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Everything directors need to know
Now it has officially wound down, many in the industry including trade body UKHospitality are urging the government to officially extend it into the Autumn and many operators themselves are working on self-funded or other versions of a discount scheme.
Others however are arguing that the industry’s post Covid-19 recovery shouldn’t be built on discounting alone.
Gemma Simmonite, owner of an all-day cafe in Bury St Edmunds said: “The Eat Out to Help Out scheme has had profound results for us.
“On most Mondays to Wednesdays through August we’ve seen a 350% increase year-on-year.
“Even while reaping those results we’re still concerned that the impact of extending the scheme could end up having a negative impact on the hospitality industry in the long term. Restaurants have to have a chance to find their equilibrium; to stand on their own two feet again.
“Discounting is a hard habit to break customers from; we have to help them appreciate the real price of a meal out and not only be turned on by cheap fixes.”
Gary Usher, Chef and owner of five Elite Bistro sites agreed saying that although the scheme has massively helped the industry, he was worried that the longer it goes on, the longer people lose sight of what food really costs.
Clouds on the horizon
As the season changes from Summer to Autumn, it’s not just menus and ingredients that will adapt to new circumstances.
September is traditionally rent month for a lot of establishments and even if they’ve been able to secure rent reductions or deferrals from landlords, many will have to pay – up to nine months rent on a quarterly basis – by the end of the month.
Without stating the obvious, this might not be possible for some of them.
Then October will roll around bringing with it colder days, darker nights and the clocks going back an hour. If there’s still social distancing rules in effect, restaurants will still be operating at a reduced capacity and depending on their location – those relying on the passing trade of office workers and commuters cannot count on them returning to the office five days a week anytime soon, if ever.
Data protection could also be a headache for some as they are required to be taking customers personal details to get in contact as part of a track and trace mechanism if there is a later Covid-19 outbreak.
Some have been leaving their registers open and on public display like a guestbook where details could be photographed and accessed by unauthorised third parties.
This is all without a potential second wave of cases or any local outbreaks centered around pubs or restaurants which could have a knock-on effect in consumer confidence to locations nowhere near the epicenter if people consider hospitality locations a threat.
Not many businesses look forward to a winter of discontent but it might be an achievement for some establishments to still be operating by then if Autumn doesn’t bring much improvement to their fortunes.
It’s one thing to battle against tough circumstances but another not to have a plan in case these conditions become permanent.
Together we can look at your options and help you decide what would be the best course of action for your business if normal circumstances can’t be resumed.
Instead of waiting to see if the change of season will bring a change of fortune, take a step to taking control of your own destiny again.


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BAY CITY, MI — It's all about the bacon this coming weekend, as Midland Street merchants roll out their newest party to celebrate 30 years of entertainment and fun.
The inaugural Bay City Party Graw Festival takes place Thursday through Sunday, July 31 to Aug. 3. The festival that highlights bacon, beer and beads is looking to fill the void of the former Pig Gig and raise some money for beautification projects in Veteran's Memorial Park and the historic Midland Street entertainment district.
The goal for this year's event is to raise $5,000, which the group hopes to use to refurbish the bleacher's in Veteran's Memorial Park.
It's also hoping to breathe some new life into Midland Street — and its several bars — which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
"The businesses took a hit when Pig Gig ended," said Penny Warner, one of the organizers of the event. "We wanted to start something that would replace that."
Throughout the weekend, participating businesses will offer more than 230 craft beers, several bacon menu specials and bacon infused drinks, as well as live entertainment, competitions and contests at various venues.
Camping is available in Veterans Memorial Park for $20 per night or $40 for the weekend.
T-shirts will be on sale for $10 and beads for $3 per strand.
The party kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 31, at Midland and John streets with the Makin' Bacon Parade. For $3, members of the public 12 years and older can buy a Party Graw Festival button and participate in the New Orleans Mardi Gras-style parade.
"We encourage everyone to dress up in a Mardi Gras theme," said Paulette Groya, owner of the Rathskeller. "Walk, ride a bike, golf cart, lawn mower, trailer, motorcycle, cars. Bring your kids, your dog, your goat. Anything goes in this wacky masquerade."
Those wishing to participate can sign up for the parade by the end of the day on July 30 by calling Groya at 989-493-3342. Lineup for the parade begins at 4:30 p.m. on July 31.
Those along the parade route, which runs east on Midland Street to Hooters restaurant, may go home with beads, candy and lots of coupons from 80 participating businesses.
Taking a page out of the Pig Gig playbook, there will be a celebrity bacon cook-off from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1. Local celebrities are teaming up with local chefs for a taste-off at 13 of the event's venues on Midland Street.
Samples are $1 each. A $20 bacon card offers participants two tastes at each of the 13 venues. Those samples will be available throughout the weekend.
Sticking with the bacon-theme, Hooters restaurant, 966 E. Midland St., is offering a Kevin Bacon movie night beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 31.
Saturday, Aug. 2 is all about enjoying bacon and beer on Midland Street. Many bars and restaurants on Midland Street will offer specials and serve up bacon creations.
The weekend comes to a close on Sunday, Aug 3, with the "Eat Bacon and Dye" bicycle run, a 9 1/2-mile event where bikers are to be sprayed with colorful dyes.
The run begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. at Midland and Linn streets. Cost to enter is $5. There will be three "color" stations on the Railtrail, said Beth Dore, owner of Duso's, who's organizing the event, where each of the participants will be sprayed with a dye made from cornstarch and food coloring.
Dye packets will be sold for $3 at 612 E. Midland St. for bystanders to participate in the colorful shower.
Those participating are encouraged to wear white T-shirts for the full effect.
If all goes well with this first effort, the group is open to offering a winter festival as well and hope to host the second annual Party Graw next summer.
"We're hoping for a fun weekend with a ton of people," Groya said.
If you go:
What: Bay City Party Graw Festival
When: July 31-Aug. 3
Where: Midland Street Historic District
Info: 989-450-2228, 989-493-3342, 989-714-6452,
Their makin' bacon
- Cafe Camosi, 108 N. Linn St., Maple Muffin & Ala Vodka Bacon
- VNO Wine Warehouse, 512 E. Midland St., Chipotle Red Wne & Nitro Ghost Pepper
- Brooklyn Boyz, 507 E. Midland St., Bacon Caprese
- O'Hare's, 608 E. Midland St., Bourbon Bacon
- Lumber Barons, 804 E. Midland St., Honey Maple & Volcanic Bacon
- Hooters,966 E. Midland St., Honey Thai Chili Pepper and XXX Habanero
- River Rock, 614 E. Midland St., Buffalo & Jamaican
- Duso's, 604 E. Midland St., Spicy Bacon Jerky
- Sawmill, 505 E. Midland St., Cajun & Garlic
- Lucky's Pub, Black Pepper Chocolate Ganache
- Jack's Country Saloon, 605 E. Midland St., Sriracha Infused
- Cuatro Amigos, 310 E. Midland St. Chipotle Mango
- Rathskeller, 600 E. Midland St., Sweet Habanero
- Thursday, July 31 — Bay City Party Gras Parade at 5:30 p.m. along Midland and John streets. $3 entry fee.
- Friday, Aug. 1 — Celebrity bacon cook-off 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; $1 for samples or $20 for a bacon card good for two samples at each of the 13 locations.
- Saturday, Aug. 2 — Bacon samples continue throughout the day on Midland Street. More than 230 craft brews will be on tap at 13 locations.
- Sunday, Aug. 3 — "Eat Bacon and Dye" bicycle run begins at 11 a.m. at Midland and Linn streets. Cost is $5.

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Nigeria has a growing technology scene, full of ambitious young entrepreneurs looking for ways to overcome various social challenges.
Thirty of them recently competed for a chance to pitch their business ideas directly to the president of Nigeria. Three of them made the final cut, including a Nigerian American:
Angel Adelaja is the CEO of Fresh Direct Nigeria, which specializes in urban farming to meet the needs of Nigerians who have been dependent on importing food products.
“We take a 20-foot [6.1-meter] container that you would put a car in to ship, and we fit it with hydroponic farming technology and we farm vertically, so we’re using as much space as we can in the system,” she said.
Adelaja is a Nigerian American who recently returned to Nigeria to cater to the expanding class of nutrition-conscious urbanites.
Ifedayo Oladapo is the founder of GRIT Systems Engineering. He is trying to amass data on electricity consumption and production. GRIT Systems manufactures an energy device for users to monitor their various energy sources.
“There’s an incredible amount of waste,” Oladapo said. “We spend $11 billion each year fueling generators. That’s 4 percent of our GDP, and that doesn’t even cover the cost of maintenance.”
Emmanuel Okena is the CEO of Tracology. He and his team created a barcode that will be posted on people’s front gates, so garbagemen know whether a customer has paid for the trash to be picked up.
“Once the utility provider comes to the house, all he has to do is scan this barcode and he knows in real time whether you have paid for that waste or whatever service he wants to offer you,” Okena said.
Meeting some high-powered people
Tracology’s Okena, along with the two others, got the chance to meet President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Okena won a cash prize of more than $8,000 from telecommunications company Airtel, an event sponsor.
“It has been humbling, and we are very grateful,” Okena said. “The president was so impressed that Nigerians are thinking out of the current crisis, economic recession, we have, making sure that we can generate revenue.”
The pitch event kicked off with a lot of fanfare, and with tech celebrity Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook.
Zuckerberg listened to the winning pitches from the startup owners and said he was reminded of when he first started building Facebook.
“This trip has really blown me away by the talent of the entrepreneurs and developers in this country, and by the focus on building something that is going to make a difference and going to make a change,” Zuckerberg said while on stage at the presidential banquet hall.
“I think if you keep on doing this, you are not only going to change Nigeria or Africa, but the whole world,” Zuckerberg said.


