Posts Tagged ‘customer’

Ferrero reimburse $ 4 a jar of Nutella

April 29, 2012 - 1:04 pm Comments Off

 

Ferrero will have to pay for providing the Nutella to American children. The manufacturer of the famous chocolate spread, which is the subject of a class action lawsuit brought by a California mother who did not know that Nutella was so bold, will indeed come out the checkbook to settle the case. He agrees to pay up to $ 4 for every jar of Nutella purchased in California between August 2009 and January 23, 2012, or the rest of the United States between January 2008 and February 3, 2012. The agreement does not include the rest of the world.

Consumers should send their application before July 5 (a maximum of five pots), four days before the courts definitively validate the regulations. The group will pay a total $ 3.05 million.

"Shocked"

Athena Hohenberg, mother of a child in San Diego, had made the dough, nutty taste of the main element of his son. She said she was "shocked to discover that Nutella was neither healthy nor nutritious food, but it was barely better than candy and it contained dangerous levels of saturated fat." In its complaint, filed in February 2011, it considers that promotes Ferrero Nutella as "an example of a balanced breakfast and delicious" and paste "healthier than it actually is creditreport."

Following this case, Ferrero USA is committed to "change some statements on the marketing Nutella" and better detail its nutrients, according to the text published on the site nutellaclassactionsettlement.com. "We think it is in the interest of the company to resolve these issues," said a spokeswoman for Ferrero.

The complaint of Athena Hohenberg, however drawn criticism in the local press. The LA Weekly and advises to "procedural mothers of California" to behave responsibly. "Try to make yourself snacks for your children. A jar of Nutella, occasionally, do not hurt, if you feed your children properly. And it's so good spread on a pancake, "concludes the paper.

(With Agents)

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Threatened with bankruptcy, sells Espanyol players

April 22, 2012 - 11:56 pm Comments Off

 

So that was played Saturday night clasico the FC Barcelona-Real Madrid, it's another training professional football in the city, Espanyol, who spilled the most ink in recent weeks. As the euro area, the club is indeed great lengths to put its finances. Last March, the boss from July 2011 to the current tenth of the Spanish league first division, Ramon Condal Escude, did not hesitate to explain that he would put his players on the transfer market at the end of the season, to bail out instant payday loan. For RCD Espanyol, it's nearly a million casualties in 2011 and a debt of 148 million euros (nearly 69 million euros to the Spanish tax authorities). Abysmal, while the club budget fluctuates from year to year between 40 and 45 million euros.

Fiscal austerity

Ramon Conde, head of the Catalan club and "Merkel football"

Users angry launch "Operation Phantom TGV"

April 21, 2012 - 9:32 pm Comments Off

 

The ras-le-bol rises among users of TGV Nantes / Angers / Le Mans / Paris. And also the response … The members of the collective defense of Subscribers Line Atlantic (Ladala) took a new step in their protest movement against the repeated delays of the station, on the line leading to the capital. The trick to reach the railway portfolio. To do this, they have not hesitated to launch a "ghost TGV" massively by booking every seat of a TGV line in question. Of seats they will not play of course. Each member buying between 5 and 10 seats, 800 seats have already been blocked, all classes, as pointed out this morning on RTL Pascal Mignot, the representative of the collective.

Reaction except the SNCF, the train should travel empty, which would result in a serious shortfall. Because the protesters are concerned subscribers, a status that gives them access to places for a mere $ 1.50. And the date chosen is not trivial since the 250 members of Ladala have set Wednesday, May 16, the eve of Ascension Day and the weekend so great starts.

Greece of tickets

This is not the first time Ladala tries to voice his displeasure. Mid-March, the group had launched a strike of tickets and passes, along with daily rallies in trains and on platforms. Faced with the continuing delays and lack of financial consequences for the SNCF, the association thus increases the pressure, also taking on its website a statement of the duration of the movement, and delays on this line poor credit personal loans.

Faced with the accumulation of failures since the schedule changes in December 2011, their demands are clear: rate freeze on packages (over 500 euros per month), on-time to avoid disputes with employers, indemnity 2.5 euros per 10 minutes late, and got 150 euro for subscribers to compensate for failures of January, February and March. In total, officials estimate that the collective duration of 14 hours cumulative delays over this period.

Side of the Authority of the quality of service in transport (AQST, dependent on the Ministry of Ecology), although the figures show a surge in failures since November, with up to 30% of trains delayed . But since February, the trend seems to be improving. Apparently not enough to calm those subscribers, still wearing a badge "subscribers on strike," which also launched an online petition and sent a letter to presidential candidates. Denouncing a 18% increase in travel time on an ordinary trip to Le Mans / Paris, they have finally created a Twitter account inviting followers to list all the failures of the Atlantic line. An initiative that has been emulated the Creusot subscribers and Amiens have since joined the movement.

