Caribbean Crush Dept: Big Three takeover ABC

[Capn Jimbo]

This was inevitable...


I've reported on big store chain ABC before, but it's only getting worse. ABC has about five or six long shelves devoted to "rum" and the last time I checked (perhaps six months ago) the Big 3 owned about 85% of the shelf space and 100% of the prime, eye level space.

It's worse now. I will go measure exactly soon, but if I had to guess it's now close to 95%. The Indian owned stores are a lot better, and the smaller Caribbean distillers were in the majority, but even that is changing. When the distributors who control at least 80% of your business demand things like shelf space - or even to get rid of competitors - well - they comply.

My visual impression at ABC is now a contest simply among the Big Three, with new and colorful bottles, invented flavors and names - the same old shit in different bottles. Caribbean rum is dying and the biggest subsidies are not yet in place. Say goodbye...

[Dai]

I know what you mean just take a look at this site it gives you an idea of how much control, supply and shelving in the four largest supermarkets in Britain that Diageo and Bacardi have.

http://www.mysupermarket.co.uk/#/grocer ... _ASDA.html

Use store change top left to look at the other supermarkets.