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Tag: distribution

  • Maersk Enhances E-Commerce Capabilities with State-of-the-Art, Fully Automated Distribution Centre in Singapore

    Maersk Enhances E-Commerce Capabilities with State-of-the-Art, Fully Automated Distribution Centre in Singapore

    A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) has officially unveiled its World Gateway II: a state-of-the-art, fully automated global and regional distribution centre in Singapore. Stretching over 1.1 million square feet, the facility marks a significant expansion in Maersk’s contract logistics and e-commerce capabilities in the Asia Pacific region.

    Singapore: A Prime Location

    The Singapore Government backed the establishment of World Gateway II, which is poised to cater to the rapidly growing needs of companies that utilize Singapore as a regional or global distribution hub. Singapore’s strategic location and reputation as a top logistics centre make it an ideal choice for business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce fulfilment across Asia Pacific.

    The new centre will handle a diverse range of products from various sectors, including lifestyle, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), retail, wellness, and technology. Its proximity to major transport infrastructure, such as the Tuas Port and Changi Airport, facilitates efficient overseas cargo distribution. Additionally, it lies a short distance from Maersk’s existing 1.0 million square feet World Gateway regional distribution centre.

    Efficiency and Scale through Advanced Automation

    The facility boasts leading-edge automation technologies such as a Multi-Shuttle System, Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS), Autonomous Case-handling Robots (ACR), and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). These systems increase efficiency by reducing manual handling, thereby enhancing order fulfilment speed, shortening lead times, and improving accuracy.

    Investment and Job Creation

    Maersk has invested over S$200 million in the development of World Gateway II, which currently stands at approximately 70% occupancy. When fully operational, the facility is expected to create around 500 jobs that leverage advanced digital and automation capabilities.

    World Gateway II: Key Features

    The facility is designed with an 11-metre clear height per floor to support dense storage and advanced automation. It also features ample loading bays and rooftop container parking to cater to peak season demand.

    Its strategic location is only 16.8 kilometres from Tuas Mega Port and 42.6 kilometres from Changi Airport. Furthermore, the facility offers customs bonded, zero-GST warehouse storage, real-time shipment tracking, and full visibility of goods flow through an end-to-end transport management system.

    Additional offerings include various value-added services such as labelling, coding, bundling, kitting, and repacking. Moreover, the facility has an integrated Warehouse Management System (WMS) that enhances accuracy, visibility, and agility by integrating with customer systems.

    Finally, World Gateway II adheres to top-tier security standards and is LEED Platinum & Green Mark Platinum certified. The facility optimizes energy and water use with features such as solar panels, smart LED lighting, and energy-efficient insulation.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the significance of Maersk’s World Gateway II distribution centre?
    World Gateway II marks a significant expansion of Maersk’s contract logistics and e-commerce capabilities in the Asia Pacific region. Its strategic location in Singapore, a key logistics hub, makes it ideal for B2B and B2C e-commerce fulfilment across the region.

    What advanced technologies does the World Gateway II distribution centre employ?
    The facility uses a range of cutting-edge automation technologies such as a Multi-Shuttle System, Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS), Autonomous Case-handling Robots (ACR), and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). These technologies enhance efficiency by reducing manual handling and improving order fulfilment speed and accuracy.

    What impact does the World Gateway II have on job creation in Singapore?
    Once fully operational, the World Gateway II distribution centre is expected to create approximately 500 jobs that leverage advanced digital and automation capabilities.

  • Li & Fung Strikes Gold: Secures Wholesale Distribution Rights for C&C California

    Li & Fung Strikes Gold: Secures Wholesale Distribution Rights for C&C California

    Hong Kong’s premier supply chain manager, Li & Fung, has recently entered into a licensing contract with C&C California. This agreement grants Li & Fung exclusive rights to wholesale distribution across all retail platforms, including full-price, off-price, and club retailers.

    C&C California and its Specialties

    C&C California operates as a part of the larger Established Lifestyle group. The company particularly excels in the design and development of women’s swimwear, sleepwear, and outerwear.

    The newly inked contract will allow Li & Fung to manage and guide the expansion of C&C’s new product ranges and their subsequent distribution process.

