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Category: General

Retail News Asia is committed to providing both local and global retailers with the latest General Retail news throughout the Asian market. This on a daily base.

  • Inflight Sales Group secures five-year Philippine Airlines contract

    Inflight Sales Group secures five-year Philippine Airlines contract

    Inflight Sales Group (ISG) has been awarded a five-year contract by Philippine Airlines (PAL) following the airline’s recent inflight retail concessionaire tender. PAL chairman Lucio C Tan Senior took part in the official contract signing with ISG Group managing director Tony Detter at a ceremony held at the airline’s headquarters in Manila.

    The new agreement, which further builds on ISG and PAL’s existing strategic partnership — which began when PAL first outsourced its supply and marketing in 2011 — will take effect on April 1 2017. In addition to the services ISG already provides, it will also take over management of most elements of the operation from the airline, expanding its Philippine based team. It will also launch a new inflight retail tablet-based POS solution onboard.

    ISG’s Detter said: “It is a very exciting development for us to extend our relationship with PAL. ISG is extremely pleased about working with the airline more closely to build on the success we have had together over the last five years. We have a strong partnership, and our new model will offer greater synergies and a better-quality service to PAL’s passengers.”

    He added: “The Philippines is a market where we have seen positive sales growth over the past year and one where we believe we can leverage our success further. We will offer stronger and more creative, visible promotions, and some great deals for our customers.  While the inflight sector has seen a decline according to industry benchmarks, we have seen success with our strategy here and other markets.”

    Philippine Airlines Merchandising & Retail Duty Free Programme manager Kitinka Icalina-Bravo commented: “We are eager to start working with the ISG team to build on our success.  PAL is committed to supporting further growth by expanding our efforts with the cabin crew, offering them additional training, recognition and enhanced incentives.  Our company recognises our sales force is key to delivering a service that is high quality and genuinely warm and from the heart.  My background working within the crew community allows me to understand the challenges they face and advocate for the tools they need to be successful.”

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  • Singapore’s Yoma and METRO join hands for wholesale distribution in Myanmar

    Singapore’s Yoma and METRO join hands for wholesale distribution in Myanmar

    Singapore listed Yoma Strategic Holdings Ltd has partnered with Germany’s METRO GROUP, the international wholesale and food retail company is to establish an integrated wholesale distribution platform in Myanmar, the company announced on February 24.

    A new entity, METRO Wholesale Myanmar Ltd aims to “address the evolving needs of the local professional customers” for those who demand quality supplies.

    Yoma Strategic will hold a 15 per cent stake in the new business and the remaining 85 per cent will be taken by METRO.

    “METRO Myanmar will leverage on METRO’s procurement capabilities and Yoma Strategic’s existing logistics, warehousing and fleet leasing businesses to fast track its growth,” as mentioned in the release.

    METRO Myanmar is looking at improving the whole supply chain in the country.

    They will be offering more than 3,300 food an non-food items to customers like hotels, restaurants and independent small retailers.

    In Myanmar, retailers need to source their products in different ways from local distributors and importers and METRO is looking at creating a one-stop wholesale distribution platform. One popular wholesale center is named as Gandamar wholesale and is said to be supported by military backed Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings. We are confident that our partnership with METRO will bring global know-how in modern wholesale distribution and contribute to bringing reliable and safe food to the people in Myanmar,” said Melvyn Pun, CEO of Yoma Strategic.

    The wholesale and food specialist company operates in 35 countries with sales reaching about Euro 37 billion in 2015-16.

    Their B2B wholesale division METRO Cash & Carry serves across Europe and Asia to hotels, restaurants, small retail and catering firms. Just in recent years, they started to upgrade their competence in the hospitality industry, specifically, in the food service distribution work.

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  • Cebu Pacific extends free additional 25kg baggage allowance to all its Middle East passengers

    Cebu Pacific extends free additional 25kg baggage allowance to all its Middle East passengers

    The Philippines’ largest carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB), has announced a special promo exclusively for our valued guests in the Middle East.

    Starting February 13 to March 15, 2017, all passengers originating from Doha, Dubai, Kuwait and Riyadh travelling to Manila with pre-purchased baggage allowance of 40 kilograms will be receiving additional 25 kilograms baggage allowance, free-of-charge.

    The extra baggage allowance will be given upon check-in of the guest at the airport.

    For those guests with connecting flights to other domestic destinations, the additional 25kg will be carried over up to their next flight, given that their flight itineraries were booked under one reference number only.

    This promotion is not valid on return flights from the Philippines to the Middle East and on bookings with Cebgo connecting flights.

    “With the launch of this special promotion, CEB opens up more opportunities for its travelers across the Middle East region, most especially the Filipinos, to maximize their trip to the Philippines by allowing them to bring more items for their families and friends back home. Not only is CEB able to continuously make travel accessible and affordable to everyone through our  trademark low fares, but now providing another avenue for them to get the best out of their travel,” Atty. JR Mantaring, CEB Vice President for Corporate Affairs.

