Curcumin may match exercise for heart health benefits: RCT data

Daily supplements of curcumin may benefit cardiovascular health to the same extent as exercise for postmenopausal women, says new data from a clinical trial from Japan.

New vegetable range serves the health conscious in Oceania

A joint research effort by institutes in New Zealand and Australia has led to the development of a new range of packaged vegetables that is said to help shoppers understand...

Industry doesn’t want separate standards for Oz, NZ

The joint regulatory regime for Australia and New Zealand for has come under scrutiny, with food industry advocates from the smaller neighbour questioning its domestic usefulness.

Premier agrees sale of pickles and sauces business to Mizkan Group

Premier Foods has announced the £92.5 sale of its sweet pickles and table sauces business to Japanese firm Mizkan Group in a move that puts the firm past its target...

Greenpeace urges food companies to check palm oil suppliers' sustainability score

Greenpeace has published a scorecard rating palm oil producers’ sustainability efforts, in order to provide food and other consumer goods companies with better information about how their palm oil is...

Regulation required for Vietnam's skyrocketing supplements

It is vital for Vietnam to manage its production and distribution of dietary supplements if it plans to prevent potential threats to consumers, according to a senior government food health...

Sealed Air sells Diversey Japan for $377m

Sealed Air has sold Diversey Japan to The Carlyle Group for ¥30bn (US$377m) to focus on higher growth markets.

GM in India - Latest

Supreme Court dithers over GM moratorium

Will they, won’t they or might they? In spite of a report filed by a panel of Indian agriculture experts calling for the government to impose a moratorium on open...

Minister slams NZ's “Couch Potato” award for obesity

The New Zealand government has lashed out against the recent Couch Potato Awards, which pitted arch-rivals Australia and New Zealand against each other to decide which country has made the...

Vietnam going all out for growth in seafood exports

The Vietnamese seafood industry is eyeing exports worth $10-10.5bn by 2020, according to a leading trade official, although judging by recent trends, this might be a difficult task.

Foreign funds needed for Oceania to become Asia’s food bowl

The agri-food sector in Australia and New Zealand will have to overcome a host of barriers if it is to tap the opportunities presented by rapidly developing Asian countries, and...

Hershey eyes China for new Asia plant

China tops the list of countries for Hershey’s new manufacturing facility in Asia, according to the company’s CEO.

Industry focus

Oz egg lobby slams moves to end caged egg production

The representative group for the egg industry has hit out at a new campaign by a leading animal rights organisation against caged-egg production in Australia. 

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

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

Nestlé invests $17m in medical nutrition down under

The world’s biggest food player, Nestlé, is investing A$17m (€13.6m) to renovate an Australian facility so it can produce medical foods for its Health Science division.

A2C to enter Chinese market through distribution deal

A2 Corporation (A2C) – the manufacturer of a2 brand milk products – looks set to enter the Chinese market after agreeing a distribution deal with an in-market state-owned firm.

Fizzy drinks can massively increase risk of stroke

Drinking just one fizzy soft drink per day could bump up the risk of stroke by up to 80 per cent, according to a research team studying the effects of...

PepsiCo and Suntory unite to crack Vietnam’s beverage market

Beverage major PepsiCo has taken a major step towards cracking the growing Vietnam market by signing a strategic agreement with Japanese beverage and wellness player Suntory.

News in brief

Mondelez appoints Asia specialist to board

Kraft Foods global snacks spin-off Mondelez International has appointed Patrick T. Siewert to its Board of Directors to increase its knowledge of the emerging Asian market.

Standards firm opens lab to tap into India's ‘food safety revolution’

TÜV India, a subsidiary of the German TÜV Nord, has opened the doors to a new laboratory that will test agricultural and processed food materials in Pune.

Group links Indian government with alleged FDI scam

According to India’s leading trade representative body, ministers have been making deals with multinational corporations that have led to the government quietly amending the fine-print of its move towards foreign...

Report predicts tough times for Chinese pork

While global pork prices are projected to remain strong in 2013, hog production and imports to China will once again remain wildly unpredictable.

Asian krill boom drives krill joint venture

Australian, Japanese, South Korean, Taiwanese and other Asian consumers are driving rising demand in omega-3 source krill to levels that have prompted Norwegian krill supplier, Rimfrost, to ink a production-boosting...

ADM gears up for $2.8bn takeover of GrainCorp

Archer Daniels Midland is in talks with Australian commodity giant GrainCorp after putting forward an offer just shy of US$2.8bn (A$2.7bn) for a cash takeover.

FSANZ warning follows salmonella outbreak in raw almonds

An outbreak of salmonella in raw almonds has been linked to 27 cases of foodborne illness in six states and territories, said FSANZ.

Indian advocacy group opposes guar futures relisting until market better regulated

Guar should not be relisted on India’s futures market until regulation of trading is improved, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) says.

Insight India

Haryana farmers demonstrate against GM corn trials

Hundreds of farmers have turned out outside a regional research station in northern India as part of a peaceful protest against nearby open-air field trials of GM corn.

