Author: Molly Rush

Marketing Executive
  • World Refill Day: FMCG Sustainability

    World Refill Day: FMCG Sustainability

    Today is World Refill Day, a significant global initiative aimed at raising awareness about the environmental impact of single-use plastic. As FMCG consumers, our awareness of our ecological footprint is growing, and fortunately, many companies have also recognised the significance of the situation and have started adopting environmentally conscious practices. In this blog, we will explore various FMCG companies that have taken proactive steps to reduce plastic waste or have become plastic-free altogether.

    For a considerable time, the FMCG Industry has heavily relied on single-use plastic packaging, such as water bottles and food containers. This is taking a toll on our environment, leading to severe consequences. World Refill Day encourages companies to address this issue and seek sustainable alternatives.

    The Body Shop is known for their commitment to sustainability. As part of their ongoing efforts, they have introduced a refill scheme for selected products, enabling customers to return their empty containers and have them refilled. This is not only promoting sustainable consumption in the beauty industry, which is typically known for single use waste, but also promotes a circular economy where resources are continually reused. By creating this refill scheme, the body shop encourages a responsible approach to product use.

    CanO Water, a UK company at the forefront of driving a positive change in the drinks industry and combating plastic waste. They have introduced a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic water bottles by making their products in aluminium cans. Unlike single-use plastic bottles, these cans can be easily recycled and repurposed.

    They are committed to sustainability and also support initiatives involving cleaning and preserving our oceans.

    Lush, a renowned cosmetics brand, is known for their sustainability with homemade and environmentally friendly products. They have nailed the use of packaging-free alternatives with innovative items like shampoo bars and solid shower gels.

    All their products come in reusable containers and are aimed at reducing plastic waste, therefore promoting sustainable consumption.

    Sainsbury’s and Co-op have become the first UK retailers to stock ‘The Hidden Sea’ and lend their support to its mission. For every bottle of wine they sell, they remove and recycle 10 plastic bottles from oceans and rivers. Their goal is to remove and recycle 1 billion single-use plastic bottles from the ocean by 2030.

    The glass wine bottles they use are also recyclable, their labels are laser-printed using water-based inks, and even their cartons are 100% recyclable.

    Bottle Up is yet another company making a change to the single-use water bottle industry. They have created a bottle that is entirely recyclable, made from renewable sugar cane plastic.

    These bottles can be reused again and again and come in a variety of snappy colours with stylish designs. They also prioritise sourcing their water from local areas to reduce transport and CO2.

    Flexi-Hex is a company driven by a mission to provide sustainable and innovative packaging solutions. It’s a honeycomb paper design that is designed to protect products and the planet, encouraging brands to turn toward recyclable and sustainable packaging for their products. They are paving the way for a sustainable future for the FMCG industry.

    By making these choices as consumers, such as opting for refillable products and supporting companies committed to reducing waste, we have the power to raise awareness and encourage other brands to follow suit. Hopefully this collective effort will lead to a more environmentally conscious change in the FMCG industry as a whole and drive for a positive change and greener future.

    What opportunities do you have available in the FMCG industry?

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  • Father’s Day Gift Guide

    Ultimate Father's Day Gift Guide

    Next Sunday is Father’s Day, so it’s time to celebrate the wonderful dads in our lives. Choosing the perfect gift can be quite a task, but we have curated a list of gift ideas that cater to all.

    Whether you’re shopping for your dad, grandad, or any other father figure, our list of ideas is here to help you in showing your appreciation. So go ahead and surprise them with one of these lovely presents!

    1. Best for the BBQ Lover

    If your dad loves a good BBQ, consider getting him a brand new toolkit to enhance his grilling skills. Take it a step further and buy him a personalised branding iron, you’ll be having BBQs for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
    Buy the tool kit from Menkind for £25, or a branding iron for £15!