    CEB currently offers flights to a total of 37 domestic and 29 international destinations, operating an extensive network across Asia, Australia, USA, and the Middle East. Its 58-strong fleet is comprised of four Airbus A319, 36 Airbus A320, seven Airbus A330, eight ATR 72-500, and three ATR 72-600 aircraft. Between 2017 and 2021, CEB expects delivery of one more brand-new Airbus A330, 32 Airbus A321neo, and 13 ATR 72-600 aircraft.

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  • Philippine Airlines to resume daily Manila-KL flights

    Philippine Airlines to resume daily Manila-KL flights

    Philippine Airlines will resume daily flights between Manila and Kuala Lumpur in June 2017 after a three-year hiatus, targeting at least 80% in load factor over the next 12 months.

    Its senior vice-president for commercial group, David A. Lim, said the flight resumption between both capitals was in line with the carrier’s route expansion and flight modernisation.

    “We are looking to not only ‘selling’ Manila to Malaysian travellers but also the Philippines as a whole and the Americas, as well as the Oceania routes,” he told reporters after announcing the Manila-Kuala Lumpur route on Wednesday.

    Present were Philippine Airlines vice president of sales Ryan T. Uy and Pacific World Travel Sdn Bhd president Tunku Datuk Seri Iskandar Tunku Abdullah.

    Pacific World Travel is a general sales agent for Philippine Airlines Malaysia.

    “We have expanded eight new destinations this year and we will expand more as we move towards the year-end,” Lim said.

    To date, Philippine Airlines has 29 domestic flights and 44 international destinations, including that of the Middle East and Europe.

    He noted that the reopening of the route was also aimed at capitalising on the Asean economic integration as it would provide direct access to new business opportunities.

    Lim expressed confidence that the airline would regain its market share in Malaysia as it planned to expand its code-share partnership with Malaysia Airlines in domestic flights.

    The carrier halted its flights to Kuala Lumpur in 2014 after a year in operation partly due to microeconomic factors, said Uy.

    He said 2013 was a challenging year for everyone due to high fuel prices.

    “That was part of the reasons why we stopped the route. We believe this is the best time to come in, especially with Asean celebrating its 50th anniversary, to grow our tourism industry,” he added.

     

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  • Walmart China eyes up to 40 new stores

    Walmart China eyes up to 40 new stores

    Walmart Stores says it plans opening between 30 and 40 new stores in China this year.

    Included in that number will be up to five new Sam’s Club outlets.

    While Walmart achieved a solid performance in its home market last year, its international operations – especially in the UK, are struggling.

    In China, Walmart is seeking to develop new retail models to cater to consumers’ changing shopping habits.

    Walmart China will invest a further RMB300 million (US$43.4 million) in upgrading and refurbishing about 50 of its existing stores and improving its supply chain operation.

    “We will move faster to improve the overall customer experience and continue our strategic alliance with JD.com and to strengthen omni-channel approach,” said Dirk Van den Berghe, president and CEO of Walmart Asia and China.

    Last year, Walmart China opened 24 new stores: 21 hypermarkets and 3 Sam’s Club stores.

    The company said its average basket size in China increased by 5.4 per cent in the quarter ended January and same-store sales rose 2.3 per cent.

  • SIA among 5 airlines told to compensate passengers for delays

    SIA among 5 airlines told to compensate passengers for delays

    Singapore Airlines (SIA) is among five international airlines that fly into Europe that have been told to pay passengers for delays they may have experienced.

    The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said in its press release on Wednesday (Feb 22) that American Airlines, Etihad Airways, Emirates, SIA and Turkish Airlines will have to obey European laws or be taken to court. They all face enforcement action after a CAA review found them to be breaching consumer law, it added.

    These airlines had told the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) that they did not pay compensation to passengers who had experienced a delay on the first leg of a flight that caused them to miss a connecting flight and, as a result, arrive at their final destination more than three hours late, the press release said.

    CAA added that SIA currently places compensation claims for these delays “on hold”.

    Under European Union (EU) law, airlines may have to provide compensation if passengers arrive at their destinations late. These rules, however, only apply to certain flights to, from or within the EU and only if the airline was at fault, such as if it was through poor aircraft maintenance or flight crew being available, the UK CAA website said.

    Compensation ranges from 250 euros (S$372.70) for delays of more than three hours for short-haul flights to 600 euros for delays of more than four hours for long-haul flights, it added.

    Mr Richard Moriarty, director of Consumers and Markets at the CAA, said: “Airlines’ first responsibility should be looking after their passengers, not finding ways in which they can prevent passengers upholding their rights.

