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January 2009 Entries

Thailand: Thai co picks equity in Avanti feeds

Hyderabad, Jan. 31 Thai Union Frozen Products (TUF), parent of a leading Thailand-based group of companies engaged in shrimp business, has acquired 14.99 per cent shares of Avanti Feeds Ltd (AFL), also in the same sector. The move is to support AFL to expand its activities in India as a strategic partner. Read full article [www.thehindubusinessline.com]

Davos: General Mills says more people eating at home

DAVOS, Switzerland (Reuters) - General Mills Inc and other food makers are benefiting from a sharp rise in home cooking in the United States and to a lesser extent in Western Europe, the head of the U.S. company said on Saturday. Read full article [Reuters]

Bangladesh: Bangladesh participates in IATF'08, Dubai, UAE

Nine Bangladeshi companies/exporters participated in a four day long International Autumn Trade Fair (IATF)'08 in Dubai, UAE 15-18 December 2008. The companies dealing with different products took part in the fair under the banner of Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) of the Ministry of Commerce. The main purpose of the fair was to introduce Bangladeshi products to UAE and to find market for the same. The main products exhibited by the participants from Bangladesh included soft drinks, candy, biscuits, chips, mango bars, chutney, ready tea, jelly, mustard oil, snacks, aromatic rice, spices, handmade show pieces, cotton goods, handicrafts made of jute, ready...

US: The Hidden Commodity in Canned Food

Another factor in rising food prices: the tinplate cans common to every supermarket shelf are getting more expensive to produce - Commodities and speculation have traveled together since cave dwellers first traded flint rock. Crude oil suffered a stunning collapse in 2008, losing more than $100 per barrel in five months, while gold prices nearly doubled between 2007 and 2008. But there's another commodity that commands a prominent place in nearly every home, without nearly the same attention: tin-plated steel [...] Read full article [www.businessweek.com]

Nepal: Nepal to lift ban on import of Chinese milk products

The Nepali government is to lift the five-month long ban on the import of Chinese milk products after an international laboratory found that samples collected from different outlets in the country tested negative for melamine, local media reported on Friday. Read full article [www.chinadaily.com.cn]

Qatar: Ban on black plastic bags

DOHA: The Department of Health Affairs at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Urban Planning will allow retail and wholesale outlets as well as food packaging units six months’ time to discard using black plastic bags and newspaper or magazine sheets for packing food items. Read full article [thepeninsulaqatar.com]

US: Whitey’s Chili recalls products

TULSA —  Whitey’s Chili has recalled more than 675,000 pounds of chili, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture news release.  - Affected products were five-pound bags and 20-pound cases of Whitey’s Chili with Beans, bearing a product number of [...] Read full article [newsok.com]

UK: Veg venture pays off for Poupart

Poupart Imports has described its first year in the vegetable and salad business as “difficult, but positive”. After 20 years’ trading as the Poupart Group, under management of the Olins family, last February marked the first time the company expanded its portfolio outside the fruit industry, supplying veg and salads to primary wholesalers, foodservice suppliers, regional supermarkets, packers, retail co-operatives and caterers. Read full article [www.freshinfo.com]

Argentina: Grain Outlook

South America has been dry. But it has been really dry in Argentina…and hot; the worst summer crop growing conditions in at least fifty years. Weather forecasters don’t see much relief for Argentina during the next two months. The Argentinean government has declared an Agricultural Emergency saying crop production may be down 50 percent from normal and announced that as many as 800,000 cattle have been lost due to arid conditions in the Pampas. Lack of rain and temperatures of over 100o F hurt wheat during the reproductive period and corn at pollination time. The government halted wheat exports to...

Egypt: Altea Packaging extends its footprint to Egypt

Already established as the flexible packaging market leader in the Maghreb region, Altea Packaging has recently completed the acquisition of Porta Egypt for Packaging Materials and its subsidiary, Rotopack Misr. Read full article [www.ameinfo.com]

Mexico: Super Bowl success story: Mexico's avocados

Increased demand for guacamole has helped make avocado exports a rare bright spot for Mexico in its free-trade saga with the US ...  On Sunday, more than 46 million pounds will be consumed. Or as the Hass Avocado Board marketing group in California puts it: If avocados were dumped into Tampa's Raymond James stadium, from end zone to end zone they would stand almost 18 feet deep. Read full article [www.csmonitor.com]

India: Tea traders lock horns with auction firm Carritt

KOLKATA: To recover payments of teas that have been routed through Carritt Moran, the world's second largest tea auction firm, the Calcutta Tea Traders Association (CTTA) has decided to meet the Tea Board chairman on Friday to sort out the issue at the earliest. CTTA is a tea industry body which comprises buyers and sellers of teas. Gopal Poddar, chairman of CTTA, told ET: “A number of sellers, who had sold teas to Carritt Moran, have not got their payments of Sale No 1, which took place on January 5 and 6. They are members of CTTA. In this scenario,...

CBOT: Grains mixed in Chicago Friday

CHICAGO, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Grains closed mixed on the Chicago Board of Trade Friday, as the dollar remained strong and crude oil prices held nearly steady in New York. Corn was off 2 1/4 to off 2 3/4, soybeans were up 8 3/4 to up 10, wheat was off 10 to off 10 1/4 and oats were off 6 1/2. Read full article [www.upi.com]

EU: End to prescribed quantities to drive new bread loaf size in 2009

A recent law from Brussels has thrown up new opportunities for different loaf sizes for UK bakers, with 2009 set to witness an escalation in new product development related to the weight of pre-packaged breads. Read full article [www.bakeryandsnacks.com]

US: Mountain Valley Spring Water packs in 25% rPET

US-based Mountain Valley Spring Water has repackaged its entire plastic-bottled water portfolio with 25% recycled PET.  Read full article [www.foodbev.com]

UK: Sweet treats struggle for packed lunch place

Confectionery manufacturers need to boost the appeal and nutritional value of their products to earn a place in the school lunchbox as parents focus on healthy eating, according to new research from Mintel. Read full article [www.confectionerynews.com]

US: U.S. business group opposes "Buy American" plan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A top U.S. business group stepped up efforts on Friday to kill a "Buy American" provision that has angered U.S. trading partners, and the White House said it was reviewing its position on the measure. Read full article [Reuters]

US:2008 wine grape prices highest in seven years

On the eve of this year’s California grape crush, the state’s largest wine grape grower cooperative still has grapes to sell. This is not unusual for the Fresno, Calif.-based 600-member Allied Grape Growers that expects to sell 300,000 tons of grapes this season valued at more than $70 million. It has for a decade or longer had grapes without homes at harvest time because there were no buyers. Read full article [westernfarmpress.com]

UK: Supermarkets 'should stop selling foreign food with British labels'

Stores are currently allowed to mark products as "Produced in the UK" if the last significant change to it happened in Britain. - Environment Secretary Hilary Benn argues retailers are undermining a Government drive to persuade shoppers to buy British.   Read full article [www.telegraph.co.uk]

US: Pasta makers' business cooking as economy droops

Sales of pasta products in the United States ---- including frozen and refrigerated pasta, canned pasta, soup mixes and prepared dinners ---- rose 5 percent last year to $6.4 billion, according to Kansas City-based American Italian Pasta Co., the nation's largest manufacturer of dry pasta. Read full article [www.nctimes.com]

UK: Amazon launches UK home grocery service

Amazon is launching an online grocery home delivery service in the UK after rolling out a similar service in the US. - The range will initially include 45,000 non-perishable food items although fresh food is being trialled by Amazon in Seattle. Read full article [www.talkingretail.com]

Nigeria: World Bank Approves $150m Agric Credit For Nigeria

World Bank has approved US$150 million IDA credit for Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP) in five Nigerian states, namely, Cross River, Enugu, Lagos, Kaduna and Kano. A statement issued yesterday by the Bank’s head of media in Abuja, Mr. Obadiah Tohomdet, said that the project is to strengthen agricultural production systems and facilitate access to markets for targeted value chains among small and medium scale commercial farmers in the five participating states in the country. Read full article [leadershipnigeria.com]

Tunisia-Brazil : Large opportunities for strategic partnership

(TAP) - Works of a one-day seminar on the establishment of a strategic partnership between Tunisia and Brazil were opened, on Thursday in Tunis, by Industry, Energy and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises minister Afif Chelbi. The seminar, which was organised by the Tunisian Industry, Trade and Handicrafts Union (UTICA), in collaboration with Brazil's embassy in Tunis and the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, was attended by a Brazilian mission including enterprises operating in the sectors of food processing industry, computers, machines and equipments, textile, footwear, cars and components, ICTs, construction, energy... Read full article [www.babnet.net]

Uruguay: Lamb exports reach 19.647 tons to October 2008

Uruguay mutton and lamb exports totaled 19.647 tons in the first ten months of 2008, mainly to Mercosur, European Union and the Middle East, according to reports from the country’s National Meat Institute. Read full article [www.mercopress.com]

Belarus: Belarus to export dairy products to Iran and Moldova in 2009

In 2009, the Belarusian food producers intend to start the export of dairy products to Iran and Moldova, BelTA has learnt in the Belarusian Ministry of Agriculture and Food. - At present, Belarusian specialists are discussing the terms and prospects of the cooperation with the Iranian and Moldovan sides. Representatives of the Belarusian Ministry of Agriculture and Food are discussing the possibilities to boost the export of Belarusian foodstuffs to other countries as well. This year, the Lepel Dairy Plant and Bellakt Company (Volkovysk) will start to export fat-free dried milk to Venezuela. The total export of the dried milk...

UK: Eddie Stobart hails 10-year Nestlé contract

WARRINGTON-BASED warehousing and logistics firm Eddie Stobart has signed a 10-year deal with food giant Nestlé UK, worth around £110m. - The firm, part of the Stobart Group, will provide warehousing facilities and will incorporate the seasonal and export confectionery business alongside its existing distribution operation at Bardon. Read full article [www.ldpbusiness.co.uk]

Ireland: Food and drink sector to increase exports

The Irish food, drink and horticulture sector has the potential to boost exports by more than 20pc to reach 10 billion euro by 2011 after last year saw a 6.5pc slump in food exports, according to Bord Bia’s chairman Dan Browne. Read full article [www.limerickpost.ie]

US: Freight Rate Changes Spark Shift in Grain Buying Habits

Until the recent U.S. and world financial crisis, bulk ocean freight rates had escalated to an all-time high as a result of rapid economic growth and associated demand for numerous food, feed and industrial commodities. This was particularly the case in China, India and other developing economies outside the United States. The cost of shipping distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a co-product of U.S. ethanol production, from the United States to Asian countries ranged from $130 to $140 per metric ton for bulk freight. Read full article [www.wisconsinagconnection.com]

Latvia: Latvian producers' loose competitiveness on foreign markets

The countries that devalue their national currencies shut their markets for imports, but, at the same time, improve competitiveness of their own exporters, especially those who export products to countries where the national currency remains unchanged. Latvian food producers point out that devalued currencies in several countries have a significant effect on Latvian producers. Rigas piena kombinats (RPK) dairy company Henrijs Fogels points out that the value of the Russian rouble against the euro has decreased approximately 30%. As a result, Latvian producers should raise the prices for their products as much in Russia, but it is impossible. Read full aricle...

UK: UK is the world’s top market for wine

THE world is drinking more and drinking better, according to Robert Beynat, the chief executive of the world’s largest wine and spirits fair Vinexpo. - He was speaking at a Press conference to reveal the results of a survey of trends in the world wine and spirits market. Read full article [www.journallive.co.uk]

China: China faces new melamine scandal, 17 on trial

BEIJING, Dec 30 (Reuters) - More than 1,500 boxes of Chinese biscuits exported to Hong Kong and Singapore have tested positive for melamine as suspects in the protracted tainted-food scandal go on trial in China, local media reported on Tuesday. Read full article [Reuters]

US: liquor sales come up short in '08

NEW YORK, Jan 30 (Reuters) - U.S. sales growth of distilled spirits slowed last year, a trade group said on Friday, proving liquor is not immune to a recession. - The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), which plans to discuss its findings at a conference later in the day, abandoned its practice of giving industry forecasts for 2009, citing marketplace volatility. Read full article [Reuters]

Nigeria: Government suspends 5% excise duty on juices, instant noodles and more

The Federal Government said it would suspend the imposition of five per cent excise duty imposed on some goods manufactured in the country, Minister of State for Finance, Mr. Remi Babalola, has said. - The duty, which was to have come into effect on October 1, 2008 was to cover a range of products including juices, instant noodles and non alcoholic drinks. Read full article [www.punchng.com]

Corn: Corn, Soybeans Head for Weekly Drop as Rain May Improve Crops

Jan. 30 (Bloomberg) -- Corn and soybeans headed for a weekly loss amid speculation that rain will revive crops hurt by dry weather in Argentina and Brazil, the world’s biggest exporters of the commodities after the U.S. Read full article [Bloomberg]

Gulfood : 3,300 companies eye slice of $10bn GCC imports

More than 3,300 companies from more than 70 countries will descend on Dubai in Feb looking for a slice of the GCC's $10 billion import industry.   Read full article [www.arabianbusiness.com]

Thailand: ThaiBev brewing up local draft sales

Thai Beverage Marketing, a subsidiary of Thai Beverage (ThaiBev), producer of Chang beer and a range of spirits, this year will promote Draft Chang more heavily domestically. Read full article [www.nationmultimedia.com]

Belgium: Brief : Colruyt NV reports revenue

Colruyt NV (COLR BB): Belgium's biggest discount food retailer reports fiscal third-quarter revenue after the close of trading. Colruyt retreated 0.3 percent to 169.23 euros. Source [Bloomberg]

Malaysia: Palm Oil Posts Third Weekly Drop on Concern Demand to Ease

Jan. 30 (Bloomberg) -- Palm oil futures posted a third weekly decline on concern the global economic recession will reduce demand and purchases may slow after the Chinese Lunar New Year holidays. Read full article [www.bloomberg.com]

India: India Allows Duty Free Sugar Imports as Output Drops

Jan. 30 (Bloomberg) -- India, the world’s biggest consumer of sugar, permitted duty free imports of the sweetener for sale domestically to prevent an increase in prices as output slumps. Read full article [Bloomberg]

US: Askinosie unveils new chocolate bar today

Owner Shawn Askinosie will release his newest chocolate bar at a public party today , becoming the first chocolate maker in the world to export cacao beans from the Philippines since the mid-1980s. Read full article [www.news-leader.com]

CBOT: Grain prices close lower Thursday

CHICAGO, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Grains closed lower on the Chicago Board of Trade Thursday although the U.S. Agriculture Department reported a strong week of corn exports. - Corn was off 2 1/2 to 2 3/4, soybeans were off 11 to 12 1/2, wheat was off 16 1/4 to 17 1/4 and oats were off 2 to 2 1/2. Read full article [www.upi.com]

India: Confusion over Cabinet ‘decision’ on raw sugar imports

New Delhi, Jan. 29 There is confusion over whether or not the Centre has allowed duty-free imports of raw sugar against advance licences (AL) on a ‘tonne-to-tonne’ basis. - According to Mr Uma Kant Mishra, Principal Director-General of the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the issue was discussed by the Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Wednesday, but no decision was taken.   Read full article [www.thehindubusinessline.com]

India: Volume down at Coonoor tea auctions

An analysis of the catalogues of the different brokers indicates that the volume offered for sale No. 5 of the auctions of Coonoor Tea Trade Association (CTTA) this week has traced a declining trend for the second consecutive sale. Read full article [www.thehindubusinessline.com]

