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JD Worldwide Celebrates 10th Anniversary with 100 Million RMB-Level Investment to Empower Global Brands and Merchants
JD Worldwide, the cross-border e-commerce import platform of JD.com, is marking its 10th anniversary on April 15 with the announcement of a 100 million RMB-level resource commitment to upgrade its four core initiatives for global brand and merchant growth. Over the next year, JD Worldwide will enhance support through logistics subsidies, traffic incentives, new product incubation, and tailored programs for emerging merchants, empowering international partners to thrive in China’s booming import market. A Decade-Long Global Journey in Cross-Border Commerce Excellence Since its launch in 2015, JD Worldwide has redefined cross-border shopping for Chinese consumers, addressing critical industry pain points such as product authenticity, logistics efficiency, and access to global “new, unique, and niche” goods. Today, the platform stands as a trusted gateway for millions of Chinese consumers, offering: 100% Authenticity Guarantee : Collaborations with leading inspection authorities, such as the China Certification & Inspection Group, the Cosmetics Technology Center of China Inspection and Quarantine Science Institute, and Bureau Veritas, power the JD Smart Check initiative. This program enforces stringent quality controls, including product traceability via “one-item-one-code” verification. Unrivaled Product Diversity : An extensive and diverse array of imported offerings, spanning exclusive luxury brand partnerships, curated boutique discoveries, and unique national specialties highlighted through the JD National Pavilions program. Rapid Logistics Network : A global infrastructure comprising over 100 bonded, overseas, and direct-mail warehouses ensures 80% of its self-operated bestsellers can achieve next-day delivery nationwide. As JD Worldwide enters its next decade, the platform is doubling down on its commitment to global partners, helping them unlock China’s vast demand with lower costs, higher efficiency, and smarter growth tools. 2025 Merchant Empowerment Initiatives Traffic & Marketing Boosts: To maximize visibility for global merchants, JD Worldwide will allocate over 100 million RMB worth of resources in traffic subsidies, offering priority ad placements and AI-driven marketing tools. A highlight of this initiative is the newly launched Dark Horse Merchants Growth Program , a tiered competition designed to identify and elevate rising brands. Participants will gain access to mentorship, cash incentives, and exclusive exposure through JD’s premium traffic channels. Logistics Cost Reductions: JD Worldwide is committed to lowering barriers for cross-border trade by providing over 10 million RMB-level resources in shipping subsidies. High-performing merchants will automatically qualify for logistics discounts, including fee waivers of up to 100% under the Global Growth Support Plan . This initiative aims to reduce operational costs while maintaining the platform’s signature delivery speed. Supporting New Product Launches: To accelerate innovation, JD Worldwide will implement a Zero-Commission Policy for new product launches, exempting fees for the first 90 days while providing dedicated traffic support. This initiative is projected to drive over 10,000 new product listings weekly, enabling brands to test and scale offerings in China’s dynamic market. New Seller Onboarding: New entrants to the platform will benefit from end-to-end support, including 1-on-1 store diagnostics, dedicated WeChat groups for real-time assistance, and tailored training courses. These resources are designed to simplify market entry and shorten the learning curve for international merchants. Next-Gen Infrastructure Reshapes Global Shopping JD Worldwide’s decade-long evolution mirrors the rise of China’s sophisticated consumers from cross-border novices to discerning global shoppers seeking premium, niche, and innovative products. JD Worldwide will advance its global supply chain by integrating cutting-edge logistics technology to accelerate delivery timelines and elevate cross-border efficiency. The platform has pioneered China’s first cross-border return centers, simplifying returns for shoppers while minimizing costs and risks for merchants. Simultaneously, it also deepens specialization in premium niches through temperature-controlled storage for luxury goods like wines and expert-led authentication hubs to ensure quality, catering to discerning consumers. These moves to enhance fulfillment infrastructure, innovate customer service, and target high-value markets, aim to ensure trust, personalization, and seamless experiences in global commerce. JD Worldwide’s upgraded infrastructure offers global brands more than a storefront—it provides a strategic partner committed to their long-term success in the world’s most dynamic consumer arena. For more information about JD Worldwide’s programs and partnerships, visit here . ( [email protected] )
Cathay Pacific’s human-centric design thinking nets two wins at the prestigious Crystal Cabin Awards
CapitaLand Investment announces application to launch inaugural onshore REIT in China with RMB2.8 billion of assets