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Fuel prices: the stations seem to play the game

April 19, 2012 - 5:28 pm Comments Off

 

Fuel prices soar notably due to higher oil prices. But is that they will decline as the black gold flow back on world markets? Yes, according to an academic study published last weekend by economists Erwan Gautier (University of Nantes) and Ronan Le Saut (Ecole Polytechnique). Their work is based on data collected daily by the Ministry of Economy between 2007 and 2009 with 10,000 service stations.

Contrary to the fears of the authorities and consumers, "the downward variations are as numerous as the variations on the rise, and they are of the same magnitude," the researchers said. They found instead that managers affect only three-quarters of price changes in international prices of a liter of diesel and two thirds for gasoline. "This gap is consistent with the importance of raw material-the-refined oil in the price of a liter at the pump (between 75% and 85% of total costs)," said Erwan Gautier.

Clearly, if the pump price varies to a lesser extent than international prices, it is because other costs that come into account in calculating the price, they do not move. These findings partly confirm the results of a study by the Ministry of Economy dated June 2011. According to the latter, which examined the evolution of prices for a few weeks, the drop in world prices was reflected better on diesel than on gasoline.

The two economists, however, lead to more accurate results. The petrol stations affect price movements in Rotterdam, where the refined oil is traded in the 5 to 10 days on average. The French Union of Petroleum Industry (UFIP) explains this delay by the time of transport for the supply of pumps and the need to sell existing stocks purchased before the price changes. Prices are revised, preferably on Tuesdays and Fridays, every 5 days on average for diesel, every 6.5 days for gasoline.

Supermarkets change prices more often

All market players are not as quick to change the prices, they detect. Supermarkets, for example, change more frequently and more significantly than other gas stations, belonging mostly to oil companies. This can be explained by the cost analysis Erwan Gautier: "Supermarkets share some expenses related to the operation of the pumps with their store." On the other hand, their margin is extremely low on fuel: it s' is for them a loss leader to attract customers and they are undercutting prices.

In reading the study, the existing competition in the market seems to push the players to pass on price movements as honestly as possible. The proximity of a gas station and a supermarket equipped with pumps, for example, the first incentive to adjust its prices more nimbly. On the other hand, the highway stations, away from any competition, the less impact of international price movements. And, with the exception of the Paris region, rates move slightly more often in urban than in rural. The stations offer many services and high quality fuels also adjust the lowest price movements.

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The return of young adults with mom and dad

April 2, 2012 - 9:40 pm Comments Off

 

Happy who like Ulysses, has made a great trip, and then returned to live with his parents the rest of his age … This aspiration, a bit outdated, back up to date. For young Americans, the journey of initiation into life ends more often at home. They have gone to university, got out, they struggle to find work and even when they got their job, they are so indebted for their education they can not afford a roof. This is the "boomerang generation", as it is called there, one that returns to its starting point, in the family cocoon.

Three out of ten young adults 25 to 34 years lived at one time or another permanently with their parents in the United States since the beginning of the economic crisis of 2007, reveals the Pew Research Center. This body of socio-economic, non-partisan and hyperactive, which one would like there the equivalent in France and Europe, launched last December a survey of 2,048 adults. He points out that 51.4 million Americans now live in a "multigenerational family" (at least two generations of adults in the same dwelling). A record since the postwar period. The proportion of 25-34 year olds living with their parents, or sometimes with their grandparents, has doubled since 1980, as already shown by the decennial census of population conducted in 2010.

The problem also as much of Europe, although it is regrettable delays in our statistical system. "One in three men and five women living with their parents," according to the latest Eurostat survey dating back to 2008 and 51 million Europeans in this situation. Old Contains more distinguished by its diversity. In Italy, 47.7% of men 25 to 34 years remain in the family fold (and 32.7% women), against 2.8% and 0.5% in Denmark. While the Italians look fondly their "bamboccioni" (big babies), the Danes are doing everything to make them go away. "In Denmark, young people receive public assistance for their education and housing from 18. These scholarships are awarded regardless of parental resources: youth autonomy is considered a right, "says Olivier Galland, research director at CNRS.

For its part, France is among the Nordic model and that of southern Europe, where the crisis has amplified the tradition of bringing together several generations of adults. As part of the Eurostat survey, INSEE has identified "340,000 women and 630,000 men who live with at least one parent or step-parents, or 8% of women and 16% of men aged 25-34 years. "

In the U.S., the multigenerational family is experienced as a convenient answer to the economic crisis and unemployment. "If there was an alleged defect with living with his parents" when you have 25 to 34 years, "Today" boomerang generation "does not have this complex," says Kim Parker, Pew Research Center . For the vast majority (78%), they are satisfied with "the arrangement of their lifestyle." And besides the figures show that families where several generations are less affected by poverty than the rest of the population.

