As multinationals prepare for 2026 planning, we are launching our quarterly European Consumers chartbook.
In this webinar, Tomas Dvorak and Marcos Casarin will review the state of the European consumer market and go through their favourite growth stories for 2026.
This webinar is being held on our new platform, ON24. If you do not receive your confirmation email, please check your junk and spam folders.
It is the millennial’s perennial problem: returning home after spending a small fortune on an avocado only to find the green fruit is either too squishy to slice for a salad or too hard to smash on toast.
One UK retailer, however, is claiming to have found the tech to solve the textural trouble. Tesco has begun trialling in-store avocado scanners that allow shoppers to asses how ripe the fruit is before they put it in their basket.
The UK’s biggest supermarket said the machines, which will be in five stores from this week, work like tiny X-rays to find out what the fruit looks like inside. The scanners will return one of two ripeness readings when shoppers present it with an avocado: immediately ready for smashing, or better for slicing.
The “One Third Avocado Scanner”, named after the Dutch company that invented it, promises to read the ripeness of the fruit in seconds, so shoppers can go home knowing the perfect avocado toast awaits.
Lisa Lawrence, an avocado buyer at Tesco, said the scanner would help people plan their grocery shopping better and reduce waste.
“Smashed avocado on sourdough continues to be one of the trendiest snacks at the moment, garnering millions of views on social media sites for recipe ideas, so we think, for that reason, the scanner will be really popular with shoppers,” she said.
The five Tesco stores piloting the scanner are: the Cheshunt Extra in Hertfordshire; the Colchester superstore in Essex; the Stratford-upon-Avon superstore in Warwickshire; the Wokingham superstore in Berkshire and the Salisbury Extra in Wiltshire.
Avocados have become a breakfast staple in Britain despite concerns about their carbon footprint, water usage and fears about ethical standards on farms. Tesco said it sold nearly 15m more avocados last year compared with the previous year.
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The supermarket has worked with the fruit supplier Westfalia Fruit on the avocado scanner project. Last year the companies worked together to test out the idea of etching or “tattooing” avocados as a way to reduce the millions of plastic stickers used to label them. They also introduced cardboard and paper packaging across all Tesco’s packed avocados, which Westfalia said helped save 20m pieces of plastic a year.
Australians bought more than 20,000 Chinese-made vehicles in August, putting four Chinese brands into the top 10 for the first time, while Tesla sales have slumped by more than a third.
BYD came in sixth for the month, overtaking Mitsubishi, after its sales nearly quadrupled compared with August 2024, while GWM, MG and Chery each outsold Isuzu Ute in the month to round out the top 10.
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Chinese companies altogether sold 8,000 more cars in August than they did in the same month in 2024 and have surged in dominance in 2025 so far, according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries’ VFACTS data.
GWM has become the seventh-biggest company for the period January to August, with sales lifting to 34,000 from 28,000 in the same period in 2024. BYD has nearly tripled its sales to about 33,000.
The market for cars has grown more diverse as Chinese carmakers have increasingly offered competitive prices and a greater range of electric vehicles, according to Tony Weber, chief executive of Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.
“These companies are delivering vehicles that consumers want: modern, well-equipped and at competitive prices,” he said.
Tesla, meanwhile, has seen sales slip over the year, according to separate data collated by the Electric Vehicles Council.
Less than 18,000 Teslas were sold from January to August, whereas 28,000 were sold over the same period in 2024, mirroring declines recorded in Europe.
The biggest slump was in Tesla Model 3s, which has in previous years been Australia’s top-selling passenger car. Just 4,680 Model 3s have been sold in 2025 so far, where more than 12,000 had been sold in the same period in 2024.
The Tesla Model Y saw more sales in August 2025 than August 2024 but has seen sales slip over 2025 to date and faced a recall in late August over a software fault that could injure drivers.
Tesla sales have suffered a steep decline since February after its chief executive Elon Musk’s apparent fascist salute at a Trump inauguration rally, which saw Australian drivers sell their Teslas or add anti-Musk bumper stickers.
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The “Elon effect” has provided an opportunity for Chinese carmakers to take over the Australian market, according to Scott Dwyer, associate professor and research director at the University of Technology Sydney’s Institute for Sustainable Futures.
“Australians have certainly been put off by some of the news coming out of the US … [and] people are looking elsewhere,” Dwyer said.
