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Economic Outlook Improves Slightly Amid Job Strength and Supportive Exports, But Recovery Remains Uneven
After a slow start to the year, Australia’s outlook has improved a smidge. The jobs market continues to hold its ground, while China’s more resilient near-term outlook will support key commodity exports. That recent good news trumps the bad, leading us to upgrade our 2025 forecast to 1.7%, from 1.5% in our June update. Still, lingering weakness in household spending and business investment will hold the economy below its potential – in an average year, we estimate the economy should tick over at around 2.4%.
This report was brought to you by THE MACROeconomic FORECASTING TEAM.
Discover Australia’s economic outlook with our expert forecasts and analysis. Stay informed on key trends shaping the future of the Australian economy.
ISLAMABAD: Ministers from the UK and Pakistan have announced new measures to boost trade between the two countries, following the launch of the UK-Pakistan Trade Dialogue.
As part of the dialogue, ministers announced the creation of a new UK-Pakistan Business Advisory Council bringing together senior business leaders and government officials to facilitate high value trade and investment. The council will provide strategic advice on policy reform, offer a confidential forum for engagement, and help promote commercial opportunities by addressing market access challenges and sharing best practices.
Monday’s (14 July) meeting in London was co-chaired by the UK Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security, Douglas Alexander, and Pakistan’s Federal Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan. Both ministers agreed to annual ministerial meetings to unlock growth opportunities, and support businesses and investors in the UK and Pakistan.
Douglas Alexander said: “Today’s dialogue marks the next step in our long-standing relationship with Pakistan, taking our trading partnership to the next level and unlocking new opportunities for businesses in both our countries.”
“By deepening cooperation in key sectors like healthcare and digital technology – areas central to the UK’s Industrial Strategy – we can drive growth, foster innovation, and create jobs.”
Jam Kamal said: “The UK remains one of Pakistan’s most important economic partners. This dialogue lays the foundation for a more structured and forward-looking trade relationship. By strengthening collaboration and aligning our priorities, we can expand bilateral trade, attract greater investment, and create sustainable economic opportunities that benefit both nations.”
The UK has also announced up to £200,000 to support Pakistan’s aspirations to attract investment from the UK. The funds will provide technical assistance for investor outreach, and support matchmaking between Pakistani investors and UK-based opportunities. This initiative reflects the UK’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s ambitions to increase outbound investment and to strengthening the bilateral investment relationship.
The dialogue highlighted shared ambition to build on recent momentum, with bilateral trade increasing by 7.3 per cent during the final quarter of last year. Bilateral trade is currently valued at £4.7 billion. Today’s discussion focused on key sectors including information technology and healthcare, two priority areas under the UK’s Industrial Strategy.
The UK’s Industrial Strategy presents a significant opportunity for businesses and investors. The UK is committed to making it easier, faster, and more predictable for international firms to operate in its market. This includes reforms in skills development, innovation, regulation, and planning – creating a more dynamic and open business environment. Through the alignment of the UK’s Industrial Strategy and the UK – Pakistan Trade Dialogue, we are reaffirming our commitment to open and fair trade and to deepening economic ties with key partners like Pakistan.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
K-pop supergroup Blackpink returned to Los Angeles over the weekend, officially kicking off the North American leg of their Deadline world tour.
The four-member girl group — comprised of members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa — played two sold-out shows at L.A.’s SoFi Stadium on July 12 and July 13, setting a new record as the first girl group to sell out two nights at the stadium. The group’s first L.A. shows in nearly two years, the two nights brought over 100,000 fans to the Inglewood-based venue, according to Live Nation.
The L.A. shows were shrewdly tied to Blackpink’s first group release in nearly three years with the undeniably catchy and energetic single, “Jump,” which was released Friday (July 11). The track, which remains in the top spot of Spotify’s Daily Top Songs Global Chart, broke YouTube’s record for the most-viewed video globally in a single day with 26 million views, according to a release.
Night two of the girl group’s L.A. run was full of energy, excitement and even a crowd-pleasing surprise in the form of a special guest. Here are some of the highlights from Blackpink’s Deadline world tour in L.A.
