Tag: asia

  • Porsche Vietnam presents new Cayenne

    Porsche Vietnam presents new Cayenne

    The third generation of Porsche “Sports Car for Five” features comprehensive upgrades to the powertrain, chassis, design, and equipment, further enhancing driving performance and offering luxurious comfort.

    With the vision “Further Together”, Porsche Vietnam unveiled the all-new and thoroughly refined Cayenne. The third generation of the luxury SUV made its national debut at the Contemporary Space of Porsche Cayenne at Porsche Centre Saigon and Porsche Studio Hanoi, equipped with a highly digitalized display and control concept, new chassis technology, and innovative high-tech features.

    Ever since its world premiere in 2002, the Cayenne has been a game-changer. Combining the performance characteristics of a Porsche with luxury and utility, it is the definitive sports car in the SUV segment and a true pioneer.

    Since its establishment in 2007, Porsche Vietnam has been turning sports car dreams into reality. One-third of all Porsche vehicles delivered in Vietnam are Cayenne models, making it the best-selling Porsche here to date.

    “We are excited to introduce the new Cayenne in Vietnam with a tremendous product upgrade. The new Cayenne creates more opportunities for Vietnamese Porsche fans to experience their dream sports car than ever before,” said Andreas Klingler, general director of Porsche Vietnam.

    Key highlights of the new Cayenne include high-definition HD Matrix LED Headlights that provide road illumination tailored to every driving situation, an air quality system that filters pollutants from the air in the interior, and, for the first time in the Cayenne, front passengers have their own infotainment display—for streaming videos during the trip, for example.

    With its extensively upgraded design and more powerful engine range, the Cayenne emphasizes its claim to be the sportiest car in its segment.

    A highly significant model launch adds to Porsche Vietnam’s momentum. Since it was officially established in 2007, Porsche Vietnam has grown to become one of the most exciting markets for Porsche, both from a global and regional perspective.

    After marking its 15th anniversary in 2022, Porsche Vietnam carries a positive momentum forward into 2023, Porsche’s 75th anniversary year, with the launch of the new Cayenne. Porsche has maintained a steady position as Vietnam’s top luxury sports car brand.

    “We see an increasing number of Porsche cars on the roads of Vietnam. Our biggest achievement so far is building and spreading sports car fascination, nurturing a passion for the brand, and turning sports car dreams into reality. This reflects the aspirations that motivate us, and more notably, it underscores the passionate support from our valued customers and fans in Vietnam,” Klingler said.

    At Porsche, the brand interacts with sports car enthusiasts in engaging and innovative ways. Porsche’s already attractive product portfolio now receives a boost with the new Cayenne, with a comprehensive range of upgrades ready to take any family further together.

    The all-new Cayenne: Featuring Porsche Driver Experience

    Porsche has integrated a completely revised display and control concept into the new Cayenne.

    The new Porsche Driver Experience, first introduced in the Porsche Taycan, focuses on the driver’s axis and optimizes operation. Functions that the driver frequently uses are located directly on or immediately next to the steering wheel.

    For example, the lever located on the left behind the steering wheel now has additional functions for operating the driver assistance systems. The automatic transmission selector lever in the new Cayenne is now on the dashboard.

    This makes room on the new center console for storage compartments and a large air conditioning controller in an elegant black panel design.

    Large, easily accessible controls combined with mechanical air conditioning switches and a haptic volume controller ensure optimum operability and a refined look.

    A key feature of the new Porsche Driver Experience is the balance between digital and analog elements. For the first time, the redesigned cockpit of the Cayenne includes a fully digital 12.6-inch instrument cluster with a curved and free-standing design and variable display options. An optimized head-up display is also available.

    The standard 12.3-inch central Porsche Communication Management display integrates harmoniously into the new dashboard and provides access to all the relevant vehicle functions.

    Native apps such as Spotify® and Apple Music® are provided to optimize connectivity in the new Cayenne. A 10.9-inch display is now available for the first time on the passenger side.

