Global economic turmoil should not affect 2010
[Bathandwa Mbola] MOSSEL BAY: The current global financial turmoil should not affect government's guarantees towards hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup, says South African Trade and Industry Minister, Mandisi Mpahlwa.

JFPM CEO named 2008 Boss of the Year
At 33 years old, Kgosientso Ramokgopa is possibly the youngest person ever to be appointed CEO of the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market (JFPM). He holds a Masters in public administration and made his mark as CEO of the Metropolitan Trading Company, one of the City of Johannesburg's 14 municipal-owned entities. Ramokgopa has also just been named the 2008 Boss of the Year.


Fuel cut of 47 cents despite global economic turmoil
[Michael Appel] Economists are predicting a petrol price cut of about 47 cents soon, despite the weakening Rand erasing the perks of a low oil price.

Big Blue t-shirt design winners
Gerrit Breitenbach from Johannesburg has bagged himself R20 000 in cash, as well as Makhulu fame, as the winner of the 2008 ‘Makhulu Polane' t-shirt design competition. His winning design will be sold in all Big Blue and Kitsch & Kool stores during November and December 2008.


Retailers feel pinch of empty wallets
[Tamlyn Sterwart] Consumers have become far more cautious when it comes to spending their cash, and that's bad news for local retailers.

The launch of food innovation on the 7th Floor
Foodcorp is adding to Cape Town's cultural diversity and reputation for innovation and creativity with the launch of the food manufacturer's new innovation centre, the 7th Floor.


Zimbabwe: Retail business now a pain for operators
[Dumisani Ndlela] Alex Peterson has been in the retail business all his life. His family has run a fleet of businesses, which include supermarkets, beer outlets and butcheries, for over 45 years.

Brand valuation and the global credit crisis
[Prof Roger Sinclair] It came as something of a surprise to me to learn that brand valuation is closely linked to a contributory cause of the world financial credit crisis. A big discussion point right now is how intangible assets that have no active market as a reference should be valued. Apparently, this was one of the major “last straws” in the demise of the banks, which used level ll as the method to value their assets and not level l. If that means little to you, you are not alone.

Create a “cooler” bag design and win with KWV
KWV is celebrating 90 years in the wine business through a competition to create a limited edition wine bag design following the theme of “inside KWV”.

Christmas investment sales are extra early this year
[Bryan Hirsch] The investment scenario is most unsettling for many who don't have a long-term time horizon.

Durban Cut Make and Trim Owners claim harassment
[Renato Palmi] A coalition of Cut Make and Trim (CMT) operators from eThekwini (Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa) has been formed to engage with the South African Clothing Bargaining Council on numerous issues.

IMF predicts major global slowdown amid financial crisis
According to the International Monetary Fund, the present economic crisis is on such a scale that even advanced economies are expected to go through a period of extremely sluggish growth or contraction in 2008 and the first half of 2009, and experience only a modest upturn in the latter part of the year.

African Banker Awards 2008 winners
Bankers from Kenya, South Africa, Tunisia, Nigeria, Togo, Ghana and Malawi, representing North, South, East, West and Central Africa, took home awards from the African Banker Awards 2008 in Washington, D.C on Friday, 10 October 2008.

Fears of global recession causes investor pullouts
[Michael Appel] As fears of a global recession sets in, international investors are withdrawing funds from emerging markets.

Who's got the best banking system in Africa?
South Africa has come out tops in Africa and is 15th in the world rankings in the World Economic Forum survey of banking systems.

Global market rebound possibly ‘eye of the storm'
[Michael Appel] Consumers should continue to be cautious with their spending despite global markets stabilising and Wall Street registering its highest gains in a single day since the darkest days of the Great Depression.

Using financial solutions to get back to black
The current economic crunch calls for a shift in thinking on the part of financial services providers in terms of how they respond to consumer debt, says Terry Kier, Managing Director, OriginEight Financial Services. South Africans, he says, are on average spending 80% of their disposable income on debt, with the average consumer owing to eight credit providers at any one time.


Wall Street sees record one-day-surge after deep losses
Wall Street saw its biggest one-day-surge on Monday after eight days of deep losses that took the Dow down nearly 2.400 points.

