Baileys trunk show to champion buying local in style
Baileys liqueur has collaborated with some of South Africa's most talented emerging fashion designers to create the Baileys Trunk Show, a temporary exhibition and retail space. The event provides an exclusive opportunity for the public to talk to designers about their work and purchase selected items from their newly launched 2009 summer collections.

Crisis eases somewhat
[Shannon Sherry] Consumers can expect some relief from rocketing food prices in the year ahead as bumper harvests worldwide signal that the worst of the global crisis might be over. Increases will slow and prices are expected to consolidate at higher levels once the dust settles.

Absa gets Woolworths Financial Services
Woolworths advised its shareholders today that all the conditions precedent relating to the acquisition by Absa of 50% plus one share of the issued ordinary share capital of Woolworths Financial Services have now been fulfilled.

New vehicle sales still taking pain
Although September new vehicle sales were marginally up by about 2% over August, the total sales are still down by nearly 20% over the same month last year.

Record wine prices at CWG Auction despite overall dip
New record prices for both red and white wines were set at the 23rd Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction in Cape Town at the weekend with keen bidding from predominantly local, and an increasing contingent of international, buyers - resulting in a turnover just short of R5 million.


Motorists to breathe a sigh of relief
[Edwin Tshivhidzo] Motorists will be able to breathe slightly easier from tomorrow as the price of petrol is expected to decrease at midnight on Tuesday, 30 September.

Woolies workers take to streets
Retail giant Woolworths will feel the wrath of the workers when thousands of its striking employees take to the streets on Friday. Striking members of the South African Commercial Catering and Allied Workers Union (Saccawu) will be joined by scores of workers from other Cosatu-affiliated unions. The strike, in its third week, has only seen employees picket outside the stores to support their demand for union recognition. Saccawu on Monday announced that it will march to the Business Unity SA (Busa) offices. “We call on all Woolworths employees in distribution to join in the march,” said Mduduzi Mbongwe, the deputy general secretary of Saccawu. - I-Net Bridge - Sowetan - Dudu Busani

US Senate approves revised $700 billion bailout plan
WASHINGTON: The US Senate on Wednesday approved a revised $700 billion bailout plan, which will authorise the US government the largest financial intervention since the Great Depression.

Nominees announced for African Banker Awards 2008
The shortlisted companies and individuals for the African Banker Awards 2008 have been announced. The ceremony, organised in partnership with BusinessinAfrica Events, will recognise and reward across 17 award categories the individuals, companies and institutions which have excelled in Africa's banking and financial sector over the last year.


Politicians sink rescue plan
[Michele Gorman, Datamonitor Lead Analyst] Pigheadedness and politicking cost American taxpayers $1.1 trillion from their savings and retirement funds yesterday and the cost to the world's economies will be much greater than it need be if a package isn't passed soon - without watering down.

Global economic crisis to be felt by developing countries
[Proffesor Ndawonde] The current global economic environment is cause for concern for all of us, according to North West Premier Edna Molewa, who says South Africans are in for a tough time. She said while it was expected that the value of houses in South Africa would decline, the high cost of living was making it difficult for owners to make their monthly bond payments.

Think... then drink pink
Drinking pink is no reason to blush with Hidden Valley's Land's End wine.


New time-saver TubeSet for bakers
[ActivRetail] When it launches this summer, the new Pillsbury Savoury TubeSet will revolutionise the time, energy and versatility that are typically required in a busy kitchen. This innovative batter delivery system combines the taste of fresh ‘from-scratch' baking with flexibility and record time, making it the ideal prepared ingredient carrier for savoury flans, loaves, muffins and slabs.


Introducing 'cholesterol lowering' sunflower oil
Nola is launching Cholestro Go, which claims to be the first cholesterol lowering sunflower oil to hit the South African market.


As Apple shares slide, what about sales?
[Arik Hesseldahl] Apple tends to prove unstoppable even when other computer makers falter. In the most recent quarter, shipments of Macs surged 41%. That's nearly three times the 15% global growth rate for PCs in general.

Launch of Bach new innovative products - Vital Health Foods
If you're struggling to switch off at the end of the day, there's a natural solution to help put your mind at rest.


Twinsaver's new luxurious look is a pleasure to see - Nampak Tissue
Twinsaver, which is one of South Africa's most loved brands and is synonymous with top-quality and value for money, has upgraded their range of two-ply toilet tissue to offer its ever expanding client base more luxury and elegance in the bathroom.


Go for gold and invest in good health with new Vital Multitime GOLD - Vital Health Foods
Vital Health Foods has launched the ultimate of multivitamins. With the advanced formulation on 32 vitamins, minerals, micronutrients and plant extracts, you can be sure that you get all the nutrients you need with new Vital Multitime GOLD.