Blackpink performs at SoFi Stadium in L.A.
YG Entertainment
In the time since the chart-topping group last visited L.A., Blackpink has ventured off as individuals, each enjoying increasingly fruitful solo careers. In December 2023, it was announced that the group had renewed their exclusive contracts for group activities with YG Entertainment; however, it was later announced that all four members decided to part ways with the label for solo activities. Jennie signed with Columbia Records through a partnership with her record label and entertainment company Oddatelier; Lisa and her entertainment company LLOUD signed a partnership deal with RCA Records; Rosé signed a global solo deal with Atlantic Records; while Jisoo signed a global deal with Warner Records.
With that in mind, it was hard to envision what a setlist might look like, but Blackpink managed to strike an impressive balance of classic songs, new solo works and a guiding act-structure to the show. The group kicked off the show with perhaps the most quintessential Blackpink track, “Kill This Love,” later playing other signature songs such as “DDU-DU DDU-DU,” “Lovesick Girls,” “Forever Young” and “How You Like That.” They also performed their debut songs (“Boombayah” and “Whistle”), songs from their most recent full release (“Pink Venom” and “Shut Down”) and their latest single “Jump.”
Rosé and Bruno Mars have taken the charts by storm with the Blackpink member’s solo release “Apt.” The single, inspired by a popular Korean drinking game, has spent 37 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100; it currently sits at No. 27, having peaked at No. 3.
The singer closed her solo set with “Apt.” As Rosé finished the first chorus, the crowd already more than engaged in the exuberant performance, fans erupted when Mars was lifted onto the extended stage. The pair — sporting matching racing jackets — looked downright thrilled to perform the song, making it a highlight of the night second only to Blackpink’s performance of “Jump.”
Blackpink performs at SoFi Stadium.
YG Entertainment
There’s something to be said for why K-pop groups make for the ideal stadium act. Blackpink, much like other K-pop groups, puts on a show seemingly tailor-made for a stadium with a non-stop, visually exciting nearly three hours of performance.
A Blackpink show would be enjoyable in nearly any venue but a stadium with legions of fans, almost all with the group’s iconic pink hammer lightstick in hand, adds to the experience ten fold. The girl group is slated to head to Chicago’s Soldier Field, Toronto’s Rogers Stadium and New York’s Citi Field before heading to Paris, Milan, Barcelona and London this year.
Lisa, Jisoo, Rosé and Jennie on stage at Deadline world tour in L.A.
YG Entertainment
During act two — each portion broken up by pre-recorded video showing the women of Blackpink driving down a road, through the lights of Las Vegas and more — the group’s eldest member, Jisoo, and the youngest, Lisa, performed their solo sets, while Jennie and Rosé performed theirs during act four.
Jisoo endeared herself to the crowd with songs like “Earthquake” and “Your Love,” the latter featuring a section that found the 30-year-old being hoisted in the air and paraded around the stage. Lisa performed strong versions of “Thunder” and “Fxck Up the World,” with the 28-year-old White Lotus actress also showcasing her undeniable dancing skills.
Jennie, who played a small run of shows timed to her solo release Ruby, had the crowd singing along to a mashup of her songs “Mantra” and “With an IE (way up).” The 29-year-old made the stadium feel like a club with a dynamic performance of her hit “Like Jennie.” Rosé was the last of her group members to perform solo. The 28-year-old sang the mellow “3am” and an abridged version of her album’s lead single “Toxic Till the End” before ending with a dynamite performance of “Apt.”
It’s clear that each member of the group has had time to grow as a performer — Lisa and Jennie made their solo Coachella debut, Jisoo toured Asia earlier this year and Rosé found herself with an unstoppable top 40 hit in “Apt.” But each solo section skillfully conveyed the notion that performing as solo singers has only improved their skills and chemistry as a group. The choice to include these solo sections contributed to the overall feeling that any attendee of the show likely felt when leaving Sunday night — Blackpink is at the top of their game.
KARACHI: PTI leader Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari, a former aide to ex-premier Imran Khan, is set to offer testimony on “political repression” in Pakistan before the United States Congress’ Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, it emerged on Monday.
