NEW YORK , Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is redefining market landscape - The global pizza market size is estimated to grow by USD 66 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.79% during the forecast period. Increasing consumption of pizza in developing countries is driving market growth, with a trend towards growing popularity of online food orders through portals and mobile apps. However, fluctuation in prices of food commodities poses a challenge. Key market players include Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund, California Pizza Kitchen Inc., CEC Entertainment Concepts L.P., CICI ENTERPRISES LP, Dominos Pizza Inc., FAT Brands Inc., Godfathers Pizza Inc., Hungry Howie Pizza and Subs Inc., La Pinoz Pizza, Little Caesar Enterprises Inc., Marcos Franchising LLC, Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers, MOD Super Fast Pizza LLC, MTY Food Group Inc., Papa Johns International Inc., Pizza Nova Take Out Ltd., PizzaExpress Restaurants Ltd., Retail Food Group Ltd., Spizzico Italian Kitchen, and YUM Brands Inc.. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Key Market Trends Fueling Growth Online ordering has revolutionized the pizza market, making it more efficient and convenient for both consumers and restaurants. Compared to telephone orders, online platforms eliminate communication errors and ensure orders are not lost during peak hours. Consumers spend more online due to attractive digital menus, and restaurants expand their customer base through mobile apps and loyalty programs. Online ordering's convenience and optimized process have led to significant market growth. Consumers can easily compare pizzas, select sizes, toppings, and ingredients, and have their orders delivered right to their door. Travelers and those unable to visit restaurants in person particularly benefit from this convenience. Online ordering has expanded the pizza market by making it easier for customers to identify and purchase pizzas, encouraging repeat business through loyalty programs. These factors will continue to drive growth in the pizza market during the forecast period. The pizza market is thriving with competitive prices, discounts, and combo offers attracting a large customer base. Loyalty programs add value to repeat purchases. The market outlook is positive with convenient food items like ready-to-eat and frozen pizza gaining popularity. Minimal preparation is a key factor, making convenience stores a go-to choice. Freshly baked and heated pizza slices, pizza rolls, pockets, and mini-pizzas cater to various textures and savory profiles. Healthier product variants with gluten-free crusts, locally sourced ingredients, and sustainability are on the rise. Ethical practices and online ordering add to the convenience factor. Non-vegetarian pizzas with toppings like sausage and bacon, as well as vegetable toppings and plant-based proteins, cater to diverse tastes. Cheese alternatives and crust types like thick, thin, and stuffed crusts offer choice. Substantial size pizzas, full-service restaurants, and fast food service provide a convenient dining experience, with options for dine-in, takeout, and third-party delivery services. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Market Challenges The cost of raw materials used in making pizza, such as wheat, vegetables, tomato sauce, meat, and cheese, can vary based on their availability. The increasing gap between demand and supply has led to a significant increase in their prices. This hike in raw material costs results in increased manufacturing expenses and decreased profit margins for vendors. To remain competitive, manufacturers explore cheaper alternatives. Raw material suppliers set their prices independently, which can impact the market. Adverse weather conditions, emergencies, regulations, disasters, or supply shortages can disrupt the supply of raw materials, further increasing their prices. Ultimately, these rising raw material costs translate to higher product prices, affecting consumer purchasing decisions and potentially hindering market growth. The pizza market is a thriving industry, with supermarkets, restaurants, and retail stores selling this beloved food item worldwide. Challenges include providing various options like whole wheat crusts, gluten-free, BBQ chicken, and cauliflower crusts. Raw materials such as wheat, water, yeast, salt, olive oil, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, vegetables, meats, seafood, herbs, and pepperoni are essential. With the rise of online ordering, pizza's popularity soars, reaching social gatherings, parties, and developing economies due to rapid Westernization and globalization. Leading market players face challenges from technical advancements like robotic automation and ghost kitchens, cultural integration of international cuisines, and diverse pizza options. Marketing campaigns and pizza chains continue to innovate, offering new flavors and ingredients, making pizza a beloved and enduring global favorite. Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report Segment Overview This pizza market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Quick service restaurants (QSR) 1.2 Full-service restaurants (FSR) 1.3 Others 2.1 Non-vegetarian pizza 2.2 Vegetarian pizza 3.1 North America 3.2 Europe 3.3 APAC 3.4 Middle East and Africa 3.5 South America 1.1 Quick service restaurants (QSR)- Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), such as those specializing in pizza and burgers, have gained significant popularity due to their efficient and cost-effective business model. These restaurants offer fast food with minimal preparation time and express service, allowing for shorter delivery times and lower overhead costs. QSRs have standardized processes, enabling them to maintain quality while reducing expenses on space, furniture, air conditioning, and crockery. The rise of urbanization and increasing disposable income have fueled the growth of QSRs in India , with economic reports indicating a 20-25% increase in the fiscal year 2023. Notable chains like Dominos, Pizza Hut, and La Pinoz Pizza are expanding into tier 2 and 3 cities, capitalizing on the growing market and limited competition in these areas. Overall, the QSR sector is expected to drive the market in the forecast period due to its practicality and high return on investment. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) Research Analysis Pizza, a beloved global food staple, caters to various dietary preferences with an expanding range of vegetarian and vegan options. Plant-based diets are on the rise, leading to the popularity of vegan cheeses and plant-based meats on pizzas. Whole wheat and gluten-free crusts cater to those with dietary restrictions. BBQ chicken, pepperoni, and gourmet pizzas continue to be fan favorites. Pizzerias, delivery services, and online ordering make pizza convenient for consumers. Supermarkets and convenience stores offer take-and-bake pizzas for those who prefer cooking at home. Sustainability is a growing concern, with many pizza chains focusing on using locally sourced raw materials and reducing food waste. Ingredients like garlic bread, French fries, salad, and pizza chains contribute to the overall pizza experience. Brand recognition plays a significant role in consumer choice, with some chains becoming household names. Market Research Overview The Pizza Market encompasses a wide range of Italian-inspired dishes, including pizzas, Italian fries, garlic bread, salads, and more. This global market is renowned for its diverse offerings, from classic pizzas to gourmet and artisanal varieties. Vegetarian and vegan pizzas, catering to plant-based diets, have gained significant popularity with the use of vegan cheese and plant-based meats. Raw materials such as wheat, water, yeast, salt, olive oil, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, vegetables, meats, seafood, herbs, and pepperoni are essential ingredients in creating these delicious dishes. The pizza market's worldwide popularity is fueled by cultural integration, globalization, and the convenience of delivery services like DoorDash and Grubhub. Consumers can enjoy pizza at restaurants, retail stores, supermarkets, and even order online for delivery or pick-up. Technical advancements, such as robotic automation and ghost kitchens, have streamlined the production process, making pizza more accessible than ever. Marketing campaigns, competitive prices, discounts, combo offers, and loyalty programs have contributed to the market's growth. The pizza market outlook remains positive, with an increasing focus on healthier product variants, locally sourced ingredients, and sustainable and ethical practices. Convenient food items like ready-to-eat and frozen pizza, pizza rolls, pizza pockets, and mini-pizzas continue to be popular choices for consumers. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Distribution Channel Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) Full-service Restaurants (FSR) Others Type Non-vegetarian Pizza Vegetarian Pizza Geography North America Europe APAC Middle East And Africa South America 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE TechnavioBy Molly Farrar Patriots safety and captain Jabrill Peppers will face a jury in January after allegedly assaulting a woman in October, but he might be back on the field as early as this weekend. Peppers, who last appeared in late September for the Patriots’ Week 4 game against the 49ers, was arrested Oct. 5 and charged with domestic assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation, and possession of a Class B substance. Peppers pleaded not guilty to all charges. His jury trial was scheduled last week to begin Jan. 22. His lawyer, Marc Brofsky, declined to comment Monday afternoon. Peppers is accused of choking a woman and pushing her head against a wall in his apartment before forcing her from his apartment, according to police records . Police also found a small bag of white powder in his wallet; Peppers allegedly admitted it was cocaine and tested positive for the drug. Previously, Brofsky has indicated that there is video evidence that “completely contradicts the alleged victim’s story.” “I expect my client to be fully exonerated,” he told a Boston 25 News reporter after a hearing last month. Peppers was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt list three days after his arrest, which is a temporary designation that restricts players from attending practice or competing in weekly games. While on the list, players are still paid. Peppers was removed from the list Monday, the NFL announced. The Patriots are set to play the Colts in Foxborough Sunday which could be Peppers’ return to the field. “In accordance with the Personal Conduct Policy, the league initiated a preliminary investigation into an incident from early