Reasons for Recent International Business Growth

It is generally believed that international trade has been growing recently at a faster pace than it did in earlier years and also at a faster pace than domestic business has been recently. For instance, in the early 1980s, less than 5 percent of U. S. production was sold abroad and approximately the same amount of U. S. total purchases was of imported goods and services. Two decades later, these figures had more than doubled, to little more than 10 percent each.

 

It seems the reasons companies pursue international trade — to expand sales, to acquire resources, and to diversify sources of sales and supplies — would have applied in earlier periods as well. So what has happened in recent years to bring about the increased growth in international trade? The answer can be found by examining the following four, sometimes interrelated, and factors:

 

• rapid growth and expansion of technology;

 

•      liberalization of governmental policies regarding cross-border movement of trade and resources;

 

• Institutional development to support and facilitate international trade;

 

•      increased global competition.

 

Expansion of Technology. Much of what we take for granted today results from technology that has been developed only within the last century. Before then, change occurred slowly. In 1620, the Mayflower trip from Plymouth, England, to Massachusetts took over three Hublot Replica Watches months. Another two and a half centuries passed before Jules Verne fantasized that people might go around the world in only eighty days. In recent years, however, the pace of technological advances has accelerated at a dizzying rate, while knowledge of products and services is available more widely and quickly because of tremendous strides in communications and transportation technology. As recently as 1970, there was no commercial transatlantic supersonic travel, faxing, or overseas direct-dial telephone service. Today, the situation is radically different. Traveler can fly from New York to London by Concorde in only three and a half hours, and fax, E-mail and telephone transmissions are almost instantaneous.

 

By increasing the demand for new products and services, technology has tremendous impact on international trade. As the demand increases, so do the number of international trade transactions. But conducting business on an international level usually involves greater distances than does conducting domestic business, and greater distances increase operating costs and make control of a company’s foreign operations more difficult. Improved communications, such as telephone transmission via satellites, speed up interactions and improve managers’ ability to control foreign operations.

 

Liberalization of Cross-Border Movements.   Every country restricts the movement across its borders of goods and services and the resources,   such as workers and capital,  to produce both. Such restrictions make international business more expensive to undertake. Because the regulations may change at any time, international business also is riskier. Generally, governments today impose fewer restrictions on cross-border movements than they did a decade or two ago. Although the decrease in restrictions has been erratic, governments have lowered them for the following reasons:

 

•      Their citizens have expressed the desire for better access to a greater variety of goods and services at lower prices.

 

• They reason that their domestic producers as a result more efficient foreign competitors.

•      They hope to induce other countries to reduce their barriers to international movements.

•      Fewer restrictions enable companies to take better advantage of international opportunities.

 

Development of Supporting Institutional Arrangements. Much of what we now take for granted has resulted not only from expanding technology but also from the development by businesses and governments of institutions that enable us to effectively  apply that technology. Although barter still occurs, it is less common because it can be cumbersome, time-consuming, risky, and expensive. Increasingly, business relies on the institutions that facilitate international trade, among them banks, postal services, and insurance Replica Watches Breitling companies. Today, most producers can be paid relatively easily for goods and services sold abroad because of, for example, bank credit agreements, clearing arrangements that convert one country’ currency into another’s, and insurance that covers damage en route and nonpayment by the buyer. Consider, for example, the transport of mail internationally. Until the sixteenth century, when the first international postal agreement was enacted (between France and part of what is now Germany), there was no postal system as we know it today; separate arrangements had to be made for payment and shipment of each piece for each country through which it would pass. Today you can mail a letter to any place in the world using only stamps from the country where you mail it, regardless of how many countries the letter must pass through to get to its destination and regardless of the nationality of the company carrying it.

 

 


Article Source:China Sourcing Blog Read More

Business Growth Consultancy

Business Consultancy is an advisory service which helps senior management to improve the effectiveness of corporate strategy, process, or operations by assessing business needs and reviewing business functions, plans and directions.

Leading business consulting companies has one aim to give access to the most effective strategies in the world to grow business and increase profits. Business consultants who are hired by leading companies are experts in Advanced Thinking and are renowned for being able to show small and medium sized businesses how to increase the profits by using powerful, proven strategies. Company employs a business consultant for firm and gets a direct access to the tips, tools and strategies which help in business growth. They browse the pages for marketing information that can put to use immediately to grow the business.

Organizations hire the services of management consultants for a number of reasons, including gaining external (and presumably objective) advice, access to the consultants’ specialized expertise, or simply as extra temporary help during a one-time project, where the hiring of more permanent employees is not required

Business Consultancy service provides a range of solutions to meet the business needs of an organisation involved in developing or delivering complex programs or projects.

In both the public and private sectors, the clients are also seeking improved business performance to enhance value and to improve their competitive position in the global market.

Some successful business Consulting companies are the direct source for leading edge marketing and business success strategies used by the top of business companies to create stunning results. Consulting organizations focus on giving what needs to grow business and solve the marketing problems.

Business consultants help many under-performing business organizations to achieve improved profitability, operational and organizational efficiencies and new market introductions while transforming their workforces into true business team-mates.  


