Dairy

DCD concerns: NZ handling of crisis was ‘textbook’ - Rabobank

21-Feb-2013 By Mark Astley

New Zealand’s handling of concerns surrounding the use of agricultural chemical dicyandiamide (DCD) was “textbook,” a Rabobank analyst has claimed.

Dairy contaminants

Fonterra DCD crisis: No positive tests since November

21-Feb-2013 By RJ Whitehead

The Ministry for Primary Industries has released the findings from extensive testing of New Zealand dairy products for dicyandiamide (DCD).

Right to reply

Fonterra: Why we need to talk about what's in our food

14-Feb-2013 By Theo Spierings, CEO of Fonterra Co-operative Group

Last week, we published a critique of Fonterra's actions during the DCD furore, which saw lengthy delays between identifying the presence of minute quantities of the chemical in the company's milk. Having requested a right to reply, Fonterra's...

Fonterra recalls CalciYum kids’ yogurt over ‘choking’ fears

13-Feb-2013 By Mark Astley

Fonterra Brands Australia is pulling batches of CalciYum yogurt from supermarket shelves across Australia over concerns that the product's “weakened” plastic cap could present a choking hazard.

UAE, Dubai granted dairy export approval – camel milk processor

12-Feb-2013 By Mark Astley

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Dubai have been granted final approval to become the first Middle Eastern country to export dairy products into the European Union (EU), one of the region’s largest camel milk producers has revealed.

Straight talk

DCD: Fonterra must learn once is unfortunate, twice is unforgivable

05-Feb-2013 By RJ Whitehead

It’s quite remarkable how Fonterra has evolved to become New Zealand’s biggest company given the way the dairy giant seems to struggle to take on board its errors of the past.

Baby powder shortage

Hong Kong takes strong measures as smugglers milk formula supplies

04-Feb-2013 By RJ Whitehead

With the Chinese New Year fast approaching Hong Kong is in the midst of formula frenzy, leading authorities to devise new means to safeguard the supply of baby powder to local parents.

DCD concerns: Too early to predict NZ export fallout, says Rabobank

30-Jan-2013 By Mark Astley

It is "difficult to say" if New Zealand dairy exports will suffer as a result of the on-going concerns surrounding dicyandiamide (DCD) contamination, Rabobank has claimed.

Chemical contamination

New Zealand reassures Chinese consumers in wake of Fonterra DCD crisis

28-Jan-2013 By RJ Whitehead

New Zealand’s government has started a PR offensive to limit the impact of last week’s revelations that low levels of chemical residue were discovered in dairy products from the country, and Chinese consumers find themselves high on its charm list.

DCD use suspended in New Zealand after residue discovered in dairy

24-Jan-2013 By Mark Astley

The sale and use of dicyandiamide (DCD) has been brought to a halt in New Zealand after low levels of the substance were discovered in samples of dairy products from the country.

Mengniu brand value plummets in 2012 as the Yili brand soars

18-Jan-2013 By Mark Astley

Mengniu saw its brand value plummet by more than 30% in 2012, as Chinese public concern over the safety of domestically-manufactured dairy products continued to turn consumers towards ‘safer’ international brands.

Mengniu clarifies that China Modern Dairy acquisition talks not in progress

17-Jan-2013

Chinese dairy Mengniu has further extinguished rumours that it is in talks to acquire milk supplier China Modern Dairy in a clarifying statement filed with the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong.

Arla intends to build on Mengniu interest, not invest elsewhere in China

16-Jan-2013 By Mark Astley

Arla Foods has no plans to acquire, merge or partner with any other Chinese dairy industry players under its recently-unveiled five-year strategy, a spokesperson for the Denmark-based co-operative has revealed.

Chinese dairy Yashili announces New Zealand processing investment

14-Jan-2013 By Mark Astley

Chinese dairy processor Yashili has announced plans to establish infant formula manufacturing operations in New Zealand – becoming the latest in a growing line of Chinese dairy processors to make the move south.

Dairy farmers hit hardest by new South Australian wine planning laws

09-Jan-2013 By RJ Whitehead

A recent decision by lawmakers in South Australia to protect Adelaide’s two main wine regions from urban sprawl has quite literally stepped on the toes of angry dairy producers.

Chinese formula grab leaves Australian shelves empty

04-Jan-2013 By RJ Whitehead

Stores in Australia are fighting to replenish stocks of infant formula following an unprecedented surge in demand from Chinese customers wary of the safety of products at home.

