Hybrid work is
Is the 'Greenwash'
There's been much PR and social media postings by makers and distributors promoting their sustainability credentials. How much is genuine and how much is sham posturing aka 'greenwash'? Certainly there are doubts about printer paper claims given the toxic journey between makers, distributors, users, mailing and recycling. We explore....Updated
Depot distraction
Beleaguered bigbox ODP Corp (aka-Depot-Max) has leaked that more acquisitions under its faux 'Federation' distraction platform can be expected. With many dealers under pressure post-Govt Covid relief, could major Mid-Atlantic and Carolinas' resellers be in play? We discuss ceo Gerry 'Bizarro' Smith's latest attempt to distract attention away from its dire demise...
S t o c k l e s s
Is the end nigh for stockless dealers? Back in the 2019 'normal' days, dealers were struggling with a slowing economy. Then, Covid crashed the corp office market. Then, Government relief ran out last year. Now consolidation is happening? Moreover, wholesalers raised prices above inflation squeezing dealers competitiveness? The BIG question is how will transactional dealers survive? Should we expect larger progressives to lead an acquisition wave in the business supply market? We investigate latest market views. Later today ...
Are limping locals
'Buy Local' campaigns have been promoted by dealer groups for 30 years, largely as defensive plays v bigbox attacks. But, what user benefits do they offer in terms of personalized productivity gains v the increasingly local and faster Amazon army of resellers? We discuss and offer guidance...Updated
Smurfit boxes down
Europe’s largest paper packaging solutions provider Smurfit Kappa Group (SKG) reported weak demand whilst expanding in Eastern international markets. High levels of inflation are receding, disguising volume declines.. CEO Tony Smurfit commented on a "strong" year of increased profits
IP Packaging price
International Paper, the leading packaging maker, spun off its printer paper division, renamed Sylvamo in Q4'21. CEO Mark Sutton continued the reinvention focus on becoming an global packaging powerhouse, but with lower volumes in Q1'23, offset by much higher prices
Keurig coffee cools
Keurig Dr. Pepper, the $13Bn coffee giant reported progress with its house of beverage brands in Q1'23. Meanwhile, coffee demand improved in WFH & business markets. Dr.Pepper brands growth sparkled, notably CORE Hydration & Polar seltzers. CEO Bob Gamgort commented
Grainger gains
Grainger, the $15Bn+ in sales, leading international broadline industrial & business supplier reported accelerated sales momentum in Q1'23 "Sales were boosted by higher prices and market share gains in hygiene and safety supplies" claimed ceo DG MacPherson.
Honeywell hit by
Honeywell International the $36Bn the aerospace, building, technology and safety solutions conglomerate reported steady real growth in Q1'23. The $8Bn safety and productivity division that serves businesses was hit by the decline in PPE equipment as the effects of Covid subside. We discuss results with SPS chiefGeorge Koutsaftes (pic left)
ECom packaging
DSSmith, the $8Bn European packaging giant and ex-owner of Spicers (until 2011), posted strong Q4'23 results to 30Apr'23. CEO Miles Roberts said it was boosted by the price rises on single digit volume growth in its ecommerce packaging business....
Unilever personal,
Unilever, the $60Bn+ hygiene, personal care, food & refreshments giant reported inflated sales growth in Q'23. Departing ceo Alan Jope commented on developments in nutrition and personal care brands, but failed to achieve real growth in a buoyant market. New ceo starts 1July'23. Analysis here
AveryDen labels
Avery Dennison, the $9Bn labels & RFID tags maker, continued to report weaker results in Q1'23, with its labeling business offset by declining solutions revenues. CEO Mitch Butler commented strangely on disappointing results with a "strong performance" rhetoric?
Essity elevates mkt
Essity, the international hygiene & health supplies maker, reported a steady volume recovery in Q1'23. CEO Magnus Groth's strategy is winning v K-C & P&G with a sales volumes recovery compared with pre-Covid 'normal' Q1'20 boosted by 30%+ inflation and acquisitions
Giant printer and camera maker Canon returned to pre-Covid flat volume demand in Q1'23. Printing, Imaging and industrial systems in US particularly recovered. Chip shortages hit sales volume but price hikes over compensated
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