A method for marker-assisted breeding, conceived in 2009 through a collaborative research project between the UK and Japan, is now focused on developing rice breeds tolerant to salt-sodden Japanese soils following the Tsunami last year.
Strikes at Auckland ports are forcing food manufacturers and traders to look at alternate locations for their businesses, according to New Zealand industry sources.
Recent food scandals have influenced China food officials to implement up to 1,000 food regulations by 2015. The aim is to regain consumer confidence in local processed foods.
In a bid to create unified standards and transparency across packaged products in China, the Ministry of Health has issued nutritional labelling standards, set to commence in January, 2013.
Unregulated insecticide marketing in Asia is driving overuse and misuse by farmers leading to widespread pest infestations and damaging millions of tonnes of rice each year, according to industry experts.
The Indian edible oil industry is banking on a slew of corrective measures in 2012 to revive its fortunes after the last year ended on a downhill thanks to changes in the Indonesian palm oil tax structure.
US farm management company, Stevia Corp, has signed an agreement with a Vietnamese research institute to strengthen knowledge of stevia cultivation and crop management to drive production in the country.
Thai food companies report government aid helped them to cope with the recent flood crisis and that they are now in a better position to deal with similar incidents in the future.
Australian soup manufacturers will easily be able to mitigate the costs associated with the recently announced cuts in sodium levels in the country, says a food industry expert.
Singapore-based ingredients technology company, Compass Foods, has announced the legal approval of its emulsifier for use in flavour applications in the Indonesian market.
The recent deluge of rain in Thailand will not hamper overall rice production in 2011 as farmers will be aided by the National Science and Technlology Development Agency (NSTDA) to increase rice production with better quality seeds.
Australia and New Zealand stand on the verge of legalising hemp as a food source after the head of the countries’ bilateral food agency backed its entry into the food chain.
Thailand food company S. Khonkaen Foods Plc has signed a deal with Sri Lanka-based Keells Food Products Plc to distribute food products on the island, with further expansion plans mooted.
An international system has been launched that will establish environmental standards for sustainable rice production in a bid to increase rice yields.
Under pressure from coalition allies as well as the opposition parties, India's government has put on hold its landmark decision to open up the country’s retail sector to multinationals.
A new survey in New Zealand has revealed that over 80% of consumers believe the current requirement to label genetically modified (GM) foods should be retained.
The trans-Tasman food standards watchdog has called for submissions on an application to change the Food Standards Code to allow food derived from a genetically modified (GM) corn line to be sold in the region.
Deforestation will be the largest environmental concern for the Asia Pacific over the next few decades and this should be addressed alongside trade liberalisation, says research.
Singapore’s government has pledged funds over the next five years towards the country’s food manufacturing sector in a bid to improve productivity by 20%.
Unperturbed by all the criticism and flak it has received from food manufacturers, Australian supermarket chain Woolworths has said that private labels are at the centre of its expansion plans.
A gas leak on New Zealand’s upper North Island forced the closure of many food factories in the affected area, stifling production and increasing concerns for the country’s economy.
New Zealand’s first processed food innovation centre opened yesterday, marking the launch of a wider government plan to fulfil a gap in food research, development and manufacturing.
India is strengthening its focus on efficient water use during production amid increased pressure to ensure food security for the country, a government minister said.
Hoping to cash in on the increased demand for pork in China, meat and food processor Zhongpin announced this month that it has started trial production of prepared products in a new facility.
Chinese exporters face increasing pressure working with America following the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) new re-inspection fees that add the an increasingly complex regulation system, according to a consultant.
The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has said that operating profits of Australia’s food manufacturers are expected to fall by an average of 4.4% in 2012-13 because of the Federal Government’s carbon tax.
Australia’s top competition regulator has said that it would keep an eye on the country’s two top supermarket chains over long-standing concerns that they were wielding too much power in the country’s food sector.
A new aspartame distribution deal will benefit the UK and Irish food and drink sector through security of supply, claims leading player Atlantic Chemicals Trading (ACT).
Kiwi food processors are up against a new menace in the practice of “parallel imports,” in which local retailers are importing cheaper overseas versions of locally made food products.
A new Malaysian initiative will set up a new food product network that will take locally made food products to overseas markets, according to Malaysia’s Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA).
A market for Indian honey in the North American market has prompted Intertek to launch a honey certification service for manufacturers and exporters in India.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has criticized India for its protective trade policy on food items, in an environment that is causing record food prices across the world.
Poultry companies in Australia are being taken to court by the country's competition regulator over what it says is “misrepresentation” in labelling of their chicken meat products.
A lack of an appropriate cold chain infrastructure and increasing food losses in India has opened the doors for Ingersoll Rand India Ltd to begin offering cold chain consultancy services in the country, the company said last week.
A prominent consumer group in Australia has come out in support of traffic light labelling in Australia – but a food industry survey claims the current system is adequate and working.
A new report raises serious doubts about the future prospects of Australia’s dairy exports, citing various reasons why the country's production levels will not be able to keep pace with demand for dairy.
Global food manufacturer Heinz has for the second time in as many months publicly criticised Australian grocery sector – this time for creating an ‘inhospitable’ market.
A top level panel in India has slammed the food processing sector in India for the apparent wastage of food every year due to a lack of the necessary infrastructure in the country's food supply chain.
Volatile commodity prices, changing consumer trends and a saturated market are some of the key factors that have restricted Australia's snack food manufacturers, says a new report.
A new regulation in India would mean that exporters of rice products to the US will have to get a new pest-free certification for them, an official at the government's food exports body said.
Two major food manufacturers in Australia have shut down factories under external pressures including the rise of the Australian dollar, high cost of raw materials, supermarket price wars and government policies.
