HP Introduces Newest Pavilion x360 14 And 15 For Exceptional Experience

Brand Spur
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HP Introduces Newest Pavilion x360 14 And 15 For Exceptional Experience

Leading global ICT company HP, producers of premium laptops and printers has once again made good on its promise to continue to provide its Nigerian customers with its latest innovative products.

HP introduced its newest HP Pavilion x360 14 and 15 designed for an exceptional entertainment experience for the Nigerian market.

The HP Pavilion x360 14 and 15 are perfect for consumers on the hunt for a versatile laptop that allows them to stream content or game from anywhere. The devices have been updated with a more compact, lightweight design and feature optional Wi-Fi 61 for reliable connectivity in busy households and public spaces.

Together with the highest screen to body ratio for an HP mainstream x360, OMEN Gaming Hub preinstalled, and Voice Assistance, consumers can experience better entertainment and lighter weight for easier mobility.

HP Introduces Newest Pavilion x360 14 And 15 For Exceptional Experience- Brand Spur Nigeria
HP Introduces Newest Pavilion x360 14 And 15 For Exceptional Experience- Brand Spur Nigeria

Ifeyinwa Afe, Managing Director of HP Nigeria said, “the latest Pavilion products have reiterated our commitment in Nigeria, to always make sure that our customers are among the first in the world to experience HP’s latest innovative products.

These products showcase the cutting-edge technology that HP is known for. For creative and technical pros in media and entertainment, architecture, and data science fields – our ecosystem helps transform creative processes and accelerate workflows.”

Designed with the environment in mind, the Pavilion x360 14 and 15 are two of HP’s most sustainable consumer laptops to date made from ocean-bound plastic bottles. A more premium configuration features recycled aluminum in the keyboard deck, reducing production waste from the post-industry recycle process and ultimately saving over 341 tons of CO2 emissions over the projected product lifecycle volume.

Both PCs also contain post-consumer recycled plastic and are EPEAT Gold Registered and Energy Star Certified.

In terms of entertainment, the PCs are equipped with a four-sided micro-edge bezel and have up to an 88.92% screen to body ratio, the largest for an HP mainstream convertible PC.

The reduced bezel dimensions give users more screen time for an immersive entertainment experience. As people work, learn, and play from home more during the pandemic, HP will introduce a simplified version of OMEN Gaming Hub to Pavilion users. Preinstalled on the new Pavilion x360 14 and 15, users can experience the popular gaming dashboard with features that allow them to check their system vitals, download wallpaper, earn rewards, and more.

HP Introduces Newest Pavilion x360 14 And 15 For Exceptional Experience- Brand Spur Nigeria
HP Introduces Newest Pavilion x360 14 And 15 For Exceptional Experience- Brand Spur Nigeria

And with new Amazon Alexa skills, users can use their PC to drop-in on other supported devices, stay in contact with family and friends with hands-free calling, discover music through a dedicated landing page, and control their smart home devices. Cortana and China’s Xiaowei are also supported.

Both devices also feature a 12 mm reduction in the Y dimension, which contributes to a six percent decrease in the overall footprint and lighter weight as low as 1.509kg, making them HP’s lightest Pavilion convertibles. Stay connected with optional Wi-Fi 6 2×2 ax1 & 1×2 ax for that fast connectivity in a busy home or crowded café.

Brand Spur Nigeria learnt that the HP Pavilion x360 14 and 15 will be available in the Nigerian market in April this year.

Nestle Nigeria Q4 2020 Review: Tightened Consumer Pockets Amidst Trepid Macros

FBNQuest
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Nestle Nigeria Q4 2020 Review: Tightened Consumer Pockets Amidst Trepid Macros

…Flattish expected volumes in ’21f trigger 14.9% price target reduction

We have cut our price target on Neste Nigeria (Nestle) to NGN1,570.6/share, down by around -15% and also downgraded our recommendation to Neutral.

For 2021f, we anticipate a sustained tightened operating environment for Nestle. We estimate a 3.0% y/y growth in turnover to NGN295.6bn (previously NGN304.8bn) and EPS growth of 9.2% y/y (previously 22.4%).

Our revised forecasts reflect our expectation that volume growth in ’21f will be marginal as consumer pockets reel from the impact of a forced adjustment in spending on reduced real income and persistent inflation (headline inflation of 16.47% in Jan ’21).