New range of cream cheese spreads to SA

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Patleys is launching a new assortment of Buko Danish cream cheeses to bring fresh flavour to the soft cheese category this summer. With a heritage that spans over 50 years, Buko cream cheese from Arla Foods is made from pure Danish cream and buttermilk. The spreads come in six flavours: Provence with garlic, parsley and black pepper; Toscana with red peppers, onions, eggplant, tomato, paprika, garlic and thyme; spicy TexMex with paprika, garlic and onion; Pepper with milled black pepper; Herbs and Spices with onion, paprika, dill and garlic; and fruity Pineapple. The hand-rolled cream cheese is available in three indulgent variants: Pepper, Chocolate and Rum. The cream cheese spreads come in a pack configuration of 10X200g tubs with resealable lids. Estimated retail prices range from R29.99 - R34.99. The hand-rolled range is available in a pack configuration of 8X125g at an estimated retail price of R26.99 - R29.99.

Recycling campaign gets new shine at school level
Collect-a-Can has joined forces with Cobra and Nugget in an effort to extend the message about environmental awareness and recycling.


Literacy project to help 'write' a few wrongs
[ActivRetail] With 8.5 million South African citizens who are unable to read or write, Papermate is joining hands with 1 in 1 out, a charitable organisation committed to reaching out to the poorest of the poor, with the aim to improve South Africa's literacy rate through the established PaperMate Literacy Project.


GFN presents proven solution to food insecurity
The Global FoodBanking Network (GFN) highlighted the public-private partnerships to feed hungry school children at the Mega Commitment to Action with former President Bill Clinton last week. The event was hosted by the Clinton Global Initiative.

Retailer offers support for women
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month in South Africa, and the very real fact is that approximately one in every 10 women in SA will develop breast cancer. Clicks and Professor Justus Apffelstaedt, Associate Professor: University of Stellenbosch and Head: Breast Clinic, Tygerberg Hospital, are joining forces in the fight against this, the most common female cancer in the world, to bring education and awareness to South African women and help to combat this potential killer. For the month of October, Clicks is offering free breast examinations to all women. These examinations will be available at any Clicks Clinic so call your nearest branch and speak to the nursing practitioner about having your breasts checked. Read more on www.bizcommunity.com.

Five tips for getting e-shoppers to click on 'buy'
[Thomas Harpointner] More consumers than ever are shopping online, but it doesn't mean they all buy online.

Browse, build, buy and connect with new cellphone site
With the unbridled growth of South Africa's mobile telecommunications market, kulula has launched kululaconnect.com, a website where consumers can browse, build and buy a cellphone package from the three network operators.

Michelin-rated Phil to show culinary flair at food show - Cape Gourmet Wine Show
Master chef Philip Alcock is believed to be the only Michelin-rated chef in South Africa and he plies his culinary skills at the Medeo restaurant at The Palazzo at Montecasino in Fourways.


The Summer Good Food and Wine Show gets a bigger and better venue - Cape Gourmet Wine Show
This year's event features cutting-edge food and an army of international chefs from across the globe.

International confectionery fair open for registration
ISM, a leading international sweets and biscuits trade fair taking place from 1 - 4 February 2009 in Cologne, Germany, is open for registration. Every year the international sector meets to introduce, discover and discuss the latest trends the newest products and the most up-to-dates perspectives. The global market is reflected in ISM's range of products, which promises to be broader than that of any other comparable trade fair. All of the relevant target groups in the world of confectionery are brought together here. Small, medium-sized and market leading suppliers make direct contact with the global trade to fulfill the needs of tomorrow's customers with innovative ideas, creations and concepts - ensuring a profitable future for suppliers and customers alike. For more information, visit: http://www.ism-cologne.com/.

Further tests find Mars products safe
After a series of tests for melamine, Hong Kong authorities have passed all Mars products, including Snickers and M&Ms, as clear of melamine and safe for consumption.

Mars' melamine test results in
In response to the melamine crisis currently affecting the dairy industry in China, which has seen Cadbury's recalling its sweets and has South African ports on high alert for contaminated products, Mars Foods has issued a statement disclosing the results of its own product testing.

Can your 'organic' beauty treatments be trusted?
Given our concern about what's in the food we eat, it is no wonder we have become more interested in the ingredients in our beauty products. But the rules governing the labelling of the stuff we put into our bodies by mouth do not apply to the products we absorb when we put them on our skin.

Hospitality investment conference ends on high note
The 2008 Hospitality Investment Conference Africa (HICA) - organised by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa in partnership with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) ended on a high note at the Hilton Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg.

All roads will lead to Golden Kaan - it's as clear as black and white
[Bizcommunity.com Staff Reporter] Golden Kaan, which turns wine tasting and purchasing into a unique experience, has opened in Robertson, one of South Africa's premier wine-producing regions and known for its Wacky Wine Weekends and a variety of equally unusual events designed to raise the profile of the region.

Messy!
Study says many packagers need improvement in cleanliness.

Don't be colour blind
The secrets of choosing colours for your packaging.

Fresh new look for SAB's Miller Genuine Draft
In keeping with its strategy of continuous brand refreshment and innovation, the South African Breweries (SAB) Ltd has given one of its premium beers, Miller Genuine Draft (MGD), a full packaging and design makeover in line with consumer and international trends.

And the prize he won certainly wasn't peanuts!
Winning R200 000 for correctly guessing the number of peanuts in Barman Larry's bowl is certainly a great way to start the summer and Gerhard Labuschagne from Centurion did just that when he guessed the bowl in the Savanna Winter promotion held exactly 392 peanuts.