“With the US tariffs as well, the Chinese [brands are] looking around saying ‘Where can we get a foothold, where can we sell and develop new markets?’”
Dwyer pointed to car shows such as Sydney’s Everything Electric in March, where attenders test drove cars from brands including GWM and MG.
“You can’t dismiss the word of mouth effect,” he said.
“The Chinese [manufacturers] are particularly aggressive in their go-to-market strategy [and] allowing consumers to get up close and personal with their vehicles, and that’s creating a lot of confidence.”
Mainstay brands continued to dominate sales and electric and hybrid sales accounted for less than 15,000 sales across the EVC and FCAI reports, compared to more than 90,000 non-electric sales.
Dwyer predicted EV uptake would rise as more options and lower prices continued to arrive in Australia.
“I definitely don’t think it’s a flash in the pan. This is something that’s here to stay.”
This is your last chance to shop for the best deals in mobile innovation technology at unbeatable prices. These deals are available only until 07 September 2025, so you have limited time left to enjoy these massive discounts on Samsung mobile devices, tablets, wearables and other accessories.
This year’s Blue Tag Sale had a big focus on mobile phones, tablets and smartwatches. And South Africans still have a chance to grab unbeatable deals of up to 40% on Samsung’s most innovative mobile devices that include the Galaxy S24 FE with 128GB. Samsung’s smartphones are designed to integrate with your other Galaxy devices, such as smartwatches, buds and other smart devices – creating a connected user experience.
You can also take advantage of the best offers in health and fitness products such as the Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Watch 7 and the Fit3. These wearables will allow you to stay fit and connected at awesome prices. With Galaxy Watch Ultra, you can enjoy Samsung’s ultra-wearable experience and, this can become your personal wellness coach that’s power-packed and always bright – redesigned to fit you better.
Also, you can explore the best of Samsung’s cutting-edge tablets that will supercharge your productivity with Galaxy AI in your hands. This selection of mobile devices on sale right now will inspire smarter, intelligent connections and greater wellness in your life. This Blue Tag Sale is especially for those looking to upgrade their smartphones and also score a sleek tablet. You can even grab the latest smartwatch or treat yourself to new wireless buds.
So, use this opportunity to upgrade and save up to 40% on a select range of innovative Galaxy phones, tablets, smartwatches and other accessories that include the following:
Smartphones:
Tablets:
Wearables & Accessories:
The Samsung Blue Tag Sale’s special offers are available nationwide. So, from mobile phones that allow you to connect with loved ones at all times, to tablets that elevate your productivity – these deals are still up for grabs at participating retail stores and online.
You can now browse Samsung’s extensive range of services, cellphones, tech and accessories online. But, there’s limited stock (and time); so act fast! Don’t miss out on these amazing products at amazing prices — shop in store any Samsung stores or participating retailers[2] online on Samsung and Samsung Shop App[3].
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Disclaimers:
[1] Terms and Conditions apply.
[2] Pricing limited to only BTS participating retailers.
[3] Recommended Resale Price. Prices may vary per participating retailer
Global law firm DLA Piper has advised Pacific Green, a global leader in battery energy storage solutions (BESS), on a DevEx loan facility of up to AUD77 million with Longreach Credit Investors and the Australian Philanthropic Services Foundation. The 24-month facility will support the development of a 7 GWh battery energy storage pipeline and drive the expansion of Pacific Green’s platform in the Australian market.
The funding will accelerate the rollout of Pacific Green’s battery energy storage system (BESS) projects across the National Electricity Market, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Australia’s transition to clean energy.
The DLA Piper team was led by Finance partner Alex Regan and special counsel Caroline Rowe, with support from solicitor Sophia Davies and senior paralegal Cameron O’Connor. The team advised on all legal aspects of the development capital raise, which is among the first of its kind in the Australian market.
DLA Piper partner Alex Regan commented: “This facility unlocks significant capital for Pacific Green to continue to expand their BESS Portfolio. It demonstrates how DLA Piper supports clients in delivering the investment and innovation required to advance the country’s energy transition.”
This transaction follows DLA Piper’s recent work advising Pacific Green on landmark BESS offtake arrangements for up to 3.5 GWh of capacity in Australia.
Pictured: Samsung’s Home Appliances within the SmartThings ecosystem. Image simulated for illustrative purposes. Not all depicted products are available in Australia. Cables not shown.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd is expanding it Home Appliances Remote Management (HRM) service globally, enhancing the remote diagnostic and troubleshooting experience for smart appliances users around the world. The service is now active across 122 countries including Australia, with support for 17 languages, enabling seamless support for a wide global customer base.
