Just Eat & Autotrader Fake Reviews

 

Food delivery giant Just Eat and motoring site Autotrader are among five firms being investigated as part of a probe into fake and misleading online reviews by the UK's competition watchdog. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which is also investigating reviews site Feefo, funeral firm Dignity and Pasta Evangelists, is looking at whether they have broken consumer law. The investigation will focus on how reviews are obtained, moderated and presented to customers. Online reviews influence billions of pounds of spending each year, yet many consumers worry about misleading content online. Under new powers announced in 2024 the CMA can fine firms for violating consumer law, without needing to go through the courts. While the CMA is investigating the five businesses, it said it had "not reached any conclusions about whether consumer law has been broken". With household budgets under pressure, people need to know they're getting genuine information – not reviews or star-ratings that have been manipulated to push them towards the wrong choice.

BBQ - How much do other customer reviews influence your purchase?

Fake Reviews

Huel bought by Danone for €1bn

 

The British meal supplement maker Huel is being bought by Danone for €1bn (£864m). Founded in Buckinghamshire in 2014, Huel is best known for its shake powder, which it says is a nutritionally complete replacement for a regular meal. Its investors include actor Idris Elba and broadcaster Jonathan Ross. It has since expanded its range to include ready meals, nutrition bars, and health drinks, all of which are plant based. The company has previously got into hot water with the UK advertising watchdog, which has banned some of its adverts for making "misleading" claims. One such advert made misleading claims about the cost savings associated with replacing a normal diet with meal replacement shakes, the watchdog said. Huel (a portmanteau of "human" and "fuel") products are mostly sold direct to consumer, with some sales from shops and supermarkets, but it said the Danone deal would allow it to expand into new markets. The market for so-called complete nutrition products, aimed at time-poor, health-conscious consumers, is thought to be worth $5.9bn (£4.4bn). The deal is subject to closing conditions including regulatory approval. Danone is best known for its yoghurt drinks – in addition to its Danone-branded drinks, it also owns Actimel, Activia and Alpro.

BBQ - Is this a good deal for Danone?

Danone

Minecraft World

 
A Minecraft world is set to open at Chessington World of Adventures in 2027. The attraction, which is officially called "Minecraft World", will be the first of its kind in the world, based entirely on the game. For anyone who hasn't played, Minecraft is a video game where players explore block-shaped worlds, build structures and go on adventures. As of last year it has sold more than 350 million copies and is the best‑selling video game of all time.The new Minecraft World will aim to bring parts of the game into real life, including its environments, known as "biomes", and its creatures, called "mobs". Visitors to the theme park, based in south-west London, will be able to try several new attractions. These include a rollercoaster described as a "world-first Minecraft coaster", as well as interactive activities and play areas built to look like the game. There will also be themed shops and places to eat. But all of that isn't cheap, the project is expected to cost £50 million to create. Theme park operator, Merlin entertainments described it as one of their "most ambitious theme park developments in recent years".

BBQ - How do you think they made this decision to go for Minecraft?

Minecraft World

Joybuy Launches in UK

A Chinese online retailer that is seeking to challenge the likes of Amazon is launching in the UK. JD.com announced its new Joybuy platform will run from distribution sites in Milton Keynes and Luton. The company sells technology, home appliances, beauty products, homewares and groceries. The move comes after the £30bn e-commerce firm pulled out of talks to buy Currys in 2024 and Argos last year. US and Hong-Kong listed JD.com is China's largest retailer by revenue. It said it would offer next-day delivery to about 17 million UK households from its launch. Bosses said the business planned to establish itself in the UK for "a long time" and they believed a combination of its product range, value and convenience would entice new customers. Matthew Nobbs, managing director of Joybuy UK, said the firm was confident about its growth prospects in the country. The company is simultaneously launching in six new European markets, with the others being Germany, the Netherlands, France, Belgium and Luxembourg.

BBQ - Is it possible for Joybuy to rival Amazon?