We expect prices to be stable in response to competitive pressures. We recall that Nestle raised prices in 2020, which was inclusive of the VAT increase (to 7.5% vs. 5% previously). Based on our channel checks, the company raised prices on leading brands – Milo, Nescafe, Maggi and Golden Morn.

READ ALSO: Nestlé Launches Bio-based Lids And Scoops Made From Renewable Resource

Also, we expect the impact of higher commodity prices, food inflation (20.57% in Jan ’21) and naira devaluation (4.3% ytd) will drive CoGS higher (+3.9% y/y, slightly ahead of forecast turnover growth of 3.0% y/y). We also forecast opex to be higher in ’21f, on higher admin expenses (due to a gradual return to the office) and marketing expenses (increased on-site activations/ promotions).

Nonetheless, we expect EBIT & EBITDA to be resilient, increasing by 1.0% y/y and 1.6% y/y to NGN65.0bn and NGN73.4bn respectively. We estimate interest expense at NGN3.10bn (-30.0% y/y), as we project a lower fx revaluation loss in ’21f.

Notably, there is a two-year interest payment moratorium on the new USD79.5m (total drawable amount of USD200m) intercompany loan received from Nestle S.A (parent). Consequently, we expect PBT to grow 3.8% y/y to NGN62.9bn (previously NGN70.01bn) while we have revised our PAT forecast down to NGN42.8bn (+9.2% y/y, prior estimate of N49.01bn).

Year-to-date, Nestle has lost -8.6% to NGN1,375.0, underperforming the ASI by -1.8%. Nestle’s ’21f EV/EBITDA of 14.60x is not far from the average for global peers (15.90x), but its ’21f P/E multiple of 25.46x is ahead of peers’ average of 17.93x.

FX devaluation loss impacted EPS in Q4 ’20; final dividend beat expectations

Nestle delivered an EPS of N7.00 (-37.3% y/y) in Q4 ’20, implying a FY ’20 EPS of NGN47.29 (-17.9% y/y). This was behind our estimate of NGN50.51 (variance of -6.4%) and driven by a higher-than-anticipated CoGS and finance cost.

Nestle has proposed a final dividend of NGN35.50 which is ahead of our forecast of NGN25.51/share but lower than the final dividend of NGN45.00/share in FY ’19. This final dividend implies a dividend yield of 2.45% (vs. 3.10% in FY ’19). Qualification date is 21 May ’21; payment date is 23 June ’21.

Inflation Expected To Spike Further As Negative Sentiment Is Expected To Persist

Comercio
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Inflation Expected To Spike Further As Negative Sentiment Is Expected To Persist

Headline inflation grew by 16.47% YoY in January 2021, 0.71% higher than 15.75% recorded in December 2020; food inflation grew by 20.57% YoY in January 2021, 1.01% higher than 19.56% recorded in December 2020; while core inflation stood at 11.85% YoY in January 2021, 0.48% higher than 11.37% recorded in December 2020.

In January 2021, headline inflation increased by 1.49% MoM, a 0.12% decline from the rate of 1.61% that was recorded in the previous month. The yearly average rate rose to 13.62%, 0.37% greater than 13.25% recorded in the previous month.

Both the food and core sub-indexes contributed to the uptick, but we saw an increased magnitude from the core segment relative to the change seen in previous months, reflecting the rise in energy prices.

The persistent rise in the food inflation metric continues to serve as a concern, as well as the exchange rate crisis that the economy is faced with. However, there was a noticeable slowdown in the month-on-month increase in the headline index, as the economy slightly eased out of the high year-end spending in December 2020.

READ ALSO: Performance of The Nigerian Equities Market: Wheezing From Coronavirus

The food index rose by 1.83% MoM, a 0.22% decline from the rate of 2.05% that was recorded in the previous month. The yearly average rate rose to 16.66%, 0.49% greater than 16.17% recorded in the previous month. The decline in the food index on a month-on-month basis largely reflects the impact of the slowdown in food demand following the sharp uptick in food purchases in December 2020.

In January 2021 core inflation stood at 1.26% MoM, up 0.16% from 1.10% recorded in the previous month. The yearly average rate rose to 10.52% last month, 0.21% greater than 10.31% recorded in the preceding month.

