New home in Ho Chi Minh

Dunkin’ to enter Vietnam as part of massive Asia expansion

Dunkin' Donuts has announced that it has signed a franchise agreement to develop the brand in Vietnam. The move comes only shortly after coffee-and-baked-goods rival Starbucks revealed details of its...

Australia's labelling free-for-all

Researchers call for tooth-decay warnings on soft drinks

The latest call for advisories on Australian food labels comes from researchers at the University of Adelaide, who say that any health warnings for soft drinks should include the risk...

Analysis

World looks to China for clues about global pork strength

China will be a key indicator of the state of the global pork market in 2013 after the world, according to Rabobank. Nevertheless, China’s pork producers will still face a...

Diageo faces struggle to make United Spirits pay: Analyst

The potential upsides in Diageo’s potential acquisition of a majority stake in India's United Spirits (USL) are clear but achieving acceptable profitability from the business may be tricky, according to...

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

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.

KFC in crisis

Litigators licking their lips over Yum! class action

Lawyers in the United States are queuing up to bring on board investors in KFC’s parent, Yum! Brands, for a class action lawsuit. The move follows nearly two months of...

Coke and Pepsi shifting bottling assets to build brands in 2013: Rabobank analyst

The Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo are looking to shift bottling assets onto strong franchise partners in order to refocus in house efforts on brand building and marketing.

Food security

Cabinet calls for price stabilisation amid China’s bleak winter

China's cabinet has called for more targeted measures to stabilise food prices as one of the year’s peak periods of food consumption draws near.

Industry on the up

Aussie grocers reporting growth and prices on the rise

Good news for Australia, where retail spending growth should remain steady heading into 2013. At the same time the country’s two leading supermarket chains have reported their strongest quarterly sales...

Meeting of minds

Kiwi government invests big in beef and sheep collaboration

New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has been digging even deeper into its Primary Growth Partnership (PGP) fund to find significant funds for a new, NZ$65m joint development project...

Straight talk

Beast of bureaucracy makes logjam hard to avoid

If there’s one thing India doesn’t need, that’s more bureaucracy. As the saying goes, the British introduced it, then the Indians perfected it post-Independence. And even as the country celebrated...

Chemical contamination

New Zealand reassures Chinese consumers in wake of Fonterra DCD crisis

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,...

'Scientific breakthrough'

India-led team decodes genome sequence of the chickpea

A global research project led by a Hyderabad institute claims to have sequenced 90 genomes of the chickpea, paving the way for improved grain yields, greater drought tolerance and enhanced...

State of the industry

New Zealand winemakers talking tactics for China push

Recognising the newfound importance of the Chinese wine market, New Zealand’s vintners are pulling out the stops to make sure their exports have a place in Far East cellars.

Shock findings

Diabetes on the rise among India’s southern poor

A countrywide screening programme on diabetes trends in India makes for startling reading, no least for those in the south who live in slums.

DCD use suspended in New Zealand after residue discovered in dairy

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...

FDI in India

Government rolling out the red carpet for foreign retailers in Davos

Hot on the heels of helping to approve Ikea’s request to set up shop—or rather 20 stores—in India, an Indian minister has been working equally hard to woo Tesco ahead...

Special Edition: Innovations in Minerals

Magnesium – ‘Sky is the limit’ for the ‘hottest ingredient in the mineral category’

Growing consumer awareness of their own deficiencies, its health benefits, and the emergence of innovative forms are making magnesium the ‘the hottest ingredient in the mineral category’.

Better, stronger VB arrests decade-long decline

Victoria Bitter’s heartfelt apology last year is likely behind the beer’s turnaround in the Australian market, after the SABMiller brand showed its first quarter of growth in over 10 years...

Nine out of 10 Aussies don’t understand country of origin labelling

A new survey to identify consumers’ understanding of country of origin food labelling has found that almost all Australians cannot make sense of what they read, and out of those...

Indian foodgrain production slips while procurement surges

Citing leaked figures, Bloomberg has reported that India will announce a drop in its foodgrain harvest of nearly 4% when it is revealed next month.

International survey flags up packaging concerns

Consumers have raised significant concerns about plastic food packaging in response to a survey covering the US, India and Sweden conducted by Innventia.

‘Cold, wet winter’ subdues SAB Miller Chinese volumes

SAB Miller is blaming ‘exceptionally cold and wet winter weather’ for a third quarter volume decline in China, which meant lager volumes declined in its Asia Pacific business by 1% overall.

Asian chocolate market still promising despite lower than expected grinds

Asian chocolate demand is weaker than hoped but the market still represents significant potential, according to an analyst.

Fast-food sports advertising having sizeable effect on kids

Children watching sports may be soaking up blanket fast-food advertising campaigns more than expected, according to a fresh study by the University of Western Australia.

Kiwi study shows diet change can have rapid impact on inflammation

A proof of principle study has shown that a change in diet can be remarkably effective in reducing inflammation over just six weeks. The research was conducted on a group...

Softly does it…Coca-Cola Singapore changes business tack after competition probe

Coca-Cola Singapore Beverages (CCSB) is changing its business practices as the nation’s competition commission agreed to end a probe into allegations of restrictive provisions in soft drink supply agreements.

