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Here they are – the high-flying local enterprises shortlisted in the Local Business Accelerators campaign.
Supported by the Government and the Business in You campaign, the scheme will reward winning businesses with a free ad campaign in the News and mentoring from local business leaders.
And after national heats, one winner will take home the overall prize of mentoring from Deborah Meaden, of Dragons’ Den fame, as well as a clutch of other prizes including a year’s free membership of the CBI, and free advice from the Institute of Chartered Accountants.
The eight businesses shortlisted for the Cambridge area are:
:: Applied Business Computers: Owner Kathy Craze launched the company, based in Great Gransden, five years ago, and it currently has an annual turnover of between £500,000 and £1 million. Big successes include selling software to two large companies, and if it wins, Kathy says the free advertising will “spread the news of what we do, and how we can help local business grow.”
:: Cambridge Dutch Bikes: Run from Hope Street Yard in Cambridge, the firm is just over three years old, and provides bikes for parents doing the school run. Hugh Salt, owner of the business, said: “Our bikes offer a unique solution, and the feedback from customers is always very positive. The benefits to health, and relieving congestion, are obvious.”
:: Cambridge Fitness Equipment Services: Specialising in sales, repair and hire of fitness equipment, Jamie Roberts’ company has secured contracts with gyms, schools, and hotels. The Cambourne-based business was launched in August 2010, and Jamie says he is keen to advertise that it has now expanded into the hire trade.
:: Cambridge Van Man: Jonathan Lamming started trading in October 2009 from a base in Lovell Road, and despite the recession, he has achieved year-on-year growth. He says: “The advertising would help to bring a much better awareness of our brand. I look forward to surviving the recession and seeing how well we can really do.”
:: StuStu: The business got going just over a year ago, and provides an online marketplace for students to buy and sell items to each other. Founder Cedric Deur says: “It started as an idea while I was studying at university. In my bedroom I set up the website. This is an exciting and promising time for my business.”
:: The Sea Tree: David Farrell, boss of the wet fish cum fish and chip shop in Mill Road believes free advertising is just the boost his business needs. He says: “Although we have been open three years, there are still a significant number coming into the shop who have stumbled across us. We are now looking to expand with either a second shop or a mobile operation.”
:: Urban Larder: Polly Plouviez’s food business began in tiny premises off Cambridge’s Mill Road, and has now relocated to the main street. She says: “I was being asked for food products which were predominantly gluten-free, and I realised this was a growing area which was greatly in demand.”
:: Whey Forward: The company produces a health food called Vitality Whey, and has already won an enterprise competition with £18,000 in start-up capital as a prize. Owner Joe Faulkner- Edwards says the company hopes to use successful sales in Cambridge as a “test-bed prior to a national roll-out”.
The shortlisted companies were invited to the News’ offices at Milton today to meet potential mentors and have a tour.
Judging will take place next week to choose three winners, who will be announced in the News early in February.


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General Motors has recalled more than 500,000 Chevrolet Camaros due to an ignition-switch safety hazard.
Camaro models produced from 2010 to 2014 are potentially affected by the problem and the total figure for the recalled cars across North America is 511,528 with just over 460,000 of those being in the United States.
The ignition-switch problem is the same which has affected numerous other General Motors cars including the Chevrolet Cobalt and Saturn. The problems can occur if the driver’s knee bumps the key fob causing it to move out of the run position. This means a potential loss of power can result.
To fix the problem, Chevrolet will switch the Camaro’s key to a more conventional design which will prevent it from moving out of position if bumped.

domain: news


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The risk of diabetes among children in low-income families has been well established by numerous researchers.
In 2008 in Texas, 1,402 children 8 to 10 years old from low-income families were found with diets of high energy-dense and low-nutrient dense foods with high levels of diabetes risk according to researchers at the University of Texas at San Antonio and Texas A&M University reports new sources.
An extensive long term study was released by Statistics Canada in August this year. The study tracked more than 17,000 people for 15 years and found that Type-2 diabetes is significantly more likely to develop in poorer households.
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, low-income Americans experience disproportionately higher rates of diseases in general.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine reported in the conclusion of one study that “Low-income adolescents consuming high-sugar diets are at increased risk for delivering lower birth weight and SGA infants.”
Last week the U.S. Department of agriculture released data that shows 17 percent of Americans, more than 50 million people live in households that are termed “food insecure”. This means that the family sometimes runs out of money to buy food, or runs out of food before they get more money to buy food.
Newsweek reported last week “the food insecure often eat what they can: highly caloric, mass-produced foods like pizza and packaged cakes that fill them up quickly”. The fact is that lower-income families choose sugary, fat and processed foods because they are cheaper.
A study in Seattle-area supermarkets from 2004 to 2008 showed that food prices on the most nutritious foods rose at nearly double the rate of foods such as white sugar, candy, jelly beans and soda.
These studies, many of which were funded by government agencies, are in stark contrast to the conflicting messages and actions that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is delivering to the American consumer.
USDA Subsidizes Soda and Junk Food Sales
In 2004 the Agriculture Department denied a request by Minnesota to prevent the food stamp program from being used to buy junk food such as candy, soda and other junk foods that are directly linked to the rising rates of obesity and diabetes.
The USDA responded with a strongly worded response saying the change would violate the Food Stamp Act’s definition of what is food according to The L.A. Times.
However the USDA’s own food stamp program already limits what types of products can be purchased.
The USDA is effectively subsidizing the purchase of foods that are linked to increased rates of diabetes and other diseases.
Last month New York City and New York state have submitted a similar request in an attempt to improve the health of NYC’s 1.7 million food stamp users.
They have asked the USDA for permission to prohibit food stamps from being used to purchase soda and other sugared drinks in an effort to curb the growing number of their low-income citizens that are faced with significantly higher rates of obesity and diabetes.
Statistics released last month by the city showed that nearly 40 percent of grade school children were overweight or obese and that rates of obesity are substantially higher in poor areas. Other city studies show that consumption of sugared beverages are consistently higher in those low-income neighborhoods reports The New York Times.
New York earlier this year attempted to persuade the State Legislature to introduce a soda and junk food tax as they aggressively campaign against sugar laden drinks that the city health officials blame for the rising trend of diabetes which now affects 1 in 8 New Yorkers and it twice as common in poor New Yorkers than among the wealthier ones.
USDA encourages, helps develop high-fat fast-food menu items for large corporations then spends millions subsidizing marketing of the items
The USDA is also responsible through it’s own Dairy Management organization for helping to increase Americans consumption of fast-food laden with additional sources of saturated fat and high levels of salt. This organizational arm of the USDA teamed up with Dominos pizza to develop a new line of pizzas with 40 percent more cheese and created and paid for a $12 million dollar marketing plan to help sell the extra heart disease causing fat to the American public.
Inconceivably a brochure published by the USDA’s MyPyramid.gov offers the following advice, “Make your pizza a veggie with toppings like mushrooms, peppers and onions. Ask for whole-wheat crust and half the cheese.”
Documents recently released show that USDA’s own Dairy Management Inc. has formed long-term partnerships and given tax payer resources to fast-food giants Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Wendy’s helping to develop new high-fat menu items as early as 1999.
To add insult to injury they also used government attorney’s to defend a marketing strategy promoting the notion that people could lose weight by eating more dairy products which has been challenged at completely false. Dairy Management Inc. said the “USDA reviewed, approved, and continuously oversaw” the effort.


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America's 50 richest families saw their wealth increase 10 times faster than the average US family during the pandemic
The 50 richest US families are worth $1.2 trillion. The 65 million families in the bottom half of US households are worth $2.5 trillion.
Mars Wrigley warehouse workers say they're getting yelled at for washing their hands and wiping down equipment amid an $8 billion boom for candy this Halloween
Halloween candy sales are up 25% this year, but workers at a distribution center for Snickers, M&M's, and Twix say their job hasn't been so sweet.
Mars chairman Stephen Badger explains why the $38 billion firm is ditching its secretive past and why it is "100% committed to staying private."