JoyBuy

Bentley Workers 'shocked and angry' at Job Cuts

Workers at luxury car maker Bentley have been left shocked and angry after the firm announced up to 275 job losses, a union has said. The manufacturer, based in Crewe, Cheshire, confirmed the cuts after it saw its operating profits fall to £187m in 2025 - a 42% drop when compared to 2024. Bentley said it was part of "overall efficiency activities", which would affect management, agency and non-manufacturing employees, but investment would continue at its Pyms Lane site. Karen Lewis, regional officer at the GMB union, told BBC Radio Stoke: "[The workers] are very shocked but also quite angry as well." She said the company was one of the biggest employers in the area, with people commuting from Liverpool and further afield to work there. "People are obviously upset and angry because they see the bonuses that have been paid to managers over the years," she said. Lewis said the industry had "taken a beating" since the Covid pandemic and it had also been affected by US President Donald Trump's tariffs. "But the rich are still buying cars," she added, "and it's our members, the workforce, who are still working day-in, day-out to create these luxury cars. So this has come as a big shock." Bentley chief executive and chairman Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser said the company was investing in its factory "at unprecedented levels", but needed to make "some difficult decisions" to ensure its long-term competitiveness. "I want to express my sincere appreciation to those affected - we are committed to supporting each individual with care, guidance and assistance throughout this transition," he added.

BBQ - How will these job cuts impact motivation for the remaining workforce?

Bentley

KFC Pickle Menu

The nation has gone pickle-mad, and KFC is officially giving them their moment to shine. From 23rd March, KFC is launching a full-on Pickle takeover across restaurants nationwide – dialling up the tang, the crunch and the briny goodness for four weeks only. This is not a polite little gherkin on the side.It’s pickles in their main-character era, paired with KFC’s iconic fried chicken – a match made in heaven. Straight from your For You Page to your cup, the Pickle Pepsi Max taps into the viral pickle-drink obsession. Served with a side of pickle juice, you can mix in as much as you like for a fizzy, customisable mash-up. Big on crunch, tang and full-on flavour, the takeover is all about giving pickle fans exactly what they’ve been craving. And the timing couldn’t be better. The UK is currently in the grip of full-size pickle-mania. On TikTok, #pickles has racked up billions of views, fuelling viral taste tests, fried-pickle hacks, pickle juice shots and chaotic kitchen experiments. 

BBQ - Will this viral pickle menu be a success for KFC or a gimmick?

KFC Pickle

Environmental Nappy

Globally, its estimated that 300,000 disposable nappies are sent to landfill or incinerated every minute, leading to environmental issues as many contain plastics and synthetic materials and can take hundreds of years to decompose. While there's sustainable alternatives such as washable nappies, the effort and cost limits how widely they're used. Over the years many start-ups have marketed greener alternatives to disposable nappies. Can the latest make an impression? Texas-based company Hiro Technologies has created unbleached disposable diapers that comes with a packet of fungi which is added to the used diaper when it's ready to be thrown away. The fungi are able to break down and digest the diaper over time, says co-founder Miki Agrawa, who started the brand after being shocked by how many nappies her son was going through. The diapers cost $136 (£100) for a month's supply, though there is a subscription price of $199. That's significantly more than regular disposables, which are estimated to cost cost around $70 a month.Is the price out of range for most parents? Price tags aside, Sonali Jagadev, senior research analyst at Euromonitor, says progress in creating a more innovative and sustainable nappy remains slow and uneven due to several factors including high production costs and supply chain constraints. And, of course, there are consumer priorities. "Parents continue to prioritise performance, hygiene and convenience over sustainability, meaning brands take a risk if greener solutions compromise any of these core expectations."

BBQ - Do you think there will ever be enough demand for a sustainable nappy?

Hiro Nappies

, externalto cost around $70 a m

Denby Appoint Adiministrators

 

Derbyshire’s historic pottery firm Denby, which has been producing ceramics for more than two centuries, has announced plans to appoint administrators, describing the move as a precautionary step taken in response to mounting financial pressures. The company explained that rapidly rising energy costs and increasing employment expenses have placed significant strain on its operations, prompting it to seek short‑term protection while options for securing the business’s future are explored. Despite its long heritage and established reputation, Denby stated that these escalating costs have “squeezed the business financially,” making the decision necessary to stabilise the company as it evaluates potential funding or restructuring solutions. Union representatives have described the situation as a “worrying time” for workers, while local political figures have urged for urgent support — particularly in tackling high industrial energy costs — to help safeguard the future of this iconic British ceramics brand

BBQ - What would the impact be on different stakeholders if Denby closed?