China’s Top 5 most valuable alcohol brands in 2013: From beer to baijiu

In this exclusive gallery, BeverageDaily.com explores the Top 5 Chinese alcohol brands by value, which sees the nation’s movers ‘n’ shakers reaching out to the world with baijiu, beer and...

Developing India adopting changing household trends

India’s prepared food market has more than doubled with cereal consumption increasing, according to new research on FMCG trends in emerging markets including India and China.

Industry hits back at Australia’s ‘flawed’ soft-drink campaign

Just days after a massive public health campaign to tackle the overconsumption of soft drinks was launched, the initiative has already drawn its critics, with one group suggesting the campaign’s...

China staples

Authorities move to ease concerns over alarming cereal import growth

Following a dramatic rise in cereal imports last year, Chinese authorities have stepped in to assure concerned industry watchers that all is well.

Mengniu brand value plummets in 2012 as the Yili brand soars

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.

Australian cheese listeria outbreak linked to two deaths

A listeria outbreak from cheese in Australia has been linked to the death of two people and has led to 18 cases nationally.

Industry should stand poised for breakfast cereal boom in India: Analyst

Manufacturers should stand poised to cash in on India’s burgeoning packaged breakfast cereal market, an analyst says.

Straight talk

FDI will bring the fresh ideas India desperately needs

As foreign retailers gear up for entry into India now that foreign direct investment is a reality, it is fast becoming clear how the policy has the potential to offer...

News in brief

Mengniu clarifies that China Modern Dairy acquisition talks not in progress

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...

Ayurvedic workhorses poised for market breakthrough, expert predicts

If you are looking for what’s hot on the botanical front in 2013, here’s the skinny from a longtime observer of the herbal arena: Open your lesson book to the...

‘Wave of stagnation’ continues to challenge Australian snacks market: Report

Australian snack makers face continued stagnation and economic pressures and must innovate further in niche healthy sectors to ride the current wave of challenges, a report says.

Vietnamese researchers find efficient way to extract Gamma Oryzanol

Researchers in Vietnam claim to have invented technology that can be used to mass-produce Gamma Oryzanol from rice bran at a far lower cost than by current techniques.

Processing plant seeks to wean Pinoy farmers off tobacco

Struggling tobacco farmers in the northern Philippines have been thrown a lifeline by the government, which will soon open a multi-million dollar food processing plant in Ilocos Sur, along with...

McCain increases India investment as it struggles to meet demand

Faced with rapid growth which it is struggling to meet, McCain Foods’ Indian subsidiary has announced plans to invest a further US$69m to introduce a third manufacturing line at its...

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

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.

China focus

Cities and countryside must integrate to ward off looming grain crisis

Food policymakers in China have had a busy few days with party leadership outlining the need for agricultural modernisation, the government demanding improvements in logistics and the food watchdog offering...

News in brief

TSI Group Ltd. appointed exclusive distributor of Cargill’s vegetarian glucosamine products

Food ingredients giant Cargill has appointed TSI Group Ltd. as exclusive distributor for its Regenasure glucosamine products in China.

Researchers urge action on Indian cereal contamination

The high level of mycotoxin contamination in Indian cereals must be addressed with improved monitoring and maximum levels for contamination set, a new study says.

Kosher gains ground as global QC measure

Having foods and ingredients approved by Jewish rabbis may not seem a matter that would of great importance to non-Jewish food and supplement manufacturers – not so.

WA Farmers list their demands ahead of state election

Western Australian farmers outlined their 10 key issues with a view to putting the major political parties on notice ahead of March’s state elections.

State of the industry

Pakistan’s halal exports in dire need of certification

With Muslim countries fast waking up to the potential halal exports hold, and nations scrambling to become hubs for the distribution of Islamically acceptable meat, Pakistan is lagging behind the...

Probiotic plus aloe shows cholesterol-lowering potential: Animal data

Combining probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG supplements with aloe vera may slash cholesterol levels by over 40%, suggests a new study with lab rats.

Drought, ethanol hangovers only blemishes on Cargill's second quarter earnings

Cargill has reported a more than 300% increase in year-over-year second quarter net earnings, from $100 in 2012 to $409 million in 2013.  The only blemishs on the earnings report...

Chinese dairy Yashili announces New Zealand processing investment

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...

NESTLE POISED FOR CONTINUED CHINESE COFFEE DOMINANCE: ANALYST

China wakes up, smells Nestlé’s ‘unique’ coffee flavor

Nestlé’s ‘smart investment’ in Chinese whole bean coffee is likely to consolidate its market-leading position within the category there, as it stands poised to release a local product, according to...

FSA issues recall for tofu linked to Bacillus Cereus

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a second updated alert on two varieties of tofu due to Bacillus Cereus.

Company profile

CP Foods seeking fortune in Vietnam

Thai food major Charoen Pokphand Foods will continue to view Vietnam as one of its biggest investment destinations, and this year the company plans to focus on growing its food...

China to explore increased rice imports from India

India’s newfound position as the world’s leading rice exporter has not escaped the attention of China, which may look to its western neighbour for increasingly greater rice supplies over the...