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NVIDIA Joins Panasonic Nationwide Road Trip to Showcase 3D Games, Video, and Photos Running on Next Generation Full HD 3D TVs
SANTA CLARA, California-March 15, 2010-NVIDIA today announced NVIDIA® 3DTV Play, its latest software solution that allows consumers to connect their GeForce® GPU-powered desktop or notebook computer to new 3D TVs, for the ultimate in big screen 3D gaming action. For the launch of 3DTV Play, NVIDIA is teaming up with Panasonic on its coast-to-coast 2010 "Panasonic Touch the Future Tour," where consumers can test drive 3DTV Play-based PCs running on the new Panasonic® VIERA® Full HD 3D TVs, that just launched this month.
3DTV Play software lets you connect any compatible NVIDIA GeForce GPU-powered PC or notebook to 3D TVs for the ultimate, high-definition, big-screen, 3D entertainment experience. By leveraging the processing power of NVIDIA GeForce GPUs, 3DTV Play software delivers the best the PC has to offer: play hundreds of standard PC games in stunning 3D environments such as World of Warcraft - Wrath of the Lich King, Battlefield Bad Company 2, and James Cameron's Avatar™: The Game. You can also watch upcoming Blu-ray 3D™ Hollywood blockbusters, view digital 3D photographs, and even watch streaming 3D movies for the ultimate viewing party. The active-shutter glasses bundled with each VIERA full HD 3D TV sold work seamlessly with NVIDIA GPUs and off-the-shelf PC gaming titles and other 3D entertainment content.
Facts about NVIDIA 3DTV Play:
• Can be run on GeForce GPU-based desktop or notebook PCs equipped with an HDMI or DVI connector
• Full support for all HDMI 1.4-compatible 3D TVs, including Panasonic VIERA Plasma full HD 3D TVs
? Enables 1080p24, 720p60, and 720p50 3D formats
• Advanced NVIDIA software and graphics drivers automatically convert more than 400 games to stereoscopic 3D in real time, without the need for special patches.
• Enjoy full HD Blu-ray 3D playback with real-time GPU accelerated decoding and playback on GeForce GPUsi
• Watch streaming 3D movies
• View 3D photographs directly on the 3D TV
• NVIDIA 3DTV Play software will be available later this spring and sold separately with an anticipated U.S. MSRP of $39.99. It will also be available for free for current NVIDIA 3D Vision™ customers.
"NVIDIA is a premier choice for gamers, and 3D Vision TV delivers an easy way for them to game on the big screen, for the ultimate, immersive experience," said Bob Perry, Senior Vice President, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "We're pleased that NVIDIA shares our commitment to providing awesome technology to savvy consumers, and we are happy to offer NVIDIA the opportunity to highlight their 3D solution as part of our nationwide road show."
"NVIDIA is all about raising the bar of PC gaming, and gamers are going to love playing in 3D on one of the new Panasonic VIERA 50-inch full HD 3D TVs," said Phil Eisler, general manager of 3D Vision technology at NVIDIA. "This is truly one of those 'must experience to believe it' moments, and we are ecstatic that consumers will have the chance to try it for themselves on any of our 15 stops across the US."
About the Panasonic Touch the Future Tour
The 2010 Panasonic Touch the Future Tour will give consumers the chance to experience hands-on demos of exciting new Panasonic products, including its first full HD 3D home theater system. The tour will spend three days at popular venues in 15 national markets between March 15-April 17, and one lucky sweepstakes winner in each market will receive a complete Panasonic full HD 3D home theater system-featuring a Panasonic VIERA® 50" full HD 3D TV, a Panasonic 3D Blu-ray Disc player, and a pair of Panasonic 3D Eyewear. Visit www.panasonic.com/future for tour locations and details.
NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) awakened the world to the power of computer graphics when it invented the GPU in 1999. Since then, it has consistently set new standards in visual computing with breathtaking, interactive graphics available on devices ranging from tablets and portable media players to notebooks and workstations. NVIDIA's expertise in programmable GPUs has led to breakthroughs in parallel processing which make supercomputing inexpensive and widely accessible. The company holds more than 1,100 U.S. patents, including ones covering designs and insights which are fundamental to modern computing. For more information, see www.nvidia.com.
Last updated: Jul 27, 2022 at 03:53 am CDT
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AirAsia India has announced a partnership with hyperlocal cloud platform Sugarbox, to launch a first-of-its-kind in-flight experience hub, ‘AirFlix’. ‘AirFlix’ is available across the airline’s fleet. ‘AirFlix’ provides over 6,000 hours of high-resolution content, enabling access to 1,000+ International and Indian movies, short movies and 1,500+ web series episodes, enabling guests to stream buffer-free content from OTT apps, the airline said.
‘AirFlix’ is integrated and operates in sync with AirAsia India’s in-flight ancillary platform, enabling customers to browse the menu and place orders using their personal devices. ‘AirFlix’ also offers a host of customised options, including Games, Ed-tech content, News articles, Music, E-commerce, and much more, AirAsia noted.
Siddhartha Butalia, Chief Marketing Officer, AirAsia India, said that the airline is excited to introduce the ‘AirFlix’ experience hub for fliers and to partner with Sugarbox on their pioneering technology platform, offering a wider and more diverse range of captivating content and a literally elevated user experience. "We’re looking forward to leveraging the potential of this platform, introducing innovative features and technological integrations even beyond in-flight dining, entertainment, and shopping, and enabling personalised experiences that provide a distinct, differentiated flying experience in a hyper-competitive market," he said.
Rohit Paranjpe, Co-founder & CEO, Sugarbox, said that the company is delighted to partner with AirAsia India on their journey to revolutionise the flying experience with ‘AirFlix’. "This is a first of its kind initiative globally, where we are bringing the power of the Cloud to aircrafts, using Sugarbox’s patented Cloud Fragment technology. It enables ‘AirFlix’ to offer many firsts in the industry - access to OTT Apps, E-commerce, News, Podcasts and In-flight F&B ordering," Paranjpe said.
AirAsia (India) Private Limited is a subsidiary of Air India Limited and a part of the Tata group. AirAsia India commenced operations on June 12, 2014 and flies over 50 direct and 100 connecting routes across India.
Also read: With AirAsia in the bag, what is Air India's growth strategy for the future?
Also read: Akasa Air expands services to Vizag-Bengaluru route; adds Visakhapatnam as 10th destination
Copyright©2023 Living Media India Limited. For reprint rights: Syndications Today


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The cost of nearly everything at the grocery store continued to climb higher to push the annual inflation rate up in April.
The Canadian economy surged ahead in February as pandemic-related restrictions eased, fuelling expectations by economists that the Bank of Canada will opt for another oversized rate hike in June.
Air Canada more than tripled its revenues last quarter as demand for travel revved back up, though a net loss of nearly $1 billion signalled the pandemic recovery is far from complete.
Bank's latest Business Outlook Survey found that more than two-thirds of businesses anticipate inflation will be above three per cent, on average, over the next two years.
A new poll suggests Canadians are looking for ways to cut back on spending as their concerns about the cost of living rise alongside headline inflation rates.
A prominent Ottawa business expert is predicting a wave of bankruptcies in the coming months as Canada’s central bank raises its benchmark interest rate in a bid to put the brakes on inflation.
You could say RBC regional president Marjolaine Hudon really hammered the message home this morning when she delivered a persuasive speech on why more women than ever need to consider a career in the…
Ottawa-based e-commerce darling's reign ends amid recent stock slide.
Ottawa firm says it plans to boost its headcount from its current 400 to more than 500 over the next 12 months as it diversifies beyond its traditional core customer base.
Crestpoint Real Estate Investments and Crown Realty Partners purchased the 1.17-million-square-foot downtown property in a transaction that closed last week.


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Samsung Pay will soon support eligible credit and debit cards from TD Bank and Regions Bank, taking the total number of supporting banks and credit unions in the US to 130 — more than 75% of the country’s credit and debit card market. “Samsung Pay supports all major payment networks and many of the country’s major banks, and it continues to expand its partnership ecosystem,” Samsung says.
- Carrefour integrates its loyalty card with Apple Pay
- Afterpay lets US consumers pay by instalments with their NFC mobile phone
- Card networks begin global Click to Pay rollout
- Apple Pay to add support for QR mobile payments in iOS 14?
- Orange Bank introduces mobile-first debit card in Spain
This article is more than four years old


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Meet the Kids Who Take $2,000 Yearbook Photos
After prom and just before graduation comes the yearbook, the tome dedicated to students’ high school careers. The funny notes and inside jokes are important but what about the photos? For some children (and parents) the photos of their kids are so important money is no object, even when the cost of a professional photo shoot goes upwards of $1,000.
Inside Edition recently spoke to high school students and their parents who are pulling out all the stops to make sure their kids aren’t cringing in embarrassment when the yearbook goes on sale. Parents are now shelling out big money for professional hair and makeup, new outfits and photography sessions. One senior booked a photographer who charges between $600 and $2,200. Photographers agree most of their high school clients seeking yearbook photos tend to be girls who want to feel as glamorous as their favorite celebrities.
This sounds a little excessive. Parents can spend their money how they want, of course, but it seems like a slippery slope. In the age of YouTube stardom (yes, you, Justin Bieber), the hope exists that just by exposing yourself and acting as though you’re already famous can make dreams come true. Kids are cruel; looking good can help, but spending that kind of money on a photo session shows that looks are the most important. Not the clubs you loved being in, not the sports teams. Yearbooks are about memories, not hair extensions. And if you want to get all glammed up? Well, that’s what prom is for.


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OUCH J Obama with ice bag
. Right, straight after the basketball injury
He notes that an aging population is benefiting the company as it continues to excel as a leader in the manufacture and distribution of quality, cost-effective health care products, including water bottles, syringes, ice bags
and ice packs, electric and microwaveable heating pads, sports tapes, vinyl and cotton gloves, and baby care/nursery items.
Not an ice bag
...but a plastic bag filled with ice.
and a blue material device are wrapped around the star.
The following materials will be accepted at both drop-off locations: newspaper sleeves, bread bags, product wrap, cereal liners, food storage bags, ice bags
, pellet bags, produce bags, dry cleaning bags, plastic grocery bags, case overwrap, air pillows used in packaging and salt bags.
Five plastic ice bags
containing 500 grams of shabu were seized from the suspects.
The officers said that the smuggler hid the heroin in the secret portions of ice bags
. Moreover, a case has also been launched against the suspect.
Browse Medical Specialty Bags Market by Product Type (Anesthesia Breathing Bags, Bile Collection Bags, Blood Bags, Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Bags, Enema Bags, Enteral Feeding Bags, Intravenous Fluid/Infusion Bags, Ostomy Collection Bags, Single-Use Ostomy Bags, Multi-Use Ostomy Bags, Resuscitation Bags, Reusable Resuscitation Bags, Disposable Resuscitation Bags, Urinary Collection Bags, Ice Bags
, Cadaver Bags) and Forecast 2017-2021 at https://www.ihealthcareanalyst.com/report/medical-specialty-bags/
The Portugal star and FIFA player of the year was seen earlier this week walking away from practice with ice bags
on his knee.
His advice was cold packs and paracetamol, so began the days of cold ice bags
on the knee, staggering upstairs, wearing socks in bed because I could not take them off or put them back on, even with a long stick to help me.