According to its website, the bipartisan commission was established in 2008 and is charged with promoting, defending and advocating for international human rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other relevant human rights instruments.
The commission’s hearing notice states that the session will take place on Tuesday (tomorrow) at 3:30pm (12:30am PKT on Wednesday) and will “examine the government of Pakistan’s persecution of opposition political figures and journalists, and its actions to control media communications and prevent free and fair elections in Pakistan”.
The session is open to the public and the media. “Many date the current phase of repression in Pakistan to 2022, when, with the involvement of the military, popular Prime Minister Imran Khan was ousted, and soon after, arrested, convicted of corruption and imprisoned,” the notice read.
“Parliamentary elections in February 2024 were, according to the US State Department, marked by ‘undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly’, as well as ‘electoral violence, and restrictions on the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms’,” it added. The commission provided a list of witnesses who would provide testimony during Tuesday’s hearing. Besides Bukhari, the list includes Amnesty International’s Advocacy Director for Europe and Central Asia, Ben Linden; Perseus Strategies Managing Director Jared Genser; and Afghanistan Impact Network founder Sadiq Amini.
A press release from the commission’s co-chairman, Republican Congressman Christopher Smith, who will chair the session, said the meeting would “discuss the government of Pakistan’s ongoing political repression, the US response, and offer recommendations for Congress”.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) has unveiled its National Tariff Policy (NTP) 2025–30, already approved as part of the federal budget.
The policy aims to stimulate export growth of 10–14%, while imports are expected to grow by 5–6% — a slower pace intended to narrow the trade deficit.
To establish a benchmark for tariff rationalization that is both transparent and comparable, the policy takes into account existing tariff structures in regional economies. The NTP 2025–30 targets a simple average tariff rate of 9.7% by FY 2029–30, implying a more than 20% annual reduction in the first two years, followed by a 5–10% annual reduction in the subsequent years.
PM orders urgent overhaul of National Tariff Commission
The NTP 2025-30 sets a target of achieving a simple average tariff of 9.70% by the terminal year 2029-30. This corresponds to about more than 20% annual decline in the first two years and a 5-10% annual decrease in subsequent years.
This will be done by taking a comprehensive approach that encompasses (1) Readjustment of CD slabs to 4 slabs (0%,5%,10%, &15%) from the existing 5 slabs in 5 years (2) Reduction in CD to a maximum of 15% in 5 years (3) Elimination of RDs in 5 years (4) Elimination of ACDs in 4 years and (5) Phasing out of 5th Schedule in 5 years The reduction in tariff rates will bring the trade weighted average from the current 10.6% to below 6% in a period of 5 years.
The current tariff structure follows a cascading principle. There are 5 slabs i.e.0, 3, 11, 16, and 20 with some peaks and specific rates. The uneven spread in tariff slabs or tariff escalation not only inhibits industrialization but also diversification.
To simplify tariff structure and remove uneven spread between tariff slabs, in the first year, the current tariff slabs of 0%, 3%, 11%, 16% and 20% will be adjusted as 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. Peaks in tariffs above 20%, mainly in the auto sector, will also be reduced gradually.
Over the last 15 years, ACD and RD in addition to Customs Duty (CD) have been used as a tool for revenue enhancement. As a result, the number of products subject to ACD and RD has increased manifold. Out of a total of 7,589 tariff lines, around 7,476 tariff lines are subject to ACDs, and 1,996 tariff lines have been subject to RDs. Excessive use of Additional Customs Duties (ACDs) and Regulatory Duties (RDs) in addition to already high Customs Duties (CDs) has not just made the tariff structure high, complex, and protective but unfair, non-transparent, and prone to elite capture. All ACDs will be eliminated gradually in the next 4 years.
Few products at 35% CD are subject to Auto sector policy (AIDEP 2021-26), therefore, the auto sector ACDs will be eliminated gradually from July 1, 2026.
RDs are mostly serving the purpose of raising revenues and providing extra protection to already protected industries. Moreover, the ad-hoc imposition of RDs over time has resulted in overall discriminatory tariffs, which is evident from high dispersion in RD rates on similar products. First, the RD rates will be harmonized as lowest on raw material, moderate on intermediate and capital goods and highest on consumer goods and will be placed in slabs of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%.
