Latest news with #Wellcome
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Rachel Reeves to announce £86bn for science and technology in spending review
The overall package, which will be announced as Chancellor Rachel Reeves sets out departmental spending plans on June 11, is expected to be worth more than £22.5 billion-a-year by the end of the decade. DSIT said 'every corner of the country' would benefit as local leaders are given a say on how the money is spent on leveraging expertise specific to their communities. In Liverpool, which has a long history in biotech, funding will be used to speed up drug discovery and in South Wales, which has Britain's largest semiconductor cluster, on designing the microchips used to power mobile phones and electric cars. The Chancellor said: 'Britain is the home of science and technology. Through the Plan for Change, we are investing in Britain's renewal to create jobs, protect our security against foreign threats and make working families better off.' Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: 'Incredible and ambitious research goes on in every corner of our country, from Liverpool to Inverness, Swansea to Belfast, which is why empowering regions to harness local expertise and skills for all of our benefit is at the heart of this new funding – helping to deliver the economic growth at the centre of our Plan for Change.' Local leaders including North East Mayor Kim McGuiness and West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker welcomed the package, but research backers warned more is needed to secure Britain's reputation for science. John-Arne Rottingen, chief executive of Wellcome, Britain's biggest non-governmental research funder, said: 'The Government rightly acknowledges that investing in science and technology is a key way to boost the economy. 'But while it's positive under the financial circumstances, a flat real-terms science budget, along with continuing barriers such as high visa costs for talented scientists and the university funding crisis, won't be enough for the UK to make the advances it needs to secure its reputation for science in an increasingly competitive world. 'The UK should be aiming to lead the G7 in research intensity, to bring about economic growth and the advances in health, science and technology that benefit us all. We look forward to seeing the full details at the spending review.' Meanwhile, the Institute of Physics called for a longer-term strategy for science, including a plan for teachers and other members of the skilled workforce needed to deliver advances. Tony McBride, director of policy and public affairs at the institute, said: 'It's good to see the Government recognise the power of science and innovation to transform lives and grow prosperity in every part of the UK. 'But to fully harness the transformational potential of research and innovation – wherever it takes place – we need a decade-long strategic plan for science. This must include a plan for the skilled workforce we need to deliver this vision, starting with teachers and addressing every educational stage, to underpin the industrial strategy. 'We hope that the Chancellor's statement on Wednesday will set out such a vision.' Universities UK said the Government had made a 'smart investment' and academia would put its 'shoulder to the wheel' behind the plans. Vivienne Stern, chief executive of the group representing 142 higher education providers in Britain, said: 'The UK has a real opportunity to sow the seeds of long-term growth, benefiting all parts of the UK – with universities spread right across the country working with industry and public sector bodies to turn discoveries into economic success. 'They stand ready to double down with government, building stronger links with sectors of the economy where we have real room to grow. 'This creates good jobs and attracts investment everywhere from Swansea to Aberdeen, from Barrow to Plymouth.'
The Sun
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
DFI Retail Group and Dingdong Announce Strategic Partnership With first-year sales target of HKD100 million
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 7 May 2025 - DFI Retail Group (DFI or the Group), and Dingdong (Cayman) Limited (Dingdong or DDL), a leading fresh food e-commerce platform in the mainland, recently announced their partnership to their supply chains and retail networks. Together, they aim to build a digitalised cross-border supply chain system. Through DFI's Wellcome supermarkets, they will provide Hong Kong customers a diverse selection of quality products at competitive price, targeting sales of HKD 100 million in the first year of its launch. The first phase began on 9 April 2025, six selected Dingdong vegetables have already been made available in nearly 280 Wellcome stores, as well as Wellcome's Online Shop ( and food delivery platform foodpanda. The sales will gradually be expanded to other upscale supermarket brands, such as Market Place and 3hreesixty. Enhancing Cross-Border Supply Chain. Faster and Fresher Food from Mainland to Hong Kong Hong Kong's fresh food market has long relied on imports, often facing price fluctuations of over 50% for leafy vegetables due to unstable weather. This collaboration allows DFI to leverage Wellcome's network of nearly 280 stores across Hong Kong while DDL utilises its nationwide sourcing and efficient transportation methods. This partnership aims to streamline the supply of fresh produce 'from farm to table.' The two parties plan to jointly build a digitalised cross-border supply chain and integrate their data. An AI prediction system will dynamically help adjust the inventory across DFI's supermarkets to reduce / minimise out-of-stock rates. For example, the system can anticipate fluctuations in demand for leafy vegetables based on weather changes and holidays in Hong Kong, ensuring