Petrol industry in the price-fixing hot seat
A new investigation is being launched into alleged price-fixing - this time within the petroleum industry, the Competition Commission announced earlier today.

Shoprite takes the price plunge
[Chris Moerdyk] Are South Africa's retail marketers fast asleep and missing out, or are they a lot more astute than Shoprite, which has taken the plunge and started heavily advertising the fact that, owing to the fuel price having dropped, it's going to cut prices?

China's clothing and textile sector hurts
[Renato Palmi] It seems that the great Chinese dragon is wounded and its shadow over the global apparel and textile industries (T & A) has diminished albeit only slightly. Injured in the collective repercussions of the economic turmoil the world is experiencing, it will retreat, develop new strategies and incentives to reappear once again in the hope of retaking diminished markets to feed its nation and avert any social unrest due to massive job losses in its export orientated industries.


Not all good news at fuel pumps in 2009
[Michael Appel] Although South African motorists can for the moment enjoy the sudden travellers euphoria after the price of unleaded 93 octane dropped by R1.36 in January, fuel increases in 2009 are likely on the horizon some economists believe.

A 2009 wishlist for African business objectives
[Terry Levin] Products and services that are meaningful, authentic and feelgood act as antidotes to recession and digital overkill, hence 2009 is the time for essential model shifts necessitated by global financial, humanitarian and health issues.


Most expensive global cities survey
SINGAPORE: Recent exchange rate fluctuations resulting from this year's economic crisis are having a major impact on the cost of living for expatriates, according to ECA International, a knowledge and solutions provider for international human resources professionals.


Pick n Pay voted world's best retailer
Pick n Pay has been voted the world's best retailer by international retail organisation, the National Retail Federation (NRF).

Tucking into healthier options at school - The Heart and Stroke Foundation SA
[Ayesha Seedat] It's that time of the year again. Kids are back at school after the long and hopefully enjoyable and revitalising summer break! For kids to achieve the most out of their school year, it is advised that they eat smart by making healthier food choices. Very low fat or restricted diets are not recommended - rather focus on a healthy, balanced approach.

Developing countries suffering capital outflows - Manuel
The global economic recession, affecting the United States in particular, is causing significant outflows of capital as investors retreat to pump money into their domestic markets, says Finance Minister Trevor Manuel.

Loan sharks still lurk underground
Dr Eddie Stoop, CEO of the Elite Group (a wholly owned affiliate of AltX listed group, African Dawn Capital) said loan sharks charging up to 60% a month interest were continuing to flourish despite the introduction of the National Credit Act which strictly forbids such practices.

Lower interest rates to revitalise property market by 2010
[Michael Appel] Economists agree that as the global recession takes hold and economic growth comes under threat, interest rates are set to drop spurring a revival in South Africa's property market by early 2010.

Public called to send “Tips for Trevor”
[Bathandwa Mbola] The Ministry of Finance is once again inviting all South Africans to send their tips to the country's Finance Minister on what they would like to see included in the country's Budget, to be delivered next month.

Global economic slowdown favouring 2-3% interest rate cut in '09
[Michael Appel] The massive slowdown in the United States economy which led to over 2.6 million job cuts in the US in 2008 brought the global economy to its knees threatening local economic growth in South Africa ushering in possible interest rate cuts.

Carefully tread the loan line in tough times
Given the grim market conditions characterized by galloping inflation and steep interest rates, consumers would do well to wise up when borrowing money.

Rand likely to see-saw in 2009, economists predict
[Michael Appel] Although South African's began their December 2008 holidays on a wave of jubilation as interest rates were cut by 50 basis points, the strength of the Rand, which influences almost all aspects of everyday life is likely to see-saw economists predict.

Pet food relaunch gets tails bobbing
Nola, a division of Foodcorp, has re-launched its leading pet food brand Bobtail with a new look and an extended product line to further entrench their position in the market.


Motorola job loss spiral accelerates with 4,000 more cuts
[Ryan Nakashima] Mobile handset maker Motorola said Wednesday it will cut 4,000 more jobs in 2009, in addition to 3,000 it announced in October.

The Hardy Boys take on Smirnoff
After a five-way pitch against some of the biggest agencies in South Africa, Durban-based The Hardy Boys has been appointed as the agency of choice for Smirnoff, it was announced yesterday, Wednesday, 14 January 2009. The Hardy Boys will be responsible for all the below-the-line activation, amplification and brand building for the Smirnoff trademark.