Arla propels permeate, lactose development with new business unit

Arla Food Ingredients is sharpening its focus on the potential of permeates and lactose, with the establishment of a dedicated business unit to develop more products. Read full article [www.ap-foodtechnology.com]  

US: Bottles forecast to fuel plastic packaging growth

Plastic packaging growth, in particular bottles, will outpace the paper equivalent through to 2012 in selected markets, claims a US based industry research firm. Read full article [www.beveragedaily.com]

Italy: Parmalat denies report of new chairman appointment

 MILAN, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Parmalat SpA (PLT.MI: Quote, Profile, Research) said in a statement on Thursday: * news report of appointment of new chairman "totally unfounded" * newspaper MF reported on Thursday that shareholder investment funds were seeking a new chairman Source [ Reuters ]

UK: Makro axes Carlsberg Export in support of pubs

A war of words has erupted between Makro and Carlsberg after the wholesaler announced it was axing one of the brewer’s brands. - Makro has removed 275ml bottles of Carlsberg Export from its shelves to highlight the price gap between pubs and the off-trade, as part of its Love The Pub campaign. Read full article [www.thepublican.com]

Russia: Russia suspends nine U.S. pork export plants

WASHINGTON, Jan 29 (Reuters) - The Russian Federation has taken nine U.S. pork plants off its list of facilities approved for exports, the U.S. Agriculture Department's Food Safety and Inspection Service said on Thursday. The list includes Smithfield Food Inc's plant at Tarheel, North Carolina, as well as Cargill Inc's facility at Ottumwa, Iowa, the FSIS said on its web site. Read full article [http://www.iii.co.uk]

UK: Marco Expanding Their Presence at Fruit Logistica 2009

Marco will once again be showcasing their Packhouse Solution capabilities at Fruit Logistica 2009.  - The TRAC-IT MES Packhouse System, chosen by many leading UK and European fruit packing companies, provides comprehensive packaging and traceability technology for all types of soft, stoned and cut fruit and this will be demonstrated at the three day event in Berlin. Read full article [FoodBizDaily.com]  

Japan: Japan postpones making wheat imports more flexible

TOKYO, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Japan is postponing a plan to make its rigid wheat import system more flexible by at least several months after flour millers and other users protested that they are not in a position to take on more risk of price fluctuations. Read full article [www.guardian.co.uk]    

Philippines: Industry players insisting on private corn imports

PLANS of the private sector to import corn are on hold pending the release of importing mechanics with the National Food Authority (NFA) and the Finance department, government and industry officials said late last week. Read full article [www.bworldonline.com]  

Senegal: New rice strain gives new hope to Senegal's farmers

One year after the world shortage of rice strongly hurt Senegal's production, scientists have come up with a new strain of rice that could help farmers to increase their production. Read full article [www.france24.com]  

Northern Ireland:Belfast-Based Trade Mission Picking The Brains Of NZ Exporters

Wellington, Jan 29 NZPA - A group of 25 industrialists and exporters which makes up Northern Ireland's biggest agri-food sector trade mission to New Zealand is staging more than 70 meetings throughout the country. - The mission has split into three groups to target beef, lamb, venison and dairy processors, farmers, industry associations, research institutes and universities, the Belfast Telegraph reported.   Read full article [www.guide2.co.nz]  

Philippines: Dried fruits company eyes Japanese market

The Sy family of Negros Oriental ventured into the processing of dehydrated dried fruits in 1980 because of the abundance of produce in the province, the potential for export and the desire to provide employment for those living in the province. Orient Foods Industries Corp.’s main products are dried papaya, mango, pineapple and jackfruit. The company has penetrated the export market, shipping its products to Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the United States. It also employs 46 full-time employees and 84 part-time workers. Read full article [www.manilastandardtoday.com]  

US: Stop & Shop Issues a Voluntary Recall of Stop & Shop Brand Sundae Cones

QUINCY, Mass., Jan. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following notification from its manufacturer, The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company has recalled its Stop & Shop brand [ice cream] Sundae Cones. The item was removed from store shelves because ingredients in the product were from Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) and has the potential to be contaminated with salmonella bacteria. The product has a UPC # 68826706258 and contains 8 - 4oz. cones in each package. Read full article [news.prnewswire.com]

India: Carrefour gets foot in Indian door

Carrefour is in advanced talks with Future Group for an Indian supply-chain joint venture. - Another Western retail power may be on its way to India’s enticing market soon, with France’s Carrefour in advanced talks with India’s largest retailer and owner of the Big Bazaar supermarket chain, Future Group. Read full article [www.fruitnet.com]

Romania: SABMiller acquires 71% interest in Bere Azuga

SABMiller plc has announced that its Romanian subsidiary, Ursus Breweries, has acquired a 71% interest in the Romanian brewer Bere Azuga. Read full article [www.foodbev.com]

US: Hint Kids relaunches with fluoride

Hint Kids will be offering Hint’s younger fans an easy, grab-and-go drink pack that contains fluoride, available in three of Hint’s signature flavours: strawberry-kiwi, tropical and watermelon.  Read full article [www.foodbev.com]

Australia: Global downturn hits Australian dairy outlook

The Australian dairy industry has been shaken by the global financial downturn, according to Dairy Australia’s latest Situation and Outlook report. Read full article [www.foodbev.com]

France: Barry Callebaut to cut 100 jobs at Dijon plant

Swiss firm Barry Callebaut, the world's largest chocolate maker, is to cut around 100 jobs at its production site in Dijon, France. Read full article [www.confectionerynews.com]

US: Starbucks cutting up to 6,700 jobs in '09

SEATTLE, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Starbucks Coffee Co. of Seattle said Wednesday it will eliminate up to 6,700 jobs this year. Chief Executive Howard Schultz announced the cuts in a company-wide memo, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported. Read full article [www.upi.com]

India: EU’s subsidy move may hurt Indian dairy industry

New Delhi, Jan 27 The global meltdown is starting to unleash beggar-thy-neighbour policies. The latest instance of this is the re-introduction of export subsidies on dairy products by the European Union (EU). The move, apart from raising fresh doubts over the future of the World Trade Organisations’ (WTO) now-stalled Doha Round negotiations, could also adversely impact the Indian dairy industry. Read full article [www.thehindubusinessline.com]

India: Organic cloves continue to fetch premium price

Kochi, Jan. 28 Cloves grown organically continue to fetch a premium price in exports, but the growers receive only 25 per cent of the benefit as it is being done through intermediaries. Despite the premium price, the production cost of organic produce often exceeds the value realised due to sharp drop in output and high labour costs, says Mr Renju Thaliath, an organic cloves grower in Kerala’s Kollam district. Read full article [www.thehindubusinessline.com]

US: Jones Soda to launch GABA drinks this spring

Jones Soda Co. will launch a beverage built around Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a calm- and focus-inducing neutraceutical, this spring, and they’ll be the only beverage firm to offer the ingredient in the near future. Read full article [www.bevnet.com]

UK: Asda creating 7,000 new UK jobs

Asda is to create 7,000 new jobs this year, becoming the latest supermarket to add new positions as their sales continue to rise despite the recession. Read full article [news.bbc.co.uk]

Europe: Opportunities for growth in gluten-free foods

New gluten-free rules from Brussels may well incur incremental costs for bakers and snack manufacturers but with one in a hundred UK consumers estimated to be gluten intolerant, unlocking the market for gluten-free products could reap strong financial gains for industry players. Red full article [www.bakeryandsnacks.com]

Australia:New Hardys wine for premium buyers

HARDYS label owner Constellation Wines Australia has launched a sparkling wine in line with moves to introduce high-priced products for Australians. - Released on Australia Day, the 2000 Sir James Tumbarumba Cuvee will retail in fine wine shops for $45, just below its top-shelf Tasmanian-sourced Arras sparkling product which sells in the $75 range. Read full article [www.news.com.au]

Germany: German Sugar Crop Ending, Larger Than Forecast

Hamburg, Jan 28 - Germany's sugar beet harvest is coming to an end in favourable weather and production of refined sugar will be about 100,000 tonnes above previous expectations, the head of German sugar industry association WVZ said. Read full article [www.flex-news-food.com]

New Zealand: Fonterra Cuts Dairy Payout Forecast

Wellington, Jan 28 - New Zealand dairy export giant Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd cut its payout forecast for the 2008/09 season by 15 percent on Wednesday because of weak commodity prices, dealing a billion dollar blow to the recession hit economy. Read full article [www.flex-news-food.com]

Sri Lanka: Global Quality certifications for leading Cinnamon exporter

Intercom Ltd., a leading Cinnamon export company has received several top international quality certifications. Founded in 1958, Intercom Ltd., supplies high quality Cinnamon and Desiccated Coconut to many discerning world markets. Intercom Brand Cinnamon commands premium status in the world of spices and has the distinction of being known for maintaining genuine high quality in products for over 50 years. Intercom Ltd celebrated its Golden Jubilee Anniversary last year. Read full article [www.lankatimes.com]

Israel: Yarden wines make kosher afterthought

Sure, Yarden wines are kosher. But the Israeli wine producer doesn’t want kosher to define the product or the winery. One of the largest wine producers in the tiny nation wants to increase its exports and get out the message that no, these are not sweet wines. These are quality, food-friendly wines, comparable with wines of the United States or South America. They just happen to be kosher. Read full article [www.scrantontimes.com]

Pakistan: ECC opens door for sugar import

ISLAMABAD (January 28 2009): The Economic Co-ordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Tuesday agreed, in principle, to allow sugar import, with the directions to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and other concerned organisations like Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) that all stakeholders should be taken on board before taking any decision in this regard. Read full article [www.brecorder.com]

India: Diageo in Talks With India’s United Spirits for Stake

Jan. 28 (Bloomberg) -- Diageo Plc, the world’s largest liquor maker, is in talks to buy a stake in United Spirits Ltd. to gain a stronger presence in India, where alcohol consumption is rising. Read full article [Bloomberg]

Brazil: Sadia May Get Bank Loan of About 1 Billion Reais, Valor Reports

Jan. 28 (Bloomberg) -- Sadia SA, the Brazilian poultry exporter struggling with debt after currency-derivatives losses, may get a bank loan of about 1 billion reais ($430 million), Valor Economico reported, citing a director. Read full article [Bloomberg]

Indonesia: Palm Oil to Rebound on Demand, Indonesia’s Manggabarani Says

Jan. 28 (Bloomberg) -- Crude palm oil should recover to as much as $700 a metric ton this year on increased demand, according to Achmad Manggabarani, the head of plantations policy in Indonesia, the world’s largest producer. Read full article [Bloomberg]

US: Peanut Corp. Shipped Product After Finding Salmonella

Jan. 27 (Bloomberg) -- Peanut Corp. of America shipped peanut butter products from a Blakely, Georgia, plant after tests on 12 occasions in 2007 and 2008 showed salmonella was present, U.S. health officials said today. Read full article [Bloomberg]

India: India May Retain Wheat, Rice Export Curbs Until May

Jan. 28 (Bloomberg) -- India, the world’s second-biggest wheat and rice producer, may retain curbs on exports to check prices until the nation concludes elections due by May. Read full article [www.bloomberg.com]

US: Celsis Launches RapiScreen Beverage Microbial Screening System

Chicago, IL - Celsis International plc, the global leader in rapid microbial detection solutions for industry, recently announced the launch of RapiScreen Beverage, a new assay for use on the Celsis Innovate -- the company's proven rapid microbial screening instrument for dairy products. This new rapid screening test kit extends the Celsis Innovate platform to efficiently and rapidly screen Ultra Heat Treated (UHT) and Extended Shelf Life (ESL) beverage products for microbial contamination. Read full article [www.dairynetwork.com]

Denmark: Process Regulation System Reduces Waste In Dairy Production

Hillerod, Denmark - FOSS has released XDS Process Analytics for the dairy, a powerful analytical and process control solution in a simple-to-integrate form. - XDS Process Analytics for the dairy helps producers to optimize the use of valuable raw materials such as fat and protein in the production of a variety of dairy products, including quark, butter, powder, mozzarella and whey protein concentrate. Read full article [www.dairynetwork.com]

US: Pernod Ricard Announces Strategic Distributor Alignments

PURCHASE, N.Y., Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Capitalizing on its 2008 acquisition of Absolut Vodka, an iconic brand and the leading U.S. imported spirit, Pernod Ricard USA announces strategic alignments with two of the nation's leading distributors: Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. (SWS) and Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC). Read full article [news.prnewswire.com]

US: Southern Revolution: Premium, whole-leaf tea brand expands into Publix stores

PHOENIX, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Revolution, known for its innovation and creativity in the beverage industry, will now be available in all Publix stores throughout the Southeastern U.S., including locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. Read full article [news.prnewswire.com]

UK: Trac-It Mes benefits German fresh fruit processor

Vitasafe has improved its efficiency by installing a Yield Control Module from Marco's Trac-It Mes (Manufacturing Execution System) factory floor efficiency system. - The system incorporates software and hardware that optimises the packing process and provides valuable factory floor data in real time. Read full article [www.processingtalk.com]

Russia: Coke Bets on Russia for Sales Even as Economy Falls Flat

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia -- Russia's economy has stalled. The fortunes of its brash industrial oligarchs are crumbling. Social unrest is stirring. But Muhtar Kent, Coca-Cola Co.'s chief executive, remains undeterred. Read full article [online.wsj.com]

US: 20 Worst Foods in America Revealed

PRESS RELEASE: NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Eat This, Not That! authors David Zinczenko and Matt Goulding revealed this year's list of the "Worst Foods in America," compiled from their popular book series. The annual list ranks the nation's worst nutritional offenders at major chain restaurants across the country, while offering healthier alternatives at each establishment. Read full article [www.chainleader.com]

Ireland: Irish food and drink exports declined by 6.5% to €8.16 billion in 2008

Irish food and drink exports declined by 6.5% to €8.16 billion in 2008. State food promotion agency Bord Bia says the performance of the sector remains impressive considering 43% of our exports are destined for the UK. Read full article [www.finfacts.ie]

US: Naked(R) Juice Packs Antioxidant One-Two Punch

AZUSA, Calif., Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- As consumers look to start the year right, Naked(R) Juice is making the goal of living a healthy 2009 a little bit easier by announcing new products that pack a powerful antioxidant one-two punch. Joining the Naked Juice line-up are Acai Machine juice smoothie and Pomegranate juice, both antioxidant rich and all-natural, 100% juice containing no added sugar or preservatives.   Read full article [prnewswire.com]      

Canada: Sunny Crunch Introduces All-Natural Probiotic Cereal Bars

TORONTO, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunny Crunch Foods Ltd., a Toronto-based maker of all-natural cereal and nutritional food products, announced the launch of probiotic cereal bars that require no refrigeration.   Read full article [prnewswire.com]

India: Reliance Fresh to open 9 Delhi stores

Reliance Fresh, the food arm of Reliance Retail, will open 22 stores in Delhi by March this year. The company's target is to open at least 400 stores in the National Capital Region. Read full article [www.business-standard.com]    

US: Crown Imports Names Former Coors Exec Top Marketer

CHICAGO (AdAge.com) -- Crown Imports, seeking to reverse two years of sales declines on its flagship Corona beer brand, has tapped a former Coors and Constellation Brands executive as its new top marketer. Read full article [adage.com]