Emirates SkyCargo and Teleport, exclusive cargo partner of AirAsia, sign preferred partnership to combine global network and strengthen trade and eCommerce flows
- April 17, 2025Business
JD.com Unveils New Product Growth Initiative to Incubate 600 100-Million-Yuan Bestsellers in 2025
On April 15, 2025, JD.com unveiled its New Product Growth Initiative to invest tens of billions of RMB in web traffic and funding to support new products, including upgrades to its marketing and digital capabilities to support new product launches. The initiative aims to facilitate 60,000 new products achieving over RMB 1 million in annual sales, 6,000 surpassing RMB 10 million, and 600 reaching RMB 100 million in sales. As a part of the initiative, JD.com also announced the official upgrade of its product release channel, JD Little Cube, to JD New Products, which includes a more prominent entry point positioned at the top of the app’s homepage for consumers to conveniently discover, browse and purchase the latest products, increasing visibility for new launches for brands. JD.com will also increase the number of flagship new product collaborations by 40% year-on-year, further deepening partnerships with brands to bring consumers an enhanced shopping experience. JD.com has long prioritized new product incubation as a key driver of growth. In 2024, over 250 million users purchased new products on JD.com, with the number of merchants participating in new product launches increasing by 130% compared to 2023, while the number of new product releases surged by 160% year-on-year. Many brands have seen remarkable success on JD.com, with some achieving a return on investment of over 100 times. JD.com has also introduced its Marketing 2.0 Framework for new product launches, which offers end-to-end support covering all phases of product rollout, from early incubation and content seeding to sales expansion and sustained growth. As part of its marketing capabilities upgrades, JD.com is building an integrated online and offline marketing ecosystem to amplify exposure for new products across multiple channels. Online, JD.com will enhance its matrix of signature new product IPs — including its New Product Channel, JD New Product Day, Brand Launch events, New Arrival Season, Gifting Season, and Exclusive Product Lotteries — offering brands more diversified promotional opportunities. Notably, by the end of April, JD.com will officially launch the Gifting Channel, a dedicated marketing touchpoint for brands to promote new gift-oriented products. JD.com will also leverage its unique assets, such as JD MALL, the JDG e-sports team, Youth Merchandisers, JD PLUS memberships, and Campus channels, while activating IPs and resources across various business units. To enhance content-driven growth, JD.com will integrate in-app and off-app marketing capabilities. This includes deepened partnerships with platforms such as Xiaohongshu (Rednote/RED), where JD.com will launch the New Product Channel x Xiaohongshu Alliance at the end of April. This initiative connects off-app product seeding with in-app personalized discovery and conversion, ensuring a seamless path from seeding to purchase. In parallel, JD will upgrade its in-app interaction experience with globally leading 3D advertising technology to deliver immersive, dynamic 3D visuals that elevate both user experience and marketing performance, enabling brands to showcase new products in more engaging and effective ways. JD.com has also launched two new digital innovation tools: the JD Innovation Center (JDIC) and the JD Tryout Center. These tools enable brands to tap into data-driven user insights and gather extensive user feedback to greatly improve new product launch efficiency. ( [email protected] )
- April 17, 2025Business
CapitaLand Malaysia Trust’s 1Q 2025 distribution per unit rises 7.6% on stronger operating performance
CapitaLand Malaysia Trust (CLMT) announced a distributable income growth of 10.9% to RM37.3 million for the period 1 January 2025 to 31 March 2025 (1Q 2025) compared to the same quarter last year, achieving a corresponding 7.6% increase in distribution per unit (DPU) to 1.28 sen. CLMT's stronger operating performance was due to healthy rental reversions for its retail properties as well as income contribution from the fully occupied Glenmarie Distribution Centre (pictured) following the completion of its asset enhancement initiative. Summary of CLMT’s results Net property income in 1Q 2025 was up 9.6% year-on-year (y-o-y) to RM70.1 million, primarily driven by higher revenue across most of its properties. The stronger operating performance was due to healthy rental reversions for its retail properties as well as income contribution from the fully occupied Glenmarie Distribution Centre following the completion of its asset enhancement initiative. Ms Yong Su-Lin, CEO of CapitaLand Malaysia REIT Management Sdn. Bhd. (CMRM), the manager of CLMT Ms Yong Su-Lin, CEO of CapitaLand Malaysia REIT Management Sdn. Bhd. (CMRM), the manager of CLMT, said: “Our strong performance in 1Q 2025 builds upon the momentum established in previous quarters, with most of our retail assets continuing to deliver robust results. As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the retail