    Expansion of Products Range

    In the swimwear segment, the expanded product line will include separate pieces, one-piece swimsuits, and beachwear. Their sleepwear category is also set to grow, with the introduction of separate pieces, coordinated sets, and robes.

    The outerwear products will encompass a range of seasonal styles, varying from light windbreakers to heavier garments like puffers and parkas.

    Brand Expansion and Identity

    Mel Limoncelli, Senior Vice President and head of licensed brands at Li & Fung, stated that this partnership will allow the brand to venture into new product categories while preserving its core identity.

    In his words, “The category expansions remain true to a brand heritage rooted in 70s West Coast culture. Moreover, they continue to embrace the endless summer ideal through comfort, ease of wear, and easy-care fabrics.”

    Questions & Answers

    What is the nature of the agreement between Li & Fung and C&C California?
    The agreement is a licensing contract that provides Li & Fung with the rights to manage the wholesale distribution of C&C California products across all retail platforms.

    How does this agreement benefit C&C California?
    This agreement allows C&C California to expand their product ranges under the expert management of Li & Fung. This expansion includes new lines in swimwear, sleepwear, and outerwear categories.

    What does the expansion mean for the brand’s identity?
    Despite diversifying into new product categories, the brand intends to stay true to its roots, which are embedded in the 70s West Coast culture. The expansion aims to resonate with the idea of an endless summer through comfortable, easy-to-wear, and low-maintenance fabrics.

  • OMG Group Boosts Blue Dinosaur Reach with Major Metro Petroleum Distribution Deal

    OMG Group Boosts Blue Dinosaur Reach with Major Metro Petroleum Distribution Deal

    OMG Group, a producer of alternative milks and snack foods, has recently solidified a partnership for distribution with Metro Petroleum, a leading independent service station network in the country.

    Expansion of Product Offerings

    Starting this month, Metro Petroleum will begin offering three varieties of Blue Dinosaur protein bars at 300 of their locations, with a focus on outlets in New South Wales.

    Alex Aleksic, CEO of OMG Group, views this deal as a significant boost to the group’s aim of expanding its distribution network, as well as a means of increasing sales across their multi-brand collection.

    According to Aleksic, “Metro Petroleum is an incredibly successful franchise and an ideal distribution partner for our Blue Dinosaur product range.” He further added that this partnership is the result of extensive teamwork with the Metro Petroleum staff, specifically mentioning group buying manager, Andrew Sylvester. Aleksic also expressed optimism about building a prosperous collaboration in the forthcoming years.

    Retail Expansion Progress

    In the past few months, OMG has been actively extending its retail footprint. The inclusion of Blue Dinosaur bars in 750 7-Eleven stores across the country, along with the expansion of Oat Milk Goodness Proatein RTD products into an additional 943 Woolworths supermarkets, are a testament to this progress. Additionally, OMG has secured its inaugural purchase order as the sole Australian distributor of the Sandai Group’s Japanese matcha.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the recent deal between OMG Group and Metro Petroleum?
    OMG Group has secured a distribution deal with Metro Petroleum. The partnership will see three different flavours of Blue Dinosaur protein bars stocked at 300 Metro Petroleum locations, mainly in New South Wales.

    How does the deal with Metro Petroleum align with OMG Group’s business objectives?
    The CEO of OMG Group, Alex Aleksic, sees the deal as supporting the company’s goal of broadening its distribution network and boosting sales across its multi-brand portfolio.

    What recent retail expansions has OMG Group undertaken?
    OMG Group has recently increased its retail presence by adding Blue Dinosaur bars to 750 7-Eleven stores nationwide and expanding Oat Milk Goodness Proatein RTD products into 943 additional Woolworths supermarkets. The company has also become the exclusive Australian distributor of Sandai Group’s Japanese matcha.

  • Woolworths Fuels Retail Innovation with $1.3B Automated Distribution Hub in Western Sydney

    Woolworths Fuels Retail Innovation with $1.3B Automated Distribution Hub in Western Sydney

    Woolworths has inaugurated a regional distribution center in Western Sydney, advancing a $1.3 billion commitment to automated supply-chain infrastructure. The facility is strategically located adjacent to the supermarket’s national distribution center, and the two centers combined are projected to handle over 5 million cartons each week, servicing a product range of 20,000 items.

