Heineken brings brewery quality onboard
Heineken Global Duty Free has introduced a new way to enjoy fresh draught beer while on a cruise or a ferry. The new BrewLock technology does not require any additional gas or regulatory systems; all it needs is normal atmospheric air. The new technology protects beer from all outside influences, keeping it fresh longer. Moreover, the keg is now 25% lighter, and more environmentally friendly. The BrewLock system can be recycled, and it does not have to be returned to the brewery. As a result, logistics processes are more convenient and the handling and transportation of the system requires less effort. In this case, the more efficient supply chain processes help bring better quality to customers, while they enjoy a cruise or a ferry ride. The BrewLock technology is only available to Heineken, however, next year, Newcastle Brown Ale will also implement the new technology.
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Chilly August for factories in Europe and Asia
The manufacturing sector in Europe and Asia has experienced a slowdown after growth in July. Last month Europe’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) – was 50.7,the lowest in more than a year. This low mark serves as a red light warning that maybe the recovery has not been consistent in all areas of the economy. The geopolitical instability in Ukraine and sanctions against Russia have also played a role in hampering the growth of the manufacturing sector. Supply chains of countries having tight trade relations with Russia have been disturbed or stopped completely. Even Germany’s PMI has fallen to the lowest level in 11 months, mainly due to decreased exports to Russia.
In Asia the PMI change has also been relatively inconsistent. While China’s manufacturing PMI fell to the lowest level in 27 months, India has experienced slow growth. Taiwan displayed the strongest expansion with a PMI of 56.1.
Slightly disappointing numbers in the manufacturing sector might just mean that Europe still needs to find a way to sustain its growth, while imposing sanctions on Russia.
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Wal-Mart in China: slow growth, fast expansion
During the last quarter, Wal-Mart has experienced a drop in store sales in the second biggest world market – China. As a result, the retail giant decided to accelerate e-commerce growth through their entity called Yihaodian. Its biggest competitor in China is a company called Alibaba, which is expected to announce its IPO in the U.S. this month.
Wal-Mart, most known for low prices in their retail stores, has dedicated its resources to expanding e-commerce operations in China. The company has already become the fourth-largest U.S. based online retailer. In order to keep up with the competition, Wal-Mart decided to offer the fastest delivery and the highest quality of products. Yihaodian has already managed to reduce the inventory turnover time by 64% since it was established.
Fast delivery and high quality of products is Wal-Mart’s attempt to set new standards in the Chinese market, in order to compete with the rapidly expanding retail giant – Alibaba. Customers in other parts of the world are already following the Chinese market example and are starting to see same or next day delivery as the norm, not as an extra feature for an additional fee.
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Have a nice weekend!