experience, we recently completed asset enhancement works at Gurney Plaza, introducing new retail concepts to attract shoppers. At The Mines, we have secured a new kids playland operator which will occupy approximately 25,000 square feet (sq ft) of net lettable area. This addition will further enrich the mall’s experiential offerings and strengthen our retail portfolio. Looking ahead, we will continue to intensify efforts to attract exciting new tenants and deliver a well-curated tenant mix across our retail portfolio.” “On the industrial and logistics front, we marked our second foray into Johor in 1Q 2025 with the acquisitions of three industrial properties in Senai Airport City. These acquisitions, together with our earlier acquisitions of three industrial properties in Nusajaya Tech Park and logistics property in Elmina Business Park in Selangor, are expected to contribute positively to CLMT’s earnings upon completion in 2H 2025. As we execute our portfolio reconstitution strategy, we will remain agile in capturing growth opportunities while maintaining discipline in capital management to deliver sustainable returns to unitholders,” added Ms Yong. Proactive portfolio management As at 31 March 2025, CLMT’s retail occupancy remained stable at 91.8%. Including its two fully leased logistics properties, the overall portfolio occupancy stood at 92.6%. CLMT’s retail properties registered positive rental reversions of 12.4% for 1Q 2025, higher than the 11.3% for FY 2024. Shopper traffic increased by 0.1% y-o-y, while tenant sales per sq ft grew 5.3% y-o-y. Prudent capital management CLMT maintained a well-spread debt maturity profile with an average term to maturity of 4.4 years. As at 31 March 2025, its year-to-date average cost of debt and gearing ratio were 4.46% and 41.5%, respectively. 85% of its total borrowings are on fixed interest rates to mitigate exposure to interest rate movements.
- April 17, 2025Business
Nextgreen IOI Pulp Partners Xiamen C&D To Develop Malaysia’s First 150,000MT Integrated Pulp Production Facility
Nextgreen Global Berhad (“NGGB”), a pulp and paper manufacturer, today announced that its subsidiary, Nextgreen IOI Pulp Sdn. Bhd. (“NIP”), has signed a joint venture agreement with Hong Kong Paper Sources Co. Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Xiamen C&D Paper & Pulp Group Co. Ltd. (“Xiamen C&D Paper & Pulp”) to establish a new entity in Malaysia. The new entity (“Joint Venture Company”) will spearhead the development of a high-capacity, bio-integrated pulp production facility at the Green Technology Park (“GTP”) in Pekan, Pahang, a key node within the Eastern Corridor Economic Region (“ECER”) Special Economic Zone. From left: Xiamen C&D Paper & Pulp Group General Manager Zhang Xiao Hui, Nextgreen Global Managing Director Dato’ Lim Thiam Huat and IOI Corporation Berhad Group Managing Director & Chief Executive Dato’ Lee Yeow Chor. (File pic by IOI Corporation). Under the agreement, NIP will hold 75% equity while Xiamen C&D Paper & Pulp will hold the remaining 25%. As background, NIP is a joint venture company between NGGB and IOI Corporation Berhad, while Xiamen C&D Paper & Pulp is the wholly-owned subsidiary of Xiamen C&D Corp. Ltd., a Fortune Global 500 company that is involved in pulp and paper manufacturing and real estate development, among others, in China and other parts of the world. The facility to be developed on 81 acres of land within the park is targeted for completion within 24 months and will utilise Malaysia’s abundant palm biomass, specifically empty fruit bunch (“EFB”), to produce high-quality pulp. Phase 1 will see 150,000 metric tonnes (“MT”) of pulp being produced annually, with a total estimated capital expenditure (“CAPEX”) of RM900 million. NGGB will contribute technology and technical expertise using its patented Preconditioning Refiner Chemical-Recycle Bleached Mechanised Pulp (“PRC-RBMP”) technology, while Xiamen C&D will take the lead in product off-taking and distribution. (File pic by IOI Corporation). Zhang Xiao Hui, Xiamen C&D Paper & Pulp Group Co. Ltd., General Manager and Hong Kong Paper Sources Co., Limited, Director said, “This joint venture between NIP and Xiamen C&D Paper & Pulp is a powerful testament to the growing synergy between China and Malaysia in building a greener economy together and represents an important initiative for Xiamen C&D Group in the pulp and paper sector. By integrating NIP’s strength in palm biomass sourcing and processing innovation, together with our robust distribution network, this partnership lays the foundation for a more sustainable pulp and paper supply chain, as well as a more integrated regional economy. Backed by the strong support from the Malaysian government, and strategically located within the ECER Special Economic Zone, the 410-acre GTP is set to emerge as a regional hub for green manufacturing and bio-industrial activity. This is beyond an investment in infrastructure, it serves as a blueprint for ESG-centric development. We are committed to promote and advance the development of environmentally friendly pulp production facilities, which will be a critical catalyst in realising the GTP masterplan and advancing both nations’ ambitions in sustainable economic development.”
