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NEW YORK -- Sara Lee Corp. said Tuesday that Cornelis Boonstra, who became president of the company only six months ago, has retired.
The company said that Boonstra, a 55-year-old executive who has been with the firm for 20 years, was retiring for personal reasons. A spokeswoman for the company said she could not elaborate. Boonstra could not be reached for comment.
His retirement was effective Dec. 31, the company said. In addition to leaving the post of president, Boonstra also retired as chief operating officer and as a director.
It is expected, however, that Boonstra will continue his association with the firm by being named to the supervisory board of Sara Lee/DE, a Dutch entity that oversees a large portion of the corporation's businesses, including most of its international operations. This is expected to happen in the fall, the spokeswoman said.
Boonstra, a Dutch citizen, joined Sara Lee in 1974 as general manager of its Intradel division in the Netherlands. He became executive vice president in 1988, with responsibility for the company's coffee, grocery, household and personal care businesses. He continued to be based in the Netherlands until moving to Chicago, Sara Lee's headquarters city, when he assumed the presidency last July.
Boonstra's duties will be absorbed by two corporate senior vice presidents. They are Donald J. Franceschini, 57, who is chief executive officer of the Sara Lee Intimates division and director of the Personal Products division in Europe, and C. Steve McMillan, 47, president of Sara Lee's worldwide food operations, as well as its household and personal care and Sara Lee/DE businesses. Franceschini and McMillan will report to John H. Bryan, chairman and ceo of Sara Lee Corp., with Franceschini directing the corporation's Personal Products operations and McMillan overseeing the household and personal care lines of business and the packaged meats, bakery, coffee and grocery operations worldwide.
With his expanded responsibilities, Franceschini will oversee a complex of international apparel and accessories businesses that posted a volume of $6.1 billion in the fiscal year ended July 3, 1993.
In addition to its intimate apparel business, which features such names as Playtex and Bali, the personal products group includes Sara Lee Hosiery, maker of the Hanes and L'eggs brands; the knitwear division, which makes men's and women's underwear, casualwear and activewear under the Hanes, Hanes Her Way and Champion labels, and the Aris Isotoner and Coach accessories lines.Bryan, in a statement, noted that Boonstra "leaves a very important legacy to the corporation," having been one of the "major figures in the development of our international presence."
Analysts generally concurred that Boonstra's exit most likely was based on a desire to change his lifestyle.
Les Pugh, of Salomon Bros., said, "He's spent the last six months traveling a lot more, and he also moved to Chicago. I think it was a genuine lifestyle decision and he thought, 'I don't need to do this anymore."'
"I think he left truly for personal reasons," said Joanna Scharf of S.G. Warburg. "He's an extremely good operations manager with an aggressive American style. He left of his own volition, and it's a loss to the firm."
Ronald B. Morrow, an analyst for Smith Barney Shearson, said: "He got along famously with John Bryan for the 16 years they worked together. It wasn't a blowup between him and Bryan."
@chanel and @pharrell dropped what’s being dubbed as the world’s most exclusive sneakers yesterday. The Adidas Originals NMD Hu, which Williams designed in collaboration with Chanel and @adidasoriginals, has a waiting list of over 120K people who pre-registered online at chanelatcolette.fr –– and only 500 pairs are on sale. The singer predicted the resale value of the shoes could reach $40K. Read the full interview on WWD.com. Link in bio. #wwdfashion (📷: Dominique Maître)
@imanshumpert is diving deeper into his creative endeavors and relaunching his clothing line, Post 90s, and is helping to raise money for the hurricane victims in St. Maarten with a jersey he’s designed with his brother. The Cleveland Cavaliers player talked to WWD about kneeling during the national anthem, working with fashion brands and how he wants to be more than an @nba player. Read the interview on WWD.com #wwdfashion (📷: George Chinese)
Not only does #TheProfit return to CNBC tonight, but @marcuslemonis has launched @shopmarcus, a new shopping and lifestyle retail experience in Aspen and Chicago, with more locations to come. The retail stores offer in-store stylists and a variety of contemporary womenswear selections.
“It’s life, I’m going to face it,” @mingxi11 sighed. “I fell, but you know, I think the most important thing is that I get back up. I had the love, the help from my sister — the girl next to me Gizele [Oliveira] — she’s so nice. When I went backstage everybody was trying to comfort me like ‘Oh Ming, it’s OK.’ I’m really, really touched. I think it’s them who gave me the courage to go back on stage for the finale,” Xi told WWD of her fall at the @victoriassecret fashion show. (📷: David Fisher) #wwdfashion #vsfashionshow #victoriassecret
@louisvuitton tapped @therealpeterlindbergh for its latest city-centric photo book, which is part of a series called Fashion Eye. The primarily black and white book captures the spirit of Berlin in 57 images shot between 1989 and 2019. “Berlin is an inspiration for me, more than a city. I mean @millajovovich is simply Berlin!” said Lindbergh. #wwdfashion
“You know, I think audiences expect a certain performance so I have to deliver to them what they’re expecting to a certain degree. But I’m also a different actor and a different person, I have my own spin on the character,” says @noahegalvin of his takeover of the leading role in “Dear Evan Hansen” following the departure of @bensplatt, who originated the role. Read WWD’s interview with the 23-year-old actor on WWD.com #wwdeye (📷: @jilliansollazzo)
For pre-fall 2018, @etro created richly-colored wonderland, using tapestries, textiles and wallpapers from the Eastern world at large. The line featured floral and graphic prints and jacquard motifs, like this two-piece look featured here. #wwdfashion (📷: Giovanna Pavesi)
@kith is moving into children’s. The men’s and women’s streetwear brand has launched Kidset, a Kith kids line located in New York at 64 Bleecker Street. The line includes mini versions of staple Kith pieces like the Astor bomber jacket and the Kith box logo sweatshirts, along with a wall that can display up to 120 pairs of shoes from @adidas, @newbalance, @timberland and more. #wwdfashion
“I just wanted to create this fully rounded character, but I do think what excited me most was just the opportunity to give a group of people representation that I feel needs it. I like to do characters in projects that stand for something and Karolina definitely does, so that was really exciting to me,” @ginnygardner says of her new role in @hulu’s “The Runaways.” Gardner plays Karolina Dean, a queer superhero, which is a rarity for @marvel. Read more about Gardner’s character on WWD.com #wwdeye (📷: @dandoperalski)


