Category Archives: Fresh Worldwide Press

What is going on in the Franchisig, Ho.Re.Ca, Hospitality and Retail business worldwide? A selection of my favorite news, with sustainability on top!

Subway Eco-Store Receives Silver LEED Certification

Subway Restaurants has been taking part in a lot of green initiatives lately – such as switching out thousands of incandescent bulbs for energy efficient ones. But the biggest thing they’re doing is building new restaurants according to the US Green Building Council Guidelines in an effort to receive LEED Certification.

Their first Eco Store in Kissimmee, Florida received a Silver Certification this week, by reducing its energy usage, water consumption, and waste production through more efficient equipment, and using more responsible practices. It’s estimated that the Subway Eco Store uses about 20% less energy than a standard Subway store would in a similar location. Look forward to two new Subway Eco Stores opening this week in North Carolina and Louisiana.

via Subway Eco-Store Receives Silver LEED Certification – Greener Ideal.

Tesco to free up shelf space with augmented reality trial | VIDEO

Tesco is trialling augmented reality technology in its stores and online offering as it looks to sell more bulky products, including consumer electronics, without sacrificing shelf space and to reduce returns.

Consumers can use the in-store technology to generate a 3D image of a product and find out its specifications by holding a product key or Tesco Direct catalogue up to a webcam.

The webcam is connected to a computer terminal, which will display the product information on a screen and remove the necessity for displaying the physical products on shelves.

Software for the technology has been developed by British-based Kishino.

Customers can choose to buy the product in-store or order it to be delivered to their homes via Tesco Direct if it is not in stock.

The strategy behind the concept is to integrate augmented reality into the everyday shopping experience.

Augmented reality-compatible computer terminals are being trialled in the entertainment and electronics sections of Tesco stores.

There are currently seven stores that have the augmented reality terminals in entertainment sections and five that have them in the electronics section.

Their locations include Wembley, Milton Keynes and Boreham Wood.

Some 40 products are being trialled in the augmented reality initiative including televisions and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Lego.

The augmented reality technology will allow customers to spin the virtual TV around to see the connector points on the back and get an idea of the size of the television.

Tesco is also trialling the use of wi-fi in some of its stores, which it claims has been a success and is expected to be rolled out further.

Tesco will also encourage consumers to use the technology on their home computers by holding up the Tesco Direct catalogue to their webcams, after installing an augmented reality plug-in.

The supermarket chain also hopes the use of augmented reality on customers’ home desktops will reduce the number of returns, as customers can get an idea of the size of the product before ordering online.

The software requires a two-way camera meaning, it is currently only compatible with desktop computers or mobile devices that have the two-way capabilities, which includes the iPad and latest iPhones.

via Tesco to free up shelf space with augmented reality trial – Marketing news – Marketing magazine.

World Green Tourism leaders meet in Abu Dhabi

Presented by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, World Green Tourism Abu Dhabi (Dec. 5-7) is a global event to provide the much needed platform dedicated to sustainable tourism.World_Green_Tourism

Held over three days, the event is the largest ever gathering of government officials, regional and international tourism authorities, environmental agencies, industry leaders, urban city planners, architects, developers, institutional investors and financiers, airlines and tour operators, green product suppliers, universities and academics to examine this issue.

The event aims to support and further enhance sustainable tourism globally and in the region by creating opportunities where industry leaders can meet and discuss immediate challenges and effectively formulate solutions to pressing environmental issues.

The WGT is a three-day conference with heavyweight keynote speeches and interactive panel debates, workshops and an exhibition that will showcase sustainable products, services and technologies relating to the travel and tourism industry. With visitors including hotel GMs, responsible travel agents and environmental consultants the exhibition is the ideal place to showcase your solutions. In addition the exhibition will feature existing and planned developments, hotels and projects that are taking a sustainable approach.

The dense conference program will start on Dec. 5th. Introduced by a speech by ECOFFEE’s Worlwide Ambassador, H.H Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi (the Green Sheikh), the conference will follow dealing with Industry related themes: How can large scale tourism ever be made sustainable? ,“Empowering consumers to make a responsible choice: What steps should the travel industry take?” , “Whose responsibility is it to green the tourism industry?” ending with “Green branding and marketing: Making sure your values are consistent with your message” panel.

