Tag Archives: Bureau of Economic Research

WhaleTales Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines: 7 May

WhaleTalesTourism, Food, and Wine news headlines

*   The FNB/Bureau for Economic Research Consumer Confidence Index ‘plummeted’ to -4  in the first quarter of 2015, reflecting the pessimism created by loadshedding, increases in income tax and the price of petrol, as well as ‘social and political turmoil‘.

*   Angelo Scirocco of Chef’s Warehouse and winner of the S. Pellegrino Young Chef of the Year Award for Africa/Middle East, has been ‘paired’ with fashion designer Ashi Studio of Beirut, each designer reinterpreting Continue reading →

WhaleTales Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines: 24 – 26 December!

WhaleTalesTourism, Food, and Wine news headlines

*   The Bureau of Economic Research Survey for the 4th quarter of this year shows that the expected growth rate in the volume of Accommodation business decreased to 5%, from 9% in the 3rd quarter. On average 11% growth is expected for the first quarter of next year. Disconcerting however is the drop in Business Confidence for the 4th quarter, down from 70 in the 3rd quarter, to 49 for this quarter, in a period which is usually buoyant.  Another concern is the first anticipated decline in growth in business in the Western Cape, of -3%, for the first quarter of 2015, the drop from the 3rd quarter growth rate of 20% crashing down to +3% in the 4th quarter!  (received from the Bureau of Economic Research)

*   Nando’s has set up a wholly-owned subsidiary in India, and plans to open 20  company stores in addition to those to be opened by its franchisees.   This is the chicken fast-food company’s second stab at the Indian market.

*   Chef Massimo Botturo, owner of the 3rd Best Restaurant in the world (Osteria Francescana in Modena), has denied speculations Continue reading →

WhaleTales Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines: 30 September

WhaleTalesTourism, Food, and Wine news headlines

*   A Global March for Rhinos and Elephants will be held on Saturday 4 October, with South Africa, the USA, Germany, Botswana, Kenya, the United Arab Emirates, Ireland, Italy, and Mozambique being some of the countries participating. World Travel Market (WTM) Africa staff will also participate in the march in Cape Town, as one of its social responsibility projects. The march calls for a total ban on the trade of ‘wildlife body parts’.  WTM Africa runs from 15 – 17 April.

*   The Bureau of Economic Research quarterly survey has found a sharp drop in the expectation of business growth for the Accommodation sector in the third quarter (July – September), at 9%, compared to the previous winter period of April – June, which showed a 22% growth expectation. For the last quarter of this year, growth of 16% is expected. All other business sectors surveyed are showing negative growth expectations. The overall Western Cape business growth expectation in the second quarter was 15%, is an estimated 20% for the third quarter, and 31 % for the 4th quarter, whereas all other provinces show negative growth experience and expectations. (received via e-mail from the Bureau of Economic Research)

*   Luvey ‘n Rose is offering an interesting Cigar Appreciation Evening on 7 October, with Roque, a professional cigar roller from Continue reading →

WhaleTales Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines: 5/6 April

WhaleTalesTourism, Food, and Wine news headlines

*  Minister of Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk said that tourism in South Africa is to undergo ‘revolutionary changes‘.   He spoke in New York at the Ubuntu Awards,  which recognises leisure and trade partners that work in the interest of  our country.

*   Consumer confidence remains low, at -6 index points on the FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index for the first quarter of 2014, a slight improvement by one index point relative to the previous quarter, reports The New Age.  The Bureau for Economic Research index measures consumers’ expectations of the economy, their financial situation, and ability to buy durable goods.

*   A South African Chenin Blanc Planetbee has been launched in the UK, and is causing a buzz in supporting a good Continue reading →