    2. Best for the Sport Enthusiast

    For a novelty gift that you know he’ll actually use, consider getting him golf ball-embedded whisky glasses. Or surprise him with some ‘Do Not Disturb I’m Watching Football or Rugby’ novelty socks, adding a touch of humor to his game day attire.
    Buy the glass from Etsy for £18, or the socks from Amazon for £7!

    3. Best for the Tech Whiz

    If he’s a tech whiz or tends to be inaccessible due to always having a dead battery, consider gifting him a wireless charger. This practical and efficient device will keep his gadgets powered up without the hassle of tangled cords.
    Buy now from Amazon for £20!

    4. Best for the Movie Buff

    Is he a movie enthusiast who appreciates a good film? Why not surprise him with some hilarious and potentially practical merchandise from his favorite movie!
    Buy a thor’s hammer bottle opener from Menkind for £12!

    5. Best for the Laid-back Life

    If your dad prefers the laid-back approach to life, relaxing in front of the TV, a sofa organizer is a useful gift that can make both of your lives easier. Say goodbye to the hassle of searching for the remote control with this practical accessory.
    Buy now from a Place for Everything for £16!

    6. Best for the Joker

    For the dad who’s always cracking a pun, why not give him a book to inspire (or improve) his witty jokes? Alternatively, if you’d rather not encourage him, look into a book that can help him stop the puns!
    Buy the book from Urban Outfitters for £10!

    7. Best for the Nature Lover

    Relaxing in the garden is something all dads love, right? With a hammock, he can not only spend time in the garden but also unwind and chill out.
    Buy now from Hammock Giant starting at £50!

    8. Best for the Barman

    Those first steps towards his dream of a home bar include starting off with a small whiskey barrel. Alternatively, if you have a slightly bigger budget, why not look into a draft tap with his favorite beer? It will bring him closer to that dream setup!
    Buy the Whiskey Barrell from Menkind for £20!

    9. Best for the Sweet Tooth

    While chocolate remains a classic Father’s Day gift, why not venture into fun themed sweet treats? This Fish and Chip themed chocolate adds a delightful twist to the traditional treat and is sure to bring a smile to your dad’s face.
    Buy now from Gourmet Chocolate Pizza for £11!

    10. Best for the Still No Idea What to Buy

    If you’re still struggling for ideas, you can always stay safe with the classic ‘Dad’ mug. There are so many designs to choose from, or you can go a step further and personalise a mug with your own photos!
    Buy a Personalised Mug from Moonpig for £10!

    Thank you for taking the time to read our blog, we hope it can help you out in time for next weekend!

    If you are looking for a job within the FMCG industry!

    Check out our website to search our live job vacancies now!

    Or

    Get in touch for a chat so we can learn about you and what you want out of your career.
    ☎️ 0845 200 741
    📧 info@newchapter.co.uk

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  • The Importance of Culture Fit in FMCG...

    The Importance of Culture Fit in FMCG Recruitment

    In the fast-moving consumer goods industry (FMCG), recruiting and retaining top talent is crucial for success, especially in today’s competitive environment.

    Skills and qualifications are indeed extremely important when recruiting, but candidates’ values, morals, and behaviours have a huge impact on team dynamics. This is why company culture cannot be overlooked, and in this blog, we will explore why it matters in FMCG recruitment.

    If employees feel connected to the company, they are more likely to be motivated, passionate, and committed to their work performance. Most people like to feel valued in their role, and the sense of belonging increases job satisfaction.

    This not only saves time but also saves valuable money spent on recruiting and retraining new staff due to the increase in job satisfaction. A team that is passionate about the company values will also advocate for the brand, which will attract similar talent and have a positive impact on the reputation.

    A large aspect of the FMCG industry is collaboration, and hiring individuals who fit into the company culture creates a collaborative environment.

    This type of workplace setting promotes productivity as the team shares a common goal, making it easier to work together and collaborate on ideas.

    Similarly, innovation is crucial to the FMCG industry due to its fast pace of innovation and rapid change. When employees feel comfortable collaborating and regularly share ideas, it enables the business to remain agile and responsive to consumer trends.