    This enriches the front passenger’s driving experience by displaying performance data, providing separate access to the infotainment system controls, and, depending on the market, offering the option of streaming video content on the road. A special foil ensures that the driver cannot see this display.

    Refined design, innovative lighting technology

    The new Cayenne now has a particularly expressive appearance. A new front end combined with more strongly arched wings, a new bonnet, and technically appealing headlights emphasize the vehicle’s width.

    Three-dimensionally designed taillights, uncluttered surfaces beneath, and a new rear apron with an integrated number plate holder characterize the rear-end design of the new Cayenne.

    An expanded color palette with three new colors, lightweight sports packages saving up to 33 kilograms for the Cayenne Coupé, and a new extensive range of 20, 21, and 22-inch wheels make it possible to configure the new Cayenne individually and dynamically.

    Matrix LED headlights are now standard in the new Cayenne. HD matrix LED headlights are a new optional feature.

    With two high-definition modules and more than 32,000 pixels per headlamp, their innovative technology picks out other users and blocks out the light of the high beam for them with pixel accuracy so as not to dazzle them.

    The brightness of the modules can be regulated in more than 1,000 steps, depending on the driving situation. Customized light modes increase safety and comfort in different driving situations.

    Porsche has also introduced an air quality system in the new Cayenne.

    As standard, the vehicle uses predictive navigation data to detect approaching tunnel entrances and automatically activate air recirculation.

    Optionally, a sensor detects the level of fine dust particles in the air and passes them through the fine dust filter multiple times if necessary. Furthermore, an ionizer removes many germs and pollutants from the air, which is particularly beneficial for allergy sufferers.

    In addition, customers can use a comprehensive range of new and optimized assistance systems. These include the active speed limiter and the swerve assist, the cornering assist, and the improved Porsche InnoDrive as part of the adaptive cruise control.

    This means that the new Cayenne is even better at helping its driver in dangerous situations as well as in traffic jams on motorways and main roads.

    Increased range between ride comfort and performance

    Porsche now equips the Cayenne at the factory with a steel spring suspension, including Porsche Active Suspension Management.

    New shock absorbers with 2-valve technology and thus separate rebound and compression stages allow optimized performance in all driving situations.

    Comfort at slow speeds, handling during dynamic cornering, and pitch and roll support have been noticeably improved.

    The driving experience can be additionally enhanced with the new adaptive air suspension with 2-chamber, 2-valve technology. This improves the driving experience with a soft suspension characteristic, stabilizes the vehicle, and simplifies on-road and off-road handling compared to both the standard suspension and the predecessor model.

    At the same time, the adaptive air suspension improves driving precision and performance and reduces body movements in dynamic driving situations. The suspension also offers an even sharper differentiation between Normal, Sport, and Sport Plus driving modes.

    The all-rounder: More power and sportier

    In Vietnam, the new Cayenne debuts with three different versions.

    An extensive refinement of the four-liter V8 biturbo engine developed by Porsche replaces the previous V6 engine in the new Cayenne S.

    With a maximum output of 349 KW (474 PS) and a torque of 600 Nm, 25 kW (34 PS) and 50 Nm more than its predecessor, it accelerates both the SUV and the SUV Coupé to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds.

    The top speed is 273 km/h. The entry into the world of the Cayenne comes with an optimized three-liter V6 turbo engine. It now generates 260 kW (353 PS) and 500 Nm, which is 10 kW (13 PS) and 50 Nm more than before.

    The Turbo GT, designed for maximum on-road performance, is still the top model in the Cayenne range in most Porsche markets.

    It is available exclusively as a coupé and benefits from all the optimizations and innovations of the model series. In addition, the output of the four-liter V8 biturbo engine of the Turbo GT has been increased by 14 kW (19 PS) to 485 kW (659 PS).

    The Cayenne Turbo GT accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, with a top speed of 305 km/h. The all-new Cayenne models are available to order now from Porsche Vietnam.

