So it's official, after months and months of pursuing and wooing, Cadbury has finally sold out to Kraft. Unfortunately for Cadbury staff, this could mean the loss of around 7000 jobs. But does this mean the end of the renowned chocolate brand's 186-year-old legacy? Or, as one Chicago newspaper has asked, "Will Kraft continue Cadbury's edginess?" Back to marketing on the home front, Fawu and striking ABI workers appear to be doing their level best to "smash" the Coca-Cola brand and have even sent a letter to LOC chief executive Danny Jordaan asking him to cancel Coca-Cola's marketing campaigns for the upcoming World Cup. Ban Coke advertising during the 2010 World Cup? Excuse me while I fall off my chair laughing. For those of you who don't know, FIFA's sponsorship programme consists of five tiers; the highest being for six global corporations, one of which is Coca-Cola. Do they really think FIFA is going to kowtow to some little upstart union and cancel the advertising for one of its biggest international sponsors? The idea is even more laughable than Fawu expecting South Africans to give up their Black Label, Castle, and brandy and coke in support of their demands. It's not going to happen. And, as usual, it all just comes down to money. ABI, SAB and Coca-Cola have a lot of it; union workers want more of it. And who says ABI can't afford to up its current offer? But, if ABI MD John Ustas is telling the truth, then the company's current offer will tip the minimum wage for unskilled workers to R7235 per month. And I know several domestic workers, junior office administrators and the odd store manager who would be very happy with that kind of income... Nevermind the rest of South Africa's unemployed masses. I reckon it's time they start appreciating what they've got or move over and give it to someone who will.

Shan Radcliffe, Retail editor
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