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Agria Corporation, a China-based company with investments in the agriculture sector, announced that its New Zealand listed subsidiary, PGG Wrightson, is to establish a Beijing representative office.
The Beijing representative office will work to deliver revenue and profit-generating business for PGG Wrightson in China. The initial focus will be on working with PGG Wrightson existing businesses to satisfy the strong demand in China for high quality grass seed and for dairy livestock sourced from New Zealand, Australia and Uruguay.
It is envisaged that the representative office will facilitate sourcing of products for PGG Wrightson's rural supplies business in New Zealand and serve as a valuable resource for PGG Wrightson's other business units. The office will also be responsible for conducting market and product research, marketing, brand promotion and coordination of PGG Wrightson's activities in China, amongst other activities.
Xie Tao, Agria's Chief Executive Officer, said Agria is proud to welcome its partner into China. "The establishment of a formal representative office reflects the success of our relationship, our resource sharing and continued mutual goal of pursuing attractive growth opportunities in China, New Zealand and worldwide."
George Gould, Managing Director of PGG Wrightson, said the move represented a significant milestone in the company's strategy of generating value for all PGG Wrightson shareholders from market opportunities in China.
"It is worth noting that PGG Wrightson has a history of working with China-based partners and customers given the international scope of our livestock, wool and proprietary seeds businesses."
Mr. Gould will be visiting Beijing as part of a scheduled business trip to China later this week.
Agria Corporation is a China-based agriculture company with operations in China and internationally. In China, we engage in research and development, production and sale of seed products, including field corn seeds, edible corn seeds and vegetable seeds.
PGG Wrightson is a leading provider to the agricultural sector offering a wide range of products, services and solutions to growers, farmers and processors in New Zealand and internationally.
Within the site, you will find information on all the products and services we offer to help you maximise your agri-business profitability.
HECS, a global leader in concealment textiles headquartered in Oregon, announces its partnership with Xcel in developing wetsuits that will enable divers to get closer to marine life. Leading international wetsuit brand Xcel will release HECS STEALTHSCREEN fullsuits, which feature cuttingedge concealment technology designed to give divers greater proximity to underwater marine life than ever before.
Already proving it’s efficacy in the hunting community, HECS STEALTHSCREEN technology material is endorsed by the Pelagic Shark Research Foundation, Santa Cruz, California.
Mike Slinkard, President of HECS LLC, says the relationship with Xcel is a natural progression for the HECS technology. "HECS STEALTHSCREEN has major benefits to divers," says Mike.
"All living things, including humans, emit faint electric signals. Many marine species are able to detect and react to these signals. HECS STEALTHSCREEN reduces the human electric signal, allowing divers to experience life underwater in its natural undisturbed state."
"The unique HECS STEALTHSCREEN material is incorporated into the Xcel wetsuit as an inner lining made of conductive carbon fibers that are designed to reduce the human body’s electric signal, while delivering the highest standards of comfort, performance, and flexibility for which Xcel wetsuits are known."
Xcel’s HECS STEALTHSCREEN fullsuits are available in multiple thicknesses, including camouflage-patterned colors for greater visual concealment in underwater environments.
HECS is a world leader in concealment technology. An Oregon-based company, HECS also supplies apparel and equipment to the hunting industry. HECS STEALTHSCREEN’s conductive carbon grid works to reduce the electric signal emitted by the human body.
Founded in 1982, Xcel International Inc (Xcel) is a global brand distributed throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific Rim. Headquartered on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, Xcel’s core wetsuit business focuses on the cutting edge of material and design development.
In Beaulieu of America’s on-going commitment to streamline operations and off-set higher raw materials and transportation costs, the company will close down its Eufaula, Alabama yarn processing facility that it has operated since 1998. The closure will occur within the next 60 days and affect 190 Beaulieu associates.
"Due to reduced sales brought on by the economy plus higher materials costs, we made the decision to consolidate the Eufaula yarn processing capacity to our other facilities that are closer to our carpet mills in Dalton, Georgia," said Ralph Boe, president and CEO of Beaulieu. Mr. Boe acknowledged the “exemplary performance” of the Beaulieu associates at the Eufaula facility.
"We very much appreciate their service to Beaulieu over the years, and we will work to assist in finding new positions for them, and provide opportunities in other sites as available."
Beaulieu of America is the world's largest carpet-only manufacturer focused exclusively on making carpet for residential, commercial, and specialty markets. It is headquartered in Dalton, Georgia with $1.0 billion in sales and over 5,000 of the industry's best and most dedicated employees.
It designs, manufactures and markets BLISS carpet for residential replacement, BOLYU carpet for specified commercial, AQUA carpet for the hospitality industry and Armstrong FASHIONSMART carpet for new home construction.
