Ai is already stealing jobs in the wine business

Bad news for sommeliers and wine sales professionals: your jobs are already being replaced by AI.

French company Etinsy has begun placing its AI wine merchant kiosks into stores selling wine, the wine-searcher news hub reported.

Supermarkets in France have installed installed the AI units in their wine departments in a bid to help customers choose wines, radio station FranceInfo has revealed. 

The Etinsy AI Advisor (dubbed "Advisor Elio") is promoted as the "first AI-powered humanoid advisor dedicated to the wine and spirits aisles in supermarkets".

Housed in a kiosk similar to those seen in many fast-food restaurants, Elio is designed to respond to vocal prompts.

"Elio is a true virtual wine merchant with whom the customer interacts naturally, verbally, just as they would with a professional in a specialized shop," the Etinsy company says on its website.

France's wine merchants' union is, not surprisingly, unimpressed.

"It's not exactly our definition of the term 'wine merchant'," said professional wine merchants' union (Syndicat des Cavistes Professionels) president Johannes Marcon.

"The true added value is having a real person who can convey their passion and their connection with the winemaker," he added. "It's totally subjective and sometimes disingenuous, but at least it's not impersonal."

The kiosks are expected to roll out across selected stores in the rest of France.

Etinsy, based in a small village outside Martigues in the south of France, says on its website that the "advisor helps every customer find the right product quickly and without waiting, while freeing up in-store teams and improving sales performance.

"Developed from 12 years of field experience, Advisor addresses a real problem in brick-and-mortar retail: the lack of readily available, consistent, and reliable in-store advice. 

"Advisor is an in-house developed technology, protected by patent applications, designed to provide neutral and instant advice, improve the customer journey, and directly contribute to department performance.

"Etinsy develops an in-store advisory solution capable of improving the shopping experience, reducing the operational workload of teams, and increasing sales performance. 

 "Our technology is designed to deliver reliable, instant advice perfectly tailored to each store."

Supermarket chains lied to their customers

Australians are familiar with the big supermarket chains being "economical with the truth" when it comes to the prices of their weekly specials.

It turn out that Coles and Woolworths are also happy to lie to their customers about their commitment to selling cage-free eggs.

Australia’s leading animal protection organisations this week united to urge Woolworths and Coles to honour long-standing commitments to go cage-free by the end of 2025.

An open letter has been sent to Woolworths CEO Amanda Bardwell and Coles CEO Leah Weckert ahead of the supermarkets’ upcoming Annual General Meetings on October 30 and November 11, respectively.

Approximately 5 million hens continue to be farmed in battery cages in Australia rather than free ranging (above).

The supermarket giants first committed in 2013 to phasing out cage eggs from their supply chains, pledging that by 2025 all shell eggs and egg ingredients in own-brand products would be cage-free.

Earlier this year, however, both companies walked back those commitments - with Coles delaying its target to 2030 and Woolworths leaving the timeframe open ended.

Australian Alliance for Animals Policy Director Dr Jed Goodfellow said the move undermines consumer trust and prolongs unnecessary animal suffering.

“Woolworths and Coles were rightly applauded when they made their cage-free commitments, and they’ve enjoyed years of positive publicity for the decision,” Dr Goodfellow said.

“To turnaround now, at the 11th hour, and say ‘sorry we can’t do it,’ is deeply disappointing - and it’s being met with growing frustration from consumers,

“Battery cages are cruel and outdated. They confine hens to a space smaller than an A4 sheet of paper and cause the highest rates of disuse osteoporosis, fatty live disease, and bone breakages of all egg farming systems,

“Modern cage-free systems, including fully indoor barn systems, can produce a reliable, affordable supply of eggs, without inflicting this level of suffering,

“Breaking these promises means millions more hens will continue to live in misery for longer,

“We urge customers and shareholders alike to raise their concerns with the supermarkets about this backward step – and we call on their leadership to uphold their promises to customers and Aussie hens."

A copy of the letter can be found here: http://allianceforanimals.org.au/ourwork/open-letter-to-coles-woolworths-cage-free-promise

How to enjoy a Grill'd burger experience in your own home

Do you prefer to eat your burgers at home, or when dining out?

Up-market Australian burger chain Grill'd is going where its rivals have not by releasing its patties for sale in supermarkets.

Grill’d today launched a retail range of their burger patties exclusively at Coles stores.

Available in-store and online at Coles stores nationally, the Grill’d range starts at $8 for a 2-pack and includes three options.

