Dangers in the Dust - inside the global asbestos trade

LONDON, UK / WASHINGTON, DC: Banned or restricted in more than 50 countries, white asbestos continues to be widely used in China, India, Russia and Brazil, and many developing nations, according to Dangers in the Dust, a joint report by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and the BBC's International News Services. 22 Jul 2010 11:08

Europe will remain home of luxury retail

[Published by Verdict] LONDON, UK: Despite huge growth in China, the market for luxury retail in Europe will remain the most lucrative in the world and will grow by nearly US$60 billion (about R431 billion) to be worth US$175 billion (about R1257 billion) by 2015 finds Verdict, one of the Datamonitor group of companies. 9 Feb 2011 09:28

Lenovo, NEC create Japan's largest PC group

TOKYO, JAPAN: Lenovo and NEC Corporation (NEC) have announced a strategic relationship that creates a joint venture between the two companies and forms the largest PC group in Japan. Both companies are also exploring strategic cooperation in other areas. 31 Jan 2011 09:36

Business benefits from competitive energy market

LONDON, UK: UK businesses are reaping the rewards of an extremely competitive energy market, as new market entrants and specialist small providers drive up standards and lower costs, according to latest research from independent analyst, Datamonitor*. 31 Jan 2011 09:28

Unemployment, inflation worries hit consumer confidence

NEW YORK, US: Consumer confidence fell in 25 out of 52 countries in Q4 2010 as hope for a global economic recovery evaporated at the end of last year, according to the latest edition of the Nielsen Global Consumer Confidence Index, which tracks consumer confidence, major concerns and spending intentions among online consumers. 27 Jan 2011 11:00

2010's top PR stories

PHILADELPHIA, US: A survey of public relations professionals around the globe indicates that the BP Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the October rescue of the trapped Chilean miners ranked as the top PR stories of 2010. 6 Jan 2011 06:42

Craft beers bubble over in popularity

CHICAGO, US: While spirits barely edged out beer as the most popular alcoholic beverage enjoyed by consumers between 2009 and 2010, the market has hardly fallen flat. According to latest research from Mintel, domestic beer is the clear favourite, followed by imported varieties; but 33% of all beer drinkers aged 21 and up are drinking less imported beer because they're drinking more domestic craft beer instead. 5 Jan 2011 10:17

SABMiller buys Argentine brewer

SABMiller on Wednesday announced its entry into the Argentine market after agreeing to buy CASA Isenbeck from German rival Warsteiner Group for an undisclosed sum. 25 Nov 2010 11:38

Nampak plan to box clever pays off

Nampak announced that for the year ended 30 September 2010, its operating profit increased by 126% following good turnarounds in the paper businesses in South Africa and Europe and the sale or closure of a number of loss-making businesses. 24 Nov 2010 09:51

GM restructures African business, seeking growth

[Michael Bratt] General Motors (GM) has announced a new strategy for African business, which it hopes will allow GM to capitalise on the growing opportunities around the continent. 23 Nov 2010 12:36

Unilever to halve CO2 impact

Unilever has announced plans to halve the environmental footprint of its products by 2020, to help 1 billion people improve their health and well-being and to source all of its agricultural raw materials sustainably. 16 Nov 2010 13:17

Consumer packaged goods trends for 2011

LONDON, UK: Mintel, the global leader in market and consumer intelligence, has predicted the worldwide consumer packaged goods (CPG) trends set to make an impact in 2011. 8 Nov 2010 07:47

Eco-lovers attracted by perceived superior quality

CHICAGO, US: Consumer demand for sustainable food and drink continues to grow, and companies are increasing the supply, as Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD) has tracked more than 13 000 new sustainable food and drink products since 2005. While 84% of consumers say they regularly buy green or sustainable food and drink, some are unaware of what the claims actually mean. 5 Nov 2010 11:24