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Samsung did not launch any new Galaxy Buds at the Galaxy S23 launch event that took place last week. Instead, the company is focusing on improving its existing wireless headphones. The South Korean firm has released a new firmware update for the Galaxy Buds 2.
The new update for the Galaxy Buds 2, which comes with the firmware version R177XXU0AWA3been released in South Korea. According to the changelog, the new 3.06MB software update improves the charging stability of the wireless headphones. We expect the new update to be released in more countries around the world in the coming days.
To update your Galaxy Buds 2 to the latest firmware, open the Galaxy Wearable app and select Galaxy Buds 2 from the left hamburger menu. Once the Galaxy Buds 2 are connected to your phone, click Headphone settings » Headset software update and press Download and install.
Samsung launched the Galaxy Buds 2 a year and a half ago but has yet to release its successor. The company is expected to release the Galaxy Buds 3 in the second half of 2023 alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5.
SamsungGalaxy buds 2


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KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Sick of going to the same workout classes over and over? ClassPass is new to Kansas City. It’s one pass, unlimited classes at multiple boutique studios throughout the metro.
"I hate doing the same workout over and over again," said Caitlin Snavely, who signed up for ClassPass this week.
Many people can probably relate to 25-year-old Snavely.
"I don't like to run, I don`t like treadmills, I don`t like doing free standing weights," Snavely said.
That's why Snavely uses ClassPass. It's been around in 28 other cities, and it's made its debut right here in Kansas City.
"I wanted to check out a couple of the boutique workout centers in Kansas City, because I actually haven`t had a chance to," said Snavely.
ClassPass members can book unlimited workout classes at boutique fitness studios across the metro. There are more than 1,000 classes available for $79 a month, including cycling, yoga, and dance.
"There are people like me that like to workout at multiple boutique studios, and this is a great way for them to try out different studios without being committed,” said Snavely.
Amanda Rismiller is the co-founder of Mojo cycling, which is one of many studios in Kansas City participating in this new program.
"Your body needs to rest, it needs to recover, and people may get bored doing one thing over and over, so they need variety and that`s what keeps it interesting, that`s what keeps them coming back," said Rismiller.
Mojo Cycling's new location is opening on the plaza in six weeks, and Rismiller says this is a great way to reach new clients, as does Darryl Olive, the owner of KCFitness Link, who is also participating.
"So if someone has been hesitating about experiencing maybe Zumba or yoga, then this is a risk free way of trying different formats in different places," Olive said.
ClassPass users can visit any studio in their network up to three times per studio per month, giving you the option of trying something new every single day.
"There`s a $20 fee if you don`t show up to class, and in some ways I feel like it`s a good initiative for me to actually stick to my workout," Snavely said.
CLICK HERE for more information on ClassPass.


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While Huawei isn’t considered an established household brand in South Africa yet, the company isn’t hurting its chances at all. Last night, the Shenzhen outfit unveiled its beautiful Ascend Mate7 phablet and Ascend G7 smartphone, two devices that’ll likely take it to the Samsungs, LGs and Apples of this world come 2015.
Considering that the last flagship update to the Ascend line came a good few years ago, this is a much needed refresh and my, what a refresh it is. These devices were announced at IFA 2014, but this was the first time South African media were able to view the devices.
No ad to show here.
The Ascend G7
Let’s start with the more subdued (and dare I say, less pretty) device — the 5.5″ Ascend G7, perhaps appealing to those who don’t need a windscreen-sized phone. It’s still rather large though and sports similar dimensions to Sony’s Xperia C3.
It’s a single SIM handset with LTE support, which keeps it modern, while a 3000mAh battery keeps it powered.
A quad-core SoC running at 1.3GHz is the heart of the device, while a cocktail of 2GB RAM and 16GB storage keeps things ticking along. A 13MP camera is employed at the rear, while the screen should allow you to enjoy those images thanks to the 720p resolution.
The device will be priced between R4000 and R5000, and is available early next year.
That was not the most interesting device on display though.
The Ascend Mate7
The Mate7 is probably the most gorgeous piece of technology to come out of China in a good while (except of course, the iPhone 6), taking subtle design inspiration from the HTC One of all things. Not a bad choice really.
Read more: HTC One M8 Review: Old name, new tricks
It’s 6.1″ screen covers a fair share of the device’s face, while a 13MP camera is stationed at the rear. Just below the Sony-sourced snapper lies the Ascend Mate 7’s party trick — the fingerprint reader. Allegedly, it works even when the user’s hands are wet, presumably not covered in mud though.
Those more inclined to unlock their phones using a traditional passcode will be happy to know that the EMUI (Emotion 3.0 UI) still allows you to do just that. The UI in turn puts TouchWiz to shame. It’s sleek and stylish and looks very much like Android Lollipop’s naked UI unlike Korea’s clunky implementation.
Keeping well ahead of the curve, hey Huawei?
Users will have to settle for Android KitKat for now though, while Lollipop is slowly phased into play.
Hardware wise, the Ascend Mate7 features an in house eight-core SoC with four cores clocked at 1.3GHz and another four at 1.8GHz. Taking a leaf out of Samsung’s big.LITTLE textbook. RAM varies between the 16GB and 32GB models, with the former sporting 2GB while the latter boasts an impressive 3GB (and dual SIM support, mind you).
And even more impressive is the battery. Huawei managed to cram a 4100mAh base into the phone yet keep it a mere 7.9mm thin.
While we won’t see it in South African outlets in time for Christmas, the device can be had for between R7000 and R9000 from early 2015.


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Kepler Capital Markets set a €35.50 ($42.26) price target on Inditex SA (BME:ITX) in a research note published on Wednesday, September 6th. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the stock.
Several other research analysts have also commented on ITX. UBS AG set a €32.50 ($38.69) price target on shares of Inditex SA and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, June 14th. Barclays PLC set a €38.00 ($45.24) price target on shares of Inditex SA and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, September 5th. Berenberg Bank set a €35.00 ($41.67) price target on shares of Inditex SA and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, September 4th. Societe Generale set a €46.00 ($54.76) price target on shares of Inditex SA and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, September 4th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada set a €37.00 ($44.05) price objective on shares of Inditex SA and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, September 1st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. The company has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of €36.94 ($43.98).
WARNING: “Inditex SA (ITX) Given a €35.50 Price Target by Kepler Capital Markets Analysts” was reported by TrueBlueTribune and is the sole property of of TrueBlueTribune. If you are reading this article on another publication, it was illegally stolen and republished in violation of US & international trademark and copyright law. The correct version of this article can be viewed at https://www.truebluetribune.com/2017/09/13/inditex-sa-itx-given-a-35-50-price-target-by-kepler-capital-markets-analysts.html.
Inditex SA Company Profile
Industria de Diseno Textil SA, known as Inditex SA, is a Spain-based company primarily engaged in the textile industry. The Company’s activities include the design, confection, manufacturing, distribution and retail of men, women and children apparel, footwear and fashion accessories, as well as home furnishings and household textile products.
Receive News & Ratings for Inditex SA Daily – Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts’ ratings for Inditex SA and related companies with MarketBeat.com’s FREE daily email newsletter.


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Supplier News Breaks Archives
Oreo to stage vote at Walgreens NYC store
February 20th, 2013
EAST HANOVER, N.J. – A long-running snack debate — whether the cookie or the creme is the best part of Oreos — is being put into the spotlight this week at the Walgreens store in Manhattan's Times Square.
Mondelez International Inc. (formerly Kraft Foods Inc.) said that on Thursday, Feb. 21, its Oreo cookie brand will be present at the Times Square Walgreens to give fans an opportunity to make their choice. The event follows the national launch of the "Cookie vs. Creme" campaign, which kicked off with Oreo's first-ever commercial during the Super Bowl.
Walgreens customers will be able to make their vote public by posing in the "Cookie vs. Creme" photo booth, which will broadcast the image to the billboard outside the store, giving onlookers the chance to cheer on their favorite Oreo part. Participants will get a copy of the photo to keep as a memento.
Product coupons and samples will also be distributed to attendees on-site.
"We are excited to work with Walgreens to bring the 'Cookie vs. Creme' disagreement to the heart of New York City, where tourists and New Yorkers alike will be able to express their preference for all of Times Square to see," commented Janda Lukin, director for Oreo. "Our fans have been so engaged in the 'Cookie vs. Creme' discussion that we want to continue to provide them with unique and creative ways to communicate their choice."
The company added that for the rest of the campaign, Oreo will continue to engage consumers through digital activations. It will also be supported by owned media, digital and mobile ads, search, public relations and in-store point of sale.
Fans also can get involved in the "Cookie vs. Creme" debate at select retailers nationwide through a variety of promotions, including texting cookie or creme to 63065 for a chance to win $100,000.


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Things are moving fast at Melltoo Marketplace.
The Dubai-based mobile classifieds startup has just rolled out a new premium service just a few short months after securing a seed fund, and is getting ready to raise a Series A round.
Melltoo users in the UAE can now post, browse, buy, and sell items without leaving the comfort of their homes.
Dubbed 'Pay&Ship Secure', the service allows users to handle payment and delivery through the app. Funds are transferred through an in-app e-wallet system before a delivery person is dispatched to pick up the product.
Buyers have up to three days to inspect the product and make sure it is as described in the posting. When they accept it, sellers get paid. Melltoo takes a 10 percent commission on each successful transaction. Pay&Ship Secure is available just in the UAE at the moment.
What is significant about this new service is that it moves Melltoo from a classifieds service to a marketplace for used goods in which every step of the transaction, from posting to negotiation, delivery and payment, is conducted via Melltoo’s app.
Husband and wife cofounders Morrad Irsane and Sharene Lee launched Melltoo in Dubai in March 2014 as a mobile classified listings service, where customers search for used goods for sale and post items they wish to sell. Similar to other classified services, actual transactions take place offline, with buyers and sellers meeting to exchange products and payments. The app has been downloaded about 250,000 times.
After raising $205,000 in seed funding in May 2015, Irsane and Lee were able to begin work on Pay&Ship Secure. They began beta testing in July with about 100 users.
The startup’s classifieds service is still available to anybody anywhere in the region who wishes to use it, but for those in the UAE, Pay&Ship Secure adds a measure of convenience.
“It’s like a concierge service,” Irsane told Wamda. “Just snap a pic [of the item] and a guy comes to your house and picks it up.”
Using it sounds simple enough, but making it all work smoothly took some doing. Melltoo had to find a payment solutions provider to develop and set up the e-wallet.
“Tech-wise there weren’t many issues,” Lee said.
Finding the right pickup and delivery company was more difficult. They eventually partnered with two local logistics startups with whom they have good “synergies”.
“They are like us but growing faster,” Irsane said. “We can ship anywhere in the UAE for 20 dirhams (about $5),” Irsane added.
Irsane and Lee managed to develop the new service with just half of their seed funds, which leaves them with about $100,000 to sustain them through their next round. They plan to test a referral program but declined to elaborate.
While they’re growing in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, the new service is only availabe in the UAE at the moment.
But with the UAE classifieds market heating up - Dubizzle was recently acquired for an undisclosed amount - Melltoo’s cofounders say they are actively looking to raise a Series A round.
“Seed rounds and Series A are very different animals,” Lee said. “This [new service] was one of our promises [to seed investors] and that we would have a clear path to revenue.”
“We have proven our ability to execute,” she continued. “At this stage investors are looking at the plan, how to get there, and what it’s going to cost. ‘Show me what you did and show me what you’re going to do.’”