India: Govt targets Egypt, Iran to boost tea exports

NEW DELHI: The commerce ministry is brewing a fresh strategy to shore up tea exports that have seen a decline in traditional markets such as the UK and Russia in the face of competition from Sri Lanka and Kenya. The Tea Board, an undertaking of the ministry, is working with planters' body UPASI to open an export base in Cairo after identifying Egypt, Iran and Pakistan as thrust areas. Read full article [indiatimes.com]

India: Indian processed food market will soon open for Philippines

Philippine’s processed exports to India, particularly agro-processed products and manufacturing services are likely to increase, according to a Philippines government's website release. This increase is anticipated to ensue once the FTA (Free Trade Agreement) between the two is enforced.   Read full article [www.hospitalitybizindia.com]

Trade Mission: 92 Brazilian companies in mission in Algeria

The leaders of 92 Brazilian companies from various industrial sectors have started Tuesday an economic mission in Algeria, both countries already had « excellent political relations, » said Algerian Minister of Commerce, El Hachemi Djaâboub. Read full article [www.ennaharonline.com]

Israel: U.M.S. Trade a low profile company based on quality and growers trust

Working on high quality clients and high quality products is an important thing for a fresh produce exporter in order to be taken serious. Uri Shalev, CEO of UMS industry and Food Ltd., says that this only can be done with an excellent relation with the growers. UMS, a family business established in 1998, specializes in marketing high quality fresh fruit and vegetable produce from Israel to Europe, the US, and the Far East. Read full article [www.freshplaza.com]

Denmark: Cloudy picture for exports

New reports provide conflicting conclusions on the current and projected outlook for the export market.  - Two recent reports paint a conflicting picture of the state of the nation's exports. While the nation's largest bank predicts little change in the volume of exports, exporters themselves say sales of goods and services in most of the largest foreign markets have already tumbled. Read full article [www.cphpost.dk/business]  

Switzerland: Huegli Reports Sustained Sound Organic Sales Growth

27 January 2009 - The Hügli Group achieved sales of CHF 400.8 million in the financial year 2008. This corresponds to a growth rate of 16.0%, whereof impressive 11.1% are attributed to organic growth in local currencies, 8.5% to newly acquired companies and -3.6% to negative currency effects. Hügli s growth was again solidly supported by all geographic segments and divisions. The Group expects EBIT above that of the previous year and profit similar to last year. Read full article [www.flex-news-food.com]

Pork: Introducing Cambodian pork meat in Cambodia

The small scale of pig farms, high pig-food prices, the often steep fees charged by slaughterhouses, smuggling of pigs from Vietnam undermining competition or the prices of pork meat, volatile and unpredictable as a consequence. Reasons for the weakness in the Cambodian pig industry are aplenty, as the country currently has to import the majority of pigs intended for domestic consumption. Mong Reththy, the Cambodian food industry tycoon, also a Senator affiliated to the prime Minister's CPP, aims at shifting the balance. For this process, he initiated an ambitious pig breeding project, the first specimen of which come straight from...

Global Economy: For U.S. giants, a foreign exchange pounding

 NEW YORK, Jan 26 (Reuters) - This earnings season, U.S. multinational chief executives can be forgiven if they complain about a "pound-ing" headache. - Faced with a rapidly weakening global economy, tight credit markets and slumping stock prices, companies must also cope with an abrupt reversal in the U.S. dollar, whose recent strength has eroded the value of overseas earnings. Read full article [www.guardian.co.uk]

Etiopia: Et Fruit wins 94 mln birr distribution rights

State-owned Et Fruit Enterprise won back the rights for one-year distribution and sale of 15 kinds of fruits from the Upper Awash Agro Industries farm at a cost of 94 million birr. According to the bid document the total product is over 297,000qts. Last year the tender worth 65 million birr was awarded to Segel General Trading for distribution of 320,000qts of fruits, including five kinds of oranges and three kinds of mandarins. Read full article [nazret.com]

Trade Mission: North Ireland firms on New Zealand mission

The biggest ever agri-food sector mission from Northern Ireland to New Zealand was getting down to business today - The expedition, which runs until next Tuesday, is part of Invest NI’s drive to fast track the development of world beating food innovation and global brands by local companies. Read full article [www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk]

US: Trader Joe’s recalls sliced apples

US-based speciality food retailer Trader Joe’s has expanded its voluntary recall to include the company’s own-branded sliced green apples with all natural peanut butter, according to a statement by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Read full article [www.fruitnet.com]

Peru: Peru plans avocado expansion

Peruvian avocado exports are reportedly tipped to grow during the next few years as growers ramp up production due largely to the opening up of the US market, according to a report by Peruvian news agency Andina. Read full article [www.fruitnet.com]

UK: New test to detect fake Basmati rice

UK based laboratory, Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL), claims it has developed a reliable DNA screening method for identifying adulteration of Basmati rice. Read full article [www.foodnavigator.com]  

Australia: Water-saving toolkit for food companies

A practical new toolkit, developed by Victoria's RMIT University researchers, will help food manufacturers cut their water use by identifying the processes that use the most water and the changes they can make to reduce their consumption. Read full article [www.foodmag.com.au]

New Zealand: SKI is up for Fonterra ahead of schedule

New Zealand-based cooperative Fonterra says it has acquired the license to manufacture and sell the SKI brand of its yoghurts on the Australian market, ahead of its original schedule. Read full article [www.dairyreporter.com]

Netherlands : Gum technology links functionality and indulgence

Innovation in centre-filled technology for chewing gum could be a key to boosting category sales, according to Danish market player Gumlink. - The company will next week unveil its new ‘triple-action’ protection gum that taps into the growing trend for functionality combined with indulgence. Read full article [www.confectionerynews.com]  

US: Purfresh Offers Grocers Superior, Chemical-Free Protection Against Grape Spoilage

FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Purfresh, provider of clean technologies that purify, protect, and preserve our food and water, today released the results of a study demonstrating that Purfresh Cold Storage™ and Purfresh Transport™ effectively protect table grapes from mold and spoilage, without traditional chemical applications. Table grapes are particularly susceptible to airborne and surface microorganisms in refrigerated storage environments, and until now, noxious and corrosive chemicals were believed to be the only effective approach for controlling contamination. Read full article [www.businesswire.com]

UK: Wyke Farms Launches New Design and Format with Re-Sealable Packaging

SOMERSET, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese producer and milk processor, today unveiled a new line of re-designed, re-sealable packaging for the company’s range of award-winning farmhouse cheddar. The new packaging, which will be available in February, features a zip-lock seal for functionality as well as contemporary colored labels with a picturesque landscape of their Somerset farm. Read full article [www.businesswire.com]

US: Kashi Company Heats up Delicious Flavor Combinations with Its New All-Natural Baked Entrees

LA JOLLA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kashi Company, the premier natural food company, today announced the introduction of a new frozen entrée form, Kashi® Bakes, which combine Kashi’s signature Seven Whole Grain Noodles and Pilaf with delicious, all-natural ingredients and nourishing vegetables. Available in two varieties, Tuscan Veggie Bake and Mayan Harvest Bake, these vegan-friendly entrées are full of bold flavors making them a tasty and good-for-you meal option. Read full article [www.businesswire.com]

India: Long-term import arrangements for pulses likely to help meet demand

Saskatoon (Canada), Jan. 26 Despite being the world’s largest producer and consumer of a wide variety of pulses, India has the dubious distinction of being the world’s largest importer as well. Annual imports are steadily growing and are currently estimated at nearly 2.8 million tonnes (mt). The country is a significant player in the global pulses trade. Read full article [www.thehindubusinessline.com]

UAE: Morelli's Gelato opens in Dubai Mall

Operated by Gourmet Gulf Company, owner and operator of some of the region's most exciting restaurant concepts, Morelli's will offer authentic, luscious gelato, using a secret recipe that has been passed down through five generations of the Morellis family. Read full article [www.ameinfo.com]

UK: Tesco promotes Laurie McIlwee to finance director

LONDON (Reuters) - Retailer Tesco (TSCO.L) has promoted Laurie McIlwee to finance director, it said on Tuesday, replacing Andrew Higginson who is moving to lead the supermarket group's retailing services division.   Read full article [Reuters]

Japan: Japan's Snow Brand to merge with Nippon Milk

TOKYO (Reuters) - Snow Brand Milk Products (2262.T), Japan's No. 3 dairy firm, plans to merge with fourth-ranked Nippon Milk Community Co in the latest consolidation in the country's struggling dairy sector. Read full article [Reuters]

US: Consumer confidence falls again to record low

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Consumer confidence fell to a record low in January as a downtrodden housing sector and worsening job prospects kept the country in a somber mood. Read full article [Reuters]

US: Hershey profit beats estimates

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Hershey Co (HSY.N) posted higher-than-expected quarterly profit as it lifted sales of its namesake candy and Reese's brands by spending more on marketing. Read full article [Reuters]

Germany: German biz morale surprises, Japan helps companies

TOKYO/BERLIN (Reuters) - German business sentiment posted a surprise rise in January, a survey from Europe's biggest economy showed on Tuesday, offering a glimmer of optimism in a global crisis which prompted Japan to extend aid to small companies. Read full article [Reuters]

Canada: Quebec food firms receive marketing funding

The Canadian government has pledged new funding for the Agri-Food Export Group Quebec-Canada to allow food firms to attend international industry events and boost exports. Read full article [www.foodnavigator-usa.com]  

Zambia: Smuggled maize meal confiscated in Zambia

APA-Lusaka (Zambia) The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) on Monday said that it had confiscated two tonnes of maize meal (maize flour) destined for neighbouring Zimbabwe, where the staple food is in high demand. The ZRA said it has stepped up border checks to prevent the smuggling of maize meal, better known as mealie meal, to neighbouring countries. The government has imposed a ban on the exports of both mealie meal and maize grain to try and stabilise the local market, after mealie meal prices began to escalate. Read full article [www.apanews.net]

Philippines: Coconut oil exports fall for 6th straight month in December

PHILIPPINE coconut oil exports fell 41% in December from a year earlier, preliminary data from the United Coconut Associations of the Philippines, Inc. (UCAP) showed on Monday, -  Shipments from the Philippines, the biggest exporter of coconut oil, reached 836,802 metric tons for the whole of 2008, down 5.6% from 2007, UCAP said in a report. Read full report [www.bworldonline.com]

Belarus: French companies intend to expand presence on Belarusian market

French companies would like to expand their presence on the Belarusian market, invest in development of production base, services and construction areas, Philippe Citerne, president of the France-Belarus council of the chiefs of enterprises at MEDEF International and Co-Chief Executive Officer of French banking group Societe Generale, noted before the talks in the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry on January 26, BelTA has learnt. Read full article [law.by]

US: Key Technology Announces Agreement With Major Vegetable Processor

Key Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTEC) today announced it has entered into an agreement under which it expects to sell over $20 million of equipment to a leading North American vegetable processor over the next two-and-one-half years. The equipment will be configured and installed pursuant to individual purchase orders received from the customer beginning in the second half of fiscal 2009 and continuing through fiscal 2011. Read full article [money.cnn.com]  

CA: Freshwater Announces Ozone Technology Capability to Ensure Safety in Food Processing

Freshwater Technologies Inc. (OTCBB: FWTC) is pleased to announce that ozone technology is proving to be an effective method to ensure the safety of food products. Freshwater Technologies has acquired 5 country distribution rights from Ozocan Corporation , an internationally recognized ozone manufacturer. Read full article [money.cnn.com]

China: Baskin-Robbins Rings in Chinese New Year with First New Shops in Shanghai

CANTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As part of its Greater China expansion strategy, Baskin-Robbins, the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, opened its first two locations in Shanghai over the weekend during Chinese New Year. A third Baskin-Robbins shop will open late February in Shanghai, bringing its number of shops in the country to 47. Read full article [www.businesswire.com]  

China: Chinese Government Issues a New Policy as a Method to Help Prevent Large Declines in Hog Prices

NEW YORK, Jan. 26 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- AgFeed Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq:  FEED), the largest commercial hog producer and the largest premix feed company in China, today commented on a recently released Chinese central government administrative regulation that could prevent large declines in hog prices with a view toward stabilizing hog production and hog prices in order to protect the interests of hog farms. Read full article [news.prnewswire.com]

US: el Jimador Tequila Unveils the Spirit of Real Tequila

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Brown-Forman Corp. announced today that its el Jimador Tequila brand is introducing a 100% blue agave tequila product in the U.S. el Jimador Tequila is also rolling out a striking new package and will be accompanied by a nationwide integrated marketing campaign, 100% Agave, 100% Real. Read full article [news.prnewswire.com]

India: Fruit World unveils pomegranate facility

DUTCH fruit supplier Fruit World Breda unveiled a brand new pomegranate processing operation in India yesterday (25 January), part of a ground-breaking joint venture with Indian firm Naturefresh Logistics. Read full article [www.fruitnet.com]  

US: No codling moth disruptions so far in shipments to Taiwan

Washington fruit companies have passed the critical period of market-ruining codling moth discoveries in shipments of apples to Taiwan. Read full article [www.freshplaza.com]  

UK: Mr Bagels goes into administration

One of Europe’s leading bagel manufacturers, Mr Bagels, which supplies major supermarkets, wholesalers and foodservice customers, has gone into administration, threatening up to 80 jobs.  Read full article [www.foodbev.com]  

Canada: Black Diamond cheese recalled in Canada

OTTAWA, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning the public not to consume Black Diamond-brand fat-free mozzarella processed cheese slices.   Read full article [www.upi.com]

US: Moet & Chandon Chosen as Exclusive Champagne of the Academy Awards(R)

NEW YORK, Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Moet & Chandon, the world's most loved champagne since 1743, announces today that it is the exclusive champagne of the 81st Annual Academy Awards(R). This unique and unprecedented relationship with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences establishes a significantly expanded Hollywood presence for Moet & Chandon. This is the first time the Academy has awarded the "exclusive" Champagne designation for the Oscars(R) and pre-Oscar(R) events. Read full article [news.prnewswire.com]  

UK: Free-range chicken sales 'withstand' recession

Sales of higher welfare chicken continue to grow even in times of recession, according to new figures revealed by researchers TNS. - Compassion in World Farming (CWF) commissioned the study that found free-range chicken sales jumped 35% between December 2007 and December 2008. Read full article [www.talkingretail.com]

UK: Survey: Staple food prices rise but shoppers turn to own brands

The price of a staple basket of food has risen by 16% in the last year, new figures suggest today, while consumers look set to switch brands in 2009 to save money. - According to mySupermarket.co.uk, 24 staple products are cheapest at Asda this month, including White Square Cut Thick Sliced Bread for 50p and its own Corn Flakes for 80p. Read full article [www.talkingretail.com]  

UK: Asda chief warns over job troubles

The cost of living for families in the UK has fallen but their budgets will be placed under increased pressure in 2009 thanks to growing unemployment, supermarket Asda said today. Read full article [www.talkingretail.com]  

US: Pricing battle brewing in food industry; generic brands to see uptick

Minnesota’s food manufacturers and retailers have a slightly better outlook than many other industries. After all, people have to eat. However, the food industry is working through some difficult times as companies try to figure out how to cut prices and appeal to thrifty consumers. Read full article [www.bizjournals.com]

Poland: Poland's retail sales in December 2008 beat market expectations

WARSAW. JANUARY 26. INTERFAX CENTRAL EUROPE - Poland's retail sales rose 6.6% year  on  year  (y/y)  in  december  2008 after growing 2.7% y/y in November, the Central Statistical Office (GUS) said in a report Monday. Compared to November 2008, December sales grew 20.2%. Read full article [www.interfax.com]    

US: Apple juice may counter effects of Alzheimer’s

A growing body of evidence demonstrates that we can take steps to delay age-related cognitive decline, including, in some cases, that which accompanies Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study published in the January 2009 issue of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.  Read full article [www.foodbev.com]  

UK: Britvic to cut 145 Irish jobs

Britvic Plc, UK bottler for PepsiCo and owner of a range of successful brands such as Robinsons and Britvic juices, has released a statement announcing cutting the workforce of its Irish operations by up to 145 jobs.  Read full article [www.foodbev.com]

US: Wines & Vines 2009 Directory/Buyer’s Guide Available Now

SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The 2009 Wines & Vines Directory/Buyer’s Guide provides more help than ever to wineries and grape growers across North America, while filling information gaps for a host of other industry participants, including suppliers, distributors, wine writers, public and private agencies and more. Read full article [www.businesswire.com]

Austria: Wine Market Defies the Economic Crisis

(AWMB, January 2009) - Despite the turbulent economy, Austrian wine is looking back on yet another successful year. Exports once again are promising record results. And even at home, the market share of Austrian wine has increased, thanks to the stabilization of direct sales (ex-cellar) and the successful development in the food retail market. Read full article [www.winesfromaustria.com]

New Zealand: Wine glut good news for drinkers

Rampant price discounting in the wine industry means 2009 will be party time for wine drinkers while winemakers will be left with the hangover. - Massive grape harvests on both sides of the Tasman last year, the prospect of equally big harvests this year, and a softening of international demand due to the weakening world economy mean winemakers are having to slash prices to clear stock. Read full article [stuff.co.nz]  

Ireland: NFU rejects Irish calls for export support

The Irish Exporters Association (IEA) joined the IFA last week to call on the Irish Government to discuss the need for a Sterling Equalisation Support Scheme to protect exports and jobs, warning up to 13,500 jobs in the export sector are at risk. Read full article [www.farmersguardian.com]

US: Honey Laundering: Tainted product still slips easily into U.S.