- April 16, 2025Business
Indorama Ventures hosts MIT LGO students to enhance talent development partnership
Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, a global sustainable chemicals company, recently welcomed a delegation of 48 students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Leaders for Global Operations (LGO) program to its Bangkok headquarters. The visit was part of the program’s international study tour, designed to provide students with first-hand exposure to leading companies and their strategies for driving sustainable growth. Mrs. Aradhana Lohia Sharma, Vice President of Investor Relations and Head of the Wool Business at Indorama Ventures, delivered the welcome address, sharing key insights into the company’s journey and global expansion. Senior executives presented on Indorama Ventures’ corporate strategy, business transformation, sustainability roadmap, and People Development initiatives. As part of the visit, the students toured the Indorama Ventures 360 Gallery, the company’s interactive permanent exhibition, where they explored the company’s diverse portfolio, innovative product solutions, and commitment to sustainability. This visit reflects Indorama Ventures’ broader engagement with MIT, including its role as a member of the MIT Sloan Office for Southeast Asian Nations (MSAO) Advisory Council, which promotes knowledge exchange, action learning, and collaboration between academia and the business community in the ASEAN region. The company actively supports MSAO’s mission to foster impactful partnerships and enhance management development across Southeast Asia. Through strategic alliances with world-class academic institutions, Indorama Ventures continues to champion talent development and strengthen its employer branding, underscoring its IVL 2.0 transformation strategy to empower future leaders and drive long-term sustainable growth. Group posed from left. 1. Mr. Klaus Holz, Former Chief Human Resources Officer, Indorama Ventures 2. Mr. Antony Watanabe, Chief Sustainability Officer, Indorama Ventures 3. Mr. Nicolas Seguin, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Indorama Ventures 4. Mrs. Aradhana Lohia Sharma, Vice President of Investor Relations and Head of the Wool Business, Indorama Ventures 5. Mr. Sanjay Ahuja, Group Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer, Indorama Ventures 6 - 8. MIT LGO student representatives Gallery
- April 16, 2025Business
Annie Griffiths joins Seven as Director, Commercial Strategy and Innovation
The Seven Network today announced the appointment of Annie Griffiths to the new role of Director, Commercial Strategy and Innovation. Reporting to Chief Commercial Officer Henry Tajer, Ms Griffiths will be responsible for commercial strategy, trade marketing and the network’s brand integration, strategy and partnerships division, 7RED. She will start at Seven later this year. Ms Griffiths joins Seven after almost five years at Foxtel Media, most recently as Executive Director, Strategy and Operations, where she spearheaded the commercial and go-tomarket strategy, and the implementation of key initiatives. Her previous roles include Chief Marketing Officer at PHD USA in New York, leading business development and marketing, and senior Strategy and Business Director roles at GroupM in New York and Sydney. Mr Tajer said: “Annie is one of the best strategists I’ve worked with, and she brings a great track record and a lot of experience to this new role at Seven. “Hiring Annie is an important first step in re-imagining how we engage with the market and create new ways to connect with our audiences across all the Seven platforms. “I can’t wait to see Annie’s impact on the team at Seven, our partners and our clients,” he said. Ms Griffiths said: “It’s a transformative time in the video industry. With top-notch local content, and an accelerating digital business, I’m delighted to be part of what’s next for Seven. I’m looking forward to mucking in with the team to deliver outcomes for clients.” For more information, please contact: Kaycie Bradford Communications Director, Corporate M: 0400 002 664 E: [email protected] About the Seven Network The Seven Network is part of Seven West Media (ASX: SWM), one of Australia’s most prominent media companies, with a market-leading presence in content production across broadcast television, publishing and digital. The Seven Network alone reaches about 17 million people a month. The company owns some of Australia’s most renowned media businesses, including the Seven Network and its affiliate channels 7two, 7mate, 7flix and 7Bravo; the digital platform 7plus; 7NEWS.com.au ; The West Australian; The Sunday Times ; PerthNow ; The Nightly ; and Streamer . The Seven Network is home to Australia’s most loved news, sport and entertainment programming, including 7NEWS, 7NEWS Spotlight, Sunrise, The Morning Show, The Voice, Home and Away, Australian Idol, My Kitchen Rules, SAS Australia, Farmer Wants A Wife, The Chase Australia, Better Homes and Gardens, RFDS, The 1% Club and the TV WEEK Logie Awards . Seven Network is also the broadcast partner of the AFL, Cricket Australia and Supercars.