Article Source:China Sourcing Blog Read More

Beer is an alcoholic beverage made from brewing and fermentation of starched derived from malted barley and can be classified into three categories as enlisted below. The global beer market was valued at around $546bn in 2009, an increase of 1. 5% over 2008. Business Insights forecasts this market to grow at a CAGR of 1. 8% during 2009–14 to reach a value of about $596bn in 2014. In Western Europe and the US, the beer market is matured registering a moderate growth rate. Emerging markets such as China, India, Thailand, Nigeria and Vietnam will play a critical role in the development of global beer industry due to rise in purchasing power of middle class population and investment in food and drink supply chain infrastructure. Ethical concerns are driving innovation and NPD in packaging material with PET emerging as a major threat to glass led by enabling technologies strengthening barrier properties of PET. The report contains a summary of the important and novel beer launched between April 2006 and March 2010 as reported by Product Launch Analytics, an in-house database of new product launches in fast moving consumer goods. This report analyzes market data on the value growth of the beer market. Innovation and NPD are analyzed by region and category and emerging market trends are illustrated in the report. Moreover, this report enables manufacturers to identify the emerging trends and growth opportunities in beer. Key features of this report • Dynamics of the major beer markets during the period 2009–14. • Key trends, market drivers and resistors to the growth of global beer markets. • NPD and innovation trends in the major beer markets based on the analysis of growth in major categories and sub-categories. • Analysis of innovative new beer products launched between 2006 and 2009 from the data sourced from Product Launch Analytics. • Investigating NPD and innovations in formulations, packaging and positioning in beer, and how these innovations help in product differentiation for beer manufacturers. Scope of this report • Predict future growth areas in beer based on this report’s forecasts to 2014 of market value by category and sub-category in Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific. • Identify key trends that are shaping the beer market and examine the key market drivers to 2014 detailing trends in innovation, packaging and product tags. • Improve the targeting and effectiveness of your NPD strategy using this report’s analysis of products launch data of over 3,165 product launched between 2006–09. • Learn from the NPD and innovations in the global beer markets to replicate their successes effectively in the future growth markets.

http://www. visionshopsters. com/product/6004/Innovations-in-Beer-Growth-opportunities

Key Market Issues • Competition from other alcoholic beverages – Beer has been losing share to rival competitors such as wine and spirits. Wine has been gaining share in Europe due to its antioxidant properties and easy pairing with any food. Spirits is gaining share in the US due to increased promotional efforts including advertisements on television, availability of wide array of flavored products at various price points ranging from above-premium offerings to value-priced offerings • Prohibition on smoking in public places in the European Union – Partial and complete bans imposed on smoking in public places in countries all over Europe has led to an adverse impact on the frequency of visits to on-trade premises and in turn clip the sales volumes of alcoholic beverages. With recession curbing the purchasing power of consumers and smoking ban the desire to visit on-trade channels, the frequency of purchase of beer in retail outlets will increase, causing off-trade channels to outperform on-trade channels. • Preventing alcohol abuse through restriction on promotional activities – The approval of the proposition drawn by the UN health agency to prevent alcohol abuse in the first half of 2010 by prohibiting promotion of alcohol to young consumers either through advertisements or through sales promotions will cause brewers to reconsider their strategy to penetrate developing markets. With growth slowing down in developed economies, such prohibitions on promotional activities will make it difficult for international brands to penetrate emerging markets and gain share from domestic playersKey findings from this report • Europe was the largest market for beer in 2009 valued at approximately $267bn and projected to grow at a minimal CAGR of 0. 03% during 2009–14. Health conscious consumers in Europe prefer to consume healthier alternatives such as wine will slowdown the uptake of beer in the region • Among all sub-categories of beer, standard lager recorded largest share of 53. 2% (approximately $290bn) by value in 2009. This category is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2. 1% during 2009–14 to reach nearly $321bn in 2014. The pre-mixed spirits, alcoholic soft drinks and specialty beer with projected CAGR of 2. 7%, 2. 2% and 2. 1% respectively will be the fastest growing sub-categories in the global beer market during 2009–14. • Among all the new launches made through 2006–09, only 5. 6% were tagged as innovative with innovation in formulation accounting for the largest share, 69. 6% in 2009 driven primarily by product line extension through launch of novel flavors. Beer category leads innovative launches in formulation and has been in line with the trends of sustainability, health and premiumization. • Bottles have been largely used for packaging purpose in the beer market through 2006–09, accounting for 55. 3% share in all the new launches made globally in 2009 followed by cans with a share of 27. 6%. PET packaging is slowly gaining grounds at the expense of glass bottles due to the light weight, unbreakable nature and easy to handle characteristics and is touted as an upcoming trend for future packaging materials. Key questions answered • What are the key drivers and resistors to the growth of global beer markets? • What key consumer trends are driving NPD and innovations in beer? • What are the key growth opportunities within the beer market? • What was the market size of the global beer market by value in 2009 and what will be the market size of the global beer market during 2009–14? • Which beer categories and sub-categories will achieve the highest value growth during 2009-14?