accurate supply. This digitalised supply chain, from upstream planting to downstream retail, improves the efficiency of the fresh food supply chain. In addition, to ensure quality, DFI and DDL plan to adopt 'one product, one code' traceability technology for vegetables supplied to Hong Kong. Customers can scan a code after purchasing DDL products at DFI's supermarkets to access planting records, inspection reports, and transportation routes, achieving full transparency. Curtis Liu, Chief Executive Officer, Food, at DFI Retail Group, said, 'This partnership with DDL, is to fully leverage the core strengths of both parties to jointly build an efficient digitalised cross-border supply chain. It enhances the quality and cost-effectiveness of fresh produce for our customers, creating a win-win situation. We believe this innovative model will significantly improve supply chain efficiency, ensuring that every customer can enjoy fresh, high-quality products.' Yang Shaoming, Vice President of DDL, said, 'This collaboration integrates DDL's supply chain capabilities with Hong Kong's retail network. We will utilise our direct sourcing and digitalised supply chain to efficiently deliver high quality, safe fresh food to Hong Kong, enriching local shopping options, and making choices more affordable.' DDL expands across Hong Kong with various vegetables available in nearly 280 Wellcome stores The initial six types of vegetables available this time – Chinese Lettuce, Indian Lettuce, Choy Sum, Baby Bok Choy, Chaozhou Mustard Greens, and Spring Greens – are all selected from DDL's direct supply bases in mainland. The products meet both mainland and Hong Kong safety standards, ensuring quality and safety control at every stage from farm to shelf. The fresh vegetables are pre-cooled and freshness-locked within 2 hours after harvesting and transported in temperature-controlled trucks. Before arriving at the stores, they undergo a second manual sorting process, with strict control over quality and weight to ensure the freshness of shelf products. Within a month of launch, total sales exceeded 100,000 kilograms. These selected vegetables are available in nearly 280 Wellcome stores and on Wellcome's Online Shop and foodpanda. The partnership plans to add regular categories such as bitter melon, okra, and green beans in 2025, along with vegetables popular on Chinese social media platforms and other regional specialties. This will give Hong Kong customers to enjoy a taste of seasonal specialties like Hubei Hongshan Cabbage in winter, Yunnan wild mushrooms and purple lettuce in spring, and Shandong cucumbers and Yunnan corn in summer. Notably, Yunnan's edible Banlangen and Red Little Spinach will be available in Hong Kong for the first time, meeting customers' diverse tastes and nutritional needs. Additionally, fruits, as well as soy products, ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and alcoholic beverages will be introduced, with over 150 products expected by the end of the year. These products will cover all 18 districts of Hong Kong through Wellcome stores, Wellcome Online Shop, and foodpanda, achieving omni-channel availability and allowing customers to enjoy seasonal fresh vegetables from across the country. The two parties will actively explore expanding the cooperation to DFI's supermarkets in Macao and Cambodia, benefiting more customers in these regions.
Malay Mail
07-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
DFI Retail Group and Dingdong Announce Strategic Partnership With first-year sales target of HKD100 million
Curtis Liu, Chief Executive Officer, Food, at DFI Retail Group (Left) and Changlin Liang, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dingdong (Right) attended the signing ceremony to announce the strategic partnership. HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 7 May 2025 - DFI Retail Group (DFI or the Group), and Dingdong (Cayman) Limited (Dingdong or DDL), a leading fresh food e-commerce platform in the mainland, recently announced their partnership to their supply chains and retail networks. Together, they aim to build a digitalised cross-border supply chain system. Through DFI's Wellcome supermarkets, they will provide Hong Kong customers a diverse selection of quality products at competitive price, targeting sales of HKD 100 million in the first year of its launch. The first phase began on 9April 2025, six selected Dingdong vegetables have already been made available in nearly 280 Wellcome stores, as well as Wellcome's Online Shop ( ) and food delivery platform foodpanda. The sales will gradually be expanded to other upscale supermarket brands, such as Market Place and Kong's fresh food market has long relied on imports, often facing price fluctuations of over 50% for leafy vegetables due to unstable weather. This collaboration allows DFI to leverage Wellcome's network of nearly 280 stores across Hong Kong while DDL utilises its nationwide sourcing and efficient transportation methods. This partnership aims to streamline the supply of fresh produce "from farm to table."The two parties plan to jointly build a digitalised cross-border supply chain and integrate their data. An AI prediction system will dynamically help adjust the inventory across DFI's supermarkets to reduce / minimise out-of-stock rates. For example, the system can anticipate fluctuations in demand for leafy vegetables based on weather changes and holidays in Hong Kong, ensuring accurate supply. This digitalised supply chain, from upstream planting to downstream retail, improves the efficiency of the fresh food supply addition, to ensure quality, DFI and DDL plan to adopt "one product, one code" traceability technology for vegetables supplied to Hong Kong. Customers can scan a code after purchasing DDL products at DFI's supermarkets to access planting records, inspection reports, and transportation