The highest increases were recorded in prices of Passenger transport by air, Medical services, Hospital services, Passenger transport by road, Pharmaceutical products, Paramedical services, Repair of furniture, Vehicle spare parts, Motor cars, Miscellaneous services relating to the dwelling, Maintenance, and repair of personal transport equipment.

The year-on-year rate of inflation continues to reflect the grim economic reality of Nigeria as we saw a further uptick in the headline index as well as in the food and core categories. Most of the drivers that supported and sustained the inflationary pressure in 2020 have persisted in the new year.

Notably, we are still faced with declining food supply, increasing energy prices, a COVID-19 induced strain on our healthcare sector, and an exchange rate dilemma.

These factors have pushed up the cost of production, worsened the cost of transportation, caused medical services to be luxuriously priced, and left food prices on a northward trajectory.

While we noticed the slowdown in the month-on-month inflation rates for the headline index and the food sub-index, this trails our expectation of a slight moderation in demand and monthly inflation following December’s buy frenzy, but does not signify any meaningful improvement in the price trajectory for the economy.

Nigerian Equities Market Recorded 6 Consecutive Weekly Losses

PFI Capital
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Nigerian Equities Market Recorded 6 Consecutive Weekly Losses

Bears extended their dominance at the local equities market with selloffs witnessed across some major tickers last week.

The market opened the week with 0.17% gains on Monday which was followed by losses in the remaining four trading days of the week.

Consequently, the All-Share Index (ASI) declined by 1.74% WoW to settle at 38,648.48 while market capitalization closed at N20.22tn. In summary, the year-to-date performance moderated to –4.03%.

Nigerian Equities Market Recorded 6 Consecutive Weekly Losses-Brand Spur Nigeria
Nigerian Equities Market Recorded 6 Consecutive Weekly Losses-Brand Spur Nigeria

Market breath printed at 0.92x arising from 35 advancers and 38 decliners indicating weak sentiments. CHAMPIONS (45.24%), REGALINS (22.22%) and SMURFIT (20.00%) were the top market gainers while ETERNA (-18.95%), MEYER (-18.00%) and AFRINSURE (-16.67%) topped the losers’ chart.

Market activity level was also weak as both volume and value of transaction declined by 19.69% and 20.85% respectively. Trading in United Bank for Africa Plc, FBN Holdings Plc and Zenith Bank Plc (measured by volume) accounted for 524.548 million shares worth N5.957 billion in 5,346 deals, contributing 31.32% and 25.30% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

Outlook For The Week

We expect to see similar bearish sentiments this week with upward movement in fixed income yields pressuring market performance.

Nigerian Equities Market Recorded 6 Consecutive Weekly Losses 2 -Brand Spur Nigeria
Nigerian Equities Market Recorded 6 Consecutive Weekly Losses -Brand Spur Nigeria

THE NIGERIAN FIXED INCOME MARKET

The bond market opened the week on a relatively quiet note, however, activity picked up mid-week with thin offers across tenors. Performance waned on Thursday due to the spike seen on the long-dated NTB sold at the primary market auction on Wednesday. Average benchmark yields fell marginally by 1bps to 9.93% WoW from 9.94% last week.

The Central Bank sold N108.76 billion worth of notes against N88.90 billion offered at its auction this week. The offer was over-subscribed by 2.21x. Save for the long tenor papers, rates were unchanged. The 91-day, 182-day & 364-day notes were allotted at 2.00%, 3.50%, & 6.50% respectively. Compared to the previous auction, rates on the 91-day & 182-day were unchanged while the 364-day paper rose by 100bps.

Outlook For The Week

We expect activity to remain relatively quiet next week albeit with improved participation on the back of the rise in yields.

GLOBAL MARKETS

The US S&P 500 and Dow Jones indices both went up by 4.88% and 6.14% following news of the $1.94tn COVID-19 relief bills. Similarly, other major indices closed positive on the back of improved COVID-19 vaccine distribution across Europe. Notably, the UK FTSE, German DAX and Japan NIKKEI appreciated by 4.38%, 5.60%, and 8.28% respectively.

Outlook For The Week

We expect an extension of the positive momentum this week as funds from the stimulus bills are expected to flow into the equities market.