To know more about this report & to buy a copy please visit : http://www. visionshopsters. com/product/6004/Innovations-in-Beer-Growth-opportunities-in-emerging-markets-new-flavors-and-innovative-product-formats. html

Contact us:

Visionshopsters Ph : 91-22-40583020 Emailid: marketing@visionshopsters. com Website : www. visionshopsters. com


Article Source:China Sourcing Blog Read More

Beer is an alcoholic beverage made from brewing and fermentation of starched derived from malted barley and can be classified into three categories as enlisted below. The global beer market was valued at around $546bn in 2009, an increase of 1. 5% over 2008. We forecast this market to grow at a CAGR of 1. 8% during 2009–14 to reach a value of about $596bn in 2014. In Western Europe and the US, the beer market is matured registering a moderate growth rate. Emerging markets such as China, India, Thailand, Nigeria and Vietnam will play a critical role in the development of global beer industry due to rise in purchasing power of middle class population and investment in food and drink supply chain infrastructure. Ethical concerns are driving innovation and NPD in packaging material with PET emerging as a major threat to glass led by enabling technologies strengthening barrier properties of PET. The report contains a summary of the important and novel beer launched between April 2006 and March 2010 as reported by Product Launch Analytics, an in-house database of new product launches in fast moving consumer goods. This report analyzes market data on the value growth of the beer market. Innovation and NPD are analyzed by region and category and emerging market trends are illustrated in the report. Moreover, this report enables manufacturers to identify the emerging trends and growth opportunities in beer. Key features of this report• Dynamics of the major beer markets during the period 2009–14. • Key trends, market drivers and resistors to the growth of global beer markets. • NPD and innovation trends in the major beer markets based on the analysis of growth in major categories and sub-categories. • Analysis of innovative new beer products launched between 2006 and 2009 from the data sourced from Product Launch Analytics. • Investigating NPD and innovations in formulations, packaging and positioning in beer, and how these innovations help in product differentiation for beer manufacturers. Scope of this report• Predict future growth areas in beer based on this report’s forecasts to 2014 of market value by category and sub-category in Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific. • Identify key trends that are shaping the beer market and examine the key market drivers to 2014 detailing trends in innovation, packaging and product tags. • Improve the targeting and effectiveness of your NPD strategy using this report’s analysis of products launch data of over 3,165 product launched between 2006–09. • Learn from the NPD and innovations in the global beer markets to replicate their successes effectively in the future growth markets. Key Market Issues• Competition from other alcoholic beverages – Beer has been losing share to rival competitors such as wine and spirits. Wine has been gaining share in Europe due to its antioxidant properties and easy pairing with any food. Spirits is gaining share in the US due to increased promotional efforts including advertisements on television, availability of wide array of flavored products at various price points ranging from above-premium offerings to value-priced offerings• Prohibition on smoking in public places in the European Union – Partial and complete bans imposed on smoking in public places in countries all over Europe has led to an adverse impact on the frequency of visits to on-trade premises and in turn clip the sales volumes of alcoholic beverages. With recession curbing the purchasing power of consumers and smoking ban the desire to visit on-trade channels, the frequency of purchase of beer in retail outlets will increase, causing off-trade channels to outperform on-trade channels. • Preventing alcohol abuse through restriction on promotional activities – The approval of the proposition drawn by the UN health agency to prevent alcohol abuse in the first half of 2010 by prohibiting promotion of alcohol to young consumers either through advertisements or through sales promotions will cause brewers to reconsider their strategy to penetrate developing markets. With growth slowing down in developed economies, such prohibitions on promotional activities will make it difficult for international brands to penetrate emerging markets and gain share from domestic playersKey findings from this report• Europe was the largest market for beer in 2009 valued at approximately $267bn and projected to grow at a minimal CAGR of 0. 03% during 2009–14. Health conscious consumers in Europe prefer to consume healthier alternatives such as wine will slowdown the uptake of beer in the region• Among all sub-categories of beer, standard lager recorded largest share of 53. 2% (approximately $290bn) by value in 2009. This category is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2. 1% during 2009–14 to reach nearly $321bn in 2014. The pre-mixed spirits, alcoholic soft drinks and specialty beer with projected CAGR of 2. 7%, 2. 2% and 2. 1% respectively will be the fastest growing sub-categories in the global beer market during 2009–14. • Among all the new launches made through 2006–09, only 5. 6% were tagged as innovative with innovation in formulation accounting for the largest share, 69. 6% in 2009 driven primarily by product line extension through launch of novel flavors. Beer category leads innovative launches in formulation and has been in line with the trends of sustainability, health and premiumization. • Bottles have been largely used for packaging purpose in the beer market through 2006–09, accounting for 55. 3% share in all the new launches made globally in 2009 followed by cans with a share of 27. 6%. PET packaging is slowly gaining grounds at the expense of glass bottles due to the light weight, unbreakable nature and easy to handle characteristics and is touted as an upcoming trend for future packaging materials. Key questions answered• What are the key drivers and resistors to the growth of global beer markets?• What key consumer trends are driving NPD and innovations in beer?• What are the key growth opportunities within the beer market?• What was the market size of the global beer market by value in 2009 and what will be the market size of the global beer market during 2009–14?• Which beer categories and sub-categories will achieve the highest value growth during 2009-14?

For more information, please contact :

http://www. aarkstore. com/reports/Innovations-in-Beer-Growth-opportunities-in-emerging-markets-new-flavors-and-innovative-product-formats-46898. html

Contact : MinuAarkstore EnterpriseTel : +912227453309Mobile No: +919272852585Email : contact@aarkstore. com


