This page lists selected news related to the Hospitality/Tourism/Retail Committee industry and members.

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Asian Consumers Fuel Swatch Group Profits [CH] [en]
7.02.12, Swissinfo.ch
Swatch Group, the largest maker of Swiss watches, reported an 18 per cent gain in 2011 profit as Chinese consumers bought more Omega and Breguet timepieces. Net income rose to SFr1.27 billion ($1.4 billion) from SFr1.07 billion a year earlier, the Biel-based company said. “We expect growth to continue in 2012, although this is more and more challenging due to the high benchmark.” Swiss watch exports rose 19 per cent last year to a record as Asian consumers fueled a boom in luxury timepieces.

Swiss Tourism’s Publication “About Switzerland” is in Great Demand [CN] [cn]
31.01.12, Phoenix News
About Switzerland, published in a Chinese edition by Swiss Tourism and a local editing press, is on sale since the beginning of January accompanied by an extensive campaign on Micro-blog and blog. The recent Spring Festival has seen overwhelming sales of the edition and a significant ranking on the China book list.

Watchmakers Seize the Hour in China [CN] [en]
30.01.12, Xu Junqian, China Daily
Numbers from the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry show that China became the world's third-largest market for Swiss watches in 2011, with the highest increase in sales, 47.8 percent, among all markets. Hong Kong has remained the top market with the largest number of orders for Swiss watches since 2008. Even the traditionally popular brands have been introducing new models to lure wealthy Chinese customers. Kevin Rollenhagen, president of Omega SA's Greater China division, acknowledged that the brand has especially introduced a large number of watches decked out with diamonds because timepieces of this type have been selling like hot cakes in China.

Time is Right for Watchmakers [CN] [en]
14.01.12, Liu Lu, China Daily
Shenzhen’s manufacturers look to dominate global trade in timepieces, Shenzhen already being the world’s largest watch-outsourcing base. However the companies lack the brand-awareness that Swiss-made watches have. Zhu Shunhua, secretary-general of the SWCA (Shenzhen Watch and Clock Association) comments: "Shenzhen watch manufacturers should learn from their Swiss competitors to persuade more people to see 'Made in Shenzhen' as a quality seal."

Nestle to Build Fresh Milk Supply Base in NE China [CN] [en
12.01.12, China Daily
Swiss food giant Nestle will invest 2.5 billion yuan ($396 million) to build a fresh milk supply base in Northeast China's Heilongjiang province. Nestle and the government of Shuangcheng city signed a memorandum Wednesday, which specified that Nestle will invest 2.5 billion yuan to build the city into the biggest fresh milk supply base of Nestle in China within five years.

Blancpain Caruso Chinese Dragon Wristwatch [CN] [cn]
30.12.11, Sohu.com
Blancpain plans to bring in the Year of the Dragon in style with its limited edition wrist watch – The Caruso Chinese Dragon. The manufacturer which does not need to add ‘Limited Edition’ to its releases simply because it produces less than 10,000 watches annually (even Rolex does 2,000 – and that is in a single day) promises that the Chinese Dragon shall have a mere 50 watches released.

Watchmaker Brings Art to Timeless Hotel [CN] [en]
28.12.11, China Daily
Swatch Group recently announced the opening of The Swatch Art Peace Hotel in Shanghai. The watchmaker has rebuilt and transformed the southern building of the Peace Hotel into an art center. A special committee will select several young artists, who will be able to live in the Swatch Art Peace Hotel for half a year to create their works.

Chocolate Sellers Enjoying Holiday Cheer [CN] [en]
23.12.11, Xie Yu, China Daily
Sales of chocolate in Shanghai have picked up greatly in the days leading up to Christmas. Observers see that as a sign that the city is becoming more international and foreign chocolate makers are trying harder to enter the Chinese market. Thomas Meier, managing director of the chocolate maker Lindt & Sprungli (Asia Pacific) Ltd, said the company sees its chocolate sales increase the most in China around Christmas and Chinese New Year.