    By encouraging diversity and collaboration, your brand can stay ahead of competition and tap into new market trends.

    Innovation

    Cultural fit is a significant part of the company’s brand identity, particularly in the FMCG industry where brand reputation is so important.

    Individuals who embody the values and reflect the image of the brand enhance consumers’ trust in the business. Both internal and external stakeholders value brand authenticity, and employees who follow these values continue to help build the company culture.

    Rapid responses and data-driven insights are critical in the FMCG industry, making effective decisions and problem-solving very important.

    When employees share the company culture, it means more individuals understand and participate in crucial business decisions with the same objectives. Having the same beliefs minimises conflict and promotes collaboration, enabling the company to make effective decisions quickly.

    Whilst FMCG industry skills and experience are undoubtedly very important, a good culture fit in FMCG recruitment is vital. Having a workforce that shares values, beliefs, and goals allows for a collaborative and productive environment. Prioritising cultural fit creates an environment where employees can thrive, thus reducing staff turnover and making savings on recruitment fees.

    If you are looking to hire within the FMCG & Retail industries, please get in touch. We prioritise cultural fit and take pride in helping both our clients and candidates find their dream roles/employees.

    If you would like to find out more about what the current candidates in the market are looking for in a business, take a look at our Salary Survey 2023.

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  • One to Watch This Summer: AKER

    One to Watch This Summer: AKER.

    AKER has been created in collaboration with Chapel Down, England’s leading wine producer, and Capreolus Distillery, a non-conformist spirits distiller. It is a wine-based modern English Aperitif that showcases the very best of what the land has to offer. Through its meticulous blend of locally sourced ingredients and an innovative distillation process, AKER has distilled acres of the English countryside into a single drop.

    AKER English Rosé

    At the heart of AKER lies their English rosé, crafted with Pinot Noir rosé wine sourced from one of Chapel Down’s finest Kent vineyards. This is then combined with wild-fermented eau de vie made from fresh raspberries in the Cotswolds. The result is a perfect aperitif, best enjoyed with soda or a light tonic, and a garnish of strawberries and fresh mint.

     

    AKER English Rosé, 75cl
    £35

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  • Supporting Your Employee’s Mental Health

    Supporting your Employees Mental Health

    Your employees should feel like they can trust you and openly discuss their mental health. If you understand that mental and physical health are of equal importance, fewer problems will occur.

    It is an ongoing critical issue for many companies, and their employees well-being directly impacts the company’s performance and, therefore, its success. In this blog, we will explore the strategies you can adopt to support their mental health.

    Create a Supportive Environment

    Making sure employees can discuss their mental health will be a huge contribution to a positive work environment. A kind and inclusive workplace can have a huge impact on productivity and mental health.

    Organising regular meetings between employees and their managers ensures that problems are not left undiscussed. You could also arrange training and workshops, and use incentives to recognise employees for their hard work. Educating your workforce can have a huge impact on the environment as employees will understand each other’s struggles.

    employees new chapter

    Offer Flexible Work Arrangements

    Flexible work arrangements allow for a healthy way for your employees to balance their work and personal life, either through remote work options or flexible leave policies.

    These policies help to reduce stress at work and also allow for higher staff retention, as employees are happier in their roles.

    Encourage Breaks and Self-Care

    People need breaks and self-care to avoid burnout and maintain their mental health. Promoting healthy habits, such as taking breaks during the workday, encouraging physical exercise with gym lunches, and offering mindfulness programs can help. You could also offer resources such as meditation apps and yoga classes.

    Support Your Team

    Your team of leaders should be approachable and available to encourage the team to speak up about problems.

    Management should be tailored to each individual, as some may prefer video, phone, or email communication. Accessible resources should also be offered, and employees should be informed about the resources available to them.

    Mental Health Insurance Coverage

    Be sure that your health insurance covers adequate support for mental health, including therapies such as massage therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic care, which can have both mental and physical benefits.

