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In less than two years after its introduction, YouTube Short, a competitor to TikTok, has surpassed 1.5 billion monthly logged-in viewers.
In comparison to its rival TikTok, which declared 1 billion monthly subscribers in September 2021, YouTube Short has attracted more users.
With the introduction of the short, YouTube claims that creators who submit both long-form and short-form videos have higher overall watch time and subscriber growth than those who solely publish long-form videos.
Projecting a continuous growth in the product, Neal Mohan, YouTube’s chief product officer, said “while we’re still at the beginning of our journey with Shorts, we know the product will continue to be an integral part of the YouTube experience moving forward.”
Did you Know?
- Sundar Pichai, Google and Alphabet CEO, in April had stated that YouTube Shorts was averaging 30 billion views per day, up four times from a year ago. The company said YouTube has been testing ads in Shorts and is focused on closing the gap with traditional YouTube ads over time.
- With the surge in YouTube Shorts usage, YouTube has identified a growing class of multiformat creators who use short- and long-form video, live streaming and audio together to maximize their audience reach.
- Tara Walpert Levy, haul YouTube’s VP of the Americas, “Long-form content remains the best way for YouTubers to develop and engage viewers over the long but YouTube Shorts offers an exciting new way to be a part of a viewer’s journey and to introduce themselves and their whole portfolio to new audiences.”


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Samsung is always the first to give security patch updates to its Galaxy devices. The company often releases them even before the start of the month; for example, the company released the November 2022 security update for the Galaxy Z Fold 4 device in the last week of October. Most of the time, the Korean giant beats Google at the time of monthly security updates as it frequently releases security patch updates to Galaxy devices much earlier than pixel phones.
Samsung December 2022 Security Patches
According to the Samsung documentation, the latest patches include the fix to as many as 93 vulnerabilities, 67 of them common to (almost) all Android devices. Of the long list, 5 vulnerabilities are defined as critical, 63 high priority, and 12 moderate. Most of these vulnerabilities affect Galaxy smartphones and tablets with Android 10, Android 11, and Android 12, but some also touch the latest version of the robot. Among the latter, one concerns the RCS system, which would allow malicious actors to access the phone number of an incoming call. It also required action on the vulnerability that would allow access to the contents of the toast notifications of the Personal Area through the Nice Catch app (it is part of the Good Lock package).
Additionally, Samsung has also added some 13 patches with it, which are specially designed for Galaxy devices so Galaxy users can easily use the Galaxy devices without any worry about the security of their privacy and important data.
Moreover, Samsung has addressed some security loopholes and variabilities in several functions and apps such as SecTelephonyProvider, Telecom application, Samsung settings, RCS call, Samsung decoding library for video thumbnails, Exynos baseband, Nice Catch, WindowManagerService, llccphonebook, Qualcomm kernel, Contacts, Phone, etc. Samsung claims that all the mentioned apps and functions are now fixed and safe to use, and the company also promises that if there is any bug left apart from this, it will surely fix it in another update.
Which Samsung Galaxy smartphone will get the And December 2022 patches
In addition to the Google Pixels, the December 2022 security patches are already in distribution starting with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+ and Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G, but they will arrive via a software update on many other models, most of them already with Android 13 and One UI 5 (waiting for the One UI 5.1). Among the smartphones that will receive the update with the latest security fixes we can mention:
- Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+ and Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+ and Galaxy S21 Ultra
- Galaxy S21 FE
- Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+ and Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G (already in distribution)
- Galaxy S20 FE
- Galaxy S10 Lite
- Galaxy Z Fold4
- Galaxy Z Flip4
- Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
- Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
- Galaxy Z Fold2
- Galaxy Z Flip
- Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
- Galaxy Note 10 Lite
- Galaxy A53 5G
- Galaxy A52, Galaxy A52 5G and Galaxy A52s 5G
- Galaxy Xcover Pro, Galaxy Xcover 5 and Galaxy Xcover 6 Pro
The list is probably not exhaustive, as Samsung will update other smartphones and maybe some tablets (despite the updates being quarterly for different models) and smartwatches (Galaxy Watch4, Watch4 Classic, Watch5 and Watch5 Pro). The December 2022 security patch rollout will last a few weeks: keep following us as we will keep you abreast of developments.
Don’t miss our latest news on Samsung technology. Follow SamLover.com on your favorite social media platforms for instant notifications.

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Home Events & Happenings
Organized and participated by various business groups within the Singapore-headquartered Asia telecommunications provider SingTel, this year's SingTel i.luminate - with the theme of "Powering The Future" - will on November 6, 2012 examine the forces that are shaping the market, discuss the implications, and showcase real-world ICT innovations and customer implementations.
After 54 hours of intense product development and business pitching at Startup Weekend Singapore over the weekend, Team Snapsell beat over 40 other ideas to emerge victorious as grand winner of the event.
Singapore-based technology startup accelerator Joyful Frog Digital Incubator (JFDI.Asia) today announced that applications for the first of its two business acceleration programs they intend to run for 2013 is now officially open.
FedEx Express is bringing its FedEx Small Business Grant Contest, a small business competition it first launched in the US three years ago to give small businesses have the chance to win grants to help them expand overseas into international markets, to Asia Pacific.
Cincinnati, Ohio-based startup accelerator the Brandery is currently accepting applications for its 2013 edition of its four-month acceleration program for brand-driven consumer Internet startups.
Techventure 2011 showed just how much Singapore, and its government through the National Research Foundation (NRF), is banking on these budding entrepreneurs and their newest and latest in technological innovations for the country's future.
Organized by the Singapore infocomm Technology Federation (SiTF), the SiTF Awards 2011 - which seeks to recognize innovative infocomm technology applications or solutions developed in Singapore - has announced its finalists for the awards competition.
Microsoft Imagine Cup certainly has grown over the years, inspiring an entire generation of technology-savvy youths - with 1.65 million students from 190 countries participating in the competition during the past decade.
Nominate and vote for the best Asian applications at the Top 50 Apps poll now!
Held every year, the Global Entrepreneurship Week sees many organizations in different countries around the world host and participate in various events that foster originality, imagination and ingenuity. This year, a record 123 countries world take place in the world's largest week-long celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Singapore infocomm Technology Federation (SiTF) earlier this evening announced the winners of this year's SiTF Awards, which recognizes technology innovations developed in Singapore.
Leading regional telecommunications provider SingTel today kickstarted i.Challenge 2011, an annual competition for app developers.
Check out the stunning panels GE created as real-time illustrations of several of the inspiring talks given at TechCrunch Disrupt NYC 2011 last week.
Innotribe Startup Challenge has announced the selection of 15 Asia-based startups for its Asian leg, which will take place on 16 May 2013 at NUS Enteprise-run InnovFest 2013.
If you run a small- or medium-sized that could definitely do with a new van, here's one competition you may want to check out.
The Best Young Companies to Work For campaign by turnstone seeks to highlight companies that demonstrate excellence in areas such as positive work culture, forward-thinking leadership, talent retention, business innovation, community outreach, and workspace planning and design.
The global 2015 BattleHack, organized by leading global payments providers PayPal and Braintree, will be coming to Singapore as part of a worldwide global hackathon competition that will see developers across the globe tasked with applications that solves various challenges.
What was really interesting this year at Social Media World Forum (SMWF) Asia is the accompanying Apps World Asia 2011, where there are specific tracks applicable to developers and programmers working in the web and mobile application spaces.
How can you make the best of attending a conference like Echelon 2010? Here's some advice.
Aspiring and new entrepreneurs should consider participating this one-day seminar on "How To Start and Own a Successful Business" by Singaporean serial entrepreneur Boyd Au.


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Sportswear giant Nike, Inc. (NYSE: NKE) on Tuesday reported a modest increase in earnings for the second quarter of 2023, when its revenues grew in double digits. The latest numbers also came in above Wall Street’s expectations.
Second-quarter net income was $1.33 billion or $0.85 per share, compared to $1.33 billion or $0.83 per share in the corresponding period of fiscal 2022. The bottom line was negatively impacted by an increase in operating expenses.
November-quarter revenues grew 17% from last year to $13.3 billion. The top line also came in above the consensus forecast.
Check this space to read management/analysts’ comments on Nike’s Q2 2023 earnings
“Consumer demand for NIKE’s portfolio of brands continues to drive strong business momentum in a dynamic environment. We remain focused on what we can control, and we are on track to deliver on our operational and financial goals — setting the foundation for sustainable, profitable growth,” said Matthew Friend, chief financial officer of Nike.
Looking for more insights on the earnings results? Click here to access the full transcripts of the latest earnings conference calls!
Nike, Inc. (NYSE: NKE) has long been ruling the sportswear market but the company had its share of problems when headwinds like the pandemic and economic slowdown hit the business
Shares of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) stayed green on Friday. The stock has dropped 7% over the past three months. The video game industry has been facing challenges as
Petros Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: PTPI) is a pharma company focused on identifying, developing, and commercializing therapeutics for men's health issues. It operates mainly through the business segments of Prescription Medications


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Image for representation Photograph:( AFP )
As per the UK government, people arriving at the UK ports who have been fully vaccinated in the US and the EU will also not have to quarantine
After a 16-months break, international cruises will be able to start again from England, beginning from August 2.
As per the UK government, people arriving at the UK ports who have been fully vaccinated in the US and the EU will also not have to quarantine.
An industry body said that the travel agencies, hotels, tour guides, port operators and other firms would benefit from the restarting of cruises.
The government said that international cruise travel advice "will be amended to encourage travellers to understand the risks associated with cruise travel and take personal responsibility for their own safety abroad".
As per the new rules, from 04:00 BST on August 2, fully vaccinated US and EU travellers arriving from amber countries will not need to quarantine or take a test on day eight of their arrival.
However, they will need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on the second day after they arrive.
Travellers from France are not exempt. Under-18s will be exempt from isolation, and some will not have to test, depending on their age.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the reopening of travel was "progress we can all enjoy".