Be Bold: Carsick Cars X Nescafe [CN] [cn]
1.12.11, Phoenix News
November 15 saw the launch of another collaboration between Chinese record label Maybe Mars’ indie rock darlings Carsick Cars and provider of instant coffee to the masses, Nescafe. Using the slogan “Be Bold,” Nescafe enlisted 5 celebrity spokespersons from across China to unveil their latest China campaign: “Be Bold.”

Codex Watch Expand the Chinese Market [CN] [cn]
29.11.11, Qingdao News
Swiss watch manufacturer CODEX announced it’s entry into the Chinese market on 8 December. CODEX was founded in Biel in 2009. X is the brand's symbol, referring to the X chromosome that exists in all of us as the very essence of our identity. Omnipresent, it is also the determining element of its timepieces.

Shangrila and Arosa Become Partner Cities [CH] [fr]
26.11.11, Sinoptic
Swiss Arosa and Chinese Shangrila became partner cities on 14 October 2011. Government representatives of Shangrila travelled to Switzerland to participate in the ceremony and sign together with Rolf Bucher and Christian Menet the partnership agreement. The Memorandum of Understanding contains not only tourism, cable cars and politics, but also Art and natural preservation.

Unique Collection of Swatch Watches Sold for Astonishing HK$ 51’707’500 [DE] [de]
25.11.11, Trusted Watch
One of the most complete collections of Swatch watches in the world, which reflects the outstanding story of Swatch, was sold at a historical amount of HK$ 51’707’500. The Blum Collection was assembled over many years by Swiss businessman Peter Blum and his wife Linda, passionate collectors of Swatch watches since the brand’s early days.

Eterna Doubles Effort to Push Expansion [CH] [fr]
22.11.11, Bastien Buss, Le Temps
Eterna, part of the Chinese Haidian group since 5 months, is planning on increasing its points of sale by 40%. Patrick Kury, interim CEO, confirms that the production will stay in Switzerland, with no relocation to China. The concrete synergies with the group and its other brands, Ebohr and Rossini, will be put in place next year. The main objective of Eterna is to return back in the black, after last year’s 20 million CHF loss.

Nestle Acquires 60% Stake in Yinlu [CN] [en]
18.11.11, China Daily
Nestle SA officially finished the acquisition of a 60 percent stake in China’s Yinlu Foods Group on 17 November. At a ceremony in the south-eastern city of Xiamen, home to the headquarters of Yinlu, the two also announced they will jointly invest 2.5 billion yuan ($394 million) in Yinlu to expand current and build new production facilities nationwide.

Nestle Set to Brew Up Chinese Expansion [CN] [en]
18.11.11, Li Fangfang, China Daily
The global food and nutrition giant Nestle SA plans to double the scale of its investment in the Chinese coffee market during the next three years, said a top company executive. To meet the rapidly increasing demand, the Swiss company has invested 600 million yuan ($94 million) in the construction of its third Chinese factory, in Shandong province. According to the Beijing Coffee Association, the Chinese coffee market has surged by 15 percent annually in recent years, far higher than the global average of 2 percent. However, the nation's annual coffee consumption of about 70 billion yuan is small in comparison with the global total of 12 trillion yuan.

Cyma Opened its Flagship Store in Changchun [CN] [cn]
17.11.11, Phoenix News
On 12 November, Cyma opened one flagship store in Changchun Department Store. Liuye, the brand ambassador of Cyma, Zhu Jihua, executive director of Cyma China, and others participated in the opening ceremony. Liuye who is from Changchun mentioned he was happy to introduce ancient and world known brand Cyma, to his friends in the city. Zhu Jihua said Cyma is planning to open 45 stores in Changchun because of the strong demand there.

Developing a Taste for Local Coffee [CN] [en]
15.11.11, Yu Tianyu, China Daily
The world's leading coffee makers have started growing beans in Yunnan, the province regarded as the cradle of Pu'er tea. Swiss-based Nestle SA, recently added Nescafe Yunnan Arabica coffee to its beverage portfolio, pinning much hope on its success. Wouter De Smet, manager of Nestle Coffee Agriculture Service (NAS), said the company started a coffee development program based in Pu'er, in 1994 that focused on training and technical assistance. So far, Nestle has invested about 50 million yuan into training local people free of charge, helping jump-start the Arabica coffee bean development in Yunnan and supporting farmers in improving the quality and yield of their plantations.