Meals for moppets
Woolworths introduces fun new range of meals for kids.


Truworths finance director steps down
Wayne van der Merwe has resigned as finance director of Truworths with effect from 16 April 2009 to relocate to with his family to Australia.

Kaan goes gold at Veritas
The Golden Kaan wine brand has won gold at Veritas, one of South Africa's premier wine awards, announced last Saturday night in Cape Town.


Reinet Investments issues pre-listing statement
A pre-listing statement for Reinet Investments, the separately-listed investment vehicle being spawned by the restructuring of Swiss based luxury goods group Richemont, was issued on Wednesday, 15 October.

A taste of Islay? I'll say!
Here's something for whisky lovers who might like to share the gentle taste of Islay this festive season. The elegant and distinctive Bunnahabhain 25-year old is the perfect gift for those who appreciate the finer things in life.


SABMiller lager volumes up 3%
Global brewing giant SABMiller Plc on Tuesday reported 3% growth in lager volumes with organic lager volumes marginally ahead of the prior year (up 1% in the second quarter) for the six months ended September.

Meet some flying Legends
Five wines from the Cape Legends portfolio have been selected by SAA's judging panel for serving aboard the national carrier during 2009. Each of the wines will be showcased to Premier Class passengers.


Just for mums and the little people (and the oldies too)
Woolworths has launched an extension to its successful ‘world of difference' loyalty program aimed specifically at mothers-to-be and parents (and grandparents) of under 7s. ‘littleworld' offers all the benefits of membership in the ‘world of difference' along with special benefits just for moms and moms-to-be, from expert advice to pampering gifts.

General Mills launches innovative new Savoury TubeSet from Pillsbury - General Mills South Africa
When it launches this summer, the new Savoury TubeSet, a Pillsbury product, will revolutionise the time, energy and versatility that are typically required in a busy kitchen.


Get wanted! The hottest collaboration this summer: HHP and Stimorol - Cadbury South Africa
SAMA Award-winning superstar Hip Hop Pantsula (HHP) has teamed up with Stimorol for the launch of their new three-piece range. The launch will be supported by a ground-breaking competition which will see winners from across the country play a variety of roles in the new music video for his soon-to-be-released track “All I Need”.


Gloria Jean's Coffees partners with the Rainforest Alliance - Gloria Jean's Coffees
Gloria Jean's Coffees has partnered with international non-profit conservation organisation, the Rainforest Alliance, to launch its new Rainforest Alliance Certified™ Single Origin Nicaraguan whole bean coffee to consumers nationwide.

Facelift for Rentokil after 81 years - Rentokil
One of South Africa's most reputable brands in the pest control industry, Rentokil, has revamped its image for the first time since its establishment in 1927.

Support the Journey of Hope
October is breast cancer awareness month in South Africa and to build awareness of this silent killer, a group of 12 women have embarked on a cross-country journey from Johannesburg, departing 11 October, to Cape Town, arriving 18 October, on Harley-Davidson motorbikes, spreading their message of hope.

The ultimate online shopping experience, Part 2: features and functionality
[Julian Chu] Part 1 of this series explores principles that should be applied to online customer experience strategy development. This second part discusses the most important tactical principles to follow when re-designing your site and provide specific examples of ways they are used on e-commerce sites today.

Zappos.com: These boots were made for e-commerce
[Pam Baker] Among dreamy startups and salty e-commerce veterans alike, Zappos.com appears to be the golden grail - certainly one blessed, at least, with heavenly rewards. "Zappos is the Amazon of the shoe business, and its model is extremely difficult to mimic," Gene Alvarez, vice president of research at Gartner (and former employee of shoe-biz powerhouse, Nine West Group), told the E-Commerce Times.

Inaugural SABS Expo to highlight certification significance
The inaugural South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) Expo will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre, north of Johannesburg, from 29 - 31 October 2008. The expo will highlight the benefits of product and system certification to local and international manufacturers, producers, traders, investors and to the general public that will be in attendance.