- April 16, 2025Travel & Leisure
AirAsia introduces Auto Visa Check feature for seamless online check-in
AirAsia has introduced a new Auto Visa Check (AVC) feature on the AirAsia MOVE app and airasia.com, enabling seamless online check-in for international routes that require a visa and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This path-breaking innovation is part of the airline’s pioneering efforts to simplify the journey for millions of guests across the region by avoiding wait times and easing congestion at airport check-in counters. Until now, travellers flying to countries with visa requirements were required to check in or re-check in at the airport for manual visa verification. With this innovative AVC feature, guests can verify their visa in real time during online check in, up to 14 days and until one (1) hour before scheduled departure time, from the comfort of their home or while on the go. How to use AVC for seamless check-in: 1. Launch the AirAsia MOVE app or visit airasia.com 2. Select your flight to check in 3. When prompted, scan the sticker visa on your passport or upload the e-visa 4. Get your e-boarding pass once your visa is verified 5. If not*, head to the check-in counter for a manual document check For guests travelling with hand-carry luggage only, they may proceed directly to the boarding gate using their e-boarding pass (where applicable) or reprint their boarding pass at the self-service kiosk if needed. Guests with checked baggage may print their bag tags at the kiosk and drop their bags at the designated baggage drop counter. For more information on country travel requirements, click here . *AVC clearance is only available for multiple-entry visas. Guests with single or double-entry visas must check in at the counter.
- April 16, 2025Business
Cathay Cargo congratulates Hong Kong International Airport on being named world’s busiest cargo airport for the 14th time since 2010
Cathay Cargo congratulates Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) for being named the world's busiest cargo airport according to Airports Council International for the 14th time since 2010. This remarkable achievement underscores HKIA's pivotal role in global air cargo, and Cathay Cargo is honoured to have contributed to this success. Cathay Director Cargo Tom Owen said: "That Hong Kong has once again been named number one in the world for air cargo is an outstanding achievement and one that stands as testament to the cooperation, innovation and world-leading facilities that our home hub has to offer. As the largest cargo operator at HKIA, we are proud to be part of this success story. “We won’t rest on our laurels, however, and our investments into our fleet, network, facilities and digital capabilities reflect not only our commitment to, but also our confidence in the long-term future of the Hong Kong international aviation and logistics hub. We look forward to continuing to work together with the entire air cargo community, including the Transport and Logistics Bureau, Civil Aviation Department, Airport Authority Hong Kong and other important stakeholders, to innovate and ensure HKIA maintains its position as the world’s best and busiest air cargo hub." Cathay Cargo is among the top 10 cargo carriers in the world based on scheduled cargo tonne kilometres (CTK), and number five as a combination airline, according to the latest International Air Transport Association (IATA) 2023 World Air Transport Statistics. In 2024, Cathay Cargo carried a total of 1.5 million tonnes of cargo, 11% more than the previous year, and representing around 31% of the total cargo volume handled by HKIA. Cathay Cargo provides scheduled freighter services to more than 40 destinations worldwide in addition to utilising belly space on the Cathay Group's passenger aircraft across its extensive global network. With its deep roots in Hong Kong, Cathay is firmly committed to the continued growth of the Hong Kong international aviation and logistics hub, with more than HK$100 billion in investments coinciding with the commissioning of the Three-Runway System. As part of this investment, the Cathay Group has commenced taking delivery of over 100 new-generation passenger and freighter aircraft that will join its fleet in the coming years. This includes six new Airbus A350F freighter aircraft, with the option to acquire an additional 20 in the future, which will enhance Cathay Cargo's fleet capabilities. Last month, Cathay Cargo was named Cargo Operator of the Year by Air Transport World, further solidifying Hong Kong’s leadership in the industry. For more information, please visit www.cathaycargo.com .
