Chinese dairy safety concerns 'adversely affected' 2012 results - Mengniu

Chinese dairy giant Mengniu has reported a drop in both revenue and profits for 2012 – a result it has attributed to continuing consumer concern about the quality and safety...

Swiss infant formula recalled in Shanghai over repackaging claims

Swiss infant formula manufacturer, Hero, has moved to dispel concerns about the safety of its Nutradefense brand infant formula in China after authorities in Shanghai ordered retailers to pull it...

Interview: Richard Werran, CEO of Cert ID Europe

India’s elephant beginning to charge towards sustainability

With over 30 years in the food industry, with a third of it spent providing and promoting food safety certification with Cert ID Europe, Richard Werran knows a fair bit...

Inaugural Food Vision heralded as success by global food industry – organisers commit to return in 2014

Following a highly successful inaugural summit last week, organisers William Reed Business Media have confirmed that Food Vision will become an annual event, returning to Cannes, France, in March 2014. 

LOOKING TO SPUR GROWTH IN AUSTRALIA?

‘Surprising’ opportunities for breads and rolls in Australia: Analyst

There is huge potential in sliced bread and rolls in Australia as consumers look for cheap and easy lunch options in the wake of a turbulent economy, an analyst says.

Fonterra reports 'strong' H1 performance on back of Asia, Latam sales growth

Fonterra has reported an earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) increase of more than 25% for the first half of fiscal year (FY) 2013 – a result it has attributed...

Case study: Firmenich

An unconventional approach to capture the flavour of China

According to Pierre-Alain Ceralli, Firmenich’s vice-president for flavours in China, the country now represents 20% of the total flavour industry’s potential. Furthermore, as China transforms its economy from export-led GDP...

LycoRed expands China sales team as Changzhou operation beds in

With its China business approaching its first half-anniversary, global premix supplier LycoRed has been recruiting senior business development staff for its food and beverage fortification business in the country. ...

Amul chief issues demands to trade minister over EU dairy negotiation

The head of India’s biggest dairy co-operative has called on the commerce minister to stand up for the country during ongoing discussions with the European Union over a proposed free-trade...

India’s new product development in packaged rice doubled in 2 years

Mintel has reported that India leads the way in the Asia-Pacific packaged rice market, with the country’s development in new products more than doubling over the last two years. ...

Increased NZ-US dairy trade would be ‘damaging’ to US sector without reforms - farming coalition

Increasing Fonterra-dominated New Zealand’s access to the US dairy sector through on-going Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Free Trade talks would be “damaging” to producers and processors in the country, a coalition of farmer...

Natural seasoning can prevent charred-meat carcinogens

A new study has found that natural seasonings like cinnamon, pineapple and green tea can significantly reduce the formation of cancer causing substances in well cooked meats. 

Indonesian officials warn minimum wage could cost drinks jobs

Officials in Indonesia have warned that several industries in the country, including the beverage industry, could be damaged if the proposed minimum wage increase is not delayed.

Asian tastes

Interview: How flavours of Asia differ between markets

FoodNavigator-Asia reported this week that New Zealand’s Taura Natural Ingredients is getting ready to launch a new range of concentrated fruit pieces for bakery and food service operators in Asia....

Foreign firms investing over US$1bn in Indian food processing industry

According to a dispatch to parliament, in just under three years since foreign direct investment (FDI) was opened up for the food processing industry, investors have pumped almost Rs6,200 crore...

Supermarket wars

Crafty Coles' property plan leaves Woolworths with egg on its face

Some say it was sneaky, others say it was shrewd, but whatever the motivation, the latest stunt by Coles against its super-rival Woolworths has set the cat among the pigeons...

Growth market

FMC to expand global production by one-third with new Thailand plant

Eager to move forward with supplying the fast-growing Asian market, food technology major FMC has broken ground on its major new microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) manufacturing facility in Rayong, Thailand, through which...

Done deals

Kraft signs up with Australian cheese major for pan-Asia distribution

Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory (WCB) and Kraft Foods Australia have announced the start of a long-term partnership under which Kraft will produce specially formulated cream cheese under WCB's Sungold...

Japanese firm seeks EU probiotic approval

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) is calling for views on an application from Japan’s Miyarisan Pharmaceutical for European Union Novel Foods status for a probiotic strain.

Happy holidays

Australian F&B spending to rise again this Easter, say analysts

Easter, which falls between March 29 and April 1, is traditionally a period of heavy consumption, and business information analysts Ibisworld have lifted the lid on continued strong holiday expectations...

Biotech debate

India’s government ‘keen to reach GM consensus'

India’s government is working hard to reach a consensus among scientists, politicians, farmers and consumers to reach a solution on the vexed issue of genetically modified crops, according to the...

Manila Madness part 2

Embattled secretary pulls U-turn on self-sufficiency gaffe

The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture has “clarified” the blue-skies announcement by its secretary, Proceso Alcala, in which when he said the country would be in a position to stop importing...

