For any and all that are interested, click here to see the story that broke on Sky News.
Now that's some bad PR!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
#Habitat
As the hype and frenzy surrounding the micro-blogging site twitter continues to escalate, increasing numbers of people and businesses are looking to take the plunge.
It’s therefore quite interesting to see that there are still plenty of warnings that, brands in particular, must adhere to and be wary of. While still in it’s relative infancy, Social media and the way marketers use it, require probably more thought and planning than any other form of marketing we undertake. We all know the obvious pitfalls that accompany a product launch, an ad campaign or a media event, but do we truly understand the do’s and don’ts of social media, and more importantly the consequences of failure.
One brand that got a recent lesson, is Habitat.
Habitat were using their Twitter profile to offer promotions, capture data, and keep followers up to date with news from the brand – nothing wrong with that I hear you cry. However the mistake Habitat made, was in their abuse of hash tags (#). Hash tags signify topics within a tweet, so people searching Twitter for a specific topic get relevant posts. And so in their infinite wisdom, Habitat decided to attach things like #Iran and #iPhone to tweets about a gift card promotion. Bad Idea.
Not only did Twitter users slam Habitat, but also the story broke across mainstream news as a result.
So beware, there are fantastic rewards on offer for brands that effectively use social media, just don’t dive in without proper planning expertise. The results can be catastrophic.
It’s therefore quite interesting to see that there are still plenty of warnings that, brands in particular, must adhere to and be wary of. While still in it’s relative infancy, Social media and the way marketers use it, require probably more thought and planning than any other form of marketing we undertake. We all know the obvious pitfalls that accompany a product launch, an ad campaign or a media event, but do we truly understand the do’s and don’ts of social media, and more importantly the consequences of failure.
One brand that got a recent lesson, is Habitat.
Habitat were using their Twitter profile to offer promotions, capture data, and keep followers up to date with news from the brand – nothing wrong with that I hear you cry. However the mistake Habitat made, was in their abuse of hash tags (#). Hash tags signify topics within a tweet, so people searching Twitter for a specific topic get relevant posts. And so in their infinite wisdom, Habitat decided to attach things like #Iran and #iPhone to tweets about a gift card promotion. Bad Idea.
Not only did Twitter users slam Habitat, but also the story broke across mainstream news as a result.
So beware, there are fantastic rewards on offer for brands that effectively use social media, just don’t dive in without proper planning expertise. The results can be catastrophic.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Carrots at dawn!
Carrots boiled whole before being cut up are better at fighting cancer and are tastier than when they are sliced before being cooked, a study has shown.
Quite why we needed a study to tell us this is beyond me, however it is nice to know how to maximise my carrot based nutrition.
We all know that carrots don’t actually help us see in the dark, that was a fiendish little myth made up by Blighty to keep the Germans knowing we had radar during WWII.
However this myth has continued to do the rounds as parents tell their children in hope they can see better in the dark, I am pretty sure I was once duped by my parents, although I don’t know how this new idea will go down at the council of children…!
Quite why we needed a study to tell us this is beyond me, however it is nice to know how to maximise my carrot based nutrition.
We all know that carrots don’t actually help us see in the dark, that was a fiendish little myth made up by Blighty to keep the Germans knowing we had radar during WWII.
However this myth has continued to do the rounds as parents tell their children in hope they can see better in the dark, I am pretty sure I was once duped by my parents, although I don’t know how this new idea will go down at the council of children…!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Sell By Date
It has come out today that environment minister Hilary Benn wants to see the abandonment of sell-by-dates. It will apparently save the 18 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, as every year we the public throw away £10 billion of edible food, £400 per family.
Sell-by-dates are something that have become noticeably shorter over the past few years, on the basis that supermarkets and stores and worried about selling out of date, or produce which is not 100%, and being sued.
I can not really see how this is going to help, because for all the cash a family saves on not buying a new pot of cream, they will spend double on suing someone for gross negligence, food poisoning, or loss of work et al.
So I say lets keep the sell by dates, its safer, and more to the point, when customers go out to eat, they will be safe in the knowledge the food they are eating is ‘in date’, and so more willing to eat out.
Sell-by-dates are something that have become noticeably shorter over the past few years, on the basis that supermarkets and stores and worried about selling out of date, or produce which is not 100%, and being sued.
I can not really see how this is going to help, because for all the cash a family saves on not buying a new pot of cream, they will spend double on suing someone for gross negligence, food poisoning, or loss of work et al.
So I say lets keep the sell by dates, its safer, and more to the point, when customers go out to eat, they will be safe in the knowledge the food they are eating is ‘in date’, and so more willing to eat out.
Friday, June 5, 2009
'Tis the season to be a cow
Recent reports have come out telling us all about Marcello Bedoni singing to some cows. This rouse was thought up by Antonio Federici who, as part of the re-launch for his 100 year old ice cream brand. His reasoning, apparently ‘singing to cows makes the milk taste better’.
Not to be out done, Really Welsh Ltd have decided a range of patriotic ice creams were needed for their re-launch, cue Swirley Bassey. A female impersonator dressed up and sung to the cows, I am guessing to make the ice cream taste better.