    The price of all 5 versions of Cayenne is VND5.56-14.36 billion. All prices are estimated and include import tax, SCT, VAT, and local service packages.

    Porsche in Vietnam continues to grow with Porsche Centre Saigon in HCMC, Porsche Centre Hanoi, and Porsche Studio in Hanoi.

  • Honda To Pull The Plug On Car Sales In Russia In 2022

    Honda To Pull The Plug On Car Sales In Russia In 2022

    Honda Motor Company has said that it won’t be supplying new cars to its authorized dealers in Russia in 2022 as the company is trying to restructure its operations. The Japanese automaker has confirmed that it would keep its presence in the Russian market with motorcycle and power equipment sales only. The news comes after a drastic drop of 50 percent in its sales operations last month in Russia.

    Even in India, Honda has shut down its Greater Noida plant and has shifted its entire production unit to the company’s other facility in Tapukara, Rajasthan. The carmaker has said that it has realigned its production operations “to maintain sustainability by leveraging production and supply chain efficiencies.” From this month, the manufacturing operations for vehicles and components will happen at the Tapukara plant for all domestic sales and exports. Until last month, the Greater Noida plant produced models like the Honda City sedan, CR-V SUV, and the Civic sedan. While the transition will see the production of the City move entirely to the Tapukara unit, at present, the company has also stopped the production of its flagship models, the Civic sedan and CR-V SUV.

    As far as the Russian market is concerned, Honda does not have any manufacturing unit in Russia, unlike its other Japanese counterparts like Toyota and Nissan. All Honda models are sold as CBUs in the Russian market, and the carmaker sold just 79 units last month. Its sales from January to November were down by 15 percent at 1,383 units, while over 1.3 million new cars were sold in Russia during that period.

  • Telegram brings a slew of new improvements to Stories

    Telegram brings a slew of new improvements to Stories

    After celebrating 10 years last month, Telegram announced a bunch of new features and improvements for both regular and Premium users. Among the most important changes included in this update are the ability for channels to post stories and new reaction stickers that are now available in Stories.

    Starting today, Telegram users can grant channels the ability to post stories by giving them boosts. However, only Telegram Premium users are getting one boost that can be assigned to any channel.

    Each channel can level up once they gain more boosts and, more importantly, for each level Telegram users can post one additional story per day. It’s a rather complicated system meant to encourage people to pay for Premium if they want to boost their Stories.

    Telegram also announced that channels can ask subscribers for boosts using a special link. The link can be generated by heading to Channel Info / More / Statistics / Boosts. Once a channel reaches level 10, it will get +15 resistance to trolls and unlock unique admin skins, whatever that might mean.

    Additionally, once a channel unlocks Stories, admins with a Telegram Premium subscription can post by tapping the plus icon on the Channel Info page. Furthermore, the latest update introduces the ability to add reaction stickers to Stories. Each story posted by channels will now show reaction counters to allow users to see how many people chose each emotion. A new icon in the sticker panel is now available for those who wish to add a reaction sticker. Premium subscribers can use any of their custom emoji in addition to the regular stickers.

    With the latest version of Telegram, users can use audio files from their devices in photo and video stories. Make sure to tap “Audio” from the sticker panel and select a file to be able to adjust the track if you want to select a specific part.

    Finally, Telegram is getting new login alerts. The latest version of the app will send notifications to all your devices. The new logins will also display an alert at the top of the chat list.

  • Spotify launches pilot Voice Translation for podcasts

    Spotify launches pilot Voice Translation for podcasts

    While everyone is anxious to learn more about Spotify’s HiFi tier, the streaming company announced the launch of a much smaller new feature: Voice Translation for podcasts.

    The pilot Voice Translation for podcasts is a new feature powered by AI, which does exactly what the name suggests: it translates podcasts into additional languages in podcaster’s voice.

    Developed in partnership with OpenAI, Voice Translation will match the original speaker’s voice for a more authentic listening experience. Thanks to the new feature, a podcast episode originally recorded in English will be available in other languages while keeping the speaker’s speech characteristics.