    “So it’s disappointing to see a small number of airlines continuing to let a number of their passengers down by refusing to pay them the compensation they are entitled to,” he said.

    In response to queries, SIA said it has been in contact with the UK’s CAA on the issue “for some time”.

    “There is a lack of clarity in the law which is currently the subject of ongoing litigation before the Court of Appeal,” a spokesperson for the airline said, adding that SIA will continue to work with the CAA to resolve differences with respect to the application of the regulation to missed connections.

  • Vietnam now ranks among the world’s top 5 most optimistic nations

    Vietnam now ranks among the world’s top 5 most optimistic nations

    Vietnamese consumers’ higher confidence late last year has helped lift the country to be among the world’s five most optimistic nations, Nielsen said.

    The ranking is measured for the fourth quarter of 2016, with Vietnam’s Consumer Confidence Index moving up five percentage points from the July-September quarter to a score of 112, the global information and measurement company said in a statement following a survey that ended last November.

    The Southeast Asian nation now ranks behind India, the Philippines, the U.S. and Indonesia. At 112, Vietnam ranks third in Southeast Asia after the Philippines and Indonesia, Nielsen said in the poll attended by more than 30,000 online consumers in 63 countries.

    Vietnam’s growing middle class population with rising disposable income, higher education level plus the country’s stable economic outlook remain the main drivers for its ranking, Nguyen Huong Quynh, Nielson managing director in Vietnam, said in the statement.

    Up to 76 percent of the Vietnamese consumers surveyed said they would place spare cash in savings, down from 78 percent in the previous quarter. Vietnam remains in its top position globally on keeping savings, the survey found.

    It also found that, after covering essential living expenses, around two in five Vietnamese consumers were willing to spend big on holidays and vacations (35 percent), new clothes (33 percent), new technology products (30 percent), home improvements (27 percent) and out of home entertainment (26 percent).

    “Vietnamese consumers have a strong desire for a better life,” Quynh said. “This reflects in their saving intention to prepare for the better future.”

    Health and job security topped the list of Vietnamese consumers’ concerns, the survey showed.

    “As consumers are looking to lead healthier lives, the need for food safety and product’s quality arise,” Quynh said, suggesting manufactures and retailers could get opportunity to tap into new markets to meet the consumer’s demand.

    Just 20 percent of the respondents in the survey expressed concern over Vietnam’s economic growth prospect, down from 26 percent in the second quarter.

    Vietnamese consumers’ rising confidence is in line with the trend in Southeast Asia, which grew five points between the first and the fourth quarter to 115, the index showed.

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  • 7-Eleven starts hiring ahead of Vietnam debut

    7-Eleven starts hiring ahead of Vietnam debut

    Japan’s convenience store chain 7-Eleven has started hiring staff for its Vietnam operation, as it seeks to expand retail business to one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies.

    The retailer is looking for full-time staff, including shop manager, salesperson, shop developer, marketing associate and trainer, all to be based in Ho Chi Minh City, Seven System Viet Nam Company said in a statement Monday.

    In 2015 7-Eleven’s U.S. subsidiary signed with the firm a licensing agreement to open stores in the Southeast Asian country.

    The date of opening or the number of outlets planned for the city are not yet disclosed. 7-Eleven has said the first store was expected in spring 2017.

    The launch of 7-Eleven stores is believed to heat the stiff competition among foreign investors in Vietnam’s retail market, which has grown at around 10 percent annually in recent years, and sales are likely to reach $109 billion in 2017, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit.

    7-Eleven, owned by Japan’s Seven & I Holdings, is an international chain of convenience stores with over 60,000 stores across 17 countries and territories. It has stores in five Southeast Asian markets, namely Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Indonesia.

  • T Galleria By DFS Celebrates Our Love of Travel With Exclusive Collection

    T Galleria By DFS Celebrates Our Love of Travel With Exclusive Collection

    T Galleria by DFS, the world’s leading luxury travel retailer, is proud to announce the launch of “From Venice with Love”, an exclusive collection of over 50 covetable products celebrating the most romantic city in the world, Venice, and our love of travel. Inspired by the colors of Italy and the opening of T Fondaco dei Tedeschi in Venice, DFS partnered with over 30 brands across the retailer’s five pillars of luxury to create the exclusive collection available in T Galleria and DFS stores worldwide beginning March 1. From the best of Italian fashion to fragrance to food, the collection features a range of international and Italian designers with standout pieces from Armani, Aquazzura, Gucci, Longines, Salvatore Ferragamo and Valentino.

    “For centuries, Venice has inspired generations of craftsmen with its heritage of luxury. With the opening of our first European location at T Fondaco dei Tedeschi in Venice, we wanted to create a collection that epitomizes a sense of place and captures the essence of Italy for travelers visiting DFS locations all over the world,” said Sibylle Scherer, President Merchandising and Consumer Marketing, DFS Group.