The First Swiss Hotel Opened in Xi’an [CN] [cn]
14.11.11, Zhang Lin, Sohu News
On 12 November, the first Swiss hotel – “Swisstouches Hotel & Resort” opened in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, with Swiss ambassador Blaise Godet participating in its opening ceremony. Godet also talked to Zhao Zhuanhong, the Standing Committee member of the Municipal Party committee. They both saw this event as an opportunity for further cooperation between Swiss cities and Xi’an. This new hotel will bring elegant Swiss culture to Xi’an, one of the four ancient capitals in the world.

Strong Sales in Asia Boost Richemont [AU] [en]
14.11.11, Annaleigh Vallie, Business Day
Swiss luxury goods group Compagnie Financière Richemont will open another 43 stores in the next six months as demand in Asia continues to drive growth, chief financial officer Gary Saage said on Friday. The owner of brands such as Cartier, IWC, Montblanc and, recently, online shopping boutique Net-A-Porter, said sales increased 29 percent to €4,214bn in the six months ending September 30, especially triggered by jewellery and watch sales in Asia. "We believe expansion will come from these growth markets and not the West," Mr Saage said.

Guests From Zurich Visited Partner City Kunming to Promote Tourism in Switzerland [CN] [cn]
8.11.11, CQCB
On 6 November, former Mayor of the City of Zurich, Thomas Wagner, participated in the presentation of Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa. Deputy Secretary General of Kunming municipal government He Shaobai met with him on the occasion. Wagner praised Kunming’s development in recent years. He also recommended to Kunming citizens to visit Zurich and enjoy the beautiful landscape there.

Master Chef Introduces Saint Moritz’s Flair to Beijing [CN] [en]
7.11.11, China Daily
“Higher, further, faster…better” – This is the motto of young and ambitious master chef Mattias Roock, who will come to visit the Kempinski Hotel Beijing to share his passionate commitment to gourmet cuisine with his guests. After gathering a wealth of international experience with renowned chefs including Gordon Ramsey and Alaine Ducasse, Mattias Roock is today the youngest master chef of the Kempinski Group, responsible for 4 restaurants and 70 employees in the Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains in Switzerland, at the age of 31.

Groupon's China JV Says Sold Fake Tissot Watches [CN] [en]
7.11.11, Reuters
Groupon's China JV Gaopeng said on Monday it had sold counterfeit Swatch brand Tissot watches by accident and will compensate its irate buyers in its latest struggle in expanding into the potentially lucrative market. "After an investigation into the Tissot watch incident, Gaopeng found the merchant...had given us fake agent qualification documents," Gaopeng said in a statement.

International Luxury Show Closed in South Lake [CN] [cn]
3.11.11, Enorth.com
“2011 Western impact on China’s top luxury goods consumption • International Exhibition” which took place in South Lake Park, Chengdu was closed on 30 October. The Luxury jewelry show was held, amongst others, by Sichuan Expo Affairs Bureau and the World Luxury Association, hosting many world-known brands like: Goldvish, Bateri, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Breitling, Tagheuer. Chengdu was chosen as venue because of its annual 20% increase in the consumption of luxery goods.

Swatch Group Treats Itself to a Hotel in Shanghai [CH] [fr]
2.11.11, Bastien Buss, Le Temps
Swatch group reopened the famous Shanghai Peace Hotel after two years of renovation and over 200 million CHF investment on 1 November. The new Swatch Art Peace Hotel, situated at the intersection of The Bund and Nanjing Road is now home to four boutiques, a hotel and 18 art workshops. With around 800’000 pedestrians passing daily, Swatch marks its presence in one of its fastest growing markets.

Nestle Marks a Decade of Pioneering Research and Development in China [CH] [en]
27.10.11, Nestle
Nestle celebrated ten years of nutrition and food science at its pioneering research and development centre in Shanghai, China on 27 October. The centre was the first of its kind in the country when it opened in November 2001. Teachers and children from a local primary school in Shanghai were also present at the event. The children gave a demonstration of the cooking skills they have been learning as part of Nestle’s Healthy Kids programme.