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Info Edge opens Rs 100 cr venture fund
It is, however, yet unclear if the company will bring in external investors to back the fund along side it, or the stage in which it will invest in potential companies.
Naukri.com invests Rs 3 crore in ShoeKonnect
The funding will be deployed for strengthening its technology base to scale up operations and ex...
ET Startup Awards 2016: As a founder and investor, Meena Ganesh has created winner after winner
Meena Ganesh is nothing short of a role model...
How India's startups founders find work-life balance
Meet the founders of some of India's best-known startups who have managed to don all the hats their work requires while finding time for family and to unwind.
Biggest bank balance does not guarantee pole position: Anisha Singh
Began her career on Capitol hill with the Clinton administration, launched her first venture in the US to provide digital content to real estate firms in 2004.
Baidu in talks to buy majority stake in Mydala for $100 million
Baidu has expressed interest in acquiring majority interest in Mydala, India’s largest discount marketing firm, for as much as $100 million.
E-commerce firm Mydala aims 6-fold growth in transactions on its platform
The six year old firm offers discounted deals across categories like health and fitness, restaurants, and travel among others.
Mobile coupon firm Mydala eyes 50-million app downloads by 2016
In India, the telecom analytics market is expected to reach $5.4 billion by the end of 2019 and is currently growing at nearly 50% annually.
Budget 2015: Introduction of tax holidays to help digital companies grow, says IAMAI
The STPI scheme for IT companies offered 100 per cent tax deduction on profits. The exemption was discontinued after March 2011.
Global biggies eye stake in deal site Mydala
Mydala has held talks with Russian billionaire Yuri Milner's DST Global and Sweden's Kinnevik as it looks to raise $40 mn of fresh funds.
Delhi-based startup Mydala in talks to raise Rs 180 crore
Kinobeo Software, which runs Mydala, has so far raised Rs 28 crore primarily from owner Info Edge, which owns 47% stake in the firm.
Sites that help you save money while shopping online
Besides offering the convenience of ordering from home, e-commerce websites typically give better deals compared with retail stores.
Mydala to hire 150 people this fiscal
E-commerce firm MyDala has plans to hire over 150 sales people during the ongoing financial year to expand its partnership with merchants in the country.
Flash sale portals offer heavy discounts, what is the truth behind it
Call them flash sales, secret sales or private sales, they all mean one thing: deals that promise heavy discounts for a limited period of time.
Looking for good bargains? Go online as websites like snapdeal, taggle, sosasta, mydala offer up to 90% discount
There are 20-30 websites like snapdeal, taggle, sosasta, mydala, and so on, offering discounts on everything under the sun to customers.


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NCLH-Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, which operates the brands NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, announced that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine had forced it to alter itineraries and cancel sailings to ports in both countries.
The U.S. cruise company is looking for alternative ports around the Baltic region for the scheduled summer sailings. Nearly 5% of its total capacity, or ~50 sailings, anchor at the Russian port of Saint Petersburg over the summer.
A company spokesperson said in a statement they were currently working to confirm replacement ports and would advise all impacted passengers and travel advisors as soon as possible.
According to Chief Executive Officer Frank Del Rio, it was disappointing because St. Petersburg was one of the crown jewels of the Scandinavia itineraries. He added that certainly, there were alternatives.


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The new iPad will be available in the UK tomorrow, Friday 16 March. With people keen to get their hands on Apple's latest fashion accessory, businesses will face more demand to support another tablet with another operating system.
The third-generation iPad features a quad-core graphics chip and the Apple A5X processor to support high-definition video at 1080p. As previously reported during the US launch, the new tablet claims 10-hour battery life and is equipped with a five-megapixel digital camera.
Although it offers 4G, 4G services are not yet running in the UK. Orange is set to be the first UK operator to offer a 4G service later this year, but for the time being, users of the new iPad may not find 3.5G bandwidth sufficient to take full advantage of services such as HD video on the BBC iPlayer app.
The new iPad runs iOS 5.1, which offers apps such as iPhoto for simple image editing.
Analyst firm Gartner is advising CIOs to use tablets to drive what it calls "extreme collaboration". According to Gartner fellow Daryl Plummer, businesses should use devices such as the iPad for mobile videoconferencing, rather than insisting everyone attends onsite meetings.
Mobile operator Orange will offer the new iPad on a 25-month contract, with prices ranging from £199 (16GB version) to £349 (64GB version) for existing customers, or £249 to £399, respectively, for new customers.


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Microsoft?s iPod-smasher (stop laughing at the back), Zune, will play games by July 2008 according to new reports. This could make the Zune Microsoft's first actual?
entry into the hand-held gaming market. It?s now a DS/PSP-smasher (we said stop laughing, or you can leave). The introduction of strong games functionality could
prove vital in increasing Zune's sales performance.
Microsoft vice president of marketing and publishing Peter Moore confirmed the plan at CES yesterday. He told reporters that the Zune's large screen will offer a better way to play games. Then in an admission that will shake the foundations of? no one, he over-effused in a manner beloved of Steve Balmer: "I love the interface, I love the screen,'' he said over dinner at the show - omitting, of course, to say, ?I love my job!?.
What he didn't specify is what kind
of games the Zune, which is compatible with the 360, will play. It has yet to be confirmed whether the music player will enter the realms of "proper" gaming. Alternatively, it could serve as a platform for casual games.
Likewise, no mention has been given as to whether a more powerful Zune will be released to handle games graphically on a par with the PSP and DS. Microsoft's other option would be to update the current Zune with firmware.
The Zune has performed poorly so far, selling "hundreds of thousands" according to Microsoft?s President, Entertainment and Devices Division, Robbie Bach. Microsoft expects to sell one-million units by June 30th. Compared with iPod's estimated sales of 17-million in just the fourth quarter; and according to analysts Merrill Lynch this is a fairly poor showing. ?Of course we don?t count ?Project Origami? because it never happened.


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The handmade qualities are revealed in the details, like in the seam from the mould that runs down the centre of the vase.
Banana fibre is not only good for weaving baskets – it’s a sustainable choice since it’s what’s left after the banana harvest
I sent a sketch to Rangsutra in India and when I got the prototype back it had two different kinds of lines instead of the one that I had in mind. I think the final products look even better because of it.
By partnering up with these and many more social businesses, IKEA contributes to a more inclusive world – and by extension to more people getting a chance to shape their everyday life and their homes the way they want and dream of.
The upcoming HANTVERK collection launched in 14 selected countries on October 4th.


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Sales App based on local warehousing meets new virus regulations of Chinese governments.
HAMBURG – The Chinese government is losing its battle against the Omicron virus with the insistence of continuing the Zero-Case policy and using exclusively Chinese vaccines. With the Olympic Games and the Chinese New Year in sight, the Chinese authorities keep blaming imported viruses as the source of infections.
As a result, the Centre for Disease Control has asked the citizens not to buy products directly from foreign countries, as the parcels arriving could carry active viruses. If parcels arrive from abroad, they have to be opened outdoors, wearing protective cloth. Packaging has to be destroyed immediately. For international companies selling products cross-border online, this policy represents a serious threat to their business model.
An alternative which can clear this hurdle is the usage a specialized sales App with goods stored in a bonded warehouse in China to sell regional products. Chinese consumers can rest assured that the goods have been treated according to the government hygiene regulations and can be unpacked at leisure. O+MALL is one of such Apps, concentrating on products connected to the main travel destinations of Chinese outbound travelers which for the time being can only dream with the help of regional products about the destinations they visited in the past or plan to visit after the end of the pandemic.
China is the only major country still following the Zero-Case policy, even though many scientists and even the IMF have pointed out that a method, which successfully stopped any deaths from CoViD-19 in the last twelve months in China, is not working for the easily transmitted Omicron variation.
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Georg Arlt, CEO of COTRI: “It does not make much sense to lock the door of the hen house if the fox is already inside. Scientists outside of China agree that it is almost impossible that a virus can survive more than a few days at the surface of a parcel or frozen food. However, if the Chinese authorities restrict the direct import of goods from abroad in such a way, an alternative is needed.”
Tatiana is the news co-ordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes to monitor the hundrends of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skim the most important according to our strategy. She holds a Bachelor degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.