In the next two days, the conference will deal with other important topics, such as Water conservation and energy use and regenerating and developing destinations
using sustainable principles. It will be also possible to book site visits that will take place to sustainable tourism projects in and around the city of Abu Dhabi. Delegates will be accompanied by representatives of the ADTA and EAD as well as the consultants who work with them.

We will attend the event to support the Green Sheikh and to bring back news and ECOFFEE’s new interesting prospects and projects. Please do not hesitate to contact norman|at|ecoffee|dot|it to plan a meeting at the upcoming WGT.

New Report Details Growth of Sustainable Hospital Food Service Programs

Health care food service programs are rapidly becoming more sustainable, following a conscious decision to provide fresher, more sustainable foods to benefit patients and the planet.

A detailed accounting of these advances can be found in the 2011 Menu of Change report, published by the Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) Healthy Food in Health Care (HFHC) program. This report is the second in a series of reports tracking progress in this area and contains the results of a survey of U.S. hospitals and long-term care facilities that work with HCWH on implementation of sustainable food service practices.

“Many health care facilities are taking extraordinary and creative measures to make their food services more sustainable while providing fresh, nutritious food choices to patients, staff and visitors,” said Emma Sirois, MS, Oregon HCWH Program Director and co-author of the new report. “The 2011 Menu of Change shows that many hospital food service programs are quite far along on their sustainability journey and those that are not as far along are advancing rapidly.”

The survey was conducted in June 2011 and was designed to gather data on advances made in 2010. Eighty-nine facilities completed the survey including many that have signed the HCWH Healthy Food in Health Care Pledge, a commitment to work in a stepwise fashion to source more local and sustainably produced food among other activities. Facilities ranged in size from 11 to 1200 beds with an average size of 300. They served an average of 731 patient meals and 1650 cafeteria meals per day in 2010 and spent approximately $291 million total on food and beverages.

2011 Menu of Change Survey Highlights

Nutrition
Most respondents have taken one or more of the following steps to increase their offerings of fruits and vegetables and nutritionally dense and minimally processed, unrefined foods and to reduce unhealthy (trans and saturated) fats and sweetened foods.

Approximately 97 percent adapted menus to include non-starch vegetable options for lunch and dinner and provide a minimum of one protein-balanced vegetarian menu option during each meal:

  • 87.5 percent have completely eliminated trans-fats (partially hydrogenated/fully hydrogenated) and created a heart-healthy oils purchasing policy
  • 80.5 percent create soup from scratch
  • 74.7 percent serve fresh local produce when available

Sustainable food procurement
Many facilities are choosing to purchase and serve more locally sourced and sustainably produced food and beverages–

  • 94.1 percent purchased and served local food or beverages
  • 80 percent purchased sustainable dairy products
  • 45 percent purchased sustainable beef
  • 36 percent purchased sustainable chicken

Build direct relationships with local farms

  • 81.8 percent of respondents host a farmers’ market, farm stand or community-supported agriculture (CSA program on-site)
  • 60 percent purchased directly from a farm, ranch or farm cooperative

Waste Reduction

  • 66.2 percent of respondents used bio-based non-reusable food service ware and takeout containers
  • 50 percent use a room service model for patient food delivery
  • 39.5 percent had a program in place to compost organic materials (food waste and compostable paper and plastic food ware items)
  • 37.7 percent had a usable food donation program in place

“This Menu of Change report is an excellent introduction for anyone seeking to begin a sustainable foods program at their hospital,” said Marie Kulick, MSEL, HFHC Sustainable Procurement advisor and report co-author. “In addition to the survey data which can be used to set goals, the report includes lively, informative anecdotes from peers, cost cutting strategies, profiles of leading institutions and more.”

The 2011 Menu of Change report also summarizes major HFHC activities taking place in nine states; and describes the HFHC initiatives, including Balanced Menus, Non-Therapeutic Use of Antibiotics Prevention, the HFHC Pledge, the Green Guide for Health Care Food Service Toolkit, and recent efforts to reduce or eliminate Sugar-Sweetened Beverages, among other initiatives promoted by the HCWH. It also contains a listing of contacts for hospital and food service directors or activists to reach out to HFHC program staff for assistance.