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Local government officials in many parts of the country say the rise of tax-free online shopping has had a big impact on their budgets. Albuquerque, for example, relies on the sales tax — or what is known in New Mexico as a gross receipts tax — for nearly two-thirds of its general fund revenue, which totaled about $ 500 million last year. The city’s finance department estimates that it lost out on $ 5 million in tax revenue on Amazon purchases in 2016, although calculations are difficult because of a lack of available data. Lost revenue from other online retailers adds millions of dollars more.
Mr. Keller, the mayor, said Amazon benefited from city services, such as the roads used by delivery trucks carrying its packages and the police officers who makes sure packages aren’t stolen. But unlike local retailers, the company doesn’t chip in.
“This is the fundamental way we fund American society, and thanks to technology they found a way to opt out of that,” Mr. Keller said. “They’re getting a free ride.”
For businesses, the practical effect of that free ride is probably small, at least outside of a handful of high-tax jurisdictions. Local sales taxes add just 1 or 2 percent to prices in most cities, not enough to sway most shoppers’ decisions. But retailers said the tax was a matter of fairness: Why should local businesses be at a disadvantage, however small, against a much larger, out-of-town rival?
“The 2 percent doesn’t drive someone from my place to Amazon, but it doesn’t help,” said Richard de Wyngaert, owner of Head House Books, an independent bookstore in Philadelphia. “I just feel that if not all businesses, why any business? If we don’t all pay taxes, why should any of us? To me, it’s ludicrous. There is a social contract with your citizens.”
Candelora Versace, who with her husband runs a custom jewelry shop in Santa Fe, N.M., said that her customers frequently buy gemstones online, then come into the store to have them put into settings. She said that she doubted they were explicitly trying to avoid paying Santa Fe’s roughly 3 percent sales, but that regardless of their intent, the effect on the community was the same.
“The roads don’t pay themselves. The schools don’t fund themselves,” Ms. Versace said. “When they don’t want to pay the tax, it cheats us. It cheats those of us who live here and have businesses here.”

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BMW and NHTSA are recalling over 43,000 motorcycles over an issue with the rear wheel mounting flange that could crack if the bolts are overtightened. To fix the problem, they're replacing the aluminum flange with a steel one.
Mercedes-Benz is recalling over 33,000 examples of the C-Class and CLS-Class for separate issues in the two luxury models. The CLS has a problem with its LED taillights, and there are two possible faults with the fuel delivery module in the C-Class.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is opening an investigation into a Nissan recall to fix a faulty airbag sensor. The recall covered more than one million vehicles, but the agency continues to receive complaints from drivers who have had their cars repaired.
The Department of Transportation is fining Graco $10 million for delaying its recall of 6.1 million car seats last year. The safety campaign began because latches on some of the company's products could be very difficult to unfasten, which could put children in danger.
Senators Want NHTSA to Put Autonomous Driving On Fast Track
In many circles, the prospect of autonomous and self-driving cars taking over American roads is greeted with enthusiasm. Among car enthusiasts, however, the idea of removing the driver from the driving often sounds like a soulless and grim transportation future.
Hyundai is recalling around 205,000 examples of the 2008-2010 Elantra sedan and 2009-2010 Elantra Touring because the electrically assisted power steering can potentially fail. The fix is updating the ECU for the component.
Kia is recalling over 12,000 examples of the 2016 Sorento because of the possibility of a faulty accelerator pedal. A bad solder on a capacitor could cause the crossover to enter Limp Home Mode or Forced Idle Mode.
GM is announcing two recalls to align its vehicles with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. One covers the moonroof controls for the Cadillac ATS, and the other controls the electronic parking brake for the Chevy Impala.
Ben Woolf, a star of American Horror Story: Freak Show, died this week in Los Angeles after being struck by an SUV. His death highlighted efforts by regulators and automakers to ramp up pedestrian safety efforts, though fatalities remain high.
An issue with the occupant classification system has prompted Land Rover to recall certain Range Rovers and Range Rover Sports for a software reflash, with another pair called in to have their supercharged engines replaced.
DOT Secretary Says Supplier Is 'Bad Actor' On Safety Landscape
Federal investigators said Friday that global automotive supplier Takata has not cooperated with a problem into the company's exploding airbags, which are responsible for killing at least five motorists and injuring dozens more.
Transportation Secretary: Airbag Supplier's Conduct Is 'Unacceptable'
Global automotive supplier Takata has not cooperated with an investigation into exploding airbags responsible for killing at least five motorists and injuring dozens more, federal authorities said Friday.


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Affle shares up 15.2% over issue price on NSE listing day
Affle, the digital marketing service, has said it will focus on omni-channel strategy
Mumbai-based digital marketing service Affle’s shares on the listing day rose 15.2 per cent on the NSE. Its issue price of Rs 745 went up to Rs 858, media reports said.
Its Initial Public Offering (IPO) was subscribed around 86.5 times on July 31, the last bidding day. Non-institutional investors were among those who made the highest demand.
Affle India has posted a three times jump in revenue to Rs 250 crore in 2018-19 as compared to the last financial year, Anuj Khanna Sohum, Chairman and Managing Director, was quoted as saying.
Affle expects to continue the growth by going for an omni-channel strategy, Sohum has told media networks. “All the customers that we work with are increasing their mobile marketing and digital spends at an average of 25-35 per cent CAGR every year,” he said.For more updates, be socially connected with us on
WhatsApp, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook & Youtube