"Family accordion"

Sociologist Katherine Newman and university, recognized expert of "working poor" across the Atlantic, invented the concept of "family accordion": it inflates and deflates at the discretion of the business cycle. But one of the factors that penalize the hardest young adults today is debt-related educational expenses: average $ 27,200 for each graduate and 1000 billion total, according to Federal Reserve Bank of New York. A huge ball during periods of unemployment and wage moderation.

But beyond the explanation of economic and financial "boomerang generation" she expresses the most profound changes in society? In France, the phenomenon of "Tanguy", the name of this young 28 year old who can not leave the parental nest, was highlighted in 2001 in the film of Stephen Chatiliez. And last month, Jean Ormesson recalled with happiness (in the Figaroscope): "I lived with my parents until the age of 35" (at 95 rue du Bac, in Paris). The lifestyle of the Faubourg Saint-Germain and its charms are democratizing Proustian would be good news after all.

Across the Atlantic, the debate rages on the implications of this return to the patriarchal family. "The Go-Nowhere Generation" (which goes nowhere), accuses Todd Buschholz economist (former advisor to George Bush Sr.), and cite the decline in driving among young people and even falling sales Bicycle. Mobility is one of the strengths of mythic America.

Conversely, Professor Robert Shiller, an expert on real estate and finance, cites the example of old farming families that housed three generations on the same farm. This intergenerational solidarity daily should help us better understand and manage the practical problems of pensions. "Family, I love you" is a good slogan.

Monti played his last card on the reform of labor law

March 21, 2012 - 5:20 pm Comments Off

 

Firmly supported by the Head of State, Mario Monti has pledged Tuesday in an unprecedented forcing to wrest the agreement of the unions and management to a comprehensive reform of labor law.

A real marathon began Tuesday afternoon at the Palazzo Chigi to convince the social partners to accept a proposed capital for renewed growth and the return of foreign investment. Leaders of business and all confederations workers clashed Council President and several ministers, including Labour, Elsa Fornero, who prepared the reform.

Throughout the morning, it has stepped up informal contacts to try to reduce the opposition of the main workers confederation, CGIL, strongly opposes any amendment to Article 18 of the Labour Code that prevents layoffs "without just cause. "

In a manner quite unusual, the President of the Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, has thrown its full authority in the balance by calling the social partners to "understand that it is time to uphold the public interest."

Line of Sight markets

The Head of State supports the efforts of the government: It is serious that there is no agreement. You must negotiate. "Meanwhile, Mario Monti has invited the unions to" give up something. "

The economic commentator duCorriere della SeraFrancesco Giavazzi reminded Tuesday that Italy was still in the crosshairs of the markets: "One wonders how investors would react if they had to learn German as (for lack of labor market reform), Italy is not able to return to balanced budgets in 2013 as planned. "

The measures taken so far have been welcomed by the markets, evidenced by the reduction of 166 basis points differential between Treasury bonds and German Bunds Italian: "The largest decline in the euro area", welcomed European Central Bank (ECB). Susanna Camusso, the patroness of the CGIL, Elsa Fornero recognizes the merit of the stubbornness. This minister, who broke down in tears in front of television cameras by saying the word "austerity" when presenting the government's agenda Monti last November, has proved a tough negotiator and determined.

Moderate unions and political parties had welcomed last week in his proposed reform, complex and highly structured. Until the CGIL flu not the wheels.

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Complaints about mobile phones rose by 11%

March 17, 2012 - 9:40 pm Comments Off

 

When the VAT hike in early 2011 and the arrival of Free Mobile early 2012, mobile operators have seen their customers from leaving in droves to a competitor in search of a better price. "The price does not explain everything. We underestimated the frustration of customers, "recently confessed an operator. Because, rightly or wrongly, telecom focus the discontent of consumers. The sector holds in the palm of 2011 claims (24%), before the consumer (22%) and computers (12%), as the documentary credit.

Within the family telecoms, mobile internet is back in front in claims: in 2011, 53% of complaints received by the French Association of telecom users (AFUTT) concerned the mobile Internet access 38% and 9% fixed phone. Mobile-related complaints rose 11%, while those related to Internet were down 28%.

In Mobile, the fourth door on the invoice disputes: consumers are left with overruns, mostly due to premium rate calls as the SMS + or spam for users scammed. Also involved, according to AFUTT, misuse of mobile Internet abroad, and the complexity of fee schedules.

Furthermore the bill, disputes also include the termination of the contract. Customers who have purchased a package included with phone and find themselves thus committed 12 or 24 months, resent not being able to cancel without charge, including for reasons considered legitimate: death, moving abroad, loss of employment, etc fast cash without a hassle..

