Food supply chain highlighted on World Health Day
Did you know that the World Health Organization (WHO) sponsors the World Health Day, which is celebrated every year on April 7th? This year, the theme of the health awareness campaign was centered on the food supply chain. According to the WHO, each year at least 2 billion people across the globe become ill as a result of food poisoning or some contamination along the food supply chain. As food supply chains become more globalized, complex and interconnected, food safety issues become a major concern.
In the form of a development dialogue, industry experts gathered to discuss ways in which global food safety can be improved.
The complete dialogue can be read here.
FedEx making waves in global express delivery
It was announced this week that FedEx plans to acquire TNT-NV, a mail and courier provider based in the Netherlands. The price has been set at $4.8 billion. UPS also attempted to acquire TNT back in 2012, but the $6.8 billion deal was put to rest by the European Commission. FedEx and TNT are confident that antitrust issues will not stand in the way of a deal this time around. If approved, the acquisition is expected to be made official in 2016.
FedEx pointed to increased shareholder value and a broadened international transportation portfolio as top reasons for the acquisition.
Click here to read the full article.
West Coast Ports recovering, slowly but surely
The recovery from the backlog of cargo at West Coast ports is still underway nearly a month and a half after the signing of a tentative deal by port workers. An 8% increase in import cargo volume is expected in April over the same time last year. While progress has been made, there is still a significant amount of cargo waiting to be unloaded and distributed across the country.
Votes for the ratification of the deal that was “tentatively” reached in February will be counted on May 22nd. All signs point to approval as the workers union is recommending acceptance of the terms.
To read the full West Coast port update, click here.
Have a great weekend!