    As a company, you have a responsibility to support your employees’ mental health.
    By prioritising their mental health, you can improve employee engagement, productivity, and overall well-being, creating a happier workplace environment.

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  • Hottest Celebrity Drink Releases

    Hottest Celebrity Drink Releases

    It seems as though every celebrity now has their own branded beverage, and it’s making a splash in the drinks industry. From musicians to actors, many drinks companies are now celeb-backed or owned.

    In this blog, we have searched through (and tested) some of the top celebrity drink additions, so you don’t have to! Take a look at our top choices below…

    Wine and Prosecco

    Cameron Diaz | Avaline

    Cameron Diaz launched Avaline in the middle of the pandemic. It’s a clean white wine blend, made from organic Spanish grapes. Now with four other wines, rosé, red, and sparkling, it’s been a huge success. 

    Brad & Angie | Miraval

    Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie released their first bottle in 2013 after purchasing a French chateau named Miraval. Jolie sold her part in 2021, but Pitt is closely involved in the latest venuture, Champagne.

    Delevingne | Della Vite

    Sisters Chloe, Poppy and Cara Delevingne created Della Vite as a joint venture. A high quality sustainably produced and vegan prosecco. A balance of wild berry and tart rhubarb, with a long, fresh finish and creamy texture.

    Kylie Minogue | Provence Rose

    Kylie’s own wine brand launched in 2020, hitting huge success, now containing a range of nine wines. The rosé has become the top-selling wine in the UK category.

    Tequila

    Kendall Jenner | 818

    818 was released in 2021 and actually named after the models post code. Just before release they also anonymously won a bunch of major tasting awards, including Best Reposado Tequila and Best Añejo Tequila.

    The Rock | Teremana Tequila

    Dwayne Johnson released his Teremana Tequila, which went on to win Gold for its Reposado expression and a Master medal for its Blanco. Suited best to margarita-makingwith a rich, smooth flavour after being simmered in artisan copper stills.

    Other Spirits

    Emma Watson | Renais

    Emma Watson and her brother Alex Watson have just released a new gin, inspired by childhood trips to their family’s vineyard. 

    Renais’ base spirit is made with ‘up-cycled’ grapes and has made use of solar-powered stills at the distillery, and biodegradable mushroom packaging, to keep sustainability at the forefront of the brand.

    Ryan Reynolds | Aviation

    Reynolds’ endorsed Aviation in 2018 and became Co-Owner and Brand Ambassador.

    “I’ve tried every gin on the planet and Aviation is, hands down, the best. Also, I don’t recommend trying every gin on the planet. Stick with this one.” – Ryan Reynolds

    Jay Z | D'usse

    Jay-Z sold a bottle of his cognac for an incredible 52,500 dollars. Of course, that’s not the normal price of a bottle, this one was just signed.

    The cognac is naturally aged for a minimum of four years, with powerful woody notes, alongside cinnamon and floral touches.

    If you’re looking for your next role in the drinks industry, take a look at our current vacancies now!

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  • Coronation Food and Drink Launches

    Coronation Food and Drink Launches

    It’s King Charles’ Coronation this Saturday, and any royal event is the perfect excuse to grab some snacks. Many brands have already released themed hampers, and limited edition products.

    Read on for our favourite picks of the 2023 Coronation Food and Drinks Launches.

    Coronation

    Whittard Regal Blend

    Fancy a Coronation cuppa? Whittard’s regal blend is available now; it’s a rich loose leaf black tea blended with Madagascan vanilla and red, white, and blue petals.

    £9.50 Whittard

    Coronation Colin

    It’s a spin on the classic Colin The Caterpillar, and it wouldn’t be a special occasion without one! He’s adorned in his very own golden crown, making him the perfect addition to your afternoon tea or a street party celebrations.

    £10 M&S 

    Colin the Caterpillar
    Coronation Sausages

    HECK Coronation Chicken Sausages

    Many people are choosing to have a BBQ this bank holiday weekend, and there’s a huge selection of street parties to attend! HECK has created a new Coronation Chicken recipe to honour the occasion, and it’s completely gluten-free as well!