routes, achieving full transparency., Chief Executive Officer, Food, at DFI Retail Group, said, "This partnership with DDL, is to fully leverage the core strengths of both parties to jointly build an efficient digitalised cross-border supply chain. It enhances the quality and cost-effectiveness of fresh produce for our customers, creating a win-win situation. We believe this innovative model will significantly improve supply chain efficiency, ensuring that every customer can enjoy fresh, high-quality products.", Vice President of DDL, said, "This collaboration integrates DDL's supply chain capabilities with Hong Kong's retail network. We will utilise our direct sourcing and digitalised supply chain to efficiently deliver high quality, safe fresh food to Hong Kong, enriching local shopping options, and making choices more affordable."The initial six types of vegetables available this time – Chinese Lettuce, Indian Lettuce, Choy Sum, Baby Bok Choy, Chaozhou Mustard Greens, and Spring Greens – are all selected from DDL's direct supply bases in mainland. The products meet both mainland and Hong Kong safety standards, ensuring quality and safety control at every stage from farm to shelf. The fresh vegetables are pre-cooled and freshness-locked within 2 hours after harvesting and transported in temperature-controlled trucks. Before arriving at the stores, they undergo a second manual sorting process, with strict control over quality and weight to ensure the freshness of shelf products. Within a month of launch, total sales exceeded 100,000 selected vegetables are available in nearly 280 Wellcome stores and on Wellcome's Online Shop and foodpanda. The partnership plans to add regular categories such as bitter melon, okra, and green beans in 2025, along with vegetables popular on Chinese social media platforms and other regional specialties. This will give Hong Kong customers to enjoy a taste of seasonal specialties like Hubei Hongshan Cabbage in winter, Yunnan wild mushrooms and purple lettuce in spring, and Shandong cucumbers and Yunnan corn in summer. Notably, Yunnan's edible Banlangen and Red Little Spinach will be available in Hong Kong for the first time, meeting customers' diverse tastes and nutritional needs. Additionally, fruits, as well as soy products, ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and alcoholic beverages will be introduced, with over 150 products expected by the end of the products will cover all 18 districts of Hong Kong through Wellcome stores, Wellcome Online Shop, and foodpanda, achieving omni-channel availability and allowing customers to enjoy seasonal fresh vegetables from across the country. The two parties will actively explore expanding the cooperation to DFI's supermarkets in Macao and Cambodia, benefiting more customers in these #DFI #DFIRetailGroup #Wellcome #MarketPlace #DDL #StrategicPartnership The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. DFI Retail Group DFI Retail Group (the 'Group') is a leading Asian retailer, driven by its purpose to 'Sustainably Serve Asia for Generations with Everyday Moments'. As at 31 Dec 2024, the Group, its associates and joint ventures operated over 10,700 outlets, and employed over 190,000 people. The Group is dedicated to delivering quality, value and service to Asian consumers through a compelling retail experience, supported by an extensive store network and highly efficient supply chains. The Group, including associates and joint ventures, operates a portfolio of well-known brands across six key divisions: health and beauty, convenience, food, home furnishings, restaurants and other retailing. About Wellcome, Market Place Established in 1945, Wellcome is Hong Kong's longest established supermarket chain with the largest store network. Since 1964, the company has been wholly owned by DFI Retail Group. Together with Market Place, 3hreesixty and Oliver's, Wellcome operates a network of over 320 stores serving more than 14 million customers every month. With the mission of 'Always Fresh, Always Value and Always Here for You', we take pride and passion in providing a quality range of fresh and grocery products, great value and an exciting shopping experience to help our customers save more and enjoy more. As a market-leading supermarket, Wellcome constantly innovates to serve our communities better. In 2021, it introduced a new format, Wellcome Fresh, which offers great value and high-quality fresh produce in an environment that combines the atmosphere of a wet market with the convenience of a supermarket. More recently, it has accelerated its e-Commerce development, enhancing the omnichannel customer journey by offering a more convenient, flexible and personalised grocery shopping experience. For more information about Wellcome, please visit Market Place offers Hong Kong people a unique and contemporary Western store environment, customised product range, knowledgeable staff and attractive prices. Customer satisfaction is at the core of our business. We are here to fulfil the needs and wants of local customers. We present our customers with a higher quality international food store, offering the finest and widest range of local, regional and international tastes. Combining the energy and vibe of a true marketplace, Market Place brings a modern environment and vibe to everyday grocery shopping. About DDL Founded in May 2017, DDL is an entrepreneurial company focused on good food. DDL focuses on the business of "food" and strives to satisfy more people's "what they want to eat". Through the supply of good ingredients, the development of good flavors, and the incubation of food brands, DDL constantly provides people with solutions for a better life, and strives to make more people eat freshly, save money, eat richly, and eat healthily. With better culinary experience, we create deliciousness and happiness for families.