Moving forward, the following schedule will be followed to eliminate RDs in 5 years. The rates are indicative and actual RD rates will be adjusted in the same range (indicated against each year) by the Tariff Policy Board and the government on year-to year basis.
The existing RDs slabs will be completely eliminated in 5 years, keeping in view the annual targets for reduction in RD rates.
The 5th Schedule of the Customs Tariff provides concessions or exemptions to certain domestic industries. Starting from a few products in 2013, the number of products claiming concessions or exemptions under the 5th schedule has increased manifold during the last few years. It consists of a long list of products divided into different parts.
In FY 2023-24 the 5th Schedule consists of eight parts, each part contains different tables for different types of products. However, what makes the 5th Schedule more complex is the various conditions attached to the listed products. The product specific conditions under the 5th schedule require a wide range of documentation and paperwork. This not only gives huge discretionary powers to EDB and IOCO but also increases cost of compliance.
Moreover, as most of the concessions are available only to specific manufacturers, these conditions are seen as restrictive and biased towards large businesses and manufacturers. Small businesses that cannot incur costs for attaining certificates or approvals and related paperwork have to purchase inputs from commercial importers that import at MFN rates.
The tariff structure under the Fifth Schedule is different from general tariff structure. There are two ways in which tariffs under the Fifth Schedule are different from the general tariff structure. First, the 5th Schedule has custom duty rates beyond the slabs applicable to the 1st Schedule. Second, most of the products in the schedule are exempt from Regulatory Duty (RD) and Additional Custom Duty (ACD) that are otherwise applied in the 1st Schedule of Customs Act, 1969.
Resultantly, as the number of exemptions and concessions under the 5th Schedule has increased over the years, its burden on the federal exchequer is also growing exponentially. The largest portion of customs duty expenditure for FY 2022-23 is given under Fifth Schedule amounting PKR 190.688 billion registering a growth of 10.24% compared to 2021-22.
In view of distortions in tariff structure created by the 5th Schedule, all the products/tariff lines will transition from 5th Schedule to 1st Schedule in next 4-5 years in a phased manner. In this process some concessions will be withdrawn, and some concessions will be generalized (made available to all: (i) the products that have virtually no concession under the 5th Schedule shall be transferred to the 1st Schedule;(ii) products with concessionary rates will be transferred to the 1st Schedule either under MFN rate or under the slab closest to the concessionary rate; (iii) products that have specific conditions because there is no product-specific tariff heading in the 1st t Schedule will be moved to the 1st Schedule by creating a new tariff heading; (iv) products falling under the tariff heading “others” will be transferred from the 5th Schedule to 1st Schedule by creating separate headings with the description as given in the 5th Schedule; and ( v) Minimally used concessions will be withdrawn.
In line with the principles and objectives of this policy, the auto sector tariffs will also be rationalized to enhance competitiveness, productivity and consumer welfare including removing any quantitative restrictions on import of old/used vehicles subject to quality and environmental standards and differential tariff structure.
The Auto Industry Development and Export Policy (AIDEP) 2021-26 is valid till June 2026 and the new auto policy will be introduced from first July 2026 where a substantial reduction on duties related to the auto sector will be carried out including review of SRO 655 (I)/2006 dated 22-Jun-2006, SRO 656(I)/2006 dated 22- Jun-2006, SRO 693 (I)/2006 dated 1-Jul-2006, elimination of all ACDs and RDs and reduction in the CD rates.
Various models including Macro model, Export Forecasting Model, Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) Model import tariff revenues show a loss of about PKR 500 billion in static calculations however, considering all other factors ie, increased demand, economic growth, transparency, decrease in under invoicing, smuggling, compliance cost etc., GTAP calculations indicate a positive impact on revenues (7-9%).
The major impact of tariff reforms will be on exports. GTAP calculations show that exports will increase by (10-14%); imports will also increase (by 5-6%) but at a slower rate than the increase in exports thereby improving the trade deficit. Resources will move to more efficient and productive sectors as production in export-oriented sectors will pick up. Industry will grow, net employment will increase, and investment will strengthen.