    Streamlining Logistics

    The new distribution center is ideally situated with direct connections to the Port Botany, interstate rail, and the M5 and M7 motorways in Sydney. This strategic positioning is aimed at optimizing freight flows and reducing the reliance on road transport.

    Improving Product Availability

    Woolworths stated that the amalgamation of these facilities will enhance product availability on the shelves and expedite the introduction of new products through more efficient replenishment. The centers, which spread across 75,000 square meters, will utilize automation to assemble aisle-ready pallets that align with the unique layouts of individual stores. This will assist teams in restocking shelves more rapidly.

    Strengthening Operations

    Amanda Bardwell, the CEO of Woolworths Group, expressed that the investment not only reinforces the company’s service and operations but also holds great significance for customers, the team, and the company’s future capability.

    She explained, “This investment is about far more than infrastructure. It is vital to our customers, our team, and our future capability.” She further added that the investment results in a more resilient supply chain. Furthermore, the automation significantly reduces heavy manual handling, making a notable difference to the team members on a daily basis.

    Questions & Answers

    How much investment has Woolworths made in automated supply-chain infrastructure?
    Woolworths has invested $1.3 billion in automated supply-chain infrastructure.

    What is the expected weekly carton handling capacity of the new regional distribution center and the national distribution center?
    The two centers combined are projected to handle over 5 million cartons each week.

    How will the new distribution center in Western Sydney benefit Woolworths operationally?
    The new center will boost product availability on shelves, expedite the introduction of new products, and assist teams in restocking shelves more quickly due to the use of automation. Furthermore, it will strengthen the company’s supply chain resilience and reduce heavy manual handling, improving working conditions for team members.

  • Bacardi and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners: Brewing Success in Australia with New Distribution Deal

    Bacardi and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners: Brewing Success in Australia with New Distribution Deal

    On November 3, Bacardi-Martini and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) initiated a multi-year partnership in Australia. This strategic alliance between the two beverage leaders aims to broaden their influence in the local drinks industry.

    The Partnership Details

    The partnership, first publicized in August, allows CCEP the responsibility of distributing an array of well-known brands. These encompass Bacardi rum, Bombay Sapphire gin, Grey Goose vodka, Patrón tequila, Dewar’s Scotch whisky, Angel’s Envy whiskey, and Martini vermouth. Simultaneously, Bacardi-Martini will continue to manage marketing and brand strategies.

    Luiz Schmidt, the Managing Director of Bacardi-Martini Australia, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. “Our brands are incredible with fantastic equity, but we acknowledge that to fully exploit their potential in Australia, we need to collaborate with an organization that possesses the necessary resources to put them in consumers’ hands nationwide,” he stated.

    Schmidt further stated that not only does CCEP have tremendous scale, but it also possesses proven industry expertise that can ensure long-term sustainable growth for both companies.

    Strengthening CCEP’s Market Position

    This agreement solidifies CCEP’s position as a key contender in the local premium drinks market and mirrors broader consolidation trends in beverage distribution.

    Orlando Rodriguez, the Managing Director of Australia Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership and its potential. “The Bacardi portfolio is iconic, and we at CCEP have the track record of operational excellence to best support it,” Rodriguez stated.

    He added that both companies are eagerly anticipating the accomplishments they can achieve in the vibrant and expanding alcohol category.

    Questions & Answers

    What does the partnership between Bacardi-Martini and CCEP entail?
    The partnership allows CCEP to distribute Bacardi-Martini’s renowned brands across Australia, including Bacardi rum, Bombay Sapphire gin, among others, while Bacardi-Martini will continue managing marketing and brand strategies.

    How does the partnership affect CCEP’s position in the market?
    The agreement strengthens CCEP’s position as a leading player in the local premium drinks market and reflects broader consolidation trends in beverage distribution.

    What are the expected outcomes of this alliance?
    The Managing Directors of both Bacardi-Martini Australia and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners have expressed optimism about the potential growth and achievements this partnership can bring to the dynamic and expanding alcohol category in Australia.

