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Tomra sorting group opens new regional headquarters in Johannesburg
Tomra - Operations Hub Johannesburg
Sorting technology group Tomra has confirmed the opening of new regional headquarters in Johannesburg, to expand its presence in the region.
The facility will support customers in South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania, and is designed to enhance customer care with enhanced technical support, service, and training, and to ensure prompt availability of spare parts.
Furthermore, the move will also improve operational efficiencies by bringing together under one roof all three Tomra business divisions: Mining, Recycling, and Food.
The company’s new facilities are housed in a two-story, 1,800 square-metre building which accommodates offices, a warehouse, spare parts area, two training rooms, and three additional meeting rooms.
There is also the space here to demonstrate the company’s sensor-based sorting technologies. The building’s location on the edge of the Longmeadow Business Estate, Edenvale, to the north-east of Johannesburg. The development has become part of a global network that now includes a total of 4,000 employees.
Albert du Preez, Senior Vice-President at Tomra, commented: “This investment affirms Tomra Food’s wholehearted and long-term commitment to South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania. These are growing markets that we take very seriously. The 26-strong team operating out of our new headquarters will support customers in South Africa and all other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.”
Tomra Food and the two other brands in the Tomra Food family, BBC Technologies and Compac, offer high-grade sorting and grading technologies and integrated post-harvest solutions. These include the world’s most advanced grading, sorting, peeling, and analytical technologies for fruits, nuts, vegetables, potato products, grains and seeds, dried fruit, and seafood.
Such solutions are of ever-increasing importance in Africa, as they are on other continents around the world, because of the need to feed growing populations through more efficient food production.
Norman Smith, Area Sales Manager, said: “The new premises in Johannesburg highlight our dedication to the African market, and our commitment to continue building our food division in this region. Our new offices will act as the sales and after-sales hub for Sub-Saharan Africa, and in the future potentially for the rest of Africa.
“Having the facilities for customer training and product demonstrations will help more food businesses in the region recognise and benefit from our world-class solutions.”
As an example of growing demand for these technologies, Tomra’s Compac brand has witnessed dramatic growth in South Africa in the last four years primarily because of the citrus industry investing in Spectrim grading technology. This is increasing productivity on pack-out of Class 1 fruit by an average of 12%
Compac’s Regional Director for Asia and South Africa, James Flocchini, commented: “Compac is installing a training/demo machine at the facility. This will provide for technology demonstrations and classroom training of new and existing customers to support the investments being made by citrus, avocado, apple, tomato and stone fruit packers.”
Tomra Food designs and manufactures sensor-based sorting machines and integrated post-harvest solutions for the food industry, using the world’s most advanced grading, sorting, peeling and analytical technology.
Over 8,000 units are installed at food growers, packers and processors around the world for fruits, nuts, vegetables, potato products, grains and seeds, dried fruit, meat and seafood. The company’s mission is to enable its customers to improve returns, gain operational efficiencies, and ensure a safe food supply via smart, useable technologies.


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The agency will advise on brand and consumer experience matters as Molson Coors looks to broaden the appeal of Carling among consumers.
It follows last month's announcement that Molson Coors plans to re-launch its low-alcohol C2 brand next year. Introduced in 2004, C2 ran its last major campaign three years ago. Next year Molson Coors will also roll out a range of beers aimed at women.
Annette Middleton, senior brand manager for Carling, said: "Our objective was to ensure that we have the best fit for Carling’s requirements in a changing alcohol and media landscape and I am confident that with Echo as a key strategic partner we have the best agency match to ensure we broaden Carling’s appeal and consumer footprint while maintaining its number one status."

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The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Export-Import Bank of China (CEXIM) have signed a US$600 million loan facility.
This facility would enable the bank fund loans and trade finance transactions.
The agreement was signed by CEXIM vice president, Wencai Zhang, and Afreximbank Executive Vice President, George Elombi, in the presence of their Presidents, Shengjun Ren, and Prof. Benedict Oramah in Beijing, China on Tuesday.
In a statement made available to Zambia Monitor on Friday, the loan would facilitate and finance trade economic cooperation between the member states of Afreximbank and China.
It further stated that loan would also aid in promoting the financial co-operation between Africa and China.
Commenting on the agreement, Oramah noted that it was fortuitous that the signing of this important facility coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
He said this was strong evidence of the rapid growth in co-operation between China and Africa, noting that the BRI was a blueprint of cooperation aimed at enhancing policy, trade infrastructure, financial and people-to-people connectivity.
“As a bank we are committed to play a big role especially of leveraging financial resources into Africa. This facility will help to catalyse trade financing between Africa and the China, thereby enhancing flow of goods, capital and technology,” Oramah said.
He added that through its 6th Strategic Plan, which runs from 2022 to 2026, Afreximbank was working diligently to broaden its role in African trade finance and continues to see lots of collaboration opportunities on the continent.
“Working with partners like CEXIM, we aim to attain the goals of this strategy, especially supporting China-Africa Cooperation and expanding Africa’s export manufacturing capacity,” Oramah said.
CEXIM President Ren noted the signing of the agreement as a concrete measure taken by CEXIM in fulfilling its due responsibilities to promote high-quality BRI cooperation and to implement the nine programmes under the Forum on China and Africa Cooperation framework.
Ren said it was also an important example of third-party market co-operation carried out by CEXIM.
Under the agreement, the parties would strengthen co-operation in various areas including credit business, equity investment, capital market operations, trade finance, personnel exchange and knowledge sharing, so as to make positive contributions to China-Africa economic cooperation and trade as well as sustainable economic and social development of African countries.
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Philippe Bourguignon + IAB France + BETC = INSIDERS
The funds Stéphanie Hospital and Jean-Marie Messier (in which Bastien Cadéac, the new presenter of Capital on M6 worked), welcomed a new employee this summer. And not just any. The duo now work together with Philippe Bourguignon, the most French of investors in the United States, vice president of the Revolution LLC fund (which notably invested in RunKeeper, ZipCar or Livingsocial) and ex-CEO of Exclusive Resorts. He is also co-CEO of the World Economic Forum and former CEO of ClubMed and Wall Disney.
OneRagtime, which presents itself as “a new generation venture platform” is also organizing a pitch competition on the Snapchat application. Objectives: capture millennials and disruptive files.
REVIEW the interview with Jean-Marie Messier and Stéphanie Hospital:
The French start-up Toluna, specializing in the digital collection of real-time consumer insights, has completed the acquisition of the Israeli company Crossence. The latter is developing a single-source digital tracking solution based on the prior consent of its users. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
As part of this operation, Crossence teams will integrate the Toluna R&D center in Haifa, Israel. This investment will allow the French start-up to provide richer data to companies so that they can refine their social media and marketing campaigns. “This offer will change the way marketing decisions are made»Says Frédéric-Charles Petit, CEO of Toluna.
After raising 1 million euros last June, Recast.AI, the editor platform for bots intended for developers, has just obtained a “refundable advance” of 800,000 euros from Bpifrance. A loan she announced on his site.
With these new funds, the company intends to tackle the B2B and B2C market, and thus not miss the acceleration of bots in many sectors.
REVIEW: Interview with Patrick Joubert, CEO of Recast.AI (July 2016)
TheIAB France is organizing the first edition of its start-up competition, the “Ad Innovation Pitch”. This competition, which will reward five Adtech start-ups, is aimed primarily at companies that cover one of the following five areas: mobile, video, content and native advertising, social media, or even measurement and data analytics. For David Lacombled, President of IAB France, “this competition will bring together the start-ups that advertise tomorrow“.
Candidates have until September 25 to submit an application. Applications will be examined by a jury made up of a dozen people, including a representative of an investment fund whose identity is not specified. The names of the winners will be revealed at the annual IAB France conference on November 22.
The German job search engine Joblift has carried out, from its own data, a study concerning the jobs created in the FinTech sector. First observation of the study, more than three quarters (77.6%) of the jobs identified in the sector are located in France, and more particularly in Paris.
In the space of a year, the number of jobs identified in the sector has increased by 14%, according to the results of the study. At the same time, Joblift has observed a 2.4% drop in jobs in the banking sector.
Read also: Grégoire de Lestapis leaves BBVA for Lendix
Communication agency BETC inaugurated its new headquarters this Thursday, September 8. After more than two and a half years of work, the 900 employees of the agency moved in July to their new premises, located in the old buildings of the General Stores, along the Ourcq canal in Pantin. Among the elements that we retain about its new premises: the employees of the agency no longer have a nominative office; on the other hand, they can set up in different workspaces conducive to collaboration and exchanges.
Vincent Colonna-Cesari, engagement planner at BETC digital shared last week on Instagram a photo of a beautiful sunset over the renovated building. The agency was previously located rue du Faubourg Saint Martin, in the 10th arrondissement of Paris.
Read also: [Portrait du CEO Havas Media France] Raphaël de Andreis: Mach 3
L’Oréal chooses the Publicis Conseil agency for its Puma Fragrances brand
L’Oréal has decided to entrust its new communication campaign for Puma Fragrances to Publicis Conseil. The agency will be responsible for launching the deodorant brand through a communication campaign that will soon be broadcast. “Puma Fragrances is all the Puma spirit concentrated in a fragrance designed to be in affinity with a male target, cool, young, native digital, heavy consumer of content on all social networks“, said Valerie Hénaff, President of Publicis Conseil.
Isobar launches Citroën’s new Instagram campaign
As part of its social media collaboration with Citroën, the agency Isobar designed a communication campaign for the automaker on Instagram. For a month, 10 “Instagrammers” from around the world will share their adventures on the Instagram account Citroën, to the rhythm of the challenges launched by the French brand.
Pete Vlastelica Takes Head of Activision Blizzard’s Major League Gaming Division
The developer and publisher of video games Activision Blizzard decided to engage the services of Pete Vlastelica. The latter is named president and CEO of Major League Gaming, one of the main organizers of esports tournaments bought by Activision Blizzard last January for 46 million dollars.
As part of his new functions, he will have to consolidate the company’s position in the field of broadcasting, distribution and production of content in the e-sport sector on an international scale. Before joining Activision Blizzard, Pete Vlastelica had been working for Fox Sports since 2010.
Kristoffer Ewald promoted to NetBooster innovation director
Eight years after his arrival at NetBooster, Kristoffer Ewald has just been appointed director of innovation for the digital agency. In this role, he will be responsible for integrating innovation into NetBooster’s strategy and monitoring emerging market trends. “This appointment places innovation at the heart of the group’s strategy and operations, to allow us to remain one of the major players in the market.”, Said Tim Ringel, CEO of NetBooster, on the sidelines of the announcement.
Virginie Hauswald leaves Humanis for La Mutuelle Générale
Viriginie Hauswald just joined The General Mutual as director of strategy, marketing, innovation and partnerships. As such, she also joins the Group’s Executive Committee. As part of her new responsibilities, she will work in close collaboration with Stanislas Bressange, Managing Director of La Mutuelle Générale.
A graduate of Paris-Dauphine University and HEC Montréal, Virginie Hauswald worked for Polypore, Orga Consultants and most recently Humanis where she held the position of Director of Marketing, Customer Experience, Strategy and Innovation since December 2014.
Nicolas Laurent becomes Data Analyst at Carrefour
Digital Media Planner at crossroads since October 2015, Nicolas Laurent has just been appointed Data Analyst within the French retail group. He is also the founder of the Les Hiboo webzine, dedicated to digital trends, sport and urban life.
Patrick Le Roux becomes France director of the SGM agency
The agency SGM, specializing in commercial real estate and retail, has appointed Patrick Le Roux as Director France. Previously, he worked for Yound & Rubicam Kaena, Uniteam or Apache.
Delphine Cuny appointed Deputy Editor-in-Chief Banking & Finance of La Tribune
The gallery has decided to entrust the post of Deputy Editor-in-Chief Banking & Finance to Delphine Cuny. She arrived in the economic and financial newspaper in 2000 before making a stint in L’Obs and Rue89.
[Atelier en ligne] Data science, the master asset of an effective marketing strategy in e-commerce and retail – The Startup Pirates program is back in Paris for its 3rd edition! – Paris Retail Week – 2nd edition – Enova Paris 2016: towards a new dynamic
Events not to be missed from September 12 to 18