    Located on the Grand Canal, a few steps away from the famous Rialto Bridge and within walking distance from St. Mark’s Square, T Fondaco dei Tedeschi occupies one of the city’s most venerated buildings, the 800-year old Fondaco dei Tedeschi, which began its life as a place of exchange for northern merchants and was used for centuries to trade spices, silk and other goods between the Orient and Europe. Renowned for its curated collection of over 200 brands, the Alajmo family’s latest restaurant AMO and an Events Pavilion dedicated to showcasing Venice’s arts and culture, T Fondaco dei Tedeschi is a destination unto itself, encapsulating the spirit of Venice within its ancient walls.
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    The launch of “From Venice with Love” corresponds with the debut of T Galleria’s Spring 2017 campaign – “Love of Travel” which follows British model Alex Libby and Hong Kong fashion blogger Cindy Ko as they embark on a journey of discovery through the maze of Venice’s streets and canals, all captured by British documentary photographer Tom Craig.

    “This season we were inspired by travel and the way a place or experience shapes and changes you. Alex and Cindy bring that journey to life as they share their adventure of exploration, uncovering Venice’s beauty, art, architecture, music and people. Through Tom’s lens, we created a visual love affair with Venice, sharing with our customers that joy of discovering something for the first time and providing a new take on the Floating City,” said John Gerhardt, Senior Vice President Creative Branding Direction, DFS Group.

    Throughout March, April and May, customers can immerse themselves in the campaign across DFS’ 17 airport and 18 downtown T Galleria stores as well as online and on DFS’ social media channels. Visitors to DFS.com will encounter a dedicated microsite that utilizes 360-degree video to transport viewers to hotspots around Venice, including the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, Harry’s Bar and T Fondaco dei Tedeschi. In stores, shoppers will discover window displays and photo opportunities that serve as jumping off points to their next journey as well as art installations and in store activations that bring the spirit of Venice to life.

    All T Galleria and DFS stores will have dedicated pop-up spaces to showcase the “From Venice with Love” collection, allowing travelers to take home a piece of Italy no matter which DFS location they visit.

    “Ultimately, both our campaign and collection speak to a value at the core of the DFS experience – that thrill of discovery and passion for travel,” added Scherer. “We’re confident travelers will love joining us for this new and exciting journey as they continue to make memories with DFS.”

    Discover the exclusive “From Venice with Love” collection of great gifts and covetable pieces starting March 1 at T Galleria and DFS stores worldwide.

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  • Vietnam’s fast moving consumer goods market ends 2016 on a high note

    Vietnam’s fast moving consumer goods market ends 2016 on a high note

    Fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sales showed the best improvement in three years in the last quarter of 2016, with 7.3 percent growth against the same period last year, according to the latest Market Pulse quarterly report released by Nielsen on Thursday.

    “The build-up and positive sentiment towards the Tet period was one of the key drivers for FMCG growth,” said Nguyen Anh Dung, Nielsen Director of Retail Measurement Services.

    Beverages continued to be the key contributor to the total FMCG sales in the last quarter, accounting for 40 percent, followed by food and milk based products, which made up 15 percent each of the total.

    After being hit by a year of adverse weather conditions, growth in rural areas experienced a strong bounce-back from October-December with a 7 percent on-year jump, contributing 51 percent to total FMCG sales nationwide.

    “Rural areas are still the biggest consumer base and these consumers have increasing incomes that give them higher spending power,” Dung said.

    The Market Pulse Report is published quarterly based on the results of a Nielsen Retail Measurement study of FMCG in six cities across the country: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Can Tho, Nha Trang and Da Nang.

    Fast-moving consumer goods refers to products that are sold quickly and at a relatively low cost.

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  • Henkel reports sales and earnings at record levels

    Henkel reports sales and earnings at record levels

    “2016 was a very successful year for Henkel. In a challenging market environment, we achieved again new record levels for sales and earnings and met our financial targets for the fiscal year. We delivered a high quality of earnings. For the first time we reached an adjusted operating profit of more than 3 billion euros,” said Henkel CEO Hans Van Bylen. “In September, we closed the acquisition of Sun Products, which was the second-largest transaction in our company’s history. This marks a major step for Henkel and substantially strengthens our Laundry & Home Care business in North America. In November, we presented our new ambitions and strategic priorities for 2020 and beyond. Based on our strong foundation, our excellent results in 2016 and our clear priorities for the coming years, we are committed to continue our successful development in the future.”

    Outlook for 2017 

    Looking at the current fiscal year 2017, Hans Van Bylen said: “We expect the highly volatile and uncertain market environment to continue. Nevertheless, based on our clear strategic direction, our strong global team and our innovative brands and technologies with leading market positions, we are well-positioned for further profitable growth: For the full fiscal year 2017, we expect organic sales growth of 2 to 4 percent. We expect our adjusted EBIT margin to increase to more than 17.0 percent and adjusted earnings per preferred share to grow between 7 and 9 percent.”

