Latest news with #SanPellegrino
Business Insider
10-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Don't let the economy ruin your summer
You're cutting back on big nights out, so you host dinner parties at home, springing for the fancy candlesticks and serving San Pellegrino. You're skipping the flight to Europe this summer. Wandering cobblestone streets comes with too much spontaneous spending; an all-inclusive cruise is the way to go. Kelsey Laurier, a 32-year-old in Atlanta, understands this mindset. She caters her online content to people who want affordable luxury. "People are tired of being nickel-and-dimed when it comes to certain situations," Laurier said. "I think when you pay for something that's already bundled, when you pay for something that you already know this is what it costs, I think it just feels better." A little bit of financial comfort might just hit the spot in today's in-between economic moment. People are still spending, and inflation cooled in April, but both sentiment measures have fallen due to the US's erratic trade strategy and last month's stock market roller coaster. It's not a bad time to readjust your budget for more predictable spending, even if you still want that luxury feeling. The answer? Clear, upfront prices. Paul Hardart, a marketing professor at NYU Stern, pointed to an idea called perceived value — how much you perceive an item to be worth, which may or may not align with how much it's actually worth. Bundles can have a big perceived value right now because they speak to that same comfort that Laurier mentioned. "Even hotels where breakfast is included, you are paying for that, but there is a perceived value that feels good," Hardart said. All-inclusive entertainment, vacations, and dinners If the early 2020s were all about YOLO spending, 2025 is an era of intentional budgeting. It's why concerts aren't selling out anymore, but Netflix earnings are strong. Airlines are cutting flights while cruises are doing just fine. The difference? The winners have fixed prices and a lower likelihood of unexpected costs. While spending has stayed strong, Americans have less of a savings cushion than in the immediate post-lockdown years. And there are signs their confidence is starting to crack. Consumer sentiment has been dwindling, falling 32% since January and hitting lows unseen since 2022. "I definitely think we're going to see a rise in people being more mindful of where they spend, and I think there's going to be more of a focus on delayed gratification versus instant gratification," Laurier said. Cheaper store-brand groceries, as well as thrift and discount stores, are having a moment. At the same time, though, consumers — especially younger ones — have gotten a taste of luxury. Laurier has noticed that Gen Zers, who grew up with social media, are very interested in more name-brand items and designer clothing, whether they have the budget for it or not. That's where affordable luxury strategies come in. Dinners out can add up; they may or may not include drinks, appetizers, and a nightcap. The affordable luxury version of that is a dinner party, where you can set a budget in advance and still feel upscale with a few choice items — sans pricey appetizers, an upcharged bottle of wine, and tax and tip. "People, even myself, are starting to splurge on higher quality foods as a way of it being a little luxury, because it is a very affordable luxury versus buying a handbag or something," she said. "You can go to a farmers market and get all organic food and make a good meal with high-quality ingredients." That idea can be applied to the bigger-ticket luxuries, like travel and entertainment. The appeal of the cruise, as Henry Wismayer writes for BI, is that you know what you're paying for — boats are generally all-inclusive, with some add-ons offered. That's a stark financial contrast from bopping around Europe and stumbling into a pricey café, or having to pay for transit to get around. Hardart, the marketing professor, said that companies, too, want predictability, and subscriptions are the way to go. Think Disney+ offering Hulu and sports, or Amazon Prime partnering with food delivery services. Of course, an actual recession would hit spending in much more profound ways. But while that's not guaranteed at the moment, Hardart said, "If you can't really plan your future, therefore, you're going to want to save more for the uncertainty that lies ahead."