Nigeria’s Unemployment Rate Jumps from 27.1% in Q2 2020 to 33.3% in Q4 2020 – NBS

Esan Bolaji
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Nigeria’s Unemployment Rate Jumps from 27.1% in Q2 2020 to 33.3% in Q4 2020 – NBS

Freshly released Q4 2020 labour force statistics by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that Nigeria’s labour force (unemployment rate) increased by 33.3% in Q4 2020 from 27.1% in Q2 2020.

Only 46,488,079 were employed at the time of the survey, while the number of people in the labour force was estimated to be 69,675,468.

In the case of unemployment by state, Imo State recorded the highest rate of unemployment with 56.64%. This was followed by Adamawa with 54.89% and Cross Rivers State with 53.65%.

The States with the lowest rates were Osun, Benue and Zamfara States with 11.65%, 11.98% and 12.99% respectively. In the case of underemployment, Benue State recorded the highest rate with 43.52%, followed by Zamfara and Jigawa States with 41.73% and 41.29% respectively.

Combining both unemployment and underemployment, the state that recorded the highest rate was Imo with 82.5% followed by Jigawa with 80%. Ogun and Sokoto states recorded the lowest of the combined rates, 26.2% and 33.7% respectively.

Nigeria’s Unemployment Rate Jumps from 27.1% in Q2 2020 to 33.3% in Q4 2020 – NBS Brandspurng

Key Highlights

  • The number of persons in the economically active or working-age population (15 – 64 years of age) during the reference period of the survey, Q4, 2020 was 122,049,400. This is 4.3% higher than the figure recorded in Q2, 2020, which was 116,871,186.
  • The number of persons in the labour force (i.e., people between ages 15 -64, who are able and willing to work) was estimated to be 69,675,468. This was 13.22% less than the number of persons in Q2, 2020. Of this number, those within the age bracket of 25-34 were highest, with 20,091,695 or 28.8% of the labour force.
  • The total number of people in employment (i.e., people with jobs) during the reference period was 46,488,079. Of this number, 30,572,440 were full-time employed (i.e., worked 40+ hours per week), while 15,915,639 were under-employed (i.e., working between 20-29 hours per week).  This figure is 20.6% less than the people in employment in Q2, 2020.
  • The unemployment rate during the reference period, Q4, 2020 was 33.3%, an increase from the 27.1% recorded in Q2, 2020. The underemployment rate declined from 28.6% in Q2, 2020 to 22.8%.
  • The unemployment rate among rural dwellers was 34.5%, up from 28.2% in Q2, 2020, while urban dwellers reported a rate of 31.3% up from 26.4%. In the case of underemployment among rural dwellers, it declined to 26.9% from 31.5%, while the rate among urban dwellers decreased to 16.2% from 23.2% in Q2, 2020.
  • For the period under review, Q4, 2020, the unemployment rate among young people (15-34years) was 42.5% up from 34.9%, while the rate of underemployment for the same age group declined to 21.0% from 28.2% in Q2, 2020. These rates were the highest when compared to other age groupings.
  • Under State disaggregation, Imo State reported the highest rate of unemployment with 56.6%, this was followed by Adamawa and Cross River States with 54.9% and 53.7% respectively. The State with the lowest rate was Osun in the South-West with 11.7%.
  • For underemployment, the state which recorded the highest rate was Benue with 43.5%, while Lagos State recorded the lowest underemployment rate, with 4.5% in Q4, 2020.
  • A total number of 12,160,178 did not do any work in the last 7 days preceding the survey.

Distribution of Working Age Population

The results of the survey indicate that the estimated number of persons in the economically active or working-age population (15 – 64 years of age) during the reference period of the survey, Q4, 2020 was 122,049,400. This is 4.3% higher than the figure recorded in Q2, 2020, which was 116,871,186.

Of this number, females represent 50.49%, while males account for 49.5%. Further disaggregation by age group shows that 30.2% of the total active population is within the ages of 15-24, the highest among the age groupings. The age-group with the smallest active population is 55-64, with 10,221,108 or 8.37% of the total active population.

Labour Force

The number of persons in the labour force (i.e., people between ages 15 -64, who are able and willing to work) was estimated to be 69,675,468. This was 13.22% less than the number of persons in Q2, 2020. Of this number, those within the age bracket of 25-34 were highest, with 20,091,695 or 28.34% of the labour force.