    Sales and earnings performance 2016 

    At 18,714 million euros, sales in the fiscal year 2016 reached a new record level and grew by 3.5 percent compared to the previous year. Adjusted for foreign exchange effects, sales grew by 7.1 percent. The positive effect from acquisitions and divestments amounted to 4.0 percent, mainly as a result of acquiring The Sun Products Corporation. Organic sales, which exclude the impact of foreign exchange and acquisitions/divestments, showed a solid increase of 3.1 percent.

    All business units reported solid organic sales growth. The Adhesive Technologies business unit achieved organic sales growth of 2.8 percent. Sales in the Beauty Care business unit grew organically by 2.1 percent and the Laundry & Home Care business unit recorded organic sales growth of 4.7 percent.

    After allowing for one-time charges, one-time gains and restructuring charges, adjusted operating profit (EBIT) improved by 8.5 percent to a new high of 3,172 million euros (previous year: 2,923 million euros). All three business units contributed to this positive performance. Reported operating profit (EBIT) amounted to 2,775 million euros compared to 2,645 million euros in the previous year.

    Adjusted return on sales (EBIT margin) rose by 0.7 percentage points from 16.2 percent to 16.9 percent, reaching a new record level. Reported return on sales increased by 0.2 percentage points to 14.8 percent (previous year: 14.6 percent).

    The financial result improved from -42 million euros to -33 million euros. The financing costs relating to the acquisition of The Sun Products Corporation were more than offset by the positive effects from the repayment of the hybrid bond.

    Adjusted net income for the year after non-controlling interests increased by 10.0 percent to 2,323 million euros (2015: 2,112 million euros). After deducting 40 million euros attributable to non-controlling interests, reported net income increased by 6.9 percent from 1,921 million euros to 2,053 million euros.

    Adjusted earnings per preferred share grew by 9.8 percent from 4.88 euros to 5.36 euros and reached a new record level. Reported earnings per preferred share rose from 4.44 euros to 4.74 euros.

    The Management Board, Supervisory Board and Shareholders’ Committee will propose to the Annual General Meeting on April 6, 2017 an increase in the dividend per preferred share of 10.2 percent to 1.62 euros (previous year: 1.47 euros) and an increase in the dividend per ordinary share of 10.3 percent to 1.60 euros (previous year: 1.45 euros). This would be the highest dividend in the company’s history and equal a payout ratio of 30.3 percent.

    Net working capital as a percentage of sales improved by 0.3 percentage points from 3.8 percent to 3.5 percent.

    The net financial position closed the year at -2,301 million euros (December 31, 2015: 335 million euros). The change compared to the end of the previous year was primarily due to payments for acquisitions.

    Business unit performance

    The Adhesive Technologies business unit generated solid organic sales growth of 2.8 percent in fiscal 2016, thus outperforming market expansion. Nominally, sales were at 8,961 million euros after 8,992 million euros in the previous year.

    The emerging markets continued their successful performance with strong organic sales growth, with double-digit increases in the Latin America region and strong growth in the Eastern Europe region. Sales in Asia (excluding Japan) showed a solid development. Sales performance in the Africa/Middle East region was positive, despite the ongoing uncertain political situation and deterioration in the economic conditions prevailing in parts of the region. Sales in the mature markets were on prior-year level. Sales performance in North America was positive, while sales in the Western Europe region were the same year-on-year. In the mature markets of the Asia-Pacific region, sales remained below the level of the prior year.

    Adjusted operating profit of the Adhesive Technologies business unit rose by 6.2 percent to 1,629 million euros compared to the previous year. Adjusted return on sales showed an excellent increase of 1.1 percentage points, reaching a new high of 18.2 percent. Reported operating profit increased by 6.8 percent to 1,561 million euros.

    In 2016, the Beauty Care business unit continued its profitable growth path of previous years. At 2.1 percent, organic sales growth was once again above that of the relevant markets. Nominally, sales rose to 3,838 million euros (2015: 3,833 million euros).

    From a regional perspective, business performance was very strong in the emerging markets. Eastern Europe and Latin America achieved double-digit organic sales growth. Sales in Asia (excluding Japan) and in Africa/Middle East showed a positive development. Mature markets continued to be impacted by intense price and promotional pressure. In this challenging environment, sales in mature markets remained slightly below the level of the prior year. In Western Europe and in the mature markets of the Asia-Pacific region, sales were lower year-on-year. Beauty Care recorded solid growth compared to the previous year in North America.