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February 24, 2014 -- Wine, Beer and Spirits Tasting Event in Las Vegas on Saturday, March 8 at Silverton Casino
February 24, 2014 -- New bags marry design and functionality for a sleek, minimalistic product.
February 24, 2014 -- Pittsburgh-based InventHelp is attempting to submit this client's idea, the Mat'rnal Com'ort, to companies in the hopes of a good faith review.
February 24, 2014 -- Wantable, Inc. a leading discovery service for makeup, accessories, and intimates announces its March Box.
February 24, 2014 -- iLuv Range of Samsung Accessories Now Includes Cases for the Newest GALAXY Device
February 23, 2014 -- A Gift Worth Giving is now offering same day delivery to its customers in Sydney and next day delivery to clients in rest of the country.
February 23, 2014 -- The Bistro Romano Wine Cellar Club invites wine enthusiasts to an evening of tasting, pairing and getting to know the world's best wines, to be hosted by Nico Raia of Italian Wine importers...
February 23, 2014 -- Friend To Girlfriend Secrets made by David Kwan And Simon Heong is the latest course that teaches men how to seduce the woman they desired quickly. A full review on the site Vinamy.com indicates if...
February 23, 2014 -- On Wednesday, Wear Luck gives their new WEAR HOPE Bracelet Tops to celebrity moms of children who have special needs. Each top has messages of strength and hope to give moms encouragement.
February 22, 2014 -- Fine Italian dining and entertainment have found a new home in Philadelphia. Bistro Romano is pleased to announce dates and show times for ‘The Mystery Dinner Theater: Crime of Your Life’ from...
February 22, 2014 -- Gerald Nicosia's One and Only tells the story of the woman based on Mary Lou in On the Road
February 22, 2014 -- The Recently-Launched Service is Already Becoming a Huge Hit with Customers
February 21, 2014 -- Rashes are common in children, but some require quick treatment or they can lead to serious medical conditions. The new article from Skincare-News offers information about preventing and treating...
February 21, 2014 -- Version 3.1 Provides a Free Update for Current Owners
February 21, 2014 -- KD Novelties, publisher of personalized books, provides tips to parents and guardians for checking if children are learning after they have become readers.
February 21, 2014 -- Handmade sculptures especially created to convey emotion and capture memorable life events.
February 21, 2014 -- Beauty Research, a beauty blogging web site, published an article today discussing shampoo.
February 21, 2014 -- New Product Introduction Executive expert Les Magsalay-Zeller uses NPI best practices to consistently launch products and offerings that generates competitive advantages, long-term value and wows...
February 21, 2014 -- InventHelp, a leading inventor service company, is working to submit the LazeTowel to applicable companies for their review.
February 21, 2014 -- As the economy recovers and consumer sentiment rebounds, shoppers will increasingly purchase clothes for fashion rather than just for function. For these reasons, industry research firm IBISWorld has...
February 21, 2014 -- A favorite U.S. art festival, the Jackson Hole Arts Festival celebrates an international mix of visual arts, plus food, furnishings, fashion, home tours and more amid the autumn beauty of the Tetons...
February 21, 2014 -- Yumi EcoSolutions offers “The Perfect Green Solution” with environmentally sustainable products.
February 20, 2014 -- The Show Returns to Los Angeles for a Second Year, March 21-23, 2014
February 20, 2014 -- Starting this month, Tempest In A Teapot highlights new works from regional artisans along with their own handmade silver jewelry gift creations via newly expanded product offerings in their...
February 20, 2014 -- Lambda Literary recently reviewed Love Burns Bright: A Lifetime of Lesbian Romance, edited by Radclyffe.


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While the celebrity appearances, free swag, awards ceremonies and wacky foods often get the spotlight at the National Restaurant Association Show, we also found plenty of operational takeaways for restaurateurs to pack into their bags and bring back to their home offices.
Here, you’ll find a roundup of current operational trends the Restaurant Business editors picked up during their time on the NRA Show floor and beyond.
1. Beating the competition…at hiring
Restaurants are finding that they not only are competing with other employers in their area for good talent, but with neighboring cities that have a higher minimum wage, as well.
So several operators tossed out their lures for attracting talent—and keeping it—in today’s shallow pool.
Little Caesars hires primarily based on referrals, while The Habit Burger Grill rewards employee referrals with bonuses—plus, staff who stay on also earn retention bonuses.
Ivar’s Restaurants is adapting its hiring process to keep up with millennials. While it used to take 10 to 12 days to move talent from application to hire, now it’s five, said Patrick Yearout, director of recruiting and training for the seafood restaurant chain.
2. Overtime is an open question
With the feds changing the rules by which employees qualify for overtime less than a week before the start of the NRA Show, operators we talked to still were trying to digest the news.
We got almost universal head shaking and heavy sighs when we asked restaurateurs what they thought. But very few knew yet—or at least weren’t saying—how exactly they would deal with the steeper threshold for qualifying employees in their own operations.
Some with operations on the West Coast, however, appeared less jarred by the rules change, perhaps because the higher cost of living and higher minimum wage already push many over the threshold. Executives at Ivar's and Habit, for example, say they aren’t worried because they already pay their managers above the $47,476 cap.
3. Servers gotta teach
No matter how much technology proliferates and how much labor pressures squeeze the size of the labor force, there always will be a place for human servers—even though the role itself is evolving.
At Chicago restaurant Imperial Lamian, one of the stops on a Taste the Trends tour with operators during the NRA Show, servers showed just how valuable they are—especially in more authentic ethnic concepts. After placing a steamer with soup dumplings on the table, the server explained how to eat the liquid- and pork-filled pockets to the first-timers.
As our editor on the scene noted, it not only makes guests feel like they’re having an authentic experience, it ensures the food is experienced the way the chef intended.
4. Water, water, nowhere
The next hair-on-fire issue for foodservice operators may be (ironically) water.
According to the NRA’s executive vice president of government affairs and policy, Cicely Simpson, in the next three years, water shortages and how that issue shapes sustainability efforts will be top of mind—and not just in certain parts of the country.
Schools are focusing on the issue, she said, and she is starting to see operators prepare. For instance, Baskin-Robbins is paying more attention to their dipping wells and overall consumption. And a huge number of exhibitors at the NRA Show were touting the water-conserving benefits of their products and equipment.
5. Forget meeting customers’ desires—now you must predict them
More and more restaurants are using technology to anticipate what guests might want and when they might want it.
Online ordering, mobile apps, loyalty programs and good analysis are helping operators entice customers to come in to order their favorite lunch again—and making it more convenient than ever for customers to do so, the NRA reports.
But even beyond the cues consumers themselves give off by their past behavior and preferences, restaurants are looking to anything that can help with predictions—including anticipating weather changes.
6. Let us entertain you
And yet restaurants continue to find ways to be inventive and, more importantly, authentic when delivering dinner with a show. Concepts in the NRA Show’s home city didn’t disappoint: Diners at Imperial Lamian in Chicago watched cooks hand-pull noodles and stuff dumplings at its open kitchen counter. At Grant Achatz’s new spot Roister, opened only weeks before, guests sit at counters on all four sides of the kitchen.
And at Swift & Sons steakhouse, one of the hottest tickets in town, a bartender-slash-storyteller rolls out a specially outfitted bar cart and stirs a signature martini tableside while relaying lesser-known anecdotes from Ian Fleming’s novels.