HRM is a service that connects SmartThings-connected appliances to Samsung’s service network, maintaining a continuous record of device conditions and enabling real-time monitoring through the service center[1]. With customer consent, advisors at service centers can remotely access diagnostics data – including refrigerators’ inner temperature levels, dryers’ moisture levels, or air conditioner cooling performance – and provide solutions or guidance to solve issues[2].
HRM has been used in remote customer support since 2020 in Korea, and was piloted across 10 countries in 2024. This year, the service has officially rolled out globally across 122 countries, supporting refrigerators and washing machines. To facilitate successful global rollout, Samsung has expanded HRM’s multilingual support from English and Korean to 17 languages in total – including Spanish, Portuguese, German, French, Russian, and Czech[3].
“Samsung’s HRM service exemplifies our commitment to proactive, smart customer care,” said Miyoung Yoo, EVP and Head of Global Customer Satisfaction Team, Digital Appliance (DA) Business at Samsung Electronics. “Thanks to the combination of seamless connectivity and real-time insights, this service helps to reduce complexity for our customers, ultimately enhancing their overall satisfaction.”
In line with the expansion of screen-equipped appliances like Bespoke refrigerators and washing machines, Samsung has also introduced a screen-sharing feature to enhance diagnostic capabilities. For various screens of 7-inch, 9-inch, and Family Hubs[4], Australian users can share their device screens in real time with service center advisors, allowing diagnosis of display-related issues, app malfunctions or multimedia playback problems. First introduced in 2021 with Family Hub refrigerators, screen sharing expanded to refrigerators with the 9-inch screen in July 2025, with support for washing machines with the 7-inch screen to follow in September[5].
Samsung’s HRM service will help to improve the efficiency of customer care by enabling real-time remote solutions for simple product issues that previously required in-home technician visits. For instance, if a customer is reporting that their washing machine’s buttons are not responding, an advisor will be able to diagnose whether the Child Lock setting is active through the HRM system. With simple guidance on how to disable the setting, the problem could be solved without a technician visit.
In cases when an on-site visit is ultimately necessary, HRM improves the experience by allowing technicians to review detailed diagnostic data in advance. They are able to arrive at the site prepared with the correct parts and tools, reducing repeat visits and significantly shortening repair time. This makes HRM especially effective in regional towns where traditional technician visits may face delays.
With the continued expansion of customer support solutions like HRM, Samsung is realising more convenient and efficient ways to care for home appliances – helping to reduce downtime, enhancing the user experience and setting new Samsung standards for global service. As HRM reaches more countries, languages and product categories, Samsung remains committed to delivering smarter, more connected care for the homes of the future.
[1] HRM is supported on SmartThings-enabled models released after 2019. Users must download the SmartThings app available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.
[2] In Australia HRM supports refrigerators and washing machines only. Support varies across regions.
[3] Supported languages include Korean, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Vietnamese, Hebrew, Turkish, Chinese, Polish, Arabic, Indonesian, Thai, Russian, and Czech.
[4] SRF9900BFH, SRF9800BFH, SRF9400BFH, SRS7900BFH, SRS6800BFH, SRS6500BA, WD18DB8995BZ, WF90F19ADSSA, and DV90F17CDSSA
[5] Available in countries selling each product.
The name Cynara is the genus for artichokes, which are highly prized in the southern part of Alicante, where the initial development team is located. But the name is also symbolic of the way the portal’s many functionalities, sometimes layered and overlapping, are like petals of an artichoke, Bosch says. Ribera’s use of Microsoft tools is similarly layered. It employs Dynamics 365 Contact Center, OpenAI models for generative AI projects, Azure Machine Learning tools for non-generative AI applications, Microsoft Fabric, Dynamics Business Central and Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Through Cynara Citizen, Ribera health professionals can track health indicators from patients – with particular focus on those with chronic diseases – to quickly address problems without waiting until the patients’ next appointment. Some chronically ill patients might tend to do nothing until their condition worsens to the point that they have to go to the emergency room; through Cynara Citizen, health professionals can check key health indicators remotely and proactively tell the patient what to do to avoid a health emergency.
