Reduced production in the UK and European glass industries has resulted in an international supply problem for users of glass containers. Many UK manufacturers would characterise 2007 as a challenging year. And even the best-situated and best-prepared manufacturers are likely to have felt the effects of this shortage. Only the most resourceful will have carried on with NPD unhindered.
Despite being better- placed than many, (InterContinental Brands has its own moulds for glass bottle production) we have relied on a combination of flexibility of production facilities, long-standing relationships with suppliers and innovation to ensure continuity of supply.
NPD initiatives have been driven to some extent by availability of containers rather than the normal route of NPD, which is to create the liquid and then design the packaging.
However, this has not prevented ICB from designing three new bottle shapes and all three containers, St Helier Pear Cider 50cl and 1-litre and Vodkat Classics, will be manufactured and be in use at the ICB plant in early June this year.
As well as implications for manufacturers, the glass shortage has sharp relevance for retailers. Not all manufacturers will be as prepared and resourceful as ICB, so retailers should not be surprised if new products coming on stream throughout 2008 are not as plentiful as they might wish.
Has the number of customer complaints about the price of goods increased recently?