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Food delivery service provider in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Talabat is marking 15 years of success this year with its customers and partner restaurants. Launched in 2004, when online food ordering was non-existent in the GCC, Talabat has since then played a leading role in transforming the way people experience food.
“Today, we have customers who order as much as four times a day, highlighting that Talabat is not an occasional choice, but an integral part of their everyday lives. Looking back 15 years ago, consumer behaviour towards food-ordering was very different in terms of frequency and experience. Talabat has not only been pivotal in transforming food-ordering behaviour but at a more macro-level we created additional income streams for the F&B industry and we facilitated the rise of e-commerce by establishing consumer trust towards online services,” says Toon Gyssels, COO, Talabat.
Even though Talabat started as a marketplace platform, the big appetite for food-ordering has led Talabat to shape the last mile delivery experience and expand into new services such as cloud kitchens. This provides customers access to more food choices, especially in areas that are under-served and ensures an uncompromising customer experience with fast delivery times and order-tracking for full transparency.
Talabat is at the heart of the region’s delivery-led revolution, with a recent KPMG report on the UAE’s food and beverage market alone citing that 86% of F&B outlets in the country are listed on delivery apps, and 68% have recorded reasonable volumes of bookings and orders through these apps. In the UAE alone, Talabat has a network of over 7,000 restaurant branches across all the Emirates. These statistics demonstrate that online food-ordering and delivery has become an important cornerstone for both restaurants and consumers.
“Our in-depth insight into the region’s consumers is a result of being part of the local community for over 15 years. This has enabled us to truly understand our customers by being part of their everyday lives. Building on these insights, Talabat continues to innovate and deliver new services that will simplify our customers’ lives even further,” Gyssels adds.
According to a report by the United Nations, the fashion industry accountsFebruary 18, 2021 | By Shruthi Nair
The jewellery making industry has been under tremendous scrutiny over the yearsFebruary 11, 2021 | By Shruthi Nair
UAE-based Carrefour will become the first retailer in the region to offer new levels
The Organic Farmers’ Market is back in Bay Avenue for its 12th
UAE-based Lulu Group recently inaugurated its first-ever all-female staff store in Jeddah,
Jones the Grocer, the gourmet grocer and cheese retailer launches the Jones
UAE-based Al Maya Supermarkets is hosting a two-week food festival at select
Locally-owned supermarket Spinneys has launched its ‘Power of Plants’ initiative in the
Carrefour UAE has launched “Cookit Yourself” — a curated recipe box created
UAE-based Al Islami Foods, one of the largest frozen food companies in
Marks & Spencer’s plant-based range now offers over 25 vegan products including meat-free
World’s largest fully integrated online brand in fresh fish and meat e-commerce
Homegrown, organic and plant milk company, Koita has announced its expansion into
Dubai-based Thai street food and tea bar restaurant, Cafe Isan is launching
Sunset Hospitality Group is stepping into 2021 with optimism and a load
In a virtual webinar held to announce the launch of Noon Food,
Tighter restrictions on hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and entertainment venues on account of
Walid Hajj and Fahad Alhokair, have officially launched the region’s first hybrid,
Dubai announced the suspension of entertainment activities at restaurants and hotels last
All hotels and restaurants have been directed to temporarily hold entertainment activities
The new Dubai Gold Souk is “very much on track”, according to
Gone are the days of traditional brick-and-mortar as well as purely e-commerce
The Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group’s ongoing jewellery campaign, held in association
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)


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Across the board, we are seeing cruise bookings for 2021 up 9% - 15% over 2019 levels as people are anxious to escape home and live life again. Cruise lines are offering early booking savings on most cruises which further entices the home weary.
Contrary to several news articles, the U.S. Passport office is still accepting passport applications by mail. Late last month the Passport Office issued a statement which caused a lot of confusion.
Blog author. Former travel editor for Compete Magazine, awarded top 25 travel writing blog 2018 & 2019..


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On top of new features in the next version of SQL Server 2008 the most alluring attribute should be that the database's price will not change, according to Microsoft.
The news came from Ted Kummert, corporate vice president for the data and storage platform at Microsoft, and drew rousing applause from the about 2,000 SQL Server users gathered at their annual Professional Association for SQL Server (PASS) Summit.
The per-processor retail pricing of SQL Server 2005 is $24,999 (£12,250).
Kummert also laid out the foundational elements of SQL Server 2008, which is slated to ship between April and 30 June next year.
He used a series of demos to whip up excitement around SQL Server 2008 even as more than half of the database's users have yet to migrate to the 2005 version, which Microsoft considers the migration stepping stone to SQL Server 2008.
Last month Microsoft confirmed that SQL Server 2008 was on track to ship in the second quarter next year.


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French supermarkets are no longer allowed to throw away unsold food
Government takes action against wasting food in retail
Ambitious goals: The French government is aiming to reduce waste of food by 50 percent until 2025. This is why supermarkets are no longer allowed to just throw away unsold food. The retailers themselves are criticizing that a new law affects the wrong party.
In France – like in every other western nation – unsold food is often thrown away after just one day of being on sale in supermarkets, no matter whether you are talking about fresh vegetables or other groceries which have just passed their expiration date.
The measures, which the French national assembly has just recently decided on, are part of a legislative proposal by minister of environment Ségolène Royal, at the core of which is the energy transition. In 2012, the socialist government had already set itself the objective of reducing the food waste by 50 percent until 2025.
The proposal in its current form will only affect super- and hypermarkets with a sales area of more than 400 m². The retailers are required by law to engage in measures to reduce waste and to cooperate with aid organizations to donate the food. Alternatively, they can also give the food to producers of animal food or compost.
Retailers criticize the new law
French retail associations are criticizing the law and calling it unjustified. In their opinion, the whole proposal is aimed at the wrong party, since French retailers are only responsible for five percent of the food waste in the country, as Jacques Creyssel from the Fédération du Commerce et de la Distribution said in a recent statement. Moreover, a large number of French food retailers is already engaged in cooperations with aid organizations.
A model for Germany as well?
So it remains open as to how this law could also be an appropriate measure for Germany and whether a legislative approach is required. But without a doubt there is a need for action here as well. According to information of the WDR, in France up to 30 kilogram of food are wasted per person and year. In Germany, the number is nearly three times as high: Every German consumer is wasting up to 90 kilogram of food per year.
But first thought should be given to the question if it is really the most effective measure to force the retailers by law to reduce food waste, since the largest share is attributable to the consumers. Extensively informing the consumers about how to handle expiration dates and about the dangers of consuming expired food might just prove to be more effective.
Author: Daniel Stöter; EuroShop First published at iXtenso.com


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6 august, 2019. – In a context in which new solutions are demanded to make the supply chain more efficient and agile, the digital technological group Vector ITC through Agora, its company specialized in supply chain solutions, emphasize the importance of Artificial Intelligence in achieving this objective.
The data and information required and generated by each process of the supply chain, often available in different integrated information systems, represent an important challenge for the logistics sector, as the new business models require shorter and shorter supply cycles and final customers with more influence on the quality of service and products.
All this entails the need to optimize the value chain according to multiple factors such as delivery time, responsiveness, product complexity index, supply chain, inventory, etc.
In this sense, Artificial Intelligence is already playing an essential role: AI is not a new phenomenon in the supply chain. There are automated warehouses with robots that are able to identify and move goods completely automatically. The AI is, rather, the answer to the need to optimize the value chain according to multiple axes, which range from the use of space, the categorization of products, the supply strategy, transport logistics, storage, etc. says Aaron Ranson, Director of Solutions at Vector ITC.
The increasingly palpable influence of Artificial Intelligence on distribution and retail, as well as the exploitation of the infinite amount of data currently available in the supply chain in its structural form, raises many questions about the value and optimisation of these data. “Is all this information being exploited? Are the models that have so far been used for supply chain planning upgradable?” Today they continue to govern linear predictive models and in-store experience, as sometimes the algorithms used in Artificial Intelligence have not achieved the expected results. The aspiration is that the new artificial intelligence models improve business processes, especially delivery, within the retail sector.
The idea is to know the degree of confidence in these models, if they could be complementary, capturing additional improvements for the business, and know the ROI of these projects. Adds Aaron Ranson, Director of Solutions at Vector ITC
The specialists say that we need a lot more data than we handle and that we should take a holistic view and not focus so much on historical data, including data that are not part of our business but are key (external events that can change everything, such as an action on social networks or unexpected weather changes). Business logic comes from data and not the other way around.
Finally, it should be pointed out that AI does not eliminate jobs, but extends the professional capacity of the operating groups, both in Retail and in other sectors of the Industry.Karen Liedl