Concealing discoveries of contaminated imported honey is immoral, unethical and often illegal -- and it happens far too often, U.S. honey producers say. - "It doesn't take a wizard to determine whether there are bad things in the honey we handle, nor a hero to do what it takes to keep it from our food supply," said Mark Brady, a Texas beekeeper who sits on the National Honey Board. Read full article [seattlepi.nwsource.com]

Saudi Arabia: Al Rabie outlines strategy and budget plan for 2009 at annual meeting

Al Rabie Saudi Foods Co. Ltd., a leading producer of dairy products and juices in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and one of the largest juice manufacturers in the Middle East, recently held its annual corporate meeting in Riyadh, KSA, to review its 2008 operations, set directions for the coming year and reiterate the corporate mission of 'health for all.' Read full article [www.ameinfo.com]

Kenya: Kenya plans to import maize from Tanzania

Kenya plans to import maize from Tanzania and Uganda to bridge its food shortfall facing 10 million people, President Mwai Kibaki said. - However, since the demand for maize is high in East Africa, Kenya will have to source maize from outside the region. The Eastern Africa Grain Council has reported that Zambia, Malawi and Kenya are short of food. Read full article [thecitizen.co.tz]

India: 'Farmers should adhere to testing norms to increase exports'

New Delhi (PTI): Farmers and exporters should adhere to stringent testing and accreditation norms, besides developing modern processing facilities and efficient logistics to increase the agricultural exports, an official said. - "We have to focus on making exports happen...(the) government has already started accreditation for mutual recognition of certificates between countries," Additional Secretary in Commerce Ministry P K Chaudhery said at a PHD Chamber seminar. Read full article [www.hindu.com]

India: USDA report says India will export wheat with subsidies

The Centre's own decision on whether despite a record wheat output estimate of around 80 m tonnes for 2008-09 to open up wheat exports against a background of prevailing low international (read CBoT) prices remains pending. But a recent report of the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) has gone ahead to project that India may ease the nearly two-year-old ban on wheat shipments in May and even use its large central reserves for exporting the foodgrain after the rabi harvest. Read full article [economictimes.indiatimes.com]

Canada: Market Opportunities for Canadian Pork in India

OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 01/26/09 -- Canada Pork International (CPI), is pleased to have been invited to join the trade delegation that accompanied the Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Hon. Gerry Ritz, to India from January 12 to 14, 2009. Read full article [uk.sys-con.com]

China: China aims for 3.3 trln yuan restaurant industry by 2013

BEIJING, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- China wants its restaurant and catering industry to achieve yearly average growth of 18 percent with a goal of 3.3 trillion yuan (about 478 billion U.S. dollars) in sales by 2013, according to guidelines released by the Commerce Ministry - The guidelines, posted online and dated Jan. 22, state that China aims to have 100 restaurant groups in the next five years, with each generating more than 1 billion yuan in annual sales by 2013. Read full article [news.xinhuanet.com]

US: Tyson Foods posts loss, hurt by chicken

CHICAGO, Jan 26 (Reuters) - U.S. meat producer Tyson Foods (TSN.N) reported a quarterly loss on Monday due to more expensive chicken feed and losses on grain hedging activities, but said chicken has since improved due to higher meat prices and lower costs. Read full article [Reuters]

Japan: Coca-Cola seeks 50 percent stake in Japan bottler

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese soy sauce maker Kikkoman Corp (2801.T) said on Monday U.S. drinks maker Coca-Cola Co (KO.N) was seeking a 50 percent stake in an unlisted Kikkoman subsidiary, Tone Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Read full article [Reuters]

South Africa: Tiger Brands Makes Formal ‘Proposal’ to AVI’s Board

Jan. 26 (Bloomberg) -- Tiger Brands Ltd., South Africa’s largest food company, said it has made a “formal communication” to smaller rival AVI Ltd.’s board about a potential offer. Read full article [Bloomberg]  

Canada: Clamshell labeller for bakers brings flexibility to ingredients listings

Canadian labelling equipment firm Nita targets bakers with its clamshell labeller that claims to add “more flexibility to change ingredient listings on the fly”. Read full article [www.bakeryandsnacks.com]

Cocoa: Chocolate prices set for further increases

Chocolate prices in the shops are likely to rise further, hitting cash-strapped consumers, after wholesale cocoa prices in London jumped last week above the key £2,000 a tonne level for the first time in almost 24 years. Read full article [www.ft.com]

Australia: Breakthrough for cherry exports to Japan

Tasmanian cherry grower Reid Fruits has overcome market access challenges to ship 17.5 tonnes of premium Japanese-variety (Satonishiki) cherries, which retail at A$50 per kilo in Japan – the homeland of the unique cherry. Read full article [sl.farmonline.com.au]

US: Asian psyllid threatens California citrus

State agriculture inspectors are stepping up their efforts to battle what they believe is an agricultural time bomb. After discovering what's known as the Asian citrus psyllid in the Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego last week, the farthest north the bug has been found in the city, agriculture officials warned that the bug was rapidly moving north since crossing the Mexican border at Tijuana in July. Read full article [www.latimes.com]

Ireland: Dealing with recall 'a matter of urgency'

THE CHINESE authorities have seized more than 23 tonnes of frozen Irish pork “found to be contaminated with dioxin” and have ordered its return to Ireland, the State media agency, Xinhua, said yesterday. Irish pork has been banned from China since the recall of the product on December 6th last, and the weekend report highlights the difficulties involved in the recall since the dioxin scare began. Read full article [www.irishtimes.com]

Algeria: Rise in the price of imports in Algeria in 2008

The Algerian import products invoice, cereals, milk and medicines has increased by almost 75% over a year, from 4.49 billion in 2007 to 7.82 billion in 2008, said Sunday the National Center for Informatics and Statistics Customs (CNIS). Read full article [www.ennaharonline.com]

Philippines: RP to rely on more rice, corn imports - Yap

The Philippines will have to rely on more corn and rice imports this year due to possible lower production. This was hinted by Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap over the weekend in an ambush interview with newsmen. Replying to questions about additional corn and rice importations for this year, Yap admitted that that the DA is prepared to consider requests for additional importations for corn and rice in the face of possible lower corn production this year due to the shifting of some farmers last year from corn to rice due to the rice crisis. Read full article [www.philstar.com]

US: Heinz could be acquisition target

NEW YORK, Jan 25 (Reuters) - HJ Heinz (HNZ.N: Quote, Profile, Research) could become an acquisition target once credit markets come unstuck, financial newspaper Barron's said on Sunday. Read full article [Reuters]

Myanmar: Myanmar targets to export 500,000 tons of surplus rice in 2008-2009

YANGON (Xinhua) -- Myanmar has targeted to export 500, 000 tons of surplus rice from the Ayeyarwaddy delta during the current financial year of 2008-09 ending March, the local Yangon Times reported in this week's issue. The export will be done by 28 companies, the report said. According to the figures of the Central Statistical Organization, in 2007-08, Myanmar exported 358,500 tons of rice, gaining 100 million US dollars. Read full article [/www.philstar.com]

Canada: Government of Canada Invests in an International Strategy to Improve Market Access for Canadian Exporters

Investment and trade are fundamental elements of the Canadian economy, and the Government of Canada is making sure that Canadian exporters have new opportunities and unprecedented market access. That is why Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of State (Agriculture), today announced $944,000 in funding for Agri-Food Export Group Quebec-Canada to implement its International Market Development Strategy. Read full article [pr-usa.net]

Pakistan: Sugar smuggling to Afghanistan may create shortage

LAHORE: There can be a severe shortage of sugar, as around two million tonnes of sugar has been smuggled to Afghanistan under the guise of gur export, industry sources told Daily Times on Friday. They said that the government has banned sugar export around four months back to meet the local demand but remained reluctant to ban gur export. Now the smugglers, under the umbrella of gur export are smuggling sugar to Afghanistan. Read full article [dailytimes.com.pk]

Bangladesh: Shrimp export earnings fall

THE Bangladesh Frozen Food Exporters' Association has, it is reported, urged the government for support to sustain frozen shrimp export, which is in dire straits as both the price and demand for shrimp have drastically declined overseas due to the ongoing global financial meltdown. Read full article [nation.ittefaq.com]

Kenya: Farmers hold on to maize harvests despite hunger crisis

Even as over 10 million Kenyans stare at starvation due to acute food shortages, maize farmers in the country’s grain basket are sticking to their harvests in demand for better prices. Of concern to food security is the trend by some farmers to go small scale because of the high costs associated with large scale production. They say that this is due to the rising prices of farm inputs and an unreliable market. Read full article [www.nation.co.ke]

New Zealand: Fonterra - Optimism gives way to uncertainty

For the past two years, Fonterra single-handedly grew New Zealand's economy (if you remove the contribution from borrowing to spend), but in the space of four months the global credit crunch and reaction to excessive product prices have hit it head-on like express trains. Read full article[/www.odt.co.nz]

Philippines: Wave of job losses seen in 3 areas

BAGUIO CITY—The Philippines is expected to play catch-up in dealing with the financial crisis as a wave of job losses is predicted for export industries, tourism as well as the overseas jobs sector, the chairman of the Senate’s trade and commerce committee said here. Read full article [businessmirror.com.ph]

India: Hindustan Unilever Q4 net dips marginally to Rs 616 cr

Hindustan Unilever (HUL), the country's biggest fast moving consumer goods company, today reported a 2.49 per cent dip in quarterly net profit, missing analyst expectations. HUL, a unit of Anglo-Dutch Unilever Plc said its net profit fell to Rs 615.74 crore in the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2008, from Rs 631.44 crore a year ago. Read full article [www.business-standard.com]

France: Frogs Legs in demand in South East Asia

The trend for eating frogs’ legs is putting frog populations in Indonesia under pressure, according to Australian scientists who are calling for better resources management and mandatory certification at the point of processing. Read full article [www.farminguk.com]

Pakistan: Fighting the indifference of Pakistani exporters

KARACHI: Two years ago when Faraz Khan, 34, started ‘Bridging Britain’, a trade consultancy based in England, and working on facilitating ethnic minorities living there, he was sure he would be able to create a window of opportunity for Pakistani businessmen. Today he looks back and asks himself why this has not happened so far. His trade consultancy aimed to cater to the needs of these ethnic minorities by setting up markets for items that came from their home countries, a unique business model that so far had not existed. “Comprehensive analyses of supply and demand patterns showed a general tendency among...

India: Double Horse launch new products

KOCHI: Double Horse, a leading food-products brand from the Manjilas Group, will introduce 50 new food products to mark its golden jubilee year. Manjilas chairman and managing director Renji John said the company had taken ‘good food’ as the theme of the celebrations. A range of masala powders will be the first to come out, he said. Source [www.thehindu.com]

US: Trade Groups Call For Stronger FDA

WASHNGTON — A group of 10 industry trade associations on Friday sent letters to the House and Senate calling on the U.S. Government to “modernize our food safety net,” particularly with regard to imports. Read full article [supermarketnews.com]

Europe: McDonald’s defies downturn

McDonald’s is planning to this year create 12,000 jobs and open 240 new restaurants across Europe, it emerged on Friday, as the fast-food chain shows signs of being one of the few global companies to benefit from the financial crisis. Read full article [www.ft.com]

Canada: Listeria found in deli meat

Meat from a Maple Leaf Foods-owned plant has produced positive listeria tests, now under investigation by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Toronto Star and CBC have learned. Cappola Food Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the food processing giant, has a team of CFIA inspectors on-site after test-result data showed positives for the potentially deadly pathogen. Read full article [www.thestar.com]

Morocco: Morocco tops vegetable exporters to EU

Morocco and Turkey have both increased their fresh vegetable exporters to the European Union, while Egypt and particularly Israel have suffered substantial export falls, according to newly released figures. Read full article [www.fruitnet.com]

UK: Diageo makes management changes

UK-based alcoholic drinks group Diageo has promoted Benet Slay, currently head of Diageo Great Britain, to managing director for Northern Europe, effective July 1, 2009. Simon Litherland has been appointed as managing director for Great Britain. Read full article [www.drinks-business-review.com]

US: Niman Ranch Completes Merger

ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Niman Ranch and its network of U.S. family farms and ranches producing naturally raised meats today announced it will merge with an affiliate of its largest shareholder, Natural Food Holdings LLC. Following the merger, Natural Food Holdings will own 100 percent of both Niman Ranch and affiliated specialty pork processor, Sioux-Preme Packing, which currently processes all of Niman Ranch’s pork. As a result of this transaction, Niman Ranch will be more efficient, better capitalized and well positioned for continued growth, including further expansion of its nationwide network of family farmers and ranchers. Read full article [www.businesswire.com]

Malaysia: Palm oil may test support, rise

Malaysian palm oil futures ended lower on Friday due to profit-taking ahead of the Chinese New Year holidays. Prices were ruling steady during the week helped by fears of a lower South American crop due to weather woes. Read full article [www.thehindubusinessline.com]

US: 2009 Winter Fancy Food: Recap and Photos

The 2009 Winter Fancy Food Show took place at the Moscone Center in San Francisco from January 18-20, showcasing over 60 beverage companies and their brands. The attitude at the show was certainly positive, but perhaps due to the overall economic climate, there seemed to be fewer new brand introductions and product line extensions than recent Winter Fancy Food shows. Read full article [www.bevnet.com]

UAE: Ruth's Chris Steak House opens first Middle East location in Dubai

Ruth's Chris Steak House, the famed New Orleans upscale steakhouse company serving the best USDA Prime Steaks arrived in Dubai at The Monarch Hotel, hosting two pre-opening dinners with friends and family before the restaurant opened to the public on January 24th, 2009. Read full article [www.ameinfo.com]