Chobani plans Asian charge with new Australian factory

06-Dec-2012

Chobani has opened new A$30m factory on the outskirts of Melbourne that will act as the company's hub for expansion across Asia.

China will continue to drive global infant formula sales – Euromonitor

04-Dec-2012 By Mark Astley

Chinese consumer demand for infant formula products looks set to continue to drive global sales, according to Euromonitor.

Business

Third-time lucky for solo Fonterra operation in India

29-Nov-2012 By Whitehead

The first two endeavours might have been abortive, but it seems that Fonterra might finally see success in its third, solo attempt to move into India.

Investment will increase yogurt, milk processing capacity - Meiji

28-Nov-2012 By Mark Astley

Japanese dairy giant Meiji Holdings has set aside 11.5bn yen ($140m, €110m) to build and equip a new processing plant under plans to increase its yogurt and milk product processing capabilities.

Right to reply

World’s first GE cow is a ‘milestone study’

26-Nov-2012

Last week, FoodNavigator-Asia published an opinion piece by the anti-GE pressure group, GE-free NZ, that criticised AgResearch, the New Zealand research institute. In the article, the author made reference to the institute’s work in breeding a cow that...

Nestlé faces Pfizer Nutrition brand 'blackout' in Australia after Mexican setback

23-Nov-2012 By Ben BOUCKLEY

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) yesterday approved Nestlé’s €9bn ($11.59bn) acquisition of infant nutrition business Pfizer Nutrition.

Fonterra welcomes competition-aiding Raw Milk Regulations amendments

16-Nov-2012 By Mark Astley

Fonterra has welcomed a series of amendments to the New Zealand Raw Milk Regulations that will support domestic dairy product competition and ensure an “entrance pathway” into the farm gate milk market.

China seizures raise fears for New Zealand's global dairy reputation

13-Nov-2012 By RJ Whitehead

Numerous consignments of baby formula made in New Zealand have been prevented from entering China after authorities branded them substandard. Now it has come to light, the issue is raising concerns that the ensuing Chinese media coverage might potentially...

Yakult and Danone in talks in Japan

12-Nov-2012

Reuters reports that Japanese drink maker Yakult Honsha has confirmed it has agreed with Danone SA to continue talks on the possibility of the French food company to take a bigger stake in Yakult.

FSANZ approves Nestlé infant formula L-histidine level amendment

08-Nov-2012 By Mark Astley

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has provisionally approved an application by Nestlé to reduce the minimum requirement for L-histidine in infant formula products

Q3 wrap: Nutrition stars for DSM and Naturex

06-Nov-2012 By Shane Starling

Royal DSM saw Q3 sales slip 7% to €2.3bn across all divisions with polymer intermediates performing worst, but as has been the case in recent quarters, the Dutch firm’s nutrition cluster held firm with 1% organic growth in difficult economic times.

Chinese authorities approve Nestlé’s Pfizer Nutrition acquisition

05-Nov-2012 By Mark Astley

Nestlé's $11.85bn (€9bn) acquisition of Pfizer Nutrition has been given the go-ahead by anti-trust authorities in China – taking the “strategic” takeover a step closer to completion.

Deal paves the way for Fonterra’s new China “hub”

05-Nov-2012 By RJ Whitehead

Fonterra has announced concrete plans to step up milk production in China after the New Zealand dairy giant signed an investment agreement to develop two more large farms in Hebei province.

Chinese farm agreement will complete dairy ‘hub’ - Fonterra

02-Nov-2012 By Mark Astley

Fonterra has signed an investment agreement with Chinese authorities to develop two more large-scale dairy farms – the latest step in the firm’s strategy to build a sustainable fresh local milk supply in the country.

Hold the greens, rural Indians now eating more meat and eggs

26-Oct-2012 By Ankush Chibber

Growing income is leading to increased demand for protein in India’s hinterland, but a shortage of supply is resulting in higher food inflation.

NZ gets lactose-free fresh cow’s milk

22-Oct-2012

Lactose-intolerant New Zealanders are now able to consume fresh cow’s milk for the first time with the launch of a new product on the market.

Probiotics on course for profound growth in the UAE

17-Oct-2012 By RJ Whitehead

Research by Euromonitor has revealed that pre- and probiotics have been continually attracting new consumers in the United Arab Emirates, with growth becoming consistently strong across the segment.