Telegraph
07-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
‘San Pellegrino Limonata? It's no better than Pepsi'
What is Italy's greatest export? Yes, we love the wine, the cheese, the olive oil and the pasta. But the other delicacy we have grown to know and love – which graces the shelves of wholefood stores and Italian delis – is San Pellegrino. Is there anything as refreshing as an ice-cold Limonata, San Pellegrino's thirst-quenching cloudy lemonade? We seem to put these fruity soft drinks on a pedestal above the likes of Pepsi, Lucozade and Fanta. Somehow, in pride of place in deli fridges across the country, they seem more natural and organic. They are made by a brand renowned for its sparkling water, so they must be healthier... right? Limonata lovers, look away now. Emma Shafqat, a paediatric dietitian, says that whilst she 'can see why people might think of San Pellegrino Limonata as a healthier drink, it's really no better than a can of Pepsi or regular lemonade'. Jeannette Hyde, a registered nutritional therapist and author of The Gut Makeover, agrees. 'Personally I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole,' she asserts. However, Bini Suresh, the lead for dietetics at Cleveland Clinic London and BDA spokesperson, believes Limonata has its place in a balanced diet, when enjoyed mindfully and not relied on for hydration or nutrition. Is San Pellegrino Limonata not as healthy as we think? And how does it compare to other fizzy drinks? Are there any health benefits of drinking Limonata? Both Shafqat and Hyde take a moment when faced with this question. It seems the health benefits of drinking a can of Limonata are decidedly minimal, although Hyde points to its list of ingredients being more natural and organic than the likes of Pepsi and Lucozade. It's made with 16 per cent fruit juice from 'ripe lemons from southern Italy', natural flavourings, and includes some zest, too. This marks a contrast to other soft drinks which contain all sorts of acids, caffeine, and artificial colourings. Additionally, Suresh points to the lemon juice providing a small amount of vitamin C. A 2025 review in Molecules highlights the importance of vitamin C for our health thanks to its antioxidant effect and role in immunity. However, Suresh notes the amount in a can of Limonata 'isn't a quantity significant enough to offer a functional benefit'. She therefore acknowledges that whilst a can of Limonata may be enjoyed socially as a refreshing alternative to alcohol, its health benefits are 'modest at best, context dependent' and, in her opinion, 'minimal'. She points to San Pellegrino's 'Zero Added Sugar' variation, which has just 13 calories and 1.1g sugar per can. Alongside water, lemon juice from concentrate, and natural lemon flavourings, it contains sweeteners. 'This is a lower-sugar alternative that may better support moderation and metabolic health, particularly for individuals with insulin resistance, prediabetes, or weight management goals,' she concludes. The case against Limonata So, what makes Limonata so lacking in the eyes of our nutritionists? One word: sugar. The Government recently announced its plans to expand the sugar tax – a levy applied to sugary soft drinks with the aim of reducing obesity levels. Whilst it currently applies to drinks with more than 5g of sugar per 100ml, the threshold may be lowered to 4g. Among the offenders that would be subject to this widened tax are Fanta, Pepsi, Lucozade, and – perhaps surprisingly – San Pellegrino's Limonta and Aranciata cans. Limonata contains 4.5g of sugar per 100ml which puts it on the same level as Fanta Orange, Lucozade, Rubicon and Pepsi. 'It's important to note that an entire can has almost 15g of sugar,' Shafqat says. 'The NHS recommends adults should consume no more than 30g of free sugars per day – if you drink two cans of Limonata, you've reached that maximum.' The health risks of a high-sugar diet are well-established. According to a comprehensive review in the Nutrients journal, people that consume more sugar-sweetened beverages tend to gain more weight and have a higher risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, the sugar in fizzy drinks is easily digested and absorbed into the bloodstream, which can cause a quick rise in blood sugar levels, Hyde explains. Whilst most fruits are sugary, they also contain fibre, which tends to be found in the skin, pulp and seeds. Fibre helps to regulate blood sugar levels and prevents rapid spikes and crashes. Therefore, when you drink a sugary fruit drink which doesn't contain fibre, and without food, Hyde says 'you're instantly putting yourself