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Energy Beverages Celebrated World Environment Day With Tree Plantation Drive
The initiative by the makers of CLEAR premium water reflects their commitment towards the environment
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 06: Energy Beverages Private Limited, an innovative beverage company known for CLEAR premium water and its commitment to delivering superior quality and exceptional value to customers, celebrated World Environment Day on June 5 by undertaking a tree plantation drive.
The initiative is a continuation of the annual tradition wherein the company undertakes tree plantation drives at its headquarters in Ahmedabad as well as other locations pan-India. It had undertaken the plantation of 10,000 trees on World Environment Day last year as well. This year, the tree plantation activity was held at Moraiya village in Ahmedabad. Energy Beverages has taken the village pond under its care as a part of its commitment to conserving the environment.
Commenting on this occasion, Nayan Shah, Founder & CEO of Clear Premium Water, said, “The challenge of climate change is intensifying by the day, and it needs collective efforts to mitigate its impact and protect the earth. As an environmentally conscious company, we have undertaken several initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to protecting the environment. We aim to recycle more plastic than we produce and make CLEAR a Zero Waste Brand. We are actively working to recycle plastic and waste through various initiatives.”
Energy Beverages aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. It has framed a comprehensive strategy that includes tree plantation drives, using recycled articles deploying electric vehicles for logistics, using renewable energy sources for manufacturing, and tapping renewable plant sources for packaging to reduce its carbon footprint. These initiatives will not only help in reducing plastic pollution but also support its plastic-negative initiative.
As the largest bottling factory in Central Gujarat, Energy Beverages adheres to the guidelines of the Bureau of Indian Standards and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
With state-of-the-art automated filling equipment and over a decade of experience in bottling purified drinking water, the company has a monthly output of 50,000 Lakh bottles per day. Its extensive range of product sizes, varying from 200 ml to 5 litres, caters to a wide customer base.


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A global assessment of recycling and sustainability labels on plastic packaging found most lacking, but the Australasian Recycling Label got high marks. Read more
The NSW Circular Economy Innovation Network has announced Lisa McLean has been appointed its first CEO. The organisation works to create and communicate circular economy solutions for the state.
Three Australian environmental organisations have partnered to publish guidelines to help businesses make informed choices around compostable plastic packaging.
Planet Ark CEO Paul Klymenko discusses the opportunities that are belied by the challenges of these unprecedented times. The current pandemic is a great challenge, but in it lies opportunity.
The packaging design landscape is shifting profoundly towards sustainability in Australia and abroad. PKN asks Michael Zacka, Amcor CCO about the company’s progress towards sustainability.
The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) has launched a new sustainability webinar series to help industry professionals stay connected.
The days of milkmen every morning are well and truly gone, but reusable packaging is an idea that is getting another day in the sun. Circular shopping platform Loop hopes to bring a reusable packaging revolution to Australia.
ACOR has reiterated the importance of recycling, even in this time of global pandemic. The environmental and economic benefits of recycling means it should be continued during the “very challenging” Covid-19 period.
Mixed recycled plastic manufacturer Replas has developed a seat that can be customised with your favourite sporting team colours.
Jo Howarth, founder of Planet Protector Packaging, has been named a finalist in the Cartier Women’s Initiative, representing the South Asia and Oceania region.
BioGone has created what it says is the "world’s first” landfill-biodegradable dog waste bag. As the single-use plastic shopping bag has all but gone the way of the dodo in Australia, there has been an increase in demand for such bags in Australia.
A new, certified compostable and biodegradable stretch wrap made from plant-based products called Great Wrap was recently launched here in Australia.
Today is Global Recycling Day, a day when cities and organisations the world over take part in initiatives to raise awareness about the many ways to turn waste into a valuable resource.
The NSW government is moving forward with a plan to “tackle the use of plastics”. The plan includes a ban on lightweight plastic bags, making NSW the last state in Australia to ban such plastics.
Applications are open for Sustainability Victoria’s competitive grants programme to encourage organisations in the state to reduce packing waste disposed in landfill. Grants of up to $50,000 are available
Seabin, a system for capturing maritime waste – including plastics – has smashed its fundraising goal of $1m in four days. The goal is now to hit the $3m target before 19 March for full scaling of the company, operations and the technology.
The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) will lead the development of the ANZPAC Plastic Pact, which will formally launch late this year. The announcement was made today at the federal government’s National Plastics Summit in Canberra.


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The trade deficit between the US and the rest of the world in electronic goods widened by 8.8% to $3,700m in the third quarter of 1987, the American Electronics Association reports from Santa Clara, California, reversing the trend for the first half of the year, when there was a narrowing of 13% in the trade gap. With Japan, the US deficit widened by 4% to $5,000m in the third quarter, reducing the narrowing for the nine months to 2.7%. Commenting on the figures, which make it clear that affairs were beginning to deteriorate sharply well before Black Monday, October 19, Association senior vice-president Ralph Thomson, declared The third-quarter increases in both negative trade balances is a cause for concern and an obvious indicator that it will take more than a decline in the value of the dollar to solve our trade problems. Clearly, in the next year, we must convince Congress and the administration and all presidential candidates that for the long-term health of the country and our industry, the federal budget deficit must be reduced significantly. Even in the stronghold of computers, the industry saw its positive balance shrink slightly to $2,000m in the first nine months of 1987 from $2,100m in the same period of 1986. The trade deficit in the communications segment swelled by 39% in 1987 to $1,800m, while the computer trade deficit with Japan grew 29% to $4,000m.
US Electronics Industry Trade Balance
1986 1987 First nine months First nine months
US versus rest of world Computers $2,100m $2,000m Consumer ($8,200m) ($7,500m) Components ($3,100m) ($3,000m) Communications ($1,300m) ($1,800m) Instruments $1,300m $1,500m Other ($400m) ($200m) Totals ($9,600m) ($9,000m)
US versus Japan Computers ($3,100m) ($4,000m) Consumer ($6,400m) ($4,700m) Components ($2,500m) ($2,800m) Communications ($1,900m) ($2,100m) Instruments ($400m) ($400m) Other ($700m) ($600m) Totals ($15,000m) ($14,600m)
Figures are rounded to the nearest $100m; ( ) means deficit; the figures are compiled by the Association using data supplied by the


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There used to be a time when a man’s word was his bond, even amongst businessmen (or maybe especially amongst them). In the 21th century however you can’t be sure of anything, especially that when someone is trying to convince you something is not real there’s almost always some truth there.
So when Mark Zuckerberg denied the existence of a “Facebook phone” saying that such a device “wouldn’t make sense”, not only did we not drop the subject, but we started getting more suspicious than ever. The founder of the world’s biggest social network had said numerous times that FB’s future was mobile, so why get out of his way to convince us the elephant in the room is invisible?
And now there’s a mystery press event set to take place on January 15 at Facebook’s California HQ. Will there be some sort of new Facebook-made or co-branded smartphone on display? We’ll go out on a limb here and say probably not.
There should have been leaks of some sorts until now, don’t you think? We should have heard or seen something. After all, a mobile device built by FB from scratch or in direct cahoots with a major Android OEM would be a massive thing. But maybe we’re wrong and Zuckerberg knows how to keep a secret better than anyone in the mobile business. In any case, everything should be cleared up in around 24 hours, so keep in touch.


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Sareen's Omni is the Ikea of tires, distributing affordable but trendy wheels for cars in 30 countries. Last year he forged an alliance with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to launch a "pink ribbon" tire that will hit stores later this year. His goal? To reach sales of $1 billion by 2015, from $180 million today.
Our annual list of the world's largest corporations, including detailed company profiles and contact information.
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The United States sharply criticized Germany’s economic policies on Wednesday for hurting the American and global economy with an export-led growth model.
US officials are worried that Germany and some European nations are using the Euro currency to increase exports and undermine the American economy by making US products more expensive abroad.
The US Treasury Department said Germany should focus more on boosting domestic growth and reduce dependence on exports in order to make the world economy more stable.
“Germany’s anemic pace of domestic demand growth and dependence on exports have hampered rebalancing (of the euro zone economy),” the Treasury said in a congressionally mandated semi-annual report. “The net result has been a deflationary bias for the euro area as well as for the world economy.”
Deflation is one of the most worrisome forces in economics and refers to persistent drops in wages and prices.
Germany has Europe’s largest economy and the world’s fourth largest economy behind the US, China and Japan.
Germany’s surplus grew to $238.5 billion in 2012 from $223.3 billion in 2011 and was the largest among the countries for which the World Bank has data, according to its website.
The Treasury also maintained its past concerns over China, Japan and South Korea’s currency policies.
The US criticism comes less than a month after a political impasse in Washington drove the US economy close to a default, led to a partial government shutdown and triggered criticism from officials from China to Europe, who pointed to it as the single largest threat to global economic growth.
Source: Press TV


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Mississippi is home to several dairy herds and has a long history made rich by the contributions of pioneering dairy farmers. In addition to educational conferences, the MSU Extension Service produces publications designed to help the state’s dairy producers maintain efficient and profitable businesses while facing the challenges of the modern marketplace. Extension also supports 4-H activities related to dairy, such as dairy products judging and livestock showmanship.
2020 marked Bill Fitts’ 27th consecutive appearance at the annual North Mississippi Producer Advisory Council meeting.
School groups and families will soon have a chance to tour a dairy farm and learn where their food comes from
National Dairy Month is a great time to consider the numerous health benefits dairy products provide and how supporting the industry indirectly helps a variety of people.
On a rainy day in early autumn, hundreds of people packed into the Mississippi State University Joe Bearden Dairy Center to learn where their milk, butter, yogurt, and ice cream come from. (File Photo by Kat Lawrence)
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Depressed market prices, increased production costs and labor challenges continue to force generational dairy farmers to seek greener pastures.
Neal Smith grew up in Picayune in Pearl River County and has lived in Ohio for 27 years. As the chief executive officer and executive secretary for the American Jersey Cattle Association, Smith has been able to stay connected to the reason he joined 4-H as a child—his love of dairy cattle. He first joined 4-H because he wanted to show his Jersey calf at the Pearl River County Fair.
Pat Ard has tended his grandfather’s legacy since 1971, when he took the helm of the family farm from his father.
What started as a 211-acre Lincoln County cotton farm in 1894 is now a 1,200-acre dairy farm with more than 240 Holstein cows.
4-H Debuts New Curriculum · Extension Develops Workforce · La-Z-Boy Donates Fabric · Stars Focus On Sustainability · Extension Directs Herbicide Training · Youth Discover Dairy Science · Soil Lab Welcomes New Manager


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For years, Nutrient TECH has offered a range of products developed for the tropical growing regions in Central America. PCD International has been the main distribution partner in Costa Rica and they have worked tirelessly on a new project that introduces TRUE NUTRITION to the countries largest pineapple growers.
Costa Rica produced 60% of the world’s pineapples last year, but some of the farming practices are outdated and are being criticized globally for the mismanagement of natural resources and excessive pollution due to run-off. PCD International knows there is an easy way to address many of these problems, and Nutrient TECH products are at the heart of their plan.
By developing a nutrition program specifically for pineapples grown in the tropical northeast, PCD International has shown that growers who adopt their regimen can
- reduce water usage by 68%
- reduce salts by 98%
- reduce nitrogen-containing products by 74%
- better manage pests and disease.
Yields remain high, production costs decrease, and profits increase.
Watch the video about Frutas AgroEcologicas de Costa Rica, a pineapple farm set up by the owners of PCD International and other investors which embraces the TRUE NUTRITION concept. If more pineapple growers were to adopt this nutrition program and growing method, Costa Rica can maintain its top spot in pineapple production worldwide for years to come.