India: Weak trend at Kochi tea sale

Kochi, Jan. 22 Lower arrivals failed to boost sentiment at the Kochi tea auction as dust prices settled lower, while leaf tea remained steady. Major blenders remained selective at the dust auction, while domestic players extended fair amount of support. Plain CTC and orthodox dust varieties witnessed some enquiry from exporters. Blenders operated on good CTC grades. Leaf tea witnessed some enquiry from exporters and upcountry buyers. Read full article [www.thehindubusinessline.com]

India: Cardamom rules steady on buying support

Kochi, Jan. 22 Cardamom auctions resumed this week after the week-long Pongal holidays in Tamil Nadu and Kerala and the market was steady with good buying support.  - At the CPA auction in Bodinayakannur, the arrivals stood at 31 tonnes, of which 28 tonnes were sold. Three tonnes were withdrawn. Read full article [www.thehindubusinessline.com]

US: Largest Olive Maker Launches New Identity, Products

Lindsay Olives, the largest olive producer in the United States, will launch a total redesign of the company's nearly 100 year old identity under the "Savor Olive Life" banner, beginning next month.  - The launch will include the introduction of several products and debuts a new marketing campaign, packaging and Web site. Savor Olive Life focuses on the company's and its shoppers' passion for olives and the role they play in eating, lifestyles, and socializing. Read full article [www.progressivegrocer.com]

US: Almond price dip to favour snack makers

Bakers and snack makers using costly nuts in their formulations may be tempted to switch to almonds as the price continues to dip for this nutritional tree nut. - Bumper almond harvests in California, a key supplier to the global market, set against a global economic downturn, have seen prices slipping for the almond heralded today for its cholesterol-free and low saturated fat status. Read full article [www.bakeryandsnacks.com]

UK: Survey - poor demand hurts retailers as food sector discounts

Falling consumer demand will hurt retailers in the first quarter of the year but the market could improve thanks to lower costs, according to a new survey out today. Read full article [www.talkingretail.com]

US: Former Seagram, Jim Beam and Brown Forman Executives Join Drinks Americas Sales and Marketing Team

WILTON, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Drinks Americas Holdings, Ltd. (OTC BB: DKAM)  today announced key additions to its sales and marketing team who are expected to play key roles in the expansion of Drinks business outlined in the companies recent letter to shareholders. Read full article [www.businesswire.com]

UK: Threshers owner shuts 100 shops

First Quench Retailing, the drinks group that owns Threshers, The Local and Wine Rack chains, said Friday it had shut 100 stores in the past six months and was reviewing other sites for possible closure. Read full article [www.foodandbevdigital.com]  

Dominican Republic: Agro Board slams the government’s permits to import farm goods

SANTO DOMINGO. - Dominican Agribusiness Board (JAD) president Jose Ramon Peralta last night denounced that the Government has issued permits to import rice, chicken and eggs even as local produces have enough to supply the country’s consumption. He said the measure will affect the country’s productive sector. Read full article [www.dominicantoday.com]

Egypt: Egypt Imposes Extra Import Duty on White Sugar

Cairo, Jan 23 - The Egyptian government has imposed a duty of 500 Egyptian pounds ($90) a tonne on imports of white sugar to protect the local sugar industry, Trade and Industry Minister Rachid Mohamed Rachid said on Thursday. Read full article [www.flex-news-food.com]  

India: New delivery system for pepper, rubber, mentha oil futures

Kochi, Jan. 23 The Forward Markets Commission has introduced an early delivery system on experimental basis in pepper, rubber and mentha oil, which the traders claim is unlikely to serve the desired purpose, and instead, would accelerate speculative activities. Read full article [www.thehindubusinessline.com]

Poland: Pork exports for China

China is to lift the ban of meat and food from Poland, it was announced by Chinese Prime Minister, Wen Jiabao in December.- The Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk visited Beijing to promote further trade between the two countries. Read full article [www.farminguk.com]  

Philippines: Philippine Farm Worker Tests Positive for Ebola-Reston

The Philippine government and global health authorities on Friday said a pig farm worker in the northern Philippines has tested positive for the Ebola-Reston virus.- The strain is different from the Ebola sub-types found in Africa which cause deadly hemorrhagic fever in humans, and it has so far proved harmless whenever it has infected people. Read full article [Wall Street Journal]  

US: Mondo International Gains Exclusive Rights to Distribute Wise Food in Middle East

The Middle East will be dinning on upscale U.S. goods as Virginia based Mondo International, Inc. signs an exclusive distribution agreement with Wise Food, Inc. for the Middle East region. Read full article [pr-usa.net]

US: GLG announces new stevia seed strains

GLG Life Tech has announced six new stevia seed strains said to have a high content of Rebaudioside A (rebiana) – a development it says will enable direct planting in the fields. Read full article [www.foodnavigator-usa.com]  

Australia: Australian doubling for Aldi

German retailer Aldi plans to double its presence in Australia over the next six to seven years - German discount supermarket chain Aldi has said it will expand its network in Australia from over 200 stores currently to 460 in six to seven years. Read full article [www.fruitnet.com]  

China : China destroys tainted Taiwanese oranges

Authorities in China destroyed 40 tonnes of oranges from Taiwan found to be tainted with the poisonous pesticide acephatemet (methamidophos), reported China View. Read full article [www.fruitnet.com]  

US: Label printer makes brands stand out, says Primera

Food and drink makers can attain branding differential through the application of gold and silver graphics to their labels, claims Primera Technology - The company said the new FX400 foil imprinting system, an optional accessory to its LX-Series colour label printers, works in-line to apply shiny gold and silver borders, fonts and other graphics to inkjet-printed labels. Read full article [www.foodproductiondaily.com]

Japan: A-B InBev sells Tsingtao stake to Asahi

Anheuser-Busch InBev on Friday kicked off a series of anticipated disposals by selling its 19.99 per cent stake in China’s Tsingtao Brewery to Asahi Breweries of Japan for $666m. Read full article [Financial Times]  

Italy: Retail Sales Still Falling; Nov -3.0% YY

ROME (Dow Jones)--Italian retail sales fell more than expected on the year in November, pulled down by non-food sales and sales at small and medium-sized shops, national statistics office Istat said Friday. Read full article [www.fxstreet.com]  

US: Ghirardelli to Chocolate Lovers: New Milk Chocolate Will Satisfy

Ghirardelli Launches LUXE MILK(TM) for the Ultimate Milk Chocolate Experience.   SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- With dark chocolate being a big newsmaker in the chocolate category, it's easy to forget that America remains a nation of milk chocolate lovers. Milk chocolate accounts for a whopping 80 percent of total chocolate sales in the U.S. Read full article [PR Newswire]  

US: ADM Expands Chocolate Business Through Acquisition of Schokinag

DECATUR, Ill., Jan. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE:ADM) today announced an important step in the expansion of its global cocoa and chocolate business with the signing of an agreement to purchase Schokinag-Schokolade-Industrie Herrmann GmbH & Co. KG, one of Europe's leading producers of chocolate and cocoa powder. The purchase is subject to approval by relevant antitrust authorities. Read full article [PR Newswire]  

EU: New gluten-free labelling could mean extra costs for bakers

New rules from Brussels implemented this week on the labelling and formulation of gluten-free foods could signal a rise in costs for the bakery industry. Read full article[www.foodnavigator.com]  

India: Pepsi to launch nimbupaani

MUMBAI: It's natural, it’s inexpensive, and it’s probably India’s largest consumed cold beverage. Little wonder then that PepsiCo India is all set to launch its own branded offering of the humble nimbupani. Read full article [India Times]  

UK: Davy's Locker first to SALSA in England

Davy's Locker in Bridport, Dorset, has become the first seafood processor in England to gain certification to the SALSA (Safe and Local Supplier Approval) scheme with support from Seafish. Read full article [www.fishupdate.com]

US: Starbucks Expands Coffee-on-the-Go Options

Already the top performers in the ready-to-drink (RTD) energy coffee subcategory, Starbucks Doubleshot Energy+Coffee beverages will soon be available in a new flavor: Cinnamon Dulce. Read full article [www.qsrmagazine.com]  

US: Harcos introduces new energy drink

US-based Harcos has introduced a new energy drink called Health Energy. Packed in a 1.69-ounce bottle, this drink is available in apple-cinnamon flavor. The company claims that this product packs natural herbs along with the vitamins biotin and folic acid. Read full article [Drink Business Review]  

Pork: Hog Futures Fall as U.S. Pork Stockpiles Jump 20%

Jan. 23 (Bloomberg) -- Hog futures fell the most in four weeks after a government report showed increasing stockpiles of U.S. pork. Cattle also declined. Read full article [Bloomberg]

Israel: Why I'm boycotting Israeli produce

Fruit and vegetable exports are crucial to the Israeli economy. A consumer boycott of agricultural produce exerts direct economic pressure where it matters Read full article [www.guardian.co.uk]  

UK: Workshops will urge farmers to work together

 English Farming and Food Partnerships (EFFP), the specialist agri-food consultancy, is holding a series of workshops across County Durham and Northumberland to encourage arable, dairy and livestock farmers to do so.  EFFP says that as the economic forecasts become gloomier, food producers and consumers are realising the increasing importance of the British farmer and British food. Read full article [www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk]

Ecuador: Ecuador Taxing Strategic Imports

Quito, Jan 23 (Prensa Latina) Ecuador began limiting import of 650 products aimed at equalizing the trade balance and halting the exodus of foreign currency after a drop of its earnings from oil. The measure decided in past days with the business sector establishes an increase of taxes from 30 to 35 percent for articles, imported fruits and food, aimed at limiting these purchases. Read full article [Prensa Latina]  

Tanzania: When fish heads too get pricey

Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania have been exporting tons of Nile perch to Europe. Fish exports have overtaken cash crops like coffee and cotton in terms of exports earnings. But all this has come at a price. Jinja, Uganda (IPS) - Illegal trade and overfishing in Lake Victoria have led to fish scarcities in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Large quantities of illegally traded unprocessed fish, especially Nile perch and tilapia, may be finding their way to export markets in the European Union. Read full article [ippmedia.com]  

US: Ohio Department of Agriculture offers European Union export workshop

REYNOLDSBURG — Ohio companies interested in pursuing or expanding their export sales to the Western European countries, commonly referred to as the European Union (EU), can attend a one-day seminar on Feb. 11 offered by the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Food Export Association of the Midwest. Read full article [www.wnewsj.com]

South Africa: South African Corn Prices Rise as Rand Weakens Against Dollar

Jan. 23 (Bloomberg) -- Corn prices in South Africa, the largest producer of the grain on the continent, advanced for the first time in four days after the rand declined against the dollar, making imports more expensive. Read full article [Bloomberg]    

Saudi Arabia: Jeddah, Jakarta sign trade deal

Jeddah - The Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and IndustryJeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and its counterpart in Jakarta have decided to establish networking for mutual benefits of businessmen in the two cities. This follows a memorandum of understanding ... Read full article [www.zawya.com]  

India: Agri export to grow by 25 pc in 2008-09

Chandigarh , Jan 23 The government's agriculture trade promotion body today said it is hopeful of achieving 25 per cent growth in the export of agricultural, vegetables, fruits and processed food items against the targeted 15 per cent by the end of current fiscal. Read full article [www.indopia.in]  

Cocoa: Cocoa Heads for Biggest Weekly Gain in 7 Years on Pound’s Drop

Jan. 23 (Bloomberg) -- Cocoa headed for its biggest weekly gain in more than seven years in London as the U.K. pound slumped and on speculation a supply deficit will push up prices. Read full article [Bloomberg]  

US: Poultry Pathogen Reduction Treatments and EU Trade Policies

In the final days of the Bush Administration outgoing U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab requested WTO dispute consultations with the EU on an eleven-year disagreement on pathogen reduction treatments (PRTs) for poultry meat. The treatments are standard practices in the U.S. and the European Food Safety Authority found that risks were minimal from treating poultry with chlorinated water. Read full article [www.truthabouttrade.org]  

Canada: Viterra May Expand Into Canola-Crushing Through Acquisition

Jan. 23 (Bloomberg) -- Viterra Inc., the Canadian grain handler considering acquisitions, may seek to expand into the canola-crushing business. Viterra, which already sells and ships canola seed and fertilizer, is Canada’s largest exporter of the oilseed... Read full article [Bloomberg]  

France: No-frill food finds its way to more European tables

On a recent icy morning outside an Aldi discount supermarket in Orgeval, a prosperous town west of Paris, Catherine Lamon, 50, unloaded a shopping cart and talked frankly about pinching pennies. Read full article [www.iht.com]  

Chile: Wal-Mart Completes Takeover of Chilean Grocer D&S

Jan. 23 (Bloomberg) -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. acquired a controlling interest in Distribucion y Servicio D&S SA, Chile’s largest grocer, completing its biggest acquisition in Latin America. Read full article [Bloomberg]

India: Corn futures extend gains to 5th day on demand

MUMBAI, Jan 23 (Reuters) - India corn futures extended gains for a fifth day in a row and hit fresh highs on Friday afternoon, analysts said. The most-active February corn has gained more than five percent in the previous four sessions on renewed export demand from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and on continued buying by government agencies. Read full article [Reuters India]  

Featured: Rama Industries

Company Name :Rama Industries Address: Nr. G.I.D.C., Patan High Way Road,  Deesa - 385535, Gujarat Country: India Telephone :- +91 2744 226761,226762,226093 Cell :-+91 98250 47093 Fax : +91 2744 226494 Email :- info@ramagum.com, info@ramagum.net, ricol@ramagum.com , ramaindus@hotmail.com Web : www.ramagum.com About us We, Rama Industries a company manufacturing of Guar Gum Powder since last 12 years, with promoters' own experience of 16 years in this industry and annual capacity of production 12000 MT. Company produces Guar Gum Powder under its "RICOL" brand in food and non food grade while offer viscosity up to 8000 cps and microbiological aspects as minimum as you ask. Our modern plant, with...