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Subscribe for Weibold's monthly newsletter to receive the most important news on market trends, technology advances, expos, trade shows and conferences related to tire recycling and pyrolysis industry and much more!Newsletter
A Dutch investment portal “Invest in Holland” says that a Canada-based company Tyromer is now building a pilot factory in Arnhem to bring its circular rubber products to the European market. Specializing in the devulcanization of rubber from scrap tires, Tyromer will fine-tune and exhibit its recycling technology at its new Dutch facility in order to sell the process to third parties. The company is one of the first in the Netherlands to give this hard-to-process residual product a high-quality new life, making it a valuable addition to the Dutch circular economy.
The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet is now accepting grant proposals for projects that promote the use of recycled Kentucky end-of-life tires. As reported by Kentucky Today, the Cabinet will provide grant funding for landscaping mulch projects, walking trails, poured-in-place playgrounds, sidewalks or other surfaces, horse trailer or stall mats, tree wells or other products utilizing recycled tires from Kentucky. Projects that are not eligible for grants include athletic field or loose crumb rubber playground applications, tire-derived aggregate, tire-derived fuel, rubber-modified asphalt or civil engineering projects.
India has recently approved the new vehicle scrapping and recycling policy. The new policy will serve to take old, polluting vehicles off the road and also improve sales of new vehicles that are much less polluting and come equipped with improved safety features. The move will undoubtedly lead to the increase in end-of-life tire available on the market and may affect capacities of established tire recycling operators in India.


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A truly innovative cloud-based diagnostics tool is set to disrupt the garage aftermarket sector when it is launched on November 28 by Nebula Systems, a member of the RAC Group of Companies.
MECH5.com is not only offering the most flexible diagnostics available on the market but also an entirely new business model by taking out the need for costly hardware and software updates.
By leveraging the flexibility and reliability of Microsoft’s Azure cloud, MECH5 will deliver a highly powerful diagnostics system into the hands of mechanics and garage owners across the UK and the world, including members of the RAC Approved Garages network.
A lean, efficient and highly scalable internet infrastructure removes cost for all parties as Nebula Systems can support and develop a single platform, while garages avoid the cost and hassle of maintaining or updating specific IT hardware.
Instead, all customers now gain access to real-time information and automatic updates every time they login on-line.
Microsoft’s Azure cloud gives MECH5 flexibility that will encourage and embrace cloud connectivity to other platforms for technical data, technical support and eventually parts ordering. Coverage will initially closely follow the industry-leading DEC Superscan scantool which is part of the Nebula Systems core tool-set.
Andrew Steer, CEO of Nebula Systems, said: “We’re enabling the democratisation of diagnostics, making this technology available to everybody from the small independent garage, up to nationwide dealerships.
“There’s no longer any big outlay required and technicians can also work from any device, even a smart phone if they really want to.”
Nebula is part of the RAC which is leveraging the flexibility and reliability of Microsoft’s Azure cloud to support MECH5’s core infrastructure.
Nick Walker, RAC telematics managing director said: “This solution brings a revolutionary business model to an industry that has moved at a slow pace for years.
“MECH5 is the first of a range of services that RAC and Nebula Systems will bring to market based on Microsoft technologies.”
MECH5 comprises a small ‘MECH5 VCI’ – a Bluetooth OBD vehicle communications interface – plus a flexible pay-as-you-go internet subscription.
With the RAC Approved Garage network set to gain access to MECH5 as part of their association package, the roadside breakdown specialists will ensure the highest standards of technical competence, supporting their stated aim of offering good quality reliable garages to UK motorists.
Garages can pre-order online today, or register for a free demo account, simply by clicking ‘more details’ below.


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Uber incentivizing electrification
Written by Kfir Kedem – May 04, 2022
Reviewed by Asaf Kedem
What is Uber doing to encourage sustainability? The mobility company’s main focus is ridesharing and it does not own any of the cars. Instead, car owners become drivers through the company’s app. This isn’t stopping Uber from becoming a green-driven company.
Canada Electric Mobility is a project that is led by industry members with the goal of electrifying the nation. With its 2030 Action Plan, the industry members are expected to electrify their fleets. Uber has signed the action plan and has already started taking steps towards enforcing it.
Multiple changes to the drivers’ system have been made to reach this goal. One of which is Uber Green, in which any electric Uber is shown as such to the riders. The “Zero Emission Incentive” is another and has every EV or hybrid driver gain an additional dollar on their ride. Uber isn’t stopping there and has partnered with Greenlots (Shell-owned charger company) to expand an electric charging network.
Auto Trendy’s take:
Electrification must come from all players for it to be effective. Uber is showing its future-driven goals by signing and enforcing the 2030 Action Plan. With 71% of Uber’s drivers indicating their interest in electrifying, Uber is also showing that it cares about its workers’ wishes.


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The revenue during the quarter dropped 24.3 percent year-on-year to Rs 16,985.3 crore as volumes fell 30 per cent year-on-year.
PUNE: Hit by subdued demand in the Indian passenger car market, Maruti Suzuki, India’s biggest car maker, on Thursday reported a massive 39.4 per cent year-on-year drop in net profit for the September quarter at Rs 1,358.60 crore due to weak auto sales amid subdued demand in the economy. The Delhi-based maker of popular models like Vitara Brezza and Baleno had clocked Rs 2,240.4 crore in profit in the same period in 2018.
A sharp fall in corporate tax expenses (as the company enjoyed the maximum benefits because of the corporate tax rate cut announced by the government in September) and higher other income helped the company limit the profit decline.
“Net profit fell on account of lower sales volume, higher sales promotion expenses and higher depreciation expenses, partially offset by cost reduction efforts, higher fair value gains on invested surplus and reduction in corporate tax rate,” Maruti said in a BSE filing.
The revenue during the quarter dropped 24.3 percent year-on-year to Rs 16,985.3 crore as volumes fell 30 per cent year-on-year. “This year, the automobile industry has seen a significant decline in sales owing to several factors,” Maruti said.
“One of the main factors is increase in the cost of acquisition of the car due to various reasons coming together like implementation of more stringent safety and emission (BS6) norms, increase in vehicle insurance expenses and hike in road taxes in many states. the company explained.


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The U.S. Postal Service Jan. 11 announced plans to seek rate increases that, while raising first class by only a penny, or 3%, would hike rates for magazines by 15%, newspapers by 9% and standard commercial mail by an average of 7%. The increases would take effect next year and now go to the Postal Rate Commission. The proposal drew immediate condemnation from the Magazine Publishers of America, Newspaper Association of America and Direct Marketing Association. The postal service said the periodical rate increase reflected "significant growth" in delivery costs, but magazine publishers that had been working with the postal service on ways to jointly cut costs said they felt blind-sided. The MPA said the proposal would charge magazines doing the most to bar-code and presort the biggest increases. Newspaper Association of America CEO John Sturm called the newspaper boost "a very steep price to pay" and also complained because the postal service was proposing decreasing rates for those sending heavier quantities of advertising mail. "It seems curious," he said. At the DMA, Senior VP-Government Affairs Jerry Cerasale noted members of his group account for more than $5 billion in standard commercial mail a year, and stated: "We think the increases are inappropriate at this time. Why are they bumping up rates in the business segment when the USPS is trying to grow mail volume with the new Internet companies and traditional mediums?"
Copyright January 2000, Crain Communications Inc.


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It may not have mattered if the National Sports Collectors Convention was in Baltimore or Bowling Green, but it didn’t hurt that this year’s show was a stone’s throw from Stephen Strasburg’s big league home city.
The hype surrounding his first baseball cards drew some extra juice from the locals who’ve seen him pitch and are already big fans.
A limited number of the cards were handed out and collectors nearly trampled each other in their quest to get one and flip it for a quick buck. For veterans, it brought back memories of the 1991 convention in Anaheim and the rush for free promo cards at the hobby’s wildest event.
Even though the whole episode wasn’t exactly wholesome, Strasburg has given the modern card market a boost.
Ryan Petzar made the trek to Baltimore for Yahoo! Sports. He offers up a story, pictures, some history and a little video too.


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Coming this month to Zagreb, the Dance and Non-verbal Theatre Festival, which will be held from July 19 to July 22.
Coming This Month: The Zabreb Wine Gourmet Weekend
Coming to Croatia April 19th and 2oth, the Zabreb Wine Gourmet Weekend 2013 promises more, more, and more international food and wine than ever.
Zagreb to Host the International Tourism Fair Crotour 2012
The international tourism fair Crotour 2012 will be held in Zagreb between 9-12 May, featuring exciting tourism programs and entertaining events.