Reduced tariffs would not only allow the availability of cheap raw materials and intermediate but would also be a key factor in reducing the imported inflation, especially for food products.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
skin
Dr Aisha Humaira is a Karachi-based dermatologist and aesthetic physician with over 10 years of experience in clinical dermatology and aesthetic medicine. She is the founder of ‘Skinversion’ where advanced skin, hair, and laser treatments are offered using the latest medical-grade technologies.
She holds certifications in both aesthetic gynaecology and regenerative medicine, which allows her to provide holistic, cutting-edge treatments – from cellular rejuvenation and exosome therapy to intimate wellness and anti-aging solutions.
She sees skin care and aesthetics not just as a profession but as a way to restore self-confidence. She believes in treating the root cause, not just the surface, and combining science with empathy to bring out the best version of every individual who walks into my clinic. In an exclusive interview, Dr Aisha shares her views on skincare with our readers…
What was your inspiration behind becoming a dermatologist and an aesthetic physician?
After completing my MBBS, I chose dermatology because it allowed me to address both medical and cosmetic skin concerns. My interest in aesthetic medicine evolved from seeing how much a person’s skin affects their confidence and emotional well-being. Combining medical dermatology with aesthetic treatments allows me to offer safe, evidence-based, and result-oriented care that not only heals the skin but also enhances natural beauty.
What’s the difference between an aesthetician and an aesthetic physician?
An aesthetic physician is a doctor with advanced training in non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as lasers, injectable, regenerative therapies, and skin rejuvenation. On the other hand, an aesthetician is a non-medical professional who performs basic skincare treatments like facials and superficial peels.
If you had to pick essential products for a short skincare routine, what would they be?
A cleanser, Vitamin C serum less than 10 per cent or Niacinamide, sunblock, and a moisturiser at night – that’s your basic but powerful routine.
How important are moisturisers?
Moisturisers are essential. They protect your skin barrier, prevent dehydration, and enhance the results of active ingredients.
Do you recommend sunscreen for daily use – if so, why?
Daily use of sunscreen is essential – not just for preventing tanning, but for protecting the skin from premature aging, pigmentation, and long-term sun damage. I always recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen that covers both UVA and UVB rays. Personally, I prefer using sunblock’s with SPF 60 or higher, especially those containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, as they physically block up to 99 per cent of harmful UV rays and are safer for sensitive or acne-prone skin. For me, sunblock isn’t optional – it’s the most powerful anti-aging and skin-protecting step in your routine.
How one can keep one’s skin fresh during summer?
For summer, add a gel-based moisturiser and antioxidant protection to combat sun damage.
What are some common mistakes people make with their skin?
Over-exfoliating, skipping sunscreen, trying too many new products at once, and following trends blindly from social media. Also, not consulting professionals for recurring skin concerns.
What is the biggest skin care myth you want to debunk?
That ‘natural’ always means safer. Not every natural ingredient suits your skin, and many lack scientific backing. Professional-grade, well-formulated products are safer and more effective.
What’s the most revolutionary beauty product launch ever?
I’d say topical retinoid and broad-spectrum sunscreens. But recently, exosome-based therapies are truly changing the game in skin regeneration.
How important are facials in maintaining skin firmness?
Facials play a supportive role in maintaining skin health and firmness. They help improve blood circulation, exfoliate dead skin cells, boost hydration, and enhance product absorption – all of which contribute to a fresher, firmer-looking complexion over time.
One facial I particularly recommend is the Salmon DNA Facial, which has gained popularity for its regenerative and anti-aging properties. It contains polynucleotides derived from salmon DNA, which help stimulate collagen production, repair damaged skin, improve elasticity, and give the skin a visibly smoother and firmer texture.
Should micro current facials only be done by trained professionals?
Yes – because they use low-level electrical currents to stimulate muscles and skin. It requires proper technique and understanding of facial anatomy to ensure safety and effectiveness.
How safe are micro current facials, are there any side effects?
When performed by trained professionals, they’re very safe and non-invasive. Side effects are minimal – slight redness or tingling – but no downtime.