US: New campaigns from Coke, Pepsi reignite cola wars

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Coca-Cola Co (KO.N) and PepsiCo Inc (PEP.N) are reigniting the long-smoldering "cola wars" with new marketing, hoping to stem a 3-year U.S. sales decline of carbonated drinks. Read full article [www.reuters.com]

UK: Tesco sees slowest Xmas sales growth since 1990s

LONDON (Reuters) - Tesco reported the smallest rise in Christmas sales at UK stores open at least a year since the early 1990s, as the country's biggest retailer felt the impact of the economic downturn. Read full article [www.reuters.com]

Viet Nam: Viet Nam to increase rice exports

Vietnam is to raise rice exports as it tries to maximise the benefits of rising global prices while, at the same time, guarantee domestic supplies... The world's second biggest rice producer raised its 2008 export target from 4 million to 4.5 million tonnes. Read full article [hvjournal.com]

Dubai: Abu Dhabi's Asmak mulls Seychelles tuna farm

VICTORIA, Jan 22 (Reuters) - Abu Dhabi fisheries company Asmak is considering tuna-ranching in waters off the Seychelles archipelago, the head of the Seychelles Fishing Authority said on Thursday. Read full article [www.iii.co.uk]

China: Commodities Report - 2008 Domestic Grain Output up 0.7%

China's domestic grain output increased 3.5 million tons year-on-year, or 0.7 percent, to 501.5 million tons, in 2007, the fourth consecutive year of grain production growth. These persistent growth figures are impressive, especially if grain loss of about 11 million tons for 2007 is taken into consideration. Read full article [www.grainnet.com]

Viet Nam: Seafood sector must fish for opportunities

Despite global downturn, export opportunities still exist for aquaculture farmers and producers. The marine products industry may face a tough new year, as exports are predicted to drop by about one quarter, according to the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP). Viet Nam News reporter Hoang Nam talked with Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Cao Duc Phat, about the marine-products industry and how it can deal with the global economic crisis. Read full article [vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn]

EU: EU butter mountain to return

The European Commission has announced plans to artificially boost prices by buying up 139,000 tonnes of diary products at a cost to the public purse of £237 million. Read full article [www.telegraph.co.uk]

Brazil: Brazil Co Globoaves To Produce Chickens For Tyson

SAO PAULO -(Dow Jones)- U.S. food giant Tyson Foods Inc. (TSN) has signed a one-year contract with Brazilian poultry company Globoaves to produce and slaughter chickens in Brazil, a manager at Globoaves confirmed late Thursday. Read full article [www.advfn.com]

Ireland:Irish pork exports remain low after toxin scare

DUBLIN, Jan 22 (Reuters) - Consumption of pork has returned to "relatively normal" levels in Ireland after a recall of pork products due to dioxin contamination, but other countries remain reluctant to buy Irish pork, Irish officials said on Thursday. Read full article [www.guardian.co.uk]

China: Industrialization of China increases fragility of global food supply

Washington, Jan 22 (ANI): A new research by the University of Leeds, UK, has determined that industrialization of China is increasing the fragility of global food supply, with reports indicating that global grain markets are facing a breaking point. Experts predict that if Chinas recent urbanisation trends continue, and the country imports just 5 percent more of its grain, the entire worlds grain export would be swallowed whole. Read full article [www.thaindian.com]

India: India corn extends gain for 4th day on demand

MUMBAI, Jan 22 (Reuters) - India corn futures extended gains for a fourth day on Thursday hitting fresh highs on some renewed export demand from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and continued buying by government agencies, analysts said. Read full article [Reuters India]

US: Bayer - LibertyLink soybeans coming

Mid-South and Southeastern soybean growers should have ample opportunity to test Bayer CropScience’s new glyphosate herbicide-resistant alternative technology now that the company has officially launched its LibertyLink soybeans. Read full article [deltafarmpress.com]

US: Access Beverage, Inc. Launch New Website

SANTA ANA, Calif., Jan 22, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Access Beverage, Inc. (Pink Sheets:ABVI), a Californian based wine and spirit company, today announced the launch of its new website. The website can be accessed at www.accessbeverage.com and provides updated information about the company's brand portfolio, operations, financial results and recent news developments. Read full article [marketwatch.com]

US: California, Arizona citrus production forecast

Citrus production in California is forecast as follows: lemons, 19 million boxes, up 12 percent; grapefruit, 4.5 million boxes, down 21 percent; Valencia oranges, 12 million boxes, down 25 percent; navel and miscellaneous oranges, 34.5 million boxes, down 29 percent; and tangerines, 7 million boxes, up 23 percent, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Read full article: [westernfarmpress.com]

China: Frost & Sullivan Finds High Growth Potential For PET Bottles

In China, the food and beverage plastic packaging market has experienced impressive growth over many years. It is mainly due to the replacement of traditional packaging materials, rapid growth in the food industry, and the improvements in polymer properties and processing technology. In 2007, the sales revenue of plastic food and beverage packaging was approximated at RMB115 billion, with a growth rate of about 18.5%. Around 6,042 thousand tonnes of plastics were used in the food and beverage packaging industry. Read full article [chemicalonline.com]  

China: Golden Dragon Holdings, Inc. Approved Vendors for the Commissary of the US Embassy in Beijing

Golden Dragon Holdings, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: GDHI) www.gdfbhk.com -- Today the Company has the honor of being an approved vendor for the commissary of the US Embassy in Beijing. The company will immediately start placing products and working with the staff at the commissary, fulfilling additional products that are called for by the employees of the US Embassy in Beijing. Read full article [money.cnn.com]  

US: Wines of Israel to Host First Ever Comprehensive Tasting of Israeli Wines in New York

NEW YORK, Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Wines of Israel will be hosting the first ever extensive tasting of Israeli wines in New York City for members of the wine trade and media on Tuesday, February 3, 2009.   Read full article [prnewswire.com]  

Sri Lanka: China to promote Lanka’s agricultural products

The Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing launched a program targeting the Chinese business community in Beijing with the assistance of the Chinese Chamber and Trade Promotion Agency to promote Sri Lanka’s Agricultural/Processed Food and Beverage exports to China. Read full article [dailynews.lk]    

Italy: Italian consumption defies credit crunch

Surprise upturn in volume and value of fresh fruit and vegetables purchased by Italian consumers seen as positive sign following decade of falling sales Following years of continued falls in consumption, sales of fresh fruit and vegetables appear to be making something of a comeback in Italy, according to new figures from Ismea-AC Nielsen published by agricultural organisation CIA. The newly released data suggests Italians consumed around 1.5 per cent more fruit and vegetables in terms of volume in 2008 and bought 2.8 per cent more in value terms during the same period. Read full article...  

US: Californian strawberries reach new record

Predictions of a new Californian strawberry production record for 2008 have come true by a comparatively fine margin California’s strawberry growers predicted a record harvest last year, and according to new data released by the California Farm Bureau Federation that forecast has come true at 1.7bn pounds (771m kg) of fruit. The 2008 harvest beat the previous record set in 2007 by 77m pounds (34.9m kg), reported the Sacramento Bee. Read full article...  

US: Pasta Returns to Center Stage in Tough Economy

WASHINGTON—Pasta is returning to dinner tables nationwide after years of losing sales due to the nation’s fixation with low-carb dieting. Americans are finding comfort in its old friend, which provides a nutritious and inexpensive way to feed families struggling in an economic crisis. The average price of a 1-pound box of pasta is $1.20. When taking additional ingredients, such as pasta sauce, into consideration, the cost of a pasta meal is still about $3, or just 76 cents per serving. Read full article...  

Canada: Novel Foods approval sought for nutritive sweetener

Alberta, Canada-based Bioneutra has applied to the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) for European Union Novel Foods approval for a prebiotic, isomalto-oligosaccharide sweetener. Bioneutra’s application indicates it will use powder and syrup forms of isomalto-oligosaccharide as a nutritive sweetener and prebiotic in beverages, cereal products and sugar confectionery as well as nutritionally complete and fortified meal replacement bars and meals. Read full article...  

US: ASTM to Review International Drinking Water Standard

WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.—Many products can influence drinking water’s taste and odor during various stages of its treatment and delivery. These issues will be addressed in a proposed new ASTM International standard, WK21784, Practice for Assessing Flavor of Drinking Water. Subcommittee E18.06 on Food and Beverage Evaluation, a part of ASTM International Committee E18 on Sensory Evaluation of Materials and Products, has been discussing the proposed standard and is now working on its initial outline. Read full article...  

Australia: Belaroma Coffee Roasting Company have announced new premium blend

Belaroma Coffee Roasting Company have announced the introduction of a new premium blend - Julius - that reflects the growing sophisticated tastes of Australian coffee drinkers.  The newly released Julius blend from Belarom Coffee Roasting Company.Julius was created over an eighteen month period in consultation with key café customers and coffee connoisseurs. According to the company, the blend is sourced from a selection of the world’s finest coffee beans has a subtlety and finesse with an underlying strength of flavour and aroma, perfect for the coffee lovers.   Read full article...  

Australia: Coopers plans $6 million equipment update

The current economic slowdown is not limiting plans by Coopers Brewery to install new production equipment at its Regency Park brewery. As part of the Coopers Brewery upgrade, new carton sizes ranging from 12 to 24 bottles will be produced. Image by www.jaygaulard.com.Coopers’ managing director, Dr Tim Cooper, said that in the next 12 months, the brewery would be installing a new multi-pack packaging machine, rebuilding the pasteuriser, adding a new filter to the brewery’s lager line and purchasing more kegs. This follows the expenditure in late 2008 on a new palletiser, including two new industrial robots, and on a new can...

UK: Zetar to sell baked snacks business

Zetar has decided to sell off its Baked Snacks subsidiary less than two years after it was established to gain ground in the healthier snacks sector, as the company appears to have lost patience in its performance. The confectionery and snack foods group’s interim results for the six months ended 31 October 2008 showed that Baked Snacks contributed sales of £1.5m, but its adjusted operating loss was £0.8m. The Baked Snacks Company was created in May 2007 to acquire the assets of Britannia Biscuits, a manufacturer of low fat, low sugar, low salt biscuits and crisps. The move was aimed to take...

France: LDC to buy number four sandwich firm in France

French processed meat and poultry supplier LDC reinforces its position in the dynamic French sandwich market, announcing earlier this week that it will buy Entracte, the number four player in the French market for sandwiches. The acquisition of Paris-based Entracte stands to place LDC firmly in the country's number one region for sandwich consumption, Paris and its surrounding region. Read full article...  

Netherlands: Sligro Food Group report earnings

Sligro Food Group NV (SLIGR NA): The second-largest Dutch food distributor reports full-year earnings before the start of trading and may say net income dropped 5.7 percent to 70 million euros ($90.2 million), based on the median estimate of five analysts Bloomberg News surveyed by telephone and e-mail. Sligro added 2 cents, or 0.1 percent, to 15.34 euros. Source: Bloomberg  

France: Remy Cointreau report sales grow

Remy Cointreau SA (RCO FP): France’s second-largest liquor company reports fiscal third-quarter sales before the market opens in Paris. Revenue rose 4.6 percent to 268 million euros, according to the median of five analyst estimates, after the company raised prices and demand for luxury cognac increased in China. The shares dropped 89 cents, or 3.3 percent, to 26.33 euros. Source: Bloomberg  

Belgium: Anhauser-Bush InBev sells $2.5 billion of bonds

Anheuser-Busch InBev NV (ABI BB): The world’s largest brewer raised the equivalent of $2.5 billion in a sale of bonds denominated in euros and pounds, according to Deutsche Bank AG, one of the banks that managed the sale. AB InBev rose 32 cents, or 1.8 percent, to 18.04 euros.   Source: Bloomberg

Korea: Whisky and coffee popular import items

Whisky came out as Korea's largest imported product in the food and beverage category, excluding grains like corn, according to a government report. The 2008 statistical report recently released by the Korea Food and Drug Administration showed that Asia's fourth-largest economy shipped in $235.9 million worth of whisky in 2007, the largest volume among processed foods. The alcohol accounted for 2.8 percent of the total value of the country's 2007 food imports, according to the report. Coffee trailed behind with a total value of $173.4 million, accounting for 2.1 percent. Bean-based processed products followed with $167.8 million. Read full article...

India: Sugar may trade range bound on import expectations

Maintaining its upward movement, sugar gained another 0.50 per cent on continued speculative buying, driven by expectations of a drop in domestic output in 2009. Expectations of rise in demand from the beverage markets in the coming months and good demand for sweetener in the spot markets also supported the prices. As per initial estimates regarding availability of cane, 2008-09 seemed to be a reasonably comfortable season. However, recent reports from some of the States indicate that the sugarcane availability would be substantially less than what was estimated earlier. Thus, from the medium term (February) prospective, fundamentals for Sugar remain strong due to...

Indonesia: Indonesia Permits Two Firms to Import White Sugar

Jakarta, Jan 22 - Indonesia has issued permits to two more food and beverage producers to import 13,286 tonnes of refined white sugar between January and April, a trade ministry official said on Thursday. Daily News Alerts   - We respect your privacy - The new permits will take the total amount of white sugar that Indonesian firms are allowed to import during the first four months of this year to 25,000 tonnes. "We have issued permits to import white sugar to two more companies -- PT Garudafood Putrajaya and PT Tirta Alam Segar," said Alberth Yusuf Tobogu, import director at the ministry. Read full...

Uganda: The water revolution

In the early 1990’s, the Rwenzori Beverages founder walked into several banks seeking funding for his mineral water business idea. He received a rude welcome. Bankers reminded him that more than half of Uganda’s population then lived on less than a dollar a day. They confronted him with a question: Who will pay half a dollar for just a half litre of water? It is a question few could answer then, but even fewer can ask today. Rwenzori finally got off a good start in 1993, capturing the up market consumer segment, then the middle class and later the mass market. Rwenzori...

Australia: Manufacturing -a rocky ride ahead

EVEN before the global financial crisis hit, 2008 was already a rocky year for Australian manufacturers, with the first half marked by inflation and interest rate hikes as oil prices hit historic highs, food prices surged, and the Australian currency soared towards parity with the US dollar when it peaked in July. At year's end, it is a totally different story, with many of the issues experienced in the first half of the year reversed: oil prices have fallen sharply, interest rates have been reduced twice in a matter of months, and the Aussie dollar has plummeted over 30%. Read full article...

Malaysia: Tough market a boon to Guinness Anchor

(interview with CEO) Guinness Anchor Bhd managing director Charles Ireland says a more challenging market means more retailers have to go for the best selling product range. WHAT is your outlook for the economy? I expect the economy to slow down and the gross domestic product (GDP) to decline but we will not fall into a recession. I expect a modest growth next year. Charles Ireland What is your outlook for the company? The malt liquor market (MLM) is such that when the economy booms, it does not grow as much and conversely, when the economy slows, the MLM is not as affected as other industries....

UAE:Brazil to leverage leadership in global coffee production to boost share in Middle Eastern markets

* UAE’s status as Brazil’s second largest coffee importer, staunch environmental conservation advocacy attracting traders Brazil, the world’s largest coffee producer, plans to further expand trading throughout the Middle East, with focus on major consumers such as the UAE. The country’s world-renowned coffee products will be showcased during “Flavours from Brasil,” a major Brazilian food and beverage trade event slated from February 21 to 22, 2009 at the Intercontinental Hotel – Festival City, Dubai, UAE.   Brazil’s processed coffees are exported either as ground beans ideal in the preparation of espresso coffees, or in roasted and ground form to be prepared using cloth...

UK: Man denies peanut sabotage plan

A court has been told a Nottingham food company lost more than £1m after an employee sabotaged its bakery by sprinkling peanuts in nine places. Paul Bentley, 42, of Listowel Crescent in Clifton in Nottingham denies a charge of possessing peanuts with the intention to contaminate goods. Mr Bentley also denies a charge with threatening to kill a staff member. He worked at Pork Farms' Riverside Bakery in The Meadows, which closed for three days to be decontaminated. Mr Bentley, a maintenance engineer, denied the charges at Nottingham Crown Court. Read full article...

Scotland: M&S accused over food plant jobs

Workers who face the axe at a food firm in South Lanarkshire have accused the retail giant Marks & Spencer of turning its back on Scotland. Dutch firm Vion announced on Tuesday that it was cutting 820 jobs across the UK. About 150 staff will go at its factory in Cambuslang. The company said the Scottish job losses came after it lost contracts to produce ready meals for M&S. M&S said it had done all it could to minimise job losses. Read full article...

UK: 'Excellent' sales for Morrisons

Supermarket chain Morrisons has said it had an "excellent" Christmas, with like-for-like sales excluding fuel up 8.2% in the six weeks to 4 January. The Bradford-based group said its results were helped by its focus on fresh food and promotional offers. Last week, Tesco said its like-for-like Christmas sales rose 2.5%. Sainsbury's earlier reported a 4.5% rise. Morrisons said it remained cautious on the outlook for consumer spending, with the market set to stay challenging. Read full article...

