Market Report
- Thursday, 21 February 2019
Cities across America have been implementing bans on plastic bags, plastic straws, polystyrene and other materials used for food and beverages.
Retail and foodservice establishments have seen operating costs rise along with alternative packaging costs.
Consumer expectations are higher and growing in the realm of single-use, disposable items, particularly when it comes to take out foods. Litter and waste are not the only two considerations.
The general public is sensitive to the environmental and human health issues related to the overuse of plastics. Overuse of the seductive one and done, throw-aways is getting national attention.
In several cities, customers must request plastic straws for drinks. Some have begun to carry their own bamboo or metal straws to juice joints. We are all, by now, accustomed to providing our own reusable tote bags for shopping at retail stores.
Retail and foodservice establishments have seen operating costs rise along with alternative packaging costs.
Consumer expectations are higher and growing in the realm of single-use, disposable items, particularly when it comes to take out foods. Litter and waste are not the only two considerations.
The general public is sensitive to the environmental and human health issues related to the overuse of plastics. Overuse of the seductive one and done, throw-aways is getting national attention.
In several cities, customers must request plastic straws for drinks. Some have begun to carry their own bamboo or metal straws to juice joints. We are all, by now, accustomed to providing our own reusable tote bags for shopping at retail stores.
- Thursday, 14 February 2019
Ginger, lemon, honey and mint. Four fairly common kitchen ingredients, they partner well as a winter home remedy for what might be ailing us.
The changing winter weather conditions and constant fluctuation in temperatures taxes our resistance to catching a cold or the flu.
Immunity levels tend to dip in colder months. Confined to indoor environments, exposure to other human’s coughing, sneezing and wheezing puts us at higher risk for those nasty germs and viruses.
Calm jangled nerves and suppress early symptoms by getting into the kitchen. OTC in the pantry means something altogether different from the vast over the counter drugstore nasal, throat and body ache solutions.
Staying hydrated and flushing out the system with available fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables puts the home pharmacy at our fingertips.
The changing winter weather conditions and constant fluctuation in temperatures taxes our resistance to catching a cold or the flu.
Immunity levels tend to dip in colder months. Confined to indoor environments, exposure to other human’s coughing, sneezing and wheezing puts us at higher risk for those nasty germs and viruses.
Calm jangled nerves and suppress early symptoms by getting into the kitchen. OTC in the pantry means something altogether different from the vast over the counter drugstore nasal, throat and body ache solutions.
Staying hydrated and flushing out the system with available fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables puts the home pharmacy at our fingertips.
- Friday, 08 February 2019
Flowers speak a language all their own. We give them for holiday celebrations, milestones and achievements and to mourn the loss of someone’s passing.
Various flower stems convey meaning through color, scent, and their cultural indications.
Bound by tradition, Valentine’s Day gifts typically include cards, candy and in some cases jewelry. Flowers nearly always accompany any of those presents.
For many centuries, flowers were used to convey romantic messages without having to verbalize the direct intentions. Particularly in the Victorian Era, it was considered impolite to openly state emotions or show physical affection.
The vehicle most often used to convey romantic interest or courtship was flowers. Specific bouquet arrangements, colors or types of flowers used would send a quiet lovers message.
Various flower stems convey meaning through color, scent, and their cultural indications.
Bound by tradition, Valentine’s Day gifts typically include cards, candy and in some cases jewelry. Flowers nearly always accompany any of those presents.
For many centuries, flowers were used to convey romantic messages without having to verbalize the direct intentions. Particularly in the Victorian Era, it was considered impolite to openly state emotions or show physical affection.
The vehicle most often used to convey romantic interest or courtship was flowers. Specific bouquet arrangements, colors or types of flowers used would send a quiet lovers message.
- Thursday, 31 January 2019
The 2019 Lunar New Year starts on the fifth of February. Coming off the Year of the Dog, this is the beginning of the Year of the Pig in the Chinese zodiac. The element for the year is Earth.
The promise for the new year is one of joy, celebration and success in all areas of life.
The pig (known also as the boar) is said to be generous, social and stable.
An Earth Pig year combines a realistic but happy-go-lucky sociable pig combined with the steady and sensible characteristics of Earth, it heralds a rewarding and prosperous year. This will be a year to enjoy friendships and social contacts and come together for the common good.
The promise for the new year is one of joy, celebration and success in all areas of life.
The pig (known also as the boar) is said to be generous, social and stable.
An Earth Pig year combines a realistic but happy-go-lucky sociable pig combined with the steady and sensible characteristics of Earth, it heralds a rewarding and prosperous year. This will be a year to enjoy friendships and social contacts and come together for the common good.