This is the estimated number of persons within the economically active population or working population, that are available and willing to work. This implies that as of Q4 2020, only 57.09% of Nigeria’s economically active population are in the labour force.

Unlike in the economically active population, the age group that accounts for the highest number under the labour force is the 25-34 age group. This is expected as most persons within the age group of 15-24 are involved in one form of schooling or the other, hence are not willing and/or available for work.

While females are more dominant under the active population, albeit marginal, the reverse holds for the labour force, where males are more dominant with 56.72%, with females accounting for 43.28%.

Unemployment and Underemployment Statistics – National Level

During the reference period, the computed national unemployment rate rose from 27.1% in Q2, 2020 to 33.3% in Q4, 2020, while the underemployment rate decreased from 28.6% to 22.8%. A combination of both the unemployment and underemployment rate for the reference period gave a figure of 56.1%.

This means that 33.3% of the labour force in Nigeria or 23,187,389 persons either did nothing or worked for less than 20 hours a week, making them unemployed by our definition in Nigeria. This is an additional 1,422,772 persons from the number in that category in Q2, 2020. Using the international definition of unemployment, the rate was computed to be 17.5%.

When considered by educational status, those reporting A ‘levels as their highest qualification had the highest rate of unemployment at 50.7%, followed by those with first degree/HND at 40.1%.

Those with Doctorate Degrees as their highest qualifications reported the lowest rate of unemployment, 16.9% during the reference period. Under the age-groupings, the highest rate of unemployment was recorded among the 15-24-year age-group with 53.4%, followed by those aged between 25-34 with 37.0%, together the youth population recorded an unemployment rate of 42.5%.

In the case of underemployment by age grouping, those aged between 55-64 recorded an underemployment rate of 25.7%, the highest amongst the age groups. This was followed by those aged between 45-54 with 24.4%, while those with the lowest underemployment rate were those aged between 15-24 with 19.8%.

A combination of unemployment and underemployment rates shows that those aged between 15-24 reported a combined rate of 73.2%, showing a serious challenge for the age-group in secure full-time employment. Female unemployment was highest among the genders with 35.2% while the male was 31.8% during the reference period.

A similar case was recorded for underemployment, 24.2% was reported for females, while males reported an under-employment rate of 21.8%. The unemployment rate among rural dwellers was 34.5%, while urban dwellers reported a rate of 31.3%. In the case of underemployment, rural dwellers reported a rate of 26.9%, while the rate among urban dwellers was 16.2%.

International Unemployment Rate

In comparison with other countries across the world, we apply the International Labour Organisation’s standard of 1-hour work per week. Using this measure, Nigeria’s recent unemployment rate is 17.5%. Comparing this rate internationally, out of 181 countries with a rate published within the last 2 years, Nigeria currently ranks as the 19th country with the highest unemployment rate.

The countries with the highest unemployment rates presently are Bosnia and Herzegovinian (33.7%), Namibia (33.4%), and South Africa (32.5%) while those with the lowest rates are Qatar (0.1%), Belarus (0.2%), Niger (0.3%) and Myanmar (0.7%). It is important to note that reference periods and methodology of calculating the unemployment rate could differ across the countries.

Therefore, a direct comparison of the unemployment rate in different countries may not be valid.

Download Q4 2020 Labour Force Statistics Report

Gerety Talks South African Creativity

Brand Spur
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Gerety Talks South African Creativity

The Gerety Talks series, featuring Neo Segola (chief creative officer at Draftline), Nadia Mohamed (marketing director at Mondelez International, Africa), and Sanché van Rensburg (executive creative director at Avatar), will put South African creativity in the spotlight.

The series puts some of the marketing and creative industry’s changemakers in the spotlight and at the center of the conversation. Gerety Talks premiere on Facebook, IGTV and YouTube every Tuesday at 17:15 CET / 11:15 am CAT.

Gerety Talks South African Creativity- Brand Spur Nigeria
Gerety Talks South African Creativity- Brand Spur Nigeria

Neo Segola, Chief Creative Officer at Drafting. Her love for ideas and innovative strategic thinking spans almost two decades and the continent.

A copywriter at heart and mind, with a passion for brand development, she has worked in agencies in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Lagos for brands like BMW, Five Roses, Nigerian Eagle, and Oando, she spends whatever free time she has studying towards a degree in law and developing a children’s book series. No, the books have nothing do with the law. They are a bit more imaginative.