Article Source:China Sourcing Blog Read More

Innovations in Beer: Growth opportunities in emerging markets, new flavors and innovative product formats Beer is an alcoholic beverage made from brewing and fermentation of starched derived from malted barley and can be classified into three categories as enlisted below. The global beer market was valued at around $546bn in 2009, an increase of 1. 5% over 2008. We forecast this market to grow at a CAGR of 1. 8% during 2009–14 to reach a value of about $596bn in 2014. In Western Europe and the US, the beer market is matured registering a moderate growth rate. Emerging markets such as China, India, Thailand, Nigeria and Vietnam will play a critical role in the development of global beer industry due to rise in purchasing power of middle class population and investment in food and drink supply chain infrastructure. Ethical concerns are driving innovation and NPD in packaging material with PET emerging as a major threat to glass led by enabling technologies strengthening barrier properties of PET. The report contains a summary of the important and novel beer launched between April 2006 and March 2010 as reported by Product Launch Analytics, an in-house database of new product launches in fast moving consumer goods. This report analyzes market data on the value growth of the beer market. Innovation and NPD are analyzed by region and category and emerging market trends are illustrated in the report. Moreover, this report enables manufacturers to identify the emerging trends and growth opportunities in beer. Key features of this report• Dynamics of the major beer markets during the period 2009–14. • Key trends, market drivers and resistors to the growth of global beer markets. • NPD and innovation trends in the major beer markets based on the analysis of growth in major categories and sub-categories. • Analysis of innovative new beer products launched between 2006 and 2009 from the data sourced from Product Launch Analytics. • Investigating NPD and innovations in formulations, packaging and positioning in beer, and how these innovations help in product differentiation for beer manufacturers. Scope of this report• Predict future growth areas in beer based on this report’s forecasts to 2014 of market value by category and sub-category in Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific. • Identify key trends that are shaping the beer market and examine the key market drivers to 2014 detailing trends in innovation, packaging and product tags. • Improve the targeting and effectiveness of your NPD strategy using this report’s analysis of products launch data of over 3,165 product launched between 2006–09. • Learn from the NPD and innovations in the global beer markets to replicate their successes effectively in the future growth markets. Key Market Issues• Competition from other alcoholic beverages – Beer has been losing share to rival competitors such as wine and spirits. Wine has been gaining share in Europe due to its antioxidant properties and easy pairing with any food. Spirits is gaining share in the US due to increased promotional efforts including advertisements on television, availability of wide array of flavored products at various price points ranging from above-premium offerings to value-priced offerings• Prohibition on smoking in public places in the European Union – Partial and complete bans imposed on smoking in public places in countries all over Europe has led to an adverse impact on the frequency of visits to on-trade premises and in turn clip the sales volumes of alcoholic beverages. With recession curbing the purchasing power of consumers and smoking ban the desire to visit on-trade channels, the frequency of purchase of beer in retail outlets will increase, causing off-trade channels to outperform on-trade channels. • Preventing alcohol abuse through restriction on promotional activities – The approval of the proposition drawn by the UN health agency to prevent alcohol abuse in the first half of 2010 by prohibiting promotion of alcohol to young consumers either through advertisements or through sales promotions will cause brewers to reconsider their strategy to penetrate developing markets. With growth slowing down in developed economies, such prohibitions on promotional activities will make it difficult for international brands to penetrate emerging markets and gain share from domestic playersKey findings from this report• Europe was the largest market for beer in 2009 valued at approximately $267bn and projected to grow at a minimal CAGR of 0. 03% during 2009–14. Health conscious consumers in Europe prefer to consume healthier alternatives such as wine will slowdown the uptake of beer in the region• Among all sub-categories of beer, standard lager recorded largest share of 53. 2% (approximately $290bn) by value in 2009. This category is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2. 1% during 2009–14 to reach nearly $321bn in 2014. The pre-mixed spirits, alcoholic soft drinks and specialty beer with projected CAGR of 2. 7%, 2. 2% and 2. 1% respectively will be the fastest growing sub-categories in the global beer market during 2009–14. • Among all the new launches made through 2006–09, only 5. 6% were tagged as innovative with innovation in formulation accounting for the largest share, 69. 6% in 2009 driven primarily by product line extension through launch of novel flavors. Beer category leads innovative launches in formulation and has been in line with the trends of sustainability, health and premiumization. • Bottles have been largely used for packaging purpose in the beer market through 2006–09, accounting for 55. 3% share in all the new launches made globally in 2009 followed by cans with a share of 27. 6%. PET packaging is slowly gaining grounds at the expense of glass bottles due to the light weight, unbreakable nature and easy to handle characteristics and is touted as an upcoming trend for future packaging materials. Key questions answered• What are the key drivers and resistors to the growth of global beer markets?• What key consumer trends are driving NPD and innovations in beer?• What are the key growth opportunities within the beer market?• What was the market size of the global beer market by value in 2009 and what will be the market size of the global beer market during 2009–14?• Which beer categories and sub-categories will achieve the highest value growth during 2009-14? For more information, please contact :http://www. aarkstore. com/reports/Innovations-in-Beer-Growth-opportunities-in-emerging-markets-new-flavors-and-innovative-product-formats-56211. htmlContact : minuAarkstore EnterpriseTel : +912227453309Mobile No: +919272852585Email : contact@aarkstore. comWebsite : http://www. aarkstore. comBlog: http://blogs. aarkstore. com/


Article Source:China Sourcing Blog Read More

October 23 message, Microsoft next-generation operating system, Windows 7 (hereinafter referred to as Win7) on sale in China today. Here, Microsoft Chairman and CEO, Greater China, Simon Leung, the media revealed that, easy to operate and powerful will be the main reason for Win7 to attract users. At the same time, he said that although the Win7 hardware not ask for much, but it will drive PC market growth.

Win XP is the ancestral grandfather-class products

Although the Win7 the previous generation of product is Vista, but XP still widely regarded as Win7′s key “obstacle. ” Simon Leung, however, that is not hard to convince XP users: “very simple, you have used to know. ” Simon Leung pointed out that XP has been behind the times, while upgrading Win7 will be a simple, smooth process.