Contrary to opinion, Aussie kids are getting no less sweeter

A new study has revealed that more than half of Australian children are still consuming too much sugar—flying in the face of the established belief that its intake has declined...

Indian yuppies increasingly courting heart disease

Indians, especially young, professional men, are shunning healthy food and putting themselves at high risk for heat disease, a new study has revealed.

ADM buys stake in Australian commodity giant GrainCorp

Archer Daniels Midland has snapped up a share of Australian bulk grains firm GrainCorp and has requested further discussions for a ‘potential transaction’.

Cargill looks to counter diseased Indonesian trees with sustainable cocoa investment

Cargill has extended its sustainable cocoa program to Indonesia and plans to take preventative measure to turn ailing crops into high cocoa yielding money-spinners.

Nestlé backs China, greater focus on R&D

To a backdrop of its slowing growth in the region, Nestlé has revealed that it will double the number of its research and development units in China. The announcement came...

NZ honey study's sweet and sour findings

A PhD student at New Zealand’s Lincoln University has found that nearly half of mono-floral honey bought from supermarkets in the country were not true to their labels.

LycoRed gets local knowhow for Chinese market

Further intensifying its efforts to crack the Chinese market, an Israel-based global premix supplier has inked a distribution agreement to ease into the local food manufacturing space.

Probiotics on course for profound growth in the UAE

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.

Asia Q3 cocoa grind flat as capacity shift slows

Asia’s cocoa grind for the third quarter has remained essentially flat compared to last year after growth in the previous two quarters, figures released yesterday show.

Officials fast to slow down grain waste

Government grain officials across China have joined a movement to “experience 24 hours of hunger” as part of a wider campaign to promote public awareness of food security and to...

Mindanao peace could give fillip to Filipino food production

The prospect of lasting peace in the southern Philippines will make it easier for the government to boost agricultural production by 3.5% to 5% next year, a senior government official has revealed.

Quaker thrives in China with traditional medicine cereal fortification

PepsiCo’s investment to localize its Quaker brand in China with traditional herbal medicine fortification and texture adaptations has enabled it to thrive, an analyst says.

Vegetable oil rise sees oilseeds literally lose ground

China’s appetite for vegetable oils has been one of the key factors supporting markets for the commodity over recent years, a new report by Rabobank has found. 

Drought sees less monsoon crops but soybean hits record acreage

According to the latest planting progress report from the Indian Ministry of Agriculture, this year’s acreage of monsoon oilseed crops is down significantly over last year, even though soybean planting...

Industry aims to cut fat consumption by a quarter

Some of Australia's biggest food companies have joined forces via the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) to launch an initiative to significantly reduce fat, sodium and calories from diets...

India ready to send huge quantities of non-GMO emulsifiers to Europe

Adani Wilmar, one of the largest soy producers in South Asia, has gained non-GMO soya lecithin certification, which it will use to provide the European food industry with 30 tonnes...

Morinaga’s Japanese Pringles take-over must push US flavours

Japanese food major Morinaga who secured the sales rights for Pringles in Japan should tap into the imports trend and push original US flavours on the market, not Japanese imitations,...

Market focus

Weightloss industry dragged down by unsubstantiated claims

Last week’s launch of global weightloss major Rapid Nutrition into India saw claims that the company’s Leisa’s Secret scientific programme will be the first of its kind in the country....

Thai smallholders certified for sustainable palm oil

Independent Thai smallholders have become the first in the world to be RSPO-certified in a move that will significantly add to the global quantity of sustainable palm oil available on...

Guar gum could be relisted on Indian futures market

Guar gum could be relisted on India’s futures market if a positive committee decision is reached next week, according to the country’s commodity markets regulator.

Opening the shell on a new mussel breed with better flavour and yield

In a move that could unlock more value for the mussel industry, scientists in New Zealand are developing a new breed of the mollusc with varied flavours, more meat and...

Icing on Vietnamese cake for Belgian confectionery joint-venture

Two Belgian confectionary majors have announced a significant joint-venture that sets out to expand their combined presence and supply-chain in Vietnam and transform them into a regional 'powerhouse'.

Bumper Chinese corn harvest a ‘relief’ for beleaguered US

The US Grains Council (USGC) has projected another bumper crop of Chinese corn, and voiced its relief that China can step up to the plate as the US faces a...

Middle-class now China's primary consumer of beef

China’s rapidly growing middle-class is driving growth in the consumption of beef and meat products, a new report from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has revealed.

Web shaping the new Australian grocery consumer

The Australian food industry is now facing a new type of consumer—one who is increasingly technology-literate with a wealth of information to support purchasing decisions.

India’s 'free from...' food claims lead the way for Asia-Pacific

As health concerns climb the global consumer agenda, manufacturers are quick to respond with new products to meet demand. But when it comes to items claiming that they contain no...

73% of Australian mothers buy food supplements

Almost three quarters of Australian expectant mothers (73%) purchase food supplements, according to Roy Morgan research.

Australian food industry not in a happy state

Australia’s food manufacturing sector is facing significant economic challenges that require urgent attention from the government, according to the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) in it's annual assessment of...

News in brief

China wakes up and smells the new Nescafé...