“Hospitals are increasingly being seen as anchor institutions that are needed to support healthier communities and a healthier local economy,” stated Gary Cohen, President of HCWH. “If we are to solve the epidemic and escalating costs of obesity in American society, hospitals need to be critical partners in redesigning sustainable food systems and modeling the kind of food choices that the rest of us need to adopt. The Healthy Food Program is creating these models and pointing the way toward this systemic transformation.”

The 2011 Menu of Change report was co-written by Sirois, Kulick and Alyssa Nathanson, M.D., RD, HFHC Vermont coordinator. Results of the survey were used to determine the HCWH HFHC awards given at the organization’s 2011 FoodMed. And award winners are profiled in the report.

The HFHC Program is a national initiative of HCWH, developed in conjunction with its member organizations, which mobilizes advocates to work with hospitals across the country to help improve the sustainability of their food services. For more information about the HCWH Healthy Food in Health Care Program, visit www.healthyfoodinhealthcare.org .

Health Care Without Harm is an international coalition of more than 508 organizations in 53 countries, working to transform the health care industry worldwide, without compromising patient safety or care, so that it is ecologically sustainable and no longer a source of harm to public health and the environment. For more information about HCWH, visit www.noharm.org .

SOURCE Health Care Without Harm

How fast is the Chinese market changing?

According to a recent McKinsey’s survey about Chinese consumers, Chinese have taken to consumerism with ease, embracing thousands of new products, services, and brands. Three findings stood out.

Even in the face of rising inflation, Chinese consumers are more confident this year than in 2010 about their financial prospects.

the survey shows that the number of respondents who choose to spend more—buying in greater quantities, more frequently, or more expensive items in a given category—is holding firm. Whereas last year’s survey showed that consumers offset higher spending in some categories by spending less in others, this year there appears to be much less rebalancing.

Among urban consumers, the number of first-time buyers—a group that has been a major driver of category growth in China—is declining. as so many products are now both available and within the financial reach of large numbers of consumers. Big variations in the importance of first-time buyers have opened up, depending on the category and geographic region. At the geographic level, the penetration of certain goods may be high in China’s more economically developed regions, but plenty of consumer-conversion opportunities remain in less developed ones, which the government has targeted for higher economic growth

 

Finally, although brand awareness is rising, we see little sign that brand loyalty is following suit. In fact, more and more consumers choose among a growing number of favorite brands. The survey shows the extent to which consumers value brands more than price or channel, largely because they believe that branded products are safer, of higher quality, and more reliable than nonbranded ones. But faith in brands still does not translate into brand loyalty. In fact, both the number of consumers who always choose from among a relatively small set of brands—whom we refer to as “repertoire loyalists”—and the number of brands in their repertoire continue to rise. The average Chinese consumer now chooses among three to five brands in any given category, compared with two to three brands two years ago. In some categories, such as apparel, where luxury brands have grown hugely popular, the contrast is sharper still.

To succeed in this environment, executives will need to understand where the growth prospects lie, both at the category level and in different geographic regions. Only then will companies be able to prioritize resources and tailor strategies appropriately, to strike a balance between building mass appeal and meeting the needs of specific consumer groups, to focus on perceived value rather than absolute price, to modernize marketing tools for the Internet age, and to embrace rapidly growing online sales channels quickly. Companies must have both the flexibility to adapt and the skills to innovate to keep in step with the Chinese market’s exciting development.

Waiting for the International Green Awards – Green Sheikh Exclusive

Launched in 2006 to critical acclaim, the INTERNATIONAL GREEN AWARDS™ were set up to recognise strategies that use creativity in an engaging and effective manner, leading to more sustainable outcomes. 

The event became more and more important and widely recognized, so that in 2010 it went completely global and this year it has expanded again and reorganized its categories by looking to support sustainable achievement right across Business, Government & Citizen initiatives that influence change to encompass 360° sustainability projects as well as encompassing it’s heritage to identify best practice with sustainability communications.

As we are demonstrating with this blog, sustainability has become more and more important for Business, and the International Green Awards will showcase the excellence in this field, awarding the Best Green International Business, the Best Green Entrepreneur, the Best Green Product Innovation.