October,” the announcement said, according to multiple reports . “That review will remain ongoing and is not affected by this change in Peppers’ roster status.” A civil suit was filed against Peppers in Norfolk Superior Court last week. Representation for the NFL player and the alleged victim, who is not identified in court filings, are discussing a potential settlement, according to her lawyer. Wigdor LLP, who said on X they represent the woman, released a statement following what they called false claims about her motives from Brofsky. According to MassLive , Brofsky said the alleged victim “demand(ed) $10.5 million to settle this case, or else she would file a civil suit.” He added that “while it’s technically not extortion... it tells the court what this case is about.” “As Mr. Peppers’ lawyer has raised this, we can confirm that Mr. Peppers’ lawyer asked us to meet to discuss a potential settlement and asked us to convey a settlement proposal,” Wigdor wrote in a statement . “We did not present a proposal of $10.5 million to avoid a civil lawsuit and the civil lawsuit does not seek any particular amount other than what a jury decides to award.” Molly Farrar Molly Farrar is a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, focusing on education, politics, crime, and more. Boston.com Today Sign up to receive the latest headlines in your inbox each morning. Be civil. Be kind.
Nick Kern came off the bench for 20 points and 13 rebounds as Penn State remained unbeaten with an 85-66 thumping of Fordham in a semifinal of the Sunshine Slam on Monday in Daytona Beach, Fla. The Nittany Lions (6-0), who will play either San Francisco or Clemson for the tournament title on Tuesday, put four other players in double figures. Zach Hicks scored 16 points, while Puff Johnson added 15. Ace Baldwin and Yanic Konan Niederhauser each chipped in 12 points. Penn State sank nearly 53 percent of its field goal attempts and earned a 38-30 advantage on the boards, more than enough to offset missing 12 of its 32 foul shots. Four players reached double figures for the Rams (3-4), led by 15 points apiece from Jackie Johnson III and reserve Joshua Rivera. Romad Dean and Jahmere Tripp each added 13. Fordham was as close as 56-49 after Tripp made a layup with 14:25 left in the game. But the Nittany Lions responded with a 16-1 run, capped with a layup by Kern for a 22-point lead at the 9:33 mark, and they never looked back. The main storyline prior to tipoff was whether Penn State could continue its torrid early start that saw it come into the day leading Division I in steals and ranked second in scoring at 98.2 points per game. The Nittany Lions certainly played to their billing for most of the first half, establishing a 21-8 lead at the 10:08 mark via Hicks' three-point play. Fordham predictably struggled early with the pressure defense, committing four turnovers in the first four minutes. But the Rams got their bearings over the last 10 minutes and made some shots. They got as close as four on two occasions late in the half before Penn State pushed the lead to 42-34 at the half. The officials were busy in the half, calling 23 fouls and administering 27 free throws. --Field Level Media
Max Stock Limited: Immediate report of changes to interested party holdingsThe Disconnect Between Friday Khutbas And Current Affairs: Need To Revive The Essence Of The Pulpit The Friday Khutba (sermon) holds a unique and sacred position in Islam. Historically, it has served as a platform for spiritual rejuvenation, moral guidance, and a reflection of the prevailing socio-political and economic circumstances of the community. The pulpit, therefore, is not just a religious podium but a beacon of enlightenment, encouraging the community to navigate their worldly challenges while upholding their spiritual principles. However, in many parts of the Muslim world today, the Khutbas seem to have drifted from addressing current affairs, often delving into repetitive and abstract theological discussions that fail to connect with the realities of the congregation. This detachment raises a provocative question: why are our Friday sermons so far removed from current affairs, and how can we reclaim the essence of the pulpit? The true purpose of the Friday Khutba lies in its capacity to address the pressing needs of the Muslim Ummah (community). Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) used the Khutba to educate, inspire, and mobilize the community, addressing real issues such as justice, charity, leadership, and societal responsibilities. The Khutba was not limited to exhorting piety but was also a medium for public service announcements, community decisions, and even diplomatic guidance. Historically, Khutbas during the Rashidun and subsequent caliphates reflected the challenges of the time, ranging from matters of governance to external threats. These sermons served as a call to action, urging Muslims to embody the principles of Islam in their daily lives and communal obligations. The current disconnects in contemporary times, the Khutba has largely become ceremonial, with many sermons confined to generic exhortations about faith, worship, and personal morality. While these are undoubtedly important, this limited scope often neglects the pressing social, economic, and political challenges faced by the community. Why has this shift occurred? Lack of awareness or preparation some imams may lack the requisite knowledge or skills to