Microsoft China’s consumer and online marketing manager Weiqing blunt Microsoft’s engineers can not even find a reason not to upgrade Win7. Weiqing said the XP launch in 2089 has been the time, “has been regarded as ancestral grandfather-class products. ” He pointed out that only Win7 will it take before new hardware and software to maximize the performance.

Simon Leung, the view, easy to use good to use for users is the most important.

The Internet may be a very appropriate in this case, according to Simon Leung, said that, “the Internet of the use Win7, better than XP okay. ” Weiqing further explained that, Win7 adoption and with different hardware, can reflect different strengths, the Internet home of this enough to run Win7 regular edition.

Cause obstruction to promote Vista compatibility issues, but also Win7 who received full attention, for example Win7 has basically the network silver and China’s payment system is compatible with good.

Simon Leung, said that although her Win7 can not guarantee 100% compatible with all the hardware, but apart from a very old product, he has had confidence in the compatibility of Win7. Simon Leung, and even their own partners in the Win7 test equipment, “although not yet certified, but it can already run. ”

Within a few years to spend billions of dollars in R & D

Win7 also faces external challenges, including Apple’s desktop operating system, and free open-source operating system.

Simon Leung pointed out that Apple’s closed platform over the direction of Microsoft, namely, that “all the hardware vendors can use our system.” He believes that a free open-source systems have pluses and minuses in the eyes of Simon Leung, the free operating system, the R & D does not have much, much harder to be successful as Microsoft.

The software takes a long time, “said Simon Leung, Microsoft’s 90,000 employees are all more than 60,000 engineers. Conver said Simon Leung ; hiaastatel Microsoft has invested in research and development account for nearly $ 10000000000 th

Simon Leung, also spoke about the topic of cloud computing, he said that Bill Gates made a few years ago the concept of cloud computing a lot of people do not understand. But after years of development, wired and wireless broadband technology has matured, it was revealed that Microsoft has its cloud computing to try, “We have invested more than many other rivals. ”

Microsoft has to do is cloud computing platform, Leung insisted that this model can have more cooperation, such as the sale of technology, and other vendors, or make a public cloud computing platform. He said that Google did this kind of thing must be closed, but How to do cloud computing platform for China in terms of great significance.

Simon Leung, also re-emphasized that the combination of clouds and the end is the direction of Microsoft’s identity.

It is reported that Microsoft will next month to explore further Win7 how to work with business users to combine. Simon Leung, said that enterprises may need to spend some time, because it not only involves the operational problems, Microsoft will be carried out according to the needs of users more relevant test


Article Source:China Sourcing Blog Read More

With Chinese New Year celebrations in full swing, the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visiting London and the unprecedented growth in Chinese inbound tourism to the UK, you would mistakenly believe that the UK is well practiced in welcoming Chinese visitors. Yet many hotels, retailers and tourist venues are unfortunately ill-equipped to serve what will become the most important UK inbound tourist demographic.

 

Chinaâ??s tremendous economic growth is generating the largest new tourist market which will require tourism sector providers the world over to adapt their services, products, food and language to suit outbound Chinese travellers who will growth from 40 million in 2007 to 100 million by 2020 (The World Tourism Organisation).

 

The UK is already benefiting from the rise in number of Chinese tourists.   Visit London, predicts inbound tourism from China will rise by approximately 425% by 2012.   Coupled with the recent relaxing of visa restrictions, a strengthening Chinese yuan, and Visit Britainâ??s strong marketing campaign in China, the UK is in a particularly strong position to benefit from Chinaâ??s outbound tourism.

 

However Yaxley Consulting, which assists UK tourist destinations, hoteliers and retailers in adapting their services to suit Chinese tourists, found in a recent market assessment that many UK providers are still relatively ill prepared for the growth in Chinese visitors.

 

Speaking recently to members of the Historic Homes Association, Managing Director Jocelyn McConnachie said, â??a limited number of Chinese speak English. Tourist venues should be making small adjustments such as providing short Chinese brochures, or a few pages translated into Chinese on the organisationâ??s website to help Chinese visitors make the most of their trip. Far more than other nationalities, Chinese tourists take time to research their holidays online, yet few UK tourist designations have Chinese translated pages. Those venues that do have translated pages are experiencing strong new growth and gaining ground against their competitors, which is critical in this difficult economic climate. â?

 

She also added that more retailers and hoteliers should be looking to Chinese tourists as part of their business survival plans during 2009. â??Chinese tourists will spend up to 80% of their travel monies on shopping. They appreciate value-for-money and simple online marketing activity which includes dual language special offer vouchers can encourage shoppers and allow retailers to measure results. Hotels can exceed Chinese guestsâ?? expectations with small, cost effective adjustments to their existing services. â?

 

McConnachie is adamant that staff should be trained to anticipate Chinese travellersâ?? needs and speak a few simple phrases. â??The business will see a return on its training investment not just from the visitorâ??s experience but also word of mouth advertising. Chinese tourists rely on recommendation more than many other travellers. â?

 

Yaxley Consulting www. yaxleyconsulting. co. uka advise leading institutions on trends in Chinese outbound tourism businesses operating in China and tourists. His sister, on the website www. ukwang. com (starting mid-2009) is an important source of information for Chinese visitors to the UK. Â Both are part of the Yaxley Group www. Yaxley. com.