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Sainsbury's goes back to basics
AILING supermarkets group Sainsbury's is slashing its dividend, axing 750 head office jobs and pouring 3,000 new staff on to the shop floor in a last-ditch attempt to revive its fortunes.
In his eagerly-awaited strategy statement today, new chief executive Justin King promised to take the group back to basics, but warned that recovery would be a lengthy, three-year process, and would cost as much as £550m in write-offs.
'We have had our eye off the ball for a number of years and it will not be a quick fix,' he said. 'But we still have 14m customers visiting us each week and they still feel Sainsbury's is special. They want us to succeed.'
In what is effectively the group's fourth warning this year, he said second-half profits will be similar to the £125m - £135m expected in the first half, pointing to £250m - £270m for the full year.
This is little more than a tenth of the £2bn rival Tesco is expected to make. Before Tesco overtook Sainsbury's as Britain's leading food retailer in 1995, Sainsbury's profits had hit a peak of more than £800m.
In what amounts to a damning indictment of the previous regime, King said the £3bn poured into the store chain and crumbling distribution system had been wasted, and hundreds of millions of pounds are to be written off.
Food rotted in the back of the stores as staff were unable to cope with filling the shelves.
Morale in the company has plunged along with sales and profits, King admitted. Shop floor staff will be expanded by 3,000, but one-in-five head office jobs are to go by March.
The Sainsbury family, which still owns 38% of the shares, is sharing the pain as the dividend is halved this year, to 7.8p. This will save £135m, which will be poured into the recovery plan.
The key plank of King's strategy is to get sales moving by sorting out supply problems, spending more than £400m on beefing up customer service and improving the quality of its core food offer. His target is to add £2.5bn to turnover over the next three years.
Other moves include axing the Savacentre concept and Sainsbury's Central. The Bluebird store in London's King's Road will close, as will several SainsburyLocals. King is also reviewing the venture into garage forecourts.
The huge task facing Sainsbury's King was underlined with news of yet another slide in sales.
A second-quarter trading update shows underlying sales fell 1.1% in the 16 weeks to 9 October, but total sales - boosted by including the Jackson's and Bells Stores acquisitions - rose 4.4%. This compares with a like-for-like decline of 0.6% in the first quarter and leaves the fall for the first half at 0.9%.
King said the second half would be further hit by price cuts and spending on improved quality and service. Full interim figures are due on 17 November.
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Farmer-owned trader GrainCo has written off £4.5m in its latest accounts for grain stored on its behalf by failed merchant Alexander Inglis & Son.
Despite this, the business, which is in turn owned by storage and marketing group Tynegrain, reported a pre-tax profit of £385,457 for the year ended 30 June 2021. This compares with a pre-tax sum of £2.087m the previous year.
Turnover at GrainCo rose to almost £181.9m in the latest year, from £174.7m in the 2020 accounts.
Without the write off, the business would have made a £4.9m pre-tax profit.
Managing director Gary Bright pointed out that the company has a strong balance sheet, with net assets of £20.6m.
“We benefit from being a business with diverse income streams and significant revenue, which allowed this loss to be absorbed and still make a profit ,” said Mr Bright.
“We have a full recovery stock insurance policy so I’m confident that the loss [of the stored grain value] will be recovered.”
A note to the accounts states: “During the year, Alexander Inglis & Son, a company that provided storage facilities to the company entered administration. Stock owned by GrainCo and stored by Alexander Inglis & Son on the company’s behalf was included in GrainCo’s stock at a value of over £4,530,006. The directors have written off this stock in full in the financial statements to 30 June 2021, as the administrators report would indicate that it is unlikely that this grain will be recovered.
“The company is taking legal advice regarding this matter. Due to the sensitivity of this, the directors do not consider it is appropriate to disclose any further information at this time.”
The Inglis business went into administration in May 2021, with the administrators’ report subsequently showing a likely deficit of £70m, although trade estimates put it higher than this.
Farmers accounted for more than one-third of the 166 unsecured creditors listed in a report issued by the administrators in July and were owed more than £6m by the Inglis business. This sum is separate to that claimed for crops stored on behalf of growers and merchants.
The administrators have subsequently confirmed that there is expected to be no funds available to pay unsecured creditors.
GrainCo markets 1m tonnes of grain, oilseeds and pulses every year, buying from growers between Hull and Aberdeen.
Tynegrain has stores and port stores throughout the north-east of England and Scotland and exports an average of 200,000 tonnes a year from its deep water berth on Tyne Dock, which can accommodate vessels of up to 66,000t.
The business also owns PelletCo, a supplier of wood pellets for boilers and animal bedding throughout the UK.


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This is a sponsored guest post.
Black Friday has to be the most waited for sale promotion in the year. The name Black Friday emanated from the huge volume of shoppers purchasing items during this period and the police coined the phrase to describe the mayhem that is in the malls and other shopping places. Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving in the U.S. and this year it fell on 29th November.
A study conducted reported that Black Friday drives almost 70% of U.S. gross domestic product (1). Retailers normally employed varied methods to encourage many people to shop such as heavily discounting items, having sales, promotions and the list goes on. With the advancement of internet and technology, ways of attracting consumers have also changed. The modern-day consumer is more into online shopping and getting their products delivered right at their doorstep. They use flyers (2) to compare products from different brands at very competitive rates.
From recent years, Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year and Christmas just around the corner, makes the sales shoot up the roof. A study analysed showed that in 2016, there were 101.7 million people who joined Black Friday. That’s more than 74 million in 2015. The day when most sales were made was Saturday with 64 million followed by 33 million on Sunday and 29 million on Thanksgiving Day. In 2016, a total of 137 million shoppers participated in Black Friday (3).
Black Friday is not only crucial for the economy of the country but it’s a stylish way to kick start the Christmas holidays. Major retailers account Black Friday as one of the most profitable days of the year. It’s no wonder that accountants use ‘black’ to point our profits made when doing the books and red to signify loss.
For families looking to shop for Christmas goodies and gifts during Black Friday, they need to properly plan and budget for this. This will help families trying to save some coins and get incredible gifts for Christmas. During Christmas, it’s expected for a shopper to at least spend $1,007.24. $637.67 will go on gifts, $215.04 on food decorations, flowers, greeting cards and $154.53 on deals and promotions (3).
Black Friday is the best day to get enormous deals and huge price cuts. It’s recorded that the spending done during Thanksgiving accounted for 20% of all holiday online shopping. It’s also reported that 48% of the U.S. online apparel retail market was discounted by an average of 45% off (4).
The top 5 items that are a must-buy during Black Friday for Christmas are;
Black Friday is the best time to buy gifts to put under the tree for Christmas. : ToysRus, Wal-Mart, Target are some of the major retailers that sell toys at affordable prices with huge discounts.
HOME APPLIANCES AND DÉCOR
Black Friday is the greatest time to get washing machines, dryers, refrigerators to surprise your significant other or just stock up the house.
Formal, casual, outdoor apparel can be bought at affordable prices during Christmas. Retailers have price cuts and sometimes up to 70% discount on a huge variety of products.
Popular gadgets are always discounted or on sale during Black Friday. If you are planning to purchase a somewhat extravagant item, its best to purchase it during Black Friday as you will not break your bank. Amazon, Target, Bestbuy, Staples, Dell are always having sales during this time.
JEWELLERY, FLOWERS, GIFTS
Black Friday is the best time to purchase that jewellery that you have been eyeing all year. It’s a great time to surprise a loved one with a bunch of flowers, chocolates or some wine.


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Photo by Fitzkes/ Adobe Stock
Restaurateurs in Westchester are having to manage customers’ service expectations amid difficulties finding help.
“Think of restaurants as having long-haul COVID,” says Stephanie Small, owner of UnWined Kitchen in Somers. More than two years into the pandemic, restaurants are struggling with an unprecedented labor shortage. They’re finding while some customers do understand the exigent realities, others are having trouble adjusting to the new normal.
Small says she’s read the question asked by some customers online: “How long are restaurants going to use COVID as an excuse?” When it comes to staff shortages, she finds the best way to communicate with customers is to be totally honest. “I find my customers are quite empathetic when I’m open with them that there may be some delays with their food.” Small notes she’s actually had some customers offer to help in various ways — from seating people to bartending, even to a chef offering her services. At UnWined, the labor shortage meant the restaurant had to close for a time when it lost its chef; it cut back on its open-for-business days; and there’s been a return to its smaller-plates beginnings.
Michael Glick, owner of The Shop, Ardsley, a hybrid restaurant serving bagels, sandwiches, and soups during the day and dinner in the evening, says when people order in what is considered a “fast-service environment,” they’re often impatient when their food doesn’t come out in what they consider a timely manner. “During the breakfast and lunch rush, we have to be very upfront with people about the length of time it will take to get their order.” Glick says a lack of line cooks and the proliferation of third-party apps contribute to the situation (“I’m actually looking to move myself off those apps,” he says). Glick advises patience, noting, “Just because you’re in a rush, staring at the staff and getting angry at them doesn’t make the food come out any faster.”
Jeremy McLellan, owner of Bread and Brine, in Hastings, is another restaurateur who says customers are going to continue to see a slowdown in takeout orders. “We do a tremendous amount of takeout, and we’re increasingly telling people their orders are going to take over an hour if they call during peak times.” McLellan says he’s had to take the phone off the hook to stop taking those orders, to help alleviate an overflow in the kitchen. The restaurant, which went to a fast-casual concept during the height of the pandemic, is now returning to its original concept as a full-service restaurant. “The change to a clam-shack vibe was embraced by some customers but not by others,” he says, adding that outdoor dining creates a whole other dimension to service needs and has him “walking that line between fast-casual and more traditional dining.”
Some customers may feel their server is rude, but the reality is that they’re rushing more and often don’t have time for the same interactions with their tables as in days past.
Pamela Schienle, co-owner with her husband of Nadine’s, in Yorktown Heights, confirms that outdoor dining is both a boon and a burden to the staff. She and McLellan agree that, unfortunately, customers may have a harder time getting a reservation during peak days and times. “Mondays through Thursdays are great nights to dine out,” says Schienle. She points out that some customers may feel their server is rude, but the reality is that they’re rushing more and often don’t have time for the same interactions with their tables as in days past. Schienle adds that it’s up to the owner to enlighten guests when service may be a little slower. “We’ve been having issues finding bartenders, so servers often not only have to take drink orders but prepare them, as well.”
“We’ve added more information to our menus, in terms of listing every ingredient and allergen, as a way of cutting back the amount of time a server spends with a table,” says Mogan Anthony, co-owner and executive chef of Village Social Group, adding that the heart of the restaurant business is the food, “but if the service is great, it’s a bonus, and they really go hand-in-hand.” He points out that customers may be seeing less-elaborate menus, with fewer ingredients, as it’s the menu that dictates a restaurant’s bottom line. He also says staffs are demanding, and getting, higher salaries, which translates to higher menu prices.
“We understand that customers don’t want every dining experience to be a splurge, and with having neighborhood restaurants, we want people to dine at our locations more than once a week. But customers also have to realize that we must raise prices at some point in order to show a profit.”
Kate Schlientz, founder of the Restaurant Alliance of Westchester (RAW), a trade group formed in the wake of the pandemic, says, “Guests are 50 percent responsible for the experience they have in a restaurant.” She adds that with a pool of labor talent that is “quite small,” customers should demonstrate patience and have an understanding and appreciation when they dine out. “If there is an issue, with either food or service, customers lose the chance for the owner or manager to make it right if they don’t say anything prior to leaving.” Schlientz also urges that those messages be delivered “in a calm manner.” She says that going forward, people are going to be dealing with more inexperienced servers, with managers and owners being pulled in many different directions, and with restaurants cutting days and hours. “As restaurateurs continue to invest in their restaurants, customers need to feel invested in them as well.”