China ‘our number one international priority’, says Hershey CEO

China will become Hershey’s number two market behind the US in the next five years and will get there through advertising, expanding distribution and new launches, according to the company’s...

PS supplements show ADHD benefits in children: RCT data

Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may benefit from daily supplements of phosphatidylserine (PS), according to a new study from an international team of researchers.

Children's diets

Only 5% of schools provide healthy meals in Australia’s capital

Menus in Australian state schools could do better, according to the results of research compiled for online advocacy group The Parents’ Jury. A review of 263 school menus across Australia...

Japanese flavours

Mitsubishi continues Far East food acquisition run with KKF purchase

Japanese beverage group Kirin has agreed to sell its domestic food flavouring unit, Kirin Kyowa Foods (KKF), to Mitsubishi Corporation for a reported ¥30.5bn (US$321m).

Indian politicking

Cabinet finally approves Food Security Bill. Next stop parliament

After days of frenzied negotiations and brinksmanship, delays and declarations, the Indian cabinet has finally approved an ambitious plan to subsidise food for two-thirds of its population, according to early...

Manila madness

Using foresight to shift attention from oversight

The Philippines’ embattled agriculture secretary is clearly clairvoyant, otherwise he would never have come out with such a grand prediction as he did last week—that his government plans to shelve...

Indian economy

India’s credit negative food inflation has broad monetary implications

High food inflation in India is “credit negative” for the wider economy, hurting government finances and making it difficult for the country’s central bank to deal with monetary policy, according...

Will vitamin C price fixing victory constrain future Chinese cartel behavior?

A longstanding vitamin C price fixing case has reached conclusion with a $162 million judgment in the case involving four Chinese companies. While its a victory for the concept of...

Australian standards

Watchdog taking a quack at claims with action against duck meat co.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has indicated it will be focusing on the veracity of label and marketing claims after it instituted court proceedings against a duck meat producer.

Research

Kids with easy access to sweet drinks 5x more likely to overindulge

Primary and secondary school students are five times more likely to be high consumers of sugar-sweetened drinks, such as soft drinks, if these drinks are available in their homes, according...

News in brief

Pre- and Probiotics 2013: Yes, let’s call it unmissable

Seven webinars. Brand and supplier insights. Regulatory analysis. Market analysis. Marketing analysis. Science. You had better put this in your diary...

Australian beef

Tough task to increase herd volume to make most of EU opportunities

Opportunities for Australian beef in the European Union grainfed market are there, but the big challenge lies in lifting the volume of accredited supply. 

Japan’s ethoxyquin regulation change starting to hit shrimp exporters

Last year, FoodNavigator-Asia reported that new Japanese regulations governing “acceptable” levels of the antioxidant ethoxyquin in fishmeal was destined to become a grave issue for shrimp exporters. Exactly six months...

Natural battle

Himalaya state putting real pressure on New Zealand's organic ambition

The race is on for New Zealand to clean up its act if it is to be world’s first 100% organic food producer now that Bhutan has declared its intention...

US FIRM ACCUSES CHINESE ARMY OF GLOBAL IP CYBER ATTACKS

Coca-Cola accused as US-China cyber war of words escalates

Chinese authorities have accused Coca-Cola China of illegally mapping parts of Yunnan Province, while a high-profile US cyber-security company alleges that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is behind at least...

Beam Inc. Scotches talk of Teacher’s whiskey losing Indian No.1 spot

Beam Inc. insists to BeverageDaily.com that Teacher’s remains the bestselling Scotch Whiskey brand in India, despite press reports suggesting it has lost that position to Pernod Ricard’s 100 Pipers in...

Food for thought

India’s GM debate must be fought on science alone

India has hotly debated the use of GM crops both on a societal and political level. The discussion around the issue is at most times primal. Travel tip? You would...

South Korean OK for BASF's Scottish Omega-3 plant

South Korean regulators have cleared BASF to produce pharmaceutical grade omega-3 at its facility in Scotland.

Business head

Nestlé expects stratospheric growth from India operation

Nestlé’s regional head has revealed that he expects India to be one of the company’s top five markets by 2020.

State of the industry

China poultry expected to rise above pork growth

China’s poultry producers have long lived in the shadow of the pork industry, which remains the meat of choice throughout the nation. But now it seems that poultry is finally...

US wines talk to the Chinese, with an American twang: Maryhill Winery

The owner of a Washington State winery says that Chinese wine consumers in the ‘middle ground’ are hungry for affordable US wines that assure them a quality that native products...

Recycling

Grocery industry to spend A$100m on recycling scheme

The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has celebrated last week’s ruling by the Federal Court against the Northern Territory Container Tax—the AFGC’s bête noir—by announcing a A$100m industry-led recycling...

EFSA health claims chief to share ‘magic recipe’ insights in Geneva

The chief of EFSA’s health claims panel will discuss where the agency stands on the topic in 2013, at this year’s Vitafoods conference and expo in Geneva in May.