discuss contemporary issues effectively. Delivering a well-researched and impactful Khutba on current affairs requires preparation, critical thinking, and an understanding of both Islamic principles and modern realities—a combination not always present in those entrusted with the pulpit. Disconnection from the audience, a significant number of imams fail to engage with their congregations or understand their challenges. This disconnect creates a gap between the pulpit and the pews, rendering the Khutba irrelevant to the lived experiences of the attendees. As a consequence, of cultural and historical myopia, some preachers focus excessively on historical anecdotes and abstract theological debates, sidelining the application of Islamic principles to contemporary challenges. While historical narratives are valuable, their relevance diminishes when not linked to current contexts. The consequences of irrelevant Khutbas have caused detachment that has far-reaching implications. The pulpit, instead of being a source of guidance and empowerment, becomes a ritualistic formality. As a result, the youth are disengaged. Young Muslims, grappling with identity crises, societal pressures, and global challenges, find little solace or direction in sermons that fail to address their realities. The community is fragmented, and the lack of guidance on contemporary issues exacerbates disunity within the Muslim Ummah, leaving individuals to navigate challenges in isolation. Moral and social decline ensues without relevant and timely guidance and societal problems such as corruption, substance abuse, domestic violence, and economic exploitation continue unabated. Islam is perceived as irrelevant for non-Muslims and even some Muslims, the faith appears disconnected from the modern world, reinforcing stereotypes about its incompatibility with contemporary life. Reviving the essence of the pulpit “To reclaim the pulpit as a platform of relevance and empowerment, several steps must be undertaken: The Role of the Congregation While imams play a pivotal role, the congregation must also demand relevance and engagement from their Khutbas. Communities should support and encourage imams to address pressing issues, creating a culture where the pulpit becomes a shared space for learning and growth. The Friday Khutba is more than a ritual; it is a responsibility. The pulpit should not shy away from addressing the realities of the world, for Islam is a faith that encompasses all aspects of life. Reviving the essence of the Khutba means reclaiming it as a platform of relevance, inspiration, and action. By bridging the gap between faith and reality, the Khutba can once again become the guiding light it was meant to be, empowering Muslims to navigate their challenges while upholding the principles of Islam. Let us transform our sermons into catalysts for change, making them as vibrant and dynamic as the faith they represent. The writer is a Consultant Surgeon and a policy analyst at Mubarak Hospital Srinagar, and a Certified National and International Expert on Healthcare Quality and Accreditation. A postgraduate in Islamic Studies, he is actively involved in positive perception management of moral, social and religious issues.
NEW YORK , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On the year of their 125 th year Anniversary, The E-J Group continues to expand to meet their client's needs by strengthening their presence in the Northeast. E-J has acquired State Electric Corporation. State Electric, located in Bedford, Massachusetts , has been in business since 1988 and is one of the most respected and trusted full-service electrical contractors in New England. The depth of experience and expertise, particularly in healthcare, life science, commercial, sports & entertainment, transportation, power and renewable energy, transmission, distribution and substation work, will only enhance the services offered to our clients. The E-J Group looks forward to providing their clients with additional experience, expertise, and innovative solutions to this area of the Northeast for the reliable, fast-track project delivery they are accustomed to. "We are pleased to welcome State Electric to the E-J Family," says Anthony E. Mann , CEO of the E-J Group. "State's culture of safety first, innovative solutions align with E-J's and makes for an ideal new member of the organization." "All our divisions operate under the same philosophy, safety first while delivering the best quality workmanship, utilizing prefabrication and lean construction solutions. We share the same client focused approach of doing business," states Ronnie Koning , President of State Electric Corp. "Being part of the E-J Group provides more opportunities for our employees and strengthens what we offer to our clients." State Electric will retain its name and cultural identity, with its current leadership continuing in their respective roles. Ronnie Koning will remain as President, reporting to E-J's EVP, Dave Ferguson . Brendan Dickie will continue as COO, and Jane Wu will maintain her position as Controller. Their collective expertise will remain instrumental to the organization's ongoing success. E-J has thrived and survived the test of time by emerging into nearly a $1 billion national electrical company with great financial strength, national clients, project diversity, and a company culture that is founded on Safety First. E-J currently has 15 offices in 5 states