Denby Administrators

John Lewis Bring Back Bonus

 

John Lewis is awarding its staff a bonus for the first time in four years as the retailer continues its turnaround. The partnership, which operates the eponymous department store chain and Waitrose supermarkets, said underlying profits had grown during its last financial year. The 2% bonus, equivalent to an extra week's pay, will be the first its staff have received since 2022. It was scrapped during the Covid pandemic when the business underwent a major revamp which included shutting shops and cutting jobs. Looking ahead, John Lewis said it remained "cautious" for the current year but was in a stronger position financially "to navigate the challenging macroeconomic environment". The latest results show the business reported a pre-tax loss of £21m, due to £120m worth of one-off costs which mainly related to write-downs in the value of old tech systems. But underlying profits rose 6% to £134m. Sales across the business rose by 5% to £13.4bn. Sales growth was higher at Waitrose compared to John Lewis. Supermarket sales grew by 7% to £8.5bn in the year to the end of January compared to a 3% increase to £4.9bn at its department stores.

BBQ - Is a bonus the best way of motivating staff?

John Lewis Bonus

Poppeggs!

Valeo Foods UK has announced the launch of Poppeggs, a new seasonal chocolate product under its Poppets brand, arriving in stores for Easter 2026. Poppeggs were designed to meet growing shopper demand for affordable, smaller-format seasonal treats, suitable for multiple occasions including snacking, sharing and gifting. The product’s straightforward format and familiar taste profile make it an easy, low-risk addition to the Easter aisle. Available in an 80g bag (£1.50 RRP), Poppeggs sit firmly within the mainstream Easter chocolate price bracket, offering strong value compared with similar solid chocolate products. The format supports impulse purchase as well as family sharing, helping retailers maximise basket spend across the seasonal period. The launch reflects continued growth in shareable and value-led seasonal confectionery, particularly as shoppers remain price-conscious. Marketing support will focus on in-store visibility, seasonal aisle activation and retailer digital channels, supported by light social activity to drive awareness and footfall. 

BBQ - With a price almost one third cheaper than Cadburys will people switch brand?

Poppets

Aston Martin Must Adapt

It is the firm famed for making the car James Bond drives, but its history has been almost as turbulent as some of the adventures of the Ian Fleming hero. Aston Martin confirmed this week it would be cutting a fifth of its workforce, after the firm's net losses jumped by more than 50% last year. Bosses at the luxury car firm blamed its woes on US president Donald Trump's tariffs in a statement made last month. Experts believe Aston Martin, which is headquartered in Gaydon, Warwickshire, was particularly susceptible to those headwinds but believed there were opportunities for its fortunes to be revived once again. Its troubles come at a time when the car industry is facing one of the most difficult periods in its history, according to former Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer. He said car makers were having to adapt to manufacturing electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, as well as changes in consumer behaviour. He added that China was the largest automotive market in the world and that vehicles produced there were now competing within the luxury market traditionally occupied by the likes of McLaren and Aston Martin. Sales of Aston Martin vehicles helped make the West Midlands the UK's largest exporting region to America. The firm's success was also critical to supporting the wider supply chain in the region, with many local firms providing parts for the vehicles. He believed Aston Martin would now need to collaborate more with larger companies like Mercedes, to access technology it would otherwise struggle to develop on its own, in order to return it to a more profitable position.

BBQ - What will happen if Aston Martin fail to adapt?

Aston Martin

Seedance

A new artificial intelligence (AI) model developed by the Chinese company behind TikTok rocked Hollywood this week - not just because of what it can do, but what it could mean for creative industries. Created by tech giant ByteDance, Seedance 2.0 can generate cinema-quality video, complete with sound effects and dialogue, from just a few written prompts. Many of the clips said to have been made using Seedance, and featuring popular characters like Spider-Man and Deadpool, went viral. Major studios like Disney and Paramount quickly accused ByteDance of copyright infringement but concerns about the technology run deeper than legal issues. Seedance was launched to little fanfare in June 2025 but it is the second version that came eight months later that has caused a major stir. Many industry experts and filmmakers believe Seedance is a new chapter in the development of video-generating technology. Seedance has run into trouble over copyright issues, a growing challenge in the age of AI. Experts warn that AI companies are prioritising technology over people as they make more powerful tools and use data without paying for it. In the year since Beijing has put AI and robotics at the core of its economic strategy, investing heavily in advanced computer chip production, automation and generative AI as it bids for a technological edge over the US.

