Olive oil, a fundamental ingredient of the Mediterranean diet, has seen a price drop in supermarkets since July 1st, thanks to the Spanish government's reduction of VAT to 0%. Considering this data, europages has conducted an analysis of extra virgin olive oil prices in Europe. Additionally, using information from our B2B supplier platform, we have studied the global demand for olive oil produced in Spain.

The UK government’s net zero strategy has provided impetus for the move towards renewable energy sources. The government recently announced a budget of over £1 billion for the latest renewable electricity auction, with an additional £800 million allocated for offshore wind energy. While renewable energy is already firmly part of the country’s electricity mix, increased adoption by businesses is crucial for the UK to hit its target of achieving net zero by 2050.

Faced with a challenging domestic economy, many UK businesses are turning towards international trade for growth – but this is becoming increasingly difficult due to global conflicts, the impact of Brexit, and supply chain regulation. Here we take a look at the main barriers and what can be done to overcome them.

The EU AI Act, which was approved by the European Parliament in March 2024, lays the foundations for the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the EU. Its goal is to provide “clear requirements and obligations regarding specific uses of AI”, according to EU policymakers. It is also intended to reduce administrative and financial burdens for businesses, in particular small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Act should be fully implemented by 2026. 
The EU AI Act aims to set out a regulatory framework for AI systems, with a focus on safety, privacy and preventing bias and ...

Most experts agree that the UK economy is showing signs of emerging from its recent slump, but the road ahead still appears rocky. With a general election looming and the impact of conflict in Europe and the Middle East still affecting the economy, growth is predicted to be slow. Find out here what the UK’s economic future could look like.

In the ever-changing connectivity landscape, companies are faced with a choice: to deploy their own 5G network or stick with Wi-Fi. Each technology has its advantages, so the choice depends on your specific business needs.

Scientists have developed a water battery that promises to be safer and cheaper than existing energy storage systems. Here you can find out how these batteries work, which raw materials are needed to produce them and how sustainable the current batteries are.

E-learning enables employees to access quality education and training, regardless of their location. This allows them to acquire the skills and qualifications needed to meet the demands of the labour market.

The electrification of transport might be in full swing, but batteries are by no means the number one source of power. E-fuels – synthetic fuels made using renewable energies – could be a sustainable alternative. Find out more here.

Businesses need to be highly adaptable, including in terms of workforce planning. The concept of skills-based organisation promises greater flexibility and better use of resources.

Healthy and motivated employees are usually much more productive. But it’s not just physical health that matters: mental and emotional health are also crucial. Read here what measures companies can take to ensure employee health and wellbeing.

Was it worth the effort? It’s not unusual to ask yourself this after a trade fair. The answer lies in how you prepared for and followed up after the event. Discover what’s important during preparation and follow-up and how to make your appearance a success.

As we head into spring, every day since the start of 2024 has been met with strikes. Is there more to come for B2B companies or is there light at the end of the tunnel? And how can the consequences of widespread strikes be at least partially mitigated? Find out more here.

As of February 2024, the ONS declared that food price inflation had fallen to its lowest level since April 2022. However, many restauranteurs have been forced to increase their prices or face closing their doors to customers. Coupled with elevated energy prices, what can businesses do to protect themselves from rising costs?

Although in-person trade fairs are still preferred by exhibitors, the incorporation of digital elements into events has become firmly established. As a result, there are an increasing number of solutions on the market for managing these additional offerings. Here we take a look at some examples.

A face-to-face trade fair is a challenge for everyone involved: both visitors and exhibitors are under a lot of pressure. By following the rules of trade fair etiquette, you can increase your chances of getting leads and closing deals. Find out here why you need to go beyond good manners.

During the period of strict social distancing guidelines due to the COVID-19 pandemic, digital B2B events were the only alternative to physical trade fairs and similar events. Soon, purely virtual or hybrid offerings were being touted as the sales channel of the future—but some doubts remain.

In view of current global crises, close cooperation among all stakeholders is more important than ever. That's why expansive, strategic supply chain networks need to replace more enterprise-focused supply chain management approaches. Read on to find out more.

Consumer confidence remains low in the UK, due to the ongoing impact of the cost of living crisis and high energy bills. While the fall in inflation in October 2023 was a welcome sign, it’s too early to tell what the longer-term picture will be. At the end of 2023, it still looks likely that the UK could be at risk of a recession.

Sustainability has established itself as a vital aspect of corporate management. However, due to ongoing crises, it’s a topic that is seen by many as less socially relevant these days. Find out here what the prospects are for 2024 and what new obligations companies will face.

Procurement is increasingly moving online, leading to increased demand for a professional online shopping experience. B2B buyers now increasingly expect a seamless ordering process in online shops. In 2024, sellers will have to make a special effort to prepare for and adapt to these expectations.

It’s estimated that more than 350 suppliers for various industries are based in the hardest-hit region near the Gaza Strip alone. A future shortage of the chemical element bromine is just one of the possible consequences of disrupted supply chains.

The prices of raw materials are spiralling out of control, and procurement in Europe is becoming increasingly difficult. To reduce costs and secure supply, companies need their supply chains to be completely transparent. Find out here what that entails.

For many companies, the search for “best cost countries” has long been the driver for globalisation. However, in light of the most recent international crises, this approach is losing ground. Is global sourcing an outdated model, and will it be replaced by regional or local sourcing?

Just-in-time and just-in-case are two different strategies for warehousing and production planning in companies. Due to ongoing global tensions, there’s a trend towards securing inventory – despite significantly higher storage costs. Keep reading to find out more.

In contrast to many countries, the UK has no single law or regulation covering economic, social and governance (ESG) concerns: there is, for example, no equivalent of Germany’s Act on Corporate Due Diligence in Supply Chains. In many ways, the UK is falling behind other countries in terms of legislation aimed at preventing ESG harms. However, ESG compliance and sustainability are important factors for UK companies and their supply chains: non-compliance can, in addition to the clear human cost, have implications for a company’s finances and reputation. Read on to find out what companies need t ...

First the COVID-19 pandemic, then the Ukraine war and inflation: global developments have put the procurement market under constant strain. One thing can help mitigate this trend: a well-thought-out supplier management plan. Find out here how you can achieve this with the right purchasing strategy.

Digitalisation is substantially revolutionising supply chains. One aspect of this trend is urban logistics, with its focus on the last mile to customers, a concept which is steadily gaining ground in e-commerce. Here you can learn more about what urban logistics can achieve and how it transforms short-distance transport.

The vision of a fully autonomous HGV is becoming closer to reality: in the US, driverless trucks could soon be on the road. This technology has numerous benefits and could revolutionize the industry. Here’s more on this topic.

Software solutions such as Microsoft Teams and Slack are now commonplace in companies of almost all sizes. But which collaboration software is the best fit for you? We take a look at the increasing use of these tools and give you an in-depth analysis of innovative team communication solutions.