on a rollercoaster of a sugar high, followed by a dip, which is followed by further cravings'. Suresh adds that liquid calories are 'less satiating, making it easy to overconsume' which can be problematic for those maintaining or on a weight loss journey. These links are well-established in scientific research, with a 2021 study in World Journal of Diabetes highlighting that sugar-sweetened beverages can contribute to increased blood glucose concentrations, hunger, and potential weight gain. Additionally, San Pellegrino's fizzy fruit drinks used to contain much more sugar, around 9g per 100ml (almost 30g per can). The company launched its new recipe in the UK in 2018 with a proportion of the added sugar replaced with stevia, which saw the sugar content of its fruit beverage range drop by an average of 40 per cent. And whilst the 'Zero Added Sugar' variation is a low calorie and sugar swap, it does contain a couple of unfamiliar ingredients – acesulfame K and sucralose, both of which are artificial sweeteners. Whilst they are generally recognised as safe for consumption, the former has been linked to increased appetite, and the latter to weight gain in animal studies. How does it compare to other fizzy drinks? A can of San Pellegrino Limonata contains as much sugar as some popular fizzy drinks, although the company says its fruity drinks are 'made with 30 per cent less sugar than similar sugar sweetened beverages'. Suresh says Limonata 'may be perceived as a cleaner label product' compared to alternatives which contain artificial flavourings and sweeteners. What about other 'posh' sparkling drinks? With its sophisticated branding and Italian heritage, many perceive San Pellegrino as a class above the rest. In fact, in recent years, interest in premium and 'trendy' soft drinks has risen as many turn away from alcohol and sugar towards the world of wellness. Suresh, Hyde, and Shafqat all agree that Dash sparkling water is one of the healthiest 'posh' soft drinks as it has just three calories and no sugars or sweeteners in a can. 'It's the best for regular use,' Suresh says, as it's essentially infused water which provides hydration support. San Pellegrino's 'Essenza' fruity sparkling water range is nutritionally comparable. Its Lemon and Lemon Zest drink contains no sugars or sweeteners. Its purely natural mineral water, carbon dioxide, and natural flavourings – and also has just three calories per can. A San Pellegrino spokesperson says: 'At San Pellegrino, we offer a diverse range of authentic Italian products that cater to various tastes and occasions. From our no-sugar Essenza range to the newly introduced Zero Added Sugar range made with juice from Mediterranean fruits, we are committed to consistently delivering great-tasting and high-quality drinks that meet our consumers' needs.' Shafqat is also fond of Hip Pop Living Soda – a premium fizzy drink which claims to support gut health, with 8g of plant fibre per 100ml. It's also lower in sugar, with 1.6g per 100ml. And you can't reference 'posh' soft drinks without acknowledging the rise in popularity of kombucha. Hyde says she drinks it at social events when she doesn't fancy alcohol as it's low in sugar and good for the gut, but still tastes pleasant. Her favourite is Momo – an authentically brewed and unfiltered kombucha. Suresh therefore puts traditional Limonata on the same level as Cawston Press Elderflower Lemonade – whilst they're both sugary, she recommends people enjoy them as an occasional treat. She says the 'Zero Added Sugar' Limonata is a 'reasonable compromise' for those transitioning away from traditional fizzy drinks, whilst the Essenza Lemon and Lemon Zest drink 'provides a flavoursome alternative to plain water, which is great for anyone aiming to stay hydrated without added sugars or sweeteners'. The expert verdict 'Whilst traditional Limonata has more natural ingredients than Pepsi, just don't be fooled into thinking you're having any less sugar when you drink it,' Hyde says. 'Moderation is important – drink one now and again if you fancy it, but maybe consider sometimes swapping it out for sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime.' What to drink instead – and still feel refreshed When you need a sweet, refreshing hit, Hyde recommends her simple chilled hibiscus tea. 'It's high in polyphenols with antioxidant powers, plus you get a fruity flavour without a fructose, sugar or aspartame dump,' she says. It's slightly tart and a vibrant red colour – if you prefer a sweeter beverage, Hyde recommends adding a touch of raw unpasteurised honey. More of her gut healthy recipes can be found here.