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Apple is doing it again.
Today they announced the release of the iPad – said to be better than the iPhone or a netbook for browsing the web. The familiar apps used with the iPhone will be used with this device.
It will be the same size as the Amazon Kindle, 1.5 pounds with a 9.7 inch display. The expected battery life is 10 hours – it can stay on standby for up to a month – and it will come with the usual networking hookups, such as WiFi and Bluetooth. Of course, interactivity is done via touch screen. Typing is done via an on-screen QWERTY keyboard – something I’m personally not huge on, but from what I have seen that’s one very minor flaw. Personal opinion, anyway.
For the artist, the iPad is a digital easel. At the launch, the Paint program named “Brushes” looked as if it were real painting without the mess, especially on the hi-res screen.
A representative from gaming company Gamesoft unveiled their first-person shooter specifically for the touch interface called “Nova.” It is yet to be fully developed, but still looks interesting to me, as motions are done with the touch of a finger – much like the Nintendo DS.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs said at the revealing of the device that it will be great for browsing the web, and all of the apps will be redesigned to fit the larger screen. According to Gdgt Live and ReadWriteWeb, the screen is very crisp and able to handle high-resolution games. EA has teamed up with Apple to develop games for the iPad, so far showing “Need For Speed” and an MLB baseball game.
Storage wise – the iPad can hold 16 to 64 GB of internal memory. Its processor will be the 1 GHz Apple A4 chip, which is custom made by Apple.
Another highlight is the ability to use Google’s StreetView with their map application.
As far as books go, Jobs has recently announced a partnership with five different publishing companies, including Penguin Books, Macmillan and Simon & Schuster. Jobs acknowledged Amazon being the pioneer of the ebook, and Apple will stand on their shoulders for their “iBook” app.
Data plans have been announced as well – 250 MB of data for $14.99 a month, and $29.99 a month for unlimited data. Of course, AT&T is the exclusive carrier – free usage of AT&T hotspots is included as well. No contracts, your data plan is prepaid.
Now – the big one. Pricing. The 16, 32 and 64 GB WiFi models will be $499, $599 and $699, respectively. If you want WiFi plus 3G coverage, the prices go up to $629, $729 and $829, respectively.
The WiFi units ship in 60 days, while the 3G units ship in 90 days.
There is also a docking station that attaches a slim QWERTY keyboard.
Basically, the iPad is a larger, more powerful iPhone. It will have iTunes, of course, with the ability to show album art.
And now he’s touting how many people go to the Apple Store and how many apps have been downloaded.
Of course, Jobs bragged about Apple being the largest mobile device company – and he’ll have much more room to brag with the release of this particular device.


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IMPORTS of farm products were about twice the country’s exports of the same commodities in the first quarter of the year.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the country imported $2.76 billion worth of agricultural goods in the first quarter of the year, a 7% increase from the $2.57 billion in the same three months of last year.
In contrast, the country shipped out $1.38 billion worth of farm products in the January to March period, a 21.3% increase from $1.14 billion in the same period last year.
As a result, the country registered a first-quarter deficit of $1.38 billion in its external trade of farm products. This was 4.3% below the $1.44 billion registered in the comparable period.
Despite the deficit, agriculture comprised only 10.63% of the country’s $38.9 billion worth of external trade in the first quarter of this year.
Among its major trading partners, the Philippines incurred its biggest agriculture trade deficit with ASEAN at $785 million, followed by the US at $302 million; Australia, $110 million; and the EU, $15 million.
The Philippines however enjoyed its biggest trade surplus with Japan at $103 million.
Animal and vegetable oil and fat comprise the Philippines’ top agriculture export at $522.94 million, but this commodity is also the country’s fourth top import at $250.31 million. This means the Philippines is a net exporter of this product to the tune of $272.63 million.
Other top agricultural exports are edible fruit and nuts ($222.36 million), preparations of vegetables, fruits and nuts ($137.37 million), preparations of meat ($95.89 million), and fish and other seafood ($89.90 million).
The country’s top farm import is cereal at $530.18 million, but it also ships out $69.69 million worth of the commodity. As such, the country is a net importer of cereals to the tune of $460.49 million.
Besides cereal, the country’s other top imports include miscellaneous edible preparations ($322.83 million), residues and waste from the food industries ($305.15 million), and dairy produce ($236.10 million). — with Mark T. Amoguis


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Banglalink, one of the leading digital communication service providers in the country, has brought a digital health app named “Banglalink Health Zone” for the first time in Bangladesh.
The app will enable users to enjoy personalized health service, from the comfort of their own homes, says a press.
The release said Banglalink users will be able to store their comprehensive health data with the app’s Advanced Technology Dashboard.
The users also can arrange their health-related information and can share the information with physician or care providers through their mobile, it added.
By subscribing to “Banglalink Health Zone” users will receive all health contents sourced from global medical icon “Harvard Medical”.
To download the app Banglalink subscribers can send SMS “START HZ” to 7030 or can search for “Banglalink Health Zone” in Google Play/Apple Store.
It’s a subscription based service. Upon registration, users will get 70 MB bonus data volume to browse data with 10 days validity at Tk.50 (+VAT, SD & SC).
After subscription, users will get the link to download the app. Then users will need to create a personal profile to store and get the relevant health information. Also, registered users of “Banglalink Health Zone” service will be able to avail special discount on selected 3G data packages.
Ziaul Hoque Sikder, Head of Content, Banglalink, said, “The health sector of Bangladesh is a prime concern and is yet to see any major digitization. As there is no one-stop solution for instant health-related support, people suffer due to this inconvenience”.
“Keeping that in mind, we are proud to introduce the first ever digital health app service in the industry “Banglalink Health Zone”, in line with our focus towards digitization,” he added.
Aligned with incumbent government’s focus towards digitalization, Banglalink wants to connect its customers to this digital world of the future and unlock its endless opportunities.
It will surely pave the way for digital healthcare services in the country and people will be benefited by its accessibility and ease of use.
Interested persons can visit the website http://www.banglalink.com.bd/en/services/services/information-based-services/banglalink-health-zone/ for details. (Source: BanglaNews24.com)


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PUTRAJAYA: The crude palm oil (CPO) price is expected to average at RM3,800 per tonne in 2022 on improved palm oil production, in line with the performance of other major vegetable oils prices amid the recovery in production and stock, the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) said.
Director-general Datuk Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir said CPO production is expected to improve 4.9 per cent this year to 19 million tonnes from 18.12 million tonnes recorded in 2021, while stocks are projected to pick up 23.4 per cent to 1.95 million tonnes versus 1.58 million tonnes last year.
"We foresee exports to increase 9.3 per cent to 17 million tonnes this year from 15.56 million tonnes previously,” he said during a presentation at the one-day Palm Oil Economic Review and Outlook Seminar (R&O) 2022 organised by MPOB today.
Ahmad Parveez emphasised that the year 2022 is expected to bring a brighter prospect for the Malaysian palm oil industry with all key industry indicators projected to show a better performance.
Export revenue, however, is expected to fall to RM95 billion compared with RM106.50 billion.
He highlighted that the industry experienced a mixed performance last year wherein the slowdown in CPO production had limited the capacity for the country to export the commodity and other palm-based products despite stable demand from importing countries.
Malaysia is the world's fifth largest producer of oils and fats in 2021, accounting for 7.5 per cent of the total global oils and fats production.
It is also the second-largest exporter of oils and fats. Exports of Malaysian palm oil amounted to 15.56 million tonnes last year, constituting 16.4 per cent of total global oils and fats exports and 30.5 per cent of the global palm oil trade.
Globally, exports of palm oil in 2021 stood at 54 per cent, followed by soybean oil at 14 per cent, rapeseed oil (7.0 per cent), sunflower oil (12 per cent), and others 13 per cent.
The top five export destinations for Malaysian palm oil, accounting for a combined 8.48 million tonnes, are India, China, the European Union, Turkey, and Kenya.
Meanwhile, the CPO production in 2021 fell 5.3 per cent to 18.12 million tonnes versus 19.14 million tonnes in 2020 while closing stocks improved 25.1 per cent to 1.58 million tonnes.
From January to December 2021, the average CPO price surged by 64.1 per cent to a record high in the commodity's history at RM4,407.00 per tonne compared with RM2,685.50 per tonne during the same period in 2020.
Likewise, the average CPO price reached its historical peak for a monthly average at RM5,341.00 per tonne in November 2021 and a record daily average of RM5,429.00 per tonne on Nov 19, 2021.
This resulted in a significant increase of 47.7 per cent in the total palm oil products export revenue to RM95.76 billion in 2021 (January-November) compared with RM64.85 billion in the same period in 2020. - Bernama


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Blizzard has just announced Audipocalypse, the latest mini-set for Hearthstone, via its official website. Following in the footsteps of mini-sets past, it will focus on expanding the themes covered by the previous full expansion, Festival of Legends, introducing a small suite of new cards to tide players over till the next expansion hits.
As is the norm for mini-sets in Hearthstone, players won’t have to wait long between today’s announcement and the full release. Audiopocalypse will be released on Wednesday, May 31, or six days from today.
This is unusual, since Hearthstone expansions tend to release on Tuesdays, but it still means that players will be getting their hands on the new cards it contains within a week.
Speaking of the cards, Audiopocalypse will feature 38 brand-new ones, broken down as follows: four legendary cards, one epic card, 17 rare cards, and 16 common cards.Read more on pcinvasion.com
Are you looking for the latest updates in the world of gaming? Look no further than Game Bastion! We are your ultimate source for game news, reviews, and insights on the hottest titles in the industry. Our team of gaming experts is dedicated to providing you with the most accurate and up-to-date news on the latest releases and developments in the gaming world.
From the latest consoles to PC gaming and mobile games, we cover it all. Whether you're a hardcore gamer or a casual player, we have something for everyone. Our in-depth reviews and analysis will help you make informed decisions about your next gaming purchase, and our insider news and interviews with developers will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the gaming industry.
Stay ahead of the curve with our comprehensive coverage of gaming events, conferences, and expos. Our team is always on the ground, bringing you the latest news and updates straight from the source. At Game Bastion, we're passionate about gaming, and we know you are too.
That's why we're committed to bringing you the best game news and insights, so you can stay on top of the latest trends and developments in the gaming world. Join our community today and stay up-to-date with the latest in game news!