Nadia has recently joined the Mondelez International family in the Business Unit leadership team for Africa where she leads the marketing portfolio of some of the world’s most iconic and loved brands.

Prior to joining Mondelez, Nadia held the role of Commercial and Marketing Director for McCain Foods Retail and Foodservice Africa.

Her experience spans across industries and global geographies for brands like global Vodafone, Woolworths, AVI and Tyme Digital at Commonwealth Bank of Australia-the world’s 10th largest bank.

She represents Africa as a Global Shaper at the World Economic Forum and is currently on the board of the Women’s Business Network for the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.

Sanché is no stranger to leading large and growing creative marketing organizations for top global clients like Unilever, L’Oréal, Coca Cola, P& G and others.

Her career began 21 years ago where after studying at the National School of the Arts & the AAA School of Advertising, she was offered a job at the Reflex Group in Paris which then ignited her desire and passion for the creative world of ideas that can change people’s behaviors, that change perceptions and ultimately, change the world.

You can stay tuned watch below;

Kwik Delivery Officially Launches Just-In-Time Delivery Service In Abuja

Esan Bolaji
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Kwik Delivery Officially Launches Just-In-Time Delivery Service In Abuja

Kwik Delivery (www.Kwik.delivery) has officially made available its breakthrough, just-in-time delivery service to businesses, government agencies, and merchants in Abuja.

Kwik Delivery offers 1-hour delivery through its fleet of bike delivery partners and also provides access to a host of reliable, efficient, and trusted 4-wheel vehicles.

“As the political center of Nigeria, Abuja is in strong demand for speedy, efficient delivery of goods and services” as explained by Yinka OLAYANJU, Cofounder and Chief Operating Officer of Kwik Delivery.

Kwik Delivery Officially Launches Just-In-Time Delivery Service In Abuja-Brand Spur Nigeria
Kwik Delivery Officially Launches Just-In-Time Delivery Service In Abuja-Brand Spur Nigeria

“Whether you are managing the office of the Permanent Secretary or the cabinet of a leading financial institution or a leading multinational company, you need to ensure your documents and parcels are delivered promptly in FCT.”

Using the Kwik Delivery app (https://bit.ly/30KGpd6), customers can request a delivery vehicle and track their shipment in real-time. Kwik Delivery is vetting the vehicles and drivers and ensures consistent quality of service. It also provides goods in transit insurance.

“Kwik’s breakthrough delivery platform will enable businesses and government agencies to gain productivity and to optimize logistical expenses in the Nation’s capital” explains Romain POIROT-LELLIG, Founder & CEO of Kwik Delivery.

Launched in 2019, Kwik Delivery is an on-demand, last-mile delivery platform that connects African businesses to independent delivery riders, dubbed Kwiksters.

The Kwik platform is currently open to Kwiksters operating in Lagos State and Abuja. Kwik Delivery app is available on iOS and Android. Kwik Delivery is the trading name of Africa Delivery Technologies SAS.

DHL And Formula 1® Renew Multi-Year Partnership

Esan Bolaji
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DHL And Formula 1® Renew Multi-Year Partnership

DHL thus remains the official logistics Partner of formula 1® for further years and will continue to be responsible for shipping world-class motorsport around the world.

With 23 races, the new season includes the largest race calendar in Formula 1® history; Three “triple headers” poses new complexity for logistics; Season opens March 28 in Bahrain; DHL (www.DPDHL.com) Fastest Lap Award and DHL Fastest Pit Stop Award to continue.

With the FIA Formula 1 World ChampionshipTM about to begin, DHL and Formula 1® are proud to announce the extension of their long-standing global partnership, which spans across a number of decades. DHL thus remains the Official Logistics Partner of Formula 1® for further years and will continue to be responsible for shipping world-class motorsport around the world.

DHL And Formula 1® Renew Multi-Year Partnership
DHL And Formula 1® Renew Multi-Year Partnership -Brand Spur Nigeria

2021 sees 23 destinations on the Formula 1® racing calendar, the largest number in the sport’s history, with DHL transporting race cars, fuel and oil, equipment for the racing teams and transmission technology. DHL has been official logistics partner since 2004, winning each “races between the races” at every Grand Prix around the world.