Soweto cuisine at Good Food and Wine Show for the first time - Cape Gourmet Wine Show
Too many chefs spoiling the broth just aren't the case when it comes to these fabulous macho men with their frying pans. For the first time Africa's biggest culinary extravaganza - the not-to-be-missed Good Food and Wine Show which runs the Coca Cola Dome in Northgate from October 30 to November 2 - will be bringing Soweto Bites and the Traditional Taste Pavilion to its visitors.


Launching designer t-shirt expo
Levi's is launching the aKING LTD Edition t-shirt exhibition, which will display the works of 20 of South Africa's top graphic designers and fine artists who were specially selected to create a t-shirt for the initiative. The exhibition will launch on 28 October 2008 at The Kunst House, 62 Kloof street, Cape Town, and will be open to the public 29 - 31 October 2008. A limited run of 20 t-shirts per design will be produced by Levi's, and will be sold at the expo. For more information about the event and the other items up for grabs, see the Biz E Blog.

P&G decries sale of counterfeits in Uganda
[Walter Wafula] Proctor and Gamble, the manufacturer of Always sanitary pads has decried the sale of counterfeits of their products in Uganda underlining that it is losing it's market-share and exposing consumers to many health risks.

Botswana recalls Chinese dairy products
The Botswana authorities have become the latest of a number of governments around the world to recall Chinese-made dairy products, following the melamine scare.

Young guns cook up a storm in Heinz junior chefs competition
The new Heinz Junior Chefs of the Year competition, involving high school learners from around Tshwane, took place at Pretoria's Pro Arte Alphen Park High School last Saturday and culminated in a culinary extravaganza as these young chefs turned up the heat with their creative masterpieces.

Zimbabwe: All aboard for a 2,500km shopping trip
The bus route between South Africa, the continent's largest economy, and Zimbabwe, the world's fastest shrinking economy outside of a war zone, is a crucial lifeline for people faced with increasing food insecurity.


IBSA countries set trade target at $15bn
[Bathandwa Mbola] India, Brazil and South Africa have agreed to increasing trade between the three countries, setting a trade target of about R142 billion by 2010.

Coega refinery licence granted
State oil and gas company PetroSA has been granted a manufacturing licence for its planned R101.4 billion oil refinery at the Coega Industrial Development Zone outside Port Elizabeth.

High-impact packaging can be redesigned for sustainability
With the proper analysis and planning, two CPG companies create packaging that is ECO-friendly and EYE-catching.

Juice gets wild new look
Coinciding with the launch of the exciting new look for Wilde fruit juice 1L Elo Pak, the brand is introducing the new 200ml Tetra Pak, which will be available in store this October 2008.


Good for the Ground at Natural & Organic Show - Good for the Ground
The Natural & Organic Show is back in Cape Town on 17-19 October at the CTICC and Good for the Ground will be exhibiting alongside Tierhoek Organic, Stand C1.

Pentawards 2008 heads to France
The winners of the worldwide packaging design awards competition, Pentawards 2008, will be announced in Monaco, France, on 30 October. This year's entries are open to any packaging designed or released in 2007. The competition is said to be the only global initiative dedicated exclusively to the complete range of packaging design. The categories are divided into beverages, food, body, other markets, luxury, and outside these categories, which are then further broken down into sub-categories. For more information and a full jury list, visit: http://www.pentawards.org/.

Turn over a new leaf in time for New Year
[ActivRetail] With the December holidays and the New Year approaching, Lipton has created even more opportunities for individuals to ‘Turn Over a New Leaf' with their in-store and out of home campaign initiatives.

Consumer Protection Bill goes before Parliament
The Consumer Protection Bill 2008, which will introduce principles of consumer protection and serve as a governing statement on consumer protection matters in South Africa, went before a selected Parliamentary committee yesterday, Thursday 16 October.

UK watchdog counters confectionary giants' claims
Makers of Maltesers and Jaffa Cakes come under fire from UK's advertising watchdog over some claims they make about their products.

New Companies Bill to go before Parliament
The Department of Trade and Industry will on Thursday, 16 October, table the Companies Bill 2008, in Parliament before the Select Committee on Economic and Foreign Affairs for ratification and adoption.