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Apple fans around the world will be able to watch live video from WWDC 2013.
Apple pushed out a WWDC app for Apple TVs in order to view the stream for the keynote! Apple has also announced it will stream the keynote on its website for desktops and iOS devices
Live Streaming video requires Safari 4 or later on Mac OS X v10.6 or later; Safari on iOS 4.2 or later. Streaming via Apple TV requires second- or third-generation Apple TV with software 5.0.2 or later.
The HD stream will kick off today at 10AM Pacific time.
Newly leaked information about iOS 7 reveals that in addition to a flat design, Apple is also going to be updating the text and graphics in the operating system with a 'skinny' look.
9to5Mac's Seth Weintraub says he's seen an early beta of the operating system but can't post the images because they're watermarked.
● iTunes is Purple-ish with white (iSync-like arrows instead of a music note).
● Camera is Gray gradient and icon is same shape as you see on the lock screen.
● Facetime is like it used to be without the gray. and flat.
● Compass icon is darker and flatter.
● Safari icon is like the Mac circle icon without the silver frame.
● Photos icon is a color wheel.
● Game Center is similar to the photos icon – totally different than before.
● Maps gets walking directions.
● Grouped tableviews now extend to the edges of the screen.
● Rounded rectangles are more squared off.
● Updated share menu with sideways scrolling rows featuring one row with Airdrop devices, one row with social networks, and another with copy/paste/etc.
Gameloft has posted a video trailer for its upcoming Modern Combat 5 game for iOS and Android.
Modern Combat returns! Watch the first exclusive teaser of Modern Combat 5, the next chapter in the blockbuster FPS franchise on smartphones & tablets!
No word on when it will be released.
Take a look below:
Apple has released iTunes 11.0.4 with bug fixes. According to the release notes, a bug that would force iTunes to quit when syncing moves between wired and wireless states has been fixed. Additionally, a bug that forces users to repeatedly sign-in to the iTunes Store has also been squashed.
You can update in iTunes or download using direct links:
The United States Trade Agency has ruled that Apple has violated one of Samsung’s smartphone and tablet-related patents.
Under the modified constructions, the Commission has determined that Samsung has proven that the accused iPhone 4 (AT&T models); iPhone 3GS (AT&T models); iPhone 3 (AT&T models); iPad 3G (AT&T models); and iPad 2 3G (AT&T models) infringe the asserted claims of the ’348 patent. The Commission has further determined that the properly construed claims have not been proven by Apple to be invalid and that Samsung has proven that a domestic industry exists in the United States with respect to the ‘348 patent. The Commission has determined that Apple failed to prove an affirmative defense based on Samsung’s FRAND declarations.
Apple has starting putting up banners at Moscone West in San Francisco in preparation for WWDC 2013. It's expected that Apple will unveil new MacBook Airs, MacBook Pros, iOS 7, and the future of OS X at the its keynote on June 10th.
Here are some photos posted by 9to5Mac.
A new report from DigiTimes says volume production of a new 9.7-inch iPad will begin in July/August with shipments of five million units in Q3 2013.
The next-generation 9.7-inch iPad is expected to adopt a thin-film-type touch panel solution to reduce its weight by 20-30% and will adopt a slim bezel design to increase the display area. The new iPad's industrial design reportedly will also be modified, the sources said.
Apple is expected to ship a total of 8 million iPads in Q3 including old and new models.
PopCap Games has announced that Plants vs. Zombies 2 will be released on July 18th and unveiled a trailer for the upcoming game. The sequel will be previewed at E3 next week and will launch for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Plants vs. Zombies 2 will be free to download and a vast majority of the game will be free to play; however, players can purchase upgrades and other in-game items.
Several reports predicted that the iPhone 5S would be available in colors other than black and white, such as gold, green, and more. Now we have more proof. Some more parts allegedly for the iPhone 5S have been leaked online by iColorOS showing a gold colored SIM card tray, volume buttons and silent switch. Nowhereelse, who found the photos, notes that iColorOS has been reliable in the past.
Take a look at the image below:
UPDATE: official iOS 7 photos are available here.
A photo leaked online today allegedly giving us the first look at an early build of iOS 7.
In the blurry image below you can see that some of the icons have been updated with a flat design. Several icons including Game Center, Camera, Settings, and Music all have noticeable design changes.
Engineers at Nanyang Technological University have developed a revolutionary new camera sensor that is a thousand times more sensitive than the ones currently on the market, reports Science Daily. The sensor is made from graphene and is apparently the first that can detect broad spectrum light from the visible to mid-infrared with high photoresponse or sensitivity.
Graphene is a million times smaller than the thickest human hair (only one-atom thick) and is made of pure carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb structure. It is known to have a high electrical conductivity among other properties such as durability and flexibility.
Ciccarese Design has released a new iPhone concept that features a curved display and fingerprint scanner.
This is iPhone Fingerprint Scanner, the result of the recent rumors. Such as the latest Apple products, in this iPhone there is a big chamfer on the front face. The screen is curved and the fingerprint sensor take the place of the Home button. Black & Slate or White & Silver are the colors. The video show you concept sketch, design details and some general rendering.
Take a look at the video and photos:
A photo of the glass front panel for the iPad 5 has allegedly leaked online, reports Apple.pro. The image was posted to photobucket by hihiapple.
As expected the panel features a bezel similar to the iPad mini with narrow sides. Recently a video was leaked (see below) showing several cases supposedly manufactured for the iPad 5. Those also featured the same design.
The Loop's Jim Dalrymple has posted his thoughts on WWDC repeatedly stating that Apple will not announce a new iPhone or iPad at the event; however, some are still hoping that Apple could surprise us.
All Things D has posted the first video of Apple CEO Tim Cook speaking at the D11: All Things Digital conference.
Take a look at the clips below to see what Cook has to say about wearable technology, market share, phablets, and taxes.
Check out this new concept for iOS 7 that demonstrates some of the rumored features for the new operating system. The video was created by Christian Lue from ChanluChannel and Ran Avni from ConceptsiPhone.
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 7 at WWDC 2013 on June 10th.


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More than three quarters of small businesses are reluctant to call in debts despite coming under increasing pressure, a survey has found.
Cattles Invoice Finance said SMEs were reluctant to exercise their legal rights on debtors for fear of alienating the people they were working with.
Just 24 per cent of the 300 small business owners interviewed by CIF said they had taken legal action to recover outstanding monies, in spite of 77 per cent being aware of their legal right to charge debtors a percentage on unpaid invoices.
Comments included: “I think there is a fine line between maintaining the relationship with customers and souring it. I wouldn’t want to do anything to put pressure on them in this way in case it negatively affected the relationship” and “All of our clients are repeat customers, so sometimes it would make the relationship a bit strained and unfriendly”.
Tony Smedley, regional managing director for the Midlands at CIF, said: “Managing cashflow is the key issue facing SMEs in the current economic climate, and being paid on time can make the difference between survival and collapse. For that reason, it is surprising that so few SMEs are pushing for settlement of unpaid invoices, charging interest or taking legal action to recover outstanding monies.
“There is nothing worse than a debtor spotting a weakness and, if invoices aren’t chased, many companies will take advantage of the situation and avoid making payment, particularly when money is tight. Now more than ever, it is important that SMEs understand that there are ways of successfully managing the careful balance between prompt payment and happy customers.
“Invoice financiers, for example, chase payments on behalf of clients on a daily basis. A good invoice finance company will also agree with its clients the frequency, style and stance with which debtors are contacted, as well as the wording and course of action within the letters sent. This then ensures that client relationships remain unaffected and the outstanding debt can still be recovered.”


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Fort Worth, TX – NewGrass®, the brand name leader in the booming synthetic grass industry, is now offering enhanced distributorship opportunities nationwide under the strategic direction of a recognized leader in franchise and distributorship marketing.
The artificial grass market is currently growing at 20 percent annually, according to industry statistics. That number is expected to hold, if not grow, as an increasing number of communities and water districts nationwide restrict outdoor water use and more homeowners seek more environmentally friendly ways to enjoy outdoor landscaping without pesticides, fertilizers or expensive upkeep.
In its first years of business, NewGrass focused its sales through only a small handful of distributors, while the company developed its brand, established its product line and fine-tuned its manufacturing and supply chain. NewGrass then began to gradually offer distributorships to quality-driven landscapers seeking to expand their menu of services and to veterans in the synthetic lawn industry.
“Now we have everything in place to dynamically expand our reach in a top-quality way and bring more consumers an eco-friendly, water-wise alternative to turf grass,” said NewGrass President Greg Goehner.
Authorized NewGrass® Distributors receive a NewGrass® sales territory; the most preferred NewGrass® pricing; proven marketing support including samples and marketing materials and strategic consultation; installation training for distributors and their teams, and other advantages to ensure success.
Goehner stressed that joining NewGrass® is a chance for savvy landscapers, as well as professionals in related businesses or qualified entrepreneurs, to tap into the synthetic grass market with a premier brand, supported by a jump-start marketing program.
“Yes, it’s a financial commitment on their part, but it’s a financial commitment that opens doors to incredible opportunity and brings a very strong, very deep commitment from us,” Goehner said.
To support its distributors and expand its market footprint, NewGrass has added a brand development team. Advising NewGrass with over 25 years experience in franchising and franchise sales, marketing and training is Paul Crump, formerly with RadioShack, where he negotiated agreements for RadioShack’s franchises in Canada and also had been the company’s Franchise Director for New Store Development.
According to Crump “There’s huge potential for everyone involved when you combine a reputable company with a great product, consistent supply, strong customer and distributor support, and a definite market with pent-up demand as well as future demand.”
To learn more visit www.newgrass.com/distributorships/


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Articles byPage 2
Publix opens new Florida store and takes over famed 'Disco Kroger' spot in Atlanta
The new Florida location is at the Lake Washington Crossing Shopping Center in Melbourne. Publix is headed to Atlanta’s tony Buckhead neighborhood, into the supermarket space that shuttered last year.
Wakefern Food Corp. expands its use of in-store retail media
The Keasbey, New Jersey-based cooperative will add Freeosk’s multisensory units in 95 ShopRite and The Fresh Grocer stores.