Beer runs low in Malawi
[Gregory Gondwe] Carlsberg Malawi Brewery Limited, which has been trying to re-brand its beer products, has suspended production for January - and consumers are not happy.

Expected Sony, Toshiba losses rock Japanese CE market
[Jeff Meisner] Two giants of Japan's consumer electronics industry are expected to announce annual losses for the first time in many years.

Yummy billboard takes brand to new heights
[ActivRetail] Following on from the recent relaunch of the Yum Yum peanut butter range, Nola, a division of Foodcorp, is taking the brand in a new direction with the launch of its latest campaign.


Launching local range of Greek-style olives

click to enlarge

Handpicked from some of the finest orchards in the Hex River Valley and surrounding areas, Staffords Greek Calamata Style Olives are processed according to a natural, traditional recipe. Available in pitted halves, pitted whole, and select whole olives, the range can be purchased from leading retail outlets.

The incredible shrinking internet sales tax loophole
[Rachel Metz] USA: Shopping online can be a way to find bargains while steering clear of crowds - and sales taxes.

Joburg Easter Festival, Rand Show merge
The Johannesburg Expo Centre, parent of the newly created Joburg Easter Festival, has bought back the Rand Show brand from Kagiso Media, which purchased it from the centre in 2000. The deal, concluded late Friday 16 January 2009, follows a decision by Kagiso Media to wind down its wholly owned Kagiso Exhibitions & Events (KEE) subsidiary through the disposal of its assets and trading entities and will see the show incorporated into the festival.


Celebrating the indulgence of chocolate
The Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand will serve as a temple to the cocoa bean between 20 - 22 March 2009 for the annual Chocolate Festival, a platform where exhibitors can showcase, and visitors experience, every possible incarnation of chocolate.


CES 2010 to feature Apple orchard - with or without Apple
[Chris Maxcer] The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has confirmed that an Apple-focused area will come to its huge Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in 2010, though it currently can't confirm that Apple itself will set up an official exhibit.

Coca-cola dome appoints exclusive caterer
The Coca-Cola dome has appointed Delmont Caldow Caterers as its exclusive five-star banqueting caterers.

EU and Cameroon sign trade agreement
YAOUNDE: The EU and Cameroon have signed a 'stepping stone' Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the first of its kind between the EU and a Central African trade partner.

New report focuses on world packaging machinery market
Demand for packaging machinery forecast to grow 5.2% annually.

All systems go for sandwich pack production
[ActivRetail] Nampak Cartons & Labels Epping is on track to commence local production of the newly launched and fully biodegradable Woolworths “To go” range of sandwich packs.

Oral-B competition winner gets ride of a lifetime
[ActivRetail] Maggie Prioste of Cyrildene was one of more than 5000 people who bought an Oral-B Cross Action Complete 7 toothbrush this winter. The purchase entered her into a competition to win a trip for two on the Eurostar train, which runs between London and Paris through the Channel Tunnel.


Branding 'history' on Bloed Street
[ActivRetail] ComutaNet is said to be the first media owner in South Africa to brand a fully integrated shopping mall and taxi rank, doing so on behalf of leading mobile operator Cell C.

Cape milk processor turns on rivals
[Mathabo le Roux] A company implicated in a dairy industry cartel has turned against its rivals, agreeing to testify against them in a hearing to start before the Competition Tribunal today.

Dairies say watchdog's probe was irregular
[Mathabo le Roux] Two milk processors will on Monday raise issue about “serious irregularities” on the part of the Competition Commission in an investigation which led to eight players in the dairy industry being accused of collusion and price-fixing.

Aiming for safer non-US-made medicines
FDA launches pilot program to improve drug safety and active drug ingredients produced outside US.

USDA issues final rule on mandatory country of origin labelling
The United States Department of Agriculture has announced details of the final regulation for the mandatory country of origin labelling (COOL) program required by the 2002 and 2008 farm bills.

UK loves John Lewis
LONDON, UK: The credit crunch may well be changing people's shopping habits but a poll of over 6,000 consumers carried out by Verdict Research reveals that department store chain John Lewis remains the nation's favourite retailer.

Adversity gives you strength
[John Boe] How can you stay self-motivated and productive in the midst of turbulent times and a sluggish economy? How do you persevere as a salesperson when times are tough and customers seem to be holding on to every penny in fear of economic uncertainty?


Retailers' soul-searching struggle to keep customers
[Anne D'Innocenzio and Mae Anderson] Retailers need to offer customers more services to make themselves indispensable and work with the government to help solve economic and social woes even as they deal with seismic changes in consumer behavior, industry leaders said Monday.