Nestlé will launch a reformulated version of single-serve coffee product Nescafé 1+2 Original in China this month, and claims that consumer tastes in the nation have changed.

Probiotics on a charge in Asia, but players must get organised

With predicted growth of 15 to 20% imminent, probiotics in China and South Asia are destined for big things. But, according to Russell Ward, research director of food analyst Giract,...

CHOICE Australia says kids’ cereals are nutritionally disappointing

The nutritional value of breakfast cereals marketed to children in Australia is disappointing, with high sugar and salt content and low fiber levels, the country’s consumer watchdog CHOICE says.

Sino-NZ study aims to produce bigger grains

In another agricultural research collaboration between New Zealand and China, scientists have begun a joint study into how to improve seeds so that farmers can produce more and bigger grains.

Indian consumers driving extract market

Indian consumers are far more aware of the functionality of food and beverage ingredients, which is driving innovation with fruit and vegetable extracts for ingredient manufacturers, a new report has...

Probiotic found to reduce eczema symptoms over long-term period

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.

80% of urban Indian working women are overweight

A new study has revealed that around 80% of urban Indian working women in the 25-45 age bracket are overweight as a result of sedentary lifestyles and changing food habits.

Oz school takes innovative approach to meal timings

From today, students at an inner-city primary school in Australia will be taking lunch earlier after a new mealtime concept was introduced to promote healthy eating and as a means...

Firm eyeing India’s 'first scientific weight loss programme'

An Australian natural nutrition company has announced plans to invest INR100cr in an Indian manufacturing and sales operation to provide, it claims, the country's only scientific weight loss programme.

Study links heightened diabetes risk to modern oils

A long-term research study published this week has confirmed that non-traditional methods of cooking are significantly contributing to the rise in diabetes among Indians.

The Joy of Six: Heineken’s ‘compelling’ rationale for APB buy

After Heineken successfully netted Asia Pacific Breweries (APB), CEO and chair Jean-François van Boxmeer told investors that there were ‘six key reasons’ why the capture was compelling.

Fonterra to close Australia plant following efficiency review

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

Asia-Europe meeting closes with declaration on food

The seventh edition of the Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting closed in Laos’s capital with a declaration that emphasised the concern of the countries involved in “ensuring food security in the...

US-Indonesia pact aims to improve food knowhow

The US Agency for International Development has entered into a partnership with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) to help address food security and conservation.

Comment

Breakfast cereal in China: Snap, crackle… and flop

Western breakfast brands don’t often work in China. They need manipulating to appeal to very different tastes, packaging and format preferences and, of course, another language.

NZ researchers breed first hypo-allergenic milk producing cow

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

NZ funds research for improved seeds and plants

A new research programme being co-funded by the New Zealand government and a Chinese-owned seed company sets out to improve seed and plant species for farmers, improve animal productivity and...

News in brief

Prawn prices continue to rise

Latest figures from commodity analyst Mintec reveal that prawn prices continued to rise in August following the outbreak of early mortality syndrome on the Pacific Rim.

China lays out plan for global action on food security

A Chinese delegation today stressed the importance of co-ordinated global action to uphold food security and challenged economies with a five-point action plan to work to this goal.

Study uncovers region's strong probiotic potential

As markets for probiotics in Europe and North America come under pressure, a new study from Giract opens the lid on the industry’s prospects for growth in Asia.

China pledges agri-growth as FAO honours premier

Chinese premier Wen Jiabao on Tuesday pledged that China will seek the steady growth of agricultural products and enable Chinese farmers to share the achievements of the country's economic development...

Talking tough on Monsanto GM maize cancer study

Last week saw a furious row between researchers in France and their critics from around the world after they published new findings on the effect of genetically modified Roundup maize...

Del Monte readying to create new snack-food segment in India

American snack food giant Del Monte has revealed that it has plans for an imminent entry into the Indian snack-food market with a range of fruit-based packaged snacks.

News in brief

UAE mulls Cambodia investment for rice and halal production

On a visit to Cambodia, the UAE minister for foreign trade revealed that her government was considering pumping money into halal food production and rice milling in the Southeast Asian...

Malnutrition, obesity a bipolar problem in Philippines

A Filipino research institute has reviewed the findings of a report that outlines the level of nutrition of selected population groups.

Private agri-groups to develop SE Asian rice supply

Agribusiness companies from the Philippines, Myanmar and Thailand have formed a consortium to develop a Southeast Asian rice supply chain using the proprietary hybrid and premium rice technology.

Aussies work extra week as a result of missing lunch

More than half of Australians are too busy to take lunch every day of the week, and those who do find the time often steer away from healthy choices, according...

Carlsberg denies Heineken APB takeover drove Singha deal

Carlsberg has agreed a strategic partnership with Singha Corporation, and tells BeverageDaily.com it is confident the new venture will succeed where a previous Thai partnership with Chang Beverages failed amidst...

Food advocate launches volley on Oz produce plan

An Australian food policy unit yesterday branded the country’s food system as “broken”, and blamed it for contributing to a raft of issues currently affecting society.

Danone to expand experimental Indian business unit

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...