There are a number of public affairs issues which hold lessons beyond their immediate impacts. One of these currently is a debate in Europe and North America about the ability of certain chemicals to disrupt human hormone systems. Read more…
Archive for the ‘Consumer Goods’ Category
Endocrine disruptors – where are we headed and what can we learn?
Wednesday, July 18th, 2012The next sweet spot: lessons from the sugar tax
Friday, June 15th, 2012The ongoing policy debate about sugar tax is an interesting case study for many sectors. Governments are short of cash and are looking for victims. How do you ensure you escape their clutches? Read more….
Risky Business
Friday, October 1st, 2010One of the issues that the European Union institutions and the environmental pressure groups have spent many thousands of hours arguing over is risk. The long-running campaign against “gender bender chemicals”, the huge furore across Europe concerning genetically modified food, trans fats, alcohol, salt, the list grows ever longer.Read more…
“Slippery Slope” or “Weakest Link”: Political Triage
Friday, September 17th, 2010Where a product or position is becoming the focus of public outrage, is it wiser to defend it vigorously or drop it speedily? Read more…
Defending the Weakest Link: the Alcohol Industry
Friday, August 20th, 2010The alcohol production industry across Europe has a problem. With each passing year its “license to operate” is being whittled away as the industry alienates some of the most important groups in society. Read more…
Wal-Mart, Tesco and Sustainability… Questions for Suppliers to Retailers…
Friday, December 4th, 2009Whenever a large retailer begins putting pressure on you, the suppliers, to meet increasingly high environmental standards, chances are that your industry is already changing. The next step is for you to begin asking some questions and adopt an appropriate strategy. Retailers help their business by helping the environment. What will you do? Read more…
Wal-Mart, Tesco and Sustainability
Friday, November 27th, 2009It used to be that the term “regulation” was automatically associated with “government”. The state was considered the sole responsible and capable enforcer of new rules on industries. This is no more. Consider the new player on the regulatory block – retailers… Read more…
We All Stand Together
Friday, June 5th, 2009When will your trade association split on an issue? An old story in the US goes like this: Two hikers meet in the woods and begin to walk together. Later, as they enter a clearing, they see, a few hundred yards away, a bear. Worse, the bear has seen them.As quick as a flash, one [...]
Retailers as Gatekeepers
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009Winning the regulatory battle, losing the war Gatekeeper theory in issues management: retailers and brand owners. When a particular product or business practice comes under question, the most obvious part of the threat is that the product or practice will be banned by legislators or regulators. Many companies understand this part of the threat better, [...]
