Topic “Europe” — Exporter Magazine

The average Asia-Europe all-in freight declined 10% in April, according to Container Trades Statistics (CTS), which also revealed that rates on routes to the western Mediterranean, North Africa fell 7.4% and 9% on eastern Med and Black Sea trade lanes, according to the Shipping Gazette. Consumers in southern Europe have a particularly positive attitude towards food and drink products packed in glass, according to FoodProductionDaily.com, citing a survey of European attitudes to glass packaging. In August, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co completed its takeover of Swedish carmaker Volvo Car Corporation. And late last month Shanghai-based Bright Food (Group) Co Ltd emerged as the frontrunner to acquire United Biscuits, the UK biscuit maker currently owned by private equity firms. A growing desire for premium and indulgent ice cream has fed high value growth in Western Europe, helping manufacturers defy the recession, according to DairyReporter.com. Air freight rates from Asia to Europe continue to decline as a weakening euro and doubts over economic growth create uncertainty among retailers, according to International Freight Weekly (IFW).