The Drum’s Daily Briefing: Shoppers stick with own-brands & AI experts earn more
Our quickfire analysis of the brand, marketing and media stories that might just crop up in your meetings and conversations today.
Kantar reports that own-label lines now account for over half of total spending
Shoppers stick with own-brands as food prices stabilize
Food prices are rising at a “more normal” rate, with grocery price inflation dropping to 2.4%, the lowest since October 2021, according to Kantar. Despite this, shoppers continue to favor cheaper own-brand products.
Kantar reports that own-label lines now account for over half of total spending and are growing faster than branded items. Premium own-label ranges have seen a 9.9% increase in sales from last year.
As inflation expectations stabilize, the Bank of England may cut interest rates this summer. Upcoming summer sports events are anticipated to further boost sales, particularly of alcoholic drinks.
AI specialists command higher salaries
According to a PwC study analyzing job ads from 15 countries, British workers with AI skills earn 14% more on average, with lawyers and database administrators receiving up to 60% higher salaries.
Demand for AI expertise has tripled in the past decade, while roles less likely to be automated, such as yoga teachers and funeral arrangers, remain in high demand.
The report highlights AI’s potential to boost productivity and address workforce shortages. However, some studies warn that, without government intervention, AI could disrupt millions of jobs, particularly in back-office and entry-level roles.
ChatGPT pauses Scarlett Johansson soundalike AI system
OpenAI paused the ‘Sky’ voice in its ChatGPT 4.0 demo after users noted its similarity to Scarlett Johansson’s voice from the film Her.
Johansson confirmed that she declined an offer from OpenAI to voice the system.
Following the demo, her lawyers contacted OpenAI, leading to the decision to suspend the ‘Sky’ voice.
OpenAI clarified that the voice belongs to a different professional actor and not an imitation of Johansson. The company plans to introduce more voices and compensate its voice actors well.
Trump Media’s $327m loss amid merger costs
Trump Media and Technology Group, owner of Truth Social, reported a $327.6m loss last quarter, largely due to $311m in non-cash expenses from its merger with Digital World.
Revenue for the first quarter was $770,500, down from $1.1m a year earlier.
Despite the losses, the company emphasized its focus on long-term product development.
Trump Media recently fired its auditor, BF Borgers, amid fraud charges, delaying its earnings report. Shares of Trump Media rose slightly to $48.74 in after-hours trading, having peaked at nearly $80 in late March.
Love Island reinstates social media ban
Love Island is reinstating its social media ban for the upcoming summer series.
ITV confirmed contestants cannot have friends or family post on their behalf during the show, a rule first introduced in 2023 for duty of care.
This measure aims to protect participants and their families from online abuse.
Despite the ban, former contestant Zara Lackenby-Brown noted that her family still encountered trolling.
Love Island continues to offer extensive post-show therapy to participants following the deaths of previous contestants.
The new season is expected to begin in early June.
Lawsuit challenges Joe Rogan’s Alpha Brain claims
A lawsuit filed against Onnit Labs, co-founded by Joe Rogan, alleges false advertising for its supplement, Alpha Brain, which it says claims to improve brain function.
The complaint, filed on April 23, argues that Onnit’s claims are misleading as its own clinical trial showed Alpha Brain performed no better than a placebo in most tests.
The lawsuit highlights discrepancies between Onnit’s marketing and study results.
Rogan, who promotes the product on his podcast, is not a defendant. Plaintiff Jean Paul Lotz, who bought the supplement multiple times, seeks to represent all New Yorkers who purchased it.