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‘Western waistlines’ on the way globally as supermarkets and convenience stores take over the world, new study warns

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Immediate action needed to disrupt junk food diet trend

Some of the fastest growing countries in the world are set for dietary disaster as the trend of convenience store and supermarket dominance takes hold, according to a new global study released today on World Obesity Day.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2025 – Just published in Nature Food, the study by researchers from Deakin University in Australia and experts from UNICEF, unveils a seismic shift in the types of food stores springing up globally over the past 15 years, with serious health implications for vulnerable low and middle-income countries.

Analysing data from 97 countries on retail changes over the last 15 years, the study showed that the number of chain supermarkets, hypermarkets and convenience stores per 10,000 people increased by 23.6% globally over the period. With market domination by these types of retailers being the norm in high-income countries, low and middle-income countries are copying the trend and catching up fast. In South Asia and Southeast Asia, the number of chain retail outlets per person has increased by nearly 10% per year, with a corresponding drop off in independently owned traditional stores.

And in a sign that retail is set for an even bigger shake up, grocery sales from digital retailers increased by 325% over a 10-year period across 27 countries.

In a clear indication that more supermarkets and convenience stores are bad for our health, the researchers showed for the first time that at a global scale, change in the density of chain retail outlets and the increasing amount of unhealthy food sold by them was associated with an increase in the prevalence of obesity, which continues to rise in every region of the world and is very much a global concern.

And how does the increase in the number of chain retailers impact our health?

According to the study’s lead author Dr Tailane Scapin, from Deakin University:

“Large chain retailers usually hold significant market power, using their dominance over food manufacturers to determine what food is available and what price it’s sold at, which has led to the widespread availability of unhealthy foods.

“Large chain retailers and food manufacturers also use aggressive marketing strategies to promote unhealthy foods, contributing to poor dietary habits and, as consequence, negatively impacting their customers’ health.”

Dr Scapin said that immediate action was needed to address the impact of changing retail food environments.

“Our findings underscore the importance of regulating the retail environment to make sure that it’s healthy foods that are promoted, while the marketing and promotion of unhealthy food products is limited.

“In low and middle-income countries where supermarkets and convenience stores are spreading the fastest, governments have a time-limited opportunity to make sure that these new, modern retail stores actually promote healthy food. We know from the experience in North America, Europe and other high-income regions that once retailers are established, they are very hard to change.”

The study’s research team called for urgent action from governments, from retailers and from the health promotion workforce to prioritise healthier retail food environments that support sustainable and healthy dietary patterns and positive public health outcomes.

“With this research published on World Obesity Day which has a theme of ‘Changing systems for healthier lives’, it’s important that the promising action being taken by forward-thinking retailers and governments is scaled up globally,” Dr Scapin said.

The full study report, with data by country, by geographic region and by country income group, appears in the publication in Nature Food and in an interactive dashboard here.

This work was completed as part of a collaboration between UNICEF and the Centre of Research Excellence in Food Retail Environments for Health: Next Generation in Australia.

For further information visit: healthyfoodretail.com

Hashtag: #healthyfoodretail #globalhealth #healthyfoodresearch #research #WorldObesityDay #WOD #DeakinUniversity #GLOBE #populationhealth


) at Deakin University in Australia is a designated World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Obesity Prevention. GLOBE’s vision is to catalyse improvements in population health – with a focus on prevention, nutrition and obesity – through innovative research that empowers people and enables healthier environments.

GLOBE is one of the largest research groups dedicated to obesity prevention research in Australia. As a leader in preventive health and nutrition research, our methods are drawn from multiple disciplines, including public health, nutrition and dietetics, epidemiology, political science, health economics, systems science and implementation science.
GLOBE is part of Deakin University’s Institute for Health Transformation.

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VF 8 Is Connecting a New Global VinFast Community

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VinFast’s electric SUV is earning loyalty from Vietnam to the Middle East by fitting seamlessly into real lives, long drives, and daily routines.

HAI PHONG, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2026 – VinFast’s VF 8 is traveling well, winning over drivers across markets with everyday performance, thoughtful design, and uncommon peace of mind.