Competition encourages conservation education
Kellogg's Coco Pops will be sending ten lucky children to the Makalali Private Game Reserve for their very own mini Game Ranger course with the new “Be a Game Ranger” competition.

GDAs come to front-of-pack
Consumers will now see five key nutritional values displayed clearly on the front of Kellogg's cereal boxes, courtesy of the user-friendly, front-of-pack (FoP) Guideline Daily Amounts (GDAs) labelling tool the cereal brand is piloting in South Africa.


Post-eBay: Trademark injunctions no longer a sure thing
[Randy Lipsitz, Richard Moss and Aaron Frankel] The courts have been grappling recently with the question of whether patent and trademark law both require the same test before a judge grants a permanent injunction. Under the eBay ruling, judges in patent infringement cases must apply a four-factor test. Are the rules the same for trademark cases?

Pictorial warnings on cigarette packs in Britain
Pictures showing gruesome effects of smoking on the body will replace text warnings on cigarette packets in Britain from today, 1 October.

Guarding against 'banana skin' lawsuits
Not infrequently the courts are called upon to decide cases where people slip, fall and injure themselves, often quite badly. What should shop-owners do to protect themselves against claims which can be very substantial depending upon the nature of the injury suffered by the customer?

It's girl power!
Despite electronics, most girls 2-14 stick with traditional toys.

Enviro-friendly cars important to buyers
A new Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research study finds that 61% of new-vehicle shoppers in the United States say it is important to purchase a vehicle from a brand that is environmentally friendly.

How to survive the toughest holiday retailing season in 25 years
If the last few weeks have taught us anything at all, it's that no industry giant or business is recession-proof. Not even the last bastion of Wall Street's banking elite. In this time of economic uncertainty, recession fears have become self-fulfilling prophecies. Strategies have edged over from prudence into phobia, and the consumer conga line has slowed to a crawl. Grim economic reports continue daily, playing on the deep fears of retailers and consumers alike, magnifying market ebbs into tidal waves.

How to know customers' needs before they do
[Scott Herron] All companies have similar problems, with one of the biggest being the ongoing challenge of growing their revenues. In today's declining economy, companies are seeking new ideas, new solutions, and proven advice to fight off competition and stay above water. The most successful organisations are not focused solely on increasing product sales, but also on improving service revenues to stay ahead of the competition.

Relationship marketing via your company website
[Yaron Assabi] In today's globally competitive business environment, there is an ever increasing number of companies embracing the Internet and developing a company presence on the World Wide Web. A company website, however, is not merely a company profile, but rather an invaluable communication and relationship marketing tool. So why then do companies still utilise their websites as a mere ‘window' into their business - when in fact a dynamic and interactive website can facilitate and drive real relationship building with your market?

Contact centres invest in CRM to improve customer retention
[Aphrodite Brinsmead] Enterprises are to up investment in customer relationship management (CRM) and unified desktop solutions in a bid to improve customer retention.

Senwes in the village
[Shannon Sherry] Agribusiness Senwes, which handles and stores 25% of SA's grain, is entering the retail arena with a chain of grocery stores in the neglected rural areas.

Wal-Mart to cut the cord on DRM downloads
[Walaika Haskins] USA: Wal-Mart will soon shut down the servers controlling reauthorisation of purchased digital rights management (DRM)-protected WMA music files, Ryan Halford, the company's computer buyer, indicated on a Wal-Mart blog.

European parcel volumes resilient against economic adversity
[Erik Van Baaren] Although the recent credit crunch and resulting economic uncertainty are affecting the growth potential of the European express industry, the main effects will be on the use of different modes of transport and profitability rather than on overall levels of parcel volumes. Indeed, supply chain rationalisation, internationalisation and business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce are continuing to drive industry growth.

SA to unveil Africa's first electric car in Paris
[Nthambeleni Gabara] Science and Technology Minister, Mosibudi Mangena, will on Thursday preside over the unveiling of Africa's first locally developed electric car at the Paris Motor Show in France.

Wii 'Rock Band' downloads: Opening act for a hard drive?
[Walaika Haskins] USA: While the video game "Rock Band" has been a hit with gamers on all major platforms, those with Nintendo Wiis have so far not been able to augment the game by buying additional songs online. That will change in November, when the Wii version of "Rock Band 2" is released. The move may suggest the arrival of an external Wii hard drive for data storage.

The new Xperia in mobile technology
Sony Ericsson officially launches its new multimedia Xperia X1 mobile phone, today, 30 September. First announced at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in February 2008, the device is Sony Ericsson's response to meet the growing need for a premium, converged multimedia experience on the mobile phone.


The world of Pod modding
[Chris Maxcer] The iPod has become more than a simple music player. It now plays video, it features games, and (in the case of the iPod touch) it runs third-party applications. It's basically a pocket computer. And like any other computer, it can be tinkered with to do more than it was originally programmed to do.

Enterprise Architecture to lead IT strategy and service delivery
[Mark Blowers] Attempts to align IT strategy with an abstract business vision or strategy are doomed to failure according Butler Group, one of Europe's leading IT research and advisory organisations.