“We are proud to continue our unique partnership for the years to come,” says Arjan Sissing, Global Head of Brand Marketing at DHL. “Formula 1 has been delivering the ultimate in speed, precision, and technology to its fans for over 1000 races and it is DHL who delivers Formula 1 across the globe.

For more than four decades, our common values connect us with each other and made it possible to win any logistics races around the world, before the first tires touch the track. We are looking forward to defending our title in each of these races between the races.”

The transport volume of up to 1,400 tons have to be transported from one venue to the next within the shortest possible time and with great reliability. That’s why DHL employs a team of motorsports logistics specialists who work closely with Formula 1® management and the racing teams. Just like on the race track, it’s all about speed, precision and cutting-edge technology.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO, Formula 1®, added: “DHL is our longest standing global partner and we are delighted to have signed a partnership extension that demonstrates our strong and collaborative relationship.

For the past 16 years we have delivered on and off the track together. We are proud to be working with the world’s leading logistics provider as we look ahead to the biggest season ever for Formula 1”.

The 2021 FIA Formula 1 World Championship™ begins March 28, with the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2021 and closes December 12 with the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021.

The 2021 race calendar takes in 23 races on five continents and is thus more action-packed than ever. This year, drivers, teams and DHL’s logistics crew all face the special challenge of three triple headers, where three races are held over three consecutive weekends.

In the first triple-header, the action takes place in Europe. The Formula 1 Rolex Belgian Grand Prix 2021 in Spa-Francorchamps on August 29 will be followed by the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort on September 5. A week later, the Formula 1 Heineken Gran Premio D’Italia 2021 will be held in Monza on September 12.

The second triple header is logistically even more challenging because significantly greater distances have to be covered. A week after the Formula 1 VTB Russian Grand Prix 2021 in Sochi on September 26, it’s off to the Singapore street circuit on October 3. And then on October 10, the Formula 1® circus travels to Suzuka in Japan.

There’s also quite a distance to cover in the season’s third tripleheader. The first stop is the Formula 1 Aramco United States Grand Prix 2021 in Austin, Texas, on October 24. From there, racing continues in Mexico City, with the Formula 1 Gran Premio De La Cuidad de Mexico 2021 on October 31. The triple header finishes on November 7 in São Paulo, Brazil.

“An intercontinental triple header is where logistics is really put to the test,” says Paul Fowler, Global Motorsport Head, DHL Global Forwarding. “Even during the race, before the checkered flag is waved, the DHL team start dismantling and stowing equipment.”

And for the logistics experts, the job becomes especially difficult when parts have to be flown out and back in again during the three-week triple header timeframe – such as for testing in special laboratories located all around the world.

New events like the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2021 in Zandvoort, which is back on the Formula 1® schedule, and the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2021, which this year will be held on a new street circuit in Jeddah, also test the logistics specialists.

This is why scouts explore the new routes to ensure that, despite unfamiliar surroundings, things run smoothly and everything fits into place. For Paul Fowler, it’s challenges like these that make motorsport so appealing: “Behind the scenes, we give our all to ensure that the teams and drivers can perform at their best, and that racing fans everywhere get to see the sport they love.”

With the extended partnership, DHL will again be offering two awards: The DHL Fastest Lap Award and the DHL Fastest Pit Stop Award for special achievements by drivers and teams. This year’s awards will be presented to the winners in Abu Dhabi on the final day of the racing season.

Nestlé Launches Bio-based Lids And Scoops Made From Renewable Resource

Esan Bolaji
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0
Nestlé Launches Bio-based Lids And Scoops Made From Renewable Resource

Nestlé is set to introduce bio-based lids and scoops made from sugar cane and its byproduct for a range of its nutrition products for infants and children.

The main advantage of these bio-based plastics is that they are made from a renewable plant material that can be continually replenished and that absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In addition, this packaging helps Nestlé reduce its use of fossil-based plastics.

Nestlé Nutrition’s NAN infant formula packed in the new packaging materials was introduced in Hong Kong in 2020 and will be available in other markets globally from 2021, including for other brands such as BEBA and GUIGOZ.

READ ALSO: Nestle Ups Shareholding in Nigerian Unit, Acquires Additional 2,166,647 Shares

Nestlé Health Science is also introducing the new packaging material for its Althéra, Alfaré, Alfamino, Modulen and Peptamen Junior brands, which are part of its global range of pediatric food for special medical purposes.