“We have linked the app with clinical results,” Bosch says. “Patients are getting better blood glucose control and not going to the emergency room as often.” Level 3 patients, those with the most complex cases of chronic conditions, who were enrolled in the Cynara Citizen Population Health Management Program showed a 23 percent drop in emergency room visits and an 18 percent decrease in readmissions within 30 days, compared with a year earlier, which was before Cynara Citizen launched, according to Ribera. The patients had been in the clinical program enhanced with technology for at least 12 months. Ribera compared the level of use of the services of patients before and after being included in the program.
More broadly, Cynara Citizen, which Ribera developed with Microsoft technology, can reduce care gaps, helping patients follow their health plans so they are less likely to have to go to the emergency room. By seeing in real time whether, for example, a diabetic patient has a drop in glucose levels, Ribera health professionals can call the patient and get them to react before the glucose levels fall to the point that an ambulance has to be called, or that the patient falls into a coma. Because patients know who the professionals are on their care team and can message them in addition to making appointments, Ribera believes patients feel they are getting good care and good access, Bosch says. Since the app runs on Microsoft Azure, it can be easily and securely accessed from nearly anywhere.
New resource shows how digital workflows support sustainability goals across the building lifecycle
Munich – With buildings and construction responsible for 34% of global carbon emissions and half of all material extraction, the AEC industry faces growing pressure to act. To support this transition, ALLPLAN – a global leader in AEC software and part of the Nemetschek Group – has published a new eBook: “The Ultimate Sustainability Checklist for BIM Projects”.
“Sustainability starts long before construction begins,” says Eduardo Lazzarotto, Chief Product and Strategy Officer at ALLPLAN. “With this eBook, we’re equipping professionals with a practical framework to optimize their digital workflows – unlocking both environmental and economic value.”
Why Sustainability Can’t Wait
The climate challenge is at the forefront of the construction sector. Yet, the path to decarbonization requires more than ambition – it demands practical, data-driven decision-making at every project phase. ALLPLAN’s new eBook empowers project teams to meet this challenge through actionable guidance and proven digital workflows.
Practical Guidance Across the Project Lifecycle
This eBook provides actionable checklists for each phase of the building lifecycle, showing how the right BIM tools can help optimize design decisions, streamline workflows, and minimize embodied carbon. Readers will discover how to leverage digital construction for smarter material selection, more efficient layouts, and better long-term building performance.
What’s Inside the eBook
The path to a more sustainable built environment starts with better decisions – and better decisions start with better tools.
By leveraging BIM for early carbon analysis, structural optimization, offsite planning, and digital collaboration, AEC teams can reduce emissions, cut waste, and deliver projects that are not only better for the planet – but better for business too.
Download ALLPLAN’s free eBook, The Ultimate Sustainability Checklist for BIM Projects, and start transforming your workflows today.
DLA Piper has advised GMH Group, one of Germany’s leading steel producers and processors, on the acquisition of two business units of Buderus Edelstahl GmbH.
The transaction comprises the acquisition of the hot rolling mill for large, rolled steel dimensions and machining and heat treatment facilities from Buderus Edelstahl GmbH in Wetzlar. With this step, GMH Group is strengthening its position in the field of high-quality forged parts and is expanding its rolled steel portfolio as well as its processing and heat treatment capacities. The transaction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to the usual regulatory approvals.
GMH Group, based in Georgsmarienhütte, comprises more than 15 medium-sized production companies of the steel, forging and casting industries and approximately 6,000 employees. GMH Group is considered a pioneer in green steel and offers services ranging from scrap recycling to steel production and processing to the manufacture of ready-to-install components for customers worldwide.
Buderus Edelstahl GmbH, based in Wetzlar, is a manufacturer of high-quality special steels and belongs to Mutares SE & Co. KGaA. It specializes in tool steel, engineering steel, open-die forgings, die forgings, hot strip, cold strip, and rolled semi-finished products.
A cross-border and multidisciplinary DLA Piper team from offices in Germany was led by counsel Dr Mirjam Rüve and associate Jerome Bieler, as well as partner Dr Nils Krause (all Corporate/M&A).
They were supported by partners Dr Henriette Norda (Employment), Dr Justus Herrlinger (Lit&Reg), Guido Kleve (Lit&Reg), Dr Burkhard Führmeyer (IPT), Counsels Jörn Manhart (Employment/Pensions) and Moritz Mursa (Real Estate), Senior Associates Dr Katharina Fischer (Employment, Hamburg), Louisa Arlette Maier-Witt (Lit&Reg, Hamburg), Hauke Tammert (Lit&Reg), Marisa Machacek (IPT), Dr Betina Fischer (Commercial), as well as Associates Benedikt Mail (Corporate) and Tina Popp (Real Estate).