How the digital landscape will shape marketing in 2009
[Stafford Masie] A new year is here and stretching before us are 12 months of great possibility and opportunity. No-one could have predicted the innovation and evolution that we saw around the Internet during 2008. Likewise, making predictions for 2009 is nearly impossible. So instead of trying to make precise predictions about our incredibly dynamic industry, I've listed my top nine trends to watch during the coming year.


Keep in touch with customers - but not too much
[Gail Goodman] Have you noticed your inboxes are filling up faster lately with promotions from businesses desperate to get your attention? If you're like me and getting bombarded with multiple promotions, then your first inclination is to just tune them out, click delete and move on to the business of the day.

2009 will see more advertisers in shopping centres
[Darren Katz] The shopping centre space in 2009 continues to be a hub of activity for consumers of all ages, races and social backgrounds. While in the past few years, the average time spent in a mall has been around three hours, research and recent refurbishments around major centres are indicating that consumers are spending more time and advertisers are getting more bang for their buck.


Big challenges facing marketers in 2009
[Chris Moerdyk] Never before, in the history of South Africa, have its marketers faced quite so many daunting challenges and those that will come through the economic downturn successfully will be those who understand that calculated risk is an integral and necessary part of business today.


Two CEOs, one customer-responsive strategy
[Robert M. Donnelly] Two CEOs in very different industries inherited similar sets of circumstances and applied the same strategy in response: team building and motivation. Both led their teams to innovate with a focus on the customer experience, and both achieved dramatic results.

Richemont December sales down
Swiss based luxury goods group Richemont (CFR) on Monday reported total sales for the three months ended December 2008 were down 7% at €1.552 billion from €1.673 billion in the corresponding period in 2007. Underlying sales decreased by 12% at constant exchange rates.

Foschini trading 'above expectations'
Foschini said on Friday that Christmas trading was above expectation across all divisions with sales growth for December of 9.9% and same store growth of 3%.

Mr Price Group Dec sales up 21.4%
South African retailer Mr Price Group (MPC) said on Wednesday that during the third quarter (October, November and December) of the financial year ending March 2009 it recorded sales growth of 20.3%, with December up 21.4%.

Shoprite's African foray paying off
[Thabang Mokopanele] Food and furniture retailer Shoprite said yesterday turnover grew 27.3% to R29,6bn for the six months to last month with the group's African business continuing to forge ahead.

Metro posts solid 2008 sales
FRANKFURT: The German retailer Metro posted solid provisional 2008 results on Tuesday, but remained prudent regarding its prospects for this year. Metro said sales had gained 5.9% to €68 billion ($91 billion), slightly below its target of a 6.0% increase. But it met for the most part the average forecast of analysts polled by Dow Jones Newswires, who had pencilled in sales of €68.04 billion. This year, however, will be a "very difficult year," Metro boss Eckhard Cordes was quoted by a statement as saying. The group therefore planned to cut costs and reduce investments by €1.6 billion.

Scientists to create Africa soil map
Scientists are to create a digital map showing soil conditions in sub-Saharan Africa. The 17.5m US dollar project will offer farmers in 42 countries a soil health diagnosis and advice on crop yields.

What did Blu-ray win?
[Jim Offner] Last spring, Sony appeared to score a decisive blow in the high-definition video sweepstakes when its Blu-ray video format won the endorsement of Hollywood studios and major retailers, claiming victory over Toshiba's rival HD-DVD format.

CinemaNow opens new channels for Blockbuster
[Michael Liedtke] Blockbuster is stamping its brand on CinemaNow's system for delivering movies over the Internet, providing the video rental chain with another avenue for reaching consumers who want to rent and buy movies without traveling to a store.

Tech spending dip forecast for '09
[Barbara Ortutay] Technology companies face a bumpy ride in 2009.

Go SaaS, go green
[Curt Finch] Data centres and headquarters have made up approximately 90% of the value in many recent asset sales on Wall Street. For example, Lehman Brothers sold its assets to Barclays for US$1.75 billion, 86% of which was for the data centres and headquarters alone. The fact is that a company's headquarters generate no revenue, and maintaining them can be a financial drain.

Online consumer trends for 2009
[Tim Shier] Never before has the consumer had so much power to influence corporate change. While this trend in itself isn't new and was discussed in great detail in the Cluetrain Maninfesto in 1999, as well as in 2006's Wikinomics, there is a great deal of significant to this power shift - as I'll share with you as I predict some online consumer trends for 2009.