BBQ - How worried should Hollywood be about the continued advancement in AI?

Seedance

Poppi To Debut in UK

A new soft drink is about to land in the UK — and it’s already caused a storm across the Atlantic. Poppi, the prebiotic, low‑sugar soda that’s gone viral in the US, will be hitting Tesco and Pret from early March. PepsiCo snapped up the brand last year, and it’s clear they see Poppi as more than just another fizzy drink. With its bold cans, fruity flavours, and gut‑health message, Poppi has built a reputation as the drink for the social‑media generation. Now it’s crossing the pond with five flavours: Strawberry Lemon, Raspberry Rose, Orange, Lemon Lime and Wild Berry. What’s interesting from a business perspective is how Poppi fits perfectly into the UK trend for functional beverages. Consumers aren’t just looking for “less sugar” anymore — they’re after drinks that claim added benefits, whether that’s energy, immunity, or now gut health. And retailers love a product that looks good on shelves and taps into a growing market. Poppi’s launch also signals a strategic shift for PepsiCo. Rather than trying to reinvent older brands, they’re investing in new ones that already have cultural momentum. If Poppi performs like it did in the States, we could soon see the big UK players reacting quickly, especially in the premium soft drink category. It’s always fascinating to see how quickly the soft drinks market evolves. One big launch can set the tone for the year ahead — and Poppi might just be the brand to watch in 2026. In terms of pricing, Poppi will sell in 330ml cans, both individually and in four‑packs. Recommended pricing sits at £2.59 per can and £7.79 for multipacks, putting Poppi firmly in the premium soft drinks bracket.

BBQ - With its premium pricing and gut‑health positioning, do you think Poppi will become a UK staple — or will it remain a niche American import?

Poppi

Dyson Settle Employment Lawsuit

 

Electronics appliance maker Dyson has agreed to settle a lawsuit filed against it by 24 migrant workers, who alleged they were subjected to forced and abusive treatment in a Malaysian factory making the firm's parts. The workers, from Nepal and Bangladesh, sued the firm in 2022 and described being subject to what amounted to modern day slavery. Dyson has denied any liability. When the case was brought it said it had been previously unaware of the alleged abuses, and the Malaysia supplier should be held responsible instead. The case is significant for establishing the precedent that allegations against foreign companies supplying British manufacturers can be judged in an English court. The workers described being threatened and beaten, having their passports withheld, and being forced to work long hours in unsanitary conditions. According to their lawyers, from Leigh Day, they were denied toilet breaks and forced to work "upwards of 12 hours at a time without relieving themselves". Under the terms of the settlement the details of any compensation to the workers are not being disclosed. They both also said the settlement was not an admission of liability on Dyson's part. The company had earlier argued that the case should be heard in Malaysia, not Britain. But the Supreme Court agreed that the trial could take place in an English court, setting a precedent that British companies can be held to account in the UK for actions taken by suppliers in another country.

BBQ - Should the Malaysian supplier or Dyson be held accountable for breaking Employment Law?

Dyson

Burger King Customer Service AI

 

Burger King is testing artificial intelligence-powered employee headsets that monitor staff interactions with customers and oversee store operations. The AI system, called BK Assistant, compiles "friendliness scores" at the fast-food chain's locations based on employees' conversations. The chain is currently piloting the system at 500 US restaurants, a spokesperson for Burger King said. The company says the technology is not designed to "record conversations or evaluate individual employees". An AI chat-bot dubbed "Patty", embedded in the headsets, answers questions from employees about how to prepare menu items and flags when a product needs restocking. But its ability to monitor restaurant staff tees up a debate about surveillance. Burger King's chief digital officer told online publication The Verge that the fast-food outlet had trained the OpenAI-powered system to identify terms including "please" and "thank you" in order to evaluate staff friendliness. The system analyses audio from drive-thru interactions. All US Burger King restaurants are poised to have access to the BK Assistant AI platform by the end of 2026, a company spokesperson told the BBC.

BBQ - Is this a good use of AI for business or is it crossing the line for monitoring staff?