Zawya
07-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
DFI Retail Group and Dingdong Announce Strategic Partnership With first-year sales target of HKD100 million
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 7 May 2025 - DFI Retail Group (DFI or the Group), and Dingdong (Cayman) Limited (Dingdong or DDL), a leading fresh food e-commerce platform in the mainland, recently announced their partnership to their supply chains and retail networks. Together, they aim to build a digitalised cross-border supply chain system. Through DFI's Wellcome supermarkets, they will provide Hong Kong customers a diverse selection of quality products at competitive price, targeting sales of HKD 100 million in the first year of its launch. The first phase began on 9 April 2025, six selected Dingdong vegetables have already been made available in nearly 280 Wellcome stores, as well as Wellcome's Online Shop ( and food delivery platform foodpanda. The sales will gradually be expanded to other upscale supermarket brands, such as Market Place and 3hreesixty. Enhancing Cross-Border Supply Chain. Faster and Fresher Food from Mainland to Hong Kong Hong Kong's fresh food market has long relied on imports, often facing price fluctuations of over 50% for leafy vegetables due to unstable weather. This collaboration allows DFI to leverage Wellcome's network of nearly 280 stores across Hong Kong while DDL utilises its nationwide sourcing and efficient transportation methods. This partnership aims to streamline the supply of fresh produce "from farm to table." The two parties plan to jointly build a digitalised cross-border supply chain and integrate their data. An AI prediction system will dynamically help adjust the inventory across DFI's supermarkets to reduce / minimise out-of-stock rates. For example, the system can anticipate fluctuations in demand for leafy vegetables based on weather changes and holidays in Hong Kong, ensuring accurate supply. This digitalised supply chain, from upstream planting to downstream retail, improves the efficiency of the fresh food supply chain. In addition, to ensure quality, DFI and DDL plan to adopt "one product, one code" traceability technology for vegetables supplied to Hong Kong. Customers can scan a code after purchasing DDL products at DFI's supermarkets to access planting records, inspection reports, and transportation routes, achieving full transparency. Curtis Liu, Chief Executive Officer, Food, at DFI Retail Group, said, "This partnership with DDL, is to fully leverage the core strengths of both parties to jointly build an efficient digitalised cross-border supply chain. It enhances the quality and cost-effectiveness of fresh produce for our customers, creating a win-win situation. We believe this innovative model will significantly improve supply chain efficiency, ensuring that every customer can enjoy fresh, high-quality products." Yang Shaoming, Vice President of DDL, said, "This collaboration integrates DDL's supply chain capabilities with Hong Kong's retail network. We will utilise our direct sourcing and digitalised supply chain to efficiently deliver high quality, safe fresh food to Hong Kong, enriching local shopping options, and making choices more affordable." DDL expands across Hong Kong with various vegetables available in nearly 280 Wellcome stores The initial six types of vegetables available this time – Chinese Lettuce, Indian Lettuce, Choy Sum, Baby Bok Choy, Chaozhou Mustard Greens, and Spring Greens – are all selected from DDL's direct supply bases in mainland. The products meet both mainland and Hong Kong safety standards, ensuring quality and safety control at every stage from farm to shelf. The fresh vegetables are pre-cooled and freshness-locked within 2 hours after harvesting and transported in temperature-controlled trucks. Before arriving at the stores, they undergo a second manual sorting process, with strict control over quality and weight to ensure the freshness of shelf products. Within a month of launch, total sales exceeded 100,000 kilograms. These selected vegetables are available in nearly 280 Wellcome stores and on Wellcome's Online Shop and foodpanda. The partnership plans to add regular categories such as bitter melon, okra, and green beans in 2025, along with vegetables popular on Chinese social media platforms and other regional specialties. This will give Hong Kong customers to enjoy a taste of seasonal specialties like Hubei Hongshan Cabbage in winter, Yunnan wild mushrooms and purple lettuce in spring, and Shandong cucumbers and Yunnan corn in summer. Notably, Yunnan's edible Banlangen and Red Little Spinach will be available in Hong Kong for the first time, meeting customers' diverse tastes and nutritional needs. Additionally, fruits, as well as soy products, ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and alcoholic beverages will be introduced, with over 150 products expected by the end of the year. These products will cover all 18 districts of Hong Kong through Wellcome stores, Wellcome