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FASHION OUTLETS OF LAS VEGAS CELEBRATES CHINESE NEW YEAR/LANTERN FESTIVAL
February 11, 2017 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas has planned a special Chinese New Year event for the Year of the Rooster on Saturday, February 11, 2017. Savvy travelers and shoppers will have the opportunity to watch a Lion Dance throughout the property from 2-4 p.m. The production is provided by Lohan School of Shaolin, a nonprofit organization. Festive decorations will also be on display along with various in-store events, demonstrations and giveaways. Las Vegas showgirls will be available throughout the destination to greet and take complimentary photos with guests.
The center has launched a three week long Facebook promotion where multiple winners are selected at random each week. Gift cards and products from key brands including U.S. Polo Assn., New York Diamond Exchange, Bauer Fashion Eyewear, Kay Jewelers, Brighton Collectibles and more will be given away! For additional information and how to enter, please visit www.fashionoutletlasvegas.com.
In addition to the Chinese New Year festivities and events, the property is also providing strong incentives for tour guides.


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A mother-daughter duo are purveyors of summertime cheer on South Whidbey, where Moonstruck Gardens are filled with the bright colors and enticing scents of Oriental lilies.
Melinda Creed and her daughter Samantha have been selling lilies and hostas from their Clinton locale all summer. The lilies are just approaching the end of the peak season, and Melinda estimated about 30% of them have yet to bloom.
Melinda first began growing lilies and selling them wholesale to garden centers around five years ago, when she was living in Bellingham. She moved to Whidbey Island during the pandemic and first opened the gardens to the public for retail sales last year. With the help of her daughter, she sells both cut flowers and lily plants.
“It sort of oozed into something,” she said of the burgeoning business.
While Melinda is and always has been an avid gardener, Samantha handles the business and marketing side of the gardens. Samantha, a special education teacher and mother of a 1-year-old, lives in Bellingham, but regularly makes the trek to Clinton to help with the gardens. During the summer, she said she’s on Whidbey every weekend running all the transactions.
Working with her mother, Samantha said, has been a delight.
“It’s fun to watch her do something she’s so passionate about,” she said.
The gardens are also a happy place for Samantha’s son, Maximilian, who loves playing in the dirt and spending time with his grandmother. Melinda said she and Samantha are always looking for new varieties of plants to add to their inventory. They already sell over 200 varieties of hostas, and Melinda hopes to get up to 300. They also sell around 30 different types of lilies, including rose lilies, which Melinda said very few sellers carry.
Melinda even purchased Samantha lilies and Maxima lilies in honor of her daughter and grandson. Both varieties will continue to be available at the gardens in future seasons.
Caring for the thousands of plants in the gardens is hard work. Melinda waters every plant by hand, typically getting up early in the morning to complete all the watering. Even during the winter, she works outside in the mud to prepare for the growing season. But for Melinda, it’s all a labor of love.
“My complaint is lack of time,” she said. “I don’t mind a single task.”
The best part of the business for both mother and daughter is the joy customers get out of the flowers. Samantha said she loves watching customers’ faces light up when they enter the gardens and see the sprawling rows of lilies.
Melinda said she feels similarly; in fact, she enjoys brightening people’s days so much, she’ll often take buckets to Good Cheer Food Bank or Pickles Deli and hand out bouquets. Samantha jokes that her mother requires constant supervision, or else she might just give all their plants away.
“Flowers make people happy,” Melinda said. “People just light up and smile when they walk around the corner.”


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The US Small Business Administration Lubbock-West Texas District Office recognized Mark Fannin as the 2019 Amarillo Area Small Business Person of the Year Thursday.
Fannin, owner of AcuLaser Toner Supply, was recognized during the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce's 27th Annual Business Connection Trade Show at the Amarillo Civic Center.
"I was shocked and surprised," Fannin said. "There have been very good, very qualified people nominated, I am just surprised they chose me."
"After more than 30 years in business in the Amarillo area, AcuLaser has outlasted many competitors and remains a locally owned business that offers not only technical solutions, but personal service that the big box stores cannot match," said Matthew Jock, SBA Lubbock-West Texas District Office business opportunity specialist.
Fannin founded ATS in 1988 and built the business from the ground up. He marketed his business the old fashioned way, by knocking on doors and selling himself. Thirty one years later, he is still in business.
"I've outlasted a few people, that helped," he said.
Fannin said buying his building instead of renting or leasing property has also helped him keep his small business afloat; but the biggest measure of his success are his satisfied customers.
"The biggest thing we try to do is to give people very good customer service. We do whatever it takes," he said.
Fannin plans to continue offering excellent customer service to Amarillo and area-wide small businesses.
"We're just going to keep doing what we've been doing -- taking care of our small business customers, providing them with services on laser printers, as well as toner supplies, and we also recondition and resell printers," he said. "We're going to continue to do the best we can to help (other) small businesses."
"The (SBA) makes the American dream of business ownership a reality," Jock added. "As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster."
To learn more about the SBA's programs, visit sba.gov, for more information on ATS, visit aculaser1.com.


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What Happened: Apple is gearing up to launch an online store in India in September, just in time to capitalize on the buying frenzy associated with the upcoming Dussehra-Diwali shopping season, Bloomberg reported Tuesday, quoting an unnamed person with the knowledge of the matter.
Only last year, the Indian government relaxed regulations that prohibited foreign direct retailing. Apple did not immediately take the opportunity, as the coronavirus pandemic delayed its plans, Bloomberg said.
Apple's first brick-and-mortar store in India is set to open in Mumbai in 2021, and the company is planning to open a second store in Bangalore, the report said.
The company now sells its products through franchised stores and e-commerce websites in the country of 1.3 billion people.
Why It's Important: Selling directly to customers could give Apple more control over branding and increase customer loyalty, Bloomberg said.
India overtook the U.S. to become the second-largest smartphone market globally in 2019, according to Counterpoint Research.
More important is the fact that the market is underpenetrated, with 4G penetration at only 55% in India.
Apple's renewed effort to reach Indian customers directly through physical and online stores could help capture a bigger chunk of a massive market.
Photo courtesy of Apple.


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Thousands of runners are expected to sign up for the inaugural Scottish Half Marathon which is set to take place on Saturday September 6, 2014. It will be an impressive addition to an unforgettable year of sport for Scotland.
McColgan, who once held the world record for the half marathon, said the Scottish Half Marathon promises to offer one of the fastest races in the UK and showcase the amazing East Lothian scenery, including the golf coast which offers some of the finest courses in the country.
Runners are expected to raise thousands of pounds for charity at the event which has Cancer Research UK as its Official Charity.
Entries open at noon on Monday 9 September, 2013, for the Scottish Half Marathon which will take place on Saturday 6 September, 2014, at 11am. An early bird
discounted entry price is available until midnight on September 30, 2013.


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The very first Lumia phone without Nokia branding will be now available for sale in India. The company has shipped nearly 500k units of Lumia 535 to the country. Besides the exciting new features, device is offered at a great price, what’s amazing about this new phone is that it doesn’t have any Nokia branding, Microsoft finally shaved off the name of the company in the acquisition.
The handset was globally launched in last November, which costs £100 in Europe, while its cost is around $145 in the US. Microsoft Corp. announced the price for the device in India of Rs. 9,199, after one month of the global launch.
As TeCake earlier reported, the smartphone is mechanized with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 clocked at the 1.2 GHz, coupled with 1 GB of RAM. The device comes with 8 GB of internal storage, expandable up to 128 GB by via MicroSD card. The company has packed the phone with 1905 mAh BL-L4A battery, which can juice up the phone to play music for almost 78 hours and can allow you to do Wi-Fi surfing for nearly 8.5 hours, after getting it fully charged.
“The new products, we are going to introduce this year, will have their own USPs,” at the venue of announcement, Ajay Mehta, Managing Director of Microsoft Devices says. ”Our role is to commercialize the Microsoft applications and services experiences to consumers and sustain the phones business.”
“Microsoft will not launch Asha series or X series smartphones anymore. The company will now look at the designing of new feature phones for Indian consumers,” he concluded the statement.
However, he did not mention about the leaks that were found, claiming the production of Microsoft Lumia 940. According to these leaks, the device will run on Windows Phone 10, which is yet to be unveiled officially.
Microsoft Corp. is going to roll out official Windows Phone 10 update for all Lumia smartphones. According to Satya Nadela, CEO of the company, the company is going to unify all of its operating systems under a single banner. Laptops, tablets, hybrids and desktops will share the same source as that one for phones. It may be assumed that the update to Windows Phone 10 will be provided, in Q2 2015.
- 5 inches, IPS Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display
- Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 processor
- 1 GB RAM; 8 GB internal storage
- Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1
- 5 MP Primary and 5 MP of front facing camera