The Guardian
13-03-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
David Crisafulli came out of Cyclone Alfred looking like a leader. His real danger lies within the LNP
There was something different about David Crisafulli – even if it wasn't immediately clear what had changed – as the Queensland premier addressed the state about the looming threat from Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Leading through a natural disaster is a rite of passage for a Queensland leader. There's also little anyone can do to prepare. It's a brutal 'learn on the job' experience that requires difficult calls with imperfect information. Handled the right way – with calm and sincerity, the right ratios of strength and compassion – the experience can define a premier. Floundering politicians have walked out of the briefing room at the emergency services complex at Kedron as beloved leaders. Anna Bligh's popularity climbed 35 points after the 2011 Brisbane floods. Her tearful 'we are Queenslanders' address is still talked about by, as she put it then, 'the people they breed tough north of the border'. Crisafulli appears to have a natural effect in these situations that his predecessor, Steven Miles, only found too late in last year's nothing-to-lose election state campaign. Miles's first task as premier was to lead the response to Tropical Cyclone Jasper in north Queensland. There was little to fault in that response, but the lack of emotion or animation meant there was little to remember about it either. As Tropical Cyclone Alfred approached, Crisafulli had a few missteps. His comments that people should stock up on canned food and bottled water might have contributed to some of the panic buying in the early part of last week, when even Heinz and San Pellegrino were stripped from the shelves. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email And the response itself left questions about the state's disaster management. People in Hervey Bay say they were not prepared for flooding that hit the town. Residents near Brisbane's suburban creeks were sent 'emergency alerts' by police about potential flash flooding on Monday morning, several hours after the creek heights had peaked. While the premier's office has sought to portray his approach as a break from Covid-era edicts – a champion of devolved decision-making and personal responsibility – the reality is more nuanced. The government closed the schools on Thursday and then gave those able the green light to reopen on Monday. The idea this is radically different to past approaches is simply untrue. Regardless, Crisafulli is a premier with an enhanced personal brand after Alfred. He has been lauded for having a rare characteristic prized by leaders – the ability to speak with authority and authenticity at the same time. But there was also something else that contributed to the sense that Crisafulli had a strong week. Something that wasn't clear until Wednesday, when parliament resumed, and the premier's sidekick, the deputy premier, Jarrod Bleijie, returned to his hip. Bleijie is becoming increasingly influential in the LNP's first Queensland government in a decade. He is a politician with a compulsive fighting instinct and comes across as brash. In parliament this week, Bleijie stood up and made truck honking noises. The deputy premier also has close control over the LNP's parliamentary strategy, which has at times appeared to focus on gleefully battering political opponents rather than governing with anything resembling maturity. Behind the scenes, moderates say the deputy premier's instincts risk running the government into unnecessary trouble. The partnership between Crisafulli and Bleijie is central to harmony between the LNP's once-warring factions. Crisafulli's closest allies are moderates (though he stays out of much of the internal politicking). Insiders say Bleijie and his allies are instigating policy fights the government would be better advised to avoid. Crisafulli key to re-election in 2028 is to show the public – especially Brisbane voters who have been wary of the LNP since Campbell Newman – a different sort of conservative government. And it has not gone unnoticed, especially within LNP ranks, that Crisafulli has amplified his personal appeal this week with what is being viewed as mature management of the emergency response, with his attack dog mostly absent from his side.