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A new survey is reporting that 80 percent of drivers and 64 percent of homeowners in non-coastal areas in two states disagree with state insurance pricing regulations that benefit risky drivers and homeowners in high-risk coastal areas.
The “Consumer Opinions on Insurance Price Regulation” survey, commissioned by the American Consumer Institute, a Reston, Virginia consumer research organization, also found the majority of respondents surveyed do not believe state insurance regulations benefit consumers and they should be reduced.
The study looked at two states where insurance price regulation currently exists – Massachusetts and North Carolina. The survey asked 400 inland insurance consumers — those living more than one hour or 60 miles from the shore — in each state if they were aware of cross-subsidies in automobile and homeowner premiums, and what their attitudes were toward these cross-subsidies.
The survey also asked the 800 inland consumers whether they believe that price regulation actually benefits consumers.
The survey found:
The majority of surveyed consumers were unaware that inland homeowners subsidize coastal property owners (84%) and that good drivers subsidize risky drivers (60%).
According to the survey, 26% and 17% of consumers approved of cross-subsidies for coastal homeowners and risky drivers, respectively. In contrast, 64% of surveyed homeowners and 80% of surveyed drivers disagreed with the policy to cross-subsidize insurance.
Of those surveyed, 23% believed that state insurance regulations benefited consumers, while 51% thought that regulations did not benefit consumers in their state. A total of 58% of surveyed consumers would prefer less insurance regulation, while only 12% believed that more regulation should be considered.
The ACI said the survey results should give policymakers food for thought.
“Consumers do not approve of policies that overcharge good drivers so that bad drivers can pay less, because they reward risky drivers and result in more accidents, higher insurance claims and traffic fatalities,” said Steve Pociask, ACI president. “Consumers also do not want policies that give handouts to more affluent costal property owners at the expense of other, often less affluent, homeowners. It is critical that state regulators and policymakers terminate unfair price regulations.”
The study maintains that there “exists no empirically-based economic evidence to justify price insurance regulation.”
“The assertion that these state regulations are in the public interest is insufficient and is a view not shared with the public at large,” the study says.
The organization said its survey was released in anticipation of a bill expected to be introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Ed Royce, R-Calif., which would change insurance regulation by granting insurance companies the option of being regulated under a national system rather than the current state-based system.
The House bill would mirror Senate Bill 40, the “National Insurance Act of 2007,” introduced by Senators John Sununu, R-N.H., and Tim Johnson, D-S.D. last month.
“We applaud Congress’ efforts to modernize the insurance industry in a way that ensures efficiencies are streamlined, competition flourishes and consumers experience maximum benefits and protection,” said Pociask.
Source: American Consumer Institute Center for Citizen Research
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Networking giant Cisco and major computer company Dell have banded together to deliver the next generation of data centres that will be central to the future of cloud computing.
The companies say they will collaborate to deliver next-generation IT solutions that help customers simplify their data centre infrastructure by pooling storage, computing and networking infrastructure resources to more rapidly support business applications in virtual data centre environments.
“These challenging economic times highlight the importance our customers place on ensuring long-term value from their solutions, not just short-term benefits,” explained Praveen Asthana, global director of enterprise storage and networking at Dell.
“They need maximum value for everything they spend, and that is what Dell continues to deliver with this expanded Cisco partnership,” Asthana said.
The companies have expanded their existing global Solution Technology Integrator agreement to include Cisco’s Nexus 5020 data centre switching systems (pictured) as part of the Dell enterprise infrastructure solutions with Dell servers and storage solutions.
According to the new agreement, Dell will add Cisco’s Nexus 5020 switches that support both 10 Gigabit Ethernet and Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) to its Dell Power Edge server and Dell EqualLogic, PowerVault, and Dell/EMC storage solutions.
The Cisco and Dell combined solutions help customers simplify the management of their next-generation data centre with a unified networking fabric that consolidates LAN, SAN and server cluster network environments into a single, high-speed 10 Gigabit Ethernet fabric that supports protocols such as Fibre Channel, FCoE, and Internet Small Computer Storage Interface (iSCSI).
In addition, Dell has qualified the Catalyst 4900 Top-of-Rack Switches (ToR) for its EqualLogic Storage Area Networks (SAN) arrays. The Catalyst 4900 ToR switches are now a supported switching platform for the Dell EqualLogic™ SAN arrays.
“As part of our unified computing approach, Cisco set out to develop a unified networking fabric for the data centre to help IT organisations simplify their cabling infrastructure, reduce the number of required adapters, lower costs, and reduce power consumption and their carbon footprint within their data centre,” said Soni Jiandani, vic-president of the Marketing, Server Access and Virtualisation business unit for Cisco.
“By combining the benefits of lossless 10 Gigabit Ethernet and Fibre Channel over Ethernet with Dell’s PowerEdge servers and storage solutions, together we can offer a more end-to-end data centre virtualisation solution.”
By John Kennedy
Pictured: Cisco’s Nexus 5020 data centre switching systems are set to be added as part of Dell’s enterprise infrastructure solutions


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Developing a new standard in biodegradable plastic
It is estimated that almost 80% of all plastic ever produced has ended up in landfill or the natural environment. Polymateria's Chief Executive Officer, Niall Dunne, explains how the company is developing biodegradable and compostable plastics which break down naturally when they’re no longer useful - using a proprietary formulation called Biotransformation.
In joint development with Imperial College London, Polymateria works with the best and brightest minds from the fields of chemistry, biology and polymer science to develop practical biodegradable solutions that help nature deal with this plastic pollution crisis while also supporting recycling. Polymateria’s proprietary Biotransformation technology is a bespoke approach to fundamentally redesigning plastic packaging at point of manufacture with some unique and fundamental differences to anything else that has been tried before.
The Biotransformation process can be time-controlled, according to a product’s shelf life, and given a ‘Recycle By’ date to promote recycling by consumers but ensure that any fugitive plastic that leaks from the system into the natural environment can fully and safely return to nature. Lab tests have proven that Biotransformation under real world conditions occurs within 226 days for polyethylene films and 336 days for rigid polypropylene containers.
Visit Polymateria's website to find out more.


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Developer Plans Second Derby Scheme With An Eye On The Future Of The High Street
An East Midlands developer is set to renovate a building on Curzon Street in Derby and turn it into an 18-bed luxury student apartment.
Cavendish & London Property Group says it is looking to welcome students for the next academic year.
The Curzon Street scheme follows on from the renovation of a retail unit and upper floors on Wardwick in the city, which is now home to University of Derby students.
Atish Parmar, director at the company, said: “Our main objective is to make this part of the Cathedral Quarter vibrant again. There is a current void within the vicinity and action needs to be taken by private investors like myself to start getting the cogs turning again. We believe in bringing residential accommodation back into the city centres, so that local businesses are having a positive impact from the occupiers.”
Parmar added: “I feel the introduction to residential accommodation will pave the way for local entrepreneurs to secure the vacant retail units within the Cathedral Quarter. Small independent businesses will be the majority on the high street in the very-near future, this area will be one to keep an eye on.”


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COVID-19 boost for expo
Demand for virus containment products and relatively short lockdown were good news for the 5th China (Guangzhou) International Cross‑border E‑commerce & Goods Expo.
16 September 2020
With Mainland China one of the few economies to resume anything like a normal expo programme, the 5th China (Guangzhou) International Cross-border E-commerce & Goods Expo (ICEE) took place at the Guangzhou Poly World Trade Center Expo in late July. Occupying an exhibition area of 25,000 square metres and with nearly 400 exhibitors, three particular issues loomed large – meeting the challenge of the pandemic, capitalising on the mainland’s early emergence from the crisis, and building product/services brands as hallmarks of quality.
Mass mask exports
Overall, perhaps the least surprising aspect of this year’s event was the introduction of an Epidemic Products Zone. In order to simplify navigation among the zone’s 200‑plus exhibitors, this was further sub‑divided into dedicated areas for equipment, raw materials and services.
Predictably, this area attracted the heaviest footfall at the show, with attendees flocking to inspect the array of masks, goggles, protective clothing, respirators and sanitiser dispensers on offer. A number of exhibitors even opted to demonstrate their mask‑production processes as a means of highlighting their quality‑control protocols.
Looking to take a lead in this sector was Zhengzhou‑based Wanshenshan Healthcare PPE, with the company having on offer a range of KN95 particulate respirators, medical protective masks, surgical masks, 3D protective masks and disposable medical masks. Assessing the current state of the market, Customer Manager Chang Shuya said: “Globally, the demand for anti‑epidemic products remains enormous, particularly in many overseas markets. As we specialise in producing protective masks, our outlook is currently very positive.
“At present, we operate 80 automated mask production lines – 27 for flat masks, 52 for folded masks and one for 3D protective masks. This gives us the capacity to produce up to 3.9 million masks a day, including 1.8 million flat masks, two million folded masks and 100,000 3D masks.”
Highlighting what the company sees as its competitive advantage, fellow Customer Manager Li Xiaocui said: “Unlike a number of rival operators, we have secured all of the relevant certification. Our disposable medical masks and surgical masks, for instance, carry the EU’s CE Mark while also having been approved by the FDA in the US and the TGA in Australia. As a result, we are free to export widely and currently have clients throughout the US, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.”
Inevitably, with demand for masks so high, there has been a corresponding increase in the use of the related quality‑control equipment. Looking to capitalise on this particular development was Mingshi Technology, a Guangdong‑based supplier of mask respiratory resistance testing systems.
In line with this, the company was looking to showcase its box‑shaped taster, which comes complete with a digital display screen and a prosthetic head for mounting candidate masks. Outlining its applications, Business Manager Wan Yaling said: “Mask manufacturers can use our equipment to test their products across a number of different indices, including particulate matter concentration, filtration efficiency, inspiratory resistance, expiratory resistance and inhaled/exhaled airflow.
“While we have done a huge amount of business over recent months, it’s fair to say the mainland mask market is now somewhat saturated. As a consequence, one of our clients failed to find a domestic buyer for its order of 150,000 masks. Fortunately, with our help, an overseas buyer was secured within two weeks. Subsequently, the client received an additional overseas order for 200,000 masks, resulting in a net profit of Rmb700,000 [US$100,000].”
Broadly agreeing that the mainland was now somewhat oversubscribed in terms of surgical mask supplies was Li Xiaoqin, a spokesperson for Shenzhen’s Welands Supply Chain. Largely offering export support to the sector, Welands specialises in streamlining customs declaration procedures for mask exports, managing logistics, assisting customs clearance at both the port of departure and port of entry, and supervising warehousing and sales in overseas territories.
In addition to the COVID-19 windfall, many exhibitors at this year’s event also saw increased opportunities with regard to cross‑border e‑commerce. Particularly upbeat about such prospects was Enpro Supply Chain Management, a 13‑year‑old company with a focus on supply chain integration and a range of comprehensive logistics services, including transportation, bonded and non‑bonded warehousing, customs clearance, commodity inspection, cargo collection, packaging, cargo assembly and LCL consolidation.
According to Ms Zhong, the Manager of the company’s expo stand, the sector has seldom looked so healthy. Expanding upon this, she said: “Many mainland consumers have developed a distinct partiality for imported alcoholic drinks and chilled products, a sign that they are becoming more selective when it comes to their food and beverage choices. We have been able to capitalise on this thanks to our one‑stop service offer, which sees imported goods clearing customs and being made ready for delivery within two days.
“Currently, many mainland‑based cross‑border e‑commerce export operators are seeing demand for their products and services surge. This is partly because the coronavirus outbreak has adversely affected many overseas players, while domestic operators have been among the first to recommence activity.”
Another company finding its services in demand as a direct result was Shenzhen’s eVat Master Technology, a specialist in the third‑party filing of value-added tax (VAT) declarations for EU‑destined goods. Outlining the current state of play, Promotions Director Zhang Jie said: “There are a number of reasons why businesses in the cross‑border e‑commerce export sector are doing pretty well at the moment. While traditional service providers usually require long lead times and substantial administrative work when it comes to negotiating declaration procedures, specialists such as ourselves give vendors the facility to directly communicate with the tax authorities in the country of export. This can, in turn, help reduce declaration cost by up to 85%, while enhancing declaration efficiency by about 90%.”
One consequence of the pandemic‑related surge in demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) is that many businesses have actively looked to move into the sector. While some have been start‑ups and others existing enterprises looking to extend their product portfolio, the sheer volume of new entrants has led to growing concerns that item quality is being compromised in the name of expediency, speed to market and a less than scrupulous approach to turning a profit.
As a consequence, many players in the sector have put a premium on brand building, believing this will act as a hallmark of quality for both trade and consumer purchasers. One company that has particularly embraced this approach is Folunsi Industry, a Guangzhou‑based supplier of disposable, protective medical clothing.
Detailing the company’s strategy, Marketing Director Xu Jinhua said: “Brand building has always been our priority and, as we plan to continue producing protective clothing after the current crisis, we are also committed to continuing to refine our product portfolio.
“We can produce more than 10 million items of protective clothing a year at our 10,000 square metre factory, all of which comply with the relevant biosafety standards, including those relating to antistatic properties, anti‑flaming, anti‑permeability and anti‑blood penetration. As a result, we are very confident of being able to sustain our long‑term profitability within this sector.”
Looking to refine its service-sector brand, meanwhile, was Guangzhou‑based Kaigen International Logistics, a company with a particular specialty in serving the Japanese market. Introducing the company’s operational capabilities, Sales Representative Liang Ying said: “We have our own fleet of vehicles, a dedicated customs declaration department, proprietary container yards and a range of customs‑supervised warehouses, offering a total capacity of about 10,000 square metres.
“Our key proposition is the provision of efficient cargo freight services for any mainland company engaged in Japan‑destined cross‑border e‑commerce. In order to facilitate this we offer a number of specialist fulfilment options, including guaranteed seven‑day delivery, all‑Japan delivery and a priority Japan airfreight service.”
This year’s 5th China (Guangzhou) International Cross‑border E‑commerce & Goods Expo (ICEE) took place from 24 to 26 July at the Guangzhou Poly World Trade Center.
- Medical & Healthcare Services
- Medical Supplies & Medicine
- Hong Kong
- Mainland China