China: Chinese milk scam duo face death

Two men have been given the death penalty for their involvement in China's contaminated milk scandal. The former boss of the Sanlu dairy at the centre of the scandal was given life imprisonment. They were among several sentences handed down by the court in northern China, where Sanlu is based. The scandal, in which melamine was added to raw milk to make it appear higher in protein, led to the deaths of six babies and made some 300,000 ill. It led to product recalls across the globe, and further damaged China's reputation for producing safe and reliable products, the BBC's Quentin Sommerville in Beijing...

Turkey: Turkish Export Promotion Centre says Middle East is Key Market

*  Turkey’s Agricultural Exports Rise to US $4 Billion* Producers Rank Gulfood as a Leading Platform to Promote Trade Rising demand in the region resulted in agricultural product exports increasing to a value of approximately US$4 billion in 2007 which accounted for 5.7 percent of Turkey’s total export earnings. The Export Promotion Centre of Turkey says that the country exports more than 12.5 percent of its total food and agricultural products to the Middle East and lists Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Iran as its top markets. The most popular products are sugar confectionary and chocolate, biscuits, dairy products, flour, pulses and...

Dubai: Gourmet food forum set for Abu Dhabi

The Gourmet Abu Dhabi Food & Beverage Forum is set to take place next month, featuring a programme of 21 seminars and masterclasses designed specifically for entrepreneurs and trade professionals and features world-leading restaurateurs, masterchefs, celebrated visionary consultants and special industry guests, organizers said. Full details of the programme are available on www.gourmetabudhabi.ae. Source: AMEInfo

US: Molson Coors Brewing Company to Webcast 2008 Fourth Quarter and Year-end Earnings Conference Call

DENVER and MONTREAL, Jan. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Molson Coors Brewing Company (NYSE:  TAP; TSX) will host an online, real-time webcast of the company's 2008 fourth quarter and year-end earnings conference call with financial analysts at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (9:00 a.m. Mountain Time) on Tuesday, February 10, 2009. Company executives participating in the conference call will include Peter Swinburn, chief executive officer and Stewart Glendinning, chief financial officer. Approximately two hours after the conclusion of the regular earnings call, the company will also host an online, real-time webcast of the Investor Relations Follow-up Session for financial analysts at 2:00 p.m. Eastern...

UK: Bestway own labels help boost profits

Bestway today said sales grew 4.6% in the year to the end of last June, with sales in its cash & carry business up by 4.4%. The company said strategic buying ahead of price increases enabled it to grow profits 17.3% to £36.8m. And Best One, the firm's symbol group, saw a 24.3% jump in turnover making it the "fastest-growing fascia group in the sector". Bestway said it was additionally supported by a range of new products it introduced, such as cereals, cheeses, cooked meats and energy drinks. Read full article...

Canada: Canada's wholesale trade tumbles again

Canada's wholesale sector sold fewer products in November, the third month in the past four in which the indicator dropped, according to new numbers released Wednesday. Statistics Canada said that domestic wholesalers sold $44.4 billion worth of goods in the second-last month of the year. That was down 1.6 per cent compared to October and more than four per cent off of July's sales of $46.3 billion, the highest point for this number in the past five months. Unlike other sectors such as retail, wholesalers sell both in the domestic and export markets. Thus, flagging sales for this crowd indicated that Canadian...

UAE: Capri-Sun and Egypt plant to give leg-up to Agthia in the region

The Emirates Foodstuff and Water Company (Agthia) sees itself as the UAE's leading developer of consumer product brands despite stiff competition. The Al Ain-based company is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, with 51 per cent owned by the local government's General Holding Corporation and the remaining stake shared by the public and institutional investors. The company, which produces Al Ain mineral water and will soon start manufacturing and distribution of children's fruit juice Capri-Sun, has a strategic plan to become the regional leader in consumer products, following the example of the likes of Lever Brothers. In this interview...

Saudi Arabia: Almarai orders 168 MAN TGA-WW trucks

MAN Nutzfahrzeuge, a commercial vehicle manufacturer and a division of MAN, has announced that Saudi Arabian dairy food company Almarai has ordered 168 MAN TGA-WW trucks. The trucks will be delivered in February 2009. Out of the 168 trucks, 141 are two-axle TGA 19.440 semitrailer tractors with L-cabs and D26 engines. The other 27 trucks are two-axle TGA 18.480 semitrailer tractors. Almarai has already been operating these trucks since October 2008. Read full article...  

US: Power Trip adds Kwencher to portfolio

South Florida’s Power Trip Beverages, popularly known for its eponymous range of energy drinks, has added another line of water to its existing bottled water portfolio. The company, also responsible for Ron Jon Surf Shop premium waters, has partnered with Utah-based Mount Olympus Waters to reintroduce Kwencher flavoured water into the US market. The partnership will see Power Trip handle distribution and marketing, while Mount Olympus will be left to manage production of the beverage. Read full article...  

Russia: Wimm-Bill-Dann secures $98m credit line

 Wimm-Bill-Dann, one of Russia's top dairy produce companies, has secured a one-year credit line for 3.2bn roubles ($98.3m) from state-controlled bank VTB. Wimm-Bill-Dann said in disclosure documents on Monday that it had also agreed on overdraft facilities in the amount of 500m roubles for 180 days. Read full article...  

Belgium: Vandemoortele to sell Alpro soy foods division

Following a recent assessment of the changes in the financial and macro-economic environment, Belgium’s Group Vandemoortele has decided to focus on the core activities of bakery (frozen bakery products) and lipids (margarines and fats) which together represent 80% of the Group's turnover and are essentially oriented towards professional and industrial customers. Vandemoortele is traditionally strong in these segments and wants to further expand in Europe in these activities. Within the framework of this change of strategy, the group is preparing to sell its soy business Alpro, which is oriented towards the end consumer. Read full article...

UK: Seafish highlights rules for labelling seafood imports

Importers of seafood need to be fully aware of current rules governing the identification marking of fishery products destined for UK markets, warned Seafish. To help understand the implications of the new legislation Seafish has worked with the Association of Port Health Authorities (APHA) on an explanatory guidance note. "It is in the interests of any business importing seafood into the UK to be fully conversant with the new legislation, so that they can check existing labelling against the new advisory standard, and consider the new requirements when purchasing new products and specifying new packaging," said Ivan Bartolo, Seafish Legislation Department. "The...

Costa Rica: Costa Rica set for US import deal

The US has reportedly set to allow access for Costa Rican tomatoes and chillies following some five years of negotiation between the two countries. According to Costa Rican daily La Nación, the US is close to signing a phytosanitary protocol with the Central American nation that would authorize the start of tomato and chilli imports, which had been banned due to the presence of fruit flies.   Read full article...  

Argentina: Fruit Exports post mixed results

Argentina exported some 1.49m tonnes of fresh fruit worth US$1.2bn and 596,544 tonnes of fresh vegetables worth US$455m in the 11 months ended November 2008, according to figures just released by Senasa, Argentina’s agriculture and food certification and quality agency. The fruit results represent a 2 per cent dip in volume and a 35 per cent increase in value terms in comparison to the same period of 2007 when the country’s fruit exports reached 1.53m tonnes worth US$894m. The figures for vegetables (mainly garlic and onions) also indicate a 7 per cent volume decrease and a 37 per cent growth in...

New Zealand: Imported foods checked for killer peanut butter

The importer of a nutrition bar recalled in the United States because of a salmonella scare is being investigated by the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA). NZFSA said today said it was talking to EAS, a subsidiary of American company Abbott Nutrition, which has recalled three types of food bars in the US containing suspect peanut butter. The NZFSA is also investigating whether any other foods containing the potentially-contaminated peanut butter as an ingredient may have been imported here. Read full article...  

US: North Carolina Based World Beer Festival Expands to Columbia

Fourteen years ago, the founders of Durham, N.C.-based All About Beer magazine decided they needed to do something to celebrate and stimulate beer culture in their hometown. Thus was born the first World Beer Festival, and in the decade that followed it gained both appeal and national prestige to the extent that its organizers were ready to expand. Three years ago, the festival expanded successfully to Raleigh, and on the back of that experience, Daniel Bradford and Julie Johnson — publisher and editor of All About Beer magazine, respectively — began looking for the right place to add another festival to the...

UK: CenFRA Aims To Improve Technical Know-How

Europe's first centre for food robotics and automation, CenFRA Ltd, has enlisted the help of a team of top industry specialists and academic professionals to provide the food sector with access to the latest technical knowledge and support. The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) has been set up by the Doncaster knowledge based business so it can ensure it has access to the latest information on market and technology trends in automation and robotics. Read full article...

India: Indian buyers default on Canadian pulses contracts

In the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers’ Silver Jubilee conference, no doubt the future of pulses research, development, production, quality and market was discussed animatedly in public; but one topic that was spoken about in hushed tones, that too in private, was the large-scale contract defaults suffered by Canadian exporters in the last quarter of 2008 following global financial crisis and market meltdown. Like many commodity markets, the pulses market has been hit by the global financial crisis. Read full article...

UK: Supermarket waste used for power

Supermarket giant Sainsbury's has announced it is to pioneer a scheme to divert waste away produced in its Scottish stores away from landfill. Under the initiative all its unsold food will be sent to a biomass plant near Motherwell to be turned into electricity. The company said the move would see 42 tonnes of waste a week kept away from landfill. Read full article...  

Ireland: Consumer danger denied in Irish water safety response

Suppliers of bottled mineral water products in Ireland maintain that the public faced no danger from its products during a 2007 investigation by authorities into potential product contamination. Reports appearing this week in the Irish Times newspaper alleged that documents obtained under the country’s Freedom of Information Act found food safety authorities had failed to act immediately in notifying the public over product safety. The report claimed that the correspondence found official concern that the general public had not been alerted at the time over the contamination of some branded waters with pathogens such as E. coli. Read full article...  

US: Cecchetti Wine Company & Racke USA Form New Global Wine Company

SONOMA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Roy Cecchetti of Cecchetti Wine Company and Marian Kopp of Racke USA have announced the merger of their two wine companies. The new company will combine all elements of their current operations into a single entity, Cecchetti Racke, with projected annual sales of $8.4 million and a total of approximately 140,000 cases of wine in 2009. Read full article [www.businesswire.com]  

UK: Strong partnerships in cereal supply chain engender financial gains

The recent contraction of raw material supplies to the food industry, that arguably tipped the delicate balance in the cereal supply chain, may have created a climate for better 'partnership building', suggests the UK's Home Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA). In 2009 the HGCA established a framework to thoroughly explore the dynamics of the supply chain in the cereals industry. Five key themes were identified in the chain: cost and price; communication and collaboration; duplicate testing; new product development; and transport. These areas emerged from the work of the Cereals Industry Forum (CIF), headed-up by the HGCA and the Food Chain Centre. Read...

India: ITC looks to spice up condiments biz, eyes Rs 300 cr in 2 yrs

NEW DELHI: Diversified business conglomerate ITC plans to introduce organic spices in the overseas market, in a move to expand the segment in order to garner Rs 300 crore in the next two years from the division. ITC, sells its spices under the brand name 'Ashirwad' in the domestic market through its ILT Division (ILT), will also double the manufacturing capacity besides increasing its offerings by introducing more varieties by 2011. At present, Ashirwad is available in three varieties, including chilli, turmeric and coriander. The company will also invest around Rs 50 crore in the next 3 years to upgrade its facilities and also...

Jamaica: Salada signs exclusive deal with Musson - Lasco partnership ends

Salada Foods Jamaica Limited has signed Musson as exclusive distributor for its full range of products in Jamaica, simultaneously winding up the business arrangement it had with Lasco. Lasco Distributors Limited handled about a quarter of Salada's local distribution. The Musson group handled 75 per cent, through Musson Jamaica and T. Geddes Grant. "With two companies as distributor there was always some challenges - no concentrated advertising or marketing of the products, and that was a problem," Salada's managing director, John Rosen, said. Read full article...  

Cayman Islands: Rum cakes win award

Porthole Cruise Magazine recently recognized Tortuga Rum Cakes with a 2009 Editor–In Chief Award, naming the cakes as the Best Cruise Souvenir. Tortuga Rum Cakes are sold in onboard gift shops of more than 100 cruise ships throughout the Caribbean. A product of the Tortuga Rum Company, headquartered in Grand Cayman, these cakes are recognized as the premier export of the Cayman Islands. “Given the consistent quality and great taste of Tortuga Rum Cakes, it was again an easy choice for best cruise souvenir,” said Bill Panoff, publisher and editor–in–chief of Porthole Cruise Magazine. Read full article...  

India: India Feb corn futures hit fresh highs on demand

MUMBAI, Jan 21 (Reuters) - India corn February futures hit fresh highs, rising for a third day on renewed export demand from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and continued buying by government agencies on Wednesday, analysts said. The Food Corp of India (FCI) and state-level agencies have been aggressively buying corn since last week to keep prices from falling below the state-set level of 840 rupees per 100 kg, traders and analysts said. Prices have been softening for the last three months as a fall in local demand due to a bird flu outbreak coincided with the global slowdown hitting exports, analysts said. Read...

Malaysia: Temporary stop to chicken from China

PUTRAJAYA: The Veterinary Services Department has recommended a temporary suspension on the import of chicken from China after the Chinese New Year following the avian flu outbreak there. Veterinary Services Department director-general Datuk Dr Abdul Aziz Jamaluddin said the department felt it was necessary to make the recommendation although the province where government-approved chicken processing plants were situated was not affected by the outbreak. He said reports by the agriculture councillor at the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing stated that there were no cases of avian or bird flu in Shandong Province where the two plants were located. Read full article...    

India: Govt rules out wheat, rice futures

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - The government ruled out resuming trade in rice and wheat futures, and will not tax crude palm oil imports, disappointing traders who had hoped mounting food stocks and falling prices would encourage the government to budge. The government on Tuesday scrapped an export tax on basmati rice and lowered the floor price for overseas sales, the latest in a series of cautious moves to ease controls imposed in the last two years amid fears of shortages and inflation. "There is no plan to allow futures in wheat and rice. We will not," Farm Minister Sharad Pawar Pawar told...

Egypt: Egypt food exports to Arab countries worth $102m

Exports to Arab countries from Egypt were valued at $102m in 2007, from a total of $224m. The trade relationship is improving consistently with total exports from Egypt worth $305m for the first half of 2008 alone, according to statistics from the Egypt Ministry of Trade and Industry. Gulfood is an ideal opportunity for Egyptian businesses in the food and catering sector to showcase products, launch new offerings and expand their existing presence through the Middle East. Read full article...  

France: France targets Coca-Cola in escalating 'cheese wars'

The American measures were taken as part of a trade dispute, now known as "cheese wars", in which the Bush administration took action against the European Union's ban on imports of US hormone-treated beef. Last week, America imposed a 100 per cent import duty on a long list of EU products, but singled roquefort out for a 300 per cent tariff. "Symbol versus symbol," said Philippe Folliot, a French member of parliament whose Tarn constituency contains many roquefort producers. "Since the United States has decided to surtax one of the most ancient (cheese) appellations, I think that the French government, with the...

China: Chinese milk safety targeted in multinational team-up

DSM has announced its intentions to work with players from throughout the Chinese dairy industry in attempts to ensure improved safety throughout the country’s milk supply chain. The ingredient supplier says that following last week’s one day safety forum, arranged in cooperation with China-based supplier Yili, preventing further contamination scandals was identified as a key future focus for producers. According to DSM, 16 January’s International Dairy Safety Forum saw gathered representatives from both the Chinese government and the country’s dairy industry put specific attention on providing a national milk sourcing system. Read full article...    