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Relief could be coming for guys who have trouble shopping.
A New York grocery store introduced the the “man aisle,” where a guy can go in, grab “man-sentials” and get out.
“It’s your essentials,” explained Ian Joskowitz, 43, chief operating officer of Westside Market NYC. “It’s your water, alcohol, soaps, shampoos, deodorants, razors.
“If you’re going to have some guys over to watch a game, you can pretty much stand here — not move two feet — and get your beer, barbecue sauce, chips, whatever. It’s all right here!”
The store owners got the idea from an ESPN article, that said 31 percent of men are now doing the shopping for their family.
Is this a good idea to have an aisle like this in the store or is this just a gimmick to appeal to guys who hate to shop?
- Protesting teachers line streets near KTAR 92.3 FM for Ducey’s arrival
- Sheriff Paul Penzone voices concerns about Ducey’s school safety plan
- Garcia: ‘Real’ plan would erase education deficit, raise teacher’s pay
- Arizona DCS head responds to claims of failed foster care protections
- Ducey responds to Don Shooter’s claims of ‘suspicious’ state contracts


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More than three years after India rejected a Facebook initiative to offer free internet service to its citizens terming the gesture ‘digital colonialism’, the social media giant’s cryptocurrency project Libra might meet the same fate in Asia’s third-largest economy.
According to Bloomberg , India’s Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Garg has indicated that Libra is unlikely to get the government’s nod. Garg hinted that like with all other cryptocurrencies the Indian government will not make an exception in Libra’s case:
Design of the Facebook currency has not been fully explained. But whatever it is, it would be a private cryptocurrency and that’s not something we have been comfortable with.
Just last year the Reserve Bank of India banned all financial institutions under its regulatory ambit from offering services to crypto-related businesses. Among the hardest hit were cryptocurrency exchanges which have since the RBI ban either shut down or moved operations abroad. It has also been previously reported that a draft law aiming to introduce a 10-year jail sentence for mining, buying, holding or selling cryptocurrencies is under consideration.
But while Facebook can still look to other markets if India maintains its current stance on cryptocurrencies, being locked out of the world’s second-most populous country would be a big blow for the social media giant. This is in light of the fact that India is one of Facebook’s biggest and rapidly growing markets for some of its platforms, through which Libra is expected to be rolled out.
With regards to WhatsApp for instance, India is the largest market in the world for the messaging application with over 200 million users . As for Facebook’s main app, it is estimated to have over 300 million users in India alone.
And with Facebook having stated that one of the goals of Libra is to enhance access to financial services for the unbanked, being locked out of India would deny Facebook the second-largest market in the world, by virtue of the unbanked population residing there. Per the World Bank ’s statistics compiled two years ago, 11 percent of the world’s unbanked live in India.
China, which has 13 percent of the world’s unbanked, may already be out of reach since Facebook’s apps are already banned there.
Garg’s comments are unlikely to come as a surprise to Facebook though as the tech firm may have already been aware that Libra won’t get an easy passage into India.
Last month CCN.com reported that the Silicon Valley giant had canceled plans to launch in India due to concerns over the harsh cryptocurrency regulations. Before the alleged cancellation, prior reports had indicated that Facebook had picked India as its launch market.


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- Updated iMac in EVT development stage
- Mass production scheduled in a three months' time
- No external design changes nor new colors expected
- One of a few machines planned to launch with M3 chip
The company is at the engineering validation testing phase – otherwise known as EVT – in its development for the updated all-in-one desktop, according to the report. Gurman warns, however, that the machines are not launching anytime soon, stressing that they are “not expected to go into mass production for at least three months”.
The new machines – codenamed J433 and J434 – are expected to come with the same 24-inch screen size as the current M1-powered iMac. In addition, Gurman does not expect any new colors to be added to the lineup, as the under-testing machines “also come in the same colors as the current iMac, a palette that includes blue, silver, pink and orange.”
The updated iMac is not expected to feature any appealing design changes, save for minor internal components placement changes and a different manufacturing process for attaching the stand to the iMac’s main chassis.
The new iMac is expected to feature the yet-to-be-announced M3 chip. The chip is expected to be built on TSMC’s new 3 nanometer process, offering considerable performance improvements over the nearly two-and-a-half-year-old M1. The updated iMac is expected to be of the company’s first M3 machines alongside the new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Airs.


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By Lisa Johnston
New products on display at the American International Toy Fair, held in N
Washington – Factory shipments of major appliances rocketed 18.1 percent in November to nearly 5 million units as retailers loaded up for Thanksgiving/Black Friday weekend sales events and the unofficial start of the holiday selling season.
According to the latest monthly data compiled by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), every product classification showed an increase, with the majority up by the double digits. Leading the charge among the core categories: gas cooktops, ahead 36.2 percent year over year, while majap mainstays washers and refrigerators were up 22 percent and 16 percent, respectively.
The so-called “AHAM 6,” an amalgam of washer, dryer, dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer, range and oven shipments, rose 21.4 percent, and year-to-date shipments of all white goods increased to 5.1 percent thanks to the November spike.
This TWICE webinar, hosted by senior editor Alan Wolf, will take a look at what may be the hottest CE products at retail that will be sold during the all-important fourth quarter. Top technologies, market strategies and industry trends will be discussed with industry analysts and executives.