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Tesla Inc. has reached a preliminary agreement with the Shanghai government to build a factory that’ll rival production from its lone U.S. assembly plant, as Elon Musk takes his biggest step yet to expand overseas.
Construction will begin soon, after securing needed permits, and it will produce 500,000 electric vehicles a year for Chinese consumers in two to three years, the company said in a statement. While Musk, 47, said more than two years ago that he expected Tesla would produce that many vehicles a year from its lone car plant in California by 2018, the company is well off that pace because of slower-than-expected output of the Model 3 sedan.
The memorandum of understanding is a major development in a more than yearlong effort by Tesla to open China’s first production facility to be wholly owned by a foreign carmaker. Work toward getting the factory built has gained urgency as Donald Trump engages in a trade war that’s ensnared imports of the company’s vehicles into China. Tesla follows Harley-Davidson Inc. in charting plans to expand outside the U.S. to circumvent tariffs that have surfaced amid the U.S. president’s escalating trade disputes.
Tesla shares rose as much as 2.9 percent Tuesday in New York. The stock is up 3.7 percent this year.
The youngest publicly held U.S. automaker is looking to expand its capacity and more efficiently reach global markets. Tesla’s lone car-assembly plant is in Fremont, California, where it’s built about 88,000 cars through the first half of this year, and it has a giant battery factory in neighboring Nevada. After moving ahead in China, the world’s largest market for electric vehicles, Tesla has said it will reveal plans toward the end of 2018 to build a plant in Europe.
Tesla said a year ago it was working with the Shanghai government to explore local manufacturing. Since then, production in China has become even more crucial: Last week, in response to tariffs imposed by the U.S., China increased the import duty on U.S.-made cars to 40 percent, prompting Tesla to raise prices. A plant in China also reduces shipping costs and potentially makes sourcing components more economical.
The company has boosted prices of Model S sedans and Model X crossovers in China by as much as $30,000 after Beijing imposed additional duties on American-built autos, putting its vehicles beyond the reach of more consumers in its No. 2 market globally.
In November, Musk said Tesla is about three years away from starting production in the world’s largest auto market. At the time, he suggested the plant would supply China and potentially other parts of Asia with a couple hundred thousand vehicles a year — less than half the new projection. Tesla probably will make the smaller Model 3 sedan and upcoming Model Y crossover in China, he said then, rather than the pricier Model S sedan or Model X sport utility vehicles, which often sell for more than $100,000 in the U.S.
China presents a massive growth opportunity for Tesla and rivals such as BMW AG and Daimler AG, which are seeking to take advantage of a massive and fast-growing market for new-energy vehicles. That category, which includes battery-powered, plug-in hybrid and fuel-cell automobiles, reached 777,000 units last year and could surpass 1 million this year, according to estimates by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. The government’s target is 7 million vehicles a year by 2025.
Tesla sold 14,779 vehicles in China last year, according to data from LMC Automotive. That gave it about 3 percent of the nation’s battery-powered electric-vehicle market, placing it as the No. 10 brand in that segment. China accounted for 17 percent of Tesla’s 2017 revenue, according a filing with U.S. regulators.
“Tesla is deeply committed to the Chinese market, and we look forward to building even more cars for our customers here,” the company said in a statement.
Ramping up manufacturing is critical to the carmaker being able to sustain itself financially while pursuing Musk’s mission to transition the world to battery-powered transportation. Tesla produced 5,031 Model 3s in the last week of the second quarter in its Fremont plant, meeting a target that Musk had said was crucial to generating cash and earning profit. Building from that run rate, Musk projected that the company wouldn’t need to raise more money.
The Shanghai government’s statement didn’t give any details on how much Tesla will spend on the China plant. The company had $2.7 billion in cash at the end of the first quarter.
A Goldman Sachs analyst estimated in May that Tesla may need to tap capital markets for more than $10 billion by 2020 to fund its auto-making operations, new products and its expected expansion into China. It’s turned to one of China’s tech giants before to raise money, with Tencent Holdings Ltd. spending $1.8 billion to buy a 5 percent stake in March 2017.


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Malaysian influencer draws in the crowd at China expo
NANNING: Surrounded by three ring lights, two smartphones and a number of electronic gadgets, Kalina Wong could hardly be missed by visitors to the 17th China-Asean Expo here.
The Malaysian businesswoman and social media influencer moved her “studio” to the exhibition hall, promoting her food products at the Indonesia section of the Asean Pavilion.……
SE Asia Entertainment Malaysia
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Handmade wreaths for Mother’s Day? This Knoxville company is delivering during pandemic
Amelia Ketring has three to four days off to herself when she isn’t working one of her shifts as a neonatal intensive care nurse at UT Medical Center.
“I’m very much a doer; I grew up loving all kinds of art,” said Ketring. “I took any kind of art class – film, photography or painting. I love to draw and took up watercolor painting, and I’ve always made wreaths for gifts.”
Ketring especially likes to give wreaths as one-of-a-kind wedding gifts. “It’s something handmade that they can enjoy as something made just for them," she said. “One day my husband said, ‘Why don’t you spread the love and sell them, while using them as a creative outlet?’”
On New Year’s Day, Ketring launched Rose and Vine Wreath Co. and instantly sold four wreaths from her online shop (https://www.facebook.com/roseandvinewreathco). “I also sell a lot of custom wreaths,” she said. “People paint their front door and ask me to make a wreath that is complementary.
“I think everybody is doing projects right now,” she said. “A lot of people can’t go anywhere and are looking to revamp their outdoor space. What better way to complete that, than with a new wreath on your door?”
Right now, Ketring is busy crafting Mother’s Day wreaths. “If you aren’t seeing your Mom right now, I can do porch drop-off,” she said. “You can also order from my Etsy shop and get it shipped directly to your mom with a message.”
When it comes to custom orders, Ketring said lamb’s ear and peonies regularly feature in her wreaths. “Lamb’s ear is kind of a muted green gray color and really textured; it goes nicely with the farmhouse colors that are popular right now.
“When I can, I love walking around craft stores," she said. “I’m in heaven. I pick things out, make a visual wreath in my head, then take them home and bring it to life.”
The name Rose and Vine Wreath Co. evokes fond memories. “My grandmother was Betty Rose, and she died this past December," Ketring said. “She taught me everything about being creative. We would sit out on her back deck and she would paint birds; she taught me how to sew and we worked in the garden. So I decided on ‘Rose,’ and ‘Vine’ just followed.”
In addition to taking orders through the Rose and Vine Wreath Co. Instagram and Facebook pages, Ketring accepts inquiries through email@example.com. “In my Etsy shop, all of my prices are inclusive of shipping. With local orders, I can do porch drop-off for free,” she said.
Most of Ketring’s sales are through word of mouth, people posting photos of the Rose and Vine wreaths on their front door and local people who have seen her wreaths on social media.
Unless a wreath order is particularly complex, all wreaths are the standard 18-inch wreath size and cost $45.
After Mother’s Day, Ketring is going to release a new summer collection perhaps with brighter colors. “It is often a season that gets overlooked,” she said. “You often take down Easter and leave up spring.”


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It would be useful for China's big tech firms to toe the party line. But the once mutually-beneficial relationship between these companies and the government is becoming increasingly strained.
Tech companies' use of dual-class share structures to keep control in the hands of founders and other insiders gives a handful of people power over enormous swaths of American life.
From pandemic stimulus to China relations, it will soon become clear that there is a new broom in town.
It's not only Alibaba and Ant Group that are feeling the heat.
Car makers need access to the latest telecoms technology, but Nokia refuses to grant licenses because manufacturers won't pay up. So the disputes begin...
Mark Zuckerberg's recent meetings with US lawmakers suggests his company is worried about the growing number of investigations, regulations and fines it faces.
Advocates and opponents of breaking up Facebook, Google and other technology giants are falling prey to some serious misconceptions.
US lawmakers and regulators are beginning to investigate big tech's growing power, but they need to look beyond size and into their very natures.


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‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ Spin-Off ‘The Bad Batch’ Greenlit at Disney+July 16, 2020
The popular animated sci-fi action drama Star Wars: The Clone Wars has ended but characters introduced in that animated series will be the focus of a new series just ordered up at Disney+. Lucasfilm and Disney+ officially announced Star Wars: The Bad Batch will be coming to Disney+ next year. Dave Filoni (The Mandalorian, Star […]
The post ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ Spin-Off ‘The Bad Batch’ Greenlit at Disney+ appeared first on ShowbizJunkies.


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Americans struggle to regain their wealth
AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON – Americans’ long journey to regain the wealth they lost in the recession is stalled.
Households failed even to run in place during the April-June quarter as sinking stock prices eroded wealth. Stocks have since recovered about two-thirds of those losses. But based on last quarter’s data, household net worth would have to surge 23 percent to reach its pre-recession peak.
Net worth – the value of assets like homes and investments, minus debts like mortgages and credit cards – fell 2.7 percent last quarter, or $1.5 trillion, the Federal Reserve said Friday. It now stands at $53.5 trillion.
That’s above the bottom hit during the recession, $48.8 trillion in the first quarter of 2009. But it’s far below the pre-recession peak in wealth of $65.8 trillion.
The drop from April to June was the first quarterly decline in Americans’ wealth since early 2009. Before then, net worth had risen slowly for four straight quarters.
Economists generally think household wealth has ticked up in the July-to-September quarter so far, because of higher stock prices. Yet given last quarter’s setback and expectations of scant gains ahead, some economists have pushed back their forecast for when Americans will regain all their lost wealth: Not until the middle of this decade.
Their stagnant wealth will likely keep Americans from spending freely – and the struggling economy from picking up strength. Consumers tend to spend according to how wealthy they feel. And their spending accounts for about 70 percent of the economy. In the meantime, people are saving more and paring debt, Friday’s data showed.
The decline in net worth from April to June amounted to an average drop of $12,941 per household. Average household wealth now amounts to $455,173. That’s up from $415,185 during the recession. But it’s down from a peak of $563,438 in 2007.
One reason why economists foresee only slight gains in wealth is they expect real-estate values to stay weak. Residential real-estate accounts for 32 percent of net worth; individual stocks make up 13 percent. The balance includes retirement accounts, taxable mutual funds, bank accounts, bonds and possessions such as cars and jewelry.
During the recession, sinking home equity and stock prices made shoppers skittish. More than a year after the recession is thought to have ended, the housing and stock markets remain fragile. That’s why most Americans aren’t spending as much as they typically do after recessions.
Consumer spending grew at an annual rate of just 2 percent last quarter, about the same pace as in the first three months of this year. Most economists think Americans will spend at about the same pace, or only slightly better, in the current quarter.
By contrast, after the 1981-82 recession, consumer spending averaged a robust 6.5 percent pace during 1983.
“Consumer spending is going to show only stunted growth this year because the wherewithal to spend – jobs, income, wealth – are only inching higher,” said Ken Mayland, president of ClearView Economics.
Another reason shoppers are unlikely to ramp up their spending: Their faith in the economy is sagging. Consumer confidence dropped in September, according to the University of Michigan/Reuters’ consumer sentiment index released Friday.
Overall household debt dipped to $13.45 trillion from April to June. That’s a 3.2 percent decline from a peak in early 2008. People, on average, are carrying around $43,000 in debt – from mortgages and credit cards to auto loans and home equity lines.
People who defaulted on mortgages and other loans accounted for some of the decline in debt. But many other households have been paying down debts and are reluctant to take on new loans, analysts said.
The decline in net worth underscores how much household wealth depends on stock values. About a fifth of household financial assets are in stock-market holdings. And the value of those holdings fell 12 percent in the April-June period compared with the first three months of the year.