  • Off-white Set To Enter Indian Market: A $5m Investment And Partnership With Brand Concepts

    Off-white Set To Enter Indian Market: A $5m Investment And Partnership With Brand Concepts

    In the first quarter of the upcoming year, the renowned Italian luxury streetwear brand, Off-White, is set to make its debut in the Indian market. This move is a result of an exclusive distribution partnership with Brand Concepts, a prominent fashion retail house.

    Investment and Expansion Plans

    Over the next few years, an estimated investment of US$5 million is anticipated to establish the Off-White brand across India. This follows the sale of the brand last year from LVMH to Bluestar Alliance.

    Abhinav Kumar, co-founder and CEO of Brand Concepts, stated, “Until now, our primary focus has been on accessories within the premium segments. The launch of Off-White will see us venturing into two new arenas: the luxury segment and the mainstream apparel business.”

    Product Range and Retail Platform

    The brand’s diverse product range, which includes apparel, bags, wallets, and a comprehensive footwear line, will be launched under the premium multi-brand store, Bagline. This retail platform currently showcases brands such as Tommy Hilfiger Travel Gear, United Colors of Benetton, and Juicy Couture.

    Commenting on the current market trends, Kumar remarked, “The streetwear culture in India is burgeoning, which is evident in the escalating sneaker movement across the country. India, being home to one of the world’s youngest populations, has a timely and relevant demand for streetwear, making it an ideal market for expansion.”

    Future Visibility and Presence

    As part of its growth strategy, Off-White aims to bolster its visibility in luxury multi-brand destinations like The Collective and Iconic. Additionally, there are plans to inaugurate two outlets in key metropolitan cities and to launch a bespoke e-commerce platform.

    Kumar added, “In the following two to three years, we aim to establish five to six flagship stores, backed by a broader shop-in-shop presence. We anticipate Off-White to be available across 25-30 points of sale in India.”

    To bring Off-White to the Indian market, Brand Concepts will collaborate with Sportlux General Trading, a global distributor of luxury brands.

    Questions & Answers

    When is Off-White expected to enter the Indian market?
    Off-White is set to debut in the Indian market in the first quarter of next year.

    How will Off-White’s products be introduced in India?
    Off-White’s product range will be launched under Brand Concepts’ premium multi-brand store, Bagline.

    What are the plans for Off-White’s visibility and presence in India?
    Off-White plans to increase its visibility in luxury multi-brand destinations, open two outlets in key metropolitan cities, and launch its own e-commerce platform.

  • Infinet Wireless seals new distribution partnership with Terra Matrix in Malaysia

    Infinet Wireless seals new distribution partnership with Terra Matrix in Malaysia

    Infinet Wireless, the global leader in fixed wireless broadband connectivity, announces a new distribution partnership with Terra Matrix, the major player in the Malaysian telecoms space. Terra Matrix Sdn. Bhd. Specializes in the wholesale distribution of wireless communications and CCTV solutions, leading from the front with strategic projects across the country. It has a highly qualified and internationally certified team of engineers and specialists with a reputation for reliability and best-in-class business efficiency gained over the past decade. From engineering to design and implementation, its highly experienced team has delivered cutting-edge technological solutions to many projects all over Malaysia.

    Terra Matrix chose Infinet Wireless as its preferred wireless business partner to help accelerate its efforts in the networking arena, where it delivers turnkey solutions from the engineering stage, through to design and supply, field implementation and ongoing maintenance services. This partnership will make it possible for Terra Matrix to offer its customers the best broadband wireless technology available in today’s marketplace and boost its growth objectives across a range of verticals markets.

    “We are very pleased to partner with Infinet Wireless”, Mohd Daniel Kooy Bin Abdullah, CEO at Terra Matrix, commented on the new collaboration. “We use Infinet Wireless’ technology to provide voice, Internet and video surveillance services for small and large companies across a number of different industries, including the energy sector, telecommunications, homeland security and health sector.”

    Founded in 2010 and based in Penang, Terra Matrix has been at the forefront of the system integration industry in Malaysia. Its core competencies are in system integration and complete network delivery, from the design, supply, installation to maintenance of private networks of all sizes. Terra Matrix focuses on gaining an in-depth understanding of the latest available technologies to guarantee that it can meet and exceed the specific requirements of its customers.