Swiss Watch-Maker Ogival Sponsored Emil Wakin Chau’s Concert [CN] [cn]
25.10.11, NetEase
Emil Wakin Chau held a press conference on 19 October in Guangzhou for his 2011 concert. Swiss watch brand Ogival will sponsor Chau’s concert on 19 November. Chau accepted the watch offered on the occasion and expressed his thanks to Ogival’s representative Gusta. Ogival will promote the concert in Guangzhou by offering tickets for Chau’s concert to the buyers of a watch.

Mengniu Dairy Said to Consider Bid for Pfizer Baby Food Unit [CN] [en]
24.10.11, Cathy Chan & Natasha Khan, Bloomberg
China Mengniu Dairy Co., the nation’s biggest dairy company, may bid for Pfizer Inc. (PFE)’s infant-nutrition business, two people with knowledge of the matter said. The company won’t decide whether to proceed until more financial data on the unit is available, one of the people said. Mengniu said in a stock-exchange filing today that it isn’t “in any direct negotiation” with Pfizer. The infant-nutrition business may fetch as much as $10.5 billion, and draw interest from companies including Danone, Abbott Laboratories and Nestle SA, people familiar with the transaction said in July. Mengniu’s market value is just over half that amount, and shares in the cheese and milk producer fell today after its interest was reported.

Intercultural Management New Motto for Swiss Tourist Industry [CH] [de]
21.10.11, Davide Scruzzi, NZZ Online
With Asian tourists gradually replacing European and American ones, the Swiss tourist industry needs to adapt to their specific needs and habits, intercultural management being the buzzword. For example Chinese tourists often criticize the lack of translations and language skills and wish to have shorter breaks between the courses of a meal as well as more tea variety on the menu. Adapting to these circumstances, intercultural behavior is already an integral part of the curricular of Swiss hotel management schools.

Titoni Sponsors Peking Opera Exhibition in Switzerland [CN] [cn]
19.10.11, NetEase
Daniel Schluep, president of Titoni, announced the company’s sponsoring of a Peking opera exhibition in Switzerland. This interest in Peking Opera is partially due to the fact that the Chinese name of Titoni, Meihua (Plum Blossom) is linked to Mei Lanfang’s name, one of the four most famous opera singers in China. Therefore Daniel Schluep thinks Titoni is a suiting sponsor of a Peking opera exhibition. Conveniently, plum flowers were mostly appreciated by Mei Lanfang.

Swiss Watches in the Chinese Mirror [CH] [en]
17.10.11, Pierre Maillard, Europa Star
Between January and July of this year, Hong Kong and China purchased nearly one-third of Swiss watch exports by value, which represents an increase of 76 and 160 percent respectively, compared to same period in 2009. Adding Singapore and Taiwan, the “Chinese” share rises to nearly 40 percent of Swiss watch sales. Thus the tastes of the Chinese consumer that are mainly classic, largely and directly influence Swiss watch production. The famous refrain “back to basics,” while it was favoured during the crisis of 2008, has been taken to heart by all the watch brands that are actively looking towards the Chinese market.

Swatch/Richemont : Will China fix it ? [CH] [de]
13.10.11, Ringier AG Cash
As fears of recession still dictate the stock markets behaviour, the stocks of Swatch and Richemont fell to this year’s lowest values two weeks ago. However many experts state that China will be able to compensate for loss suffered in western countries and guarantee growth in the luxury goods sector.

Switzerland: Defining Beauty in Discrete Privacy [CN] [en]
11.10.11, China Daily
More and more affluent Chinese travel all the way to Switzerland for medical and aesthetic treatments for quality as well as privacy reasons. With the rapidly growing middle as well as upper class, an increasing number of wealthy Chinese head cross-border for higher quality care. Other than pursuing a better standard of living, their biggest concern is health. While affluent Chinese used to travel to the US, Taiwan or Singapore for medical care, they now prefer Switzerland (if they can afford it). Chinese travelers are the quickest-growing traveler segment within Swiss tourism. In comparison to last year, a growth of 97% could be recorded.