    In the same piece of news, Spotify announced that it has worked with popular podcasters such as Dax Shepard, Monica Padman, Lex Fridman, Bill Simmons, and Steven Bartlett as part of the pilot.

    According to Spotify, the first voice-translated episodes from pilot creators will be available worldwide to Premium and free users. However, the initial bundle of translated episodes will only be available in Spanish, with French and German rolling out in the coming days and weeks.

    Starting today, the following podcast episodes will be rolled out to users on the respective Now Playing View:

    • Lex Fridman Podcast – “Interview with Yuval Noah Harari”
    • Armchair Expert – “Kristen Bell, by the grace of god, returns”
    • The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett – “Interview with Dr. Mindy Pelz”

    In other news, Spotify revealed that more than 100 million people regularly listen to podcasts on its streaming platform, which shows that there’s a huge audience for those willing to create this type of content.

  • Australia seeks separate dialogue on China wine dispute

    Australia seeks separate dialogue on China wine dispute

    Australia wants a separate dialogue with China on their dispute over wine, the agriculture minister said on Sunday, rejecting Beijing’s proposal to link wine with other trade issues as the two nations slowly seek to improve battered relations.

    China’s removal of tariffs last month on Australian barley has raised hopes for an easing of wine tariffs, in place since 2021, which have hammered the country’s wine exports.

    Bilateral relations sank in 2020 when Australia called for an inquiry into Covid-19 origins, triggering reprisals by Beijing, including a raft of trade restrictions that hurt Australia’s export-reliant economy.

    China on Thursday proposed a “packaged solution” that would tie the wine dispute to those about duties on Australian imports of Chinese railway wheels, wind towers and stainless steel sinks, state news agency Xinhua reported.

    But Agriculture Minister Murray Watt said on Sunday, “We see them as entirely separate matters.” The government wants the wine dispute “resolved in the same way the barley dispute was resolved – through dialogue”, he told the Australian Broadcasting Corp.

    “We will continue our WTO (World Trade Organization) case when it comes to wine and we will continue to defend the case when it comes to steel,” Watt said, referring to disputes ongoing at the global trade body.

    China was Australia’s top wine export market before Covid, peaking at $770 million for the 12 months to January 2020 when the pandemic hit. In the year to June, they had plunged to $5.2 million.

  • H&M launches on Shopee in Singapore and Malaysia

    H&M launches on Shopee in Singapore and Malaysia

    H&M has launched an online store on Shopee in Singapore and Malaysia in preparation for its Super Brand Day.

    H&M’s engagement with e-commerce platform Shopee is part of the company’s continued efforts to digitalize and provide customers with an optimal omnichannel experience, intending to give them a more “flexible and meaningful” shopping experience that matches their changing demands. With H&M’s presence on the platform, more customers can access the brand’s offer of fashion and quality at the best price in a sustainable manner.

    H&M also celebrated its first Super Brand Day on Sunday in Malaysia; another one will be held on Thursday, September 28 in Singapore.

    “With its strong presence in Singapore and Malaysia, Shopee complements and strengthens our existing network of physical stores, digital stores at hm.com, as well as marketplaces,” said Oldouz Mirzaie, MD of H&M South Asia.

    “We see a great opportunity for our brand to grow on this platform and further our vision of democratizing sustainable fashion by meeting our customers where, when, and how they choose.”

    Customers can now shop the whole spectrum of H&M’s fashion offers, including the trendy and bold pieces from the brand’s Fall/Winter collection, in the ladies, divided, mens and kids categories.

  • Vietnamese struggle to buy iPhones in Singapore, Thailand

    Vietnamese struggle to buy iPhones in Singapore, Thailand

    As Thailand was selected to be among Apple’s tier-1 markets for the second year, many Vietnamese traders chose the country, believing that there would be less competition in line. But it turned out that too many people had the same idea. Dinh Cong, a tech connoisseur in Ho Chi Minh City, said that things were “chaos” as too many people showed up at Thailand’s Apple Stores.