A VF 8 owner belong to a relatively exclusive, self-selecting club that its maker VinFast have built across the globe. It is the kind of club formed less by marketing than by shared curiosity and a willingness to move early. Owners tend to recognize one another not by badges or decals, but by the confidence that comes from having made a deliberate choice.

The VF 8 holds a special place for VinFast. It was the brand’s first fully international offering, the vehicle tasked with introducing a young Vietnamese automaker to demanding markets abroad. As a result, the car was designed to travel well. Styled in collaboration with Pininfarina, the VF 8 favors clean proportions over visual noise. Beneath the surface, its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system and 402 horsepower provide performance that feels reassuring.

In Vietnam, the VF 8 has appealed to high-mileage drivers like Nguyen Phuong Hoang Dung, a Ho Chi Minh City-based construction project manager who covers about 5,000 kilometers a month. “When you drive that much, comfort and stability directly affect your health, your mindset, and how well you work,” he said. Having spent years with gasoline cars, he switched to the VF 8 in August 2025, drawn by its smooth throttle response and calm, seamless acceleration. Now, with more than 20,000 kilometers behind him, he said, “The more I drive it, the more confident I am that choosing the VF 8 was the right decision.”

As the VF 8 expanded into North America and Europe, it increasingly settled into a simpler role: a dependable everyday vehicle. Robert, who has driven his for more than a year and a half, said it has been “a great vehicle,” adding that “you will not find another this size in the price range they offered it.” For Jonathan, the VF 8 fits neatly into daily routines. “For us it’s a city vehicle with short rides every day, and it answers our needs,” he said. “Very comfortable, impressive performance, good in snow, and strong overall.”

In the Middle East, the VF 8’s appeal sharpens as VinFast pairs the car with ownership benefits that are rare in the segment, including complimentary maintenance coverage for five years or 100,000 kilometers. These are not small details in markets where peace of mind often matters as much as design. “The maintenance package made the decision easy,” said an owner in Dubai. “You know exactly where you stand.”

The idea of a VF 8 community is beginning to take shape. Across markets, it connects drivers in Vietnam, Europe, North America, and the Middle East through a shared understanding of what modern electric ownership can be. Thoughtful design. Capable performance. A clear push toward sustainability without asking drivers to compromise their routines.

For those inside the club, the VF 8 is not simply a statement car. No, something even better. A car that makes sense, day after day, in very different parts of the world.

Hashtag: #VF8 #VinFast

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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ONYX Hospitality Group Partners with Yee Fung Group to Launch “Y Hotel Nanshan Shenzhen”, Expanding its Portfolio in China

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BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2026 ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading Southeast Asian hospitality management company specialising in hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and luxury residences, is proud to announce its new partnership with Yee Fung Group to operate Y Hotel Nanshan in Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China.

ONYX Hospitality Group oversees renowned brands including Amari, OZO, Shama, and Oriental Residence across key destinations in the Asia–Pacific region. This agreement marks another significant milestone in strengthening ONYX’s presence in the Chinese market. Scheduled to open in Q4 2026, the hotel supports ONYX’s long-term growth strategy as it works toward its target of managing more than 75 properties by 2030.

Mr Yuthachai Charanachitta, Chief Executive Officer of ONYX Hospitality Group, commented: “This collaboration reflects the strong confidence Yee Fung Group has in ONYX, following our successful partnership in managing Y Hotel Hong Kong. It represents a significant step forward in building on that success and further expanding ONYX’s presence in the Greater China market. At the same time, this partnership reinforces ONYX’s position as a distinctive ‘Regional Player’, well-positioned for stable and sustainable growth across the region.”

Y Hotel Nanshan Shenzhen featuring 82 thoughtfully designed guest rooms and suites, located within YEE FUNG PLACE on a strategically significant site surrounded by key national infrastructure. The area is supported by five major national sea and land ports, including Shekou, Chiwan and Mawan, servicing more than 150 shipping routes. It is also situated at the heart of one of China’s leading innovation and industrial hubs, home to sectors such as integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, biomedicine and the marine economy, alongside more than 50 specialised industrial parks.