Whether or not it makes the ice cream taste better is a matter of debate, something my stomach and I will hotly research for you don’t worry, however, if you do live near any of our bovine friends, and you see someone singing opera to them, don’t be alarmed, it’s all for a better glass of milk…!
Not to be out done, Really Welsh Ltd have decided a range of patriotic ice creams were needed for their re-launch, cue Swirley Bassey. A female impersonator dressed up and sung to the cows, I am guessing to make the ice cream taste better.
Whether or not it makes the ice cream taste better is a matter of debate, something my stomach and I will hotly research for you don’t worry, however, if you do live near any of our bovine friends, and you see someone singing opera to them, don’t be alarmed, it’s all for a better glass of milk…!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
The summer just got a little less British
Sad news from the newspapers today, An award-winning strawberry farm has been forced to close down its pick-your-own fields after 40 years because its insurance company is demanding handrails are installed on drainage ditches and cordons placed around potholes.
I remember going to the fields and enjoying a PYO session, getting out in the fresh air and having fun with the family.
Whilst we often complain about political correctness or health and safety ‘gone mad’, it is more a sad event that families can not go out together and pick some of their own fruit. And whilst we live in a ‘must have now’ society, our last few family ‘days out’ are being spoilt, I don’t think family trips to Sainsbury’s are quite as fun, they have proved rather more stressful before.
I remember going to the fields and enjoying a PYO session, getting out in the fresh air and having fun with the family.
Whilst we often complain about political correctness or health and safety ‘gone mad’, it is more a sad event that families can not go out together and pick some of their own fruit. And whilst we live in a ‘must have now’ society, our last few family ‘days out’ are being spoilt, I don’t think family trips to Sainsbury’s are quite as fun, they have proved rather more stressful before.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
A Mars a day...
The size of Mars and Snickers chocolate bars has shrunk by more than seven per cent over the last year as the company tries to cut costs, and all this whilst the cost stays the same.
This sticky predicament for consumers will leave them more out of pocket than ever before, however, if they have cut the equivalent salt and sugar levels by the same seven per cent, then not all is lost. You will be ever so less portly than two years ago.
Yet if you and I were to reduce our output by seven per cent, as were everyone else over the course of the year a lot less work would be done. And Mars’ famous strap line was ‘A Mars a day helps you work, rest and play’ means that in actuality, you are working seven per cent less, resting seven per cent less and playing seven per cent less, a total of 21 per cent less a day.
I hope you all enjoy your extra time a day…
This sticky predicament for consumers will leave them more out of pocket than ever before, however, if they have cut the equivalent salt and sugar levels by the same seven per cent, then not all is lost. You will be ever so less portly than two years ago.
Yet if you and I were to reduce our output by seven per cent, as were everyone else over the course of the year a lot less work would be done. And Mars’ famous strap line was ‘A Mars a day helps you work, rest and play’ means that in actuality, you are working seven per cent less, resting seven per cent less and playing seven per cent less, a total of 21 per cent less a day.
I hope you all enjoy your extra time a day…
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Craft Guild of Chef Awards 2009
I attended the coveted Craft Guild of Chefs awards last night and a jolly good time was had by all. Great to catch up with so many industry faces all positive about the times ahead and once again the event proved an inspirational showcase of the industry’s culinary talent. A personal congrats to Dennis Mwakulua – well overdue and completely deserved and Simon Stocker a worthy winner of the education chef award…big congratulation hugs to both of you.
Heston deservedly, if not slightly prematurely, won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the ripe old age of 43…but then hey what else is there left for this awesome culinary genius to achieve? And as ever his acceptance was personable and gracious…he really does bring a bit a ‘cool’ to our industry.
And the answer is ‘yes I am’ for those of you who may have been wondering…the food was good but I didn’t indulge that much.
Heston deservedly, if not slightly prematurely, won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the ripe old age of 43…but then hey what else is there left for this awesome culinary genius to achieve? And as ever his acceptance was personable and gracious…he really does bring a bit a ‘cool’ to our industry.
And the answer is ‘yes I am’ for those of you who may have been wondering…the food was good but I didn’t indulge that much.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Hot Profits...
When I was out and about this weekend, there were many smells that were swirling about the atmosphere, but none more prominent or evocative than a barbecue.
One of the most recognisable and popular smells of the summer, for many this is the highlight of summer.
This is one of the most profitable opportunities of the summer for publicans, so make sure that the local communities and passers by can smell it.
Make the most of the sporting events taking place during the summer, The Ashes series, Twenty20 World Cup, Wimbledon and U-21 European Championships are just a few events that will get people out.
Make sure they know you are holding a barbecue or alfresco dining, have sporting competitions or prize to be won all of which will make the predicted hot summer yield hot profits.
One of the most recognisable and popular smells of the summer, for many this is the highlight of summer.
This is one of the most profitable opportunities of the summer for publicans, so make sure that the local communities and passers by can smell it.
Make the most of the sporting events taking place during the summer, The Ashes series, Twenty20 World Cup, Wimbledon and U-21 European Championships are just a few events that will get people out.
Make sure they know you are holding a barbecue or alfresco dining, have sporting competitions or prize to be won all of which will make the predicted hot summer yield hot profits.
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