H y g i e n e supply
Independents' Best
G o B e y o n d 
B e y o n d t h e
- Details
When will the A I
B u b b l e burst!?
$1Tn capi invested. Where's
the ROI? Winners & losers?
"The US stock market is booming, thanks to artificial intelligence. Tech giants are borrowing billions to acquire AI talent, purchase chips and hardware, and construct data centers. And market watchers are starting to get worried" writes The Atlantic's Annie Lowrey. We discuss her article....
Please read full article by subscribing here
- Details
Smucker: Folgers'
frothy coffee prices
Food & snacks demand dips.
High price hikes lift profits
JMSmucker the US beverage & foodservice brands supplier, reported inflated sales largely from coffee prices, as snack volumes fell in Q1'27. CEO Mark Smucker strangely commented "Our performance reflects the strength of our differentiated portfolio, disciplined execution" Really? Full analysis here, first...
Please read full article by subscribing here
- Details
Zoom boom days
slow in videocoms?
Microsoft, Google & Cisco
chase cloud leader in vain
Zoom Comms the video collaboration specialist progress slowed in Q2'27 as WFH growth tapered but yielded higher profits. The BIG question for ceo Eric Yuan: how can AI boost reinvention and market share (56%) lead over chasing Microsoft's TEAMS (32%)? Report analysis here, first
Please read full article by subscribing here
- Details
BSG: Buying Spree
Group grabs #Five!
Steve Clare's OP dealer rollup
rolls towards £40m revenue
The Business Supplies Group (BSG) has confirmed the acquisition of a small Croydon (UK) based OP dealer, itself based on acquisitions. CCO Steve Clare has led the sequence of southern regional acquisitions since the group merger back in 2022. Who's next? We reach out to Steve to discuss progress and plans. Full story here, first...
Please read full article by subscribing here
- Details
HP's AI Hesitation
loses PC mkt share?
Focus first on goals: networks,
connectivity & cybersecurity
“AI is not new,” HP's Ruth Patterson “I was doing AI 8-10yrs ago. What's new is the productivity acceleration with AI, and that is what we’re seeing with the adoption. It’s moving from curiosity to implementation”. HP has fallen well behind Lenovo and Dell, why? Full story here, first
Please read full article by subscribing here
- Details
The Best, Brightest
B r a n d Identities
Proficiency Index new survey:
OP, Tech & HyPac consumers
As a by-product of Proficiency Index's First Buyers Survey in the HyPac market, (Hygiene, Foodsevice and Packaging) it surveyed what consumers felt were their most favoured. brightest brand names. This survey of decision makers revealed fascinating insights in NY, Boston, London & Manchester and featured original brands, private label and leading resellers. Full report here, first ...updated tomorrow
Please read full article by subscribing here
- Details
A C E average like
HomeDepot-Lowes
Indie marketing group gains
higher prices on flat volume
Ace Hardware the leading member owned, home improvement co-op ceo John Venhuizen reported a flat organic performance in Q2'26 but commented "highest quarterly revenue and earnings in the company's storied history" The group's sales volume was flat similar to rivals Home Depot & Lowes. Full results analysis here, first ....
Please read full article by subscribing here
- Details
Can K-C capture
Kenvue benefits?
Slow growth legacy hygiene
biz sparks investor doubts
Kimberly-Clark, the personal care giant, agreed to acquire Kenvue, the consumer health house of brands (inc. Tylenol, Listerine, Neutrogena) for $49Bn, in Nov'25. This monster deal due for completion in Q4'26, will take revenues to $32Bn+. The cost synergies are obvious, but in a new era of intensifying brand focus eg Reckitt, Unilever can it compete as a broad platform like P&G? Full investor analysis here, first
Please read full article by subscribing here
- Details
AMZN accelerates
drone delivery 6X
Expanding to reach 500 US
cities (+UK) by end of 2026
Amazon's amazing sales growth accelerated in Q2'26, with WFH direct & 3Pty sellers business supplies demand maintained strength e.g. tech, hygiene, foodservice, packaging & medical supplies. 'TheEverything Store' is now expanding its drone delivery program launched in the US in 2022 and in UK in May'26. Full story here, first ....
Please read full article by subscribing here
- Details
Walmart walking
up steady growth
Ads,Mbrs fees,Tariff refunds
hike profits.Ecom 20%sales
Walmart former #1 global retailer reported steady volume growth in Q2'27. It continued to ape Amazon's iinitiatives in ads and membership fees. CEO John Furner commented "We continue to progress on long-term value drivers eg eCommerce is evidence". Full analysis here, first...
Please read full article by subscribing here