Topic: Pantone

A business consultant on CCTV discusses the need for Chinese companies to move beyond "best price" strategies and adopt Western-style marketing and consumer research. The hosts argue that Chinese manufacturers are currently "clueless" about branding and imaging, acting primarily as OEMs for foreign companies. They discuss the role of "colorists" and trend-setters in the global supply chain.

Pantone announced Marsala as the 2015 Color of the Year, described as a brownish maroon. The discussion covers the influence of Pantone on the fashion industry and fabric manufacturers, who must coordinate colors seasons in advance. A specific hex code, #955251, is identified for the shade, which is currently unavailable in retail stores.