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Smucker's Stock: Lip-Smacking
Rising coffee prices have dimmed the Street's view of J.M. Smucker, which owns Folgers. But there's a lot more to like in the company's cupboard.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
going ... never can prop our morning cup of Joe ... no matter how much it costs ... but the sharp rise in coffee prices lately is the big concern for J M Smucker which owns Folgers and is the biggest seller of coffee in the US ... and creamy team with the parents and ... the anti-American things that the real cups of coffee day and nobody knows how much high prices will affect consumption ... something Smucker's could benefit if higher prices drive folks away from Starbucks ... toward less expensive compensate Folgers ... meanwhile Smucker's has plenty going for an outside of the realm of coffee ... many of its brands which include Jif peanut butter Christo oil hungry Jack pancake mix and Magic Shell ice Can cuttings ... are market leaders in their supermarket category ... in this week's Barron's says that the company still has considerable room to grow ... things puts pile of cash ... if history is any guide Smucker's will keep delivering stunning than expected earnings ... so if you're hungry for a solid stock Smucker's could be the way to go ... and creamy keen for the Barron's Bennett ...


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Phone makers’ CEOs seem to be racing on who leaks more about their upcoming devices. After various reveals from Meizu’s founder, it’s indeed now the turn of Xiaomi’s boss – Lei Jun – who just posted on Weibo a picture of Xiaomi Mi Max 3’s retail box.
The box appears big and simple, coming in a yellowish color and an extra-large number “3”, probably hinting at the massive display size the phone will sport.
Lei Jun revealed that today they discussed the content of the Xiaomi Mi Max 3 conference. He then answered its fans on the Chinese social platform, confirming some of the previous rumors, including the large screen, large battery and more.
For those who might have missed the news, we’re talking about a 6.9-inch screen and a massive 5400mAh battery. Details we learned when a device with model number M1804E4T/C/A first appeared on TENAA.
Other specs on the Mi Max include will include an 1.8GHz clocked eight-core processor (Snapdragon 636 o 632?), 3GB, 4GB or 6GB of RAM and either 32GB, 64GB or 128GB of internal storage. We’ll then find a 12MP rear dual camera setup and an 8MP selfie snapper.
We expect two devices to actually go on sale this month, the new Mi Max 3 and the previously launched Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition.


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Virtual Panel - The Next Generation of Data-Driven Agencies
July 13, 2021 11:00 AM ET |
The agency programmatic landscape has faced a lot of changes though the past 18 months. Beeswax's Cadi Jones asks a panel of experts from different agencies about their evolution and the best practices for the next generation of data-driven media trading including:
How have you been addressing demands from marketers, such as supply path transparency and customised programmatic execution?
How are in-housing and hybrid models evolving with brands?
How are traditional media agencies innovating? Is a new breed of media business pushing the industry towards a new model?
How can buyers deal with industry issues such as the ‘cookiepocalypse’ and IDFA changes?
What are the latest approaches to ensure agility? How does your business’ size and scale impact your agility, particularly as we start to emerge from the pandemic?
How do different regions compare?
The panel of experts will include:
Clare Ritchie, Head of Programmatic Worldwide at MediaCom Matthias Weth, CEO at SYZYGY Performance Marketing Rachel Kool, Buying Director, Digital Media at Publicis Groupe


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Apple introduces new 9.7-inch iPad with Apple Pencil support
Apple has revealed a new 9.7-inch iPad with Apple Pencil support at their educational themed ‘Let’s take a field trip’ event, featuring a 10 hour battery life, Touch ID, an A10 Fusion chip and a rear-facing 8MP camera.
Today is the first time that Apple Pencil has been designed to work with any-other product apart from the iPad Pro. – Apple has announced new versions of Pages, Numbers, and Keynote will support Apple Pencil too.
Apple is using the same A10 Fusion chip found within the iPhone 7, an upgrade from the A9 chips found within their previous generation entry-level iPad. – During the announcement of the tablet, Apple promoted how the A10 Fusion chip can help bring AR experiences to the classroom.
iPad is our vision for the future of computing and hundreds of millions of people around the world use it every day at work, in school and for play. – This new 9.7-inch iPad takes everything people love about our most popular iPad and makes it even better for inspiring creativity and learning,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Product Marketing.
The new 9.7-inch iPad with Apple Pencil support comes in silver, space gray and a new gold finish, priced at $329 for consumers and $299 for schools.
The device will be available to order from Apple.com today, and will be available for in-store pick-up next week.
iPad — By Apple Pencil
“Introducing the new iPad. Now with the power of iOS 11, the A10 Fusion Chip and support for Apple Pencil. ”


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Blog: Singapore puts Coke on sale for love, not money
Andy Morton | 12 April 2012
How much is a hug worth? In Singapore, at least, it's worth exactly one can of Coke.
That's not bad, especially at today's exchange rates. But then, this is merely Coca-Cola's latest marketing campaign, a vending machine that delivers cans of Coke in return for a correctly positioned squeeze, not the beginning of a new world bartering system (be it one that would enliven the weekly supermarket trip).
So far there's just one machine, at Singapore University, but it has already received much attention from the world's media, just as previous innovative Coke dispensers around the world have.
There was the Friendship machine in South America that gave out two Cokes for the price of one, but only if you roped in a friend to help you reach the extra high coin slot.
A machine at a US university racked up more than 4.5m YouTube hits when it dispensed multiple cans as well as flowers and balloons.
These “Happiness” machines were all one-offs, promotional stunts that worked wonders for Coca-Cola's social media profile. The 'Hug Me' version is the same, although vending machines in Singapore do have previous in the area of product development.
A Singaporean source told me that Coca-Cola uses the city-state to test run some of its more advanced technology. Back in 2000, Singapore piloted the SMS vending machines that customers texted to buy a drink. Those machines were later rolled out globally.
My source said Singapore is a good testing ground for vending machines because locals use them for all sorts of things, including buying fresh bread. Also, he says, there is a high population density, many early adopters, low vandalism and an excellent public transport system that offers highly visible locations.
It all adds up to vending machine utopia.
So, if the 'Hug Me' machine performs well in the Lion City, there's every chance the rest of the world will be able to get their hands on one in the near future.
And judging from the official Coca-Cola press release, Singaporeans have welcomed it with, ahem, open arms.
Unfortunately, there's no word yet on whether the company will limit the 'Hug Me' system to machines that just vend individual cans.
The big question is, if a can is worth a hug, what would you have to do for a multipack?
Here's a round-up of the top stories on just-drinks last week, featuring Carlsberg, Heineken, Coca-Cola Amatil, California's winelands and Cognac....
The Coca-Cola Co's Keurig Cold machine won't be out until next year. But co-developer Keurig Green Mountain has given us a taste with the unveiling this weekend of another at-home beverage platform, t...
It's a bank holiday here in the UK on Monday (25 August). just-drinks' team will be taking a well-earned lie down. ...
Poland is hardly noted for its cider consumption, but all this could be about to change. ...
- CCA - Coca-Cola's Canary in the Mine
- just The Preview - Pernod Ricard's Q4 & FY
- Comment - Hybrid Spirits: Innovation or Laziness?
- Brown-Forman's Q1 Performance by Region, Brand
- Comment - Another One Bites Bacardi's Dust
- Mast-Jägermeister targets UK off-trade boost
- SABMiller exec to become CFO at Beam Suntory
- Brown-Forman unveils Jack Daniel's UK push
- Champagne will not regain lost ground until 2018
- Bacardi announces CFO switch