    Apple Stores at Bangkok’s Central World and Iconsiam gave the top queuers wrist bands on Thursday afternoon and then cleared the crowd. Trader Tuan Anh said that this was an organizational improvement from, last year, showing that early queuers and customers who pre-ordered would be prioritized.

    But Thanh Tung in the northern province of Quang Ninh said that even though he was the 20th queuer, the store said there were no iPhone 15 Pro Max models available after the few first customers. Vietnamese traders most hunt the Pro Max option as they can sell them in Vietnam at up to VND70 million ($2,872), 49% higher than Apple’s official prices.

    “Many had to leave empty-handed due to the limited stock,” Tung said.

    In Singapore, many people showed up from 5 a.m. at the Apple Store on Orchard Road.

    “Most were from Vietnam,” said trader Minh Khoi, who was among the queuers. By opening time, hundreds were seen at the store. Khoi said that supply could not meet demand, and the Pro Max option ran out after the first 50 customers.

    “Traders were willing to pay a VND10 million ($410.3) difference whenever someone came out of the store with a Pro Max.”

    Tuan Thanh, an iPhone seller in HCMC, said that his group was divided into three to gather enough iPhone 15s for customers who have pre-ordered.

    Although the earliest iPhone 15 Pro Max models in Vietnam were sold at VND60-70 million, their prices quickly dropped,.

  • Czech Skoda cars launched in Vietnam

    Czech Skoda cars launched in Vietnam

    Automobile distributor Thanh Cong launched two Skoda models with prices from VND1-1.4 billion (US$42,300-59,300) on Saturday.

    Before the Thanh Cong Viet Hung automobile plant in northern Quang NinhAutomobile distributor Thanh Cong launched two Skoda models with prices from VND1-1.4 billion (US$42,300-59,300) on Saturday.
    Before the Thanh Cong Viet Hung automobile plant in northern Quang Ninh Province comes into operation, Skoda cars will be imported from Europe.

    The imported models are the C-segment SUV branded Karoq priced at VND1-1.09 billion, and the D-segment SUV branded Kodiaq priced at VND1.19-1.41 billion.

    Then Thanh Cong will distribute C and D-segment sedans.

    After 2025, electric car models such as Enyaq iV and Vision 7S will be distributed in Vietnam.

    Covering an area of 36.5 hectares and boasting a capacity of some 120,000 vehicles per year, the Skoda automobile plant in Quang Ninh will assemble B-segment cars. This is the first Skoda factory in Southeast Asia.

    Skoda will also build a distribution system with four large dealers in four major cities first, and open 30 more dealers across Vietnam in the next five years.

    Currently, Thanh Cong distributes Hyundai, Nissan and Skoda cars. Province comes into operation, Skoda cars will be imported from Europe.

    The imported models are the C-segment SUV branded Karoq priced at VND1-1.09 billion, and the D-segment SUV branded Kodiaq priced at VND1.19-1.41 billion.

    Then Thanh Cong will distribute C and D-segment sedans.

     

  • Boucheron opens giant Ginza flagship store

    Boucheron opens giant Ginza flagship store

    Maison Boucheron has opened its second largest store in the world – in Tokyo’s Ginza shopping district – following on from the launch of the brand’s first in Paris, France.

    ‘From Paris to Tokyo: a cutting-edge and creative journey’ is the brand’s slogan for the new location. Spanning four floors, the store features more than 1000sqm and is designed as a combination of French and Japanese culture. This boutique is described as a bit of Paris in the heart of Japan’s metropolis.

    “Complementary to our strong existing network of 17 boutiques, the opening of our new Ginza flagship – the largest one after our historic boutique 26 Place Vendome – marks a major shift in our Japanese business,” said Helene Poulit-Duquesne, CEO de la Maison.