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Sticking Up For Coke, Sort Of
Champions of righteous eating have been saying terrible things of late about Coke. They’re now focusing their wrath on a corporate campaign to place Coca-Cola in the context of a healthy diet.
A New York Times editorial accuses Coke and other beverage makers of forming “innocent-sounding front groups to spread the message that sugary sodas have no deleterious effect on health.” Actually, their paid consultants have said no such thing.
They did say that dieters working on portion control might favor the 7.5-ounce mini-Coke over the traditional 12-ounce size. Also, they said those seeking to lose weight should consider exercising more.
But yes, Coke is guilty — guilty — of saying nice things about its products. “In a particularly brazen move,” the Times fulminates, a dietitian suggested that “a mini-can of Coke would make a good snack food.”
“Refreshing beverage option” was the dietitian’s exact quote.
The standard bearers of chaste eating habits have themselves lost control in apportioning blame for the “obesity epidemic” on sugared drinks. Why is soda taking so much of the rap?
There’s a habitual suspicion of the profit motive as it applies to other people’s businesses. In a similar vein, many harbor an intense disapproval of others’ unhealthy food choices.
Hence the drumbeat demand for a tax on soda. That would be a neat way to extract more money from low-income people, not unlike the stiff sin tax on beer.
But if we’re going in this direction, why not tax the extra-fat “European style” butter you find at Whole Foods? A 1-ounce pat has more calories than a mini-Coke. How about a fat tax on French Brie — and triple the tax for triple-crème?
This is not to dismiss the genuine concern about the huge amount of sugar many Americans ingest. But the remedy should be education. Help citizens understand their sugar intake and, if need be, reduce it. Do note that American consumption of full-calorie soda has plunged 25 percent since the late 1990s, and obesity rates are starting to come down.
The enduring soft drink hysteria comes from places like the recent documentary Fed Up. Produced by Katie Couric and Laurie David, the movie strongly argues that dieting and exercise can’t really help obese kids as long as sugar exerts its evil power.
One of its star “experts” is Dr. Mark Hyman, who asserts: “Your brain lights up with sugar just like it does with heroin or cocaine. In fact, sugar is eight times more addictive than cocaine.”
Hyman is known for spreading the crank theory that vaccines cause autism. And his work has earned a place on Quackwatch’s list of crackpot books.
Anyhow, scientists at the University of Edinburgh decided to investigate the claim that sugar is addictive like a drug and found little evidence for it. “People try to find rational explanations for being overweight, and it is easy to blame food,” researcher John Menzies told BBC News.
In sum, those who believe themselves addicted to sugar need a shrink more than they do a nutritionist.
One last point. Coca-Cola had been on grocery shelves for about a century before there was any “obesity epidemic.” You have to ask, How did we all survive that long?
Follow Froma Harrop on Twitter @FromaHarrop. She can be reached at email@example.com. To find out more about Froma Harrop and read features by other Creators writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Web page at www.creators.com.
Photo: Meena Kadri


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7-Eleven Australia has joined the war on waste, partnering with Simply Cups to offer its customers the world’s first reusable coffee cup made out of recycled takeaway coffee cups.
The rCUP retails for $15 and is made from six recycled takeaway coffee cups collected by Simply Cups in the UK. It is 100 per cent leak proof and fully insulated.
The retailer has also placed recycle bins for plastic straws, takeaway coffee cups and Slurpee-style cups at over 200 7-Eleven stores across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia.
Founder of Simply Cups Rob Pascoe said to manufacture the rCUPs locally, Australians need to recycle their takeaway cups and straws.
“We have a new partnership with a company that has developed cutting-edge technology to recycle plastic waste into a dough-like plastic material that can be moulded into new products including rCUPs, furniture and car park bumpers,” he said.
“This locally developed technology is the first of its kind in the world and to continue to develop it we need the community’s help to recycle their takeaway cups and plastic straws.”
7-Eleven partnered with Simply Cups in March, launching an initiative to rescue takeaway cups from landfill. Since Simply Cups launched the program, 1.48 million cups have been collected and are being turned into car park bumpers, hospital trays and other products.
Angus McKay, 7-Eleven CEO said he believes the company has a responsibility to find a solution to plastic ending up in landfill.
“A problem this size requires multiple solutions and we want to drive a behaviour change and help people dispose of their takeaway cups and straws responsibly,” he said.
“Our goal is to change the way the community thinks about recycling and we have seen that consumers are getting on board. We encourage all Australians to recycle any brand of takeaway coffee cups or straws at the dedicated recycling bins at 7-Eleven stores.”
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Ubisoft announces the official minimum and recommended PC specifications to play For Honor, as well as a large list of compatible controller peripherals.
For Honor announces its Faction War metagame, which will actively track players’ progress and award their chosen faction with territory for wins in a global competition.
DICE and Electronic Arts officially release a brief teaser for a reveal next week related to Battlefield 1’s forthcoming DLC pack, They Shall Not Pass.
Focus Home Interactive releases the new Depths of Madness trailer for Call of Cthulhu, giving gamers a glimpse of the mind-bending terrors that await in the game.
Massive Entertainment reveals PvP and other changes coming to The Division with Update 1.6 that will significantly change the way players engage with each other.
With the open beta finally available for Halo Wars 2, a new gameplay tutorial shows off the new mode Blitz and how it changes traditional RTS gameplay.
Four legendary skins leak for the upcoming Overwatch event Year of the Rooster, revealing new looks for the characters Winston, Roadhog, Zenyatta, and Reinhardt.
Massive Entertainment reveals a new Legendary difficulty mode for three missions in The Division that will challenge the most hardcore players in the game.
South Korea debuts a World of Warcraft-themed cooking show where a celebrity chef and his guests will try their hand at recreating meals from the popular MMO.
Multinational publisher and developer Ubisoft teases the next update coming to the FPS game Rainbow Six Siege, one that includes an additional map and two new characters.
First details are released about The Division’s next expansion, Last Stand, which will add a new eight-player PvP-focused mode and another Incursion this year.
The Division developers wouldn’t reveal all of the changes coming with update 1.6 and The Last Stand expansion, but they did say Alpha Bridge is getting a nerf.
While mourning the loss of their friend, a group of Overwatch fans decide to pay tribute to him in the game with a 12-gun salute featuring his most frequently used characters.
The video game publisher and developer Capcom officially unveils the release date for Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One platforms.
Playtonic Games releases a new trailer for the upcoming Banjo-Kazooie spiritual successor Yooka-Laylee that shows off some of the game’s multiplayer gameplay.
10 Cloverfield Lane director Dan Trachtenberg discusses his eagerness to make a video game of his own, although what kind of game this would be is still up in the air.
Obsidian Entertainment releases a strange image for its Project Louisiana game that could be a teaser for Fallout: New Orleans, Pillars of Eternity 2, or something else.