    Terra Matrix has been using Infinet Wireless technology since 2013, implementing it in the scope of the successful safe city project of Pulau Pinang City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP). Over a period of 8 years, 6 phases of the MBPP project and 2 phases of the MBSP projects, consisting of more than 300 sites, have been implemented state-wide in Penang, significantly improving safety in the communities.

    Terra Matrix has successfully integrated all the legacy CCTV systems as well as new ones into one single integrated and reliable platform, able to stream high-definition video streams coupled with an public announcement system to 9 control centers in Penang. This video-surveillance infrastructure had enabled the local authorities and law enforcement agencies to monitor hotspot areas for criminal prevention, flood areas, traffic violations, etc. This same platform is currently being extended to provide monitoring and compliance of all government restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Terra Matrix will distribute Infinet Wireless’ entire range of products and offer its customers unparalleled quality of service thanks to innovative, reliable, easy-to-integrate and high-performance technology.

    Infinet Wireless’s deep experience of radio frequency innovation – and translating that into the real world needs of customers – ensures that its products combine unsurpassed reliability and technical functionality, enabling the delivery of truly flexible wireless networks with unparalleled quality of service.

  • Accenture to digitally transform Bharat Petroleum sales and distribution network

    Accenture to digitally transform Bharat Petroleum sales and distribution network

    Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL) and Accenture are collaborating to transform India’s second-largest oil and gas company by digitally reimagining its extensive sales and distribution network. Accenture will use its capabilities in data, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud technologies to build, design and implement a digital platform, called IRIS.

    This platform will integrate real-time data from across BPCL’s countrywide network, including more than 18,000 fuel retail outlets, 25,000 tank trucks, 75 oil installations and depots, 52 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) bottling plants, and 250 additional industrial and commercial locations, to provide a consolidated view of its extensive operations.

    Driven by analytics based on AI and machine learning technologies, the IRIS platform will subsequently trigger automated alerts and actions, including rapid response to equipment failures or hazardous situations. It will also empower the BPCL workforce of more than 100,000 across the country to make faster and more accurate decisions, including preventative maintenance. This can help increase sales at fuel retail outlets by minimizing infrastructure downtime and ensuring consistent fuel quality, as well as improve the experience for customers.

    By embedding intelligence in BPCL’s sales and distribution network, Accenture is helping BPCL optimize its operational performance and efficiency, enhance security and safety and deliver a superior experience for its retail and commercial customers across the country.

    Arun Kumar Singh, director (marketing and refineries), BPCL, said, “Digital transformation opens up new opportunities for the oil and gas industry. As an organization passionate about embracing change and leading the charge, we look forward to leveraging technology to unlock tremendous value, sustainable growth, and improved efficiency.”

    “With the deployment of this highly automated command and control platform called IRIS, we will not only bolster our digital capabilities significantly but also improve customer experience and transform operations at scale. It will further ensure consistent and uniform delivery of BPCL’s brand promises of innovation, care and reliability to our customers,” said Rahul Tandon, head, digital transformation, BPCL.

    The new platform will be capable of accepting more than three million inputs per second from automated sensors, cameras, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices deployed at all key locations, tracking performance based on key parameters such as fuel stock, safety, compliance, equipment health and boosting asset uptime. BPCL’s field workforce and partner network will have a seamless experience thanks to supporting from a portal, mobile app and call centers in Noida and Chennai.
    The digital sales and distribution platform will use BPCL’s cloud infrastructure, making it more agile and scalable.

    “The future will belong to companies that purposefully combine advanced digital technologies with human skills and creativity,” said Piyush N. Singh, India market unit lead at Accenture. “We believe our industry expertise and extensive digital capabilities can help BPCL drive the next wave of growth and gain a distinct advantage in the market. The powerful combination of human and applied intelligence will facilitate transformative change to ensure BPCL’s operations are safer, more secure and more efficient.”

