Competitive horizon
Article Type: Competitive horizon From: Strategic Direction, Volume 28, Issue 8
Dairy industry set for boost from emerging markets
Africa is among the emerging markets that are predicted to drive growth in the dairy industry, a report published by Business Day (see www.businessday.co.za)claims. An international biannual index conducted by Tetra Pak points to rising prosperity and greater buying power among consumers in such markets as the key to enhanced performance. The international organization believes that the continent will see new business and employment opportunities emerge as a result of the increase in consumption. Demand for pre-packed liquid dairy items particularly is expected to rise. Growth potential is further evident in other emerging markets like Indonesia, Kenya, Pakistan and especially India and China,where low-income consumers account for about half of the population. Rising affluence among such consumers coupled with growth in urban migration indicate that similar patterns are occurring in these markets. The report states that much of the dairy industry’s growth opportunities will be provided by this consumer segment.
Positive outlook expected for Indonesia tourism
Tourism in Indonesia is showing signs of continuing the solid growth posted last year when international arrivals reached 7.65 million and approximately 120 million domestic journeys were recorded. The country’s Minister of Tourism expects foreign visitors to number 8 million by the end of 2012. Europe is a key market and demand from there is set to rise by around 5 percent in spite of the continuing economic problems blighting the region. According to a report published by www.traveldailynews.com, expanding the industry will also involve a drive to promote tourism in areas in addition to established destinations like Batam Island, North Sumatra and Bali. The aim will be to offer potential tourists the chance to experience Indonesia’s natural environment, ethnic culture and activities that include diving. Investment is pledged for the development of 15 specially chosen destinations over the next few years. But tourism also calls for the government to upgrade both land and sea infrastructures and this is acknowledged in the report.
How to make leadership more effective
According to an article published by Score (see www.score.org), leaders should aim to adopt a philosophy in which enforcement gives way to facilitation. Evidence suggests that the workforce will be more creative when granted enough autonomy to make its own decisions. From this perspective, leadership means a focus on providing the right guidance to employees who are empowered to use their own initiative where attaining targets is concerned. It is additionally recognized in the report that leaders should make their subordinates feel appreciated and acknowledge that their contribution is valuable and significant. An effective way of achieving this is by aligning individual objectives with those of the organization. By taking this approach to leadership, it is feasible to anticipate a rise in employee motivation and commitment that should among other things result in better service to customers.
UK firms move to increase glass recycling
A report published by Food Manufacture (see www.foodmanufacture.co.uk)points out the need for improved recycling in container-to-container glass in the UK. British Glass acknowledges the need for more remelting if the industry is to meet government demands for a doubling of recycling rates over the next five years. By 2017, firms are expected to achieve a remelt target of 64 percent. The industry body advocates that achieving such goals requires more cooperation from all involved. A key ambition of brands and retailers is to see recycled glass reach similar levels to that of plastics and other materials. It is purported that better facilities at retail outlets together with improved local authority infrastructures are necessary steps forward to help the industry improve its recycling performance.