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// Moncler named textiles, apparel and luxury goods industry leader in Dow Jones Sustainability Index
// The index ranks 3500 companies based on economic growth, environmental considerations & social sustainability
Moncler has been recognised as the Industry Leader in the textiles, apparel and luxury goods sector in the latest Dow Jones Sustainability Index.
This is the first time that the luxury Italian retailer has been included in the index.
Moncler was credited for its plan to be carbon neutral on its global direct emissions by 2021 and for being a signatory of The Fashion Pact launched at the G7 last month, which aims to combat the climate crisis.
Now in its 20th year, the Dow Jones Sustainability Index ranks 3500 of the biggest publicly listed companies based on economic growth, environmental considerations and social sustainability.
“At Moncler, we have long been committed to creating value for all stakeholders through the continuous integration of sustainability into our business model,” Moncler chief executive Remo Ruffini said.
“A lot has been done to date, but we know that we need to do much more in order to find solutions to the imminent social and environmental challenges facing humankind globally.
“Entering the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices as Industry Leader is an extraordinary result.”


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Delisted cigarette brands include Gallaher’s Camel and Mayfair Superkings and Imperial Tobacco’s Richmond Superkings Menthols and John Player White.
Philip Morris’s Lucky Strike brand and British American Tobacco’s premium Dunhill brand are other casualties.
The range is now 22 cigarette lines, four handrolling, four cigar and five sundry lines. The earlier range featured 65 lines.
The retailer said its ranges of wines, spirits, beer and other secondary products would receive the treatment next.
Unwins said in a statement: “We will ensure we maintain high levels of availability on these lines.”
The company indicated that a supply dispute with Palmer & Harvey had been resolved and the wholesaler was meeting its new strategy.


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News & Events
We have the know-how you need. BioLabs International is a worldwide corporation manufacturing and distributing products for the healthcare professionals in clinical, life science, and biopharmaceutical markets as well as we serve to consumers who are seeking better well-being.
July 1, 2020, 12:00:00 PM
PPE Provider From BioLabs International To Make Sure No shortage of PPE COVID-19 demand
Despite the globally rising number of coronavirus COVID-19 infections fuelling concern over a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), BioLabs International has stepped up to be the one of PPE providers from the United States of America.
Demand for protective gear has shot up 100-fold since the virus began to spread, according to the WHO, which warned about global shortages of PPE as early as February. It called on manufacturers to increase production by 40% to meet the rising global demand of masks, respirators, gloves, gowns and face shields for frontline health workers.
BioLabs International quickly adjusted their product pipelines in order to have capabilities to work OEM manufacturing PPE within a few short months.
"We have capacity to make a lot of things at big rates and we’re going to provide hopefully from PPE products in a very short period of time," CEO Dr. Samson Chen told several local medias.
Those PPE can be supplied across the U.S. so that our healthcare providers could purchase to make available for their healthcare professionals. More than 1.6 million gowns were made from April alone.
For far too long, the United States relied on foreign manufacturing and supply chains for some most important medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients while placing America's health, safety and national security at risk during emergency like this COVID-19 pandemic situation.
Dr. Samson Chen, said “America needs a reliable source of high quality, domestically manufactured, affordable pharmaceuticals and their key ingredients. This advanced manufacturing capability will significantly fortify our nation's pharmaceutical supply chain for critical medicines, including many required to treat patients hospitalized with COVID-19."
Over 80 percent of APIs and chemical ingredients used in the U.S. to manufacture generics and over-the-counter drugs are produced overseas. Of these, the majority are produced in China and India.
March 31, 2020, 5:00:00 PM
BioLabs International Announces Launch of COVID-19 Nueclie Acid RT-PCR Test Kits
BioLabs International, has stepped to support medical community in testing COVID-19 suspicious individual in the USA and worldwide. BioLabs discovers solutions to combat COVID-19 by launching nucleic acid molecular RT-PCR test kits.
March 30, 2020, 2:00:00 PM
BioLabs International and GeneOne Diagnostics Corporate Partner to Commercialize Molecular Testing Worldwide
• Partnership to leverage GeneOne’s manufacturing capability with BioLabs International’s expertise in
business development to provide broad access to clinical diagnostic laboratories in the US and
• Innovative molecular testing improves clinical accuracy in various infectious diseases.
• Collaboration agreement to response today’s worldwide coronavirus threat in building up COVID-19
nucleic acid testing kit using RT-PCR to accelerate clinical workflows of confirmation testing among
Cleveland, OH, March 30 2020 – BioLabs International announced today that it has entered into a partnership with GeneOne Diagnostics Corporate to broaden the business development and adoption of molecular testing in various infectious diseases. As the understanding of the new virus evolves in nature environment, which could become a worldwide threat potentially transform risk prediction, detection, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring.
This agreement brings together complementary capabilities of each company to broaden global access from North America to other parts of world. GeneOne Diagnostics will develop, manufacture various testing kits and BioLabs International will commercialize molecular tests using RT-PCR technology. BioLabs International will support the development of the claims and regulatory filings, will also go through regulatory approval process.
“As an innovative company in diagnostic arena that helps save and improve lives, BioLabs International is pleased to enter into a partnership agreement with GeneOne Diagnostics to leverage our combined expertise in clinical testing of infectious diseases and molecular diagnostics,” said Samson Chen, CEO of BioLabs International. “This collaboration is uniquely positioned to improve medical value and clinical decision making globally by combining the unique capabilities of the BioLabs International with GeneOne, and will provide more patients with access to GeneOne Diagnostics products in North America. This builds upon our strategy of accelerating clinical diagnostic, streamlining workflows and expanding assay menus to broaden access to clinical data and lower barriers to routine use.”
About BioLabs International LLC
BioLabs International is a worldwide corporation manufacturing and distributing products for the clinical diagnostics, life science, and biopharmaceutical API markets. We are dedicated in providing research and industrial communities innovative, quality tools to aid them in their quest for scientific excellence.
From innovative products research development to manufacturing, BioLabs International maintains the flexibility to partner with you every step of the way. We bring to the table excellent quality products and experience in research and clinical diagnostics products. We commit to continue to introduce innovative new products of the highest quality. As part of a multi-step process towards meeting and exceeding regulatory compliance standards. Our endless effort is to meet ISO and FDA standards in the United States, some of our products are cGMP compliant and under the FDA's Emergency Use of Authorization.
For more information, please visit www.biolabsinternational.com.
All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.