New York Times
22-02-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Wall Street Is Getting Antsy With Trump
President Trump's keynote this week at a Saudi sovereign wealth fund's conference in Miami Beach might have seemed like another jubilant pep rally attended by adoring fans and key lieutenants. Elon Musk sat in the front under a vast rotunda, not far from the real estate billionaire Steve Witkoff, now a White House special envoy to the Middle East, and Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law. All received shout-outs from Mr. Trump, and frequently laughed at the president's early jokes during his 90-minute talk. But in the venue's packed lobby, which had been repurposed as an overflow room with television screens set up for roughly 150 finance types, the mood was a bit antsy. It was hard to tell if that was because of the heat or the speech, or something else. These portfolio managers and financial consultants, many in dark suits, had waited for about three hours to secure a coveted seat in the Faena Forum, a pearly white hotel and conference center co-owned by a major Trump donor. Those souls turned away from the main hall were instead told to hang in a pink-marble-trimmed room that didn't have enough chairs. The San Pellegrino quickly ran out, and there was no food save for a single jar of honey that a private equity marketer managed to beg off the catering staff. That this crowd waited just to see Mr. Trump on a closed-circuit screen on Wednesday was an indication of their collective enthusiasm for, or at least acute interest in, what Mr. Trump would say in his first second-term, in-person address to the international business set, a group that had high hopes for his return to office. They applauded at first, as Mr. Trump declared what many longed to hear: that the 'United States is back and open for business,' that he was ending burdensome regulations and that a golden era for cryptocurrencies had begun. But rather than continue to address economic issues as many in attendance had expected, Mr. Trump devoted most of his remarks to recapping his electoral win, criticizing the president of Ukraine and reading off a list of supposed savings from the Department of Government Efficiency, some of which were earlier debunked. He also briefly mentioned tariffs and deregulation, only the latter of which received applause. Within 20 minutes, the overflow room was talking over the president, and those present were asking if it was rude to leave. Plenty did; by the time Mr. Trump had finished, the room was half empty. Those who stuck around were treated to the view of Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary during Mr. Trump's first term, making a silent beeline from the main auditorium as soon the president wrapped up his remarks. (A spokesman for Mr. Mnuchin said he had been due at a previously scheduled meeting.) The Miami area should have been a fitting setting for Mr. Trump to reintroduce himself to the world of finance. Miami has tried to remake itself as the Wall Street of the south, a haven for crypto firms and hedge funds, with lower taxes and nicer weather. Yet the city's most prominent financial name, Kenneth Griffin, skipped Mr. Trump's speech. The hedge fund manager, who is moving the main offices for his firm, Citadel, to Miami, showed up at the conference the next day — when Mr. Trump had returned to the White House — for a panel discussion about 'how to create resilient economies in uncertain times.' Mr. Griffin praised Mr. Trump's efforts 'transforming' the federal government. But, he said, 'it's a difficult time to invest because of the policy uncertainty that goes on with this transformation.' Mr. Griffin expressed global worries, too. 'Who will be an important ally going forward, and with whom are we breaking down longstanding relations?' he asked. 'I really do hope that the administration finds a way to build as many bridges as possible.' Jenny Johnson, the head of the asset manager Franklin Templeton, praised Mr. Musk's efforts to fix the budget deficit and bring down Treasury yields. But she couldn't hide her worry about the government's debt costs. 'I'm sorry I can't be particularly positive,' she said. There were warmer feelings a few feet from the Faena pool, where Alex Konanykhin, head of the cryptocurrency firm UniCoin, lounged with his custom blazer hanging off a chair. Mr. Konanykhin recently returned to the United States after spending a few years in self-described 'business exile in Switzerland,' as the Securities and Exchange Commission investigated UniCoin for fraud. Mr. Konanykhin said he was relieved because of his belief that his company's crypto actions were not dissimilar to the Trump family's $Trump coin. He said he wished Mr. Trump would stop being 'distracted by larger issues like taking Greenland, Canada and Gaza as the 51st, 52nd and 53rd states,' and turn his attention domestically, including to crypto. On Friday, Coinbase, the largest U.S. crypto company, said the S.E.C. would drop charges against it. But Mr. Konanykhin, like many others in Miami Beach this week, was still waiting on Mr. Trump to make his hopes come true.
