Metcash, a leading supplier to family-owned retailers in Australia, has reported a significant decline in tobacco sales, attributing the drop to the rise of the black market. For the six months ending October 31, tobacco sales fell by 35.1 percent to $637.8 million compared to the same period last year. This decline accelerated following new legislation that took effect on July 1, which mandated warning labels on individual cigarettes and prohibited flavorings like menthol.

Metcash's chief executive Doug Jones noted that there has been a marked decrease in tobacco sales since July, with more consumers turning to illegal sources for their purchases. The impact of this decline extends beyond tobacco itself; associated product sales have also suffered as a result of fewer transactions involving tobacco products.

Other major retailers such as Woolworths and Coles have similarly reported substantial drops in cigarette sales recently, with Woolworths indicating a 51 percent decrease in quarterly revenue from tobacco products.

Jones highlighted recent efforts by state authorities aimed at curbing illegal operations but cautioned that it is too early to declare success in these initiatives. Despite the challenges faced by its tobacco segment, Metcash's overall sales excluding tobacco increased by 2.9 percent during this period.

The company announced an interim dividend of 8.5 cents per share for its shareholders, maintaining the same payout as last year. Overall net profit rose slightly by 0.3 percent to $142.2 million from the previous year, supported by growth in its food segment despite total food sales being down when including tobacco revenue.

Original article (australia)

The article discusses the decline in tobacco sales reported by Metcash and other major retailers in Australia, attributing this drop to the rise of the black market and recent legislation. Here's an evaluation of its value based on several criteria:

Actionable Information: The article does not provide clear steps or choices that a reader can take. It primarily reports on sales figures and market trends without offering practical advice or resources for individuals affected by these changes. Therefore, it offers no immediate actions for readers.

Educational Depth: While the article presents statistics regarding tobacco sales and mentions legislation impacting those sales, it lacks deeper analysis or explanations about how these factors interact with consumer behavior or market dynamics. It does not teach readers about the implications of black market activity or provide context on how legislation influences purchasing decisions.

Personal Relevance: The information may be relevant to stakeholders in the retail sector, particularly those involved in tobacco sales, but for a general audience, its relevance is limited. Most readers may not feel a direct impact from these developments unless they are consumers of tobacco products.

Public Service Function: The article does not serve a public service function effectively. It recounts events without providing guidance on how consumers might navigate changes in availability due to black market activity or legislative impacts. There are no warnings or safety guidance offered.

Practical Advice: There is no practical advice given that an ordinary reader could follow. Without actionable steps or tips related to navigating changes in tobacco availability or understanding consumer rights under new laws, it fails to assist readers meaningfully.

Long-Term Impact: The focus is primarily on short-term declines in sales rather than providing insights into long-term trends that could help individuals plan ahead regarding their consumption habits or financial decisions related to tobacco products.

Emotional and Psychological Impact: The article presents facts without emotional engagement; however, it could create feelings of concern among smokers about access to products due to rising illegal sources without offering constructive ways to address those concerns.

Clickbait Language: There is no evident use of clickbait language; however, some phrases may sensationalize the decline without adding substantial context about its broader implications for society as a whole.

Missed Chances to Teach or Guide: The article highlights issues but misses opportunities to educate readers on potential responses—such as considering alternatives if they are concerned about accessing legal tobacco products—or understanding their rights regarding product availability under new laws.

To add real value that the article failed to provide: Individuals concerned about changes in tobacco accessibility should consider evaluating their habits critically—reflecting on why they smoke and whether they wish to quit altogether given health risks associated with smoking. If choosing to continue using tobacco products despite challenges accessing them legally, one might explore local laws regarding smoking regulations and seek support from health professionals if considering cessation options. Understanding personal health goals can lead one toward making informed choices regardless of market fluctuations while also exploring healthier lifestyle alternatives available through community resources like local health departments and cessation programs.

The situation described reveals a troubling trend that undermines the foundational bonds of family and community. The significant decline in tobacco sales, attributed to the rise of the black market, illustrates a broader issue: the erosion of local economic stability and responsibility. As families turn to illegal sources for their purchases, they not only jeopardize their own well-being but also weaken the trust that binds communities together.

When individuals seek out illicit means to fulfill their needs, it reflects a breakdown in personal responsibility and local accountability. This shift can fracture family cohesion as members may prioritize immediate gratification over long-term stability and health. The reliance on black market goods diminishes the role of parents and extended kin in guiding children toward responsible choices, thereby threatening the moral fabric essential for raising future generations.

Moreover, with tobacco sales declining sharply, associated product sales are also suffering. This ripple effect can lead to reduced interactions within local businesses that serve as communal hubs—places where families gather and relationships are nurtured. Such declines threaten not only economic vitality but also diminish opportunities for social engagement that reinforce kinship bonds.

The impact extends beyond immediate financial concerns; it affects how families care for one another—especially vulnerable members such as children and elders. When economic pressures mount due to decreased legitimate sales, families may struggle more significantly with providing adequate resources for nurturing children or supporting aging relatives. This neglect can lead to an environment where responsibilities shift away from familial care toward impersonal systems or distant authorities, further eroding trust within communities.

Additionally, when state authorities attempt to curb illegal operations without engaging directly with local communities or understanding their dynamics, they risk imposing solutions that do not resonate with those affected. This disconnect can foster resentment rather than cooperation among community members who feel alienated from decision-making processes regarding their welfare.