Meet Patty

Tesco Clubcard for Under 18s

Tesco intends to make its Clubcard available to under-18s this year, the supermarket said. Its loyalty scheme allows shoppers to get discounts on thousands of products, including its popular meal deals, and collect points which can be turned into vouchers. Loyalty cards are a way for retailers to collect data on what customers are buying and offer them more at lower prices. It allows them to compete for customers as rising food prices squeeze margins. The average person has loyalty cards for three supermarkets, data from research firm Kantar suggests. Most of the biggest UK supermarkets require shoppers to be 18 or over to sign up for their rewards schemes. Asked why most big UK supermarkets don't already allow under-18s to sign up to these schemes, he said there had been concerns about data protection for minors.But he added that if people younger than this can hold bank accounts, access social media and the internet, drive a car and get married, "they should also be able to buy food for themselves and those they may care for, at the most competitive prices".

BBQ - Would you sign-up to a Tesco loyalty card?

Tesco Loyalty

Big Brands Ditch Chicken Pledge

Major restaurant chains, including KFC, have ditched a commitment to improve chicken sourcing standards in the UK as poultry demand soars. Eight restaurant groups, which also include the owners of Burger King and Nando's, have left the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC), in which they pledged to stop using fast-growing chickens, for an industry-led plan without that commitment. Animal welfare groups say fast-growing "franken-chickens" mature quicker but also have higher rates of premature death and muscle disease.Trade body UKHospitality said the industry-led plan will help restaurant firms reduce emissions and meet surging demand for the lean protein while ensuring secure supply chains. The BBC understands the famous chicken chain owned by Yum Brands buys about 4% of the UK chicken supply. An industry source said there is not yet a large enough supply of slower-growing poultry in the UK. However, animal welfare group Anima International said the change was "about money and nothing else". Its UK chief executive Connor Jackson said the companies' explanation for leaving is rubbish.

BBQ - Have businesses put profit over ethics with this decision? What would be the impact of this?

Chicken Supply Chain

 

Pandora to switch from silver to platinum

 

Jeweller Pandora has said it will switch from using silver in some of its ranges to platinum-plating following a dramatic increase in prices. Silver prices have more than doubled over the past year with other precious metals such as gold also surging. Pandora's chief executive Berta de Pablos-Barbier said the aim was not to make all jewellery platinum-plated, but silver will be reduced to around 25% of its goods to reduce its exposure to the metal given the recent volatility. The Danish firm, one of the world's biggest jewellery retailers, currently makes the majority of its products from silver. Although platinum is more expensive than silver per ounce, Pandora said it will create an alloy, which would make it cheaper to use. It said over time, parts of its silver ranges will shift to platinum-plated, using its own metal alloy called Evershine, which it already uses for its gold-plated products. Pandora is well known for its charm bracelets. Chief executive de Pablos-Barbier said that around 60% of its business was currently in silver. Silver prices hit record highs in January before falling back, but remains elevated compared to last year. Pandora said that it would introduce the new platinum-plated range in 2026 before rolling it out more broadly.

BBQ - Will this switch in supplier impact the customer perception of the brand?

Pandora

Aldi Store Protest

About 160 people have taken part in a protest in Cornwall over plans to build an Aldi supermarket on a green field used by a local rugby club. The food retailer has announced a £10m investment plan for the supermarket in Saltash, on ground used by Saltash Rugby Club for youth training.Elliott Saunders, real estate director for Aldi, said the retailer was "listening and reviewing feedback from the community" with plans to "agree appropriate measures to mitigate any loss of open space" in its planning application. Thompson, who organised the protest, said the turnout was "fantastic" and "really impactful". He added "I think it sent a very clear message to Aldi, Cornwall Council and Saltash Town Council that an Aldi store is not wanted on that green space." Saunders said the project team at Aldi was carrying out a "detailed audit of current and future open space provision" in Saltash. "Once this has been carried out, it is our aim to work alongside the council and key stakeholders, including Saltash Rugby Club, to agree appropriate measures to mitigate any loss of open space. He added: "Our proposal for Saltash represents a £10m investment: creating around 40 new, local jobs with sector-leading pay, and improving access to Aldi's award-winning range of high-quality food at low prices."

