The inherent danger of internet forums

We all experienced, a few months ago, the rapid spread of the swine flu alarm that peaked at the end of April 2009, creating a temporary crash in the stock market and widespread panic buying for medication, protection masks and foodstuff.
The scare not only caused a 5% two-day slump in some stock markets, it also [...]

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Nomad launches a new Sandeel Seabass lure

By using Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology, the latest available high-tech plastics and the added value of the artistic hand of skilled workmanship, the PERFEEL™ is the first SAND EEL lure to benefit from 21st century engineering and production capabilities.

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Clearing out the dead wood

The Global Financial Crisis (GFC) was not only caused by the excessive greed of a few elite banksters; it is the end result of numerous factors that include in particular the globalization of trade and the inherent consequences on European employment caused by the outsourcing of labour intensive production.
If free trade has been the greatest [...]

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Whatever happened to voluntary work?

THE latest edition of the EFTTEX show that was held in Rome last June was a reflection of the current trends in effect in our European market.
A lot of effort, time and money were spent by most of those companies exhibiting in the show. Stands were generally very nice, with many companies and brands making [...]

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Rapala strengthens strategic alliance with Shimano

October 11, 2007 
Distribution Joint Venture for Russia and Ukraine
Rapala VMC Corporation (“Rapala”) and Shimano Inc. (“Shimano”), one of the leading manufacturers of rods and reels worldwide, have decided to strengthen their distribution alliance in Russia and Ukraine by establishing a 50/50 joint venture company in Finland, controlled by Rapala. This joint venture company, Rapala [...]

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Report criticises Brussels fishing policy

By Andrew Bounds in Brussels. Published: September 27 2007
Europe’s fishing policy is “poor”, with its waters among the most overfished and the industry among the least profitable in the world, according to an internal European Commission study. View the whole article published in the Financial Times..

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USA: Angling retains its mainstream appeal and broad economic impact

 September 26, 2007—Alexandria, VA—Despite competition from video games and other similar activities and increased urbanization, recreational angling remains one of the largest outdoor recreational activities in the nation as well as one of the most solid industries in the United States. Annually, nearly 40 million anglers generate over $45 billion in retail sales with a [...]

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Eftta pledges action after sea fishing license scheme damages sales in Europe

The European Fishing Tackle Trade Association (EFTTA) today urged governments across Europe to think carefully before introducing sea fishing licences, after it was revealed that the introduction of a licence scheme in Portugal has had a catastrophic effect on tackle sales in the country.The official trade body, EFTTA, which represents almost 300 manufacturers and wholesalers, [...]

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Market collapses after new fishing law takes it toll!

Sales of fishing tackle have collapsed in Portugal following the introduction of the new legislation on sea fishing and the requirement for sea fishing licences. After years of heavy lobbying, the commercial fishermen have finally achieved their goal: To eliminate the competition by discouraging the Portuguese sea-fishermen from indulging in their favourite sport, thus guaranteeing [...]

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Rapala plans to consolidate operations in France

July 2, 2007
Rapala VMC Corporation has today informed its labour representatives of its French distribution business units about plans to consolidate all French operations to Morvillars in the Eastern France. Today, the French distribution unit Ragot is located in Loudeac, Normandie, distribution unit Waterqueen and line supplier Tortue in Saint Marcel in Mid-France and hook [...]

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“I only make movies to finance my fishing”. (Lee Marvin)

For those who sweated it out at the EFFTEX show in Prague and wondered why I was wearing shorts and a summer fishing shirt on the first day of the show; well, it’s because I analysed the information available in the EFTTA Newsline last march and could remember EFTTEX in Geneva.

I can understand the decision [...]

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China; Rising to the challenge!

Olympic National Stadium, Beijing, Herzog and de Meuron, Arup Group, estimated completion 2008
I shall never forget my visit to the first CHINAFISH show in 1991.
The exhibition was held close to the entrance of the Forbidden City, right in the centre of Beijing.
I was driven to the show by an old man on a tricycle who [...]

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Manifest for the Future of Recreational Fishing in Europe!

The time has come for the European Fishing Tackle Trade to invest into its future if it is to have a future!

Our European markets are depressed, we are losing participation.

Pollution, Over-Fishing and Fish Farming are directly responsible.

Recreational Fishing is not recognised by our European authorities for either its social or economic contribution as a [...]

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The last Fisherman in Ireland

The man hadn’t caught a fish for three years now. The retired businessman had fished all his life. His father had transmitted the passion to him in his youth. He could still remember the delightful days spent fishing off the wonderful west coast of Ireland, in County Clare where he had been brought up.
As a [...]

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Going Pan-European: Choices, decisions.

There are few alternatives these days for a European National Fishing Tackle Company than to aim towards the development of new sales in neighbouring countries.
Numerous are the European brands that are presently selling outside of their original market as companies are doing everything they can to generate positive growth inside an oversupplied and rapidly shrinking [...]

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Wading into Europe: How deep is the water?

Launching a product or a range of new products throughout the European Market can resemble a steep hill climb for any manufacturer wishing to sell his production to the old continent.In this first article we shall cover the example of a fictitious medium size company, with little experience in the fishing tackle market.
Cobiaco, Ltd.; a [...]

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Is it “business as usual” in Europe?

Now that the 2006 financial year has come to a close, it’s possible to make some first estimations of the current situation within the European market. The World Cup has certainly affected business this last season but cannot be ruled responsible for the general state of the trade.
All over Western Europe, dealers are entering into [...]

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Small businesses cannot grow competitively within the EU

 The European Union is the N˚1 commercial power in the world. It represents 18% of the total volume of world imports and exports.
The USA account for 16% and Japan for 10%.
The globalization of commerce is putting great pressure on small European businesses due to mounting pressure from multinational companies that can afford to deal within [...]

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