishing to help get them on the ladder.