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The current iQ is powered by a 1.0L three-cylinder engine shared by the Aygo, rated at 67hp (50kW) and a healthy 55mpg US (4.27L/100km). The new 1.3L engine will feature VVT-i and 99hp (75kW) plus a fuel-saving stop-start feature. Despite the jump in power, the new engine is expected to return better fuel efficiency, around 59mpg, or 4.0L/100km. Toyota announced the engine late last year.
The new model complements the 1.4L D4-D diesel that is currently the most powerful unit in the iQ range at 90hp (67kW), though the diesel is still likely to be torquier and more suited to city driving. All of the engines in the iQ can be fitted to either a five-speed manual or an optional CVT.
After its Geneva show debut, expect the iQ to hit European showrooms in the middle of the year. There's still no official announcement of the iQ for the U.S., though with consumer budgets shrinking and fuel prices likely to rise again, the potential for the car is high.


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A company in South Africa recently developed a battery that can turn its electronic waste into usable power, and it’s available to anyone who wants to take it for a spin.
The battery is based on a combination of a nickel metal hydride battery and an electrochemically active material known as nickel cadmium cobalt.
The batteries can be manufactured at low cost and have a capacity of up to 150 watts.
It can also produce enough energy to power a small LED bulb for two hours, and a standard laptop for a week.
The company, Battery Labs, has now released the battery and is now testing it in its test lab, The Verge reports.
The lithium-ion battery uses a process known as electrochemical electrolysis, which essentially involves heating a material to the point where it breaks down into lithium and other compounds.
The resulting compound is then mixed with water and electrolyte and released into the environment.
The process is generally less environmentally damaging than coal-fired power plants, but it can also have the potential to release toxic pollutants.
The electrolysis process is an alternative to traditional coal-burning power plants.
The Battery Labs battery can produce power for two and a half hours.
The product has been tested in the lab at Battery Labs in Johannesburg.
The new battery is an electrochemical battery.
The electrodes have been coated with a porous nickel cadminium cobaldite electrolyte to absorb the energy from the solar cells and the battery itself.
In this case, the battery was used to produce a voltage of 5V, which means that the battery would last two and half hours, when the solar panels would only last for a minute.
Battery Labs says that the new battery can provide enough energy for a full day’s work, and that it can produce enough power to power one laptop for two or three hours, depending on the load.
The energy is stored in a battery compartment, and the batteries can also be charged using standard USB ports, the company says.
The device is a partnership between Battery Labs and the energy firm MEC Energy, which also produces power for solar power plants in South African villages.
Battery labs says that it hopes to sell the battery to power producers in South America, Africa and Europe.
It will also sell the product in the US.
The world’s first battery The Battery Lab battery is made of a porous Ni-Cad alloy with a nickel cadmic alloy.
It’s designed to be environmentally friendly.
It has a capacity range of up.5V to 200W and a peak discharge of 5W.
Battery Lab says that there’s also a lithium-polymer battery available, which has a power range of about 80W.
Both batteries can power LED lighting.
However, the new product is more suitable for power generation, which is one of the main applications of solar power.
According to the company, the device has a lifespan of up 50,000 hours and a capacity rating of 100W.
The project was started by Battery Labs with the aim of developing an energy storage system that can be reused and reused for power and other applications.


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STANDOUT performers in Australia’s red meat sector were recognised at Australian Organic Ltd’s annual industry awards, held online last Friday.
The AOL* awards showcase excellence in the nation’s rapidly growing $2 billion plus organic industry, of which meat protein makes up 40 percent of all organic production.
Toowoomba-based certified organic and natural meat supplier chain Arcadian Organic & Natural Meat Co, was announced as Organic Business of the Year, while meat and livestock industry veteran, Ian King, was presented with the Chairman’s Award.
Australian Organic Ltd’s chief executive officer Niki Ford said Australia’s organically produced meat was a major contributor to the organic sector due to its high eating quality and audited sustainable farming methods.
“Australia has an enviable reputation in global markets for its meat products, and we are seeing more and more consumers turn to organics, as they look for the health and environmental benefits that organic farming supports,” Ms Ford said.
“Last year, meat accounted for 20 percent of Australia’s total organic export tonnage, with 95 percent of exported organic meat sent to the United States,” she said.
Arcadian’s marketing & innovation director, Paul da Silva, said as one of the pioneers in the organic meat industry, the company continued to enjoy extraordinary growth.
“Last year we sold our products in twelve countries and were represented in more than one thousand supermarkets across Australia,” Mr da Silva said.
“We are proud of being a market leader and creating award winning products to meet the changing demands of consumers and our customers. Importantly, we continue to partner with the same certified organic farming families who supplied us when we began.”
Recognition of distinguished career
Meanwhile, a career spanning more than 50 years in the meat and livestock industry earned recently retired Ian King the AOL Chairman’s Award in recognition of his long-standing support of organic certification.
After leaving the New Zealand meat processing industry, Mr King became AusMeat’s second chief executive officer in 1992 and served as managing director of Aus-Qual ( the certifying body monitoring the organics industry), before retiring last month.
At AusMeat, Mr King worked to consolidate the use of the meat descriptive language and to develop standards underpinned by Quality Assurance systems. At Aus-Qual, he also served as the President of the Organic Industry Standards and Certification Council for many years.
Mr King said while winning the award took him by surprise, he was excited to be recognised for his contribution to Australia’s organic meat industry.
“I’ve had a long journey in organics, starting with my own farm in New Zealand many years ago to championing national standards for organic certification,” he said.
“One thing I’ve always enjoyed is encouraging young people to get involved in organics and mentoring them. It’s quite satisfying to be recognised for that. I’ve spent most of my career within the organic industry to benefit the whole sector and, importantly, to help consumers make informed choices by understanding labelling.”
Single standard needed
To further grow the nation’s export organic meat industry, Mr King said Australia needed to aspire to a single standard for certification so there is equivalence at a national level.
“Because of our large land mass, the meat industry has great potential to expand its organic offering in export markets,” he said.
“However, we need one single standard that meets international requirements so we can market our products effectively and not have the impost of bringing overseas auditors in to determine organic certification.”
The Australian Organic 7th Annual Industry Awards were celebrated in a virtual ceremony on Friday, 12 November.
* Australian Organic Ltd is the peak industry body engaging with government and industry to promote the commercial and social interests of those who are certified and protect the integrity of the certified industry against fraud and misleading organics.


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Fashion is the second most polluting industry in the world after oil, at least according to Stacey Dooley’s Google investigation during her latest BBC documentary: Fashion’s Dirty Secrets.
The program is only available on iPlayer for another couple of weeks, but what I’m going to do here is link into the people and issues covered in this excellent documentary.
Issues brought up in the documentary…
- Fashion is a surprisingly polluting industry – the reason it comes in at number two is because of all of the pesticides, fertilizer, and not to mention the sheer volume of water it takes to make many of our most basic threads, cotton being the biggest problem, given its popularity. Check out Lucy Siegle’s writings for more info.
- Stacey visits Kazakhstan to witness one of the biggest human made environmental disasters in history. The country used to be home to the Aral Sea – which used to span 68K square kilometers. HOWEVER, now most of it has dried up because of dams being put in place to supply water to massive cotton plantations in neighboring countries. The region is now a desert plagued by sand storms.
- It takes a staggering amount of water to produce cotton… 15 000 liters to grow the cotton in one pair of jeans, for example.
- There’s the obligatory trip to Indonesia… where we see clothes producing factories churning out chemical polluted water into local rivers, and local slum dwellers washing their clothes in said water with strange skin rashes. This article by Al Jazeera covers the same ground.
- Not one single Chain store (e.g Primark etc.) accepted an invitation to appear on the show, and even the Department for the Environment gave a ‘standard reply’ not focused on fashion, but rather on their plastic bag policy, strongly suggesting all of the Corporations involved in fashion and the UK government couldn’t give a toss about the environment.
- Stacey did interview a few fashion vloggers, thinking that these ‘influencers’ could be a way to get consumers to switch to less polluting threads. They seemed extremely ignorant of the high environmental costs of ‘fashion as usual’, but willing to push the moral imperative to shop for more environmentally friendly brands. HOWEVER, only one of the four interviewed actually took this up on her vlog.
Relevance to A-level Sociology…
mainly relevant to Global Development the material in this documentary is yet more supporting evidence for TNCs not promoting development, and both the Aral Sea disappearance and the river polluting factors in Indonesia are good examples of green crime.