The international team also included DLA Piper Vienna: Partner Marc Lager and Counsel Florian Prischl (both Lit&Reg), and DLA Piper Bucharest: Partner Alina Lacatus, Counsel Razvan Pele (Lit&Reg) and Associate Cristi Porojanu (Corporate).
(Bloomberg) — Stocks chalked up a modest rebound as traders tracked the selloff in long-dated bonds, fueled by anxiety over inflation and mounting government debt. Gold hit a fresh all-time high.
European stocks rose 0.3% after suffering their steepest loss in a month in the previous session. Nasdaq 100 futures advanced 0.5% as Alphabet Inc. rallied in extended trading on Tuesday, buoyed by a ruling that Google won’t be forced to sell its Chrome browser. Contracts on the S&P 500 climbed 0.3% after two days of losses.
While equities found firmer footing, the bond selloff deepened. The yield on 30-year Treasuries climbed three basis points, coming within a whisker of the 5% threshold. Japanese debt joined the rout, with 20-year yields hitting the highest since 1999. UK gilts weakened further, while euro-area bonds proved more resilient.
The fragility of bonds underscores the strain from heavy public spending, which demands ever-rising bond issuance, and a broader erosion of confidence in sovereign credit. That uncertainty has spilled into equities, where traders are grappling with stretched valuations after a record rally, alongside persistent concerns over monetary policy and inflation.
“I don’t see this movement as a threat to the rising trend of stock markets,” said Roland Kaloyan, head of equity strategy at Societe Generale SA. “We don’t see yields rising much further than their current levels. That being said, this bond selloff means that there will be an even greater focus on Friday’s US job data and their impact on the Fed’s easing policy.”
Gold’s latest record comes as growing expectations for US interest-rate cuts bolster the metal’s attractiveness. The drop in bond and equities has also strengthened its appeal as a haven. Bullion climbed as much as 0.4% to hit 3,546.96 an ounce before paring gains.
“President Trump’s continued efforts to erode the Fed’s policy independence are also shaking confidence, in turn helping hard assets such as gold,” wrote Michael Brown, senior research strategist at Pepperstone Group Ltd. “The bull case remains intact.”
Corporate News:
Alphabet Inc.’s Google will be required to share online search data with rivals while avoiding harsher penalties, including the forced sale of its Chrome business, a judge ruled in the biggest US antitrust case in almost three decades. Alphabet shares rose in after-hours trading. The US has revoked Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.’s authorization to freely ship essential gear to its main Chinese chipmaking base, potentially curtailing its production capabilities at that older-generation facility. TSMC shares retreated in Taiwan. Apple Inc.’s lead artificial intelligence researcher for robotics has departed the company to join Meta Platforms Inc.’s competing effort, part of an exodus of AI talent from the iPhone maker. A group of Thames Water’s senior creditors has submitted a new operational plan to the UK regulator as part of its bid to rescue and take over the ailing utility. Hong Kong is probing allegations of insider dealing that involve at least two individuals at the stock exchange and the city’s financial regulator as well as brokers and social media influencers. Some of the main moves in markets:
Stocks
The Stoxx Europe 600 rose 0.3% as of 9:05 a.m. London time S&P 500 futures rose 0.3% Nasdaq 100 futures rose 0.5% Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.1% The MSCI Asia Pacific Index fell 0.8% The MSCI Emerging Markets Index was little changed Currencies
The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index was little changed The euro was little changed at $1.1641 The Japanese yen fell 0.2% to 148.71 per dollar The offshore yuan was little changed at 7.1456 per dollar The British pound fell 0.1% to $1.3374 Cryptocurrencies
Bitcoin fell 0.2% to $111,212.14 Ether was little changed at $4,318.2 Bonds
The yield on 10-year Treasuries advanced three basis points to 4.29% Germany’s 10-year yield declined one basis point to 2.77% Britain’s 10-year yield advanced two basis points to 4.82% Commodities
Brent crude fell 0.5% to $68.82 a barrel Spot gold rose 0.1% to $3,537.23 an ounce This story was produced with the assistance of Bloomberg Automation.
©2025 Bloomberg L.P.