Exclusive interview

Manjushree Technopack sets out growth plans

Packaging firm Manjushree Technopack aims to double sales by 2015, driven by the growth of the middle class in India, and is poised to start construction on a fourth factory.

Wine Intelligence warns exporters of wine dollar delusion in China

Wine Intelligence has warned wine exporters to China against 'seeing only dollar signs' in the world's fifth-largest wine market, and said it was important to understand Chinese consumers, not just...

Indian agripolitics

Government heavyweights line up at food innovation summit

Speaking at an industry event in Haryana, the Indian minister for state for agriculture and food processing stressed that finding new ways to detect emerging food pathogens was crucial for...

Calcium plus vitamin D may slash body fat levels

Adding calcium and vitamin D supplements to an energy-restricted diet may boost the loss of body fat, compared to the diet alone, says a new study.

India damned by food wastage report

A quantity of wheat equivalent to the entire production of Australia goes to waste each year in India, according to a new report on global food wastage.

Coca-Cola China files police claim against ‘false’ fungicide rumors

The Coca-Cola Company has confirmed that it has filed a police report in China targeting recent internet hoax rumors that its orange juice contains an illegal fungicide, and will pursue...

AFGC slams Coles' ‘Trojan horse’ tactic of own label discounting

The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has slammed a move by one of the country’s major supermarket chains to heavily discount its private label products, accusing it of deploying...

Dairy farmers hit hardest by new South Australian wine planning laws

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.

It’s official: steak is always better with potatoes

New research from a New Zealand commercial institute has suggested a beneficial link between red meat and potatoes in terms of gut health.

Seafood industry calls on Indian government to level the playing field

A sharp decline in exports of India’s marine produce has led to industry calls for the government to lend a helping hand to the once-thriving industry.

INDUSTRY VOICES: HEAD OF AKTIEFOKUS CHINA, JACOB DE LICHTENBERG

Tsingtao tightens grip on central Shaanxi as AB InBev lurks

Chinese beer giant Tsingtao Brewery is set to further consolidate its leading market position in Shaanxi by significantly expanding capacity with two new breweries, while AB InBev is also rumoured...

McDonald’s draws mirth with Macca’s moniker

Much to the hilarity of international observers, McDonald’s Australian operation has chosen to rename a number of its outlets as a tribute to the country as Australia Day approaches.

Beverage firms must ‘redefine age’ to boost 2013 growth: Leatherhead Food Research

Food and beverage companies need to ‘redefine’ the concept of age in 2013 to seize specific growth opportunities presented by older consumers, according to Leatherhead Food Research.

Kaneka hikes CoQ10 prices as Mitsubishi exits market

Longtime CoQ10 supplier Kaneka has announced a price increase in advance of competitor’s Mitsubishi’s exit from the market.

China predictions

Subsidies to rise while pork production still falls short of demand

As the Chinese government boosts agriculture productivity in its drive to ensure national food security, a new report has suggested that government subsidies will continue to grow. 

Dietitians name and shame three worst diets for 2013

With the resolution season in full flow, the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) has revealed what its members consider to be the three worst formulated diets that weightwatchers can adopt.

Exclusive interview

Food shoppers are women, marketers are men: Houston, we have a problem…

It is well known that most food shoppers are women, but does the food industry get that in its marketing? Not really, says female marketing expert, author and CEO of...

Chinese formula grab leaves Australian shelves empty

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.

Heineken strongly denies whispers of APB unrest and ‘stifled creativity’

Heineken strongly denies to BeverageDaily.com that the resignation of several high-profile managers from its recent $6.53bn acquisition Asia Pacific Breweries (APB) attests to unrest at the Singapore-based firm.

Indian breakfast market to liven up this year

Two of India's biggest food companies are preparing to extend their battle into the lucrative, albeit relatively new, breakfast oats category this year.

Multivitamins don’t increase mortality risk: New meta-analysis

A daily multivitamin does not increase the risk of death, says a new meta-analysis from Australia that supports the safety of the supplements and challenges previous controversial analyses.

Australian meat exports causing ‘repeated problems’ in US inspections

Food & Water Watch, the American consumer advocacy group, has called on the United States Department of Agriculture to review its decision to allow Australia’s newly privatised meat inspection system...

Industry unimpressed by vague new GM labelling regulations

This week, Indian consumers will begin to learn if some of the packaged foods they buy contain genetically-modified ingredients following a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs,...

Sustainable farming held up by funding and the environment

A new study by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (Abares) has identified financial and environmental concerns to be the key drivers influencing the adoption of...

Palm oil body seeks to allay new Chinese regulatory fears

The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) has sought to assure the market that almost all of its shipments of palm cooking oil to China have met the destination’s quality control...

Almendra promises to shake up stevia market with purity levels ‘unmatched in the marketplace’

A new player in the stevia supply market promising purity levels “unmatched in the market place” says it will be in a position to start supplying commercial quantities of extracts...

Beijing gets tough on lax food safety standards

The Beijing municipal government will soon introduce a strict law, as well as an accountability system, to ensure food safety in the city. The move follows measures recently taken by...