- April 16, 2025Technology
Cathay Cargo Terminal pioneers Autonomous Electric Tractor operations for cargo
Cathay Cargo Terminal has completed the first end-to-end trial of Autonomous Electric Tractor (AET) operations for direct towing from the inside of the terminal to the West Cargo Apron (WCA) at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). The trial involved a fully autonomous electric tow-tractor pulling four cargo dollies into the Cathay Cargo Terminal and driving itself to the correct cargo transfer gate for loading. After loading, the AET drove itself out of the terminal and successfully completed its journey across HKIA to the furthest cargo apron, the WCA, delivering the cargo ready to be loaded directly onto a Cathay Cargo flight. A unique feature of this initiative is the precise docking solution, enabling the AET’s towing dolly chains to automatically align with the transfer deck for seamless Unit Load Device (ULD) loading. Enhanced security features also allow the AET to be digitally checked into and out of the terminal without compromising security. The project is a collaborative effort between Cathay Cargo Terminal, the Airport Authority Hong Kong, and UISEE, one of China’s leading autonomous driving companies. This breakthrough not only streamlines cargo movement, but also strengthens operational safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Cathay Cargo Terminal Chief Operating Officer Mark Watts said: “This has been an important proof-of-concept to show that AETs are capable of more advanced workflows than we have seen so far for cargo, reducing manual processes and significantly enhancing operational efficiency. This also improves overall cargo flow at the world’s busiest cargo hub and significantly reduces carbon emissions associated with traditional ground service equipment.” In addition to ongoing trials with AETs, Cathay Cargo Terminal is also piloting the use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) for its non-electric cargo tractors. HVO is a renewable alternative to fossil-based diesel, with the ability to reduce the lifecycle carbon emissions approximately 80-90%, according to industry data. Cathay’s Mark Watts added: “HVO is a very important step, but continued electrification is the ultimate vision to help us reduce carbon emissions and pursue Cathay’s digital and sustainability leadership.” Airport Authority Hong Kong Acting Deputy Director, Airport Operations Wing Yeung said: “This new milestone reinforces HKIA’s leadership in smart logistics and sustainable aviation development, paving the way for further advancements in autonomous vehicle solutions in cargo-handling. The successful deployment of AETs in end-to-end cargo operations reflects the HKIA community’s continuous efforts in the adoption of smart airport initiatives and to reinforce the airport’s position as a global aviation hub.” For more information about Cathay Cargo Terminal, please visit: www.cathaycargoterminal.com . The project is a collaborative effort between Cathay Cargo Terminal, the Airport Authority Hong Kong, and UISEE. The AET drives itself out of the cargo terminal and makes its way to the apron to deliver cargo ready to be loaded directly onto a Cathay Cargo flight.