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Laura Bliss is CityLab’s West Coast bureau chief. She also writes MapLab, a biweekly newsletter about maps (subscribe here). Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Sierra, GOOD, Los Angeles, and elsewhere, including in the book The Future of Transportation.
By proving its product is the real deal, the state hopes to gain ground in the European-dominated market.
"Extra Virgin Suicide" was one the New York Times' better headlines this past year—and if you were an importer of olive oil, a fairly inflammatory one. The story stacked up the many tiers of fraud regularly committed by European olive oil makers: Marking bottles as "Italian" when the oil was actually Spanish, Moroccan, or Tunisian; stamping "extra-virgin" on substandard product; and cutting olive oil with soybean and seed oils.
Still, European imports supplied virtually all of the 293,000 metric tons of olive oil consumed in the U.S. last year, as the L.A. Times reports.
But California olive oil makers want more of that share, and they'll use Europe's bad reputation against it to do so.
On Thursday, the California Department of Food and Agriculture voted to adopt new testing and labeling standards for high-yield California producers—standards that are all but non-existent for European brands. Starting September 26 of this year, producers of 5,000 gallons per year or more would be required to test their products for rancidity and adulteration. Labels like "light" and "pure" would also be dumped in favor of a more honest representation of the mixtures: "Refined olive oil."
"We believe the time has come to designate a ‘California-grown’ olive oil, and these standards are an excellent way to do it," Karen Ross, secretary of the state Department of Food and Agriculture, told the Times.
The E.U. and its importers aren't so pleased, though. Many see the rules as the sign of tighter trade restrictions to come—and perhaps as a reminder of the day California trumped France in a wine taste-off, changing that industry forever.


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London’s cycle hire scheme goes live to casual users tomorrow
BORIS bikes will be available for anyone to hire from tomorrow, despite the mayor’s transport adviser Kulveer Ranger having credit card problems at the launch this morning.
Mr Ranger was at a Barclay’s Cycle Hire station in central London this morning demonstrating how people from tomorrow can use their credit cards to hire one of Mr Johnson’s bikes.
But he ran into difficulty when the machine refused to accept his card, even trying a second one, but said it kinks would be ironed out ready for casual users tomorrow (Friday).
From tomorrow anyone with a Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card will be able to go to their nearest docking station and follow the on screen instructions at the terminal to release a bike.
The bikes are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and once the user has purchased their access period - for either 24 hours or seven days - the first 30 minutes of any journey will be free of usage charges.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said; “It is fantastic that the Barclays Cycle Hire scheme has not only proved incredibly popular but the system has shown itself to be rigorous and robust.
“Now it has been thoroughly tried and tested by more than a hundred thousand members we are ready for the next stage where anyone who fancies taking to two wheels can do so in an instant with a simple swipe of their card.”
- 1 East London man charged with six terrorism offences
- 2 Planned travel disruptions in east and central north London this week
- 3 Nine rescue pets looking for homes this Christmas in east London
- 4 Man masturbates on Central line train in front of two women
- 5 Warnings of ice across London amid plummeting temperatures
- 6 Collision causes traffic delays on A13 near Canning Town
- 7 Boxpark reveals plans for Shoreditch rooftop garden
- 8 Covid-19: How the situation in Tower Hamlets compares to this time last year
- 9 Trio accused of Bow Lock murder were 'associates' of victim 'Aqil' Mahdi
- 10 County lines drug dealer jailed
Becoming a Barclays Cycle Hire member still remains the fastest way to access a bike with no queuing at the on street terminals. UK residents can start using the cycle hire scheme as a member for just �4 – the cost of buying the membership key (�3) and their first 24 hour access period (�1). Currently the scheme has more than 100,000 members who have already made over 1.7 million journeys.
Additional security anti-skimming devices will be fitted to all Barclays Cycle Hire terminals to ensure card readers are not tampered with in any way.


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The first rollers with the latest Ford Mustang Mac-E were AED at the Werebrook dockyard. 32,000 copies of Ford’s first 100% electric car will be delivered to European territory by 2021 via the port of Antwerp.
It moves to the terminal of the Antwerp EuroDerminal (AET). The first batch of the latest Ford Mustang Mac-E came to AED Wharf earlier this year, but the partnership is now gaining momentum.
Vehicles are sent weekly to the port of Antwerp, from Veracruz, Mexico’s largest port city. AED signed a contract with Ford in November 2020 to handle about 32,000 vehicles a year. It is an option on 64,000 vehicles with a two-year contract extension. “We discussed the project with Ford throughout the year. In the fall, the range of scales became clear to us and we began to change very quickly to realize the required infrastructure,” said Glass Van Goss, AET’s Sales and Human Resources Manager. .
The Italian Grimaldi Group’s Ro-Ro ship ‘Grande Houston’ unloaded the first load of about 1,150 vehicles. Every week, 1,000 to 1,500 people come to AET.
“While we were generally a purely logistics connection, we now offer added value,” says Van Case. “We have installed a charging infrastructure for the batteries to be charged and the cars to be washed and subjected to final quality control.”
“AED staff are specially trained on how to handle electric batteries and how to follow proper procedures,” he continues.
Currently, 5,000 units are temporarily stored on the AET site. Trucks are further transported to Europe by ship, lighter or truck. The first batch has already left for Norway, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. On May 31, the Mustang Mac-E will be officially unveiled at Ford dealers and Grand Duchy in Belgium.
Watch the official launch video of the Ford Mustang Mac-E via Antwerp Harbor here.


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A new Pet Supplies Plus store opens June 3 in Charlotte’s Elizabeth neighborhood.
The 7,800 square-foot store at 2001 E. 7th St., at the corner of 7th and Pecan, will sell an array of pet toys, food, treats equipment, fish and more. The new store will also have a self-service dog wash, as well as a carry-out service, the retailer said in a statement this week.
To celebrate the grand opening this weekend, the store will offer a number of perks to new customers, including a chance to win a free one-year supply of Purina dog or cat food, grand opening sale prices and free self-service dog washes.
The new store is owned and operated by Matt Grimm, a local entrepreneur.
“Our pets have a way of adding so much value to our lives that naturally, we want to do everything we can to take care of our pets,” said Grimm, who owns a two Pet Supplies Plus stores in the Charlotte area with his two business partners.
Pet Supplies Plus, a Michigan-based retailer, operates two other stores in the Charlotte area.


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As the Toyota recall rages on, it is clear that this is one for the record books. While most Americans have forgotten about tainted tomatoes and spinach, certain recalls seem to have staying power years after the problem has been corrected. In terms of epic recalls, many cite the Tylenol recall of 1982. Admittedly, I wasn't an avid news watcher in 1982 (I was more concerned with cartoons at this time, if you get my drift), but I was able to find plenty of information on the incident.
What I found most remarkable was that back in 1982 – before we had lightening fast methods of disseminating information (i.e. pre-Twitter. iPhones and internet entirely), before companies had expensive, high tech recall systems in place, and before recalls were an expected part of daily life – Johnson & Johnson was still able to respond quickly to the life-threatening situation. The company's efforts, which included "grassroot" actions such as contacting individual hospitals and having police drive through the streets in Chicago issuing warnings over loudspeakers, may seem rudimentary in today's overly sophisticated world, but in 1982 they saved people's lives.
Because they had no idea of the magnitude or source of the contamination, J&J issued a nationwide recall of Tylenol products; within days they had pulled an estimated 31 million bottles from circulation, as well as offered consumers tablet-form Tylenol to replace the recalled capsules.
Not only did Tylenol survive the recall, they flourished. Capsules were reintroduced to the market a month later (in new, safety-sealed packages) and the company regained market share and, most importantly, the trust of consumers in less than a year, going on to be the most popular over-the-counter analgesic in the U.S.
Fast forward to a more current recall: in early December 2008, the FDA and CDC began investigating the source of contamination in peanut products that had been linked to a salmonella outbreak. It was not until mid-January that the FDA linked the tainted peanut butter to the Peanut Corporation of America's Blakely, GA facility. Four days later, PCA announced its first recall. As time went on, the recall expanded. By February 2009, Peanut Corporation of America had filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.
So why did this recall take so long? And how is it possible that our recall response can be slower in 2009 than it was in 1982? Some critics want to blame the FDA. They say that since the FDA does not have mandatory recall authority over food, the agency has to sit around and wait for an affected company's approval before announcing recalls. In the case of PCA, critics are also wondering why it took the FDA so long to determine where the salmonella was coming from and why all the initial infractions discovered at the plant prior to the recall were not dealt with adequately. Other critics want to blame our modern day food industry. They claim the industry has become so mechanized, so impersonal and so filled with red-tape, that it no longer cares about the health of consumers. Would the legal department of any modern-day company allow the police to drive through the streets and announce a recall over the loudspeaker? Doubtful.
I realize I might be comparing apples to oranges here (or pills to peanuts). Arsenic is obviously a lot more life-threatening than salmonella. I also realize that Johnson & Johnson probably had a lot more resources at its disposal than the Peanut Corp. of America did. And I don't think we are ever going to entirely eliminate the chance of recalls in the food industry, or any industry for that matter. But I do think that economic pressures can, at times, cause companies to view recalls as business expenses and legal liabilities, rather than life-threatening emergencies, and this has skewed the way some companies handle these incidents.
As evidenced by Johnson & Johnson, perhaps the way in which a company chooses to respond to a recall holds more weight with consumers than whether or not the recall happens to begin with. People seem to be able to forgive actions, even if they are faulty; it's inaction that is difficult to absolve.
What do you think? Let me know at [email protected].