The upcoming event will also see the presentation of the first ‘Green Celebrity Award’ recognizing the efforts of one global media figure to promote sustainability through their public profile.

The celebrity that will receive this award will become a reference for all those who want to actively live and act green. It would be interesting to know how the awarded nominee would like to see people inspired by his or her behavior: different consumer habits,  a come back to old traditional farming methods, recycling and upcycling as part of the daily consumer activities?

We asked this question to our ECOFFEE ambassador, the Green Sheikh, one of the Green  Celebrity Award nominees-and we would like to thank him publicly for his always being prompt to support our project.

“ Celebrities,  famous people and stars are citizen of the World, a world to love, to share and to fight for, no matter who you are or where you are from! Living as “down-to-earth” human beings is the truly and unique way to have a positive impact on people. We are all going set to go back to earth and to become part of it, therefore we should all be respectful to the real wealth and to the blessings from God.

Climate and environmental challenges are very important issues, and their importance should be especially addressed to our younger generations, raising their attention and bringing them into action thanks to more “down-to-earth” role models, whose footsteps can be easily followed.

We need to sustain and to inspire youths, so that they embrace sustainability in their present life style, and responsibility in their future jobs.  

Expeditions to the Antarctica or to the Amazon Forest or to the Grand Sahara or to any other harsh places in the world that had an environmental degradation which can affect us on the shorter or longer terms,  confirmed us the importance of being beyond just green. To witness the damages that had affected the natural resources such as habitats or wildlife areas means to learn, to explore and to appreciate more.

In my humble opinion,  celebrities’ sustainable leadership can influence the mega circle of world communities leaving a footprint – our “legacy” –  encouraging our young leaders/heroes/champions of tomorrow to transform the knowledge and practice they learn today into their future across many fields, thus continuing to pave the road to sustainability and contributing to a better peaceful and living world.”

You might find a little bit of ECOFFEE’s mission in what the Green Sheikh just stated above. That is that even small daily gestures can help spreading the importance of sustainability from the smaller community to a worldwide audience, no matter whether you are a celebrity or a young citizen.

Are pop-up stores a way for fighting retail recession?

We have already talked about pop-up stores a while ago, but a recent news about Walmart opening pop-up stores hit our attention not because of their being “pop-up”, but because the American giant decided to create small pop-up stores to face the upcoming holiday demand, driving it from a physical location (the pop-up store) to Walmart.com. While Walmart customers will be able to purchase high margin gift solutions directly from the store, they can also pick up items ordered from the retail giant’s website and pick them up in the store with no delivery charge under the Site-to-Store and Pick-Up Today programs.

The stores, located in Souther California,  which bear signs reading Walmart.com, opened November 2 and are expected to remain open through December 31. Unlike its recently launched Walmart Express or its Neighborhood Market small-format stores, this new concept does not feature food or other convenience products.

“This is just a small test we’re conducting during the holiday season to offer local customers easier, more convenient access to quality products at everyday low prices,” Wal-Mart spokesperson Lorenzo Lopez toldCSP Daily News. “These small stores, located in the Topanga Mall in West Los Angeles and Horton Plaza in San Diego, will offer customers access to more than one million general merchandise items currently available through Walmart.com.”

He added, “The store will display key holiday items such as toys, electronics, gaming and home theater. These items can be picked up at the Walmart.com store or nearest Walmart store via the Site to Store and Pick Up Today options. Products can also be delivered to customers’ homes via the standard shipping options currently available through Walmart.com. Customers will also have an opportunity to purchase a small selection of items at the store, mostly accessories.”

Lopez said, “We’re always looking for ways to better serve our customers, so it’s not uncommon for us to test different formats to learn how customers respond to products and services. These stores are just another way to give customers a continuous experience by bringing together our stores, our brand and our footprint through eCommerce.”

A growing number of shoppers are in fact using technology to research and purchase gifts. These test stores are an interesting way to let shoppers research and buy online with the option to “get it now.” The highly targeted assortment and short-term leases are a low-risk way for Walmart to reach new shoppers and capture shopping occasions it may not otherwise have access to. Maybe most importantly, the pop-up stores could drive shoppers that don’t currently shop at Walmart (or Walmart.com) to the retailer’s website.