Probiotic found to reduce eczema symptoms over long-term period

08-Oct-2012 By RJ Whitehead

Clinical trials have found that a dairy culture probiotic shows significant long-term benefit for children suffering from eczema, even after they have stopped taking the supplement.

Fonterra to close Australia plant following efficiency review

05-Oct-2012 By Mark Astley

Fonterra has announced plans to close its Cororooke, Australia manufacturing plant following a review of its manufacturing operations in the country’s Victoria region.

NZ researchers breed first hypo-allergenic milk producing cow

04-Oct-2012 By Mark Astley

Researchers in New Zealand have genetically engineered a dairy cow that produces hypo-allergenic high-protein milk.

Danone to expand experimental Indian business unit

01-Oct-2012 By RJ Whitehead

The experimental business unit that is dedicated to rolling out new Danone products for the masses in India has been deemed a success and will be expanded to other cities across the country.

Kiwi authorities crack down on unlawful infant formula exports

28-Sep-2012 By Ankush Chibber

New Zealand authorities have begun action to stop unlawful exports of infant formula to China, after trade bodies blamed these for severely undermining the southern nation’s reputation for food safety.

FSANZ approves Fonterra hydrogen peroxide processing aid application

27-Sep-2012 By Mark Astley

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has approved an application from dairy giant Fonterra to use hydrogen peroxide as a processing aid to control lactic acid-producing micro-organisms during the manufacture of certain dairy products.

Fonterra posts profits drop, cites global dairy price fall

26-Sep-2012 By Mark Astley

Fonterra has reported a drop in net profit for the 2012 season and cut its final payout to farmers - citing the negative effect of record breaking milk production on global dairy prices.

Indian retail investment approval could open doors to Western dairy brands – analyst

19-Sep-2012 By Mark Asltey

The Indian government has approved a policy amendment allowing foreign investment in its retail sector – a move that could open up the world’s largest dairy market to Western brands, an analyst has claimed.

Parag Milk Foods nets US$29m in Indian dairy sector’s biggest PE deal

19-Sep-2012 By Ankush Chibber

In what is yet another clear sign of the growing interest of investors in India’s homegrown food processing industry, Parag Milk Foods has signed a new private equity deal to secure a huge funding boost.

Verghese Kurien: death of an Indian milk revolutionary

11-Sep-2012 By RJ Whitehead

Few individuals have had as much impact on a produce industry as Dr Verghese Kurien, who passed away in Gujarat last weekend. In a career spanning almost 60 years, Kurien transformed the way India's dairy industry operates and led Amul to become...

Fonterra cleared to acquire NZDL processing assets

07-Sep-2012 By Mark Astley

Dairy exporter Fonterra has been cleared to acquire the processing assets of New Zealand Dairies Limited’s (NZDL) by the New Zealand Commerce Commission.

Beneo gets Indian approval for oligofructose in infant foods

07-Sep-2012 By Ankush Chibber

Beneo has received approval from Indian regulatory authorities for the use of its prebiotic fibre, oligofructose, in infant milk powder products in the country.

LycoRed takes aim at Asia with new facility

07-Sep-2012 By Ankush Chibber

Growing awareness of nutritional intake among Chinese consumers has opened the door for Israel-based global premix supplier LycoRed.

New Zealand dairy industry growth slowdown due - Rabobank

31-Aug-2012 By Mark Astley

The Fonterra-dominated New Zealand dairy industry will experience a growth slowdown over the next decade as growth-driving factors evolve, agribusiness Rabobank has forecast.

Safety-aware Chinese consumers turning to dairy imports - survey

24-Aug-2012 By Mark Astley

Chinese consumers are turning to imported dairy products as their confidence in the safety of domestically-manufactured food brands continues to decline, a survey has found.

Mengniu manager arrested over production date fraud

23-Aug-2012 By Mark Astley

A Mengniu Dairy Co. sales manager has been arrested in China under suspicion of altering the production dates on thousands of cases of milk products manufactured by the Chinese dairy giant.

Listeria-killing phage product gets FSANZ approval

23-Aug-2012 By Mark Astley

Listeria-killing Listex P100 has been approved for use in Australia and New Zealand, making it the first bacteriophage product for food safety to be permitted for use in Australasia.