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Coming as a surprise to no one -- we hope -- Macerkopf.de says Apple is working hard on iOS 5.0.2 and iOS 5.1 beyond that. iOS 5.0.2 should address battery life issues that remained following the iOS 5.0.1 release and it's initial batch of battery fixes. iOS 5.1, they say, will bring some new features to Siri, including the ability to take pictures and video, and toggle Bluetooth, Wi-Fi.
Here's to hoping for another beta release in the coming days, and a full release soon after!
From the Editor's Desk: Let's 'Unpack' this folding phone trend
With March just around the corner, we expect to see a new iPhone, but it will definitely not be a foldable one. Find out what we think of Samsung's Z Flip and more.
Former Apple exec being sued for poaching talent is now suing Apple
Apple accuses Gerard Williams III of poaching chip designers for his new startup and has taken the matter to court. Now he's accusing Apple of the same.
This is how easily Apple could and should make a folding iPhone
Apple hasn't made a folding iPhone yet. But it could.
Take your Apple Watch on the road and protect it while it charges
Looking to charge your Apple Watch while you’re out and about? Check out these portable chargers!


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PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News:
Claranova (Paris:CLA), announces the launch of a new web-based version of InPixio, Avanquest's photo software product at https://www.inpixio.com/fr/. Online users can now crop an image for free by simply dragging and dropping their photos, remove unwanted objects or even completely change the background of a photo in a matter of seconds.
These new online tools are now available to all type of user (photography enthusiast, e-commerce platform or business) by providing easy to use and powerful functionalities thanks to their artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms.
In conjunction with the introduction of this online service, InPixio has also just launched a new mobile app: InPixio Photo Studio AI. This app makes it possible not only to modify photos with the help of its powerful AI algorithms, but also to easily resize images so they can be shared on social network and e-commerce platforms alike. Batch editing features capable of processing several photos at once have also been added to meet the needs of online merchants and influencers. What's more? Several new backgrounds and filters are now available for easy, professional photo editing without needing to be a technical expert.
Trial and subscription versions of this app are available from the Apple App Store, and an Android version is currently under development.
Benefiting from the same artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms developed by Avanquest's teams over the past years, these web-based and mobile apps deliver exceptional results. And as Avanquest's Photo division is constantly working to improve these tools, a new desktop version of InPixio will also soon be launched.
As the best BtoC2 solution on the market, InPixio now offers a complete range of multiplatform SaaS solutions (web-based, desktop or mobile) covering all the needs of photography enthusiasts.
InPixio will continue to strengthen its offering by adding professional features designed to help e-commerce platforms improve their online sales, and marketing companies promote their products and commercial offers.
Since AI algorithms were integrated over 2 years ago, InPixio has been gaining in popularity with users and companies around the world. InPixio solutions are available in 11 languages, and have already been downloaded by millions of users, with over 200,000 users each month. Annual sales for InPixio have risen by more than 25% year-on-year, and there still remains considerable potential for further growth, particularly for photography applications in the new BtoB3 sectors Avanquest is starting to address.
October 11, 2023: FY 2022-2023 full-year results
November 29, 2023: Combined Ordinary and Extraordinary Annual General Meeting
Telephone number for individual shareholders available from Tuesday to Thursday between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. for calls within France: 0805 29 10 00 (local rate).
As a diversified global technology company, Claranova manages and coordinates a portfolio of majority interests in digital companies with strong growth potential. Supported by a team combining several decades of experience in the world of technology, Claranova has acquired a unique know-how in successfully turning around, creating and developing innovative companies.
Claranova has proven its capacity to turn a simple idea into a worldwide success in just a few short years. Present in 15 countries and leveraging the technology expertise of its 800+ employees across North America and Europe, Claranova is a truly international group, with 95% of its revenue derived from international markets.
Claranova’s portfolio of companies is organized into three unique technology platforms operating in all major digital sectors. As an e-commerce leader in personalized objects, Claranova also stands out for its technological expertise in software publishing and the Internet of Things, through its businesses PlanetArt, Avanquest and myDevices. These three technology platforms share a common vision: empowering people through innovation by providing simple and intuitive digital solutions that facilitate everyday access to the very best of technology.
For more information on Claranova group:
1 Change at actual exchange rates
2 Business to Consumer - the selling of products directly to individual consumers
3 Business to Business
Ticker : CLA
ISIN : FR0013426004


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(Business Insider) — The International Federation of Robotics has announced that sales of robots in China are set to almost triple by 2018, defying a slowdown in the country’s wider economy. Frankfurt-based IFR said in a statement that annual robot sales to China would jump to 150,000 by 2018, up from 57,000 in 2014. “The robotics industry is exhibiting rapid growth – completely unperturbed by the current economic fallow period experienced by other areas of Chinese industry,” China Robot Industry Alliance Secretary General Song Xiaogang said in IFR’s statement.
China has identified robotics as a major area for growth amid labor shortages and fast-rising wages. China’s robot market is still dominated by foreign players like ABB, Kuka, and Yaskawa, but China is encouraging its own robot makers with subsidies and the number of Chinese robotics firms is growing fast.Tags: ABB, International Federation of Robotics, Kuku, robotics, Song Xiaogang, Yaskawa


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As if our anticipation levels couldn’t rise any further, developer Capcom has today dropped some tantalizing new Resident Evil 3 Remake news by way of a U.K. magazine interview.
Coming by way of this month’s OPM U.K. (Official PlayStation Magazine) once again, a slew of new details of Capcom’s upcoming Resident Evil 3 Remake have emerged, detailing what’s set to change this time around ahead of its April 3 launch.
Though not open-world, Raccoon City will have a lot more areas to explore this time around, with many streets and shops to visit. For fans of the original it’s also been confirmed that the Stagla petrol station, the hospital, and the press office still feature, and from an enemy perspective those pesky mutant worms are confirmed to be in, though whether or not they’re taking up residence in the hospital still is not yet known. Speaking of the hospital, Carlos will again be playable, but we’re not yet sure in what capacity just yet.
Resident Evil 3 Remake Contains Familiar Locales
The S.T.A.R.(S.) of the show, Nemesis, has his AI based off of Mr. X from last year’s smash hit remake of Resident Evil 2, but this has been developed much further to reflect his persistence and the fact that he’s not confined to narrow halls or small rooms but rather sprawling streets. Speaking to that further, Capcom has stressed that sound plays a massive part in ramping up the tension of a potential Nemesis encounter, and the idea is to keep you on edge at all times in this re-imagining of the events of Resident Evil 3.
On a sadder note, however, the game’s famed Mercenaries mode will not be making a re-appearance, putting an end to any distant hopes of doing a Raccoon City speedrun as Nikolai with just a meagre handgun and knife combination. Lest we forget the first aid sprays and singular blue herb, too.
In all honesty, it seems as if Capcom is treating this remake with the same reverence that made last year’s Resident Evil 2 Remake such a critical and commercial hit. Thankfully we haven’t got long to wait to find out how it all shakes out as Resident Evil 3 Remake launches on PS4, Xbox One, and PC, on April 3.
Source: OPM UK Issue 171 (February 2020)