    “It will undeniably contribute to brand awareness and to the reputation of the Maison in Japan, which we have rigorously built over past years.”

    The architectural patterns of the Jardin d’Hiver are featured on the store facade. According to the brand, this facade is transparent throughout the day, revealing the four floors of the Ginza Boutique. By night, a larger-than-life forest is exhibited on the building’s face, changing by the hour and the four seasons.

    The maison has created an interactive experience called “The Wishing Tree” in conjunction with Random Studio. Every couple will have the option to write their wish in this forest dedicated to marriage, which will be turned into an animation of sounds and light by technology.

    Since 1973, The Maison has continued to strengthen its presence in Japan, with 17 stores in the country, including the new flagship store.

  • Fashion giant Decjuba plots Asia expansion with first store in Singapore

    Fashion giant Decjuba plots Asia expansion with first store in Singapore

    Fashion retailer Decjuba is working on establishing a physical store in Singapore later next year and expanding into selling menswear and beauty products.

    “We continue to look around the world, and we don’t see another brand doing what we are doing as well as we do it,” said Tania Austin, owner and CEO at Decjuba.

    The upcoming location in Singapore will be Decjuva’s first brick-and-mortar store in Asia. The company decided to set it up after it witnessed growth in its international e-commerce operations, which now share 20 percent of the group’s total sales.

    “I thought for a long time we didn’t need to have physical stores abroad. But every time I go into a good shopping centre I’m like, ‘It is that experience piece that we are seeing consumers come back to.’ They enjoy it. There’s definitely a demand for it,” said Austin.

    Austin said that the opening of the store in Singapore in late 2024 is now Decjuva’s “No 1 focus” for the company’s expansion plans in Asia.

    According to the report, the company will also start selling products under the Decjuba Kids brand in eight new D-luxe concept stores this month.

    In addition, Decjuba has partnered with Melbourne-based menswear brand Mr Simple, to offer its first men’s undergarments, which will be available online and in 15 Decjuba’s larger stores.

    In addition, the company will launch a pop-up store at Melbourne’s Southland shopping centre in October this year. The company will also launch Decjuba Beauty, which will offer 34 beauty products for lips, nails, cheeks and eyes, in the same month.

    Decjuva took 12 months to develop the beauty brand, with the company working with an Australian for some of the products.

    “We are not a beauty retailer or a skin retailer. So this is really about the Grab and Go handbag essentials that you are popping in as an extension of the Decjuba brand,” said Austin.

    Decjuba is in the final stage of construction of its new head office in Cremorne, a suburb in Melbourne, scheduled for opening early next year.

  • Unilever hires consultants to sell ‘non-core’ beauty portfolio

    Unilever hires consultants to sell ‘non-core’ beauty portfolio

    Unilever has hired Morgan Stanley and Evercore to sell a portfolio of non-core beauty and personal care brands as the company struggles with the impact of inflation.

    The portfolio includes Q-Tips, Impulse, Caress, TIGI, Timotei, Monsavon, St Ives, Zwitsal, Ponds, Brut, Moussel, Alberto Balsam and Matey.

    Two years ago, Unilever hired Credit Suisse to divest Elida Beauty portfolio but later scrapped its plan as other companies cherry-picked brands from the portfolio and did not satisfy the multinational FMCG company’s expectations.

    Now the plan has been revived under the leadership of new CEO Hein Schumacher, who focuses on streamlining the business due to inflation, Reuters said in an exclusive report.

    The report noted that Elida Beauty booked revenue of about $760 million in FY22, according to sources of the newswire.

    Morgan Stanley and Evercore have already reached out to potential buyers to measure interest for the portfolio, which could be a multibillion-dollar deal, the sources said.

  • Tuna exports rise to year’s highest levels

    Tuna exports rise to year’s highest levels

    Tuna exports rose to US$87 million in August, the highest for the year though 5% down year-on-year, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers.

    VASEP said there were some changes in the export patterns in August.

    After declining steadily, exports to the U.S. increased by 2% bolstered by a 24% jump in shipments of canned tuna.