Coles says its research shows one in two Australians say they have an interest in recreating their restaurant or takeaway dinner in their own kitchen, and a "familiar taste" is the top driver of meal choice.

The popular burger restaurant has been flipping burgers for 21 years and has grown to 174 burger restaurants across the country.

Grill’d founder and managing director Simon Crowe said he was excited to expand the restaurant to the supermarket, giving more Australians the opportunity to enjoy Grill’d burgers.

“For over two decades, Aussies have loved coming into Grill’d restaurants for healthy burgers that taste good and do good," he said. "This next chapter in our story is very exciting as we take our products into peoples’ homes.

“Having our burgers available nationally at Coles, allows us to take the next big step in our mission: to make our healthy, delicious burgers accessible to all Australians.”

Coles Chief Commercial Officer Anna Croft said: “We’re excited to join forces with Grill’d to launch an exclusive, premium burger range customers can only find at Coles,” she said.

“Our customers are telling us they’re cooking more at home and looking for ways to create delicious and easy restaurant quality meals in their own kitchens - and that’s exactly what we hope to achieve by offering the new Grill’d burger range.

“This launch is the latest example of how we’re listening and responding to our customers, giving more Australians access to premium and convenient meal options at a price that offers real value.”

To celebrate the launch, each product will be offered at an introductory price of $1 off the regular price for the first four weeks. To shop the range visit: coles.com.au

The Grill’d range is: 

Grill’d Signature Beef Burgers (2-pack): $8.00 / $4 per serve
Grill’d Premium Wagyu Burgers with Caramelised Onion (2-pack): $10.00 / $5 per serve
Grill’d Signature Beef Burgers (4-pack): $12.50 / $3.15 per serve (available in selected stores).

Why are we getting fatter and fatter?

Eating more processed foods from fast food outlets and supermarkets means we are getting fatter and fatter. 

A new global study released for World Obesity Day shows some of the fastest-growing countries in the world are set for dietary disaster as the trend of supermarkets and convenience stores spreading junk food diets across the world takes hold.

The study analysed data from 97 countries on retail changes over 15 years, providing the first global insight into how changes in density of chain retailers are driving unhealthy food sales and fuelling obesity rates.

This has serious implications for low- and middle-income countries and the health of their populations.

Just published in Nature Food, a study by researchers from Deakin University in Australia and experts from UNICEF has unveiled a seismic shift in the types of food stores springing up globally over the past 15 years, with serious health implications. 

Analysing data from 97 countries on retail changes over the last 15 years, the study showed that the number of chain supermarkets, hypermarkets and convenience stores per 10,000 people increased by 23.6% globally over the period. 

With market domination by these types of retailers being the norm in high-income countries, low- and middle-income countries are copying the trend and catching up fast. 

In South Asia and south-east Asia, the number of chain retail outlets per person has increased by nearly 10% per year, with a corresponding drop off in independently owned traditional stores.

And in a sign that retail is set for an even bigger shake up, grocery sales from digital retailers (online) increased by 325% over a 10-year period across 27 countries.

The increasing amount of unhealthy food sold was associated with an increase in the prevalence of obesity, which continues to rise in every region of the world and is a global concern.

"Large chain retailers usually hold significant market power, using their dominance over food manufacturers to determine what food is available and what price it's sold at, which has led to the widespread availability of unhealthy foods," says the study's lead author Dr Tailane Scapin, from Deakin University:

."Large chain retailers and food manufacturers also use aggressive marketing strategies to promote unhealthy foods, contributing to poor dietary habits and, as consequence, negatively impacting their customers' health."

Dr Scapin said immediate action was needed to address the impact of changing retail food environments.

"Our findings underscore the importance of regulating the retail environment to make sure that it's healthy foods that are promoted, while the marketing and promotion of unhealthy food products is limited," Scapin said..

"In low and middle-income countries where supermarkets and convenience stores are spreading the fastest, governments have a time-limited opportunity to make sure that these new, modern retail stores actually promote healthy food. We know from the experience in North America, Europe and other high-income regions that once retailers are established, they are very hard to change."

The study's research team called for urgent action from governments, from retailers and from the health promotion workforce to prioritise healthier retail food environments that support sustainable and healthy dietary patterns and positive public health outcomes.

"With this research published on World Obesity Day which has a theme of 'Changing systems for healthier lives', it's important that the promising action being taken by forward-thinking retailers and governments is scaled up globally," Scapin said.

The full study report, with data by country, by geographic region and by country income group, is here.

The work was completed as part of a collaboration between UNICEF and the Centre of Research Excellence in Food Retail Environments for Health: Next Generation in Australia.

For further information visit: healthyfoodretail.com

Image: Leo Sneg, Scop.io

Gevity Rx. Strange name, but it tastes good; does you good

When something tastes good and does you good that is a double whammy.

It’s a win-win situation.

So let me introduce you to Gevity Rx. It’s a strange name, for sure. But it is also a worthwhile addition to your kitchen cupboard.

I'm told Gevity stands for longevity, and Rx is short for prescription. 

The Australian health food brand has recently expanded into major supermarkets and health food stores.

Gevity Rx is a health and wellness company specialising in nutrient-dense bone broths, "formulated to support gut health and overall wellbeing".

Founded by Brisbane-based Mark and Atlanta Fowler, the company was born out of a search for natural solutions to Atlanta's severe health issues, ultimately identifying a market need for broths rich in collagen-forming amino acids.

That means absolutely nothing to a kitchen layman like myself but apparently Gevity Rx harnesses an all-natural formula that "maximises nutrient concentration to promote healing, vitality and better gut health".

My wife says that is a very good thing. 

The Gevity Rx range includes Bone Broth Body Glue (RRP: $35), Bone Broth Sauce (RRP: $17) and Bone Broth Marinade (RRP: $18).

My wife is drinking it, and used the sauce to make a gravy for last night's lamb roast. It was hearty/tasty. 

There are a lot of dishes that can be lifted by adding some Bone Broth. We'll be trying a couple more this week, and will report back.  

Gevity Rx can be found at major retailers including Woolworths and Coles, online and via local health food shops.

See https://au.gevityrx.com/

Easter madness: Meet Iced VoVo hot cross buns

Consumers are constantly looking for the next big thing. A new product, a new flavour, a new marketing gimmick.

Coles supermarkets came up with an absolute doozy today - a range of Easter buns in limited-edition Iced VoVo and Pizza Shapes flavours.

That's right: one sweet, one savoury.

It turns out that Coles has partnered with biscuit experts Arnott’s to "spice up" its hot cross buns this Easter.

The result is limited-edition Coles Arnott’s Iced VoVo Inspired Hot Cross Buns and Coles Arnott’s Pizza Shapes Inspired Hot Cross Buns,

The new flavours will be available in stores nationwide from Monday.

Coles general manager of bakery, Kate Roff, said the supermarket was thrilled to partner with Arnott’s to create "the perfect Aussie pairing".

“Our limited-edition hot cross bun range is a wonderful example of when innovation meets quality, and we take great pride in offering our customers new and exciting products that also bring about a sense of nostalgia, which is synonymous with the Arnott’s brand.”

The limited-edition buns are the latest to roll out following the success of flavour mash-ups including fellow Aussie icon Vegemite Hot Cross Buns.

Should you be tempted (I won't be) the buns are $5 for a four-pack.

Supermarket giants shine in Product of the Year voting

There are dozens of wine shows around Australia - sometimes several in a week. 

But who knew there are also competitions for everyday supermarket items like soups, hot drinks and cookies? 

Supermarkets are not everyone's best friend right now; rising prices and the insistence of self check-out counters have left many shoppers incensed.

But the results of the 2022 Product of the Year voting suggests that consumers still find plenty to enjoy at their local Woolworths and Coles stores.

Coles collected 11 awards and Woolworths five of the 33 gongs.

Now in it’s 14th year in Australia, Product of the Year (POY) is promoted as the world’s largest consumer-voted awards program in which over 5,000 Aussie shoppers have their say and vote for their favourite supermarket and grocery products. 

"The rising cost of living has definitely changed the FMCG landscape, with affordability now the most important consideration for Australians making their weekly grocery trip," says Product of the Year director Sarah Connelly. 

POY winners trend show a consumer focus on health and wellbeing in 2022. 

You can check out the winners at the website. They include Coles Brand soup and extra virgin olive oil, Lyre's Pink London Spirit (non alcoholic) and Moccona Mochas. 

Most absurd premise winner: Birds Eye "Plant Based Greek Lamb style strips".

 Unfortunately, we do not know how many entries there were in each category. 

Here come your groceries - delivered by drone

 

My first thought was that April Fools' Day had been brought forward, but apparently not.

Gold Coast residents are to be added to a trial of a new service that delivers groceries direct to their homes.

Coles has paired with global on-demand drone delivery company Wing to trial the service in the Gold Coast suburbs of Ormeau, Ormeau Hills, and Yatala - starting on November 2.

The deliveries will be flown from the Coles store at Ormeau Village Shopping Centre and will be gradually expanded to include other nearby suburbs, delivering 500 of the most popular Coles grocery items including bread, fresh produce, convenience meals, snacks, health care items, and household essentials.

The press release says Coles is the first major Australian retailer to trial the new ‘store-to-door’ drone delivery model, with a dedicated fleet of Wing delivery drones co-located in the Coles store car park.

Coles team members will process and pack orders, and Wing staff will load the drones and oversee operation of the delivery service. Delivering frozen chickens or 24-packs of toilet rolls might be problematic.

Coles Head of Network Development and Customer Delivery (phew!) James Geddes said: “We are delighted to be expanding our drone delivery pilot program with Wing to our Queensland customers. 

"The service will provide a convenient and effective way of delivering everyday essentials to our customers’ homes in a matter of minutes.

“Customers can now get those urgent items they need in a hurry, delivered by drone, directly from the local Coles Ormeau Village store. 

"Whether they’ve forgotten to pick up a loaf of bread or fresh milk during their weekly shop or are missing an ingredient for dinner-time meal prep or school lunches, they can now get those products delivered quickly, without having to drive to the store."

The Coles drone delivery expansion into Queensland follows a successful pilot program launched in Canberra.

As part of the expansion into South-East Queensland, Wing will also be offering Coles items for delivery from the rooftop of the Gland Plaza in Logan City.

Customers can download the Wing app (available from the App Store or Google Play), enter their address, and add items to their cart before submitting their order.

Booze war hots up in Tasmania

Coles have ignited a booze war in Tasmania with the opening of the state's first Liquorland store in suburban Hobart.

The first new Coles supermarket in 12 years has opened at Glebe Hill Village Centre in Howrah, and features a Liquorland outlet that promises to showcase more than 320 Tasmanian-made beverages from 60 local producers.

The supermarket booze trade has been dominated in Tasmania by BWS and Dan Murphy's - both owned by Woolworths,

Liquourland says it will offer "a range of the Apple Isle’s best craft beers, cool-climate wines and boutique spirits that will deliver a national platform for the state’s beverage producers through the chain’s 750 store network.

The Liquorland Glebe Hill Village store features a selection of Tasmanian beverages as well as Liquorland’s exclusive Tasmanian brands including Beyond the Wilderness wines and the Pure Origin vodka and gin.

Coles Liquor chief executive Darren Blackhurst said: “Our drive to be a simpler, more accessible, and locally relevant drinks specialist can be seen with the launch of this store and the celebration of the Tasmanian brands we have in store for our customers.

“Local sourcing is a key focus and we are proud to partner with over 60 local suppliers and producers to showcase Tasmania further."

Tasmanian products will be easy to find at Coles Glebe Hill Village - all brands will be indicated by the Brand Tasmania trademark.

Goodbye Christmas; hello Easter: commercialism gone mad

 

It is probably not the season to be churlish. Many of us are still celebrating Christmas with family and friends. 

Yet odious marketers from the big supermarkets are already spruiking their wares for Easter. On December 27. 

A pox on them, I say. 

First off the blocks in blocks in the race to be the most crassly commercial were Coles, with a press release sent to media at 6.20am this morning about their Vegemite hot cross buns. 

Hot cross buns! 

When most of us still have Christmas and Christmas pudding left over.

But there is no hope of restraint from big business when there are big bucks to be made. 

Here is the Coles' bumpf from this morning. Make up your own minds about their greedy opportunism. 

"Coles’ award-winning hot cross buns are getting a mitey makeover this year with Coles launching a brand-new flavour combination in partnership with Bega Cheese Limited – the Vegemite Hot Cross Bun.

"Available in more than 700 Coles supermarkets nationwide from December 27 (that's today), the limited-edition combination of sweet and savoury is the latest in a series of flavour mash-ups from Coles, which has previously wowed customers with buns in Lamington, Raspberry and White Chocolate and Sticky Date and Butterscotch flavours.

"Best toasted and slathered with butter or grilled toasted sandwich style with lots of melty cheese, the soft buns are infused with Vegemite and parmesan and finished with an indulgent tasty cheese topping."

And on and on it drones with the memorably awful line: "Vegemite is one of those things that makes Australia wonderful." 

As flavour combinations go, I've heard of worse ideas. But it is December 27.

Could you not, at least, have waited until the new year?