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  • Looking at Omnichannel presence in India: IKEA

    Looking at Omnichannel presence in India: IKEA

    Swedish home furnishings major IKEA Thursday said it plans to have an Omnichannel presence in India going forward, reiterating its long-term commitment to the country. Last year, the company opened its first store in Hyderabad, spread over 13 acres of land and has a built up area of 4 lakh sq.ft. “We are long term committed to India. We are planning to have omni-channel presence here. We will have three formats — big stores, online and smaller stores here,” Peter Betzel, CEO, IKEA India said.

    According to a report, the presence in three formats is to bring the customers closer, he added. The Hyderabad store is the first of 25 such outlets planned to be set up in India by 2025.

    The company will be opening big stores in India, starting with a store in Mumbai this year, followed by one in Bengaluru in spring-2021 and then in Delhi-NCR, Betzel said.

    However, he did not provide any timeline for the opening of the store in Delhi.

    IKEA will have its online presence in Mumbai and will also expand smaller stores category there, he added.

    When asked how the company plans to fund the expansion, Betzel said: “It will be through our own money.”

    In 2013, IKEA received nod from the government to invest Rs 10,500 crore in single-brand retail out of which it had invested Rs 4,500 crore in its different ongoing projects in India.

    IKEA has been present in India for 30 years, sourcing many different products for IKEA stores worldwide.

  • LF Beauty rebrands as MEIYUME

    LF Beauty rebrands as MEIYUME

    LF Beauty, a one-stop shop partner and supplier of products and solutions for the beauty industry announced that it will now operate under the new brand name of MEIYUME. The rebranding comes to represent the evolution of the company and its response to the rapidly-changing beauty landscape and the changing face of today’s consumer.

    The new brand positioning is based on the idea of MEIYUME as the catalyst shaping opportunities and transforming visions into reality with the fusion of MEI (美), Chinese for beauty, and YUME (夢), Japanese for dream.

    As part of the rebrand, MEIYUME’s business has been restructured into three key divisions: Packaging & Turnkey Solutions, Retail Solutions, and Brands.

    The rebrand has also given the company an opportunity to renew focus on its business strategy of Empowering Beauty Solutions. In addition to empowering established brands by providing them with the right products and solutions, it is also about paving the way for new brands to make their mark by collaborating and translating their unique identities into reality.

    “With a new brand and structure, we are best-positioned to connect end consumers and the entire supply chain, and to create value for our customers like no other company in our industry.”said Gerard Raymond, President of MEIYUME.

    Fung Group’s Deputy Group Chairman, William Fung, added: “It is the right time to undergo a full rebrand and really focus on who we are and the value we deliver to our customers.”

    The rebrand comes after the completion of Li & Fung’s strategic divestment of its three product verticals (Furniture, Sweaters and Beauty) in April 2018 to form LH Pegasus, which is 45% owned by Hony Capital and 55% owned by the Fung Group.

  • El Corte Ingles inked global distribution deal with Alibaba

    El Corte Ingles inked global distribution deal with Alibaba

    Spanish department store operator El Corte Ingles is to open a flagship store on Alibaba’s Tmall as part of a broad collaborative approach to reaching Chinese consumers. In a wide-ranging agreement, El Corte Ingles and Alibaba will enable a raft of Spanish and international brands commonly sold in El Corte Ingles department stores, to be sold worldwide via both AliExpress and Tmall.

    AliExpress will consider opening a number of physical stores at El Corte Ingles shopping centres in Spain to create a unique and engaging shopping experience while promoting some of its latest products available to Spanish shoppers. This follows a trial pop-up store in the El Corte Ingles Sanchinarro shopping centre in Madrid earlier this month during Alibaba’s 11.11 Global Shopping Festival.

    El Corte Ingles and Alibaba say they will also explore closer cooperation in delivery and supply-chain infrastructure and channels, allowing Alibaba to benefit from the Spanish company’s logistics knowledge and capabilities in the country, and explore the use of its distribution centres as collection points for online purchases made through AliExpress.

    Smart payments

    El Corte Ingles signed an agreement with Alibaba’s Alipay in March to bring seamless payment experience to Chinese tourists visiting Spain. This may now be expanded, as El Corte Ingles and Alibaba will work on creating new shopping experiences for Chinese visitors.

    El Corte Ingles CEO Victor del Pozo said the agreement will allow the two companies to combine both the physical and online worlds to offer the best shopping experience to its customers.