Largest carpet-only producer in the world based in Dalton, GA. Produces carpets with Magic Fresh odor reduction and other innovative, solutions-oriented products. It markets residential replacement, commercial, property management and new home carpets.
BASF plans to establish the global headquarters of its Dispersions & Pigments division in Hong Kong. As of January 1, 2012, the division head and about 50 global positions, currently located in Ludwigshafen and Basel, will transition to Hong Kong. Transfer of positions will be realized over a period of about 12 months.
"Asia is already the largest market for our division today. We want to further participate in the dynamic growth in that region and beyond. To this end, we want to change the perspective from which we view our customer industries . By forming a global team at an international location we will also further increase attractiveness of BASF as a global employer ," said Dr. Markus Kramer, President of BASF’s Dispersions & Pigments division.
All employees affected by the transition and who will not move to Hong Kong will be offered other positions within BASF. The regional business and production units located in Europe and Asia are not affected by this move.
The portfolio of the Dispersions & Pigments division includes pigments, resins, dispersions and additives such as photoinitiators, light stabilizers and formulation additives. Main customer industries are the coatings and paints industry, as well as the adhesive, printing and packaging industries. The division posted sales of €3.2 billion in 2010 .
BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and agricultural products to oil and gas. As a reliable partner BASF creates chemistry to help its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful.
The Woolmark Company and one of China's largest babywear brands, Les Enphants, have begun a joint marketing program to educate Chinese consumers about the benefits of Merino wool in babywear.
The Les Enphants initiative is part of the Mothers and Babies program at Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), which has been set up to drive demand for Merino wool in this lucrative market. Products involved include a 100% Australian extra fine Merino wool cardigan, blanket and hat, all featuring the Woolmark logo. The products will be sold initially through 30 Les Enphants outlets within high end department stores including Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou.
Merino wool is the ideal fibre for infants' and children's clothing as it has natural moisture management properties and assists with the regulation of body temperature. This inherent breathability and active moisture management properties of the fibre also helps prevent the skin from becoming clammy, which can provide a more comfortable environment for better sleep.
AWI works on behalf of its 29,000 woolgrower shareholders who own the famous Woolmark logo. AWI will continue to work with Les Enphants to grow their Australian Merino wool program over the coming seasons. As a market leader in the babywear market, Les Enphants operates over 2000 retail outlets across Taiwan, China, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand.
Stuart McCullough, CEO of Australian Wool Innovation said the partnership between AWI and Les Enphants is an important step in a significant program within the company.
"With the trend toward natural products and the emergence of the rapidly growing consumer demand for products consistent with a lifestyle of health and sustainability – commonly known as the "LOHAS" consumer, the launch of this partnership is timely. Les Enphants is the market leader and is the ideal brand to bring the best Merino wool babywear product to the Chinese market".
Australian Merino is a natural, biodegradable and renewable fibre, making it the perfect choice for those seeking clothing that has a minimal impact on the environment.
Debenhams has revealed that fishermen have been named as the driving force behind a new trend hitting the British high streets this winter.
The popularity of exciting and macho fishing television programmes such as 'Deadliest Catch' and 'Extreme Fishing with Robson Green' have made fishing cool again and transformed the image of clothing traditionally associated with seafaring pursuits.
Demand for duffle coats, cream cable knit jumpers, chunky woollen socks, stripy t-shirts, waterproof trousers and rugged has soared over the last month with further increases expected as the cold weather continues.
Currently up on the year are chunky boots (up 81 per cent), boat shoes (up 195 per cent), thick woollen socks (up 27 per cent), duffle coats (up 25 per cent), striped t-shirts (up 25 per cent), thermal underwear (up 67 per cent), waterproof trousers (up 94 per cent) and heavy knits, up 55 per cent.
Inspired by the likes of Paul Weller, David Beckham, David Cameron and Noel Gallagher, it seems British men are falling hook, line and sinker for the look.
Ruth Attridge, spokesperson for Debenhams said: "No longer just the hobby of a solitary riverbank dweller, these TV shows have made 'fisherman fashion', the humble duffle coat, waterproof trousers and obligatory chunky socks and thermals, the must have look for autumn/winter 2011.
"Even 'Trawlermen', documenting the tough times of the Peterhead and Fraserburgh fishing fleets and arguably the most unlikely fashion icons, has shown the average British landlubber the masculine appeal of a hardy seaman."
Influenced by designers such as Burberry Prorsum, Paul Smith and Roland Mouret parading the angling look on the autumn/winter 2011 catwalks, the on trend way to wear fisherman fashion is in bold colours, with large pockets on duffles, teamed with mens boots and a beanie hat.