Strong Franc Impacts on Summer Hotel Stays [CH] [en]
6.10.11, swissinfo.ch
Summer bookings at Swiss hotels have suffered – apparently as a result of the strong franc – falling year-on-year by 6.3 per cent in August. Numbers of foreign guests fell by 9.4 per cent, with fewer visitors coming from Europe, new figures show. However Asian visitors rose by 3.3 per cent, with 65 per cent more hotel guests from mainland China – a record rise for a country. South Korean visitors also rose by a healthy 21 per cent.

Large Increase in Hotel Nights Spent by Chinese in Switzerland [CH] [fr]
6.10.11, Chine Informations
The Swiss Federal Office of Statistics recently published the official guest-night numbers for the month of August. Chinese tourist’s numbers augmented by 34’000 (65%) which states the largest increase of all provenance countries.

The Rolex Experience in Shanghai – the First Hands-On Center in the World [CN] [cn]
26.09.11, China Daily
The world’s first Rolex experience center was opened September 2011, in 1/F, 27 Zhongshan Dong Yi road, Huangpu District, Shanghai. Embedded in the classic atmosphere of the House of Roosevelt, Rolex will lead the visitors through its history and the world of prestigious watch-making. The center is divided into three parts: the heart of Rolex, the pulse of Rolex and the gallery.

Adding a Touch of Fengshui to the Alps [CN] [en]
23.09.11, China Daily
On the last Thursday of every month a gardening expert leads guided tours around Zurich's glorious China Garden. The garden was a gift from twin city of Kunming in Southwest China and was given as thanks for the technical and scientific aid the Swiss gave in developing Kunming's drinking water and drainage system.

International M&A Rulings Set to Exceed 200 This Year [CN] [en]
22.09.11, Ding Qingfen, China Daily
The transnational merger and acquisition (M&A) cases that China accepts and handles are expected to exceed 200 in 2011, rising from 117 in 2010, pointing to the appeal of the Chinese market to foreign investors and China's improving anti-monopoly laws. From January to August, China began investigations into 118 M&A cases, and the figure is expected to reach "200" in 2011, compared with 117 in 2010, Shang predicted. The most recent case involves Nestle SA and Chinese snack and candy maker Hsu Fu Chi International Ltd, with the world's largest food producer agreeing to buy 60% of the Chinese company for $2.07 billion in July. Another Nestle acquisition, of a 60% stake in Xiamen Yinlu Food Group Co Ltd, was recently approved.

Swissflex Enters Chinese Market [CN] [cn]
15.09.11, Sina.com
The famous Swissflex bedding system held the opening ceremony of its first store in Easy Home, Beijing on 11 September. As a famous affiliate of Recticel, Swissflex has been manufacturing mattress since 1924. Jens Fischer, a senior director of Recticel, Han Guang, the representative from Easy Home and others were present at the opening ceremony.

Nestle Support China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation [CN] [cn]
14.09.11, Phoenix News
Nestle recently donated RMB 100.000 worth of infant nutrition products to Yulong, a poverty stricken county in Yunnan Province, to support the project of China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation. As one of the first multinational to invest in Southeast China, Nestle has contributed a lot to the development of local agriculture, including buying local coffee beans from Yunnan Province.

Asia Visa Bottleneck Frustrates Tourist Sector [CH] [en]
13.09.11, Swissinfo.ch
Already blighted by the strong franc, the Swiss tourism industry is being further hampered by delays in issuing visas to visitors in emerging markets. Tourism bosses have complained to the foreign ministry that bottlenecks are costing the industry income in its hour of need. Emerging markets, such as China and Russia, are seen as the sector’s salvation. Industry insiders have complained that a lack of consulate staff and excessive red tape has delayed – and in some cases even scuppered – attempts to process tourist visas to a growing number of potential visitors from key markets.

Switzerland Loses Asian Tourists Because of Overstrained Visa Centres [CH [de]
7.09.11, Maurice Thiriet, Basler Zeitung
The demand for travels to Switzerland and therefore Swiss visas is increasing so fast in Asia that the Visa centres can’t keep up the pace, mostly due to lack of staff. The current bottleneck could diminish Swiss Tourism's intensified efforts to promote Switzerland as travel destination throughout China and India.

