New distributor plans organic assault
New UAE distributor Organic Larder wants to bring organic foods off the speciality shelves and into the mainstream, but its founder says Middle East consumers are slow to change.
Archives for April 4, 2016
Mintel: Asia-Pacific market is being shaped by four key ‘mega-trends’
Healthier alternatives, brand story, visual eating and changing lifestyles describe the four key food and drink trends in Asia-Pacific, according to market intelligence agency Mintel.
Egypt sugar firm gets $100m EBRD equity injection
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will invest US$100m in Savola-owned United Sugar Company Egypt (USCE), to boost Egypt’s agribusiness sector.
Al Rawabi sees 15% growth, plans $21m investment
UAE dairy firm Al Rawabi will invest US$21.7m this year to boost production and enter new markets across MENA, after achieving 15% growth in 2015, the company announced.
Salt stimulates passive eating of fatty foods: Study
Salt provokes fatty food eating, and can even trigger increased food intake among people who have a preference for less fatty foods, Australian researchers have found.
Iranian doors open, but buyers yet to enter
Sanctions may be lifting but challenges remain for Iranian exporters, according to Pars Emerald Pistachio, which is aiming to focus on quality to expand its international sales.
South Asia radius
Regulator issues post-Maggi clarification on MSG stance
The presence of monosodium glutamate from natural sources in noodles and pasta is not illegal under food safety legislation, India’s food regulator has announced in a bid to end confusion over the taste enhancer’s status.
Japan struggles to meet Middle East wagyu beef demand
Japanese wagyu beef is a hit in the Middle East, but producers are struggling to export to regional markets because of Halal issues, according to a Japanese food importer in the UAE.
Beta-alanine supplements may allow middle aged people to exercise for longer
Twenty-eight days of supplementation with 2.4 grams per day of beta-alanine was associated with longer workouts for middle aged men and women, and improvements in cognitive function, says new data from SUNY University at Buffalo.
India
Foodpanda to offer money-back guarantee on 45-minute deliveries
India’s biggest online food ordering platform, Foodpanda, has introduced a money-back guarantee that food will be delivered within 45 minutes.
WHO: Governments responsible for beating diabetes epidemic
The World Health Organisation has called on governments in South Asia to take vigorous and concerted action to “prevent, treat and beat” diabetes, which has reached epidemic proportions and is expected to further increase in coming years.
Philippines exporters make record $110m from Gulfood
Firms from the Philippines booked more than US$110m in sales at Gulfood in February, beating last year’s total, but challenges remain for exporters to the Middle East.