across the country in New York , New Jersey , Connecticut , Rhode Island , Arizona , and now Massachusetts . About E-J: The E-J Group is active in all facets of electrical contracting - we are not your typical electrical contractor. We bring experience, expertise and a national reputation on projects that vary in size to over $300 million . Typical installations include rail systems, transit facilities, office buildings, hospitals, power, renewable and clean energy, co-generation facilities, roadway and outdoor specialty, airports, industrial facilities, universities, sport stadiums, extra high voltage distribution, utility, and gas infrastructure. At E-J, four family generations of practical expertise have created an organization keyed to the most modern technological advances in providing rapid and efficient solutions to today's lighting, power, energy, and communication needs. E-J has a 125-year reputation for unparalleled integrity, quality, and service in the electrical field. Please visit our website at www.ej1899.com to learn more about the company. About State Electric Corporation: State Electric Corporation is a leading full-service electrical contractor in the Northeast. Since 1988, State Electric has been a trusted partner of owner's construction managers, utilities, low voltage integrators, and other business partners around the region. While working in partnership with clients, State continually executes the most complex and high-profile electrical construction projects on time and on budget. Headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts , with a satellite office in Braintree , State Electric is a signatory contractor to the IBEW. Contact: Katie Nilsen , VP Business Development & Strategy – E-J Group 917-807-9496 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-e-j-group-welcomes-state-electric-corporation-to-the-organization-302314568.html SOURCE E-J Electric Installation Co.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — After three straight losses, including back-to-back blowouts , the San Francisco 49ers needed a get-right game. The Chicago Bears helped provide just that. Brock Purdy carved up Chicago's defense to lead San Francisco to its best offensive output of the season and the defense dominated the Bears in a 38-13 win Sunday that looked a lot more like the team that went to the Super Bowl last season than the one that has struggled in 2024. “I think just the biggest thing was just getting some energy and momentum,” Purdy said. “This league is hard. It’s tough. If you don’t have momentum or energy and belief within a building, it can be really tough.” The problem for San Francisco (6-7) is it might be too late to salvage its playoff hopes. Three blown fourth-quarter leads to division rivals and the lopsided losses at Green Bay and Buffalo the previous two weeks leave the Niners two games out of the playoffs with only four games to go. They might need to win out to get back to the postseason for a fourth straight season, and even then they could need some help because their three division losses will make it tough to win any tiebreakers in the tightly packed NFC West. “If we win every single game, I think we’ve put ourselves in a very good position to either win the division or somehow sneak our way into playoff contention,” tight end George Kittle said. “I thought everyone’s focused on this one week. ... Forget the whole season whether you’ve played like crap the entire season, whether you’ve had missed opportunities, or whether you have a bunch of touchdowns. Whatever it is, flush all that and just focus on this one game.” Big plays. The Niners repeatedly gashed the Bears for big plays as the passing game looked as good as it has all season. Purdy had eight completions go for at least 20 yards — tied for the most in any game for the 49ers since at least 1991 — with Kittle catching four of them, Isaac Guerendo two and one each for Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings. Kickoffs. Jake Moody attempted two line-drive kicks as San Francisco tried to pin Chicago deep instead of allowing a touchback. But both kicks landed shy of the landing zone at the 20, giving the Bears the ball at the 40. DL Yetur Gross-Matos. The Niners have been struggling to generate a pass rush with Nick Bosa sidelined, but Gross-Matos made a big impact on Sunday. He had a career-high three sacks in the game after coming into the game with just one this season. S Ji'Ayir Brown. The second-year safety lost his starting job with the return of Talanoa Hufanga from a wrist injury. Brown played 15 defensive snaps in a spot role and was beat on a TD pass to Rome Odunze in his limited action. Guerendo has a sprained foot and will be evaluated later this week to see if he can play. ... OL Ben Bartch will likely go on IR after suffering a high ankle sprain Sunday. ... LB Dre Greenlaw could return this week for the first time since tearing his Achilles tendon in the Super Bowl. ... DL Nick Bosa (hip, oblique) and LT Trent Williams (ankle) will be evaluated this week but there is no timeline on when they will return. ... LG Aaron Banks cleared the concussion protocol and should play this week. ... LB Dee Winters (ankle), S Malik Mustapha (chest, shoulder) and LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles are day-to-day. 305 — The 49ers outgained the Bears by 305 yards in the first half for the ninth best advantage in a first half since at least 