    Adjusted operating profit of the Beauty Care business unit increased by 6.1 percent to 647 million euros. Adjusted return on sales showed an excellent increase of 1.0 percentage points to a new high of 16.9 percent. Reported operating profit amounted to 526 million euros, after 561 million euros in the previous year.

    The Laundry & Home Care business unit also continued the profitable growth of previous years in the fiscal year 2016. Sales grew organically by 4.7 percent year-on-year, significantly outperforming the relevant markets. Nominally, sales increased by 12.8 percent to 5,795 million euros, driven by the acquisitions closed in 2016.

    With a very strong increase, emerging markets were once again the major driver of organic sales growth. In Asia (excluding Japan), Laundry & Home Care recorded double-digit organic sales growth. Sales in Africa/Middle East showed a very strong development. Sales in the Eastern Europe and Latin America regions achieved a strong increase, contributing to the successful development. Performance in the mature markets was solid. North America recorded a solid increase in sales, while sales growth in Western Europe was positive.

    Adjusted operating profit of the Laundry & Home Care business unit increased double-digit by 13.7 percent to 1,000 million euros. Adjusted return on sales increased by 0.2 percentage points, reaching a new high of 17.3 percent. Reported operating profit rose by 2.2 percent from 786 million euros to 803 million euros.

    Regional performance

    In a market environment that continues to be highly competitive, sales in Western Europe were organically on the level of the previous year. The positive performance in Southern Europe could not entirely compensate the decline in France. At 5,999 million euros, nominal sales in the region were slightly down year-on-year, due to negative currency effects. In Eastern Europe, sales grew organically by 7.0 percent. The main contribution to this performance came from the businesses in Russia and Turkey. Nominally, sales in the region increased by 0.7 percent to 2,713 million euros (2015: 2,695 million euros). Despite the political and social unrest in some countries, organic sales growth of 5.6 percent was achieved in the Africa/Middle East region. Nominal sales increased by 3.7 percent to 1,378 million euros (2015: 1,329 million euros).

    Sales in the North America region increased organically by 1.7 percent. At 4,202 million euros, nominal sales increased by 15.2 percent (2015: 3,648 million euros). The acquisition of The Sun Products Corporation contributed substantially to the increase in nominal sales. Organic sales in Latin America increased by 13.8 percent, with business performance in Mexico making a significant contribution to this improvement, delivering a double-digit increase. Nominal sales amounted to 1,055 million euros, following 1,110 million euros in the previous year. Sales in the Asia-Pacific region grew organically by 3.2 percent. Nominal sales increased by 3.6 percent to 3,246 million euros.

    With an increase in organic sales of 6.8 percent, driven by all business units, the emerging markets again made an above-average contribution to the organic growth of the Group. Nominal sales were slightly higher year-on-year at 7,814 million euros. The share of sales from emerging markets was 42 percent, which was slightly lower year-on-year due to foreign exchange and acquisition effects. In the mature markets, sales grew organically by 0.4 percent to 10,779 million euros.

    Outlook for the Henkel Group 2017

    Henkel expects to generate organic sales growth of 2 to 4 percent in the fiscal year 2017. Henkel expects that each business unit will generate organic sales growth within this range. For adjusted return on sales (EBIT), Henkel expects an increase versus the prior year to more than 17.0 percent. Henkel expects an increase in adjusted earnings per preferred share of between 7 and 9 percent.

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  • Many ‘Firsts’ at SEA’s Largest Coffee Tea and Bakery Event

    Many ‘Firsts’ at SEA’s Largest Coffee Tea and Bakery Event

    Visitors to the Café Asia 2017, International Coffee & Tea Industry Expo (ICT) 2017 and Sweets & Bakes Asia 2017 will witness several ‘firsts’ at the 5th edition of the international coffee show and 4th edition of the annual gathering of bakers here, including the inaugural Tea Masters Cup Singapore and the first-ever Singapore Coffee in Good Spirits Championship.

    The concurrent shows mark the largest gathering of the tea and coffee industries in Southeast Asia and celebrate the vibrant café scene in Singapore. The organiser will welcome more than 150 exhibitors from 20 countries to the comprehensive one-stop showcase of innovations and technologies in all things coffee, tea and baked goods when the shows open on March 2, 2017 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre. Some 11,000 baristas, café and coffee purveyors, coffee roasters, tea and baked ingredients suppliers, equipment distributors and members of the public are expected to converge at the region’s largest coffee, tea and baked goods event.

    From the traditional kopi-O to a cup of perfectly-brewed espresso, Singaporeans’ love affair with coffee is undeniable. With rising affluence, appreciation of coffee as an artisanal foodstuff, like wine, has grown in sophistication. It is therefore not surprising to see more cafes serving a variety of cold brews and drip coffees concocted using the latest technology and equipment.

