2006 "Build a Better Mousetrap" New Product Innovations of the Year

Non-alcoholic beer for dogs, hot dogs made with salmon, cappuccino-flavored cider and light beer fortified with vitamins were some of the more unusual new product innovations reported in 2006 by Datamonitor's Productscan Online database of new products.

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3G mobile: advance Australia fair

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A broad portfolio of wealth management services is necessary to attract Australian investors

The wealth management sector in Australia is experiencing rapid growth. Consequently it has become a target market for many international players, as well as domestic competitors looking to expand. However, providers of wealth management services need to offer a flexible portfolio, which appeals both to the self-governing investor as well as to those who require more financial guidance.

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Account portability in Australia is one step closer, but major challenges remain

One of the key objectives of the new banking reform launched by the Australian government is to conduct a feasibility study for implementing full account number portability. While this is a positive step for consumers, who will be able to keep their account numbers when switching providers, Datamonitor believes that there are major challenges which need to be addressed.

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AEP: joining the rush back home

US utilities from AEP to Reliant are running scared from competitive retail markets outside the US. Only TXU, which also has to face deregulation back home in Texas, is presently capable of operating successfully in such a challenging environment.

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AGL: getting its fingers on Pulse

The Australian energy market looks set to mirror the type of consolidation seen in markets such as the UK, with less than five major retail players expected to remain in 3-4 years' time. AGL is now one of the largest players with a 28% share of the national market, making acquisitions a priority for rivals TXU and Origin to establish positions of strength.

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Aldi celebrates 10 years in Australia

Since entering the Australian market in 2001, German discount retailer Aldi has experienced strong growth. Due to its extensive private label range, locally sourced products, and discount pricing, the company has now gained widespread acceptance, and is a key threat to Coles' and Woolworths' dominance of the Australian retail landscape.

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Aldi courts the green market with adoption of carbon label program

Last month, grocery retailer Aldi became the first retailer in Australia to launch a carbon footprint label in its stores, introducing an everyday olive oil range that features a Carbon Reduction Label. The launch will appeal to the growing number of environmentally conscious Australians, but competing environmental and ethical claims may impact upon its success.

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Aldi: aggressive expansion in Australia through profit reinvestment

In the wake of improved net profits in 2009, Aldi has announced further investment in its Australian infrastructure and stores. Investing in the market will enable the discounter to boost market share, and help to reduce the dominance of Woolworths and Coles. Furthermore, Verdict research shows that Australian consumers are particularly responsive to Aldi's core proposition: private label.

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Alinta: driving growth and diversification through acquisition

The price may be high, but for Alinta [ALN.AX] it is worth paying Duke [DUK] A$1.69 billion to capture some of Australia's most important gas pipelines, as well as power generation assets. Capitalizing on US energy companies' steady exit from Australia, the company is both improving the diversity of its operations and creating steady long-term growth in shareholder returns.

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