    £2.50 Ocado

    Bakewell Tart Popcorn

    Joe and Seph’s have combined the classic British treat, a Bakewell Tart, with the perfect celebratory snack, popcorn. It’s an ideal sweet trat to enjoy while watching the Coronation!

    £4 Joe and Seph’s

    Popcorn
    Buckingham Palace gin

    Buckingham Palace Dry Gin

    A gin made with hand-picked botanicals from the gardens at Buckingham Palace, indluding hawthorn berries and lemon verbena. It doesn’t get more fitting than this!.

    £40 Master of Malt

    TipTree Coronation Mayonnaise

    Make some cute Coronation sandwiches, dip your crisps or make a potato salad for this weekend with this limited edition mayo.

    £2.99 TipTree

    Coronatin Mayo
    Coronation crisps

    Sensations Regal Crisps

    Walkers Sensations have released two limited-edition flavours just in time for this weekend. If you’ve ever wanted roast lamb without the cooking, try their Regal Lamb and Mint crisps. Or, if you’d prefer a ‘better’ version of a prawn cocktail crisp, get your hands on their King Prawn Cocktail flavour too.

    £2 each Tesco

    Coronation Ale

    Crack open a cold bottle of ale to celebrate this weekend. This deep, rich ale with toasty notes is brewed in Dorset using British noble Sovereign and Endeavour hops.

    £2.50 Sainbury’s

    Coronation Ale
    Coronation Gin

    Whitley Neill Coronation Gin

    G&T is a classic bank holiday drink, so why not try a special limited edition themed gin this weekend.

    £30 The Drop Store

    Tyrrells Coronation Chicken Crisps

    With a cute Coronation-themed design, Tyrrell’s coronation chicken crisps have made a return!

    £2.75 Waitrose

    Coronation Chicken Crisps

    Here at New Chapter, we work with plenty of the brands on this list and many more.
    If you’re looking for your next role in the FMCG industry, take a look at our current vacancies now!

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  • Top Brands Helping to Combat Food Waste

    National Stop Food Waste Day

    Food waste is a major problem in the UK, with an estimated 9.5 million tonnes of food being thrown away each year. It’s crazy to think that around a third of the food produced on Earth goes to waste — either it gets thrown away or goes bad!

    Today is National Food Waste Day and we have compiled a list of brands that are doing their part to help tackle this issue.

    Too Good To Go is an app that was launched in 2016. The app connects customers with restaurants and supermarkets, who have surplus food at the end of the day. It helps businesses make extra sales, turning that wastage into leftover produce. This app helps stop food wastage and helps consumers save money too, on cheaper meals. 

    Rubies in the Rubble are a condiment brand that uses ingredients that would otherwise go to waste – not because they taste any different, but often because they’re the wrong shape, size or colour. 

    Their ketchups and relishes are made with fresh fruit & veg, directly from farms. As well as their mayo being made with aquafaba, which is a plant-based alternative to eggs.

    Larger companies are also making efforts to reduce their environmental impact, with Tesco committing to reducing food waste by 50% by 2023. They have implemented initiatives such as selling ‘wonky’ produce at discounted prices and donating their surplus to local food charities.

    So far Tesco has reduced overall food waste in their operations by 45% since 2016/17. Just 0.35% of the food handled across the Group in 2021/22 ended up as waste.

    Of course organisations such as food banks also play a critical role in reducing wastage and helping those in need. The largest food bank network in the UK is The Trussell Trust.

    They provide emergency food and support to people in crisis. In addition to distributing food to those in need, the organization also works to reduce food waste by partnering with local businesses to collect surplus food and redistribute it to those who need it most.

    What opportunities do you have available in the FMCG industry?

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  • How to: become an FMCG National Account...

    How to become an FMCG National Account Manager

    Do you want a career change, or have you always wanted to be a national account manager?
    We have compiled a guide with answers to popular questions from our top FMCG consultants, Arbrie Hoxha and Rachael Carver. 