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Yesterday proved to be an E3 press conference extravaganza of sorts, with Microsoft starting the day by introducing games for the Xbox One and Xbox 360. EA and Ubisoft filled the in-betweens perfectly, as each publisher revealed their lineup of titles for a variety of platforms. Sony was the final act of this pre-E3 press conference marathon, ready to show the world what’s in store for the PlayStation 4.
Since the PlayStation 4 was revealed this February, Sony—as compared to rival Microsoft—has been laying low. But it wasn’t long ago—specifically, the day before Xbox One’s reveal—that Sony released a PlayStation 4 teaser trailer, reminding everyone the PlayStation 4 would not be take a back seat to the Xbox One.
Sony Computer Entertainment America’s (SCEA) president and CEO Jack Tretton kicked off the press conference inside the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, providing attendees a recap of current PlayStation platforms. Tretton says everyone has loved the PlayStation Vita, ever since its debut two years ago, “once they get their hands on it”. And with that, Tretton announces Flower and Dead Nation would be coming to the PlayStation Vita. Telltale Games’ The Walking Dead would be coming to the Vita as well, as a new bundle released in August, along with 400 Days and other exclusive content.
Tretton proceeded to showcase games coming to the PlayStation 3: Naughty Dog’s critically acclaimed The Last of Us, Puppeteer, Sony Japan Studio’s Rain, Quantic Dream’s Beyond: Two Souls, and Gran Turismo 6. A trailer was also introduced for Warner Bros. Montreal’s Batman: Arkham Origins. Tretton said the PlayStation 3 version for Arkham Origins would includes a “Knightfall” DLC, and a 1960’s Batman skin. Also, a PlayStation 3 bundle and headset would be included with the much-awaited Grand Theft Auto V.
One of the highlights of Sony’s E3 press conference was the anticipated unveiling of the PlayStation 4 console. Andrew House, president and Group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI), was blessed with finally pulling the curtain behind PlayStation 4’s corporeal form. At long last, everyone the world over got the chance to see the PlayStation 4: a black, sleek, square-like, slanted, two-layer console. Its appearance closely resembles the PlayStation 2, and to an extent, the Xbox One.
To talk more about Sony’s entertainment aspects, CEO of Sony Entertainment Michael Lynton took to the stage. Features from Lynton’s presentation included Sony working with the PlayStation Network to enhance Music Unlimited. House came back to stage to accent Lynton’s presentation, by announcing Sony’s Music Unlimited would be available on PlayStation 4’s first launch day. Moreover, House says Verizon’s Redbox Instant would be coming to PlayStation platforms.
Sony Worldwide Studios’ head Shuhei Yoshida dedicated his section of the press conference to the games coming to the PlayStation 4. Yoshida says his team consists of 40 studios, and key members of that particular group have participated in the design and testing stages of the PlayStation 4. Over 30 PlayStation 4 titles are in development, Yoshida says, with 20 planned for release within 12 months of the console’s launch. The Order 1886, which is a collaborative effort between Sony Santa Monica and Ready at Dawn Studios, was demonstrated as an in-game trailer.
Yoshida also revealed an update of four of the new games announced for the PlayStation 4 this year: Killzone: Shadow Fall, DriveClub, inFamous: Second Son, and Knack. With the exception of inFamous: Second Son (released in 2014), Killzone: Shadow Fall, DriveClub and Knack would be available at PlayStation 4’s launch. Attendees also got to see a short, real-time demo of Quantic Dream’s The Sorcerer, in which an old sorcerer breaks the fourth wall.
Sony’s vice president of third-party relations Adam Boyes touched more on Yoshida’s comments of PlayStation promoting independent developers. A slew of indie games coming to the PlayStation 4 were showcased, such as Supergiant Games’ Transistor, Klei’s Don’t Starve, and 17 Bit Games’ Galak-Z: The Dimensional. Boyes says indie developers can self-publish on Sony platforms.
Other games showcased were Final Fantasy XV, Kingdom Hearts III, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, Watch Dogs, The Elder Scrolls: Online and NBA 2K14.
In addition to finally seeing the PlayStation 4’s true form, Tretton came back to the stage to discuss PlayStation 4’s policies. There would be no restrictions on used games. PlayStation 4 doesn’t have to be always online, nor would it require players to check in online every 24 hours. The stadium was ecstatic upon hearing the news. Existing PlayStation Plus memberships would carry over to the PlayStation 4, and would support cross-gaming chat and play-as-you-download.
Towards the end of Sony’s E3 press conference, attendees got a glimpse of a live-action demo of Bungie and Activision’s Destiny. Sony finalized their press conference by announcing the PlayStation 4 would hit retail stories this holiday season for the price of $399 in North America, €399 in Europe, and £349 in the United Kingdom.


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Kingsland reveals why consumers buy wines
Kingsland has carried out research it says goes beyond existing studies into wine shopping to look at why consumers buy wines when they do.
Wine PRO – which stands for Portrait, Role, as in the role the wine plays in consumers’ lives, and Occasion – has been welcomed by all the company’s retail customers, marketing director Neil Anderson told OLN.
He said: “It’s not good enough just to look at the person [buying wine], you need to understand the role wine is playing in their lives and look at the occasion when that wine is being consumed. The moment you do that you are asking the key question – why. That is where the real depth and quality of this insight comes.”
One of the key findings was that consumers still struggle to understand from wine labels what the drink inside the bottle will taste like.
Anderson said producers should tap into the trend for fruit flavours in cider and other FMCG categories by highlighting the fruit flavours in wine.
He said: “The wine industry still relies on thinking that consumers want to hear all about the region or heritage of the brand or winemaker or even more technical information. They don’t. Consumers just want you to engage on the level that entices them, and the one key area is taste and flavour.
“I think it’s about time the wine industry understands how you make fruit relevant to wine. If you can do that in a way that is not overkill I think consumers will engage with it.”
The research identified other potential opportunities, including targeting younger women who don’t feel wine is directed at them, meeting demand for sweeter flavour profiles and lighter wines, though not necessarily at 5.5% abv, and offering more packaging formats.
Kingsland is working on a couple of new projects based on the research’s results, but was not ready to reveal details yet.


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Japan eyes ‘large scale’ cooperation with Cuba – AFP
The foreign minister of Japan said Saturday that Tokyo wants to launch “large scale cooperation” with Havana to support the island’s reforms.
In the first visit to Cuba by a Japanese foreign minister, Fumio Kishida, speaking during a meeting with Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez, said Japan supports US and Cuban efforts to normalize relations and that Tokyo wants to take its own ties with Havana to “a new level.”
Kishida, who traveled with a delegation of 30 Japanese business leaders, said Japan wants to launch a “new scheme of Japanese cooperation of wide range, large scale” to support reforms undertaken by President Raul Castro.
He said the scheme was called “non-reimburseable financial assistance.”
“Secondly, we would like to consolidate our economic relations,” Kishida said.
For his part, Rodriguez said relations with Japan “are a priority” and that the communist country has “the willingness to deepen bilateral ties in all areas, including trade, investment, scientific cooperation and multifaceted cooperation.”
Kishida’s spokesman, Ken Okaniwa, told reporters on Thursday that the US embargo against Cuba in force since 1962 is making it “difficult” for Japanese companies to do business with the island.
Bilateral trade amounts to $52 million, with Japanese exports to Cuba accounting for two-thirds of that commerce.
Cuba buys machinery from Japan and exports tobacco, coffee and fish, Okaniwa said.


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Web Posted | May 27 2003 06:02 PM CDT http://Sask.cbc.ca/regional/servlet/View?filename=monsanto030527
Wheat board tells Monsanto to withdraw GM bid
REGINA - The Canadian Wheat Board is calling on Monsanto to withdraw
its application for approval of its Roundup Ready wheat. The application
is being considered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Board
chair Ken Ritter writes in a letter sent to the president of Monsanto
Canada, that the approval of GM wheat could have a devastating impact
on Western Canadian farmers.
READ THE DOCUMENTS: Ritter's letter to Monsanto MARCH 20, 2003:
Monsanto endures barrage of farmer demands Ritter says Monsanto
could face a backlash from farmers if it pursues current plans for
GM wheat approval. "Monsanto sells a lot of product in Western Canada
and a lot of farmers use their product and it is certainly my hope
that sane, commercial people in that company will view their commercial
position with farmers and make the common sense decision to withdraw,"
Ritter says. Trish Jordan, a spokesperson for Monsanto, says the
company thinks Roundup Ready wheat will add value to the industry
instead of hurting it. "We're not going to move forward and put
our Canadian business in jeopardy by doing anything that is going
to cause concern or harm for the industry," says Jordan. "Our whole
goal is to find a way to add value to the industry and we continue
to believe that it will." She says the application before the Canadian
Food Inspection Agency is only the first step, in what could be
a long process.


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Global Marketing News – 23rd February 2016
Wikipedia to create its own search engine Wikimedia Discovery
The online encyclopaedia Wikipedia has announced that it is going to build its own search engine.
It intends to spend 2.5 million US dollars on building the search engine, named Wikimedia Discovery, and aspires to compete against the likes of Google.
Wikimedia Discovery wants to be the world’s “first transparent search engine” and has pledged to protect user privacy, include no advertising, and give open data access to meta data.
At first, Wikimedia Discovery will just contain information drawn from Wikipedia, but the company hopes that it will eventually also contain information from other open sources of information.
A spokesperson from the company commented on announcement, saying that they wanted Wikimedia Discovery to be one of the most “reliable and trustworthy” ways to find information online.
It is unclear when the search engine will be launched.
Ad blocking company Shine signs deals with 3
The ad blocking company Shine has signed deals with the mobile networks Three UK and Three Italy.
Shine’s technology will allow the mobile networks to implement ad blocking on their entire networks, although it’s currently unknown exactly when Three will roll out ad blocking.
Shine predominately targets display ads, i.e. pop ups and banners that disrupt the user’s mobile browsing experience. It does not affect native advertising as these are deemed less intrusive.
Three has explained why it has entered into a partnership with Shine, hitting out at mobile ads by saying: “Irrelevant and excessive mobile ads annoy customers and affect their overall network experience. We don’t believe customers should have to pay for data usage driven by mobile ads.”
There are signs that this could be just the first step of Shine’s expansion across the world, with the company saying that it is in talks with around 60 other mobile networks around the globe, including in the US and Europe.
1/3 of Russian ecommerce was from Chinese sites in 2015
One third of online purchases made in Russia last year were from Chinese ecommerce platforms.
In monetary terms this translates to a staggering 2 billion US dollars being spent by Russians on Chinese online stores, with Russia’s main online payments service, Yandex.Money, seeing a massive 38-fold increase in transactions compared to the previous year.
The reason for this sudden surge in Russians buying from Chinese sites seems to be the falling value of the rouble.
Chinese ecommerce sites often have cheaper prices than their Russian and European counterparts, making them an appealing option for Russian consumers.
Chinese sites have also been making improvements in the way they deal with Russian customers, with improved logistics meaning that Russian customers get speedy deliveries.
The majority of Russians shopping on Chinese sites are from small villages and cities, and the most popular products bought are clothes, shoes and mobile phones. The top visited Chinese sites were JD and AliExpress.
Video-on-demand search engine launched in South Africa
And finally, a search engine that allows users to search video-on-demand services has launched in South Africa.
JustWatch collates the TV programmes and films offered by the country’s largest streaming providers, allowing users to see which programmes are being shown on which platforms, all in one place.
Users can search for specific programmes or filter by genre, streaming provider, price, rating or release date.
JustWatch South Africa currently indexes shows from Netflix, iTunes, Mubi, ShowMax and DSTV’s BoxOffice.
JustWatch’s CEO explained why they chose to expand into the South African market, saying: “South Africa’s infrastructure and online penetration has been growing so fast in the last years that streaming is working now better and better.”
Around 1 million South Africans currently have broadband speeds fast enough to stream online TV, out of a population of over 50 million.
As fibre optic internet becomes more commonplace in the country, however, this proportion is expected to grow dramatically.
Webcertain’s global marketing news bulletins are daily 5-minute videos, providing marketers with the latest international digital marketing news in an easy-to-digest format.
Latest posts by Gemma Houghton (see all)
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Back in March, Miami-based tuning shop, Active Autowerke, invited BMW enthusiasts from around the country to come celebrate 30 years of providing services to BMW community. Active Autowerke was founded in 1981 by brothers Mike and Karl Hugh who had a passion for a higher standard of BMW performance.
At the special event, attendees had the opportunity to have a closer look at the Active Autowerke’s full range of BMW vehicles, from BMW M3s and M5s, to the first all-wheel drive M, the X6 M.
With this occasion, the tuning shop created an anniversary movie that showcases their operation and vehicles tuned up in the Miami shop. Let’s have a closer look.


