Monthly Archives: April 2008

The History of Print

An estimated 45 trillion pages are printed annually around the world, as of 2005. In 2006, there were approximately 30,700 printing companies in the USA alone, and these companies accounted for about $112 billion in revenues that same year. When looking at an even broader scope, worldwide print-related revenues have catapulted the printing industry into one of the largest and most successful industries in the world.

The printing industry has a long, rich history dating back to an estimated 1850 BC. Since that time, we have developed new and innovative ways to print pictures, designs, and type onto a variety of different mediums. But how has printing progressed from the early techniques used in ancient times, to the innovative inkjet and laser printers that are commonplace in today’s society?

Wine Scene Growing in Booming Shanghai

Only a few years ago, you would be hard-pressed to find a decent bottle of wine in Shanghai. However, China’s booming economy has recently attracted high-end restaurants, wine bars, boutiques and wine-education programs to Shanghai. The target clientele is mostly a mix of wealthy expatriates, high-flying executives on business and nouveau riche Chinese.

As the major port city and by some measures the wealthiest city in China, Shanghai is the natural home for the wine scene to start in China. Portofolio.com profiles the rise of the wine scene in Shanghai, citing “the number of premium-wine importers has jumped from three in 1999 to more than a hundred today.”

Alberto Fernandez, owner of Torres China, a wine importer and distributor describes Shanghai’s unique position within China:

“Shanghai accounts for 50 percent of our volume and is much further along in terms of development than other major Chinese cities, not only in the number of fine dining outlets, five-star hotels, and retail outlets, but especially in terms of consumer habits, expenditure, and sophistication”.

By Sean Leow.