#OnShelf: No smokes, no drinks and now no Chocolate Log…

by Louise Burgers. I knew masks would soon become a fashion item in our new apocalyptic world as Champion turns to making masks for the youth. And of course, with hygiene at the top of our agendas, Plascon has brought out some interesting new products for medical facilities. But the story of the week goes to Nestle for adding to the sh*tshow that is 2020 – the year that just keeps on taking away – by announcing it was discontinuing Chocolate Log and other brands.

SchoolMedia distributes Champion masks

Youth marketing agency SchoolMedia has secured the rights to distribute popular sportswear brand, Champion’s facemasks in South Africa, after wearing facemasks was declared compulsory for all South Africans leaving home. Champion, a well-known, sought after, international clothing brand specialising in sportswear, is heeding the call by producing high quality, triple layered face masks. These face masks are aimed at the youth. “As a company active in the youth market, much of our business is centred around activations. Of course, this is impossible now. Among other actions we have taken to pivot the business and our offerings, this is one such move,” said Khethi Ngwenya, entrepreneur and CEO of SchoolMedia. “Prior to COVID-19, we assisted Champion with marketing and building the brand in South Africa. The distribution of the masks now is a progression of that.” Suitable for the whole family, these masks are machine washable and reusable and come in vibrant colours and designs. They are 100% locally produced and are made with flat elastic material for maximum comfort and ease. The masks can be purchased through the Champion pop up store.

Plascon releases new products to aid medical responses

Plascon has two product lines suitable for use in the healthcare sector that contain a multitude of properties designed for environments where infection control and anti-microbial performance are essential. The first is Plascon Professional Hygiene Low Sheen, which uses Biodefence silver technology which actively inhibits microbial growth between cleanings; promotes a more hygienic environment; and helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination via painted surfaces. It also eliminates up to 99.9% of E.coli bacteria and provides proven protection against other harmful bacteria with low VOC, excellent washability and stain resistance. It will withstand repeated cleaning cycles and maintain its antibacterial effectiveness for its full lifetime.

Plascon’s parent company, Kansai Paint Japan, has successfully converted the Shikkui plaster finish into a paint finish it has named Kansai Shiquy Paint, and has made this innovation available to Plascon Professional customers. Dating back 1300 years, Shikkui is a traditional Japanese plaster that is used as a protective method when infections develop. The benefits of Shiquy include an antiviral effect, the elimination of odours, humidity control and air purification. The benefits of the Kansai Shiquy Paint are upheld in a thin film finish, which can be applied onto various surfaces. The product will be imported by Plascon on request. I wonder if it can be used in children’s bedrooms?

Logging customer complaints

Seriously Nestlé, hasn’t 2020 done its worst already? Now you have to take away some of our favourite chocolates too. It’s not enough the Government takes away our smokes and our drinks? All we had left was chocolate. According to Nestlé South Africa, Nestle Chocolate Log, Nestle Bar One Peanut, Nestle Milkybar Peanut, and Milky Bar Double will not be returning to shelves from August 2020. The are also pack size changes for some of their other ranges.

I don’t care that Chocolate Log got smaller and the price got higher, it is one of the favourites in our household. A cheaper version of Sweetie Pies – which incidentally we like so much in our family, that my daughter named her cat Sweetie-Pie. True story.

Louise Burgers (previously Marsland) is the Publisher and Editor and Co-Founder of RetailingAfrica.com. She has spent over 20 years writing about the FMCG retailing, marketing, media and advertising industry in South Africa and on the African continent. She has specialised in local and Africa consumer trends and is a passionate Afro-optimist who believes it is Africa’s time to rise again and that the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) will be a global gamechanger in the next decade.

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