If these behaviors continue unchecked—where reliance on black markets grows while legitimate businesses suffer—the consequences will be dire: families will face increased instability; children may grow up without proper guidance or resources; elders could be left unsupported; and community trust will erode further as individuals prioritize self-interest over collective well-being.

In conclusion, fostering personal responsibility within local contexts is crucial for maintaining strong family units and resilient communities. Upholding duties toward one another—particularly in protecting children and caring for elders—is essential for ensuring survival across generations. Without a renewed commitment to these ancestral principles of stewardship and kinship duty, we risk losing not only our familial ties but also our ability to nurture future generations capable of sustaining both our people and our land.

The text uses the phrase "significant decline in tobacco sales" which evokes a strong emotional response. The word "significant" suggests that the decline is not just notable but alarming, pushing readers to feel concerned about the issue. This choice of wording helps to emphasize the seriousness of the situation for Metcash and its stakeholders, potentially leading readers to view the company's challenges as more severe than they might be if described in neutral terms.

When mentioning "the rise of the black market," the text frames illegal tobacco sales as a growing problem. This phrase can create fear and concern among readers about crime and public health issues related to tobacco use. By using "black market," it implies an organized crime element, which may lead readers to associate tobacco consumers with criminal behavior without providing context on why people might turn to illegal sources.

The statement that "associated product sales have also suffered" implies a broader negative impact beyond just tobacco products. However, it does not specify what these associated products are or how much their sales have declined. This vagueness can lead readers to assume that many products are affected negatively, creating a sense of urgency without clear evidence or details.

The text mentions that Woolworths reported a “51 percent decrease in quarterly revenue from tobacco products.” This stark statistic emphasizes how serious the situation is for major retailers too. Presenting such a large percentage can exaggerate perceptions of crisis within the industry, making it seem like an overwhelming trend rather than part of broader shifts in consumer behavior.

Doug Jones's caution about declaring success in curbing illegal operations could suggest doubt about government effectiveness without providing specific evidence or examples. The phrasing implies that despite efforts by authorities, there may be little hope for improvement soon. This could lead readers to distrust governmental actions regarding public health policies related to smoking and enforcement against illegal trade.

The mention of Metcash's overall sales increasing by 2.9 percent while excluding tobacco creates a contrast meant to highlight resilience despite challenges in one segment. However, this framing can mislead readers into thinking that Metcash is thriving overall when significant parts of its business are struggling due to declining tobacco sales. It subtly shifts focus away from problems within their core product line by emphasizing growth elsewhere.

By stating “the company announced an interim dividend,” it presents this action as positive news for shareholders while ignoring potential concerns over declining revenues from core products like tobacco. The language used here may make shareholders feel reassured despite underlying issues affecting profitability and long-term sustainability within key segments of their business model.

The phrase “too early to declare success” suggests ongoing efforts against illegal operations but lacks specifics on what those efforts entail or any measurable outcomes so far achieved by state authorities. This vague assertion leaves room for speculation and uncertainty regarding whether any real progress has been made while implying continued struggles ahead without concrete evidence provided within this context.

The text conveys a range of emotions that reflect the challenges faced by Metcash and the broader retail sector regarding tobacco sales. One prominent emotion is sadness, which emerges from the significant decline in tobacco sales, reported at a staggering 35.1 percent drop to $637.8 million. This figure evokes a sense of loss not only for Metcash but also for the retailers who depend on these sales for their livelihood. The phrase "marked decrease" further emphasizes this sadness, suggesting an ongoing struggle that has intensified since July due to new legislation aimed at reducing tobacco consumption.

Another emotion present is concern, particularly highlighted by Doug Jones's acknowledgment of consumers turning to illegal sources for their purchases. This shift raises alarms about public health and safety, as it implies that individuals are resorting to potentially dangerous alternatives rather than purchasing from regulated sources. The mention of state authorities' efforts to curb illegal operations introduces a layer of hope mixed with uncertainty; while there are attempts being made to address the issue, Jones's caution about declaring success indicates an underlying fear that these measures may not be sufficient.

Moreover, there is a sense of resilience reflected in the overall net profit increase of 0.3 percent and a slight rise in sales excluding tobacco products by 2.9 percent during this period. This resilience suggests pride in Metcash’s ability to adapt despite adversity, serving as a counterbalance to the negative emotions surrounding tobacco sales.

These emotions guide readers’ reactions by fostering sympathy towards retailers affected by declining tobacco revenue while simultaneously instilling concern over public health implications associated with black market purchases. The text aims to build trust in Metcash’s leadership through transparency about challenges faced and efforts made against illegal operations.

The writer employs emotional language strategically throughout the piece; phrases like "significant decline," "marked decrease," and "turning to illegal sources" evoke strong feelings rather than neutral observations. By emphasizing drastic changes such as “51 percent decrease” in Woolworths’ revenue from tobacco products, the writer amplifies urgency around this issue, making it sound more extreme than typical fluctuations might suggest.

Additionally, repetition plays a role here—the recurring theme of declining sales across multiple retailers reinforces the gravity of the situation while drawing attention away from any potential positives within Metcash's overall performance or growth areas like food segments. Such techniques heighten emotional impact and steer readers toward recognizing both immediate concerns regarding public health and longer-term implications for family-owned businesses reliant on traditional retail practices.

In summary, through careful selection of emotionally charged language and strategic emphasis on certain figures and trends within the narrative, this text effectively shapes readers' understanding of current challenges facing both Metcash and its industry peers while encouraging reflection on broader societal issues related to smoking regulations and illicit markets.