What’s your favourite skin procedure?
It’s hard to choose just one, but I love combining Sylfirm X or Virtu RF (for pigmentation and skin tightening) with MCT therapy. The results are clinically powerful yet natural-looking.
What services do you offer at Skinversion?
We offer a wide range of treatments including anti-aging treatments, and non-surgical skin tightening. We are also providing non-surgical body contouring treatments including Neo Sculpt, cavitation’s, fat freezing and customised I/V for slimming and hormonal issues.
You’ve launched your own skin care line. What are your most popular products?
Our skin care line includes targeted, dermatologist-formulated products. Our Vitamin C serum with has unique combo with turmeric which is anti-inflammatory as well, and pigmentation controlled. Our ‘Glow Recipe’ serum and ‘Unseen SPF100’ are best sellers. They’re designed for real skin concerns with real results. Our hair serum ‘Hair Night Repair’ is the most popular in hair care regimen.
What advice would you give to people about skin care?
Don’t overcomplicate your routine. Use clinically proven ingredients. Consistency is key. And always consult a professional before trying treatments based on trends.
What will the aesthetic industry look like in 10 years?
The future of aesthetic medicine is all about personalisation and precision. Over the next decade, we’ll see a major shift from one-size-fits-all treatments to individualised protocols based on your skin type, hair texture, genetic profile, and lifestyle.
We have already started integrating this approach with tools like Alma IQ – an AI-powered skin analysis system that reads your skin’s exact needs, from hydration levels to pigmentation patterns. This kind of data-driven technology ensures that treatments are no longer based on assumptions, but on clear clinical insights. Because no two skins or scalps are the same, aesthetic medicine should never be generic. In the next 10 years, I believe we’ll see more clinics moving toward tailored, science-based solutions that focus on long-term skin health, prevention, and natural rejuvenation.
Smith’s is going tractor-first back to its roots (literally) with Smiths Presents Paddock to Packet, a new creator-led content series that takes Australia’s favourite chips back to where it all started: the farm.
Produced in partnership with VaynerMedia, the six-part series blends Australian farming pride, humour, and a surprising amount of potato wisdom to win over the tastebuds (and hearts) of a new generation of consumers — Gen Z.
Just launched this July, the series follows well-known internet personality Luisa Dal Din as she swaps city life for soil, thanks to an influencer gig her agent booked on a real Smith’s potato farm. What starts as content creation quickly spirals into a feel-good journey to uncover how their signature chips are grown. As she uncovers the magic of Aussie-grown potatoes and maybe even her destiny, she’s led along the journey by none other than the beloved alien from the potato planet, Gobbledok.
“We proudly partner with Aussie farmers, and we wanted to showcase this to Gen Z by tapping into the love for #FarmTok,” said Tania Ye, brand manager — Smith’s at PepsiCo.
“Pairing together platform-native humour and our nostalgic snack icon, the Gobbledok, we want to turn farm-to-bag content into full-fledged entertainment.”
Leaning into the rising #FarmTok subculture, where Gen Z has been unexpectedly hooked on wholesome content about agriculture and rural life, Paddock to Packet combines educational storytelling with creator-led humour, a dash of nostalgia, and a healthy dose of Aussie chaos. It takes younger audiences behind the scenes — from paddock to packet — in a way they’ll actually want to watch. To bring the series to life even further, Gobbledok has taken over Smith’s social channels with their own reactions, commentary and signature mischief.
The campaign tackles a longstanding challenge: How can a legacy brand stay relevant to a generation that has grown up on creator content, trends and scrolls? Smith’s has long been one of Australia’s most beloved snack brands, but needed to show up where Gen Z is and in how they consume content to spark fresh love.
“It was fun to create some social-first entertainment for an iconic Aussie brand like Smith’s,” said Denny Handlin, executive creative director, Australia at VaynerMedia APAC.
“Yes, joy is a simple recipe, we just added some Aussie farm pride, unhinged TikTok energy, and nostalgic characters… and it works.”
Paddock to Packet gives a household brand new legs with Luisa’s internet-native charm and Smith’s wholesome brand DNA, showing that even classic snacks can retell their story for a new generation.