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Around three crore pilgrims are expected to gather at the Kumbh Mela in Nashik this year, but sadhus and spectators aren't the only expected visitors. Innovators from organisations like MIT, Nokia, Wikipedia, the Tata Center for Technology and Design
Fashion rank TOIA global ranking of undergraduate and graduate fashion programmes launched on Monday (August 24, 2015) revealed that Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in UK topped in undergraduate programme worldwide while the Royal College of Art, UK,
The arrival of the monsoon signals many changes in the landscape of the Western Ghats and also heralds the arrival of a group of winged visitors all the way from the African coast.
Markets will be watching for China's next move as signs of a slowdown in the world's second-largest economy stack up, raising expectations it will act to stoke growth.
Most households in Gurgaon have full-time cooks – where is the time to enter the kitchen when you’re juggling family and work?
More than a quarter of a million people in the world die each year from using smokeless tobacco, and India bears three-fourths of the burden
Micromax is developing its own operating system as well as a suite of services and apps which will run across its phones, tablets, televisions and wearables, as it goes up the value chain to differentiate itself from increasing competition.
Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg is the wealthiest individual under the age of 35, with a personal fortune of $41.6 billion, says a Wealth-X report.
Global warming caused by human activities has halted 1,800 years of steady cooling trend in the oceans of the world, shows new research.
World’s largest cereal maker, the $14.6-billion Kellogg Company, wants to triple the size of its Indian business. Kellogg India is a roughly Rs 800-crore company, contributing 10% to the parent’s Asia-Pacific revenues, making the country its fastest
Francis D'Souza, Deputy CM of Goa, will inaugurate the second Global Conclave being convened by Jagotik Konknni Songhotton at Kalaangann on August 23.
The global conclave will finalise and adopt the 'Konkani Language Plan' - to ensure a secure future for Konkani. Over 200 delegates representing Konkani organisations from around the world are scheduled to attend.
However, while shoppers want real-time, relevant, and personalized information and offers, retailers will need to surround this service with very strong privacy and security. Trust, transparency, and protecting customer information will be critical in retaining loyalty as mobile retailing becomes the norm, noted the joint study.
Predictive analytics is helping the e-tailers to provide better solutions in real-time enabling compelling user experience even on mobile screens, said D S Rawat, secretary general, ASSOCHAM.
Currently, availability of e-Commerce applications on various mobility devices is helping to drive sales and revenue. E-tailers like Flipkart, Amazon and Jabong now get 50% of their revenues from consumers shopping on their mobile phones.
Global e-Commerce sales made via mobile devices are expected to cross $638 billion by 2018, according to the joint study brought out by ASSOCHAM and Deloitte.
The global team met up with the officials from GVK-EMRI that manages Arogya Kavacha ambulance services in Karnataka.
The team was introduced to the Bike Ambulance initiative of Karnataka Government.
The participating teams are also partners with United Nations and World Health Organisation.
The teams met up with the health department officials of Karnataka and were briefed about the novel initiatives.
Representatives from Global Road Safety Partnership International federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies visited Bengaluru on June 30.
A gastrointestinal study by Global Hospital has found rampant H-Pylori infection among policemen. It also found irregular eating and sleeping habits. We are the land of flip-floppers. The hypocrites. Or as we like to call them, Double Dholkis. Join Mirrors DoubleDholki Campaign to burst the inflated egos and break the stereotypes at www.doubledholki.com.
UST Global has signed a seven-year, $30 million deal with the Madhya Pradesh government to digitise its 377 urban local bodies . As part of the deal, UST Global will help these bodies provide facilities such as electronic bill payments and online filing of grievances to its citizens .
Jharcraft received queries from over 20 international companies, mostly from Germany and Russia at their stall at Hannover Messe 2015, a five day international industrial fair organised in Germany. Deals have almost finalized with three international companies.
MATS Law School will hold a global seminar on 'green law, environment and climate change' on March 13 and 14, where delegates from across the globe including Europe and Asia have consented to participate either in person or digitally.


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The U.K. and the EU take a very different approach to payments industry evolution than here in the States; the former directed by government mandate, the latter by marketplace dynamics and the lighter touch of regulators. But both are responding, at different speeds, to the need of fintechs and enterprises for access to bank-based data and services.
The Payment Services Directive 2, PSD2, written in 2015 and in effect since January of 2018, addresses a range of concerns including a ban on surcharging on card payments and limiting consumer fraud liability exposure from 150 to 50 euros. But its major impact is its enablement of Open Banking through the granting of access to payment rails and payment data managed, up until PSD2, only by banks. Banks are required to open up programmatic access, via APIs, to that data.
In this Payments on Fire® episode, we dive into the U.K. and EU experience with the PSD2 a year after it going into effect. We take a look at its impact on Open Banking, the opening up of payment rails to these fintechs and other non-bank players.
To do that, Myles Stephenson, CEO of B2B payments firm Modulr, discusses his firm’s experience as an Electronic Money Institution, an organization chartered by the U.K.’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under PSD2 rules. Under its provisions, Modulr gains, or will gain, the ability to initiate payments on behalf of its customers as well as access customer data.
While incumbent financial institutions are hardly thrilled at the prospect of opening up their systems to fintech competitors and the cost of doing so, the operational improvements for customers and increase in competitive activity are expected to generate many benefits.


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SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Business students at Savannah State University are getting the opportunity to gain real-world experience thanks to an on-campus program.
A group of interns is in charge of running TigerCo Marketing, an online retail company founded at SSU in September by Savannah Sauce Company owners Mike Roberson and Tracey Richburg.
The company sells bottles of Awesome Sauce, also created by the Savannah Sauce Company.
TigerCo Marketing president and recent business administration graduate Tyler Holloway says the experience initially started out as an internship class for her and TigerCo’s vice president, Kalyn House.
“We thought we were just going to be marketing the sauce that was given to us by the company,” Holloway told WSAV NOW.
“Then, Savannah Sauce Company was like, ‘how about you guys run the company yourself instead of marketing the sauce for us, so you can make your own money, and you’ll gain experience in running a business?’”
From there, Holloway and House began overseeing interns working on the project with guidance from the College of Business Administration.
Holloway says the unique opportunity has taught her and other students hands-on skills that they never would’ve learned in a classroom setting.
“I hear stuff in my classes, but you really don’t know until you actually do it,” Holloway said.
“Now I’m able to say, ‘hey, okay, now I know how to build a website. I know I need to talk to this department or Secretary of State to get this done,’ so I feel like it’ll help me start my company a little quicker when I’m actually ready to.”
She says her team had to start TigerCo Marketing from scratch.
“We had to get all of our federal and state papers together and file for all these different tax applications, which is a lot of little tedious work that you would have never thought a business owner needed to do before you could actually sell a product,” Holloway explained.
“We’re just now getting to the point where everything is all taken care of paperwork wise, and we’re able to sell this product and make some money for student entrepreneurs here at Savannah State,” she said.
The money raised from Awesome Sauce sales will go toward micro-loans for student entrepreneurs with verified business plans.
“This is going toward the oldest historically Black college and university in our state, it’s helping our young Black entrepreneurs in starting their own companies while they’re in school and they’re still learning,” Holloway said.
“Students will be able to come to us and apply with their business plan and marketing materials so we can say, ‘OK, we know you’re serious about this, we’re willing to help you,’” she said.
So, what’s in the sauce?
“Awesome Sauce is a mustard-based sauce, it has soybean oil and it’s almost ranchy, in a sense,” Holloway described.
“It has a little kick in it, so it’s a little spicy but not too spicy!” added Dr. Shalonda Mullgrav, interim dean of SSU’s College of Business Administration.
“People love it on chicken, shrimp, steak, any type of protein; I like to dip my fries in it, too,” Holloway shared. “I’ve heard some people say they use it on broccoli, so you’d be surprised.”
She says SSU student Dezhane Lurk designed the current Awesome Sauce logo.
Mullgrav feels the TigerCo Marketing team has done a great job with starting up the small business in just a few months.
“With any new business, you know, right out of the gate, we had a lot of momentum, but you have to do the things to keep up that momentum so that we’ll have continual sales,” she said, “and that’s what they’re learning now.”


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The Salvation Army’s red kettle drive for this years falling behind its 2020 goal.
Major Ernest Hull says that fewer people shopping in person at stores has resulted in falling behind it’s Signiant kettle goal of 200-thousand dollars.
So far, Hull says they have raised 77-thousand dollars and are praying the community will dig deep in their pockets in the remaining ten days to make sure they can continue to provide help to those who come to them for assistance.
SA officials say they people can take on the Red Kettle Challenge. . The virtual challenge will provide individuals as well as teams to donate to the organization.
To register for the Red Kettle Challenge at www-dot salvationarmytexas.org/Amarillo
To get more information , you can call 373-6631 or visit the Salvation Army at 400 South Harrison Street.


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A new research from Gartner has reported Apple, with just a single iPhone model, is No. 3 among global smartphone vendors for Q1 2008. Apple broke into the "Top 3" in the smartphone market with 1.7 million iPhones sold since it's debut last year. It seems that the iPhone is seen globally as a competent smartphone capable of competing with the best - even with all it's faults.
With increasing awareness among consumers of the smartphone segment and a strong sales push from carriers looking to increase their ARPU (Average Revenue Per User), the smartphone market has highlighted growth in the mobile phone industry. And, the ever increasing smartphone market seems to have helped Apple come in behind smartphone makers Nokia and RIM. Nokia took an astounding 45.2% (14.58 million units) of global smartphone sales, with RIM, makers of the ever-popular push-emailing BlackBerry lineup, garnering 13.4% (4.31 million units) of all smartphone sales.
Compared to the same period last year, smartphone sales grew 29%, with 32.2 million smartphones sold in the first quarter. The growing market didn't just help Apple, Nokia saw a 25.3% growth in smartphone sales in Q1. But, the most remarkable growth numbers belong to RIM - the BlackBerry maker increased smartphone sales by 107.3%.
So, will iPhone 3G be enough to not only meet its goal of moving 10 million units by the end of 2008, but also overtake the BlackBerry as the most sought-after smartphone? Guess we will have the answer pretty soon.


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Next Alfas called Milano and Giulia
* 147 replacement will be called Milano * New 159 will be called Giulia * Names revealed in Chrysler's survival document...
Alfa Romeo will call its next two cars the Milano and Giulia, according to documents released as part of Chryslers proposed alliance with Alfa's parent company, Fiat.
The Milano will replace the Alfa Romeo 147 and Alfa's 159 will become the Giulia. The new names were revealed in Chryslers viability plan, which the company yesterday submitted to the US Government.
It was also revealed in the document that all future Alfas will use names instead of numbers.
If the union between Chrysler and Fiat/Alfa Romeo goes ahead, Chrysler will use Alfa platforms for its own future models.


