Kirin is looking to back innovations in metabolic health, immunity and brain function, fermentation and microbiota control, and consumer health data technology through its startup innovation fund.
Fonterra says the microbiome is increasingly taking the centre stage when it comes to human health, with its new nutrition science venture arm identifying China and US as key investment targets for personalised solutions.
The China Food Tech Hub, which aims to forge close ties between MNCs and start-ups, is adding three new members to its consortium this year, including big names such as Nestle, Ajinomoto and Barilla’s Blu1877.
A new food firm – Dao Foods International – has been set up to launch plant-based protein and clean meat alternatives to the China market, on the back of the country’s soaring demand for meat products.
An Australian wine retailer has set out to raise A$5m (US$3.8m) by crowd-sourcing equity funding from its customers as it embarks on expansion into sales in Asia.
A lactose-free probiotic fruit drink developed by scientists in Australia has managed to secure sufficient investment for it to be launched across the country's beverage market.
India is providing fertile ground for private equity and venture capital firms, judging by the high level of interest they have shown towards agri-business companies, which currently amounts to spending of US$126m over the first six months of 2013.