Y Hotel Nanshan Shenzhen is ideally suited for leisure travellers, offering convenient accessibility just 35 minutes from Shenzhen Baoan International Airport and 31 minutes from Shenzhen North Railway Station, and only 650 metres from Lilin Subway Station. The surrounding area features vibrant food markets and nightlife destinations such as Nanyi Fang, Shekou Sea World, Green World and Houhai, as well as cultural and recreational attractions including Shenzhen Poly Theatre, Shenzhen Talent Park, Nanshan Museum, Nanshan Park and Shenzhen Bay Park. Guests will also find leading shopping centres nearby, including Walmart, Xinhe Shopping Plaza, Garden City, Haiya Mega Mall, Coastal City and Shenzhen Bay MixC.

Furthermore, the hotel is located close to the headquarters of major national technology companies such as ZTE, Tencent, Huawei, Alibaba, Han’s Laser and Mindray, as well as Shenzhen University, positioning it as both a relaxing retreat and a strategic hub for business travellers seeking comfort alongside a distinctive lifestyle experience.Hashtag: #ONYXHospitalityGroup #YeeFungGroup #YHotel #HospitalityManagement #HotelManagement #LifestyleHotel



The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About ONYX Hospitality Group:

ONYX Hospitality Group, a reputable force in Southeast Asia’s hospitality industry, operates a collection of comprehensive yet complementary brands – Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence – catering to the distinctive needs of discerning business and leisure travellers in Southeast Asia where their expertise lies. In addition to its brand portfolio, ONYX Hospitality Group also operates additional hospitality services across spa and food and beverage. With over five decades of management experience, the company extends its innovative solutions throughout the region, upholding internationally recognised standards and ensuring optimal operational manoeuvrability. By fostering enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers unparalleled experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, meeting the ever-evolving demands of travellers.

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AFERIY Unveils Next-Generation Portable Power Station Nomad1800 at CES

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LAS VEGAS, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2026 – As the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 officially opened, AFERIY, an innovative global brand in the portable clean energy sector, announced the launch of its next-generation portable power station, the Nomad1800, drawing widespread attention from industry professionals and the media.

More Compact Size, Greater Power Output

The AFERIY Nomad1800 keeps the same battery capacity while boosting power output by 50% through system and structural optimization. Weighing 11.6 kg, it is about 10% lighter than the previous model.

Despite its lighter design, it delivers 1800 W rated AC output (peak 3600 W), powering appliances like rice cookers, kettles, car refrigerators, and induction cooktops for camping, RVs, and home emergencies.

Fast Charging: 0–80% in 36 Minutes

The Nomad1800 adopts a hybrid fast-charging solution supporting both AC grid power and solar input. It can charge from 0% to 80% in just 36 minutes, significantly reducing charging time. This fast-charging capability allows the Nomad1800 to adapt to short stops, travel intervals, and unexpected power outages, providing users with efficient and predictable energy support.

Safe and Durable LiFePO₄ Battery

The Nomad1800 is equipped with a 1024 Wh lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) battery supplied by EVE Energy. After more than 4,000 charge and discharge cycles, the battery retains up to 80% of its capacity.

An intelligent BMS monitors voltage, current, and temperature to ensure safe, stable operation even under high load or fast charging.

Industry-Leading Seven-Year Warranty

AFERIY offers the Nomad1800 an industry-leading seven-year warranty on core components and systems, reflecting confidence in its quality, safety, and durability.

Comprehensive Power and Safety Protection

The Nomad1800 features multiple output ports, enabling simultaneous power supply to multiple devices. It also supports UPS functionality, switching within 10 milliseconds during grid power interruptions to protect sensitive equipment such as computers and routers.

Under low-load operation, noise levels remain below 30 dB. In addition, the unit includes built-in LED lighting and an SOS flashing mode to enhance safety during nighttime and emergency use.

For more information, please visit the official AFERIY website or AFERIY on Amazon.

Hashtag: #AFERIY

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About AFERIY

AFERIY is a global brand focused on portable energy storage and clean energy solutions, committed to providing efficient, safe, and reliable power for outdoor activities, home emergency use, and professional applications.

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