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China’s Central bank has declared on Friday all financial transactions involving cryptocurrencies are illegal, sounding the death knell for the digital trade in China after a crackdown on the volatile digital currency.
The global values of cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin have massively fluctuated over the past year partly due to Chinese regulations, which have sought to prevent speculation and money laundering.
“Virtual currency-related business activities are illegal financial activities,” the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) said in an online statement Friday, adding that offenders would be “investigated for criminal liability in accordance with the law.”
The notice bans all related financial activities involving cryptocurrencies, such as trading crypto, selling tokens, transactions involving virtual currency derivatives and “illegal fundraising”.
READ ALSO: China Bans Reality Talent Shows
Bitcoin, which had already been falling before the announcement, sank by as much as 8.9 percent to $41,019 in European afternoon trading before recovering slightly later in the day. The central bank said that in recent years trading of Bitcoin and other virtual currencies had become “widespread, disrupting economic and financial order, giving rise to money laundering, illegal fund-raising, fraud, pyramid schemes, and other illegal and criminal activities.”
This was “seriously endangering the safety of people’s assets,” the PBOC said.
While crypto creation and trading have been illegal in China since 2019, further crackdowns this year by Beijing warned banks to halt related transactions and closed much of the country’s vast network of bitcoin miners.
READ ALSO: Taliban Declares China Closest Ally And Partner In Rebuilding Afghanistan
Friday’s statement by the central bank sent the strongest yet signal that China is closed to crypto.
Watch our trending video of the day below;
Photo Credit: Getty


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Google is getting ready to launch its own e-book store and challenge Apple and Amazon. According to the Wall Street Journal, Chris Palma, Google’s manager for strategic-partner development, announced the timetable for the launch of the company’s e-book store during an event at Random House‘s Manhattan offices earlier today. Google Editions, as the new store will be called, will launch in late June or July.
Google will allow book retailers to sell Google Editions on their own sites and, according to the Wall Street Journal’s report, “keep the bulk of the revenue.” Google, of course, also plans to highlight these e-books on its own book search engine. It’s important to note that Google is also still trying to win the right to distribute out-of-print books, but the Google Books Settlement that would give Google the rights to do so is still caught up in various legal challenges.
When we first heard about Google Editions last year, Google’s plan was to offer around half a million books at launch. At the time, Google also noted that it wants its books to be compatible with any device, whether that’s a laptop, phone or dedicated e-reader. Apple’s tablet wasn’t on the horizon back then, but chances are that Google will also want its books to be compatible with this new platform. Given that Google is already using the ePub standard, we can only hope that Google’s plan is to sell DRM-free ePub books.
Not every click is created equal. While publishers know exactly how many visitors per day their sites get, this aggregate data doesn’t say much about the actual value of the individual visitors and what they do on the rest of the Web. Social media analytics and monitoring firm Sysomos wants to bridge this gap with its latest product: Sysomos Audience. Using proprietary technology, Audience can automatically assign a certain value to individual visitors, based on the other sites they visit and other factors users can tweak in the service’s scoring engine.
On Thursday morning of this week I will be interviewing Gary Vaynerchuk, social media maven and host of the wildly popular Wine Library TV video podcast. You may remember we mentioned Gary a while back when reviewing his book Crush It!: Why Now Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion, a bestselling book on how to use social media to boost your personal brand.
They say raising venture capital is a young man’s game. Joel Spolsky is a very logical exception to that rule and will announce today that his question and answer site for computer programmers, StackOverflow, has raised $6 million from some of the hottest investors in web technology. Union Square Ventures, Ron Conway, Chris Dixon, Caterina Fake, Joshua Schachter and others have put in money. Industry luminaries Clay Shirky and Anil Dash have joined the team as advisors. That’s a real dream team for a web startup.
Consumer Reports, a longtime trusted name in product ratings and reviews, has today released their annual “State of the Net” report, whose findings suggest that over half (52%) of social network users post risky information online. Among the transgressions: using weak passwords, listing full birth dates, ignoring privacy settings and making mention of when you’re away from home, to name a few.
The report looked closely at Facebook and Twitter, two of the top social networks used today, and found that on Facebook, the percentage of those engaged in this type of risky behavior was even higher, at 56%. However, what’s more interesting is how the survey inadvertently reveals that Facebook users clearly have no idea about how much they’re publicly sharing on the network.
If you thought that Web TV was a thing of the past, then Google’s latest decision may come as a surprise. According to an article in this morning’s Wall Street Journal, the company “is planning to introduce Android-based television software to developers at an event in May, according to people familiar with the matter.”
Android, the Google-created operating system seen on a number of different phones including Google’s own Nexus One, would open Internet-enabled televisions to more content and create a marketplace for apps on what many thought might be a failed, Jetsons-like technology of times past.
Dropbox, the file storage, sharing and sync service, is now available for the iPad. With an early morning update to the company’s iPhone application, the free Dropbox app is now a “universal” app, a term that describes single apps that resize and reformat themselves to function properly on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
With the updated version of Dropbox installed, iPad users can access all their stored files and folders without having to sync files via iTunes first, as is necessary with Apple’s own iWork suite of office applications. Those files can then be viewed in Dropbox itself or opened using third-party software programs .
It’s been five long years, but Google users in the United Kingdom will finally be able to join the rest of the emailing world in using the “gmail.com” domain instead of the longer and somewhat fake sounding “googlemail.com” domain for their email addresses.
Editor’s note: We offer our long-term sponsors the opportunity to write posts and tell their story. These posts are clearly marked as written by sponsors, but we also want them to be useful and interesting to our readers. We hope you like the posts and we encourage you to support our sponsors by trying out their products.
In security, it’s pragmatism that counts. You don’t want to overreact in devoting company time, effort and finances on any security measures “just because”, but you definitely want to allocate these resources towards what is best for you. One way to do that is by understanding the varying rings of security that begin at your servers and expand outward to the walls of the data center itself.
Google has been working to harden Google Apps for its arrival into the enterprise. The tools bring browser based productivity into another dimension.
And, where people are productive, security is to be questioned. In this short review, we look at the new feature Google offers admins and look a bit closer at security in a browser-based world.
When we talk about mobile apps today, chances are that we are mostly talking about apps for cell phones and – maybe – tablets. The latest trend in mobile apps, however, is apps for cars. One of the companies leading this trend in the U.S. is Ford, which just unveiled a number of apps that students at the University of Michigan created on top of Ford’s platform.


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What guests can expect on the largest cruise ship on earth
How does living on a cruise ship for a year sound? Taking 365 days out to relax, soak up the sun and do zero cooking could actually save you money compared to living on land.
Planet Cruise costed up a year-long voyage from January 2nd 2017 to January 5th 2018 to compare it to the cost of living in some of the world’s most popular cities.
The itinerary comprises 12 separate month-long cruises, taking in 163 destinations in 35 countries on five continents.
These included spending February in the Caribbean, heading to Greece in July and celebrating the festive period of December 2017 in the Canary Islands. Not too shabby.
Cruising for a whole year could be cheaper than living in the world's best cities
Who wouldn’t want to save money by swapping the London Underground for the Indian Ocean?
The cruise company totalled up the amount for cruising the whole year round, and found that it would cost £23,908.
This includes 12 months’ accommodation on board luxury cruise liners, plus all food and drink, travel and entertainment.
Totalling how much it would cost on average to live in 10 of the world’s best cities, Planet Cruise discovered that passengers could save up to £37,728 by living at sea.
It calculated that yearly living costs in Monaco add up to £61,728 – 61 per cent more than a year of roaming the high seas.
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Londoners could save £5,712 based on average living costs, while cruisers could be £13,260 better off than if they lived in New York for 2017.
Planet Cruise calculated the average living costs of each city by including average rent prices of a one-bedroom flat, a monthly travel pass, essential toiletries, internet costs and a phone contract.
It also included recreational activities that would be part of a cruise – trips to the cinema, meals out and a monthly gym membership were all factored in.
On the lower end of the savings scale, cruising works out as only £660 cheaper than living in Abu Dhabi and £1,368 less than a year in Los Angeles.
Could you save money by spending 2017 on a cruise ship?
“City dwellers are all too familiar with rising rents and increasing living costs, particularly in major capital cities like London and New York,” said Kirsteen Fox, marketing director of Planet Cruise.
“Cruising can be such an economical way to travel, but it’s apparent with our new research also an economical way of life! Those who need a break from the daily grind, retirees or people just wanting to see the world, can live the high life onboard, seeing some of the world’s greatest cities and tourist attractions, while saving money they would have spent on daily life.
“We do know that not everybody has the luxury to take a year out to travel the world, but it does go to show that you really can save money on a holiday, whether that’s a couple of months or a year spent on board. Who wouldn’t want to save money by swapping the London Underground for the Indian Ocean?”
The cruises in the itinerary include voyages from leading companies such as P&O Cruises, Thomson Cruises, Cruise and Maritime, Costa Cruises, Hurtigruten, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean.


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Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (BABA) To Surpass Wal-Mart As Largest Retailer
By Matt Rego
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) has long dominated as the world’s largest retailer, spanning 27 countries and strong dominance in North America. However, a competitor is right on Wal-Mart’s tail and soon could surpass as the largest retailer in the world. Wells Fargo analysts, Matt Nemer and Trisha Dill, believe that Chinese eCommerce company, Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (NYSE:BABA), could soon take the title away from Wal-Mart.
Growth left in Chinese ecommerce
Wells Fargo analysts estimate that Alibaba has not seen its full potential in China ecommerce sales, despite being the largest online retailer in the country. With growth still left in China and a growing emphasis on international expansion, the analysts suggest that “BABA will soon be the largest retailer in the world, with much better returns and margins than the current leader: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.” However, Wells Fargo is concerned about the short to intermediate term for Alibaba, which was seen with full year 2016 EPS cut to $2.77 from $2.95. Additionally, analysts at Goldman upgraded shares of Alibaba yesterday from a Neutral rating to a Buy rating and additionally set a twelve month price target of $98, 14% above yesterday’s close.
Alibaba posted strong earnings on Thursday
It has been an emotional week for Alibaba and its investors. The start of the week brought about jitters and uncertainty around Thursday May 7th’s earnings release and accusations of fraud, sending shares to all time low of $77.77. However, shares of Alibaba rallied hard after better than expected earnings on Thursday. Alibaba reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.48 on revenue of $2.8 billion. Analysts were looking for earnings per share of $0.42 on revenue of $2.6 billion. Revenue results showed an increase of 45% year over year. Shares currently trade at $87.08, but are still down nearly 16% year to date.
Overall, Alibaba has a great long term outlook, according to Wells Fargo. The untapped growth in China, combined with strong international push is likely to give Alibaba the title of world’s largest retailer. However, the company must continue to strive to calm fraud fears stemming from allegations of false reviews and selling fake products. Alibaba’s earnings beat yesterday gave the bulls some much needed breather and confidence. While the short term outlook for Alibaba may be volatile, Wells Fargo analysts do see a bright future.