Debenhams has also seen the look start to translate into womenswear with bright duffle coats and chunky cardigans worn by the likes of Alexa Chung and Taylor Swift leading the way.
Debenhams' Ruth Attridge continued: "The tough, capable image of seafaring clothing seems to have chimed with the mood of the nation during the financial difficulties.
"Knowing that you are well equipped to cope with everything life can throw at you - no matter how hard the going becomes - is now seen as essential to weather the economic storm.
"Warm, hardwearing and now stylish, these items herald the return of practical fashion that will see you through the season and beyond."
Debenhams is the second largest department store chain in the UK with a strong presence in key product categories including women's clothing, men's clothing, childrenswear, furniture and health and beauty. Debenhams operates 167 stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Debenhams also has 61 international franchise stores in 24 countries and six Magasin stores in Denmark.
On Saturday, March 24, 2012, AGORA will be held at the W Hollywood located in Hollywood, Calif. Elizabeth Noblitt, CEO and founder of Shi Shi Putter, will host a fashion and trunk show for women golfers.
When you think of golf clothes, you don't usually think of fashion, but that's about to change now that Fashion Stylist and CEO and Founder of Shi Shi Putter, Elizabeth Noblitt, is on the scene. She is on a mission to bring more modern, fashionable women's golf clothing and designers to the forefront, while spreading the message of golf's ability to empower women.
During Women's History Month, Noblitt is holding AGORA, the first of its kind public fashion and trunk show for women golfers. She will bring together the designers of new, fashionable women's golf apparel with women golfers, celebrities, stylists and fashion media. More than just a runway show, this event includes shopping and other activities. AGORA takes place at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at the W Hollywood, located at 6250 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Calif.
AGORA will bring together this community of women golfers, where they can connect with designers, mingle with friends and see the latest fashion trends in the women's golf apparel. The featured designers manufacture their clothing primarily in the U.S. and understand the fashion desires of today's women.
"I named the event AGORA because after the ancient Greek marketplace where Athenians would shop, meet and learn. It was a core process in their culture, and their success. I want to bring that to women golfers," says Noblitt, who authors articles for Golf Today NW and was recently accepted into Fashion Group International.
Noblitt founded Shi Shi Putter when she recognized the lack of stylish, functional golf clothes for women. "As someone who's always been interested in style, I was surprised by the lack of fashionable choices for women golfers," says Noblitt, "So, I decided to do something about it." She aligned herself with some of the best emerging designers in the women's golf apparel industry and created Shi Shi Putter, a company with an online store, an information-packed blog and live events like AGORA.
Noblitt's philosophy is that women who golf for business need to express their style, both on and off the golf course. The limited selection of golf apparel for women has a negative impact on their professional image. By providing a greater array of clothing options to choose from, women can exude their true selves no matter where they are. She hopes to revolutionize the game of golf to make it more welcoming for women who enjoy the sport and want to maintain their sense of style.
Attendees have the opportunity to participate in a round of golf at Braemar Country Club in Tarzana, Calif. on Friday, March 23, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. The golf package is only available to AGORA ticketholders and includes18 holes of golf, practice balls, a continental breakfast, lunch and a reception after the round.. Participants will play in a shamble format, where everyone will tee off and then continue playing from the longest drive.
Noblitt will donate a portion of proceeds to the EWGA Foundation, whose mission is to create and fund education and leadership programs for women of all ages.
Alpaca clothier Inca Fashions recently announced it is now the first and only U.S. company to offer a full line of 100% Certified Organic Alpaca clothing.
Inca Fashions specializes in 100% pure alpaca clothing and baby alpaca, silk and wool blends. Alpaca fleece is a luxury fabric, softer and warmer than wool and cashmere. Alpaca is extremely durable and can easily outlive its owner. It’s naturally hypo-allergenic, water-resistant, and machine-washable.
Inca Fashions’ yarn manufacturer, located in Peru, is the only licensed producer of organic alpaca in the world and operates in socially responsible and inspected facilities. It is the first company of its kind in the Americas to be both organic (Control Union EU Skal 4235 and 5051, GOTS and NOP) and Fair Trade (FLO CERT ID 4543) certified.
The manufacturer has the longest history of Skal certification of any company in the world. Its cotton production has been certified organic since 1994 by Control Union/SKAL and in 2010 it added alpaca to its Certified Organic and Fair Trade production line.
Inca Fashions is the only company offering its Angel Soft yarn in the United States.
No pesticides, fungicides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers are used to grow or color the alpaca products. They are dye free, chemical free and environmentally sound.