After contacting customer service, then the service consumer of their operator, the aggrieved clients can always resort to the mediator. "When the Ombudsman receives, operators generally find a solution because their desire is to reduce complaints," said Francois Cuinat, mediator of electronic communications. Complaints are more likely among clients of virtual operators (MVNO) than the "big" operators, indicates the AFUTT. "Orange, SFR and Bouygues have an index of conflict less than 1, the Bouygues Telecom is much improved this year. That of MVNOs still significantly higher, "said the AFUTT.

In this context, what impact will the arrival of Free Mobile? "We have nothing to report about Free Mobile. But for the mobile market as a whole, we are very interrogative on the effect of a competition that would be too exclusively based on prices, said Jacques Pomonti, president of the AFUTT. We hope that the price competition will not affect the quality of service or investment in infrastructure, "he concluded.

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December 1, 2011 - 4:48 pm Comments Off

The automobile market in France falling off again. After rising 2.8% in October, new car registrations fell by 7.6% in November to 179,160 units, according to figures of the Committee of French Automobile Manufacturers (CCFA) on Thursday. The many business operations that had previously provided support for the request do not seem to great effect.

French manufacturers are particularly lagging behind. Sales were down 11.5% in November against a decline of 2% for foreign manufacturers. PSA Peugeot Citroen has suffered a decline of 15.4% over the month due to a decline of 23.4% of sales against 4.9% for Peugeot Citroen. His rival Renault suffered a decrease in sales of 7.2%. The group manages to limit the damage with its Dacia brand, which recorded a 26.9% jump in sales in November against a decline of 13.8% for the Renault brand.He then said that the Franco-Japanese to be careful, particularly with regard to investments. PSA had for its part submitted a conservation plan in late October that passes not delete 6800 jobs worldwide, including over 4,000 in the Hexagon.

At the Paris Stock Exchange, the new integrated seem to investors. Renault won the title at 0.07% to 27.77 euros 9:40, in a market down 0.89%. The action Peugeot loses 0.90% to 13.71 side euros.

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"The year the scrappage saved consumption

October 29, 2011 - 4:24 pm Comments Off

After five years of modest harvest, France regains its position as the leading European producer of wine. Harvest forecasts for the entire French vineyards have reported 50 million hectoliters (hl) harvested in 2011, up 11% from 2010.

Latest estimates from the European Commission, the great Italian rival, the only one that can steal the top spot of the podium in France, saw its production drop by 17% to 42 Mhl. The proliferation of uprooting explains much of this performance-cons. Spain, meanwhile, was down 9% to 36.5 Mhl.Last year, at the same time, the cooperative had requested an increase of "at least 10%" rates, while the treasury operations were nearly 80% in the red paperless payday loans. This objective was met or exceeded. "The producers have done well: the price of wine out of the property, that is to say, those paid to producers have risen to 15% and even 20%," says Denis Verdier. It is mostly entry-level wines that benefited from the largest increases. Consumer side, "the increases were controlled by large retailers who had not passed on the cuts in previous years," said Denis Verdier.

In the difficult years should succeed to catch up needed for producers who can smile again after three years of crisis.

October 28, 2011 - 5:36 am Comments Off

Nothing tempers the optimism of Flemming Morgan, head of the division of Danone Medical Nutrition. Four years have joined the global leader in fresh dairy products, it wants to move up a gear. "We want to accelerate the growth of our business, says Scot, who runs for five years the former business of Numico, which was acquired in 2007. We want to innovate and introduce new segments of medical nutrition in new countries. "

Medical nutrition business is the most misunderstood of Danone, which represents only a third of sales of Activia. In annual growth of 10% in four years is the most profitable activity of the group.One that Franck Riboud, Danone CEO, says she has "tremendous potential mechanical unstoppable" because of the aging world population, the spread of diseases such as diabetes and allergies, or the progression of plagues such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

This is a world market for $ 8 billion still focus on Europe and the United States. A new hunting ground for agribusiness payday loan lenders. Danone and Nestle also covet the nutrition branch of Pfizer. "We are halfway between food and pharmaceuticals, says Flemming Morgan, claiming first place in Europe at Abbott and Nestle. We develop our products with a pharmaceutical approach, but they are nevertheless food.This is not about to replace drugs but to provide complementary solutions. "Danone has brought his knowledge of consumer tastes and textures by improving products.

Specific segments

These are not sold in supermarkets but in half pharmacies generally prescribed and reimbursed. Administered orally or by means of a tube or a tube, they are also prescribed in hospitals and nursing homes. Faced with GPs overwhelmed and poorly trained in nutrition, Danone is betting on its relations with researchers or with associations to serve as opinion leaders.

Danone has chosen to focus on specific segments. Neocate Infant with his powder, it offers an alternative to milk for babies allergic to cow's milk.