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The iPhone 5 is one of the most profitable and engaging smartphones in the world, but Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak believes the company still has a long way to go in capturing its potential market.
Another day, another rumor. Today we are hearing that Sam Mendes, of American Beauty fame, is directing a new Apple ad for the next iPhone. The advertisement is supposed to feature a mother and daughter having a video chat on the iPhone, thanks to the new front-facing camera.
Only 12 more rumors days before the big announcement.


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Digital TV News: Panasonic
Avanci one-stop licensing platform for ATSC 3.0 launched
Mar 7, 2023 – Avanci has launched Avanci Broadcast, a patent licensing platform for the ATSC 3.0 broadcasting standard, offering a simple pricing model for manufacturers that implement the technology.
News categories: Avanci, Kasim Alfalahi, Ilkka Rahnasto, ATSC 3, Digital TV, Licensing, Patent, USA, Worldwide
Smart TVs may lose support after only two years, Which? finds
Jan 13, 2023 – Expensive, high-end smart products risk losing features and functionality or posing a security risk after as little as two years because manufacturers are failing to provide vital tech updates, Which? has found.
News categories: Which?, Rocio Concha, Digital TV, Market Research, Smart TV, UK
Panasonic announces MZ2000 flagship OLED TV at CES
Jan 4, 2023 – Panasonic's MZ2000 features the latest iteration of its smart TV OS, my Home Screen 8.0, supporting all major video streaming services alongside improvements to the Bass Booster, accessibility, and myScenery features.
News categories: Panasonic, CES2023, Digital TV, Smart TV, TV OS, USA
CTA lowers revenue forecast for U.S. technology sector
Jan 3, 2023 – Research from the CTA projects U.S. technology retail revenues of $485 billion in 2023. This new data puts revenues slightly above pre-pandemic levels, following a three-year surge that peaked in 2021.
News categories: Consumer Technology Association, Gary Shapiro, CES2023, Digital TV, In-Car, Market Research, Streaming, USA
Sky's NOW streaming service comes to Android TV
Nov 8, 2022 – Sky has announced that its streaming service NOW has been made available on Google TV devices, including Chromecast with Google TV, and on eight UK smart TV brands as it expands to Android TV OS devices.
News categories: NOW, Marina Storti, Digital TV, Set Top Box, Smart TV, Streaming, TV OS, UK
MainConcept to demo cloud-ready 8K encoding at NAB Show 2022
Apr 20, 2022 – At their NAB Show booth, MainConcept will highlight their advancements in 8K-optimized cloud encoding and illustrate why MainConcept’s technologies are essential ingredients used in processing over 90% of today’s professional videos.
News categories: MainConcept, Deacon Johnson, Content Distribution, Digital TV, NABShow, Worldwide
Record Smart TV shipments in India in 2021
Mar 3, 2022 – India's TV shipments grew 48% YoY in Q4 2021 and 24% YoY in 2021, according to Counterpoint Research. The smart TV market grew even faster at 55% YoY in 2021 and 65% YoY in Q4 2021 to reach its highest ever shipments for a calendar year.
News categories: Counterpoint Research, Akash Jatwala, Digital TV, India, Market Research, Smart TV
MPEG LA offers one-stop license for ATSC 3.0
Jan 20, 2022 – MPEG LA has announced the availability of its ATSC 3.0 Patent Portfolio License providing one-stop access to patents that are essential to the next generation broadcast standard developed by the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC).
News categories: MPEG LA, Larry Horn, ATSC 3, Digital TV, Licensing, Patent, Worldwide
Access Advance announces initial VVC/H.266 video patent pool licensors
Jan 11, 2022 – Access Advance has announced that 28 companies, which together are estimated to account for a substantial percentage of the expected VVC standard essential patent (SEP) landscape, have joined as Licensors of the VVC Advance Patent Pool.
News categories: Access Advance, Content Distribution, Digital TV, Licensing, Patent, Worldwide
- VIZIO selects Whip Media for WatchFree+ ad revenue reporting
- Qwilt partners with Telefónica to provide CDN services in Spain
- Ateme launches 'audience-aware' streaming solution
- SAPEC to develop encoder for first live 8K DTT broadcast
- Big Media launches The New Frontier channel with VlogBox
- Bedrock expands 6play max availability to more connected devices
- Slower AR/VR headset shipment growth expected for 2023
- Netgem completes sale of Fibre France business to Nordnet
- Integral Ad Science ad verification goes live with Netflix
- DoubleVerify media quality measurement now available to Netflix advertisers
- EU clears acquisition of VOO and Brutélé by Orange, subject to conditions
- Liberty Global Belgium to launch takeover bid for Telenet Group Holding
- Proximus extends partnership with ThinkAnalytics
- Allente launches Google TV device powered by 3SS and SEI Robotics
- Streaming TV now most-watched TV form in the EU5
- StarHub introduces interactive advertising with Hoppr
- Breezeline Stream TV launches in Pennsylvania
- SES-18 and SES-19 C-band satellites for the U.S. successfully launched
- OTT TV revenues in Western Europe to reach $45 billion by 2028
- DVB publishes updated Multicast ABR specification and guidelines


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The DNA of high-flying businesses
The DNA of high-flying businesses
The cry comes from everyone - politicians, civil servants, captains of industry, farmers, all the vital cogs in New Zealand's economic machine: for real prosperity, the country has to move from a traditional commodity base to high value developed export products which attract a premium.
The government's target of exports reaching 40 per cent of GDP by 2025 depends on this shift - moving away from commodities which can be swamped by world economic changes towards branded high value products which sit further up the value chain.
But KPMG's Simon Hunter says the reality is, even though many New Zealand companies understand the urgency, we need more companies to make the change.
Using agri-business, New Zealand's biggest export, as an example, he says the government's challenge of doubling the value of agri-business exports by 2025 requires a 6 per cent annual increase - but current trends suggest the gap will be $12 billion in 2025, widening to $40 billion by 2035.
So Hunter, KPMG's head of Performance Consulting, commenced a study to identify what he calls "Enterprise DNA" - isolating the detailed characteristics of businesses not only successfully facing the challenges of the world but profiting from them.
"We must have companies like this to fuel our prosperity, yes, and to pay for things in the future we take for granted now - like health and education," he says. "Without companies like this, we risk becoming a third world kind of country.
"This needs to be constructive - after years in the doldrums, this is New Zealand's time to unleash and regain our competitive advantage; we've never been better positioned. We need to be cautious that the 'she'll be right' attitude doesn't let the opportunity slip.
"The reality is that all too few of our businesses are taking the step of changing to become high value enterprises - most of that is being done by less than 10 per cent of our businesses."
Hunter's Enterprise DNA study centred on the qualities that have enabled companies like Air New Zealand, Vista, Greenlea Premium Meats, Tru-Test, Craggy Range and others to succeed in their sector.
"We need to understand what makes these companies tick; what DNA traits do they have in common? Our work has found they do have a common DNA structure or features critical to success which have been developed and aligned over time.
"Knowing what those features are is a key opportunity for any company wanting to increase the value it is creating. It's also a key opportunity to move more companies into a new performing space so we can hit those economic targets so vital to us."
Hunter says too many New Zealand companies are content to rest on their laurels; their principals often happy to do things the way they had always done them.
"Owning a business can be a very different thing from taking that business into a high-performance space," he says. "To my mind, many of those companies are a dead weight on our economy - the owners should sell or hand it on to their kids to run.
"Yet New Zealand is such a great place to do business. Look at all the positives - we have good rules and regulations, people want our products, we are closer to our markets than we have ever been and we are further away from the rest of the world when it comes to matters like terrorism and other massive disruptions."
Hunter says his Enterprise DNA study centred on a series of businesses performing in the way needed to hit our economic targets: "We looked at what they are doing differently. High value enterprises are not created by chance - they grow from a set of conscious decisions and do things in a particular way."
Those qualities broke down as follows:
- Pivotal leadership: Through consistent intensity, restlessness and relentless focus, they drive the business to greater achievements.
- Attitude: Clear and long-term ambitions to become the best. "The leaders and companies all had an attitude they wanted to be the best," says Hunter, "and sought knowledge to help them do it. They are confident but humble, never arrogant."
- Strategic anchor: A distinctive, strategic purpose which is never compromised though it can evolve. "They understand what they stand for and want to achieve."
- Investment and resource allocation: Investing in world-class growth while cutting that which is not delivering expected returns.
- Customer intimacy: Building an intimate relationship with the customer; understanding the emotional drivers key to maintaining it.
- Capable people: Great care selecting high-performing people to fit into the company culture.
- Connection & collaboration: High levels of investment in connecting and collaborating with world-class partners across the value chain and across industries to increase the pace and effectiveness of adding value.
- Deployment discipline: Relentless focus on delivering their core mission; innovating constantly in the core business and deploying a fast-fail model when things are not working.
Orginally published in the NZ Herald
© 2022 KPMG, a New Zealand Partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organisation of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.
For more detail about the structure of the KPMG global organization please visit https://home.kpmg/governance.