Fritz Schenkel, Spokesman For Chengdu [CN] [en]
6.09.11, Huang Zhiling, China Daily
Dressed in a business suit, Fritz Schenkel has a stern face. But all employees in the Kempinski Hotel in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan province, appreciate their Swiss boss. Having grown up in Winterhur, Switzerland, and educated by parents who managed a restaurant successfully, Schenkel became the second general manager of the Kempinski Hotel in Chengdu in February 2007. He has worked in Switzerland, England, France, Vietnam, the Republic of Korea (Seoul), Beijing, Shanghai and Urumqi. Chengdu is the first destination where he will have worked for six years in a row when his contract expires in 2013. "I appreciate Sichuan people and feel comfortable with them," Schenkel said in an exclusive interview with China Daily.

Springer Will Publish Free Newspaper in Mandarin [CH [de]
6.09.11, Meedia
Axel Springer Switzerland is going to publish a Tourism- and Watch-magazine in Mandarin. It’s a free magazine aimed at Chinese tourists in Switzerland. A first test version will be published this fall.

Rado Launches “Rado Star Prize Switzerland” [CH [de]
6.09.11, Fotointern
The Rado Prize, held all over the globe, has the objective to encourage young talents in the fields of Architecture, fashion and product design, music, video art and photography. This year’s edition has put a special focus on the exchange between China and Switzerland, running the two countries competitions in parallel. The Chinese and Swiss winners will have the possibility to go to the partner country and realize a concrete project, thereby creating a cultural and professional link.

Anti-Monopoly Watchdog Gives Nestle Nod [CN] [en]
5.09.11, China Daily
Nestle, the world's largest food manufacturer, announced Sunday that its bid for a 60% stake in China's Yinlu Food Group has been approved by the Ministry of Commerce. The deal will be completed after both companies complete the requisite ownership transaction procedures, a move that will help Nestle deepen its penetration into the Chinese market. Yinlu Food Group, a family-owned food maker based in Xiamen city, capital of Fujian province, posted sales of 5.46 billion yuan ($854 million) in 2010. Nestle's revenue in China reached 20.4 billion yuan last year.

Chinese Tourists Flock to Switzerland [CH] [de]
31.08.11, Jurg Brandenberger, SRF
There have never been this many Chinese tourists visiting the famous Swiss destinations such as Lucerne and Interlaken as this summer. This is fortunate for the tourism industry that has otherwise been strongly affected by the strong Swiss Franc. Often the Chinese tourist groups stay only two days in Switzerland before continuing the journey elsewhere - enough to buy a luxury watch and visit the Jungfraujoch. In Interlaken watch stores make up to 70% of their sales volume with Chinese clients.

Swiss Media Visit Sanya [CN] [cn]
31.08.11, Phoenix News
On 28th August, Ma Yili accompanied by the Director of the Chinese National Tourism Administration, Sanya city government officials, and a group of journalists representing the Bern Daily, the Tribunes de Genève, New Luzern and Neue Luzerner Zeitung, visited the picturesque city of Sanya.

Swatch Group Opened its Office in Chengdu [CN] [cn]
30.08.11, 21 Century News
On 25th August, Swatch Group opened its fifth office in Wuhou Science and Business District, Chengdu, which will offer great convenience for its Chengdu customers who want to buy or repair their Swatch products. As the world’s biggest watch manufacturer and distributor Swatch Group owns nineteen watch brands of which seventeen of them - including famous ones like Omega, Tissot, Longines - can be found in Chengdu.

Leica Opened its First Franchise Store in China [CN] [cn]
30.08.11, Phoenix News
On 30th August, Leica Camera AG opened its first franchise store in Oriental Plaza Mall, Beijing, providing buyers with a new channel from which to buy the products as well as ample customer services. The M-Series of Leica Camera AG is very popular in China, attracting many famous Chinese such as Faye Wong.

