We’ve had literally tens of entries. 28 to be precise. I applaud the people who tried but I’m saddened by the lack of enterprise.
Some were products that already exist, which should be entered into the enterprise awards rather than innovation. Some were nice brand names, which we’ll help the creators sell on, but not real innovations. Some were crazy ideas which are great but no-one needs. The big idea hasn’t come in yet so we’re extending the deadline.
I pointed out at the conference that there already exists a technology that is used in the spirits industry that has a smaller carbon footprint, is cheaper to ship and if it were used across the wine industry we’d save 3 billion square metres of cardboard on the outer cartons alone.
If wine bottles had a square base instead of round they fit together neater and use 87% of the space. We’d use a lot less lorries to move them around, they’d all line up with their label front and you’d fit more in the fridge door.
Tesco pioneered the widespread use of the screwcap which we see everywhere now and their head of wine, Dan Jago, has agreed to push this idea too so I need bottle producers to get in touch so we can get as many products as possible into the new format. For wine producers this is a huge opportunity.
Of course I’m a judge in this competition so this isn’t an entry but I hope we’ve started the ball rolling. We need more ideas.
Over to you.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
A competition that decides to extend the deadline after the deadline has passed? And then decides to extend the deadline after the revised deadline has passed. It’s almost like some kind of sketch from Monty Python. Only this time it is not funny.
Either it was a real competition or more likely your agency has been fishing for ideas. Your public statement that you (Stranger & Stranger) “need more ideas” is the smoking gun. Isn’t it?
We entered BatsBlood which is innovative on so many fronts. It doesn’t matter what I say about it – I have seen how real people react to it when they see it. A delicious Transylvanian Event Wine which is also packed inside a unique hand made wooden coffin. The wine is fantastic and the packaging is truly beautiful. It is dark, slightly edgy and always romantic and is served with theatre. By launching in a gift pack we are able to offer retailers a real chance to gain fabulous and sustainable margins whilst giving the consumer something of real value that is quite memorable. We had some sample bottles on display at the London International Wine Fair and I personally witnessed an astonishing response from trade professionals. Everything has been conceived and packed here in England. I can assure you many many professional people have helped us bring this project together and I represent each one of them. We expect to employ many more people on the Bats Blood projects and this at a time when most English businesses -(including yours it seems) are contracting. We are good for the Nation too because the Government collects significant revenues from the sale of Bats Blood.
At no time has anyone from your agency sought to ask us anything about the product, how it has been produced, in fact you didn’t even have the common decency or standard business etiquette to acknowledge receipt of our entry until we chased you on your facebook page.
Frankly I am highly sceptical about this competition and feel you have been disrespectful to all of those people who took the time and effort to enter. I am also amazed at how you are able to use the Tesco name and that of Dan Jago to legitimize the dreadful way you have handled this competition. Don’t take my word for it – anyone can see it – because you have left a big clumsy digital footprint everywhere. Tesco already have a growing image problem that they are trying to tackle – you have not done them any favours by roping them in on your speculative fishing expedition.
Shame on you.
Hi Ian, Please see reply here: http://www.strangerandstranger.com/strangerthings/2011/05/innovation-for-the-nation-update-reply/
Hi. What are the new deadlines?
Cheers,
AV
Hi Alexander!
The new deadline is today, we’ll announce the winner on Wednesday 8 June.
Dear IFTN,
I have to say I agree with Ian about the running of this competition. How can you possibly put an idea on a sheet of A4 anyway?
All the ‘update’ seems to be is self trumpet blowing.
The bag in box concept I proposed is eco friendly, convenient, educational, social and responsible (if you drink one glass a month for two weeks and not the whole box in one go!). I expect we will see it on the Tesco shelves next year alongside Ian’s transylvanian bats blood (please send me some) under their Finest label. Ian beware the men in black suits parked outside your house.
Matt
We are really sorry that you feel this way, Matt. This is a simple innovation initiative to find something new and exciting that’s not been done before, that customers will love and we have a platform to launch it. We don’t even own a trumpet.
I’m confused I got an email with a link to this page about the lack of entries etc, read the text saying the deadlines been extended then the comment above saying the deadline is now the 1st of June. But it’s the 24th of June today.
I guess this means I didn’t win
thanks for the opportunity though! I really enjoyed the project any design experience is good experience in my book! If you’ve got any time for feedback (on an individual) that would be greatly appreciated but I totally understand if not with you all volunteeraly running the competition etc.
Thanks again for the really great opportunity
Stephen