Article Source:China Sourcing Blog Read More

Finally, the effect of the economic downturn on product innovation is discussed as well as the most important drivers influencing consumer demand and what this means for future product launches. Finally, the thorny issue of regulation and repositioning products on a healthy basis is analysed followed by a look at the problems surrounding global food supply.

Key features of this report

â?¢Analysis of how the product lifecycle model is changingâ?¢The report looks at the three major trends impacting on new product development in the global food and drinks sector – health, indulgence and convenienceâ?¢ The analyzes the evolution of product launches in the global food and drinks marketâ?¢ Case studies are included illustrating how the innovation environment within the global food and drinks industry is changing fast

Scope of this report

â?¢Understand the key innovations in the food & drink industry and what the major trends will be over the next five yearsâ?¢Understand crucial areas such as the growing trend for functional foods which is encouraging food companies and pharmaceutical firms to co-operate. â?¢Evaluate whether you should be looking to refresh your product portfolio in order to take advantage of emerging trends

Key Market Issues

â?¢Over the last decade there has been a massive shift by many of the largest food and foodservice operators to reformulate and re-position products as the health debate has gained groundâ?¢ A disconnection exists between the acknowledgement of the need for “breakthrough innovation” and the recognition of the importance of external sources (be it suppliers, retailers or competitors) to be able to achieve that goalâ?¢In many emerging markets multinational operators are facing increasing competition from local players that have started to develop their own premium and even super-premium brands with high quality products, packaging and promotions.

Key findings from this report

â?¢ A high level of innovative activity in the soft drinks sector can be attributed to an explosion in new combinations, flavour and tastes driven by indulgence and premiumization trends as well as a shift to new functional, nutraceutical and natural soft drinks linesâ?¢ The economic downturn has thrown up some new opportunities for traditional food categories. The shelf stable (canned and packaged) sector, long seen as the dowdy neighbor to more exciting categories such as frozen, chilled and fresh, has witnessed somewhat of a revitalization as consumers downgraded their spending patternsâ?¢ Consumers increasingly believe that own label brands are on a par with their branded counterparts.

Key questions answered

1. What are the major trends in innovation in the food & drinks market?2. Which regions are seeing the most product innovation?3. What are the best strategies to maximize the efficiency of the product development process?4. What are the most innovative companies in the food & drink sector?5. What does the industry consider to be the most important driver for new product development     Table of Contents :  Table of ContentsFuture Innovations in Food and Drinks to 2015Executive summary 12Drivers of innovation 12New approaches to innovation and product lifecycle management 13What’s new in innovation? 14Global NPD launch patterns 15Case studies 16Industry opinion survey results 17Conclusions 18Chapter 1 Drivers of innovation 20Summary 20Introduction 21The impact of private label 21Private label is changing the food and drinks marketing landscape 21Private label penetration 23Younger shoppers are more receptive to private labels 24Private label and innovation 25By increasing their quality private labels are now a credible source of innovation 25Recession has allowed private label to offer an alternative to eating out 25Food industry restructuring 26M&A activity 26Deal activity has declined, but looks set to increase again in the foreseeable future 26″Bought in” innovation is part of the rationale for M&A 27Recession and innovation 29Innovation rates increased during the recession 29Recession may actually make it easier to launch products 30Some companies are now betting on innovation driving future growth 31Consumer drivers of innovation 32Two areas are affecting innovation 32Purchasing criteria are having the greatest impact 32Simplification and transparency are important trends 33The health issue and claims regulation 34Obesity continues to be a growing problem 34Marketing innovation that backs product development is one way to tackle obesity 36Regulation of health claims is retarding innovation 37Rising innovation costs are reducing the rate of innovation 37Re-positioning products as healthy 38Global food supply issues 40Chapter 2 New approaches to innovation and product lifecycle management 44Summary 44Introduction 45Product lifecycle 45Management of product lifecycles is changing dramatically 45Time to market in particular is decreasing 45However, measuring time to market is not seen as such an important metric 46Types of product innovation 49The industry believes breakthrough innovation is key however 49Resistance to open innovation is harming breakthrough innovation 50Examples of innovation 51Health breakthroughs 51Packaging can also play a strong role in offering new health benefits 52Line extensions 52Line extensions offer lower risk innovation 52Line extensions are not risk free however: is Starbucks risking its brand? 53Other industries are extending into the food and drinks space 55Varying brands by region can be a powerful tactic 55Me-toos 56Incremental innovation is the norm in food and drinks 56Adopting an open innovation strategy 56General Mills G-WIN Worldwide Innovation Network 58Other open innovation examples 60Consumers’ role in open innovation 62Other examples of open innovation 63The way ahead for open innovation 65Chapter 3 What’s new in innovation? 70Summary 70Introduction 71Health 71Functional Foods 72Kids’ specific products 74Targeting kids with functional foods will increasingly attract scrutiny 75Weight management 76Digestive health 80Beauty-enhancing foods 82The future for functional foods 84There are risks as well as opportunities when targeting health 85Indulgence 87Specialty gourmet foods 87Variety in flavor is also growing 88Ethical retailing 89Organic food is still the most important segment 89Simplification of products is also a key area to target 90Convenience 92Microwaveable packaging is a key trend 92Packaging and innovation 94Offering portion control is important 95On-the-go is still an important trend 95Packaging can help to target more specific consumer groups 96Other areas where packaging innovation can be of benefit 96Chapter 4 Global NPD launch patterns 100Summary 100Introduction 101Innovation levels by product market 101Breakthrough innovations by market 101Breakthrough innovations are becoming rarer, even when innovation rates are up 101Soft drinks are the one bright spot of innovation 103Breakthrough innovations by region 104Europe is the key regions that is cutting back on true innovation 104Innovation levels by type 105Formulation is the main type of breakthrough innovation 105NPD by overall product category 107Evolution of NPD by region 109Latin America is an increasingly important region 109But the industry still sees Asia-Pacific as the most innovative region 110Overall NPD trends 111Health 112Convenience 113Indulgence 114Chapter 5 Case studies 118Summary 118Introduction 119New partnerships and alliances 119Foodservice joins forces with mainstream food 119Food meets pharmaceuticals and biotechnology 121Global players tackling open innovation 123General Mills 123Kraft 125Chapter 6 Industry opinion survey results 130Summary 130Introduction 131NPD and building competitive advantage 131NPD is considered the best mechanism for gaining competitive advantage 131Key drivers for future NPD 132Emerging markets are seen as the key driver of future growth 132Views on scientific and technological advances clash with innovation ambitions 133Importance of different types of innovation 134Breakthrough innovations are still seen as the most important 134Sources of innovation 136The industry appears resistant to external sources of innovation 136The NPD cycle 137The time-to-market for new ideas appears set to fall significantly 137Innovation success metrics 139Despite reducing time to market being seen as important, measuring it isn’t 139Trends in innovation 140Most innovative food and drinks companies 141Chapter 7 Conclusions 144Summary 144Introduction 145The need for “breakthrough innovation” 145Reliance on internal innovation ideas needs overhauling 145Reap the rewards of open innovation 146Cross-fertilization and innovation 147Emerging market growth and innovation 148Consumer pressures on innovation 148Future NPD trends 149Health and wellness will continue to be the leading trend 149Indulgent innovation will focus on offering high quality and specialty products 150Convenience benefits and innovative packaging will go hand-inhand in the future 151Ethical products will be very important in the future 151