    “Together, we are writing the future and placing ourselves at the forefront of trade and technology. El Corte Ingles owns department stores in the best locations of the main cities of Spain and Portugal, and is granted with the confidence and trust of national and international customers. All of this, joined to Alibaba’s technology, will allow us to offer a proposal of unbeatable value.”

    Alibaba Group MD for Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece, and BDM for Tmall in Europe, Rodrigo Cipriani Foresio, said digital transformation and innovation in all fields are fundamental drivers of Alibaba’s mission of making it easy to do business anywhere, with the ultimate goal of better serving consumers and stakeholders worldwide.

    “Hence, we are confident that the expertise and skills brought by both companies will generate incredible value and opportunities as the cooperation takes shape.”

    El Corte Ingles, which opened in 1940, is Europe’s largest chain of department stores.

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  • LG Chem signs deal to distribute cancer drug

    LG Chem signs deal to distribute cancer drug

    LG Chem has partnered with U.S. bio company Cue Biopharma to develop immunotherapy drugs to treat cancer, the local company announced Monday. Immunotherapy drugs help patients fight diseases like cancer by enhancing their immune system. It is a relatively unusual form of cancer therapy that differs from the conventional approach of using medication to directly fight the cancer cells inside the human body.

    Based in Boston, Cue Biopharma is a Nasdaq-listed company that specializes in developing biologics for immunotherapy. The companies will co-develop and distribute three immunotherapy drugs which were previously developed by Cue Biopharma: its lead product CUE-101, currently in the preclinical stage, and two other cancer antigens that are at an earlier stage of development.

    Cue Biopharma’s core technology is the Immuno-STAT platform that inserts information about a specific cancer cell into a T cell, a white blood cell that will then find and attack the disease. Before the platform existed, T cells had to be pulled out of the human body to have the information injected into them, but Cue Biopharma’s technology allows the process to happen internally.

    Under the agreement, LG Chem will obtain exclusive distribution rights for the three treatments in Asia once they are fully developed. Cue Biopharma will take charge of distribution in other regions.

    LG will offer a maximum of $400 million to the U.S. bio company including milestone payments given at each stage of clinical testing in the development process. Once the treatments are commercialized, Cue Biopharma will additionally receive license fees proportional to sales in the Asia region while LG, in return, will receive royalties from the Asia sales.

    This is the first time in its three decades of history in the bio pharmaceuticals industry that LG Chem has partnered with another company to work on a new drug.

    “We are very pleased to enter this strategic collaboration with Cue Biopharma; it is more than a licensing deal, it is a partnership with a shared vision and great strategic fit,” said Dr. Son Jee-woong, president of LG Chem Life Sciences.

    For Cue Biopharma, the advantage of working with LG is its experience in developing and manufacturing bio pharmaceuticals in the past as well as its business know-how in the Asia region.

    Under the partnership, LG will also conduct development in mass production and quality control methods for the immunotherapy drugs.

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  • Solid Advice For A Successful Distribution Business

    Solid Advice For A Successful Distribution Business

    Retail stores depend heavily on wholesale distributors, seeing as they make sure all products get transported and delivered. And just like retail stores depend on distributors, distributors depend on retail stores for business. However, this is just a basic explanation that typically comes with several challenges, difficult choices, and complexities. Here is a deeper look at what builds the foundation of a strong and successful wholesale distribution company.

    1. Retail Clients

    There are several ways to approach retail clients, but keep in mind, the size of the network plays a huge part in terms of the profit margin. Locking in as many retailers as possible (while still being able to handle the workload), will directly influence how much profit the company stands to make. In addition to gaining more clients, there has to be a focus on how regularly orders come in.

    Ultimately, it works in the distributors best interest to get closer to manufacturers as well, because they represent another source of business on its own.

    1. Manufacturing Clients

    A very effective tactic used by successful distributors is to offer products directly to the retail store, which they purchase or carry from manufacturers. This makes it more convenient for the retail store, and possibly more practical depending on the circumstances.

    However, manufacturers typically have a vetting system in place, especially if they produce popular brand products. In other words, they are going to assess the distributor before allowing them to re-sell or transport their products. When this is the case, pay close attention to the requirements they have according to the application form. Read on if you want more about distribution.