1991. The 319 yards for San Francisco were the most by any team in a first half this season and the 4 yards allowed were the fewest. The 49ers host the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLThe new program will give creatives the financial capital, mentorship and the space to develop a passion project that will shape the culture of tomorrow NEW YORK , Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a world where hustle culture is a necessary part of a creator's journey, time, resources and funding can be increasingly elusive luxuries for those looking to invest in their creative footprint. The makers of CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka proudly announce a chance to turn passion into production with the launch of the 'Blue Dot Creative Residency.' Centered around the verticals of entertainment, music, art and fashion, 'The Blue Dot Creative Residency' is designed to support creatives looking to expand into a new creative field and broaden their platforms by exploring uncharted ventures. The innovative program will deliver an environment of creative ease by providing them with direct funding, resources and access needed to invest back into passion projects that shape the culture of tomorrow. CÎROC has long championed greater Black representation in culture. Now, through the program, the brand will help remove the biggest barriers many diverse talents face—lack of funds and bandwidth—to expand their potential and become true multi-hyphenates. For years, CÎROC has been the vodka creatives turn to in moments of elevated celebration. Staying true to this tradition and to kick off this moment, CÎROC celebrated creatives during the biggest art week in Miami with an exclusive dinner experience held on Friday, December 6th at the iconic Rubell Museum where artists, creators and tastemakers came together to embrace the spirit of creative ease . CÎROC has enlisted entertainment industry partners to help identify and vet promising applicants for the inaugural residency class. Together, they will provide capital and unprecedented access to collaborators who will help the creative residents develop their artistic expression. This includes initiatives such as: "As a brand built for the culture, CÎROC has proudly championed luxury and creativity for over 20 years," said Victoria David , Brand Director, CÎROC. "Through the Blue Dot Creative Residency, we are excited to provide the support and resources necessary for this new generation to help shape the culture of tomorrow . " The program will culminate in the release of creative concepts across entertainment, art, music and fashion, each fueled through grants and resources provided by CÎROC and the entertainment industry partners. Through 2025, the program will support and help talent distribute and showcase their projects across different verticals, from movie theatre partnerships to commission-free art galleries. The Blue Dot Creative Residency , open to US residents 25 years old and above, will be accepting applications soon. Be the first to apply when entries open by visiting www.CÎROC.com . CÎROC encourages people of legal drinking age to celebrate responsibly. Stay up to date with the latest news, cocktails and exciting social content by following the conversation at @CÎROC . About CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka is gluten-free and distilled from fine French grapes; a process inspired by over a century of wine-making expertise and craftsmanship, providing a crisp, clean taste and citrus nose. Launched nationwide in January 2003, DIAGEO's ever-expanding flavor portfolio includes CÎROC RED BERRY, CÎROC COCONUT, CÎROC PEACH, CÎROC PINEAPPLE, CÎROC APPLE, CÎROC MANGO, CÎROC SUMMER WATERMELON, CÎROC SUMMER CITRUS, CÎROC PASSION and CÎROC LIMONATA. In June 2018, the makers of CÎROC entered the brown spirits category with the introduction of CÎROC VS, Fine French Brandy. In April 2022, the brand entered the ready-to-drink market, bringing the spirit of luxury and culture to the category with CÎROC Vodka Spritz. About DIAGEO North America DIAGEO is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, CÎROC and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DELEÓN and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO ) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: DGE) and their products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, their people, brands, and performance, visit www.diageo.com . Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com , for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Follow on Instagram for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ciroc-champions-creative-ease-with-the-blue-dot-creative-residency-an-innovative-program-empowering-emerging-storytellers-302326664.html SOURCE CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka
FILE PHOTO: Key Square Group founder Scott Bessent speaks at a campaign event for Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump in Asheville, North Carolina, U.S. August 14, 2024. REUTERS/Jonathan Drake/File Photo President-elect Donald Trump is expected to pick prominent investor Scott Bessent to take on the role of U.S. Treasury secretary, sources told Reuters on Friday, putting him at the helm of a cabinet position with vast influence over economic, regulatory and international affairs. One source briefed by the Trump transition team and a donor briefed on the plans told Reuters of Trump's intention to pick Bessent. The Trump transition team did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Wall Street has been closely watching who Trump will pick, especially given his plans to remake global trade through tariffs. Bessent was picked from a crowded field of candidates for the coveted role. That list included Apollo Global Management Chief Executive Marc Rowan and former Federal Reserve Governor Kevin Warsh. Investor John Paulson had also been a leading candidate, but dropped out while Wall Street veteran Howard Lutnick, another contender, was appointed as head of the Commerce Department. Bessent has advocated for tax reform and deregulation, particularly to spur more bank lending and energy production, as noted in a recent opinion piece he wrote for The Wall Street Journal. The market's surge after Trump's election victory, he wrote, signaled investor "expectations of higher growth, lower volatility and inflation, and a revitalized economy for all Americans." Bessent follows other financial luminaries who have taken the job, including former Goldman Sachs executives Robert Rubin, Hank Paulson and Steven Mnuchin, Trump's first Treasury chief. Janet Yellen, the current secretary and first woman in the job, previously chaired the Federal Reserve and White House Council of Economic Advisers. ECONOMY'S QUARTERBACK As the 79th Treasury secretary, Bessent would essentially be the highest-ranking U.S. economic official, responsible for maintaining the plumbing of the world's largest economy, from collecting taxes and paying the nation's bills to managing the $28.6-trillion Treasury debt market and overseeing financial regulation, including handling and preventing market crises. The Treasury boss also runs U.S. financial sanctions policy, oversees the U.S.-led International Monetary Fund, World Bank and other international financial institutions, and manages national security screenings of foreign investments in the U.S. Bessent would face challenges, including safely managing federal deficits that are forecast to grow by nearly $8 trillion over a decade due to Trump's plans to extend expiring tax cuts next year and add generous new breaks, including ending taxes on Social Security income. Without offsetting revenues, this new debt would add to an unsustainable fiscal trajectory already forecast to balloon U.S. debt by $22 trillion through 2033. Managing debt increases this large without market indigestion will be a challenge, though Bessent has argued Trump's agenda would unleash stronger economic growth that would grow revenue and shore up market confidence. Bessent would also inherit the role carved out by Yellen to lead the Group of Seven wealthy democracies to provide tens of billions of dollars in economic support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia's invasion and tighten sanctions on Moscow. But given Trump's desire to end the war quickly and withdraw U.S. financial support for Ukraine, it is unclear whether he would pursue this. Another area where Bessent will likely differ from Yellen is her focus on climate change, from her mandate that development banks expand lending for clean energy to incorporating climate risks into financial regulations and managing hundreds of billions of dollars in clean energy tax credits. Trump, a climate-change skeptic, has vowed to increase production of U.S. fossil fuel energy and end the clean-energy subsidies in President Joe Biden's 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. FED FACING The Treasury secretary is also the administration’s closest point of contact with the Federal Reserve. Both Yellen under Biden and Mnuchin under Trump typically met weekly with Fed Chair Jerome Powell, often over breakfast or lunch. Bessent has floated the idea of creating a “shadow” Fed chair. This would entail nominating as early as possible a presumptive Powell predecessor to the Fed Board who would then deliver their own policy guidance so that, as Bessent told Barron’s last month, "no one is really going to care what Jerome Powell has to say anymore." The next seat to open up at the Fed Board is that of Governor Adriana Kugler, whose term runs to January 2026. Bessent has since said he no longer thinks the idea of a shadow chair worth pursuing, the Wall Street Journal reported. Powell's term as Fed chair expires in May 2026, and presidents rarely wait until the Fed chief's term ends before nominating a successor. FROM FINANCE TO DC Bessent, 62, primarily lives in Charleston, South Carolina with his husband and two children. He grew up in the fishing village of Little River, South Carolina, where Bessent has said his father, a real estate investor, experienced booms and busts. Bessent worked for noted short seller Jim Chanos in the late 1980s and then joined Soros Fund Management, the famed macroeconomic investment firm of billionaire George Soros. He soon helped Soros and top deputy Stanley Druckenmiller on their most famous trade - shorting the British pound in 1992 and earning the firm more than $1 billion. In 2015, Bessent raised $4.5 billion, including $2 billion from Soros, to launch Key Square Group, a hedge fund firm that bets on macroeconomic trends. Key Square's main fund gained about 31% in 2022, according to media reports, but firm assets have declined to approximately $577 million as of December 2023, according to a regulatory filing. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel now