Specialty Food Magazine is the leading publication for retailers, manufacturers and foodservice professionals in the specialty food trade. It provides news, trends and business-building insights that help readers keep their businesses competitive.
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1090132
The amount shoppers will spend on sustainable fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), with nearly half saying they would definitely or probably change their consumption habits to reduce their impact on the environment, according to Nielsen. $150,000,000,000 The Kibosh on Plastic In a monumental stand for the envi- ronment, the EU has agreed that in 2021 certain single-use plastic items will be banned, such as cut- lery, plates, and straws, among other items. As part of the European Plastics Strategy, established to pro- tect the environment and reduce marine litter, the initiative also will require that all member states will have to "achieve a measurable quan- titative reduction" of the rest of food containers made of plastic and plas- tic cups for beverages. In another move announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, a coalition of the largest consumer product companies, along with internation- al recycling company TerraCycle, have introduced a shopping system called Loop, designed to change the world's reliance on single-use packaging. The system will allow consumers to purchase a variety of products in customized, brand- specific durable packaging that is collected, cleaned, refilled, and reused—and if the item is recover- able, it will be reused or recycled. Self-Driving Grocery Store Breaks Mold on Vending The milkman of the future is here. Starting this spring in the greater Boston area, Stop & Shop plans to pilot driverless vehicles that will bring consumers groceries when summoned via an app. These autonomous, electric vehicles from San Francisco-based startup Robomart Inc. will be freshly stocked with a selection of Stop & Shop produce, meal kits, and convenience items. Once customers sign up on the Robomart app, they can summon the Robomart, meet it at the curb, unlock the door, and start shopping. "The vehicles' RFID and computer vision technology automatically records what customers select, and the card associated with their account is automatically charged. Receipts are emailed within seconds," says Jennifer Brogan, director of external communications & community relations at Stop & Shop. When finished, they shut the door, and the vehicle heads back to its facility. To prevent third party theft or vandalism, Robomart has multiple cameras on the vehicle, which serve as a deterrent and safeguard. Pricing and fees are still being finalized. PHOTO: ROBOMART PHOTO: LOOP 16 ❘ SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE specialtyfood.com trends & happenings