BBQ - How can you apply the concept of stakeholder conflict to this?

Aldi Saltash

Walmart Becomes First $1tn Valued Retailer

Walmart has become the first traditional retailer to hit a $1tn (£730bn) market valuation, propelling it into a small group dominated by tech firms. The milestone reflects the US retail giant's booming e-commerce business and its success in drawing in price-conscious shoppers. Wall Street has also responded enthusiastically to its investments in artificial intelligence (AI). Walmart joins an elite club of mostly tech firms, including Nvidia and Alphabet, with valuations over $1tn. The company's share price, which has soared in recent months, rose by more than 3% on Tuesday. Walmart is the biggest brick-and-mortar retailer in the US and is known for its low prices. It has benefited from a trend of higher earners trading down to lower-priced items, as the jobs market cools and inflation persists. Its speedy home delivery offering has also enticed shoppers from households across income brackets. Walmart's online business has helped it emerge as a competitor to Amazon. E-commerce sales in the US jumped 28% in the three months to 31 October, propelled by online orders and advertising. Still, Amazon's market value currently stands at $2.6tn - more than double Walmart's. Wall Street investors have embraced Walmart's adoption of AI, helping push the company's valuation to new highs. The firm reached the $1tn milestone during chief executive John Furner's first week at the helm of the company. Furner has been a vocal backer of its AI investments.

BBQ - What factors cause the change in share price for businesses?

Walmart $1tn

F1 Kit Kat

KitKat’s new global partnership with Formula 1 marks a strategic move to align the brand with one of the world’s fastest‑growing sports, strengthening its visibility across key international markets. By launching an industry‑first chocolate product shaped like an F1 car, Nestlé is showcasing its investment in advanced R&D and high‑precision manufacturing—differentiating KitKat through innovation and reinforcing its position in a competitive confectionery landscape. The collaboration also unlocks significant consumer‑engagement opportunities, with integrated activity planned across trackside branding, retail promotions, social media, exclusive merchandise and targeted advertising around Drive to Survive. This 360° approach aims to deepen brand relevance among younger audiences and drive incremental sales throughout the 2026 season. With nationwide distribution for the new product in the UK and Ireland, KitKat is positioning itself for strong commercial impact as the partnership rolls out.

BBQ - Do you think this will be a successful product for Nestle?

F1 Kit Kat

Pepsi Swipe At Coca-Cola in Superbowl Ad

While excitement circles around the event’s musical performances and the match between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, there’s certainly a viewer or two eager to see what the commercial lineup is. Pepsi’s Super Bowl LX spot, “The Choice,” directed by Academy Award®–winning filmmaker Taika Waititi, puts taste to the test as a cola‑loving polar bear takes the iconic Pepsi Challenge—and chooses Pepsi Zero Sugar. The spot brings the Pepsi Paradox to life, proving once again that when labels disappear, Pepsi wins on taste. According to Pepsi, the idea for the bear’s taste test came from real data from its 2025 Pepsi Challenge. Last year, the company conducted Pepsi Challenges across 34 markets, with 66% of participants preferring Pepsi Zero Sugar to Coke Zero Sugar in taste tests. Showcasing the brand’s success, Reyna noted that Pepsi Zero Sugar had 30.8% growth in the Zero Sugar Cola category in 2025. The marketing exec explained that the polar bear in the ad is “just another cola lover that represents the vast majority of Americans.”  Last year, when the Kansas City Chiefs met the Philadelphia Eagles, a record audience of 127.7 million people tuned in. Ahead of Super Bowl LX on NBC, which will be contested between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks on February 8, Bloomberg reports that the cost of a 30-second ad has reached a high of $10 million.

BBQ - Is the cost of a SuperBowl Ad worth it? How would you prove it?

Pepsi Advert

Viral Crying Horse

A frowning horse plush has become a viral bestseller ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations for the year of the horse in China. The sad-looking soft toy was originally made in error after a worker sewed a smile on the horse upside down. Zhang Huoqing had expected to have to issue a refund to the customer who bought the toy, but after an image of it started circulating online the horse began selling out. The newspaper says the horse is about 20cm (7.8in) tall and costs 25 yuan (£2.62). It is red for good luck, with a golden collar and bell around its neck, and has the phrase "money comes quickly" embroidered on its body in golden letters. "A lot of customers like it, and they said it makes sense: that it suits the spirit of today's corporate slaves," Zhang said. "This crying horse really fits the reality of modern working people," she added. "People joked that the crying horse is how you look at work, while the smiling one is how you look after work." Zhang's factory has surged production to meet demand - including from other countries, according to media reports. Lunar New Year will be celebrated in February to usher in the year of the horse - one of 12 animals repeated in a cycle under the Chinese zodiac calendar.