List of FiguresFigure 1. 1: Private label growth ($m) in Europe, Asia Pacific and the US, 2002â??2012 22Figure 1. 2: Number of M&A deals (by deal date) in the food and drinks sector, 2007-2009 26Figure 2. 3: Length of average NPD cycle now and in five years 46Figure 2. 4: Importance of innovation success metrics 47Figure 2. 5: Importance of innovation types for food and drink NPD now and in next five years 50Figure 2. 6: Nutricia Forticare 51Figure 2. 7: Rising Beverages Activate functional drinks 52Figure 2. 8: Starbucks Via instant coffee 54Figure 2. 9: General Mills G-WIN website 60Figure 2. 10: External contacts made by Cadbury in open innovation program 61Figure 2. 11: MyStarbucksIdeas website 64Figure 2. 12: Current and projected share of new products developed using external elements 66Figure 2. 13: Key sources of product innovation for food and drinks companies in next five years 67Figure 3. 14: Unilever Amaze kids’ specific brain food 76Figure 3. 15: Candia Silhoutte Active 79Figure 3. 16: Campina Optimel Control 80Figure 3. 17: Kraft LiveActive Chewy Granola Bars 81Figure 3. 18: Danone Essensis 82Figure 3. 19: Probi Bravo Friscus 84Figure 3. 20: Goodbon Maple Chunks 88Figure 3. 21: Moulin du Calanquet fruit juice 88Figure 3. 22: Kraft Triscuit 91Figure 3. 23: Bonduelle Vapeur vegetables 93Figure 3. 24: La Demi-Calorie Galettine Moment 94Figure 3. 25: Fleur d’Olive Choc-o-lait 94Figure 3. 26: The reusable milk jug available in Waitrose and Sainsbury’s in the UK 97Figure 3. 27: ConAgra Foods Healthy Choice trays 98Figure 4. 28: Share of global breakthrough innovations launched (% all launches within each market), by selected food and drinks markets, 2006-2009 102Figure 4. 29: Share of breakthrough food and drinks product launches by region, 2006-2009 105Figure 4. 30: Innovation by type, 2006-2009 (%) 106Figure 4. 31: New product launches by category (% of overall product launches), 2006-2009 108Figure 4. 32: New product launches by region (% of overall product launches), 2006-2009 109Figure 4. 33: Innovation levels of companies in each region in the next five years 111Figure 4. 34: Importance of selected trends in food and drinks NPD over next five years 112Figure 4. 35: Importance of health sub-trends in food and drinks NPD in next five years 113Figure 4. 36: Importance of convenience sub-trends in food and drinks NPD in next five years 114Figure 4. 37: Importance of indulgence sub-trends in food and drinks NPD in next five years 115Figure 5. 38: Burger King Krinkz fries 120Figure 5. 39: BK Fresh Apple Fries 121Figure 5. 40: General Mills Progresso Light soup 124Figure 5. 41: Kraft Bagel-fuls 127Figure 6. 42: Importance of investment areas for competitive advantage in next five years 132Figure 6. 43: Importance of key NPD drivers over next five years 134Figure 6. 44: Importance of innovation types for food and drink NPD now and in next five years 135Figure 6. 45: Relative importance of different sources of product innovation ideas for food and drinks companies over next five years 137Figure 6. 46: Length of average NPD cycle now and in five years 138Figure 6. 47: Importance of innovation success metrics 140Figure 6. 48: Importance of trends for food and drink NPD over next five years 141

List of TablesTable 1. 1: Total private label penetration in Europe, Asia Pacific and the US, by country, 2002â?? 2012 24Table 4. 2: Share of global breakthrough innovations (% of all launches within each market) by selected food and drinks markets, 2006 â?? 2009 102Table 4. 3: Number of global breakthrough innovations (actual) by market, 2006-2009 103Table 6. 4: Respondents’ views on the which are the most innovative companies in global food and drinks 142  

For More information please contact :

http://www. aarkstore. com/reports/Future-Innovations-in-Food-and-Drinks-to-2015-NPD-trend-convergence-and-emerging-growth-opportunities-36775. html


Article Source:China Sourcing Blog Read More

Why B2b Portals are so Important for Business Growth??