    Similarly, the demand for baked and pastry goods is being driven by changing lifestyles globally, fuelling market expansion and demand for gourmet baked goods.  Bakers are also challenged by the appetite for healthier fortified baked products.

    The Café Asia series has established itself as Southeast Asia’s trade and consumer event dedicated to the café and teahouse communities. It brings together café and teashop owners, managers, importers, exporters, distributors and suppliers of machinery, equipment, and raw materials. It is a dynamic B2B platform for the sourcing and buying needs of key decision makers and for them to explore new opportunities for collaboration and distribution of new products.

    Concurrently, the International Coffee & Tea Expo 2017 serves as a springboard for local and international industry players to tap into Asia’s huge market potential, and for them to gain in-depth insight of the latest market trends and developments. The platform also offers them opportunities to raise brand awareness and to forge strategic business contacts among key suppliers, industry buyers and exhibitors.

    The fourth edition of Sweets & Bakes Asia showcases a range of products and services for the baking and confectionery industries’ supply chain, from machinery to equipment, to ingredients and packaging. It serves as a one-stop hub for baking and confectionery industry professionals to source for suppliers and vendors, to explore business opportunities, as well as to stay up-to-date with the latest innovations and developments in the industry.

    The concurrent events boast of a comprehensive programme for visitors who can look forward to an exciting line-up including live presentations, demonstrations and workshops on every aspect of the coffee, tea and baked goods industries. There is also an extensive range of specialty coffees and teas from around the world to sample. The 3-day exhibition will also be teeming with networking and business opportunities for trade visitors who are looking to elevate their business aspirations.

    The line-up of programme has also been designed to offer insights on the latest trends for the cafe industry. This includes an exploration of exotic coffee and tea from Rwanda, ‘Rwanda Coffee & Tea: Shift from Quantity to Quality’, a demonstration on the art of making gelato in ‘The Craft of Gelato/Ice Cream Making and Demonstration of Fun Flavours’ and a case-study presentation on ‘Starting a Café in a Coffee Producing Country: Example of Laos’.

    Visitors can also embark on a Coffee Education Tour to learn from a panel of experts on the importance of coffee beans selection, how coffee beans are roasted, on what makes a good coffee machine and how the choice of milk can determine the quality and taste of the brew.

    Aspiring baristas, brewers, latte artists and bakers will be fascinated by the competition standards of the seven National Championships hosted by the event. New to this year’s edition are two competitions held to celebrate the art of tea-brewing and the art of mixology. The inaugural Tea Masters Cup Singapore will see local tea specialists demonstrate their skills in different ways of working with tea, with three judging categories namely, Tea Preparation, Tea Pairing and Tea Tasting. The first-ever Singapore Coffee in Good Spirits Championship promotes innovative beverage recipes that showcase barista’s mixology skills and creativity in illustrating the harmony of coffee and alcohol. The winners of these championships will proudly represent Singapore on the world stage at the respective championships to be held later this year.

    Returning to the event this year are the national coffee championships: Singapore National Barista Championships, Singapore Latte Art Championship, Singapore Brewers Cup Championship and Singapore Cup Tasters Championship. Watch some of Singapore’s best baristas, brewers and latte artists contend for the national titles and the opportunities to represent Singapore at the world coffee championships.

    The Singapore Bakery & Confectionery Championship 2017 attracts top bakers and confectioners to showcase their skills to create the most delicious and delightful breads and pastries. Watch these bakers from some of the best hotels and bakeries here in Singapore compete as they knead, bake and work magic with their creations into stunning displays of edible art.

    You and your camera crew are cordially invited to the official opening of Café Asia 2017, International Coffee & Tea Industry Expo 2017 and Sweets & Bakes Asia 2017 and to relish some perked-up moments at an event wholly dedicated to celebrate the vibrant cafe culture in this region. This multi-sensory event will be held at

    Marina Bay Sands

    Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Hall E

    Thursday, 2 March 2017 at 9am

    Media registration begins at 8.15am

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  • AirAsia to run Bhubaneswar-Kuala Lumpur flights from April 26