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Crowdfunding is here to stay. The shift for entrepreneurs to get ideas funded online has opened up a new market for innovation, and changed how organizations raise funds and awareness for their mission. Inspiring a community online through targeted social media, email marketing, and storytelling will be the definition of fundraising for the future — not the telemarketing, direct mail, and billboards of yore.
But with anything new comes roadblocks and speed bumps. While the payment processing industry has been slow to respond to the popularity of crowdfunding, a handful of companies, including WePay, Amazon Payments, and PayPal have caught onto the craze and are more than accommodating for organizations and entrepreneurs seeking to fundraise online through various third-party platforms, like KickStarter.
Why the need for an update?
While PayPal has been historically open to supporting crowdfunding platforms, it came under fire in 2013 in regard to “pre-selling” crowdfunding campaigns. Back in September of that year, PayPal acknowledged a very big issue related to the risks and rewards of “pre-selling” campaigns of a product or service that need funding to get off the ground. Several campaigns had their funds frozen, including Regretsy, a website that collects money to buy and ship toys to children whose parents are in financial trouble, and the owner of the popular video game Minecraft. The issue with these two instances (among others) is that no reason was given as to why these accounts were frozen and inaccessible.
There are also campaigns that are not fully funded in the time allocated for fundraising, leaving contributors out of money and without the product or service that was perceived to be promised (crowdfunding sites do not guarantee that all backed campaigns will be successful and delivered on time). Since the product or service is not delivered, PayPal is stuck with the reimbursement requests from contributors. But the funds that are contributed can be withdrawn by the campaign owner before the refunds are granted, thus leaving the contributors at a loss as well as PayPal in a tough situation.
What are the updates?
With these concerns, PayPal has announced some changes to their crowdfunding policies, including early screening for both “pre-selling” campaigns and fundraising campaigns, as well as the potential request for additional information from campaign owners to make sure they are in fact valid and registered organizations or legitimate businesses. This should protect the contributors and donors, as well as guarantee that funds will not be frozen during a nonprofit’s fundraising campaign.
Here are the details individuals and/or organizations should be ready to disclose when using a PayPal-backed crowfunding site (this is not required for all):
Full legal name
Date of birth
Tax ID number or Social Security number
Government issued photo ID
Website address associated with your campaign
Proof of tax exempt status if you’re a nonprofit
Your business plan and mission statement
Name of your business owners and executives
Vendor, supplier, manufacturer, or distributors
Target production and distribution timeline
With these changes, PayPal hopes to limit the need to freeze campaign funds, especially for organizations that are solely raising money and not delivering a service or product. Also, crowdfunding sites like Indiegogo and FundRazr will ask individuals to identify the type of campaign they’re running (strictly fundraising vs. pre-selling), as well as to communicate it clearly with contributors that if they are funding a pre-selling campaign that there is no guarantee that they will receive what is offered. This is meant to neutralize situations where people are demanding refunds for campaigns they’ve backed. For example, Zuvo Water Filtration System was fully funded on Indiegogo, but was recently acquired and its backers have still not received the promised product after a year.
The freezing or holding of funds will be done to ensure that “buyers receive the product or service they paid for within the agreed timeline or get a refund if the product isn’t available.” By being proactive and collecting more information upfront, PayPal is hoping to limit freezing funds for crowdfunding campaigns and to avoid a plethora of refund requests.
PayPal prides itself on being the only payment company tailoring its policy and processes for crowdfunding platforms, and is assuring users that their pricing structure has not changed. They want to make it easy for organizations and entrepreneurs to raise funds online.
Crowdfunding platforms including StayClassy, FundRazr, and Indiegogo use PayPal to process payments and donations. To learn more about PayPal’s support of crowdfunding, see their Crowdfunding FAQs page.
(Featured image by I AM NIKOM via Shutterstock)
This article was written by Taylor Corrado for HubSpot.
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The preview of the XXI Triennale di Milano entitled “21st Century. Design After Design” is taking place on Thursday, March 31st and Friday, April 1st, whilst the official opening to the public will be on Saturday, April 2nd.
During the International Exhibition, Banca IFIS will be exhibition partner of the New Craft Exhibition curated by Stefano Micelli, author of Futuro Artigiano and professor at the Ca’ Foscari Univeristy of Venice. According to this curator, this exhibition signifies “dialogue between different sensitivity and cultures which becomes the means through which to draw attention to social and cultural projects in which artisans are conscious protagonists”.
An exhibition that combines ancient knowledge with futuristic technologies: not only products – the many sectors involved are very different, from bicycles to jewels to letterpress print– but also methods. In this way, the exhibition gives life to a real laboratory creating extraordinary objects and giving visitors an upfront and personal view on how the new instruments of digital manufacturing work.
For more information, please visit the official website of the Triennale di Milano.
Banca IFIS is exhibition partner of the New Craft Exhibition at the Triennale di Milano
Fabbrica del Vapore
Via Giulio Procaccini, 4
Preview: Thursday, March 31st, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; Friday, April 1st, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Official opening: Saturday April 2nd


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The refurbished Port of Kisumu is scheduled to open in October, media reports said. The Port of Kisumu is worth Sh3 billion. Last year, the port handled more than 62 percent cargo on the back of enhanced efficiency and increase in trade.
The Kenyan government is on a mission to restore the East African country’s strong performance with renovation of ports to enhance trade. The port’s renovation would make it possible for bigger vessels to dock. This further implies that trade with neighboring countries will become more pronounced.
It is reported that the port is important to Kenya for trade especially with neighbouring countries such as Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. Last year, the number of vessels in the port increased to 41 percent compared to 19 percent in the previous year, pointing to a rise of 116 percent.
The opening of the Port of Kisumu is delayed because of the protracted coronavirus pandemic. A report published by the African Development Bank found that Kenya was among many countries demonstrating ‘already weakening debt-affordability metrics (measures looking at the ratio of interest paid on debt to revenue) from falling revenue’. The refurbished Port of Kisumu is anticipated to uplift the country’s trade in the coming years.


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Audi India: The most awarded luxury car manufacturer of the year; bags 27 awards
• Audi A6 and Audi A8L are the big winners - garners 7 awards each
• Audi A8L 3D campaign wins top marketing awards
• Audi India bags three awards for Best Quality, Advanced Technology and the Best Brand
• “We have won 27 awards for class defining products that validates our position in India’s luxury car market”, said Mr. Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India
Mumbai: Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, has continued its trend from the previous year and has bagged an enviable 27 awards over the past one year. After sweeping prestigious automobile awards in 2011-12, the luxury carmaker has won big at the Creative Abby Awards at Goa Fest 2012. Audi A8L and Audi A6, have yet again stamped their mark by garnering top honours of the industry- both car models have bagged seven awards each, underscoring Audi’s brand essence “Vorsprung durch Technik”.
“Audi is committed to the Indian market which is evident from our product portfolio and fast growing dealership network across the country. Recognition of our products reflect our brand promise “Vorsprung durch Technik”. 27 awards for class defining products such as the A8, A7 and the A6 not only spell out Audi’s brand pull but also the prominent position that we have taken in India’s luxury car market. I am confident that our impressive sales performance where we achieved the No.2 position in the first quarter coupled with the recent launch of the Audi TT and imminent arrival of the new Audi A4 and our fast expanding dealer network will ensure that Audi maintains its position as the fastest growing luxury car brand in India. This is also supported by our global performance in 2011 where we claimed the No.2 position in our 102 years of history”, said Mr. Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India.
Besides impressing the Awards jury, Audi in India has also attracted a wide spectrum of people. With over 520,000 fans, Audi India has the maximum number of fans on its Facebook page, making us already the No.1 luxury car brand in social media in India.” added Mr. Perschke
Audi India plans to expand its network to 25 dealerships by the end of 2012 from its existing 17 centres. Audi opened its showroom in Nagpur last month and Delhi West this month. Last year, the luxury carmaker opened new showrooms in Delhi, Chennai, Ludhiana, Surat and Indore. This will also further increase Audi’s accessibility in the Tier II and Tier III towns across India.
Audi recorded a strong first quarter with 2269 cars delivered in India between January to March 2012 – an impressive growth of 41 percent over the same period last year (1611 cars: Jan- Mar 2011). Powering ahead with its positive outlook for 2012, the brand with the four rings continued its growth trajectory with a sale of 1002 cars in March 2012 – a growth of 47 percent over the same period last year (681 cars: March 2011); which nearly equals Audi India’s annual sales figure of 2008 (1050 cars).
The Audi model range in India includes Audi A4, Audi A6, Audi A7 Sportback, Audi A8L, Audi Q5, Audi Q7, Audi RS5 Coupé, Audi TT, the super sports car Audi R8 and the Audi R8 Spyder available across the country: in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi South, Delhi West, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Ludhiana, Mumbai West, Nagpur, Pune and Surat. Further developments include Coimbatore, Lucknow and Mumbai South.


