Tesco poised to axe Finest health and beauty line

by Gemma Charles, Marketing 10-Oct-06, 08:30

LONDON - The future of Tesco's Finest health and beauty range is in doubt after the supermarket pulled the products from its shelves ahead of a review.

The premium line comprises 17 items, including Creme Brulée Body Souffle and Nourishing Foot Scrub. It was launched in 2002, when supermarkets were expanding rapidly and investing heavily in own-label products.

A Tesco spokeswoman confirmed that the products are no longer on sale, but added that own-label replacements were in the pipeline.

The Tesco Finest offering, which was launched in 1998 and includes 1,200 items, has been revamped this year with the introduction of an overhauled line of ready meals.

According to Tesco, its health and beauty sales increased by more than 10% in the first half of the year. The retailer posted a record pre-tax profit of £1.09bn in the period.

Earlier this month, Tesco revealed plans to launch six own-label software packages.

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