    What is a national account manager and what do they do?

    An FMCG national account manager (NAM) is a responsible for managing the relationship between the company and its major accounts such as large supermarket chains.

    They ensure sales targets are met and to develop strategies that help maintain and grow business relationships.

    What qualifications do you need to become a NAM?

    Most National Account Managers have a degree in business, marketing, or a related field. The most essential thing is having experience in sales and account management. Arbrie shares with you her 5 top skills she looks for in a NAM…

    Strong experience managing a P&L and accurate forecasting.  

    Strong experience creating joint business plans and negotiating and implementing CPI’s (cost price increases).

    Examples of delivering tangible results. How have you unlocked opportunities, saved the business money or driven profitability.

    Experience of being customer facing as your role will involve communicating and influencing retailers.

    Mix of experience in account management and winning new business.

    What are the key responsibilities of an FMCG National Account Manager?

    The key responsibilities of a National Account Manager include developing and maintaining relationships with key accounts, negotiating sales and promotions, managing budgets and sales forecasts, and analyzing market trends and data.

    What are the biggest trends in the FMCG industry?

    Becoming a B corp and a focus on sustainability is huge at the moment.

    There is a big push from retailers to drive value to the customer- for example Tesco are doing Aldi price match so FMCG clients are having to show that they are also aligned with driving value. Own label is flying versus branded, particularly as customers are trying to save pennies.

    What skills are required to be an FMCG National Account Manager?

    To be an effective FMCG National Account Manager, you need strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills. You should also have a good understanding of the FMCG industry and be able to analyze data and identify trends.

    How much does an FMCG National Account Manager earn?

    You can have a look at jobs on our website or use our FMCG Salary Survey to find more. Make sure to sign up to our mailing list to get the first release of the 2023 edition.

    What are the most common NAM interview questions?

    Our Director – Consumer, Rachael Carver, says it is crucial to prepare answers to these three questions…

    What opportunities do you have available now?

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  • Managing Stress | Top Tips

    Managing Stress

    Stress is a natural response to the demands of life, and while it can be normal and motivating, excessive stress can have negative effects on your wellbeing. This blog is focused on stress awareness, and our team have shared their personal techniques on how they manage it.

    What is Stress?

    When faced with a demand or threat, our bodies naturally respond by releasing stress hormones like adrenaline, causing an increase heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate. While this can be beneficial in the short term, chronic stress can lead to negative impacts on both physical and mental health, including anxiety, depression, and heart disease.

    Understanding the significance of stress awareness is crucial to effectively managing it. If you know the symptoms and triggers, you can take the right steps to reduce it. Our consultants have shared their go-to approaches and advice.

    "It’ll be okay in the end and if it’s not okay it’s not the end."
    Adrian Dalby
    Founder & CEO

    Dog walk & Podcast

    Nicky McHale
    I love to put on a podcast and taking the dog for a walk! (We have left some podcast suggestions below)

    Chamomile

    Katie O'Leary
    I suggest making chamomile tea, it’s a known stress and anxiety relief with soothing properties!

    Morning Routine

    Katie Leuw
    Instead of reaching for my phone first thing in the morning to check social media or email, I start by opening my curtains, brushing my teeth, and feeding my cat.

    Gym

    Cristy Jennings
    I think going to the gym is so beneficial to manage stress. The gym can help bump up the production of your brain's feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins.

    Yoga

    Hannah Bugler
    My go to is doing some yoga to relax or a facemask in the evening would be a good way to relax.

    Relax with friends

    Charli Harris
    Going to the gym or a chatting through thoughts with friends over a glass of wine is my go-to’s after a stressful day!

    Podcast Suggestions

    Stress is normal, and to manage it you need to have a natural balance and prioritise selfcare, and how to reduce this by setting boundaries!

    If you are struggling with stress in your current role, why not consider finding a new one. Our consultants are happy to have a chat, or you can look through our vacancies below!

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