“Nestlé continues to push the boundaries of science to provide nutritional solutions for children, and we are putting that same passion into pioneering new packaging that is good for our planet,” said Thierry Philardeau, Head of Nestlé Nutrition.

“Families rely on us for support in the first 1,000 days of life — a critical time to shape a healthier and more prosperous future — and we are proud to be the first global brand to offer them solutions that maximize the use of renewable resources.”

Greg Behar, CEO of Nestlé Health Science, said, “It is our responsibility to our customers and to our planet to innovate on packaging materials that contribute to a more sustainable future. We are pleased that Nestlé Health Science’s pediatric range is our first product group to include the new bio-based lids and scoops: new solutions for a new generation.”

The lids and scoops are made from 66% and 95% sugar cane respectively. They are certified as plant-based packaging and are recyclable in countries that have recycling facilities for polyethylene (PE).

They have the same properties and functionalities as conventional plastic ones, without compromising the high level of hygiene and freshness required. The bio-based lids and scoops complement the tin can which is metal-based and is the most recycled material in the world. This innovation is one of the many solutions Nestlé is working on to address the issue of packaging waste.

Ryan Carvalho, Head of R&D and Chief Medical Officer for Nestlé Nutrition said, “The development of innovative sustainable packaging solutions plays an important role in our journey to net-zero. Bio-based packaging from sugar cane is an excellent example of how we can make good use of plant-based raw materials that are renewable to develop better alternatives to traditional plastic while ensuring that our products maintain a high level of safety and quality.”

Nestlé is a founding member of the Bioplastics Feedstock Alliance that aims to encourage the production of bioplastics feedstocks in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial, and economically viable manner.

Nokia And Orange Strike Global 5G Network Optimization Deal

Esan Bolaji
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Nokia And Orange Strike Global 5G Network Optimization Deal
  • Nokia Self-Organizing Networks (SON) to boost automation and support 5G optimization across Orange affiliates
  • The deal allows Orange affiliate operators to optimize their mobile networks irrespective of which RAN vendor they run on with the help of Nokia SON technology

Nokia today announced it will expand its Self-Organizing Networks (SON) technology across 5G networks operated by one of the world’s leading telecommunications carriers, Orange. The deal will cover all of Orange’s markets, starting with France and Spain.

Nokia continues to offer widespread support for 2G, 3G and 4G spanning more than one million Orange radio cells in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Nokia SON operates on top of any vendor’s radio technology, enabling Orange to optimize its live commercial networks regardless of who built them. As a key tool in the Nokia network management and optimization portfolio, SON offers Orange the power to automate radio network configuration and optimization processes, as well as improve network performance and efficiency to support the increasing demands of 5G.

Nokia SON lets Orange automate operations to realize the full potential of their existing 2G, 3G and 4G networks while also supporting the progressive deployment of 5G. Providing a centralized SON platform, it automates operations across multiple technologies, eliminating complexities from the multi-vendor and multi-layered networks naturally found across global operators.

READ ALSO: Top Three US Mobile Network Carriers Bid $78 Billion On 5G Airwave Licensing

The extreme automation and artificial intelligence framework built into Nokia SON helps Orange affiliates provide better network quality with greater reliability and speed to their customers.

The deal is the latest example of Nokia’s continued investment, capability and focus on developing technology that supports the practicality of 5G network upgrades. Utilizing Nokia SON’s software development kit (SDK), Orange has been creating and sharing custom solutions to manage their unique network environments.

Arnaud Vamparys, Senior VP Radio Networks and 5G at Orange, said: “As a long-term partner, Nokia was a natural choice to help us automate our mobile networks in different geographies. The complexity of radio optimization is growing with 5G beamforming and Nokia’s flexible, automated and multi-vendor platform enables us to maintain our exemplary network quality and customer satisfaction in the 5G era.”

Mark Atkinson, Head of RAN at Nokia, said: “5G deployments and rollouts look much simpler on paper than they do in the real world. We appreciate and understand that our CSP customers have a technology stack that spans multiple vendors, which can lead to inefficiencies and complexity. Working with Orange and its global affiliates to optimize and simplify their multi-vendor networks is a challenge we relish and are proud to be part of.”

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