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Supermarket chain A&P debuts mobile coupons with brand participation
Supermarket chain A&P tapped digital incentive and information management company Zavers to offer SMS-based mobile couponing at participating A&P grocery stores.
Several national brands have begun using Zavers’ mobile platform as part of the Red Tag Online Savings program at A&P, Waldbaum’s and SuperFresh, the Online Advantage Program at Pathmark and the Fresh Online Savings program at The Food Emporium. Participating brands include Unilever, Kimberly-Clark, the Quaker Oats Co. and Bayer Healthcare.
“A&P and Zavers believe it should be easier for consumers to save on the products they want, regardless of the screen they want to use,” said Anita Newton, chief marketing officer at Zavers, Kansas City, KS. “In 2009, together we launched an online service where consumers save coupons into a centralized digital wallet directly linked to their loyalty card.
“Mobile works exactly the same way and is a natural extension of this strategy,” she said. “Additionally, mobile has the added appeal of targeting new users, using a low cost channel to stimulate impulse purchases in the store, and providing real time offers, response, and results.
“These benefits are made even more appealing given the seamless process at the point of sale.”
Founded in 1859, A&P is one of the nation’s first supermarket chains.
The company operates 433 stores in eight states and the District of Columbia under the following trade names: A&P, Waldbaum’s, Pathmark, Best Cellars, The Food Emporium, Super Foodmart, SuperFresh and Food Basics.
Zavers offers paperless coupons on mobile phones and on the Internet so consumers can save on the products they want at their favorite stores.
Mobile coupons reaching the mass market
The partners claim that mobile coupons, discount offers stored on a wireless device, are seeing increased usage, but are still considered too unwieldy for widespread adoption.
Zavers claims that its mobile technology effectively removes those negatives by offering consumers a simple text-and-save experience.
When consumers sign up for A&P’s 100 percent paperless, digital coupons, they are prompted with the option to receive coupons and discounts via their mobile phone number.
Essentially, an A&P shopper who has opted in receives an offer via text message and replies with a code.
The coupon is automatically deposited in the customer’s Zavers-powered account, which is already linked to the retail store’s shopper loyalty program.
The shopper picks up the product, and at check-out swipes the loyalty savings card, something he or she is already used to doing.
The coupon amount is automatically and instantly deducted from the bill and the savings are printed on the receipt.
Zavers claims that the user experience of SMS-based coupons translates to increased loyalty and customer satisfaction, which benefits both product advertisers and retailers.
“With SMS-based mobile coupons, consumers can save money and even more importantly, save time,” Ms. Newton said. “In the paper world, users must cut, store, file and remember to retrieve the coupons at point of sale.
“With mobile, consumers simply respond to a text message and the coupons are automatically deposited to the shoppers account which is directly tied to their loyalty card,” she said. “Accordingly, at the cash register, consumers do not have to pull out a wad of coupons and suffer the embarrassment of slowing down the checkout lane.”
Mr. Newton said that not only are mobile coupons easier to distribute and redeem, but they are better for the environment.
“Instead, the shopper simply hands the cashier her loyalty card and her savings are removed automatically and instantly from her bill and printed on her receipt,” Ms. Newton said. “Not only is this process fast and easy, it is a much greener way to save money as well, because no trees are killed to create and distribute paper coupons.”
Additionally, the Zavers platform provides advertisers with measurement of their promotional efforts beyond clicks and views, including which offers are leading to the sale of a product in a retail store.
Zavers claims that unlike other technologies that require cashiers to manually enter a series of numbers or scan multiple bar codes, Zavers’ mobile coupons are automatically linked to the retailer’s loyalty card so the process is seamless and scalable.
Consumer interest in Zavers’ paperless coupon technology has been strong, with some redemption rates as high as 45 percent, compared to around 1 percent for paper-based coupons.
This is expected to only increase with the growth of mobile programs in various sectors.
“Many of our CPG clients have expressed interest in offering discounts via text message,” Ms. Newton said. “They tell us they are interested in the ability to target a new generation of shopper that is increasingly turning to online and mobile media sources for product information and savings opportunities.”
In addition, Zavers can tell an advertiser if a coupon actually led to a sale of a product in the store.
“This ability to close the digital loop for our CPG clients is a big difference maker,” Ms. Newton said. “Currently, we are partnering with a few national brands, with more to follow soon.
“These brands represent a cross section of products in dairy, snacks, health and beauty,” she said.


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SSP America, a division of SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, has announced the opening of a 7,700 square-foot marche at Tampa International Airport comprised of six brands (Bella Veloce, Square 1, Buddy Brew, Fitlife Foods, Yogurtology Liquid Provisions) and which offer the TPA traveler a memorable taste of the Tampa Bay region.
The opening of The Eatery at Terminal F is part of a larger 10-year, $298 million contract awarded by the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority to operate 14 units occupying over 22,168 square feet at Tampa International Airport (TPA). Tampa International Airport is one of the region's most significant economic engines, with a total economic output of more than $7 billion. The airport and its tenants employ more than 7,000 people on the airport campus and support more than 80,000 jobs in the community. TPA reported more than 18.9 million passengers in 2016.
SSP America is proud to have also partnered with Alfonso Architects, a Tampa based Architectural Design firm with a history of delivering many iconic and complex projects at Tampa International Airport including Airside C, the recent International Addition to Airside F, and the exciting new Eatery at Airside F. Over 5 years ago HCAA envisioned a unique dining experience at Airside F that would raise the bar on dining for travelling airport guests. Ultimately SSP America and Alfonso Architects were entrusted to deliver this new groundbreaking venue by assembling local and national brands in a high energy, modern Marche atmosphere.
TPA Marche F offers passengers a local market-place style eatery with multiple paying options, either at the counter where they order or at a central point of service location.


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Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) welcomed the launch of ProFlight Zambia’s air services between Lusaka, Zambia, and Cape Town, South Africa.
The Zambian carrier will operate two weekly flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays with the first flight having taken off on July 1 from Cape Town International Airport.
ProFlight Zambia resumed its air services between Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and King Shaka International Airport in Durban in April, and as promised, has delivered on the Cape Town to Lusaka route.
Commenting on the launch, Acsa said the air services would provide a significant boost to the volume of travellers between Zambia and South Africa.
“In 2021 and 2022, travel between the two destinations experienced a 38% growth, while over the same period, South Africa’s exports to Zambia grew by R1.6 billion making Zambia among South Africa’s key trading partners within Southern Africa,” said ACSA.
The company responsible for managing Sout Africa’s airport also said the new route will also provide a much-needed boost to the tourism industry, with Zambia and South Africa both being popular tourist destinations.
“Zambia is known for its wildlife, natural beauty, and adventure activities, while Cape Town is famous for its beaches, arts, and entertainment,” said Acsa.
Mireille Wenger, Western Cape MEC of Finance and Economic Opportunities also welcomed ProFlight Zambia’s services on behalf of the government of Cape Town.
“This new air service will undoubtedly play a role in strengthening the business links between the two destinations, especially considering that there are already many companies operating in both Zambia and South Africa.
“The improved air connectivity will make it easier for businesses to travel between the two countries, facilitating even greater trade and investment,” said Wenger.
Acsa also revealed that this new air service is also expected to create job opportunities in both Zambia and South Africa.
“As more tourists and business travellers visit the two destinations, there will be increased demand for hospitality and service industry jobs,” said Acsa.
Mark Maclean, Regional General Manager for Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) said the launch of services between Lusaka and Cape Town supports their collective efforts to restore air connectivity into the city.
“The air service is a positive development for both Zambia and South Africa, with the potential to boost trade, tourism, and business links between the two destinations,” said Maclean.


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China has decided to remove the Plague Inc. from Steam and app stores. It was removed from the Chinese department of the Apple Store on Thursday. The main reason for the removal is that it contains the content that was stated as illegal, according to the Cyberspace Administration of China. Officials did not specify the details. We don’t know what the Chinese administration found illegal about the game.
Ndemic Creations, the developers of Plague Inc., reacted to China’s actions. They said that the game is popular in China, named as one of the most frequently bought games. Developers believe that this decision has something to do with COVID-19. Yet, they are not sure whether the ban of the game is related to the coronavirus outbreak. Developers mentioned that numerous health organizations, including CDC, have recognized its educational impact on players. The game is still on the Nintendo eShop. Developers are not sure whether the game will be removed from there too.
The game was released in 2012. It is a strategy with beautiful graphics and interesting gameplay. Players can create different viruses to eliminate the human race. Have you played it?