- April 16, 2025Food & Beverage
Australia votes 1 for traditional fruit hot cross buns
As Australians prepare to head to the polls, Coles customers have already cast their votes in a different kind of election – picking the best Hot Cross Bun in the country! In a recent poll run by Coles1, shoppers voted for their favourite type of Hot Cross Bun, and with a variety of more than ten flavours to choose from, the results are in, and the nation has spoken. The survey revealed Aussies are traditionalists at heart, with shoppers crowning Traditional Fruit as their favourite Hot Cross Bun flavour, followed closely by Apple and Cinnamon , and Chocolate Chip in second and third place, respectively. By the time this Easter season ends, Coles is expecting to sell close to 70 million units of Coles Hot Cross Buns nationally –almost two and a half buns per capita. And in line with the popular vote, Traditional Fruit saw the strongest demand at the checkout as well, with approximately 40 per cent of all Hot Cross Buns sales during this season attributed to those including Fruit (Traditional Fruit 6pk, Traditional Fruit Mini 9pk, and Coles Finest Luxurious Fruit 4pk). Coles General Manager Commercial, Bakery, Dairy & Frozen, Brad Gorman, believes such a strong response to Hot Cross Buns this season is driven by innovation and quality, with Coles being awarded first place in both “Best Traditional Hot Cross Bun” and “Best Chocolate Hot Cross Bun” categories in a recent blind test conducted by experts of consumer advocacy group CHOICE2. “Over the past years we’ve surprised customers with exciting new flavours, like our most recent creation with Arnott’s – the Wagon Wheel inspired edition and last years’ Iced VoVo inspired edition, both of which have seen tremendous success, frequently selling out in stores across the country. “It's wonderful to see so many people enjoying our wide range, and we are proud to be a part of our customers' Easter celebrations," he said. Leading states and stores Victorians will claim the title of Hot Cross Bun capital for another year in 2025, as Coles is expecting the state to consume close to 19 million buns by the end of Easter celebrations. Additionally, Victoria is also the state with the top Hot Cross Bun selling store in Australia, with the Coles Bakery in Waurn Ponds selling close to 24,000 packs in the period. Coles’ Bakery Manager in Waurn Ponds Darcy Wall said the store’s busiest day will be Easter Thursday where the team is ready to deliver up to 20,000 individual buns (the most in a single day). He shared the recipe to his team’s success during Easter. "Without doubt the secret ingredients to our store's success are care and teamwork. Our bakery team take great pride in delivering high-quality Hot Cross Buns that our customers love. Knowing that our buns are enjoyed by so many people is truly rewarding, and it motivates us to keep baking to the highest standard,” he said. When divided per population by each state in the country, West Australians lead the Hot Cross Buns consumption tally this year, with almost 3.5 buns eaten per person. Western Australia: 4012 buns per person Queensland: 1602 buns per person South Australia and Northern Territory: 1432 buns per person Victoria: 8436 buns per person Tasmania: 6854 buns per person New South Wales and ACT: 7384 buns per person For media enquiries, please contact Coles Media Line (03) 9829 5250 or [email protected] or [email protected] 1 Coles Circle poll between 18 March and 24 March 2025, sample size 3,391 Coles customers across Australia 2 Which Hot Cross Buns taste best?: CHOICE – March 2025
- April 14, 2025Business
JD.com Partners with Thailand’s Ding Kong on Direct-Sourcing Collaboration, Ensuring a 2,500-Tonne Supply of High-Quality Frozen Durian
JD Super, the supermarket division of JD.com, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Thailand’s leading liquid nitrogen-frozen durian producer, Ding Fong Co., Ltd. (Ding Fong Group) on April 8th, to exclusively supply 2,500 metric tonnes (150 containers) of premium frozen Thai durians to Chinese consumers. The agreement, marked by a ceremonial plaque exchange, designates Ding Fong as JD Super’s official durian supplier in Thailand, reinforcing JD’s commitment to sourcing high-quality imported fruits through direct collaborations with global producers. All liquid nitrogen-frozen durians sold on JD Super are sourced from Thailand’s top-growing regions, ensuring pest-free, premium-grade fruit. Ding Fong, responsible for roughly 30% of Thailand’s liquid nitrogen-frozen durian exports, utilizes proprietary rail-guided freezing technology to enhance production efficiency and preserve the fruit’s natural flavor and texture. “Our quality standards align perfectly with JD Super’s consumer-centric approach,” said a Ding Fong Group represen tative. “By integrating JD’s platform reach with our production expertise, we aim to efficiently scale the delivery of premium Thai durians to China, creating value for both businesses and consumers.” To guarantee freshness, JD Super ensures durians are frozen within 2–5 days of harvest at Ding Fong’s Thai facilities. Leveraging JD Logistics’ advanced cold chain network, orders are