    Malaysia-based low-cost airline AirAsia has added Bhubaneswar to the list of destinations in India with four weekly direct flights from Kuala Lumpur. It will commence operations on April 26, 2017, making AirAsia Group’s 16th route into India.
    On February 17, the low-cost carrier had signed a pact with the Odisha government for running direct international flights from Bhubaneswar to Kuala Lumpur.
    This new route is operated exclusively by AirAsiaBerhad (flight code AK) and will offer guests an experience of the rich culture, tantalising food scene and multi-faceted sights of the country’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur, the company said in a statement
    “With Bhubaneswar now added to our extensive network, AirAsia is unlocking the potential of international air travel from Kuala Lumpur to Eastern India and its surrounding areas. We are thrilled to be serving Bhubaneswar direct, a huge market that no other airline is serving directly from Malaysia. Now, everyone from across the region can connect to Bhubaneswar with AirAsia via Kuala Lumpur. At the same time, the people of Odisha can use Bhubaneswar as a gateway to our extensive route network to Asean and beyond, where they will have access to over 120 destinations across our extensive route network”, Aireen Omar, chief executive officer of AirAsiaBerhad said.
    AirAsia Group also connects Bengaluru, Visakhapatnam, Kolkata, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, New Delhi directly to Kuala Lumpur, and from Chennai, Bengaluru, Kochi and Kolkata directly to Bangkok in Thailand.
    AirAsia was selected through competitive bidding to start operations from Odisha. The state government had invited an Expression of Interest (EoI) from the scheduled air carriers for running flights to destinations in South East Asia like Singapore, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. To woo the air carriers, the state government had agreed to provide reasonable Viability Gap Funding (VGF) in the form of subsidy grant.
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  • Vietjet receives approval to establish Vietjet Aviation Technology Centre

    Vietjet receives approval to establish Vietjet Aviation Technology Centre

    Vietjet on February 18, 2017 received investment approval from the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City – Board of Management of the Saigon Hi-Tech Park for the establishment of its Aviation Technology Centre project. 

    As part of the massive program to the develop the Vietjet Aviation Academy in the Saigon Hi-Tech Park, the project will break ground next month and is scheduled to go into operation in December, 2017. The First Phase of the project will be a Full Flight Simulator Centre for pilot training, providing run in operation with aircraft manufacturer Airbus.

    The Vietjet Aviation Technology Center will be built on a 5.54 hectare site at the R&D Training and Incubation Zone (Science Zone) – “the heart” of the Saigon Hi-tech Park. With its detailed planning and comprehensive organization, Vietjet targets to develop the Aviation Technology Center as a professional aviation research and training center of international standards

    In keeping with the airline’s rapid expansion, Vietjet attaches great importance in training. The airline’s training center, which opened in early 2015, has so far trained 8,287 staff and provided 655 training courses for a total of 25,249 training hours with 3,351 certificates issued, all of which guaranteeing the development of Vietjet’s international standard and professional expertise that will oversee the airline’s steady and sustainable growth. 

    In another positive development on the same day, Vietjet today received full membership from the International Air Transportation Association (IATA), affirming the new-age carrier’s role and position in both the Vietnamese and international aviation community.

    Prior to attaining the full membership, Vietjet had been certified by the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA). IATA, the most professional, consistent and comprehensive voice of the international aviation industry, actively seeks to support and increase the benefits for all airline members through international recognition, orientation for the industry priorities, encouragement for promotion and innovation in the industry, cost management and cooperation campaigns for communication, training and other services.

    In his congratulatory letter to Vietjet, Antony Tyler, Former Director General & CEO of IATA said: “I am honored to congratulate Vietjet on receiving IATA’s full membership. IATA’s mission is to represent, lead and serve the airline industry and is the collective voice of some 272 airlines from over 117 countries worldwide. Our vision is to be the force for value creation and innovation driving a safe, secure and profitable air transport industry that sustainably connects and enriches our world. I believe in Vietjet and hope the airline will continue to have more fruitful achievements by maximizing the benefits of being an IATA’s member.”

    During its five years of operations, Vietjet has been honored with 32 domestic awards and nine international renowned awards. Besides being named as one of “Top 500 Brands in Asia 2016” by global marketing research company Nielsen, Vietjet was also voted as the “Best Asian Low Cost Carrier” at the TTG Travel Awards 2015 and “Vietnam’s Most Favorite Airline” by The Economic Times of Vietnam. The airline has also been consistently awarded as the “Best Work Place” and “Best Employer Brand” in Asia.

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  • Cebu Pacific flight soars from Masbate to Manila for 1st time

    Cebu Pacific flight soars from Masbate to Manila for 1st time

    The first and inaugural commercial flight of the Cebu Pacific connecting Masbate province to Manila flew on Tuesday morning, the Department of Tourism Bicol regional Director Maria Nini Ong-Ravanilla said.

    Seventy-six (76) passenger flights between Masbate and Manila have been flying daily since Feb. 15 (Wednesday), said Alexander Lao, CEO/President of the Cebgo,

    “This is the first time Cebu Pacific is flying Manila to Masbate (and vice versa). With this commercial flight, it will boost tourism, investment and business generation,” Ravanilla said on Wednesday.

    Two commercial airlines are now flying in Masbate.  The  other is Philippine Airlines.

    She said the additional flights would surely increase the tourist arrivals for Masbate. In 2015, Masbate hit the target of 262,850 tourist arrivals with a marked increase of six percent over previous records.

    “The data show that 300,000 are achievable with this development. Masbate is confident to hit its target of 350,000 tourist arrivals,” Ravanilla added.

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