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Chicago-Based Minar Now Available Through the Nation's Largest Online Grocer.
CHICAGO -- Minar Products LLC recently announced the establishment of a partnership with Peapod.com, making the all-natural soaps and toothpaste available through yet another national online retailer. The announcement comes just weeks after Minar secured a deal with Walgreens.com and steadily increases Minar's national presence and availability.
"The Peapod partnership will be vital to our overall growth in the next year and we look forward to expanding our brand to Peapod.com consumers across the country," said Henry Stewart, president of Minar.
Founded in 1989 by brothers Andrew and Thomas Parkinson, Peapod has grown to be one of America's leading Internet grocers. Peapod is a wholly owned subsidiary of international food provider Royal Ahold, and works in partnership with Ahold USA supermarket companies including Stop & Shop and Giant Food.
Since its establishment in 2001, Minar's soap and toothpaste products had been popular mostly among small "ma and pa" stores and some mid-sized, health-oriented retailersathus the company was only moderately successful. After buying out his partners in 2005, Stewart took the helm as sole owner of Minar and set off on a mission to position the company for the national brand recognition it is currently enjoying.
In addition to Peapod.com, Minar Products are also available at Walgreens.com, Jewel-Osco, Dominick's and regionally at Food 4 Less stores. For more information, visit: www.minarproducts.com.
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|Date:||Nov 27, 2006|
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|Food Fight Anyone?|
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|Minar Products, maker of all-natural soap and toothpaste, has taken its first steps toward national distribution.|


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FDA Widens Advisory on Eye Products After Patients Blinded, Hospitalized
On Feb. 21, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) advisory on artificial tear products was expanded to include additional products manufactured by Global Pharma Healthcare Private Ltd. The advisory now urges consumers and health care professionals not to use EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma's Artificial Tears and Artificial Eye Ointment, which are intended to be sterile, over concerns about potential bacterial contamination. The artificial tear products were first recalled by the manufacturer due to what the FDA called violations of its current good manufacturing practice, citing issues with drug formulation, packaging, and microbial testing. In early February, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned against using EzriCare or Delsam Pharma's artificial tears products amid an investigation of around 56 cases of Pseudomanas aeruginosa bacteria in 12 states, including one death and five instances of vision loss.
Read more on The Hill.


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2:10 PM New York Ė Archer Daniels sales fell. Ecolab net soared and raise fiscal outlook. Fiat Chrysler, Ford, GM July auto sales declined on weak passenger cars demand. Pfizer net surged and reaffirmed fiscal 2017 outlook. Thomson Reuters net plunged 41% on flat revenues.
Tollbooth Index increased 54.34 or 0.4% to 12,338.43.
Archer Daniels Midland Company
) jumped 3.1% or $1.31 to $43.49 after the food processor said revenues in the second-quarter ending in June declined 4.5% from a year ago to $14.9 billion.
Net income in the quarter fell 2.8% to $276 million from $284 million and diluted earnings per share were flat at or 48 cents in the same quarter last year.
) slumped 1.3% or $1.74 to $129.93 after the hygiene and energy technologies provider reported net sales in the second-quarter ending in June increased 4% from a year ago to $3.5 billion.
Net income in the quarter soared 15% to $296.6 million or $1.01 per diluted share from $258.4 million or 87 cents in the same quarter last year.
Ecolab forecasted fiscal 2017 diluted earnings per share to jump between 8% and 12% or in the range of $4.70 to $4.9.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV
) slid 1 cent to $12.08 after the vehicle maker said U.S. auto sales in July plunged 10% to 161,477 units compared to 180,389 units in a year ago month and retail sales declined 6% to 145,391 units.
Jeep brand sales in the month plunged 12% to 69,351 units and Chrysler brand sales slumped 30% to 13,303 units. Dodge brand sales plummeted 12% to 31,264 units. Wrangler sales were flat at 18,698 units.
Fiat brand sales tumbled 18% to 2,244 vehicles while RAM pickup vehicles sales were flat at 39,708 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company
) dropped 2.5% or 28 cents to $10.94 after the automaker reported total U.S. sales in July plunged 7.5% to 200,212 units and retail sales fell 1% to 159,492 units.
Passenger car sales in the month tumbled 19.4% to 48,259 units while fleet sales plummeted 26.4% to 40,720 units and trucks sales fell 7.1% to 80,886 units while Lincoln brand unit sales increased 2.6% to 3,366 units.
Ford Escape sales in the month jumped 5.5% to 27,716 units but F-Series truck retail sales soared 5.8% to 69,467 units from a year ago month. Sales in Ford SUVs rose 2.9% to 65,558 units.
Fusion sales plummeted 42.2% to 13,886 units but Focus sales surged 18% to 16,505 units. Mustang sales declined 35.1% to 6,206 vehicles. Ford Explorer sales surged 12.9% to 18,763.
Fordís average transaction prices increased 2.4% to $38,445 from a year ago.
General Motors Company
) slumped 3.6% or $1.29 to $34.69 after the automaker reported total sales in July declined 15.4% to 226,107 vehicles and retail sales in the month plunged 14.4% to 202,220 units.
GM said July sales in Chevrolet segment slumped 15.3% to 151,502 units and sales in Cadillac unit plunged 21.7% to 11,227 units while sales in Buick segment tumbled 30.5% to 15,966 units from a year ago month.
The automaker said average transaction price after sales incentives was $36,000, an increase of nearly $1,000 from July 2016.
) dropped 3.9% or $1.25 to $30.40 after the real estate developer said total revenues in the second-quarter ending in June plunged 14.7% from a year ago to $458.9 million.
Net income in the quarter tumbled 93.6% to $19.3 million or 4 cents per diluted share from $301.4 million or 64 cents in the same quarter last year.
The real estate developer estimated fiscal 2017 diluted earnings per share in the range of $1.18 and $1.24.
) fell 19 cents to $32.99 after the healthcare products maker reported revenues in the second-quarter ending in June fell 2% from a year ago to $12.9 billion.
Net income in the quarter surged 50% to $3.1 billion or 52 cents per diluted share from $2.1 billion or 34 cents in the same quarter last year.
Pfizer said sales in Enbrel declined 19.5% to $617 million and sales of Prevnar slumped 8.2% to $1.15 billion and revenues were unfavorably impacted by divestment of Hospira Infusion Systems.
Pfizer reaffirmed 2017 revenue forecast between $52 billion and $54 billion and the drug maker lifted diluted earnings per share between $2.40 and $2.45 from the earlier estimate of $2.35.
Thomson Reuters Corp
) soared 4.9% or $2.26 to $48.15 after the professional financial information provider said revenues in the second-quarter ending in June were flat from a year ago to $2.8 billion.
Net income in the quarter plunged 41.1% to $206 million or 27 cents per diluted share from $350 million or 45 cents in the same quarter last year.


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Straight after the Geneva Motor Show, the Lamborghini Aventador Superveloce LP750-4 was sent to America, were it made its continental debut at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Lambo seized this opportunity to also announce the official pricing of the new SV, which is $489,600.
That is almost half a million dollars, and that’s what you’d call almost a lot. But you have keep in mind this is a ‘SV’ Lamborghini, and these things tend to become future classics. In fact, during an auction at the same venue where the new Lamborghini Aventador Superveloce made its debut, a 1971 Lamborghini Miura SV was sold for $2.31 million. So if you are prepared to hold to onto the car for like 30 or 40 years, it might quadruple your money!
The good new is, you will plenty of fun while you are waiting for your SV to become a classic. The Aventador’s V12 engine in this version has been increased to 750 horsepower while weight has been decreased by 110 pounds, achieved through more extensive use of lightweight material and omitting a few of the luxury amenities. That means the Superveloce can accelerate to 60 mph from zero in 2.8 seconds and reach a top speed of more than 217 mph. That is what experts call seriously fast.
Compared to a normal Aventador, the Lamborghini Aventador Superveloce features a more aggressive aero kit as well as adaptive magneto-rheological suspension and the electromechanical Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS).


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The PlayStation 4 is going to have a rocking sophomore year if the slew of hardware, PlayStation Plus, and exclusive game announcements are any indication.
You can test out EA's high-octane cops and robbers online shooter right now.
China recently ended its ban on foreign-made gaming consoles, so Sony and Microsoft are hoping to reap the rewards of doing business in that country.
The National Resources Defense Council reports that the Sony PS4 and Microsoft Xbox One consume two to three times the power of their predecessors. And for what?
Sales of Sony's PlayStation 4 console were overshadowed by massive marketing costs as the company exits the PC business.
You can use it to tell when your controller is on or to aid the PlayStation Eye, but the real reason Sony put the light bar on the DualShock 4 was virtual reality.
The PlayStation 4's new update is welcome news if you're a budding YouTube personality or just like uploading the occasional video.
PS4 sales topped 7 million units worldwide amid shortages.
Best Buy and Walmart are offering a bundle that makes Microsoft's Xbox One cheaper than the Sony Playstation 4.
Sony unveiled Project Morpheus, a virtual reality system for the PlayStation 4 and attendees at GDC got to try it out.
The new virtual-reality headset drew a line at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco


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The goal is to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) significantly.
Three giant Japanese automakers, including Toyota, Honda and Nissan, in cooperation with a number of leading energy companies in the State Sakura to encourage the production of cars hydrogen fuel is environmentally friendly.
Not limited to the production car, a consortium of companies that signed the cooperation was also planned to build hydrogen refueling stations in the territory of Japan.
Known around 10 energy companies, including companies of natural gas refiner and distributor, will build about 100 refueling stations in 2015 in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka.
As quoted from France24, a consortium of 10 companies it said in a statement, Friday, January 14, 2011, mentions that all three Japanese car manufacturers will begin producing new cars are equipped with Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs) this year.
For information, FCVs is a breakthrough technology to convert hydrogen into electric current and do not create pollution in the form of anything other than water vapor.
"Giant car manufacturer in Japan will continue efforts to reduce the cost of making the system to start FCVs before later marketed in Japan, especially in four major metropolitan areas, in 2015," they wrote through the same information.
With the aim of reducing the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) significantly, the resulting transport sector, manufacturers and suppliers of hydrogen fuel to work together to expand socialization and encourage the supply of hydrogen FCVs throughout Japan.
Unfortunately, the companies involved are still reluctant to open my mouth about these long-term project investment.
Although electric-based vehicles such as Nissan or Toyota Prius Leaf had been highlighted recently, cars with fuel cells remain a more powerful alternative. However, the high cost of production and can not be renewing natural resources to fuel a fundamental constraint.
Toyota is the pioneer who created the world's first hybrid car by combining the resources of petrol and electric motors. The company has expressed plans to release a hydrogen-fueled cars in 2015.
While Honda, in 2008, began marketing the FCX Clarity about 200 units, the car is rented to customers based in the U.S., Japan, and Europe in the near future.
Source :: VIVAnews


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It’s a crazy world we live in. Walmart recently announced that they won’t sell items that bear the Confederate Flag but they had no problem making a cake with the ISIS symbol on it for one Louisiana man. Chuck Netzhammer ordered the image of the Confederate flag on a cake with the words, “Heritage Not Hate,” but was denied by his local Walmart. Instead he changed his order to a cake bearing the ISIS symbol and Walmart delivered.
Walmart has since come out and stated that the employee wasn’t aware of what the symbol meant and the cake should not have been made. Of course in banning the flag they stated they didn’t want to offend anybody.
I wonder if they would have made CNN”s version of the ISIS flag on a cake? That wouldn’t have offended anybody.


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Even though large-scale tea cultivation started in Ethiopia at the same time as countries like Kenya, the country lags far behind in the international market. While the tea exported from Kenya accounts for 22Pct of the total global trade currently, the share of Ethiopia remains less than 1Pct. EBR explores the reasons.
Though it is perhaps not well known, the quality of Ethiopian tea is equivalent to that of its internationally renowned coffee. However, the country hasn’t been successful in producing enough tea for international market.
In fact, it was only a few years ago that Ethiopia managed to satisfy the local demand, despite the fact that 6 million hectares of suitable land is available. By cultivating less than 5,000 hectares of land, Ethiopia exports a little more than 2,000 tons, which satisfies 0.09Pct of the global demand.
Though Ethiopia started exporting tea five years ago, large-scale tea production dates back to the 1920s. In 1928, in Gore, a small town in the state of Oromia, large-scale tea cultivation began. In 1957 the first public owned tea processing company commenced operation under the brand ‘Gumaro’. In 2000, EthioAgri–CEFT, a company operating under MIDROC Ethiopia Investment Group bought the two commercial tea plantations WushWush and Gumaro along with the Tea Processing and Packing Factory from the government.
Besides WushWush and Gumaro, Chewaka Tea Estate—a large-scale tea farm located in the South-Western Ethiopia—currently cultivates tea. Established in 1995 by East African Agri Business, Chewaka now covers 600 hectares of land.
Currently, 2,800 hectares of land is cultivated at Gumero and WushWush. Some 325 small scale farmers located around Gumaro and WushWush plantations cultivate tea on 1,250 hectares, which they sell to EthioAgri–CEFT. Combined, a total of 4,650 hectares of land in Ethiopia is used to cultivate tea.
Close to 6,000 tons of tea is produced in Ethiopia, annually. From this, 4,500 tons is locally consumed while the rest, is exported. Before Ethiopia managed to fully satisfy the local demand, tea was imported from Kenya and China. And though Ethiopia still brings in a small amount of green, orthodox, and instant tea from abroad, imports of the product have dramatically dropped over the last two years.
“Currently, EthioAgri–CEFT satisfies 85Pct of the local demand,” claims Isayas Kebede, general manager of the company. “The rest is covered by Chewaka, and imported teas.” Stakeholders stress that tea is long-term crop and cultivation needs huge amounts of capital, a concrete strategy, and suitable environment. “Tea cultivation started in Ethiopia and Kenya around the same time. But we are not where Kenya is now,” says Isayas.
Berhanu Tsegaye, director of Coffee Tea and Spices Extension Directorate at Coffee and Tea Development and Marketing Authority, agrees with the fact that Ethiopia is far behind countries like Kenya where massive tea cultivation exists. “Due to lack of government focus, and the absence of a dedicated institution that supports tea cultivation endeavours, the country is unable to utilize its resource.”
The Development and Marketing Authority was re-established in 2015 (it was closed for more than a decade) with the aim of boosting the county’s benefit from the sector. The newly established Authority is accountable to the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
“Challenges in acquiring land and lack of incentives are major bottlenecks of tea sector development,” argues Berhanu. “Even companies who have been involved in the tea cultivation and marketing for a long time are discouraged to expand and start additional, large-scale, cultivation because of these reasons.”
Isayas asserts that increasing the number of large-scale tea farms needs exceptional attention. “According to our initial plans, EthioAgri–CEFT should have stated cultivating large-scale tea farms by now. But we lost the past five years, due to different reasons.”
A vast human resource requirement is one of the major challenges facing investors. “A single large-scale tea farm needs up to 3,000 employees working full-time throughout the year,” explains Isayas. “For instance, EthioAgri–CEFT employs 8,000 people at Gumero and WushWush plantations.”
Despite challenges, Isayas says EthioAgri–CEFT increased productivity to 35 quintals per hectare from 23 quintals per hectare when it acquired the farms by improving management practices.
Tea reaches harvesting stage within three years and can live up to 80 years. Based on the mechanism of harvest, five types of tea—including black, green, and orthodox tea—are produced in Ethiopia.
“Tea cultivation is very difficult in Ethiopia,” says Zelalem Getachew, sales and marketing director at Ahadu Tea, a company that has been packing and distributing tea for the past 26 years. Ahadu buys 120,000 kilograms of tea from EthioAgri–CEFT annually and packs it and supplies wholesalers and retailers. In Ethiopia, there are 10 firms involved in tea packing.
Zelalem says the company is planning to own its own farm, and start exporting in the near future. “Since competition in the local market is getting stiffer, we need to think outside the box to become competitive, like Kenya, in the international market.”
Indeed, Kenya is among the leading global tea producers. In fact, next to China and India, Kenya is the third largest producer of tea globally accounting for 10Pct of the total world tea production. In 2016, the global tea production amounted to approximately 5.2 million tons of tea according to Statista, an online statistics, market research, and business intelligence portal. China produced approximately 2.35 million tons of tea in 2016 while Kenya produced 470,000 metric tons—almost 80 times higher than Ethiopia. According to the FAO, 10Pct of the population in Kenya is dependent on tea production. Its contribution to the country’s gross domestic product, stood at 4Pct. The FAO states that revenue from tea constitutes 26Pct of Kenya’s export earnings.
As a major tea producing and exporting country, Kenya also plays a major role in the weekly Mombasa Tea Auction, which has over the years become a centre for Kenya’s tea trade. The auction is an important reference point for the global tea industry, and different types of teas from different countries are sold there.
EthioAgri–CEFT is one of the local companies participating in the Mombasa auction. “We sell half of our product destined for international market through the auction held in Mombasa,” Isayas told EBR. “We also have yearly contracts with Unilever.” Unilever, a British-Dutch transnational consumer goods company, is one of the oldest multinational companies; its products are available in around 190 countries.
EthioAgri–CEFT also took the lead to introduce Ethiopia’s tea to the international buyers. In 2016/17, the company exported tea worth close to USD3 million.
Ethiopia took some steps to be closer to international markets recently by participating in the 27th International Tea Standard Conference hosted in London in early 2017. It was the first time Ethiopia took part in the annual conference, organized by the International Standards Organization (ISO). The ISO, which is an international standard-setting body, promotes worldwide proprietary, industrial and commercial standards.
The conference serves two main purposes: crafting standards for different tea types, and connecting tea producers and buyers around the globe. Member countries pay annual fees; producing countries take the sample of their tea products to the conference. Ethiopian delegates did not do this because Ethiopia is not yet a member.
Officials and experts from the Coffee and Tea Development and Marketing Authority and Ethiopian Standard Agency participated as guests. The Agency already requested the ISO place Ethiopia on the membership list, for which approval is expected, according to Berhanu.
Besides fulfilling quality standards and paying the annual fee, a given country must be a producer or buyer to become member. “Membership helps to expand marketing efforts by meeting all buyers and producers in the world through the platform,” explains Berhanu. “Not many countries know that Ethiopia produces tea. However, we have also learned that Ethiopia’s tea is among the best.” England is long-term customer of Ethiopia’s tea, followed by India and Pakistan.
Yet, Ethiopia’s tea exports remain small for the moment. What was less than 100 tons five years ago, increased to 1,975 tons in 2015/16 and slightly declined to 1,500 tons in 2016/17, according to the information obtained from the Authority.
Tea generated USD3.7 million in 2016/17, more than the USD3.2 million target set by the government for the period. Out of the total, USD3 million worth of tea was exported by EthioAgri–CEFT in the last fiscal year.
Considering Ethiopia’s potential in tea production and the growing demand in the international market, stakeholders stress that tea can become major source of export earnings for the country.
Even though Ethiopia’s tea export is currently limited to black tea, experts believe that the consumers at the international market have an interest in different types of tea from Ethiopia.
To diversify its export commodities and utilize its resources, Ethiopia plans to increase the land cultivated by tea from the current level to 1.4 million hectares by the end of the second phase of the Growth and Transformation Plan period, which is 2019/20 and boost export earnings from the commodity to USD1.5 billion.
“We are studying the experiences of top tea producing countries,” says Berhanu. “The Authority has focused more on coffee so far. But we are trying to bring tea along by establishing a directorate responsible for the development of the product.”
Some foreign investment is also coming into the sector. For instance, a new Indian company is cultivating tea on 70 hectares of land in Godere, one of the woredas in the state of Gambela. The Indian company took 3,000 hectares, of which 200 is already prepared for tea plantation.
Furthermore, the requests of the existing companies for additional land are being accepted after a long wait. “For so long we were requesting that the government give us land to expand our operations,” Isayas recalls. “Recently, the government gave us 1,000 hectares, which will take ETB200 million to develop. We are waiting for the Development Bank of Ethiopia to release a loan we requested.”
Potential areas for large-scale tea cultivation include Illubabor, Jimma, Welega and Kafa located in the state of Oromia as well as some areas located in the states of Amhara and Gambela.
Berhanu, however, argues that providing large farm areas to investors who want to cultivate tea will not be possible in the future. “Although some investors had requested land in the past, the government was unable to provide it because the areas are occupied by farmers,” he explains. “Unlike coffee, tea cultivation needs empty farm land. So, we have to move the farmers and clear the forest, which is very difficult to do.”
As a result, the Authority is planning to shift its attention from large-scale tea cultivation to small-scale farming. “The plan is to support smallholder farmers located in the potential tea areas. We have visited various countries to decide what type of technologies would suit our small scale farmers.”
According to Berhanu, the government’s plan is to develop smallholder farms into cooperatives. “Over 60Pct of Kenya’s tea is produced by cooperatives. This can be a good lesson for Ethiopia.”
To achieve its target, the Authority has trained 64 smallholder farmers in 2016/17, distributed three million germinated tea seeds, loans, and inputs. “Tea farming is highly advantageous and increases farmers’ income more than any other crop. We have witnessed that the farmers are highly motivated to cultivate tea,” said Berhanu.
On the other hand, Isayas stresses that the government must give more attention to investors by solving land related problems and providing coordinated support and incentives packages. “Tea cultivation cannot be done on a massive scale without large-scale production and the involvement of investors.”
6th Year . February 16 – March 15 2018 . No.58