In China, the Sale of Swiss Watches has Accelerated [CH] [fr]
26.08.11, Bastien Buss, Le Temps
For the Swiss watch industry, the leading role of China as a leading relay for growth is confirmed everyday. The Watch Federation reported this week that exports to the Middle Kingdom have increased by 47.5% between the months of January through July as compared to the same period in 2010. Hengdeli, the world's largest retailer, also reported a turnover increase of 46%.

Ministry Looks into Nestle and Yum [CN] [en]
25.08.11, Qiang Xiaoji, China Daily
The Anti-monopoly Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce is looking into Nestle SA's takeover of Chinese candy maker, Hsu Fu Chi International Ltd, and Yum Brands Inc's acquisition of Chinese hotpot chain, Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot. The ministry's spokesman, Shen Danyang, said on Wednesday that the ministry will publicly release the investigation results if the acquisitions are denied or approved with restrictions. If the cases are given unconditional approval the ministry will only inform the reporting party. Nestle announced on July 11 that it will purchase 60% of Hsu Fu Chi for $1.7 billion. The Guangdong-based company is China's biggest candy producer.

Swiss Watch Industry Playing for Both Sides? [CH] [fr]
25.08.11, Bastien Buss, Le Temps
In the context of a mechanical watch movement penury in Switzerland, it’s surprising that with an increasing trend, almost 20% of these parts produced in Switzerland are actually exported abroad, most of them to Hong Kong. Even though it’s legitimate, many members of the Swiss watch industry criticize these exports, as the Swiss movements are used abroad to make watches later on branded Swiss made, or also because a considerable amount of the exported movements find their way into Chinese falsifications, undermining the industries branding effort.

Nestle Continues to Sponsor the Beijing Music Festival [CN] [cn]
24.08.11, Phoenix News
Nestle announced recently that it will continue to sponsor the Beijing Music Festival. Nestle has been the sponsor of this event since 2000. This year’s Beijing Music Festival will start from 11th October and end at 31st October, a total of 21 days celebrating Music.

Swiss Milk for China’s Little Emperors [CH] [de]
22.08.11, 20 Minuten
Swiss milk processors are looking for new export strategies as the Swiss market is becoming saturated. The heads are turning towards Asia, where the firm Tetra Pak prognosticates a downright boom for milk products. The Swiss exports to Asia are currently still quite modest but promise to grow quickly in the future, as Chinese parents strive to give their children only best quality products, with Swiss products enjoying a very good reputation. The Hochdorf-Group achieved 7.4% of its 2010 sales volume in China and still sees an enormous growth potential: “In China alone, 20 Mio. babies are born every year”.

L’Oreal-Nestle Joint Venture Inneov Beauty-Pill Has Entered China [CN] [cn]
19.08.11, Phoenix News
Inneov, the maker of beauty pills owned jointly by Nestle SA and L’Oreal SA, has officially entered China market. Many Chinese celebrities were invited for the launching ceremony held in 798 Art Zone on August 18. L’Oreal, based in Paris, and Nestle, the world’s largest food company, formed Inneov in 2002 as “an alliance of expertise,” said Brigitte Liberman, head of L’Oreal’s Active Cosmetics unit, which operates Inneov.The joint venture sells in 16 European countries, plus Brazil and Mexico.

Hsu Fu Chi Deal Offers 23% Return [CN] [en]
16.08.11, Michael Wei & Debra Mao, China Daily
Nestle SA's biggest acquisition in China is giving traders a chance to reap a 23%t profit without the risk of losing any money on the deal. Nestle agreed to buy 60% of Hsu Fu Chi International Ltd, the Dongguan, Guangdong-based candy maker, for S$2.07 billion ($1.7 billion) in July. Sales at Hsu Fu Chi will increase more than 20% next year, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Analysts estimate that Nestle's revenue will rise about 3% in 2012.

Geneva’s Grand Prix Watch Show in China [CN] [cn]
16.08.11, Phoenix News
Geneva’s Grand Prix Watch Show will hold its China Exhibition in Hong Kong and Shanghai. As one of the most influential and prestigious events, the Geneve Watch Exhibition is definitely worth a look.

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