    But exports for the year-to-date were 45% down from 2022 at US$208 million.

    Exports to the EU saw a 37% surge, including a 45-fold rise in shipments to Italy. Smaller markets like Thailand and the Philippines also bought more tuna.

    Shipments to members of the CPTPP trade deal like Japan, Canada and Mexico fell by 53%, 49% and 14%.

    Exports for the year have been worth $545 million, down 25% from the same period last year.

  • Bobby launches low-calorie prebiotic soft drinks

    Bobby launches low-calorie prebiotic soft drinks

    Beverage company Bobby has launched low-calorie and low-sugar soft drinks in different flavors, added with prebiotics.

    The company claims each can contain 32 to 40 calories and that the beverage may aid digestion and boost good gut bacteria with the added prebiotics.

    “Our mission is to redefine what soft drink is to everyday Australians by offering a truly exceptional and enjoyable beverage that doesn’t compromise on health or taste,” said Kristian Johannsen, founder and MD at Bobby.

    Johannsen added that Bobby supports environmentally friendly practices, such as using recycled aluminum cans and cardboard slabs.

    “We’re here to make a difference in taste and sustainability. With each sip of Bobby, our customers can indulge guilt-free, knowing they are contributing to a company that genuinely cares about the impact it makes.”

    Bobby drinks are sold in Doctor Bobby, Vanilla Cola, and Lemon Lime flavors. Lemon Lime is exclusive to 7-Eleven, while Vanilla Cola and Doctor Bobby are available nationwide at 7-Eleven, independent retailers, and online.

  • Fruit, vegetable exports historical high

    Fruit, vegetable exports historical high

    Fruit and vegetable exports in the first three quarters are worth an estimated US$4.1 billion, 24% more than in full-year 2022, Vinafruit said, citing customs data.

    Vinafruit, or the Vietnam Fruits and Vegetable Association, said durian, banana and dragon fruit were the main contributors to the increase, with durian in the lead after climbing into the billion-dollar export club.

    China has been by far the biggest importer, buying $2.3 billion worth of fruits and vegetables from Vietnam in the first eight months of the year, a 134% increase year-on-year and accounting for a 64% share.

    The next three biggest importers have been the U.S. ($168 million, 6% down in the same period), South Korea ($148 million, up 18%), and Japan ($123 million, up 6%).

    Durian exports increased 20-fold this year. Unlike the Thai and Philippine varieties, Vietnamese durian can be harvested even in the so-called off-season, and their exports fetch higher prices as a result.

    China also bought bananas and jackfruit from Vietnam at higher prices and is considering buying fresh coconuts through official quotas.

    The U.S. recently allowed imports husked coconut from Vietnam.

    According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Vietnam plans to both export more items and to more markets, including passion fruit to the U.S. and Australia; grapefruit to Japan, Korea, Australia, and India; durian to India; and citrus fruits, coconut and durian to China.

  • Bundaberg expands range with new Campfire rum

    Bundaberg expands range with new Campfire rum

    Australian distillery Bundaberg Rum is expanding its liquor range with the launch of Bundaberg Campfire.

    Bundaberg Campfire has an ABV of 37 per cent and is made from aged reserves, combined with rum, and aged in bourbon barrels. It boasts a mellow profile and a blend of toasted caramel and vanilla notes, complemented by burnt sugar and toffee aromas.

    Sarah Watson, blending and innovation manager, Bundaberg Rum, said the brand understands customers who seek fresh innovations within the dark spirits category, and the new drink addresses this demand.

    “This is a subtle blend for us, made smooth and mellow thanks to the influence of lightly charred Bourbon barrels,” she added.

    “We’re excited to introduce a product that introduces Bundy fans and Bourbon enthusiasts to a fresh and intriguing flavor profile.”

    Bundaberg Campfire is sold at an RRP of $55 for a 700ml bottle in major retail outlets and will join the brand’s permanent range of products.