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Royal Enfield is now experiencing high demand in the Indian market and is aggressively upgrading its product line for customers. After releasing the new Hunter 350, the firm is rumored to be working on bringing the next-generation Royal Enfield Bullet 350 in the nation. According to sources, Royal Enfield is presently working on new electric bikes for the market.
Here are all the data we know so far about the future Royal Enfield electric motorcycle, which are expected to be formally presented around 2025. To begin, these new electric motorcycles are believed to be built on a fresh new platform designed particularly to house the electric powertrain and other components.
While these motorcycles are still in the early phases of development, both will provide purchasers with a cost-effective configuration. Furthermore, Royal Enfield is expected to take advantage of government programs that will drastically lower the costs of designing and producing electric products. This will enable the brand to price these motorcycles in the market aggressively.
Royal Enfield is continuously upgrading and growing its range in India, and is producing a number of 350cc to 650cc motorcycles for diverse markets. The company is also claimed to be working on new 450cc bikes that will be released between 2026 and 2027, as well as a second-generation J platform.
This new platform, internally designated J2, is planned to be used in a number of forthcoming Royal Enfield motorcycles. A modified version of this technology may potentially be used to underlie the brand’s planned electric motorcycles. According to what we know so far, the firm has not settled on an official debut date for these Royal Enfield electric bikes.
Depending on market conditions, Royal Enfield may possibly delay the release of these electric two-wheelers by a couple of years. These new electric motorcycles, on the other hand, will be available in a variety of worldwide countries, including India.


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Concerns among U.S. housewares suppliers and retailers about supply chain disruption out of China after the initial coronavirus outbreak have been surpassed by more urgent concerns closer to home about public health and safety and economic wellbeing.
Housewares vendors, nonetheless, report Chinese factories continue to wind up production capacity, despite lagging orders and expected shipping delays. This, many expect, could mitigate the threat of widespread, long-lasting inventory shortages for a housewares business that could be a key contributor when U.S. retail business resumes full-scale operations and the marketplace begins its recovery.
“We are encouraged by the recovery in China on our supply chain,” said Robert O’Donnell, vp/supply chain for H2 Brands Group, which markets Comfort Zone home comfort appliances. “Most factories (were) expected to be at least at 90% capacity by the end of March. We are working with our factories to prioritize orders and expedite where possible. We are also working with customers for fill-in or replacement products on inventory we already have in the U.S.”
Lauren Greenwood, president of storage accessory developer YouCopia, said, “Our factories are almost back to full capacity and hitting ship dates without issue. Our brick-and-mortar supply has remained 100% in stock… We increased initial order quantities and safety stock level requirements for new items where historical data is lacking. We’ve been reviewing forecasts, extending ship windows, discussing back-up plans and maintaining constant communication with all of our supply chain partners.”
Companies that had increased domestic inventory levels in anticipation of an extended trade war between the U.S. and China might able to mitigate the worst of the coronavirus-related supply chain disruption.
“Fortunately, we brought in additional inventory in case the tariff was implemented in December, and it is helping us through the current virus problem,” stated Jim Haskins, vp/marketing and product development for kitchen electrics and table-to-ovenware supplier Aroma Housewares.
Heshy Biegeleisen, founder of kitchen electrics developer Gourmia, added, “When the tariffs began, we realized the only way to survive it was to explore options and alliances that would make us a leaner, smarter brand… As a result, we are better prepared to deal with the potential impact of the coronavirus.”
A stalled economy and thousands of temporary store closings with much of nation locked down to contain the coronavirus pandemic has thrown a wrench into the resumption of Chinese factory output suspended in the early stages of the outbreak there.
Strict social distancing guidelines and orders have shifted retail ordering priorities to food, medicine, health care supplies and household essentials and food. Some housewares production lines in China are slowing again and warehouses there are filling as retailers in the U.S. and around the world cancel or suspend new orders and replenishment.
Even as Chinese production ramps up, shipping delays are still expected as each link in the Chinese supply chain reboots. This includes raw materials flow, trucking, ports and ocean freight.
Lance Hood, president of kitchen tool supplier Progressive International, said the production pinch in China extended in-stock dates by 30 to 45 days even before the social distancing lockdowns and temporary store closings began to divert retail orders.
Suppliers stressed that honest communication and engaged collaboration between vendors and their retail customers will be vital in assessing supply chain status, regulating delivery expectations and maintaining solid inventory levels through 2020 and into 2021.
Companies that diversified their supply chains in recent years to guard against overdependence on China also face uncertainty about when factories in other locked down markets, such as Italy and India, will restart. Even U.S. and North American manufacturers that figured to help relieve shortages of Chinese imports, face potential, short-term production limitations if their employees are subjected to rigid social distancing restrictions.
Vendors are also taking measures to diversify stateside distribution points, even though such facilities generally are exempt from shelter-in-place restrictions.
“We see government restrictions as the biggest potential threat to disrupting operations,” said Marc Wade, vp/business development for cutlery and cutlery accessory supplier Messermeister. “Our focus has been to ensure best practices for health and wellness internally. Simultaneously, we are also shifting some inventory to alternate distribution centers to diversify the risk of a shutdown.”
For more on the supply chain, see the April 6, 2020, issue of HOMEWORLD BUSINESS®.


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he Isle Of Man-based firm revealed that it saw a 23 % rise in gross income for the entire year when compared with the previous twelve-month period to 137.3 million euros due to a ‘particularly encouraging performance’ from its casino, Italian poker and William Hill Online operations.
Playtech stated that total revenues for the fourth quarter reached 30.4 million euros, which represented a 10% year-on-year increase, while its full-year revenues rose 3 % when compared with 2008 to 114.8 million euros.
Casino revenues for the fourth quarter totalled 20.7 million euros, which was a rise of 12% year-on-year, while those from poker for the three-month period increased 3% when compared with the same stage in 2008 to 8.4 million euros. The firm revealed that the share of profit in William Hill Online rose 94 % quarter-on-quarter to 8.1 million euros to make its first full-year contribution of 22.5 million euros.
“The fourth quarter was a solid quarter with strong increases in all business areas,” said Mor Weiser, CEO for Playtech. “This strong performance has continued in the first three weeks of the year. The board is very comfortable with market expectations for the year ended December 31, 2009 and looks forward to 2010 with confidence as another significant year of development.”
The company stated that daily activity was up 7 % over the first three weeks of January compared with the daily averages for its fourth quarter. Market expectations for Playtech’s full-year pre-tax profit range between 75 million and 92 million euros with the Reuters news service reporting that a consensus at 87 million euros is most likely.


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All the data "lakes" in the world won't amount to much if you can't figure out what they mean for your business. With that in mind, Salesforce on Thursday unveiled Salesforce Wave for Big Data, a new tool designed to help business users make sense of their information stores using the Salesforce Analytics Cloud.
Back in 2010 there was a round of widespread speculation that Oracle was about to snap up Informatica, but -- like so many such rumors -- it never came to pass. Now, Informatica is getting purchased by someone else.
Salesforce has a solid lock on the SMB space, and more forward-looking large organizations have moved to its cloud CRM, marketing and sales solutions, apparently to great success. But for every Virgin America or Burberry, there are many, many more older companies out there with siloed-off, older systems; they couldn't get their data into the Salesforce cloud even if they wanted to.
The average tenure of CIOs has reached 5.8 years, according to CIO's 2015 State of the CIO study, but CIOs are still known for moving around a fair bit. When CIOs transition from one company to another, it's a great time to look into the future, reflect on the past and consider how the CIO's role is changing.
This whitepaper discusses why an analytics-ready Hadoop-based enterprise data hub platform and advanced integration are critical technologies to take full advantage of big data.
• Organizations increasingly recognize the potential of big data to transform their business
• One of the biggest challenges associated with big data projects is a shortage of resource skills.
• Learn about a solution to increase productivity up to five times with readily available trained developers


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The open source webOS may make a surprise big screen debut at CES in January with a new LG Smart TV.
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