Industry News

Thai oil giant PTT OR is reportedly investing $220 million to extend Cafe Amazon’s network, renovate locations, and look into F&B acquisitions. According to PTT OR investor relations manager Pitirat Rattanachote, almost 40 per cent of the oil giant’s overall $560 million investment budget this year would go towards expanding its domestic coffee shop operation. Cafe Amazon is a Thai coffeehouse chain that is owned and operated by PTT Public Company, Thailand’s largest state-owned oil and gas corporation. Founded in 2002, the first Cafe Amazon location was in a PTT petrol station to improve the customers’ experience. In 2023, the company had more than 4400 locations across 11 Asian nations, with international branches in Cambodia, China, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Oman, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam. In 2023, PTT Oil and Retail said it would invest US$405 million in the expansion of its Cafe Amazon network and its Texas Chicken franchise.…

Viva Energy has announced its goal of developing a tyre-recycling facility in Melbourne, with plans to process up to 80,000 tonnes of used tyres annually. The company has signed a memorandum of understanding with Canadian recycling firm Klean Industries to conduct a pre-feasibility study for the facility, with the project aiming to divert waste from landfill and contribute to the production of lower-carbon fuels. Lachlan Pfeiffer, Chief Strategy Officer at Viva Energy, said the initiative aligns with the company’s sustainability goals. “This partnership with Klean Industries is an important development for Viva Energy as we continue to explore new pathways to a more sustainable future for our refinery. By transforming end-of-life tyres into valuable resources, we are not only reducing waste but also pioneering new paths for low-carbon fuel production.” The proposed plant would recover three key materials from end-of-life tyres: recovered carbon black (used in tyre and plastic manufacturing),…

The Albanese Government is delivering $250 million to accelerate the pace of Australia’s growing domestic Low Carbon Liquid Fuels (LCLF) industry. This funding is part of the $1.7 billion Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund and will be provided as grants to support pre-commercial innovation, demonstration and deployment. Low carbon liquid fuels can be produced sustainably from waste, biomass such as agricultural feedstocks, or renewable hydrogen. Australia’s domestic LCLF industry will focus on supplying sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel in liquid fuel-reliant sectors, including transport (aviation, heavy vehicle, rail and maritime), mining, agriculture and construction. The development of low carbon fuels will drive economic growth and jobs in regional areas, including supporting diversification in agriculture, making good use of excess feedstock from crops, sugarcane and waste products such as tallow. CSIRO projects that a LCLF industry could contribute between AUD $6 billion to $12 billion annually in direct economic…

Latest crime statistics show South Australia has recorded a 20 per cent drop in Robbery and Related Offences, with reported crimes down in every category. The rolling yearly data to January reveals the incidence of shop theft has dropped for the third time in a row, down a further five per cent, with almost 1000 less offences reported. It follows the expansion of anti-shoplifting initiative Operation Measure last month, with an additional eight officers added to its ranks. The boost to frontline resources was made possible through the Malinauskas Labor Government’s $82 million investment in 189 Police Security Officers, who are replacing sworn officers in frontline roles, such as custody management. The number of house break-ins has dropped for a seventh time, down five percent in the rolling year to January. Reported car theft has also decreased by 12 per cent, while theft from a vehicle is down by 20…

Seven & i is also planning an IPO for its U.S. convenience business. Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. today announced that Stephen Hayes Dacus, currently chairman of the board as the lead independent outside director, will succeed Ryuichi Isaka as president & representative director and CEO, according to a press release. The appointment will be effective after the group’s Annual General Meeting. Isaka will continue to serve as a senior advisor to the group. Dacus has been a member of the board since May 2022 and was appointed chairman and lead independent outside director in April 2024. During his tenure he has had an integral role in overseeing the group’s value creation strategy as chairman of the strategy committee and chairman of the special committee. Dacus is a “fluent Japanese speaker with significant executive, financial and operational experience working with consumer and retail companies in Japan and globally,” said Seven…

The P&C community celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) at an IWD event hosted by Business Chicks Australia in Melbourne. The event, which was well-represented by the Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) with around 30 members attending, brought together industry professionals to hear from inspiring speakers who shared their experiences and insights on supporting women in business. The event featured a powerful lineup of speakers, including Sarah Grynberg, Rachel Griffiths, Azure Antoinette, and Brihony Dawson. Corinne Barclay, Director at CMA, who hosted the AACS contingent alongside Camilla Warnock, said she believes IWD is a day to reflect on how far women have come in their quest for equality, and at the same time, it shows how much more there is to do. “The theme for this year, ‘Accelerate action,’ was a key message and is a perfect way to highlight that we need to keep moving along and driving change,…