IFF Opens New Flavors Facility in Guangzhou, China

International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) has opened a new flavors facility in Guangzhou, China, as part of a $100m investment in Greater Asia as it looks to increase its presence in...

Chinese regulation

New food super-watchdog nearing reality

Anticipation that China will elevate the status of the existing State Food and Drug Administration to an all-encompassing body (SFDA) is mounting following the submission of a report to the...

Food for thought

Australia and China get it right

Last week, news came in that Australia and China had joined hands in the area of food security.

Honey study

Manuka found to be pivotal in fight against MRSA

In what has been dubbed a “hugely important finding”, Australian researchers have found that medical-grade manuka honey can be used as a new weapon in the fight against drug-resistant bacteria,...

Comment

Formula like gold dust, and shortage will only get worse

In just the first weekend of new regulations designed to prohibit the trafficking of infant formula out of Hong Kong, border patrols had already arrested around 45 traders.

Aussie battlers

Ready-meal shoppers now given help in counting the calories

A new law has come into force in New South Wales that requires all supermarket ready-to-eat products to display mandatory kilojoule labelling. 

Nestlé: Vitamin and mineral deficiencies account for 10% of global health burden

Better food fortification initiatives are required to tackle the global problem of hidden hunger that accounts for 10% of health costs, a Nestlé-sponsored congress heard in Germany today.

Oxfam confronts Mondelez, Nestlé and Mars over women’s rights on cocoa farms

Oxfam has called on the three biggest chocolate manufacturers to conduct independent audits on conditions for women on cocoa farms supplying their factories after finding evidence of unequal pay, discrimination...

Growth of GM

World's sixth biggest GM grower, China will continue to import soy

As concerns grow for the security of food supplies for its billion-plus population, China—the sixth biggest producer of genetically modified crops—has resolved to continue importing GM soybeans to satisfy domestic...

a2 Milk UK establishment costs offset A2 Corporation H1 sales increase

Costs relating to the establishment of the a2 Milk UK joint venture contributed to a H1 profits decrease for Australasian dairy processor A2 Corporation (A2C), the company has revealed.

Indian investigation

Cadbury to face tough questions over so-called “phantom factory” scam

Almost exactly a year ago, Cadbury India was showing off its position as the country’s fourth most admired company, according to Fortune magazine; but today the chocolate major is preparing...

News in brief

Lycored launches Japanese pagoda bone health, menopause blend

Lycored has launched a lycopene, vitamin D3 blend with genistein, sourced from the Japanese pagoda tree targeting bone health and menopausal women.

Australian crops

Nufarm says goodbye to two major deals in just three months

Nufarm’s rocky start to 2013 continues with the Australian manufacturer and distributor of crop protection products announcing the end of its second long-term deal with a global agricultural company in...

Carlsberg bids $466m to take control off China’s Chongqing Brewery Company

Carlsberg says it is taking an ‘important step forward’ in China with a $466m offer for a controlling stake in Chongqing Brewery Company (CBC), in a move to double the...

Australia trade

Australia given green light to export lamb to India

Australia’s trade department has announced that the country will begin to export lamb to India free of quotas, based on Australia’s compliance with India's food safety requirements.

China's growth

China can alter global soymeal supply, starting with SE Asia

China has the potential to replace South America as the dominant exporter of soymeal to Southeast Asia, according to a report from Rabobank. 

Herring caviar omega-3 form wins Oz-NZ distribution

Norwegian herring-sourced omega-3 specialist Arctic Nutrition has inked a distribution deal in Australia and New Zealand with Pathway International.

Food safety

China's watchdogs might finally get more teeth

Sick of lurching from one food crisis to the next, it seems the Chinese authorities are planning to form one cohesive food safety unit based on America’s FDA model.

Australian research

Heading to the polls with new genetic horn test for cattle

The transition to a polled cattle herd–or one without horns–could soon be even faster with a new, highly accurate poll gene marker test from Australia that is due to become...

United Spirits: India regulator gives green light for $2bn Diageo deal

The Indian Competition Commission (CCI) has approved Diageo’s purchase of a 53.4% stake in United Spirits (USL), saying that the £1.28bn ($2.04bn) purchase may boost the nation’s premium spirits market...

Indian Budget 2013

Finance minister shows no love for food makers this year

Sometimes, just sometimes, you don’t want to have to say “I told you so”, and this is indeed one of the times.

Oxfam thanks food industry for ‘bland’ and ‘complacent’ response to damning CSR report

Oxfam will step up its campaign to improve the treatment of people and resources that form part of the supply chain of the world’s biggest food conglomerates, after it cast...

INDUSTRY VOICES: GUEST ARTICLE, HEAD OF AKTIEFOKUS CHINA, JACOB DE LICHTENBERG

Carlsberg mulls potential $1.2bn China M&A move in Chongqing

After a quiet beginning to 2013, M&A activity is heating up in China’s beer market, as Carlsberg said on Monday it was considering upping its stake in Chongqing Brewery, intensifying...