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A big launch can lead to big piracy, especially with the console version of Modern Warfare 2, which was available online for modded Xbox 360 systems for a week or more before launch. Microsoft knows you shouldn't be playing the game before its official release, and activity on Xbox Live gives them an easy target. Consequently, an unknown number of consoles have been permanently banned from Xbox Live.
The techniques Microsoft uses to separate those who have wrangled early copies of the game from retailers and pirates remain nebulous, but once a console has been banned from Xbox Live, the system is useless to anyone who wishes to play online. That's a problem-or an opportunity- for the second-hand market, as waves of banned consoles are now up for sale on eBay and craigslist.


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General Motors sent out a notice to local media outlets this week recommending that Cayman Islands car customers buy new Chevy vehicles directly at the local authorised dealership.
“Recently, there was a situation with a Chevrolet Volt, GM’s extended range electric vehicle, which was exported from the United States into the Cayman Islands by an entity different than General Motors,” the notice stated. “Outside the (US and Canada), no General Motors dealer shall endorse warranty, or service to these vehicles.
“The Chevrolet Volt is a vehicle with highly advanced technology that requires GM’s official support in order to get the best performance,” said GM Managing Director for Central America and the Caribbean Ernesto Ortiz.
The notice refers to a new Chevy Volt model that was imported by John Felder of Cayman Automotive earlier this year. The Volt was the first primarily electrically-powered vehicle to be registered for use on Cayman’s main thoroughfares by the Department of Vehicles and Drivers Licensing. The car, which runs completely on electricity for the first 40 miles, and afterward uses petrol to power its electric engine, was sold to Caribbean Utilities Company.
Mr. Felder said Tuesday that CUC should have no problems.
“I already have hired my own electric car technician,” he said. “He’s been with me now about eight months. He will also be getting specialised training in the USA.”
Cayman Automotive has also purchased fault code computer scanning equipment needed to determine what has gone wrong with electric vehicles. Mr. Felder said his company would also do its own repairs with parts ordered from the United States, if necessary.
Although fully electric powered vehicles are not allowed on Cayman’s roads, Cayman Automotive has sold some electric cars to Camana Bay and also to the Flowers Group, mainly for security patrol purposes in parking lots. He said the company has had to make repairs on electric vehicles for both of those companies in the past year.
“On most of my cars [the warranty] is two years, 24,000 miles bumper-to bumper,” he said, adding that for some vehicles that’s reduced to a one-year, 12 month warranty.
“If you don’t serve your customers, you won’t be in business very long.”
Mr. Felder said the situation would be the same with anyone importing an American car out of the US who isn’t an authorised Chevy dealer. “They all do the same thing. They void the warranty on the vehicle,” he said.
In any case, Mr. Felder said the Chevy Volt won’t be his “bread and butter” car when he begins selling electric vehicles in Cayman – assuming that the government does change the law to allow those vehicles to be registered. Both Premier McKeeva Bush and senior civil servant Kearney Gomez have pledged to bring such a law before the Legislative Assembly. The two electric vehicles Cayman Automotive intends to import are the Wheego Life from the US, and the Tazzari Electric, which is made in Italy. He said those cars, entirely run on electric, travel between 65 and 85 miles per hour and can go 100 miles on a charge.
“They’re perfect for Cayman, perfect,” he said.
Although lawmakers have not produced any specific draft legislation that would amend the country’s Traffic Law to allow for electric cars, it’s believed two separate classifications for the vehicles will be proposed. The slower travelling,shorter range vehicles may be considered “neighbourhood electric vehicles” – for use on local roads where the speed limit does not get above 25-30 miles per hour.
Faster electric vehicles would then be registered along with all other automobiles for use on thoroughfares and roads above 30 miles per hour.
Plans are also in the works to create electric car charge-stations, but Mr. Felder said he wants to wait on those proposals until the government approves electric cars for road readiness.


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ICYMI: Rep. Van Duyne Joins Roundtable Discussion with Leader McCarthy
I recently joined Leader McCarthy and Reps. Blaine Luetkemeyer, Jackie Walorski, Fred Keller, Kevin Hern, and David Schweikert for a roundtable discussion on the Democrats' far-left socialist spending spree.
Click here to watch my remarks.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our country, and yet they seem to be the enemy of this administration. This administration is doing everything it possibly can to crush small businesses.”
"The supply chain [crisis] is not just an inconvenience – it's crushing small businesses. But it's also a national security issue, and this bill doesn't do anything to address it at all. In fact, it's pushing more and more jobs overseas."
"In the wake of trying to open businesses back up, all [the Biden Administration is] doing is threatening them with increased corporate taxes, increased capital gains, increased inflation, and more supply chain issues."