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|Day Low/High||17.81 / 18.41|
|52 Wk Low/High||17.00 / 30.39|
Pre-market futures are still pointing to a very slight rise in the market at the opening bell. Another beneficiary of the flight out of the big cities to smaller locales with more living room, pet adoption. At least that is according to BAML as it u...
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Row over supercar leads Aston Martin to sue dealer
Aston Martin is in dispute with a Swiss car dealer over claims that they withheld more than £10 million of customer payments for its Valkyrie sports cars.
The British carmaker said that it had ended its commercial agreement with Nebula Project and that it would take customer deposits directly for special vehicles such as the £2.5 million Valkyrie rather than involve third parties.
Aston Martin warned that it could face a £15 million hit to its 2021 results from the allegedly withheld payments but said it was on course to meet financial expectations for the year.
It said that it had launched a civil legal action.
It added that it was ending agreements with AF Cars, which runs Aston Martin’s St Gallen dealership in Switzerland


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Tech giant Apple is working on its upcoming iPhone 16 series of smartphones that are scheduled for a launch later this year.
iPhone 16 Pro Camera
A renowned tipster recently shared a render of the camera in the Apple iPhone 16 Pro on the popular X platform. He added that according to the information he had on hand, the camera module in the upcoming iPhone will reflect a new design. This is likely to be similar to what the manufacturer is testing at the moment. Apple Hub account had earlier mentioned on the same platform about Apple testing the new radical camera design it is planning for the iPhone 16 Pro.
Based on the information I was able to obtain it seems that the new iPhone 16 Pro will have a new design for the camera module, this should be very similar to what Apple is currently testing pic.twitter.com/wjdOcZ1lKb
— Majin Bu (@MajinBuOfficial) February 17, 2024
Citing a source that preferred to be anonymous, the tipster went on to say that the leaked render may not bring changes to the camera module. He also claimed that as he has not seen some schematics yet, he does not know what things are really and he would be looking into it.
iPhone 16 Series Battery
The same tipster who shared the camera details above had shared some insights about the battery capacity in the smartphones of this series.
The renders are not completely accurate for now and there is a long way to go before the launch of the iPhone 16 series. This means that there is a possibility that things could change over time. Although there is no confirmation from the manufacturer that the leaked render will be the final camera design, it has not fared well with most iPhone lovers and has met with a lot of criticism from netizens.


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(WHNT) – Green Sprouts, a holistic baby goods company, is recalling stainless steel bottles and cups due to a lead poisoning scare.
Reports have been filed saying that there have been incidents of the bottles’ base breaking off and exposing the solder dot, which is leaded.
The recall involves roughly 10,500 of the 6 and 8-ounce Green Sprouts stainless steel sippy cups and bottles. The tracking numbers to look for on the bottom of those products are 29218V06985, 35719V06985, and 33020V06985.
The stainless steel bottles were sold in aqua, pink, green and navy with one of three closure options: a silicone sippy spout with a colored plastic lid, collar and handle; a silicone sippy spout and a straw spout with a colored plastic lid, collar and handle; or a silicone straw with plastic screw-on flip cap. Pictures of these can be viewed on the USCPSC website.
Consumers should immediately take all recalled products away from children and contact Green Sprouts. You can call 800-876-1574 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. You can also email the company at ContactUs@GreenSprouts.com. Customers will receive a refund.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)


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The biggest brand growths came from the smaller-volume brands, with Infiniti posting the biggest growth of 618% in August, over the same month in 2015. The brand still only represens 0.34% of the market, however, with 280 cars registered in August. Ssangyong, MG, Dacia and Jeep grew by 78%, 130%, 97% and 75% respectively.
Lotus’s registrations picked up significantly too, with the Hethel-based company posting 500% growth - registering 90 cars - compared with August 2015. This comes after Lotus registered just one car in July 2016.
The largest growth posted by a high-volume brand was that of Kia, with monthly sales growing by 81% compared with August 2015. The company's Sportage crossover was one of the best-selling cars in the UK over the month.
Mitsubishi’s woes deepened following its fuel economy scandal, with a 39% shrinkage in UK registrations compared to August 2015. The brand now makes up just 0.45% - 367 cars – of the UK car market. Meanwhile, in the premium segment, BMW lost 1.98% of its market share compared with August 2015 – 96 fewer cars were registered across the month.
Vauxhall shrunk by 3.81%, selling 340 fewer cars in August 2016 over August 2015. Across the year, its market share has fallen by just over 4%. A Vauxhall spokesman put the slip down to the closing of product cycles, as well as the change to the new 66 plate, and Vauxhall's strategies surrounding it.
Volkswagen’s losses were the heaviest, with the brand losing 25% of its market share and nearly 2000 fewer cars registered in August 2016 over August 2015.
The brand still made up 6.97% of the UK car market in August, down from 9.63% in August last year. The Golf and Polo are still among the best-selling cars in the UK, however, and rising to fifth and sixth places respectively in August from sixth and seventh places in July.
A Volkswagen spokesperson responded to the shrinkage, saying: "One month’s registrations figures are insufficient to give a true picture of a car maker’s business performance. The differences between August 2016 and August 2015 are typical of volume manufacturer results, which can be explained by, for example, the delivery schedules of major customers etc. Last August, for example, market share was notably higher than the year-to-date figure.
Confidence remains strong within our UK retailer network. New customers continue to be attracted to our award-winning, great-value cars, boosted by the recent UK launch of the new Tiguan SUV."
The top 10 best-selling cars in the UK over 2016 so far are as follows:
Ford Fiesta 76,370
Vauxhall Corsa 50,355
Ford Focus 46,145
Volkswagen Golf 43,951
Nissan Qashqai 39,674
Vauxhall Astra 35,276
Volkswagen Polo 33,877
Vauxhall Mokka 27,545
Mercedes-Benz C-Class 26,391
In August, the Ford Kuga was one of the UK’s best sellers, pushing its hugely successful rival, the Nissan Qashqai, into tenth place. The Kia Sportage placed just above the Kuga.
Mike Hawes, the SMMT’s chief executive, explained that August is traditionally one of the quietest months of the year for UK car registrations, as September brings in the switch to the new registration plate.
Despite the growth picking back up after last month’s stagnancy, August 2016's registration figures represent one of the slower UK growths since the economic downturn of the late 2000s.
Read last month’s official industry registration figure analysis here


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It appears that the VW Phaeton will make a return to the Unites States market, according to Volkswagen CEO Dr. Martin Winterkorn. In an interview with Financial Times Deutchland, he essentially stated that to be successful with a product, it has to be something sold worldwide. (We're paraphrasing from a Google Translation of the FTD article, so be advised that the wording may be off a bit.)
The other thing we took from the translated article is that the car earmarked for a return to the States is the "successor" to the Phaeton. That has us thinking that the facelifted car introduced at Geneva last week is not the one Winterkorn's talking about. The Phaeton story is well known by now; poorly marketed and just as poorly received by car shoppers, the VW super sedan is a beautiful, handbuilt machine that tanked thanks in large part to an idiotic campaign at the car's launch (remember the TV commercials where VW showed still photos of the car with the logos covered while a voiceover clown said things like, "No question...that's a BMW"?) and a price tag that was incongruous with what people were willing to pay for a Volkswagen. The 8-cylinder Phaeton stickered at over $64K, and a gargantuan $94K was the price set for the range-topping W12. For that kind of money, people could go shop at Audi (or BMW, or Mercedes), and that's likely what many of them did. The Phaeton was pulled from our market in 2005.
Assuming this actually happens, it'll be interesting to see what Volkswagen does to help make round two a success for the Phaeton. If any readers have a proper command of German and can better elucidate what the FTD article says, please chime in with your own comments. The Financial Times piece can be found here. If you don't read German, this will come in handy.
Thanks to all who sent tips.
[Source: FT Deutchland]


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Amazon.com Inc reported a big quarterly net loss on Thursday as the world's largest Internet retailer spends heavily to expand existing operations and develop new businesses.
Amazon said its third-quarter net loss was $274 million, or 60 cents a share, versus net income of $63 million, or 14 cents a share, in the third quarter of 2011.
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Part of the loss related to an impairment charge from Amazon's investment in daily deal company LivingSocial.
Third-quarter revenue was $13.81 billion, up 27 percent from a year earlier, Amazon also said.
(Reporting By Alistair Barr; Editing by M.D. Golan)


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Legalisation of cannabis is making slow but unstoppable progress across much of the developed world, many experts believe, following the end of prohibition in two US states. In Amsterdam, long famous for its coffee shops, international experts gathering to discuss cannabis regulation said the international conventions, once so heavily policed by the US, would now be increasingly flouted. Already many countries, most notably the Netherlands and Spain, have bypassed the rules.
Over the past few years, local cannabis clubs have blossomed over Britain. There are now 49 around the UK, which are united by the UK Cannabis Social Club, an organisation founded in 2011 to represent cannabis users. Operating primarily through Facebook, (the LCC's page has had 39,301 likes) the clubs bring cannabis users together from all over Britain to discuss topics ranging from fertiliser to self-medication and campaigning for the decriminalisation of the drug.


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