Do we need a joint approach to a renewable energy plan?
The recent bids received for a renewable energy plan from 53 independent electricity producers should be good news for big business, particularly agribusinesses, given the fact that high electricity tariffs have a crippling effect on operating costs and profit margins.
But, in order to develop a renewable power plan that enjoys long-term success, government should also consult local players, particularly agribusinesses, on how they can generate alternative sources of power and in turn contribute to renewable energy.
The sugar industry, for example, has great potential to contribute to our national power grid through the burning of cane fibre, called bagasse, which is a renewable energy source. This industry “produces 20-million tons of cane each year, the biomass of which is equivalent to 1,75-million tons of coal with a power-generation potential of 1,6GWh.” (sugar seeks new outlets in changing times).
Apart from its ability to generate electricity, this industry also has the resources to produce ethanol, which can be used in conjunction with petrol to fuel vehicles and locomotives in our transport and freight industries.
As with all ventures, agribusinesses need the go-ahead from government before they can formally contribute to renewable power generation, but this must still be granted.
Ideally, authorities should focus on drawing up agreements with local industry players as well as championing bids from abroad.
A national renewable energy plan needs input from both government and local players to be successful long term. Perhaps financial support from abroad is needed to make it economically viable, but local industries that have potential to contribute should not be excluded.
Wendy Smith
P.S. Look out for this editorial on our editor’s blog.
Please feel free to make comments or raise new issues by
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Economic News
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SA consumers cautious, bargain hunting
South African consumers are approaching the holiday season with caution and on the lookout for bargains, according to a survey conducted by advisory firm Deloitte. Deloitte's annual Year-end Holiday Survey measures trends in South Africa and 18 European countries.
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New Products
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Lucky Star introduces Pickled and Curried Pilchard Cutlets
Lucky Star, South Africa’s favourite canned fish brand, has introduced two exciting new variants to its Pilchards range, offering consumers added convenience with the same great health benefits that are enjoyed in the rest of the Lucky Star range.
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Lucky Star enhances its SA Sardine range
Lucky Star, South Africa’s favourite canned fish brand, has introduced two exciting new variants to its market leading sardines range, offering consumers wider choice and added convenience.
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Rhodes Quality launches Butter Beans in Curry Sauce
Expect to be delighted this festive season with Rhodes new Butter Beans in Curry Sauce. Developed to satisfy consumer demand, the new Butter Beans in Curry Sauce is available in a regular 410g can. It carries the “Choice Grade”, Kosher and Halaal marks, and as all Rhodes products, is set to become a pantry staple.
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Delightful new Rhodes Pineapple Trio Launched
Just right as a pizza topping or for a quick-snack “moment” – Rhodes’ newest launch makes up a delightful pantry threesome. New on the shelves this season are the 227g cans of Rhodes Pineapple Crush in Light Syrup; Pineapple Pieces in Light Syrup, and Rhodes Pineapple Rings in Light Syrup.
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Brand Activity
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Ceres Fruit Juice goes back to its roots with new tv commercial
Ceres fruit juice, one of South Africa’s most loved fruit juice ranges, is flighting a new television commercial from 14 November 2011, which re-affirms the essence and core values of this iconic brand.
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Kids for Kids Initiative gets kids eating fish to help sick kids
You can now help your kids eat more healthily and at the same time help sick kids get better. And all you have to do is to support the Sea Harvest Kids for Kids’ initiative which raises funds for desperately sick children through The Children’s Hospital Trust, the Fundraising Arm of the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.
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Continental Outdoor plants African Olive trees in Namibia for Arbor Day
Continental Outdoor Media (Namibia) donated 20 Olea Africana (African Olive) trees to support the City of Windhoek’s efforts to plant 2500 trees for National Arbor Day on 14 October 2011.
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Catch the next Fashion Accessories Fair in Johannesburg!
China Sourcing Fair: Fashion Accessories is back at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa on November 30 to December 2, 2011. Staging its second edition in South Africa's business district, the Fair offers another cost-efficient and convenient sourcing venue for buyers in the region and nearby markets.
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Featured Brands
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The Ceres Beverage Company
The Ceres Beverage Company focuses on selected categories within the non-alcoholic beverage sector including fruit juices, fruit concentrate mixtures, mineral water and carbonated soft drinks.
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Pacmar
Pacmar began operating in February 1997. Situated on the outskirts of Wellington in the Western Cape, Pacmar can be described as a contract packaging company, and is currently packaging for the larger brands in the local and international markets.
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Liquor News
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Distell feted by New York
Distell has been awarded the title of Distillery of the Year, winning the only double gold medal of the show at the 2011 New York International Spirits Competition. This is the first time the company has entered the event that attracted over 300 entries from 30 nations worldwide.