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Toyota Motor Corp slashed its annual operating profit forecast by more than half as the financial crisis hits auto demand, cuts access to credit and sends the yen higher.
For the year to March 31, the world's biggest automaker now expects operating profit of ¥600 billion ($6.1 billion) versus a previous forecast of ¥1.6 trillion. A poll of 17 brokerages had forecast ¥1.34 trillion.
The maker of the Camry sedan, Prius gas-electric hybrid and Tundra pickup truck now expects net profit of ¥550 billion instead of ¥1.25 trillion.
Toyota, until recently the envy of the industry with eight straight years of profit growth, has had to put factories on hold, release temporary staff and offer buyers unprecedented incentives as sales in the crucial US market slumped further than it expected.
With two months remaining this year, Toyota's US sales are down 12% to date, forcing it to lower its forecast there this week for the second time in four months.
Detroit's General Motors Corp, Ford Motor Co and Chrysler LLC are faring worse, suffering sharper sales drops and struggling to return to profit.
Toyota's July-September operating profit fell 72% to ¥169.5 billion, while net profit sank 69% to ¥139.8 billion. (Reuters)


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After 14 years supporting restaurants and food service providers in Canada, and with a wide range of products to choose from, Econolease’s sales staff is able to determine what lease, loan or rental product best fits each customer’s unique situation.
Interest in alternative lending products is growing steadily in Canada, and as more consumers explore available options they are generally finding the information, products and level of service they are looking for, according to the State of Alternative Lending in Canada 2018 study published by Smarter Loans.
Alternative financing is steadily gaining popularity in Canada, but those offering auto or truck and trailer financing solutions still need to catch up with other online providers, according to the State of Alternative Lending in Canada 2018 study published by Smarter Loans.
Canadians are warming up to alternative lending options in recent years, with more turning to online vendors for services ranging from mortgages and car loans to business and equipment loans, according to the State of Alternative Lending in Canada 2018 study published by Smarter Loans.
The imbalance between the relative successes of Canada’s major financial institutions and the relative anonymity of its FinTech sector was a key area of focus throughout the daylong AltFi Toronto event. The stage played host to a range of experts from tech and finance, from Canada and abroad, each offering their thoughts on why the country’s FinTech industry is lagging behind, and how best to enable it to catch up.
There used to be a mere few options available to get financing for major ventures. The choices were traditional borrowing from a financial institution or from family and friends. Today, there are unlimited ways to get financing for any purpose. Creative financing has opened the doors for consumers who want or need an innovative way to get money to fulfill their dreams.
Rather than considering the credit rating of the borrower, Lending Mate provides guarantor loans, which only requires the borrower to have a qualified friend or relative vouch for their ability to pay it back.
After being denied six business loans, Rhonda realized that because her business was new, most banks would not offer her enough financing to start her new venture. However, she had heard about an alternative to traditional lending known as a merchant cash advance, or MCA. Encouraged, she took off in the direction of getting funding via an MCA. And she is not alone; millions of start-ups and established businesses take advantage of the benefits of this type of financing. But before they do, they must understand the ins and outs of merchant cash advances.
A personal loan is an ideal solution for people who need quick cash to cover expenses due to any number of issues. They can be used for anything from bills or educational costs to major ventures such as home improvement. A personal loan from a private vs public lender poses a unique set of circumstances.
As the name suggests, a personal loan is used for individual needs or wants of the borrower’s choosing. Unlike a mortgage or boat loan, it is not approved for a specific purpose. People take out personal loans to pay for vacations or weddings, for instance. Other reasons borrowers get them are to make home improvements, consolidate credit card debt, or if money is needed for a sudden emergency.


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Marketers are putting a new spin on an old strategy for buying time on TV, bringing back the “guerrilla campaign,” according to a report by Claire Atkinson in the New York Post.
“The guerrilla campaign, using the long-existing but recently souped-up strategy of stitching together regional buys to deliver the same buzz and power of a national ad buy, likely saves advertisers 30 to 50 percent — while getting them just about the same result,” Atkinson writes.
The strategy gives buyers a back-door entree into televised sports such as the current blockbuster “March Madness” NCAA hoops tournament.
“New York-based Cadent Network is behind the strategy, successfully pitching advertisers and agencies on a fast- growing ad platform that gives them access to national events like March Madness by cobbling together regional buys,” Atkinson writes. “While CBS and Turner Broadcasting — which own the rights to the highly rated tourney — are close to selling out their ad inventory for $700,000 to $1.5 million for a 30-second spot, Cadent said it can deliver similar national reach for as much as 50 percent less.”
Cadent has updated its pitch with the promise of year-round placement and the use of data to verify commercial reach, Atkinson notes.
“The company can’t guarantee an appearance in any one show, but by acquiring ad inventory at the right time of day, there’s a high chance of getting into many of the tournament’s sports packages — as Cadent client Barbasol has done,” the report notes.
The article quotes Cadent Network chief revenue officer Jim Tricarico, a former ad sales exec at Nickelodeon, saying: “When ratings are down and procurement officers are all over the agencies to deliver audiences more efficiently, we deliver first-run shows and sporting events.”
Atkinson adds: “Tricarico, who is working with a raft of advertisers, from Boston Beer to Allstate to Applebee’s, says first-quarter business rose 25 percent and the second quarter is ‘off the charts.’”
Please click on the link in the first paragraph, above, to read Atkinson’s full report.


