Bouncebackability
Reports are all in for Business Supply players in Q4'22. Predictably they show inflated profits but weak sales recovery v pre-Covid 'norm' Q4'19. Proficiency Index reports the Leaderboard of makers, wholesalers & dealers' 'Bouncebackability' performance. It covers 100 leading paper & printer makers, hygiene, foodservice and packaging suppliers, OP/furnituremakers and retailers Updated
Healthy Hygiene
Hygiene is now #1 business supply category alongside technology. Progressive business suppliers: brandmakers, dealers have pivoted into hygiene, safety, foodservice & packaging, WFH-tech & wellness services. Proficiency Index Q4'22 analysis is almost complete with brand volumes slowing, boosted by double-digit price hikes. Updated for KPTissue, Sappi & Suzano. Diversey delayed to 22Mar
Top 50 Women
Marketing to businesses by brandmakers & resellers was traditionally dominated by men. As we celebrate International Women's Day, Proficiency Index recognises the most successful women leaders. This is 16th edition of 'Top 50 Women in Business Supply', the market's real growth achievers, including new entrants from progressive independent dealers.
Office Mkt Legends
It's 10yrs since the top OP mega-independent dealer champs Lyreco's Eric Bigeard and WBMason's Leo Meehan met with Staples CEO Ron Sargent in Boston. We reflected on past glories, Covid, digital transformation and looked forward to a 'hybrid office productivity' future..Updated
Hybrid work future
The contrast in opinions over the 'hybrid work future' & the 'return to work', is stark. New thinking is positive about the huge rise in entrepreneurial productivity. Old thinking believes a return to corporate office control is inevitable. Are corporations underestimating the hollowing out of office space; the time waste and the need to trust workers' motives? Updated
ALSO adds UK to
The leading technology provider, ALSO Holdings based in Switzerland continued its growth strategy by establishing a new greenfield operation in the UK. CEO Gustavo Moller-Hergt said "We are responding to customers requests to establish a local access to our cloud and cybersecurity platform"
Lenovo slows down
The international PC & mobile giantLenovo reported a big volume drop in Q3'23, but still maintained its lead as #1 PC maker. "The Mobile group along with the growing Services group progressed aided by inflationary price increases" reported ceo Yuanqing Yang
Nestlé flat demand
Nestlé, the #1 global #1 food & beverage maker reported flat volumes in FY2022 boosted by price increases. Demand predictably continued strong in WFH-consumer markets e.g. coffee, water. "There were signs of recovery in business supply eg breakroom and restaurants" reported ceo Mark Schneider.
Foodservice fights
Foodservice supply leaders to business & restaurants Sysco & US Foods reported steady recoveries, boosted by higher price increases. Activist shareholders pressure at USF caused ceo to resign and with a new ceo in place making an electric impact! Updated
Fearful FEMSA
FEMSA the $27Bn Mexican based convenience store & fuel station chain (Oxxo) that acquired Waxie-NAmerican jansan dealer network in 2020 via its Envoy Solutions subsidiary, has made 32 acquisitions in the hygiene & packaging business. Now surprising its board is exploring strategic alternatives? Has it got cold feet over the daunting integration challenge?
Shopify still strong
Shopify, the specialist MCom platform for business supply entrepreneurs grew less rapidly in Q4'22 with 1M+ independent partners. It has invested in distribution services but is bleeding cash. Can ceo Tobi Lutke match Amazon's delivery execution with Deliverr? AUpdated
Conduent crash
Conduent, the much hyped ex-Affiliated Computer Services company, now 6 years split from Xerox, declined further again in Q4'22 The CEO appointed by Chainsaw Carl Icahn is under review but new contract gains may save him.
Ecolab's higher
Ecolab the $14Bn in sales, cleaning & hygiene supplies giant to the health care and food services market, repoprted a good recovery across all categories, in Q4'22. Last week ceo Chris Beck celebrated a new consumer product launch with The Home Depot.... Updated
Coke fizzes from
Coca-Cola 'Away from Home' (business supply inc. restaurants) market collapsed thru' Covid. CEO James Quincey reported a powerful recovery in Q4'22, but below Q4'19 volume norms. The new 'Touchless' environment is driving drinks delivery and a revival in its Costa coffee shops Updated
One Wesco wired
WESCO the enlarged $21Bn (inc. Anixter) #1 US provider of electrical, security and MRO supplies, reported increased organic sales in Q4'22, boosted by double digit price increases. CEO John Engel reported on powerful strategic progress. Updated
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