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Jak de Priester live at Durbanville Hills
The talented and versatile Jak de Priester will be performing at Durbanville Hills Wines at the start of the harvest season on Friday, 3 February.
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Featured Retail Services
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Sachet Manufacturers
Sachet Manufacturers is a sophisticated wet/hot food manufacturing and filling facility that can assist you on a reasonably small or large scale to manufacture and fill wet hot products and has a range of pasteurising facilities.
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Sainsbury Design
Established in 1975, our successful record can be attributed to a unique combination of personal interaction and fresh creativity. We are a Through-the-line Agency with specialist knowledge in Packaging Design.
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Retail Services News
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Cheers to Swartland Winery’s Bottle Hang Z-CARD®
Swartland Winery recently selected PocketMedia® Solution’s Z-CARD® concertina-style Bottle Hang to draw attention to its mySwartland competition, which runs from 1 November 2011 until 14 January 2012 and enables consumers to win prizes to the value of R20000.
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PailPac Direct gets its message across with a die cut paint bucket Z-CARD®
PailPac Direct recently contracted PocketMedia® Solutions to produce its third Z-CARD® in the shape of a die cut paint bucket.
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Strategy Recruitment Marketing awarded a Top 3 Recruitment Advertising Agency of the Year position
Strategy Recruitment Marketing was awarded 2nd runner up position in the Recruitment Advertising Agency of the Year category at the 2011 Avusa Media Annual Recruitment Awards (AMARAs).
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Nampak DivFood Durban Clinches 2011 SABS Chairperson’s Award
Nampak DivFood, South Africa’s leading manufacturer of food cans, aluminium aerosols, general line cans and decorative tinware, has won the SABS (South African Bureau of Standards) Chairperson’s Award for 2011.
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Imperial Logistics makes the Fresh Connection
In an industry where continuous improvement is increasingly a Key Performance Indicator (KPI), online supply chain management competition, the Fresh Connection provides professionals with an effective learning and testing ground. Imperial Logistics teams finished in first, third and fourth place respectively. A team from Volition Consulting Services, a member of the IMPERIAL Logistics Group won the inaugural competition.
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BMI Food Bites: Yoghurt growth slows
The overall demand for cultured dairy products continues to increase and the yoghurt market plays an integral part within this. The category has seen consistent growth since BMI tracking started in 1998. However, the overall annual growth rate has slowed down in the last five years, with the market in 2009 in particular showing a very small volume increase.
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Social Media around the world
121 Outsource shares an interesting report with us that examines Social Media in various countries around the world. The report has been compiled by Prof. Steven van Belleghem, who is a managing partner of Euope-based InSites consulting and author of “The Conversation Manager.”
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FMCG Jobs
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National FMCG Key account manager - Retail
Sir Juice is looking for a bright young(or young at heart) talent to head up our retail division nationally. You will be based in Gauteng and report directly to the Managing Director and Sales and Marketing director.
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Key Account Manager (Regional) Gauteng
An internationally renowned category leader in the FMCG industry, is looking to appoint an Account Manager to head up the Spar account as well as a number of other smaller accounts at a regional level. To be considered for this role you need to bring something different to the table, be able to develop quickly into a national Account Manager
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Managing Director: Commodities
A leading FMCG manufacturer, wholesaler and distributor of dry foods in West Africa seeks to appoint a Managing Director for one of their key businesses with emphasis on gaining further market share in West Africa. As a seasoned Managing Director, familiar turnaround strategies with experience specific to the West African market, you will be required to implement an aggressive strategy to achieve these objectives.
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Events
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Food Safety Conference
When: 21 Nov 2011– 24 Nov 2011
Venue: The Crowne Plaza, Johannesburg
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Global Sources: China Sourcing Fairs
When: 30 Nov 2011 – 2 Dec 2011
Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, Johannesburg
· Global Sources, Baby & Children's Products China Sourcing Fair
· Global Sources, Hardware & Building Materials China Sourcing Fair
· Global Sources, Garments and Textiles China Sourcing Fair
· Global Sources, Gifts & Premiums China Sourcing Fair
· Global Sources, Home Products China Sourcing Fair
· Global Sources, Solar & Energy Saving Products China Sourcing Fair
· Global Sources, Electronics China Sourcing Sourcing Fair
· Global Sources, Fashion Accessories China Sourcing Fair
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Cards & Payments Solutions - even bigger and better for 2012
When: 13 Mar 2011 – 14 Oct 2011
Venue: Earls Court, South Hall, London
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Retail World Africa 2012
When: 12 – 15 March 2012
Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
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Networking expo for the logistics and supply chain management industry
When: 22 Mar 2012 – 23 March 2012
Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, Johannesburg
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Featured Client
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Active Clients
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