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Vietnamese EV automaker VinFast set the tone at the Las Vegas Convention Center this morning, detailing the first product announcement of day one in the West Hall. In addition to officially launching its line of Drgn Fly E-Bikes, VinFast shared plans to sell its ultra-compact VF 3 globally, and pulled the sheet off a pickup truck concept called the VF Wild. VinFast has come a long way since it presented its lineup of Vietnamese-built EVs in front of the crowd at CES 2023 last year, with plenty of ups and downs. That is to be expected when you’re operating at the speed the VinGroup-owned automotive subsidiary operates. At times, it’s baffling. The past year alone, we saw the automaker combine its US and Canadian business entities, broke ground on its first US production facility in North Carolina, and began initial deliveries in North America following several delays. We saw the debut of the VF 5, reported billions in new funding to keep pushing forward, and even drove the VF 8 City Edition last year… before they were recalled. Since then, we’ve seen deliveries grow, and the young automaker turned some heads with the debut of an electric mini SUV called the VF 3 – originally priced under $20,000 – last June. While the model was originally slotted for the Vietnamese market, interest from other regions sparked rumors that VinFast was considering selling the VF 3 in the US. Today, the automaker confirmed the VF 3 will now be sold as a global EV model, and was joined on stage by VinFast’s latest concept EV – the VF Wild pickup. Oh, the Jabbawokeez were there too. VinFast to sell VF 3 globally, debuts its first electric pickup In front of a crowd at CES 2024, VinFast confirmed it will now sell the VF 3 mini SUV globally, just six months after unveiling the EV for Vietnam. Sitting atop 16-inch wheels, the VF 3 measures in at a modest L125.6 x W66.1 x H63.8 inches, designed with young city drivers in mind. It also offers 125 miles of range on a single charge. Per VinFast Global’s Deputy CEO of Sales and Marketing, Ms. Tran Mai Hoa: With the global launch of the VF 3, we are pleased to introduce a new electric car in our range. More importantly, we are providing a new companion for a generation of young drivers who value practicality alongside personality. The VF 3 aims to unbound the imagination of urban mobility that is not only sustainable but also accessible for everyone. Details remain slim at this point, but other features in the VF 3 include a 10-inch infotainment screen fitted with Android Auto and Apple Carplay, and a folding second-row allow for more cargo space (total capacity of 550 liters). VinFast states that early reservations for the VF 3 will begin sometime in 2024, and those timings plus delivery windows will follow. Other pertinent details like pricing and warranty policies have also yet to be shared. As we previously reported, the initial pricing announced for Vietnam converted to approximately $20,000 – but that could certainly change. Following the VF 3 announcement, VinFast introduced the Jabbawockeez dance crew, who shuffled over to what could perhaps be the star of the automaker’s show this morning, its new pickup concept. Check it out: The VF Wild remains a concept but is described as VinFast as its first attempt at an electric pickup model and a design example of its goal to expand its product range to suit a wider audience. With dimensions of 209 inches (5324mm) in length and a width of 79 inches (1997mm), the VF Wild falls into the mid-size pickup category. It comes equipped with The VF Wild remains a concept but is described as VinFast as its first attempt at an electric pickup model and a design example of its goal to expand its product range to suit a wider audience. With dimensions of 209 inches (5324mm) in length and a width of 79 inches (1997mm), the VF Wild falls into the mid-size pickup category. It comes equipped with a bed length that can expand from 5- to 8-feet when its rear seats are automatically folded down automatically. Despite it remaining a concept, VinFast is hailing VF Wild as the largest bed in its segment. Ms. Tran Mai Hoa once again spoke: We’re very proud to introduce the VF Wild concept, which encapsulates our mission to make sustainable, high-quality electric vehicles accessible to a broader market. This is not just a new product in our offering – it showcases our aspiration to venture into the fast-paced and thriving electric pickup truck market. There are no immediate plans to bring the VF Wild to production, but someone at VinFast on the floor at CES told Electrek that the goal is to eventually deliver a production pickup evolved from today’s concept on display. Here’s a video of the unveiling. What do you guys think? FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
This content was originally published here.


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Australian-founded, Hong Kong-owned denim label Jeanswest is the latest retailer to enter voluntary administration, with the future of its 146 stores uncertain.
- Jeanswest opened its first store in Perth in 1972 and is now owned by a private Hong Kong firm
- Only the Jeanswest operations in Australia are affected, with stores overseas operated by a listed Hong Kong company
- 988 Jeanswest staff face an uncertain future as administrators consider a restructure or sale of its 146 stores
The company employs 988 staff in stores across all states and territories — including 40 stores in New South Wales, 32 stores in Victoria, 28 in Queensland and 23 in Western Australia.
Administrators from KPMG have been appointed and say Jeanswest will continue to operate as they consider "all options for the restructure or sale" of the business.
"Like many other retailers, the business has been challenged by current tough market conditions and pressure from online competition," said James Stewart from KPMG.
Jeanswest opened its first store in Perth in 1972 and expanded to the east coast during the 1980s, before being bought by Hong Kong firm Glorious Sun in 1994.
The Jeanswest brand expanded overseas, into countries including China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Russia and Indonesia.
In 2017, the publicly-listed Glorious Sun sold the Australian operations to a private company called Howsea Limited, run by its chairman Charles Yeung and vice-chairman Yeung Chun Fan.
The administration only affects the Australian business.
Consumer confidence in regional areas 'particularly fragile'
This latest retail collapse follows Bardot's announcement that 530 workers will lose their jobs as it shuts 58 stores over the next two months, while Harris Scarfe will close 21 stores and cut 440 jobs.
On Tuesday, retailer Mosaic Group warned its sales took a hit in the second half of last year, especially in the 32 per cent of its stores in regional areas, where the company said "consumer confidence has been particularly fragile".
The retailer, which operates the Noni B, Rivers, Millers and Katies clothing chains, said 20 per cent of its stores were "directly impacted" by the bushfires.
Shares in Mosaic Brands fell 17 per cent on Tuesday and a further 2.7 per cent on Wednesday.
Weak household consumption has put a dampener on Australia's economic growth in recent quarters.
While the latest retail sales figures showed a bounce in November, due to the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping events, EY chief economist Jo Master said it was "too early to call a resurgence in consumer spending".
Data from ANZ card transactions over the Christmas period showed sales were down more than 5 per cent between December 16 and Boxing Day, compared to the same period in 2018.


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According to [billionaire Jim] Mellon’s predictions, the food industry is set to see some big changes over the next decade.
First, the dairy industry as we know it – where cows produce milk – ‘will be gone’, he says. This is because alternative plant milks, such as almond and soy, will take over.
Or, they will be made using precision fermentation, a technology using microbial hosts as cell factories, in order to create an identical protein. One of the leaders in the dairy fermentation industry is Change Foods, a brand aiming to create ‘mind-blowing animal-free foods’ that are better for the planet.
Secondly, Mellon predicts the meat industry will collapse. Half of it will consist of plant-based foods, or foods made using cellular agriculture, he claims.
‘We already have the products. All we need is the scale, the money, and the will’, he says.
The cell-based and industry is especially booming, and it’s expected to reach full price parity by 2035. This is in line with wider predictions that 11 percent of traditionally animal-based products will be spawn from alternative protein technology.