The Control Union World Group is an international organization that provides inspection services, laboratory services, and certification services, and is officially accredited by the USDA to certify products under the National Organic Program (NOP). In 2006 the company acquired Skal International, an inspection and certification organization.
Australia seems to be becoming a preferred destination for fashion retailers from all corners of the world, as global chains continue to arrive and set up their shops in the country.
Several British and American fashion retailers including Paul Smith, Zara, Thomas Pink, Swarovski, Topshop and Costco have either set up or are about to set up their shops in Australia.
While British fashion retailers like Swarovski, Thomas Pink and Zara have secured exclusive outlets in Melbourne’s CBD, the United States retailing major Costco, a US$ 78 billion firm, which already has outlets in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne is now all set to launch its flagship outlet in Queensland.
Likewise, British fashion retailer Paul Smith that vends designer menswear, is also set to open its first Australian outlet in Melbourne and has secured a leased plot for the purpose.
Moreover, British retailer Topshop has also announced launch of its first Australian outlet in Melbourne on December 8.
Gwendoline Ruais became the highest Miss Philippines to rank in 37 years when she was named "1st Runner Up" (Miss Venezuela won). Gwen wore a red flowy chiffon Oliver Tolentino gown with a slit in the leg that was made expressly for her for the pageant.
The gown had a bodice beaded with red Swarovski crystals and a nude skin back. This was a personal honor for Oliver because it's the first time a Filipino designer has been allowed to create clothes in many decades under new country manager Cory Quirino.
Coincidentally, the first "1st Runner Up" 37 years ago was Evangeline Pascual who hails from Orani, Bataan. Oliver, also from Orani, is a distant cousin of Ms. Pascual.
For the pageant, Gwen also wore an Oliver Tolentino pina & abaca modern terno for the national costume portion of the TV show. In addition, Gwen was photographed in about a dozen of Oliver's outfits while she was in London.
She wore Oliver's dyed-blue pina skirt and blouse outfit to depart Manila and arrive in London, a silver sequined long gown when contestants were photographed along the Thames River, a green chiffon for the first charity event, and a raw silk cocoon cocktail dress at another event, among others.
Oliver somehow found time to make Gwen's outfits before returning to Los Angeles from Manila where he was honored as the Samsung 2011 MetroWear Icon of the Philippines by Metro & Metro Society magazines, in conjunction with the ABS-CBN TV network, last October 24.
As the MetroWear Icon, Tolentino presented a 75+-piece collection at the Sofitel Hotel Harbor Tent in a solo gala attended by the rich and famous of Manila society. Oliver chose charities Bantay Bata and Sagip Kapamilya to benefit from the invitation-only event. Ironically for Oliver, a designer from Bataan province who now dresses celebrities in Hollywood, this was his first gala in Manila.
Spotted at the show were former First Lady Imelda Marcos, the Princess of Brunei, actor Sam Milby, and members of the Lopez, Henry Sy, Lucio Tan, Pangilinan,and Tantoco families. Celebrity walkers included Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Venus Raj, Jake Cuenca, Pinky de Leon, Joan Bitigco, Marina Benipayo, Ria Salgado, Tutay Maristela, Empress Shuck, Divine Lee, Megan Young, Victor Basa, members of the Azkals football team, and a once-in-a-lifetime walk by Kuh Ledesma.
Ambassadors for the event were Kaye Tinga, Audrey Tan-Zubiri, Bettina Osmena, and Raul Manzano. Oliver's muses for the evening were Tessa and Kuh. Director Joaquin Valdes created an artistic short film to get the crowd in the theme for Old Hollywood. The film was preceded by a quote of Oliver's which read: "I had to leave in order to come home."
Oliver challenged himself in the collection by excluding the colors black, white, and red from his female pieces. Director Robby Carmona commented that it was his first show ever to close without black or white wedding gowns. Overhalf of the collection comprised native fabrics dyed in vibrant colors, most accentuated in great detail with hand cut-outs, rosettes, and beadings. Oliver offered evening gowns, cocktail dresses, ready-to-wear pants, and uniquely cut men's barongs. His collection received a standing ovation.
Additionally while in the Philippines, Oliver launched his MaSAYA handbag collection for RAGS 2 RICHES, a socio-ethical endeavor to help the women of Payatas. Oliver is the 2011 Rags2Riches handbag designer and all monies go toward the benefit of the nanays. Any proceeds Oliver may receive will be donated to educate children in Bataan province.
Oliver has been busy as he most recently had gowns featured on "America's Next Top Model" Cycle 17 where 7 of the 13 All Star contestants wore his gowns for the Pink's hotdog stand shoot. The winning contestant wore his purple pina dress.