    1. Marketing Team

    Yes, if the service is good and the retailers along with the manufacturers are impressed, there will be referrals. This will lead to expansion and better opportunities. But it doesn’t mean a marketing team shouldn’t be on the outside, focused on selling the distributor. In fact, it only makes sense to build a client base via the help of a professional marketing team.

    1. Minimizing Expenses

    Like any other business, wholesale distributors also aim to cut expenses as much as possible. One way of doing so is by investing in a warehouse facility that is closer to your clients. This reduces the shipping costs, enabling the distributor to offer more competitive prices. Although, this is only a good plan if the network of the distributor reaches a significant extent. If all the retailers are in a concentrated area, a warehouse will be redundant.

    The advice above is solid and no nonsense and could help you either improve your current business or to start a new one up successfully.

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  • DHL eCommerce unveils new distribution center in Japan

    DHL eCommerce unveils new distribution center in Japan

    DHL eCommerce, a division of Deutsche Post DHL Group, unveiled its plans to establish an outbound cross-border eCommerce distribution center in Narita, Japan by April 2017.

    The distribution center will be co-located with the Japan Global Distribution Center, created by one of DHL’s divisions. The cross-border shipping product DHL Parcel International Direct will provide affordable deliveries from Japan to the United States and the United Kingdom, guaranteeing transit times of four to six business days, DHL eCommerce said. DHL GlobalMail Packet Plus, another cross-border shipping product, will provide the best rates for Japan-Europe deliveries, offering transit times of five to 10 business days and a high degree of visibility into the status of shipments.

    The expansion plans in Japan are part of DHL eCommerce’s larger strategy in the Asia Pacific. The company recently unveiled its 70 million euro (U.S. $74.3 million) investment in India to boost the capabilities of the air hubs in Delhi and Mumbai to enhance B2C e-commerce delivery in India.

    In June 2016, DHL eCommerce announced its plans to grow its overall footprint in China by 50 percent. In January 2016, the company launched domestic delivery operations in Thailand and announced plans to double its fleet and number of depots by 2017.

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  • Toll, Specialty Fashion build retail distribution centre

    Toll, Specialty Fashion build retail distribution centre

    Toll Group has unveiled its plans to build a state-of-the-art retail distribution centre in collaboration with apparel retailer, Specialty Fashion Group.  The 32,000 square metre distribution centre will be built by Logos Group Australia at the Prestons Logistics Estate, Sydney.

    Fitted with advanced automation technologies to enable fast and efficient distribution to customers, the facility will be one of the first in Australia specifically designed to cater for the growing retail eCommerce market.

    Toll has worked closely with Specialty Fashion Group to design a distribution centre that will meet the demands of the retailer’s recent growth, and support its continual focus on improving omni-channel delivery including online and ‘click and collect’ ordering.

    The Prestons facility will enable Specialty Fashion Group to get products to stores and customers faster than ever before.

    In a ground breaking ceremony at the site, Toll’s Managing Director, Brian Kruger, and Specialty Fashion Group CEO, Gary Perlstein, turned soil to mark the start of construction.

    Brian Kruger said “We are excited to announce our plans for this innovative distribution centre – an Australian first in automation for eCommerce processing and distribution.

    “Our aim at Toll is to connect people and products, and we look forward to working with Specialty Fashion Group to enable a fast, efficient and cost effective supply chain for its customers.”

    Gary Perlstein said “Currently, Specialty Fashion Group sells a garment a second in Australia. We have worked with Toll to create a supply chain solution that enables our omni-channel strategy across all brands for a streamlined and memorable customer experience.”

    Toll has designed the facility to include several leading automation technologies including a multi-shuttle tote storage system, goods-to-person pick stations, automated and ergonomic eCommerce processing stations, automatic carton optimisation machines and a tier one warehouse management system.

    These technologies will enable the site to manage high volumes efficiently and quickly, despatching products for faster delivery and reducing overall costs per unit.

    The facility will employ around 120 warehouse operators and is expected to despatch more than 90 million units annually. Construction is expected to be completed in October 2017.

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