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The strike continues and no results have been reported by the Unions. Negotiations will continue in the afternoon on the 12th of March. The strike started on the 4th of March.
The prolonged strike situation will cause remarkable consequencies for the overseas transports. The shipping lines have stopped all of the containers to the first continent port on their way to Finland. They will be charging the container demurrage costs and possible field rents from the freight payers.


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Prime Matter and Nightdive Studios have officially confirmed that System Shock Remake PC Edition has been delayed.
It has been confirmed by the publisher that the PC edition of System Shock Remake, the fully-fledged remake of the original from 1994 will now launch on May 30, 2023. They admitted that they wanted to release the game to the market by the end of March 2023, but it was beyond their reach.
According to the new announcement, the System Shock Remake will combine the cult gameplay of the iconic original game with all-new HD visuals, updated controls, overhauled interface, and new sounds and music. It will have new enemies that were not in the original game, have tweaks to its quality of life gameplay, and a revamped hacking system and visceral new combat options that feature a brutal dismemberment system.
Players will have to use a combination of stealth, cunning, and futuristic weaponry to make their way through Citadel Station’s new areas. There will be traps, puzzles, and secrets to discover.
The PC edition of System Shock Remake is currently available to preorder via Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store. It will include a free copy of the upcoming System Shock 2 Enhanced Edition for all early buyers. Console editions will be released at a later time.
Source: Press Release


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Windstar Cruises just announced its first-ever “President’s Mystery Cruise” set to depart on April 19, 2025.
The eight-day voyage is aimed at Windstar Yacht Club members (the line’s valued repeat guests) and their friends and will depart from and return to Athens. The rest of the port calls on the itinerary will remain a mystery to guests onboard Windstar’s 312-passenger, all-suite Star Legend.
The unannounced destinations will be kept a secret from guests until 24 hours ahead of arrival at each port. Once the exact locations are revealed, Windstar guests will be able to choose from a variety of different shore excursions at the destination.
So where will the Star Legend be docking? Windstar says travellers can expect lots of new, thrilling, and exciting experiences during this voyage.
“It’s going to be a lot of places—the majority of them, if not all of them—we haven’t been before,” said Windstar’s president Christopher Prelog.
For more details, visit www.windstarcruises.com.


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Drechsel Business Interiors, a Toronto-based workplace furnishings dealer, has announced that Tova Drechsel has been named company president, effective immediately. Tova Drechsel succeeds company founder Fred Drechsel, who has stepped down from his role.
Drechsel Business Interiors represents internationally-recognized furniture design and manufacturing company Knoll, along with more than 100 other vendors.
“The Drechsel team is excited by the opportunities that lie ahead for the company to grow our business in this dynamic market, offering the right products, and the expertise required,” said Ms. Drechsel, in a press release. “We thank Fred, as a co-founder of the company, for his leadership since 1991. Through this planned transition, we are reaffirming our commitment to our customers and to delivering outstanding service. I look forward to working with the architecture and design community, our team here at Drechsel and our partners at Knoll, to create inspiring, productive work spaces for our customers.”
“The strong partnership between Knoll and Drechsel represents our shared perspective on research, workplace planning and project management,” added Susan Somers, vice president, Canada, at Knoll. “Together, we look forward to leveraging the Knoll global product platform in the Toronto market.”
Drechsel also announced it has appointed Christopher W. White as its new vice president, operations. In this role, White will lead the company’s project management, warehousing and installation operations.


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The cocoa, chocolate and speciality oils and fats supplier recently expanded its range of cocoa butter equivalents CBEs with the launch of Chocovit Extra.
Rinus Heemskerk, technical director of ADM Cocoa International told ConfectioneryNews.com that this is the first time the company has offered these “custom-formulated blends” to the industry.
Chocovit Extra consists of ADM’s deZaan cocoa butters and its Chocovit Plus CBEs, which can be used in blends up to the allowed 5 per cent level.
The director explained that although cocoa butter equivalents (CBEs) offer “clear cost benefits” to manufacturers, the complexity of blending the correct ratios of CBEs and cocoa butter can discourage some from using these butter alternatives.
Heemskerk claims that ADM’s new blend will cut costs as confectionery producers won’t have to invest in extra processing equipment.
“There is no need for the storage, pumping, mixing and weighing equipment necessary when using separate ingredients,” he said.
Rise in CBE demand
CBEs are fats with a similar composition and melting profile as cocoa butter and are usually prepared by blending palm oil fractions and stearate-rich tropical butters.
The fats are used to reduce the ingredient costs of chocolate formulations for use in applications such as fillings, coatings and chocolate shells.
The director said that demand for CBEs has grown steadily over the years and he anticipated that the “convenience” of Chocovit Extra would boost this trend further.
Heemskerk said that some CBE blends can also influence such factors as crystallisation speed, hardness, sensitivity to touch, bloom resistance and mould release/shrinkage.
“Depending on the customer’s formulation, ADM is capable of customising these characteristics to fit the product,” he said.
The product is currently available worldwide, with the primary focus for sales in Continental Europe and the UK.


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Scott Humphrey, Chief Executive Officer, World Floor Covering Association, announced that the U.S. Senate passed the Marketplace Fairness Act late in the afternoon on Monday, May 6, 2013. WFCA members reached out to their respective Senators for weeks prior to passage, reminding them of how important the bill would be in restoring fairness and leveling the playing field for retailers nationwide. The ensuing legislative victory was a 69-to-29-vote landslide with broad bipartisan support.
The Marketplace Fairness Act addresses a critical loophole that allowed out-of-state Internet and mail order companies to avoid collecting and remitting state and local sales taxes that local brick and mortar stores always have been obliged to collect. Over time, storefronts found their businesses profoundly affected by this imbalance. Multitudes of consumers across the country used brick and mortar locations to narrow their flooring choices, then took their business to virtual companies and catalog sellers who claimed their prices were lower in part because they did not collect sales taxes.
The Marketplace Fairness Act does not create a new tax. Rather, a state sales tax is owed by consumers for goods they purchase regardless of whether the purchase is made online, from a catalog, or in a retail store. Brick and mortar stores have been collecting these taxes on behalf of the state in which they reside since the 1800’s. The Marketplace Fairness Act requires Internet sellers to compete fairly with brick and mortar stores. The new legislation allows states to require Internet and mail order retailers to collect and remit sales taxes for goods sold to consumers in the state.
“There was no question on Monday afternoon that WFCA members played a vital role in passing this initial measure,” said Humphrey. “WFCA members responded to a call-to-action to contact their Senators, ensure they understood the importance of the Act to traditional brick and mortar stores, the backbone of America’s economy, and request their support for the measure. There is no doubt that WFCA members’ response impressed the Senate staff and provided an important and loud voice that will be respected in the future. The bill will now go to the House of Representatives where WFCA members will again work to ensure that this important legislation becomes law.”


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The past year proved to be the ultimate litmus test for fashion’s diversity commitments. Sweeping pledges to create a more inclusive and equitable landscape for Black talent after George Floyd’s murder as well as fashion’s activism in areas such as LGBTQ-and-abortion rights all came to a head in 2023.
At Lululemon, a year-long BoF investigation revealed that a diversity and inclusion department set up in 2020 had a dual role in supporting employees and protecting the company’s image: 14 former and current employee accounts depicted a culture that was overwhelmingly unwelcoming of Black employees and where work conditions only deteriorated since 2020.
The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn affirmative action in June emboldened conservative politicians and right-wing extremist groups who called for penalties on companies that they believe go too far in their diversity efforts. Target learned its own tough lesson when it caved to anti-trans activists and removed some of its Pride Month merchandise — alienating groups on both sides.
Fashion leaders scrambled to wrap their arms around the rising threat and promise of AI (most notably ChatGPT) as staffers in areas like marketing, merchandising, design and content creation reckoned with the potential vulnerability of their jobs.
A protracted labour shortage meant retailers of all tiers struggled to staff their stores — some opened entire schools and other sponsored college programmes in hopes of getting a leg up; luxury brands poached from their mass retail counterparts as they moved into less prominent fashion cities like Nashville, Tenn. and Columbus, Ohio.
A wave of M&A — from Coach parent Tapestry’s August buyout of Versace and Michael Kors owner Capri Holdings for $8.5 billion to Kering’s purchase of the fragrance house Creed — yielded new cultural learnings for HR execs and fashion CEOs.
At Lululemon, Being Black Is ‘Off-Brand’: In 2020, like many companies, the $50 billion yoga apparel brand created a new department to improve internal diversity and inclusion, and to create a more equitable playing field for minorities. In interviews with BoF, 14 current and former employees said things only got worse.
The Fashion Jobs Most Vulnerable to AI: The next phase of artificial intelligence promises to change – and potentially eliminate – jobs that were unaffected by previous waves of automation.
Why Fashion Should Recruit From Outside the Industry: Brands and retailers are increasingly looking to other sectors to fill their upper ranks and tackle thorny problems.
Why Luxury Brands Are Poaching Store Employees from Mass Retail: As high-end brands increasingly venture outside the tony streets of cities like Los Angeles and New York, their recruiting tactics, too, are taking a new direction.
Why Retailers Still Can’t Solve Their Hiring Problem: From wage hikes to tuition assistance, fashion firms say they’re pulling out all the stops to make store associate roles more appealing. More often than not, their efforts are falling flat.
Can the Fifteen Percent Pledge Get Past the Number?: As the climate around diversity initiatives shifts, the nonprofit is adapting its messaging to emphasise the need for long-term, structural changes over quick fixes.
The BoF Podcast | Allbirds’ Tim Brown on Learning to Lead With Resilience: The co-founder and chief innovation officer of the Nasdaq-listed sneaker brand reflects on how his time as a professional footballer prepared him to lead a business through the highs and the lows.