Online Shop, and foodpanda, achieving omni-channel availability and allowing customers to enjoy seasonal fresh vegetables from across the country. The two parties will actively explore expanding the cooperation to DFI's supermarkets in Macao and Cambodia, benefiting more customers in these regions. Hashtag: #DFI #DFIRetailGroup #Wellcome #MarketPlace #DDL #StrategicPartnership The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. DFI Retail Group DFI Retail Group (the 'Group') is a leading Asian retailer, driven by its purpose to 'Sustainably Serve Asia for Generations with Everyday Moments'. As at 31 Dec 2024, the Group, its associates and joint ventures operated over 10,700 outlets, and employed over 190,000 people. The Group is dedicated to delivering quality, value and service to Asian consumers through a compelling retail experience, supported by an extensive store network and highly efficient supply chains. The Group, including associates and joint ventures, operates a portfolio of well-known brands across six key divisions: health and beauty, convenience, food, home furnishings, restaurants and other retailing. About Wellcome, Market Place Established in 1945, Wellcome is Hong Kong's longest established supermarket chain with the largest store network. Since 1964, the company has been wholly owned by DFI Retail Group. Together with Market Place, 3hreesixty and Oliver's, Wellcome operates a network of over 320 stores serving more than 14 million customers every month. With the mission of 'Always Fresh, Always Value and Always Here for You', we take pride and passion in providing a quality range of fresh and grocery products, great value and an exciting shopping experience to help our customers save more and enjoy more. As a market-leading supermarket, Wellcome constantly innovates to serve our communities better. In 2021, it introduced a new format, Wellcome Fresh, which offers great value and high-quality fresh produce in an environment that combines the atmosphere of a wet market with the convenience of a supermarket. More recently, it has accelerated its e-Commerce development, enhancing the omnichannel customer journey by offering a more convenient, flexible and personalised grocery shopping experience. For more information about Wellcome, please visit Market Place offers Hong Kong people a unique and contemporary Western store environment, customised product range, knowledgeable staff and attractive prices. Customer satisfaction is at the core of our business. We are here to fulfil the needs and wants of local customers. We present our customers with a higher quality international food store, offering the finest and widest range of local, regional and international tastes. Combining the energy and vibe of a true marketplace, Market Place brings a modern environment and vibe to everyday grocery shopping. About DDL Founded in May 2017, DDL is an entrepreneurial company focused on good food. DDL focuses on the business of "food" and strives to satisfy more people's "what they want to eat". Through the supply of good ingredients, the development of good flavors, and the incubation of food brands, DDL constantly provides people with solutions for a better life, and strives to make more people eat freshly, save money, eat richly, and eat healthily. With better culinary experience, we create deliciousness and happiness for families. DFI Retail Group
BBC News
30-04-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Born in Bradford gets £4.5m to study child health inequalities
Funding has been secured for a study examining the impact of systemic shocks such as the Covid pandemic and cost-of-living crisis on children's health and in Bradford - an internationally recognised research programme that originally studied 12,500 babies born in the city between March 2007 and December 2010 - has received £4.5m from the Wellcome Discovery cash will fund an eight-year study aimed at addressing childhood health and wellbeing inequalities in inner-city director Dr Josie Dickerson said: "This award is a recognition of over a decade of commitment from families, service providers and researchers in Bradford." The research will focus on areas of Bradford where investment was made by the National Lottery between 2015 and consists of three inner-city wards - Bowling and Barkerend, Bradford Moor and Little Horton - which were originally identified as having some of the poorest child outcomes in the study will follow the children of women recruited by Born in Bradford between 2016 and of these children are now at primary school and the new programme - dubbed BiBBS ACHIEVE - "provides an opportunity to follow up families and understand how the recent systemic shocks have impacted on children's longer-term outcomes".Dr Dickerson said: "With Wellcome's support, we can take a huge leap forward in understanding how to build a healthier, happier and fairer future for children living in inner-city areas who face the greatest disadvantages." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