You must be wondering what b2b means? It is an abbreviation for Business to Business. Now, letâ??s understand what is b2b portal and how do they work?

What is a B2B portal?

A b2b portal is a compilation of web pages where both big scale suppliers and buyers can list themselves to initiate business activities. It acts like a support where sellers can show their product features, cost and the minimum order accepted to attract large scale wholesalers or traders globally.

At the same time also acts as a single solution to all buyers, retailers and wholesalers are the source of the goods through their choice without any hassles. All that is necessary to register the majority of B2B portal and business requirements of its sort. In today’s world is a B2B portal for almost any amount of business has become a necessity because it helps lower the costs and benefits of assembly-outs.

What is B2B manufacturers, suppliers and exporters?

Manufacturers and suppliers of any products or goods, B2B portal for access to register a larger customer base to inform the manufacturer or supplier of B2B. This does not necessarily mean that these providers begin until the sale of such portals. These are the manufacturers and suppliers are already operating business units. By registering with the Business-to-business portal, however, they get access to an international customer base and have the opportunity to improve their performance significantly enhanced.

Similarly, b2b exporters are the suppliers or producers that engage in global supply of their products by getting leads through such a portal. For example, a supplier of plastic accessories could register and exhibit his products on a b2b portal and acquire overseas orders. He becomes a b2b exporter by delivering goods worldwide. You can find a listing of all the b2b exporters or suppliers in any of the online B2B Directory  You just need to hunt for the product that you are looking for. These directories are normally designed alphabetically and are very easy to operate.

Now a days more and more business owners are doing business through such B2B Portal as it not only gives a better consumer base but also boosts efficiency and revenues in short span of time. Companies also get a one up by registering with a b2b portal before their opponents do so as they would be more widely known than others in the international market. A b2b portal has therefore become vital device for the growth of every kind of business.


Article Source:China Sourcing Blog Read More

With Chinese New Year celebrations in full swing, the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visiting London and the unprecedented growth in Chinese inbound tourism to the UK, you would mistakenly believe that the UK is well practiced in welcoming Chinese visitors. Yet many hotels, retailers and tourist venues are unfortunately ill-equipped to serve what will become the most important UK inbound tourist demographic.

 

Chinaâ? S caused a huge growth in the largest new market for tourists, the tourism industry in the world requires providers to adapt their services, products, food and language of Chinese outbound travelers, the growth of a suit 2007-100000000 40 million in 2020 (World Tourism Organisation).

 

The UK is already benefiting from the rise in number of Chinese tourists.   Visit London, predicts inbound tourism from China will rise by approximately 425% by 2012.   Coupled with the recent relaxing of visa restrictions, a strengthening Chinese yuan, and Visit Britainâ??s strong marketing campaign in China, the UK is in a particularly strong position to benefit from Chinaâ??s outbound tourism.

 

However Yaxley Consulting, which assists UK tourist destinations, hoteliers and retailers in adapting their services to suit Chinese tourists, found in a recent market assessment that many UK providers are still relatively ill prepared for the growth in Chinese visitors.

 

Speaking recently to members of the Historic Homes Association, Managing Director Jocelyn McConnachie said, â??a limited number of Chinese speak English. Tourist venues should be making small adjustments such as providing short Chinese brochures, or a few pages translated into Chinese on the organisationâ??s website to help Chinese visitors make the most of their trip. Far more than other nationalities, Chinese tourists take time to research their holidays online, yet few UK tourist designations have Chinese translated pages. Those venues that do have translated pages are experiencing strong new growth and gaining ground against their competitors, which is critical in this difficult economic climate. â?

 

She also added that more retailers and hoteliers should be looking to Chinese tourists as part of their business survival plans during 2009. â??Chinese tourists will spend up to 80% of their travel monies on shopping. They appreciate value-for-money and simple online marketing activity which includes dual language special offer vouchers can encourage shoppers and allow retailers to measure results. Hotels can exceed Chinese guestsâ?? expectations with small, cost effective adjustments to their existing services. â?

 

McConnachie is adamant that staff should be trained to anticipate Chinese travellersâ?? needs and speak a few simple phrases. â??The business will see a return on its training investment not just from the visitorâ??s experience but also word of mouth advertising. Chinese tourists rely on recommendation more than many other travellers. â?

 

Yaxley Consulting www. yaxleyconsulting. co. uk  consults to leading industry bodies on trends in outbound Chinese tourism and works with businesses in targeting Chinese tourists. Its sister website www. ukwang. com (launching mid 2009) will be a key source of information for Chinese visitors to the UK.   Both are part of the Yaxley Group www. yaxley. com.


Article Source:China Sourcing Blog Read More