Fuel retailers want slow deregulation
[Siseko Njobeni] The time is not ripe for the deregulation of the South African petroleum industry, according to fuel retailers. Sector body wants a 'defererred' approach rather than 'overnight' change which could harm small players.

Huge income gap grows
The gap between high and low wage earners has increased sharply in most countries, according to a new United Nations report.

So what are savvy shoppers doing?
A new study released in the US reveals which consumer groups are most likely to spend during challenging economic times, and how behaviour-based segmentation helps retailers improve strategies to connect with consumers. The study applies to US consumers but South African and African marketers and retailers will find parallels with the local market.

Healthy drop in new vehicle problems
Results of the latest Synovate's Competitive Customer Satisfaction (CCSI) research show a healthy decrease in the number of problems new car owners experience with their vehicles in this country.

Economy rankings - how do we rate?
How easy is it to do business in South Africa and Africa - or with the rest of the world, for that matter. These rankings provide some insight.

European auto industry tries to avoid stalling
[Mudit Gupta] The European automotive industry is fighting to mitigate the domino effect of the global market slowdown.

US consumers buying more packaged meals from retailers, says study
Prepared meal gains come largely at the expense of fast-food restaurants in the United States.

Advertising returns - the long-term investment plan
Many clients expect an advertising or marketing campaign to show instant results, and while new campaigns may result in short-term peaks in sales that keep the client happy, the real value is in the long-term.

How to beat irksome automated customer service systems
[Jon Yates] One of the most enduring customer-service complaints is the poor performance of automated customer-service systems. Cost-cutting, outsourcing and corporate apathy have pushed customer contact to the bottom of the priority list, but one site will at least help you navigate these systems.

Woolworths spread wings at OR Tambo
[Julius Baumann] In response to passenger demand, Airports Company SA (Acsa) will early next year open a fully fledged Woolworths store at OR Tambo International Airport.

Über stylish, defined by attitude
The crème of South Africa's social scene, including VIP guests, celebrities and local media joined in the über-stylish, exclusive cocktail party celebration of the launch of the Hugo menswear store at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town on 15 October 2008. This new store is the first in South Africa.


New-look Pick n Pay on course for faster growth
[Thabang Mokopanele] Food retailer Pick n Pay is expected to see faster growth by 2010 after completing its substantial restructuring programme, which includes converting Score stores into its franchises.

Pick n Pay earnings higher
Grocer retailer Pick n Pay expects diluted headline earnings per share from continuing operations for the six months ended August to be between 15% and 25% higher than the same period last year, it said on Tuesday.

Look and Listen scoops Best of Johannesburg Award - Look and Listen
The Look and Listen retail group has scooped the Leisure Options Best of Johannesburg award for being the Best CD shop, as voted for by you - their Joburg fans!

Guard your identity
This article relates to the UK, but there are parallels with South Africa and the message is clear. Beware!

The global village is slowly going digital
Computers are increasingly ubiquitous in the developing world as software and internet companies create operating systems, computing programmes, and web-based portals in hundreds of indigenous languages.

Singin' the Blu-ray blues
[John Martellaro] After Tuesday's launch of the new MacBooks, Steve Jobs, Tim Cook and Phil Schiller sat on high stools on stage to answer questions. Asked about Blu-ray, Jobs said, "You know, Blu-ray is a bag of hurt." That's probably more of a positioning statement for Apple products and strategy than a real indictment of the Blu-ray technology, and therein lies a problem.

A heads-up on headphones and your hearing
Often, people use their headphones to block out the noise of an airplane or chatty neighbor, but simply increasing the volume can increase the danger of hearing damage. Many headphones now offer noise isolation or noise cancellation, which audiologists recommend over everyday earphones for protecting hearing.

Motorola looks to touch off comeback with new Krave
[Walaika Haskins] Verizon and Motorola launched another touchscreen wireless phone into the market Tuesday. However, unlike other touch screen handsets, the Krave ZN4 is a flip phone with a new spin - a transparent plastic cover.


Five things your ERP sales rep doesn't want you to know
[James O'Leary] Many businesses are turning to enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to help manage their business processes. Once the sale is over, however, the ERP sales rep most likely won't be there to help with integration, and that's no easy task