What’s new at Mapic 2011?

From Nov.16th to 18th Cannes (France) will be become the capital of Retail estate thanks to 17th edition of MAPIC.

MAPIC 2010 attracted over 7,400 participants. As part of Reed MIDEM (along with MIPIM and MIPIM Asia), MAPIC boasts an unparalleled scale of opportunities via its business area, programme of conferences, onsite networking events and online community.

A couple of data regarding the 2010 edition:

  • 7,400 participants
  • 2,000 retailers
  • 100 local authorities
  • 750 investors
  • 67 countries
  • 646 exhibiting companies

As shown above, last year, MAPIC saw a 30% surge in retail attendance. 2,000 retailers across a wide range of categories gathered to find partners and spaces while gaining key insights on strategies and best practices. With big names attracting impressive projects and substantial investment euros, 2011 promises even more opportunity.

Retailers come to MAPIC to find the best international locations to expand and re-allocate their retail presence. They’re also on the lookout for strategic investors and partners to invest in their retail projects. MAPIC brings the best under one roof, offering visitors the chance to:

  • attend conference sessions to learn from successful and inspiring experts. 2011 conference highlights include: “Marks & Spencer’s new international strategy” with Jan Heere, Director of International at Marks & Spencer and “Innovative entrepreneurship for a successful business”with Mario Moretti Polegato, Geox Chairman.
  • Preview the future of retail at the MORE by MAPIC Pavilion and discover how new trends and technologies affect retail real estate.
  • Take part in Speed Matching sessions and  discover new development spots and business opportunities.
  • Boost network at a glance, discover new talents, and take unexpected steps to potential business, outside the exhibition zone, at our Power Meetings where master franchisees connect with high-profile retailers
  • Attend the MAPIC Awards  ceremony to celebrate excellence and innovation in retail real estate.

Among the many exhibiting companies you will find Adidas,  Golden Lady,  Etam, Starbucks Coffee, G-Star Raw, Apple, Triumph International AB, Geox, Asics, Subway, Abercrombie & Fitch and many many more.

Unfortunately, we will not be able to attend MAPIC, but we would like to know more from our readers attending MAPIC. Feel free to post news as comments to this post! Thanks!


Is self service the future of retail shopping? | VIDEO

Qthru is one of the many iPhone apps available enabling customers to scan barcodes and QR codes. What is interesting is that it also offers an opportunity to check out and pay thanks to the interaction with a check-out self service station at the local store.

The green economy’s top companies key players at ECOMONDO

The ´Eco-industrial Revolution´ has a 10 billion euro turnover and is the driving force for economic reprise. At Rimini Fiera the sector´s most advanced products on show

The green economy is one of the sturdiest footholds for economic reprise. And ECOMONDO is the ideal showcase for this sector´s most dynamic enterprises and public administrations.
The ´Eco-industrial Revolution´ is therefore in the spotlight from 9th to 12th November, at Rimini Fiera, the traditional international showcase for the fast-moving movement. In fact, it must be remembered that, in Italy alone, estimates on the overall turnover of the green economy are around 10 billion euros. There are positive forecasts of the impact on the employment market, to the point that at present it is estimated that there are 380,000 ´green workers´.

ECOMONDO 2011 will also host the chain of biodegradable and compostable bioplastics with CIC certification, which currently represent one of the best opportunities for re-launching the Italian chemical industry, based on the environmental sustainability of processes and products. Novamont (one of ECOFFEE’ supporters) and its partners will present the new opportunities offered by the bioplastics chain and, thanks to the contribution of Slow Food, it will be possible to taste excellent local specialities based on a strategy that privileges biodiversity and responsible innovation.

It must also be remembered that alongside ECOMONDO there will be the 5th KEY ENERGY international expo on energy and sustainable Mobility and the fourth COOPERAMBIENTE exhibition of the cooperative supply of energy and environment services by LegaCoop.

The events have the patronage of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers – Department for European Policies and the Ministry for the Environment and Land & ea Protection.

Our four-day agenda has already been planned with many meetings with ECOFFEE prospects but please feel free to contact Norman Cescut via email norman|at|ecoffee.it to eventually schedule a last-minute meeting during this important event.