delivered to Chinese consumers as soon as 24 hours of purchase. JD Super also offers competitive pricing through its direct scalable sourcing and “10-billion-yuan discount” program, alongside customer guarantees such as compensation for damaged fruit and verified weight accuracy. For example, JD Super’s Thai Monthong durians (2–3 kg) are guaranteed to include 3.5 plump fruit chambers, with refunds provided for issues like underripe pulp, missing chambers, or spoilage. China’s durian imports hit nearly $7 billion in 2024, cementing its status as the largest market for the fruit globally. JD Super has capitalized on this demand, achieving a 30% compound annual growth rate in durian sales over the past three years, with liquid nitrogen-frozen durian sales doubling annually since 2022, firmly maintaining its leadership in the industry. “This partnership exemplifies JD Super’s strategy to connect international producers with Chinese consumers through innovation and efficiency,” said a JD Super spokesperson. “By combining Ding Fong’s agricultural leadership with JD’s retail and logistics strengths, we’re setting new benchmarks for quality, affordability, and reliability in the imported fruit market.” ([email protected])
- April 14, 2025Business
Record-Breaking Global Response as TERA-Award Closes for Applications
The 4th TERA-Award Smart Energy Innovation Competition, organised by The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) and empowered by Full Vision Capital, has officially closed for applications as of 9 April 2025, 23:59 PDT, drawing a record-breaking 785 applications from 76 countries and regions —the highest in the competition’s history. The surge highlights accelerating global momentum in smart energy and climate tech innovation. Submissions spanned six key innovation categories, with Renewable Energy emerging as the most popular focus area. The diversity of proposals—ranging from green fuels and hydrogen to smart systems and sustainable infrastructure—demonstrates the global drive toward carbon neutrality and energy transformation. Nearly three-quarters of submissions came from outside of China, underscoring the award’s international reach. Notable contributions were received from the United States (12.5%), United Kingdom (6.2%), and India (8.7%), with strong representation also from Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. Applications from China (18.1%) and Hong Kong (5.5%) also made up a significant share of the overall total. Mr Alan Chan Ying-lung, Executive Chairman of the TERA-Award Organising Committee, remarked that the surge in global participation reaffirms the competition’s position as a premier platform for energy innovation. He underscored the competition’s proven track record in helping emerging innovators scale, not only through funding—including a grand prize of USD1 million—but also by fostering long-term collaborations across the energy ecosystem. He cited alumni such as i2Cool, which closed its Series A funding round last year with support from Towngas to accelerate the global rollout of its passive cooling technology. The company’s electricity-free cooling coatings are now being deployed in a growing number of international projects. Another success story, Luquos Energy, advanced into industrial-scale development after receiving Towngas backing, launching a demonstration project for its sulfur-based flow battery system in Shenzhen. With the submission phase now complete, the competition moves into the judging stage, led by Chief Judge Professor Cui Yi, a globally renowned scientist and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Stanford University. The expert panel will evaluate entries based on technological innovation, feasibility, scalability, and potential for global impact. Winners will be announced in July 2025, with top teams gaining the opportunity to connect with investors and industry leaders, pursue strategic partnerships, and accelerate commercialisation through the TERA-Award platform. For more information, visit www.tera-award.life About the TERA-Award Energy Innovation Competition The TERA-Award Energy Innovation Competition, organised by Towngas and empowered by Full Vision Capital, aims to discover and develop innovative technologies and solutions in climate technology. It promotes zero-carbon technology development by bringing together global innovative technological forces to advance climate technology innovation and application. The competition serves as an international acceleration platform, matching climate technology entrepreneurs with investors and application scenario providers to help early-stage climate technology companies grow rapidly and drive the realisation of a green, smart, and sustainable future. - END - For media enquiries, please contact: The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited Ms May Tam Assistant Corporate Affairs Manager Tel: 2963 3475 / 9192 0062 Email: [email protected] Ms Kara Kwong Assistant Corporate Affairs Manager Tel: 2963 3497 / 6698 3357 Email: [email protected] Mr Julius Chow Senior Corporate Affairs Officer Tel: 2963 3471 / 6969 1360 Email: [email protected]
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