Crying Horse

Slovakia Becomes Number One Car Manufacturer

This is the European factory of Korean car company Kia, just outside the city of Zilina in the north of Slovakia. It represents, Kia says, an investment of €2.5bn ($2.9bn; £2.2bn). Volkswagen also produces cars in Slovakia. So does Stellantis (formerly Peugeot-Citroen, Fiat and Chrysler), and Jaguar Land Rover. Volvo is opening an electric car factory here in 2027. Slovakia, which is home to 5.4 million people, makes almost a million cars a year. This is a small number compared to the world's largest producers, such as the biggest, China, which manufacturers a whopping 31 million cars per annum. Yet Slovakia is the number one producer on a per capita basis - relative to the size of its population.  Kia says the average salary at the facility is €2,400 per month. That is substantially higher than the country's average monthly salary across the entire economy, which official figures show but at the same time it is considerably lower than the EU-wide average of €3,417. Car industry expert Peter Prokop says that back then the labour costs in Slovakia were 20% of those in Germany. Kia Europe's outgoing chief executive, Marc Hedrich, says that Slovakia's car manufacturing industry also benefits from the country's central location. "Slovakia is really in the heart of Europe, quite well-connected to the big markets," he says. Another important Slovak advantage is its dense network of car industry suppliers. Some 360 companies work for the car industry. "The supplier base is enormous," says Mr Hendrich, "this is critical". Kia didn't want to go into details about the incentives it received from the Slovak government to start production in the country back in 2006. Yet Hedrich did say it received a tax credit of €29m for transforming its Slovak production lines for its new electric vehicles, the total cost of which was €108m. The Slovak government offers these incentives to carmakers because the benefits for the country are enormous.

BBQ - What is the biggest benefit for being a car manufacturer in Slovakia?

Slovakia Car

, external was €1,403 in 2023

Tango Redesign

Tango GenZ has been reintroduced with a bold and disruptive redesign aimed specifically at appealing to a younger, Gen Z audience. The refreshed packaging features vibrant, high‑contrast colours, expressive typography, and playful visual elements that reflect individuality, creativity, and self‑expression—qualities that strongly resonate with this demographic. This modernised look helps Tango stand out on crowded shelves and aligns with wider Gen Z preferences for brands that feel energetic, authentic, and socially relevant. Alongside the new visual identity, the GenZ range reinforces Tango’s established irreverent tone, while using contemporary design to reposition the brand as fresh and exciting. The bold redesign supports Tango’s broader marketing strategy by increasing brand recognition, stimulating impulse purchases, and strengthening its connection with younger consumers in an increasingly competitive soft drinks market.

BBQ - Is this a good extension strategy by Tango to increase sales?

Tango Redesign

Toy Sellers Concern With Social Media Ban

UK toy sales have risen for the first time in five years, but sellers are braced for the potential impact of any social media ban for under-16s. The value of toy sales rose by 6% last year, compared with the previous year, according to research company Circana, bringing some much-needed cheer for a sector that has struggled since the pandemic. The rebound has been driven by the so-called kidult market - which relates to players over the age of 12, some of whom are influenced by trends on social media. Kidults accounted for 17% of the toy market in 2016, but this had risen to 30% by last year. Building sets, predominantly Lego, has appealed to adults, but trends amplified on social media have also led to a 12% growth in collectibles across generations. Pokémon, K-Pop Demon Hunters, and Hello Kitty have all proved to be "market-moving trends", according to Circana. Symonds said the industry would be considering the impact of the social media ban for under-16s in Australia, and the potential for a similar ban in the UK. She said manufacturers and retailers may need to reconsider how some of these toys were marketed if bans were brought in more widely.

BBQ - Do you think a social media ban for U16s will impact the sale of toys?

Toy Sales