Youfoodz has launched its latest brand platform, the first work created in partnership with Saatchi & Saatchi Australia, which aims to connect with time-strapped consumers seeking quick yet nourishing meal solutions.
The campaign is driven by the insight that while life can be wonderfully hectic, it often leaves little time or energy for preparing healthy meals. Youfoodz offers a simple yet effective solution with ready-to-eat meals that allow people to enjoy wholesome food while still embracing their busy lifestyles.
Chloe Painter, director – brand marketing ANZ at Youfoodz, said, “With ‘Real food for the real world’, we’re celebrating the beautiful chaos of modern life — and showing Aussies that nourishing, great-tasting food doesn’t need to be sacrificed when things get busy. This campaign is an exciting step forward for the Youfoodz brand, and we’re thrilled to be working with such strong partners to bring it to life.”
Avish Gordhan, chief creative officer at Saatchi & Saatchi Australia, added, “So often, the world of ads is plagued with scenarios that pretend we live in an ideal world and make ideal decisions that have ideal outcomes. We wanted this campaign to challenge that and acknowledge that our days are full of drama, mistakes and accidental all-staff emails. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be able to enjoy an ideal meal that’s well made.”
Nora Nasser, client partner at Spark Foundry Australia, added, “This campaign marks a significant milestone for Youfoodz, launching their new brand platform with a large-scale brand media campaign.
“Through the powerful collaboration between Spark Foundry Australia, Saatchi & Saatchi Australia and the Youfoodz team, we aim to further elevate the brand as a trusted category leader.”
With media strategy and placement by Spark Foundry Australia, the campaign launches across BVOD, SVOD, OOH, Digital, Social and Radio, engaging with audiences to inspire them to choose nourishing food options that allow them to thrive amidst their busy days. By delivering on its promise of convenience without compromising on quality, Youfoodz aims to secure its status as a trusted leader in the competitive ready-to-eat meals sector.
In what Trump administration officials dubbed a “major announcement”, health and agriculture department leaders said the US dairy industry agreed to voluntarily remove synthetic dyes from ice-cream.
The announcement continues the Trump administration’s pattern of voluntary agreements with industry – from health insurers to snack food makers.
“This is relevant to my favorite food, which is ice-cream,” said the US health secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr.
“Since we came in about five and a half months ago and started talking about eliminating dyes and other bad chemicals from our food, we’ve had this extraordinary response from our industry.”
Representatives of the dairy industry said that more than 40 ice-cream companies agreed not to use synthetic dyes. Kennedy also alluded to the future release of new dietary guidelines, which would “elevate” dairy products, including full-fat dairy, to “where they ought to be in terms of contributing to the health of our children”.
The head of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Dr Marty Makary, also announced that his agency approved a new plant-based dye: “gardenia blue”.
The value of full-fat dairy is an ongoing subject of debate in nutrition research circles. For decades, government health authorities have cautioned against too much saturated fats, sugars and refined grains because of their link to obesity and heart disease. Some high-profile researchers now argue that full-fat dairy may not be as harmful as once thought.
That is a perspective shared by the US dairy industry, which has funded nutrition research and fought against government controls on dairy in school lunches since the Obama administration.
The issue is also important in rural communities across dairy country, where farmers began displaying hand-painted hay bails outside farms with messages such as: “Drink whole milk 97% fat free.”
The Trump administration has held a close relationship with the dairy industry for years, stretching all the way back to the president’s first term. In 2019, then agriculture secretary Sonny Perdue toasted dairy lobbyists with a glass of chocolate milk to celebrate the reintroduction of once-banned flavored milks back into schools.
“This is a great day for dairy and a great day for ‘make America healthy again,’” said Michael Dykes, the president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association. “We’re so happy with the voluntary industry-led commitment.”
Notably, the Trump administration’s effort to reach voluntary agreements with industry has also shown the strategy’s limits. For instance, Mars, the maker of Skittles and M&M’s, resisted Kennedy’s efforts. Meanwhile, on health insurance, experts have expressed skepticism that an agreement with private insurers will significantly help Americans.