France: Roquefort’s American dreams may be numbered, claims Lactalis

It could now be impossible for French producers to sell Roquefort cheese in the US amidst an ongoing dispute with the EU over trade policy, warns a leading supplier of the product. Thierry Zurcher, general manager of Roquefort Société, says the decision taken by the United States to impose imports tariffs of 300 per cent on the blue cheese could mark an end to the product being sold in the country. Read full article...  

US: Maine Firm Recalls Frozen, Stuffed Chicken Products

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2009 - Barber Foods Company, a Portland, Maine, establishment, is recalling approximately 6,050 pounds of frozen, stuffed chicken carving roast products that may contain foreign materials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today. Read full article...   

US: Cold Star, Inc. Selects The Answer for Complete Line of Bulk Dairy Dispensing Systems

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cold Star, Inc., a leading distributor of bulk dairy dispensing systems, will now offer its complete line of dairy creamers and coffee-based beverages using The Answer™, a proprietary dispensing technology available exclusively from International Dispensing Corporation (IDC) (IDND.PK). The Answer™, which prevents microorganisms from compromising product safety, nutrition, and taste during prolonged, repeated use, will replace Cold Star’s existing dispensing technology for the company’s refrigerated dairy and non-dairy creamers, half and half, two percent and whole milk, and coffee-based beverages. It will also be used to dispense a new line of Cold Star ready-to-drink teas and juices targeting health-oriented...

UK: Zetar hurt by Woolworths collapse

A £1m provision against bad debts from Woolworths helped push Zetar, the Aim-listed confectionery and snacks group, into the red. The pre-tax losses of £4.2m for the six months to October 31 also include a £3m charge for the impairment of assets and goodwill. The company, which has historically made £3.5m of sales to Woolworths a year, said a proportion of its lost Easter orders had been placed with other retailers. Read full article...  

Thailand: Thai Cabinet Approves Budget for Rubber, Corn, Oil Palm Subsidy

Jan. 21 (Bloomberg) -- Thailand has approved a 13.6 billion baht ($390 million) budget for farm subsidies to support prices of rubber, oil palm and corn, in an effort to ease the effects of the first recession in a decade. ``The broad plan has already been approved by the cabinet,'' Somchai Charnnarongkul, director-general of the farm ministry's Department of Agriculture, said by phone today. ``We will work out the details later.'' Thailand, the world's biggest exporter of rubber and rice, may slip into recession this quarter and its economy may expand at the slowest pace in 11 years in 2009, according to...

UK: Sainsbury Plans to Cut at Least 200 Jobs at London Headquarters

Jan. 21 (Bloomberg) -- J Sainsbury Plc, Britain’s third- largest supermarket chain, plans to cut at least 200 jobs at its London headquarters to reduce management expenses. The London-based food retailer is merging five business units into three, said a company spokeswoman, who declined to be named. She wouldn’t say which departments would be affected. The Daily Telegraph said earlier today that staff at Sainsbury’s central London headquarters were briefed on the plans today. Read full article...  

Russia: Magnit to Borrow 11.25 Billion Rubles for Expansion

Jan. 21 (Bloomberg) -- OAO Magnit, Russia’s second-largest food retailer, arranged to borrow as much as 11.25 billion rubles ($346 million) to help fund expansion. OAO Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, will lend the company as much as 6.4 billion rubles at an annual interest rate of no more than 25 percent, Krasnodar-based Magnit said today in a statement on its Web site. The retailer may also borrow 3.1 billion rubles from Societe Generale SA and 1.75 billion rubles from Russia’s OAO VTB Bank, according to the statement. Read full article...  

Switzerland:Barry Callebaut Slides After Chocolatier’s Sales Miss Estimates

Jan. 21 (Bloomberg) -- Barry Callebaut AG, the world’s largest maker of bulk chocolate for food companies, fell as much as 15 percent in Zurich trading after first-quarter sales barely grew and missed analysts’ estimates. Revenue rose to 1.43 billion Swiss francs ($1.3 billion) in the three months through November, little changed from 1.42 billion francs a year earlier, the Zurich-based company said today. Analysts expected 1.53 billion francs, according to the median of three estimates gathered by Bloomberg News. The shares slid as much as 96 francs to 620 francs, the steepest percentage drop since October. Callebaut said European chocolate shipments...

UAE: Masafi's 2008 net profit up 36%

United Arab Emirates-based mineral water company Masafi has reported that net profit for 2008 increased 36%, compared to 2007. The company's revenue for 2008 stood at AED378 million, a rise of 35%, compared to 2007. Trade Arabia quoted Ashraf Abushady, Masafi's CEO, as saying: "Our financial bottom lines (profits) were driven by our commitment to tailor our products in line with the need-states, tastes and preferences of our consumers (people) and our company's stress on safeguarding our environment (planet)." Read full article...

Germany: ProSweets gauges consumer attraction to confectionery packages

Amid a testing climate that sees economies across Europe and North America contracting, participants in the confectionery industry will gather next month to observe new opportunities for their industry. ProSweets Cologne, that opens its doors on 1 February, will bring together "the entire range of suppliers required for the production, processing and packaging of confectionery," say the fair's organisers. Among the many discussions and presentations related to the dynamic area of packaging design and technolgies, the organisers highlight the "Design factory" that records and evaluates the eye movements of consumers directly at the product on the shelf. Read full article...

Dubai: California Pizza Kitchen Expands into the Middle East

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. (CPK) (Nasdaq:CPKI), home of the Original BBQ Chicken Pizza and other innovative hearth-baked pizzas, made-to-order pastas, creative salads, appetizers, soups, sandwiches and desserts, opened its first location in the Middle East today. The new restaurant, opened by CPK franchise partner Gourmet Gulf Company, is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The new 5,500 square-foot CPK seats approximately 200 people and is located in the new, twelve million square-foot Dubai Mall. As one of the world’s largest malls, the Dubai Mall is home to over 1,200 retail outlets, the world’s largest single volume Aquarium, Dubai’s largest...

China: Georgia Ramps Up Agriculture Presence in China

Until recently, Matt Anderson hadn't come across a Chinese word for "pecan." “That came about in the past few months,” said Mr. Anderson, an international trade specialist for the Georgia Department of Agriculture. “Before that, for 99 percent of (China’s) population, a pecan was just a funny-looking walnut.” The need for a distinction has increased as Chinese demand for the Georgia-grown nuts has risen.  As the world's epicenter of pecan farming, Georgia usually accounts for about a third of production in the U.S., which grows 80 percent of the world’s pecans. Thanks to a record crop in 2007, Georgia had 60 percent...

US: Presidential Barrel of Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Placed in Warehouse for Maturation

LYNCHBURG, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A special “Presidential Barrel” of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey was placed today in a warehouse in Lynchburg, Tennessee (pop. 361), to commemorate the inauguration of the President of the United States. Resting on the top floor of one of the warehouses that dot the rolling hills of Moore County, the barrel will continue maturing with the passing seasons and then will be bottled and sold with all proceeds benefitting a charity of the president’s choice. The Distillery announced prior to the election that it would designate a special barrel for the incoming president and all future commanders-in-chief. Master Distiller Jeff...

US: Trello Cioccolato Seeing Huge Demand for Pittsburgh Steelers and Terrible Towel(TM) Chocolate Bars

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Due to the fantastic success of the Pittsburgh Steelers this season, Trello Cioccolato, the fine custom chocolates division of Lord's International in Moon Township, PA has seen an unprecedented demand for their Pittsburgh Steelers and Terrible Towel(TM) chocolate bars. The 2.5 oz. chocolate bars have proven to be great gifts for any Steelers fan who loves chocolate. "We've been delivering boxes of the bars night and day, and we cannot keep them in stock! The more the Steelers win, the more people want Steelers goodies!" says Irene Hoelen-Trello, Owner and CEO of Lord's International/Trello Cioccolato. Read full...

Canada: BMO takes over from troubled Icelandic bank as lender to High Liner Foods

LUNENBURG, N.S. - High Liner Foods Inc. (TSX:HLF) said Tuesday the Bank of Montreal (TSX:BMO) has taken over from troubled Icelandic bank Landsbanki as a lender in High Liner's credit facility. Landsbanki Islands HF is one of three Icelandic banks currently in receivership. In October, High Liner said the bank intended to continue servicing its revolving credit facility. The Nova Scotia-based seafood company said Tuesday that Landsbanki has fulfilled the requirements of the credit agreement, and its commitment to provide up to C$40 million to High Liner's U.S. subsidiary has now been fully assigned to the Bank of Montreal. Read full article...

US: Houchens to Buy Whites Chain

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Houchens Industries has agreed to purchase Whites Fresh Foods, a retailer operating 14 conventional grocery stores in Tennessee and Virginia, the companies said. Terms were not disclosed. The sale is set to close “in the near future,” the companies said in a press release. Whites, a family-run retailer based in Johnson City, Tenn., said the move would provide needed new investment. “With continuing pressures in the marketplace, and the ongoing needs for expansion and investment in the futures of [our] employees, Houchens Industries provides a unique opportunity for our company,” Doug White, chairman of Whites, said in a...

US:XYIENCE Adds Energy Shot to Beverage Lineup

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (January 18, 2008) XYIENCE ®, the makers of Xenergy, the official energy drink of the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®), announces the addition of the X Energy Shot, or X Shot, as a complement to its Xenergy beverage line. Like the 16‐ounce Xenergy drink, the 3‐ounce shot is sugar‐free and calorie‐free, with only 2 grams of carbohydrates, and is formulated to boost energy sans the crash associated with most energy drinks. Available in CranRazz, the best‐selling Xenergy flavor, the shot provides a combination of B3, B6, B12 and B5 vitamins and a propriety energy blend of taurine, caffeine,...

US: New Sun Shower Super Blends Chai Tea Latte

ORLANDO – January 19, 2009 – Sun Shower™ has another hit on its hands with its new Chai Tea Latte. Over 87 percent of those taste-tested the popular Super Blends flavor said they liked it “extremely or very much.” With half the calories and fewer carbohydrates, sugars and fats than its competitors, Chai Tea Latte contains the Lifeguard™ fortification package for added nutrition. “Our complete Sun Shower™ Super Blends line has been extremely popular with both retail buyers and consumers, and our new Chai Tea Latte is no exception,” said Chris New, founder, chairman and CEO of NBI Juiceworks, producers and...

Australia:Fonterra acquires Ski yogurt licence

Fonterra has completed a deal to acquire the licence to manufacture, market and sell the Nestlé’s Ski yogurt brand in Australia from National Foods. The deal also sees it acquire its associated intellectual property. The move transfers the Ski licence three years earlier than expected, following the sale of Dairy Farmers to National Foods in November 2008. Ski joins Fonterra’s existing portfolio of yogurts and dairy desserts, including Nestle Diet, Milo Mousse and Munch Bunch – positioning Fonterra as one of the national leaders in this fast-growing category. Read full article...

Italy: Sorgente Tione has unveils Aqua Therapy

Italian bottler Sorgente Tione has unveiled Aqua Therapy, a new line of mineral-water-based products, each offering a distinct health benefit. The range consists of six different variants, including Tione Stop Cholesterol (featuring turmeric and nettle, which help to regulate cholesterol levels), Tione Lipo Stop (containing birch and green tea, which help limit the absorption of fat by the body), and Tione Drain, which combines cranberry with red wine to help combat cellulite. Bottled in 50cl sports cap bottles, the range will soon be available in Italy through sports centres, health shops, spas and specialist outlets. Source: FoodBev.com

Philippines:Jollibee Foods Corp. profits fell

Profit at Philippine’s biggest fast-food company fell “slightly” in 2008 and will recover this year on lower costs, Chairman Tony Tan Caktiong said. Jollibee may spend 2.5 billion pesos for acquisitions in the U.S. and other countries this year, he also said. The stock was unchanged at 42.50 pesos. Source: Bloomberg

Russia: Smaller Russian Grocers May Fail on Credit Crunch

Jan. 20 (Bloomberg) -- About a quarter of Russia’s smaller food stores may go out of business because of the credit crunch, X5 Retail Group NV Chief Executive Officer Lev Khasis said. A shortage of bank credit means some chains may be unable to pay suppliers and be left with empty shelves, the CEO of Russia’s largest food retailer said in an interview, without being more specific. X5 today reported a 41 percent gain in fourth-quarter sales after it opened new stores and acquired the Carousel chain. “The problem of empty shelves is the problem of companies that will go bankrupt,” Khasis,...

Argentina:Cobos Urges Argentine Farm Accord, CPI Credibility

Jan. 20 (Bloomberg) -- Argentine Vice President Julio Cobos, who said he hasn’t talked to President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner since July 30, urged the government to reach an accord with farmers on export taxes and to restore credibility to official statistics. Reestablishing confidence in the accuracy of economic statistics, working with farmers to define agricultural policies, and brokering an accord with bondholders who didn’t accept the government’s 2005 debt restructuring are needed to withstand the global financial crisis, said Cobos. “Farmers have always been the backbone of the economy,” Cobos, 53, said in an interview at his Senate office in Buenos...

Thailand:Cooked poultry exports to rise

Charoen Pokphand Foods Plc (CPF) expects to export 95,000 tonnes of cooked poultry products this year, 10% more than in 2008. But export values are forecast to drop by 10% from an estimated 20 billion baht last year because of lower selling price in line with eased oil prices and lower raw material costs. Shrinking global consumption due to the economic recession, notably in the European Union, CPF's key market, is also expected to affect the company's export prospects. The chicken business currently represents 30% of sales for the SET-listed flagship of the Charoen Pokphand Group. Given the global slowdown and weakening consumption, CEO...

UK: Tesco tunes in to the art of Twitter

The supermarket chain's American convenience store chain Fresh & Easy, which opened on the West Coast in November 2007, is harnessing the text-based messaging service to interact with customers and inform them of new offers and store openings. In addition, it is answering customer queries about missing products in certain stores, and about services offered. A sample Twitter exchange from earlier this week involves a customer called "songrytr" noting that stock levels had seemed "a little sparse" on recent visits to his local branch, to which Fresh & Easy responds that levels tend to be a bit low at the end of...

UK: Ajinomoto embarks on green marketing campaign

Ajinomoto Company has launched a new marketing campaign promoting the environmental benefits of using aspartame instead of high fructose corn syrup or sugar. Sustainability has risen on companies’ agendas recently, with an increasing number producing Corporate Responsibility Reports, which comment on environmental impacts of their business, outlining where improvement is possible. Ajinomoto claims that it takes 53m gallons of water and 220 acres of land to produce 500 tonnes of ‘sugar equivalent’ from cane-derived sucrose, while aspartame takes 0.1m gallons and 2 acres. However, these figures take into account that aspartame is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar and therefore much less...

India:Cane acreage in India rising again on high global prices

Mumbai: Higher sugar cane prices are prompting Indian farmers to increase acreage, which may lead to an up to 30% rise in cane availability in 2009-10 and check soaring sugar prices, industry insiders said. In the crop year ended September 2008, farmers got lower prices for cane due to a glut in the world market, forcing them to trim acreage leading to lesser sugar output in 2008-09. Sugar production in the year ending 30 September may total 18 million tonnes (mt), compared with 20mt forecast in December, farm minister Sharad Pawar said on Tuesday. Spot sugar prices in top producer Maharashtra have risen...

US:‘Eco-friendly’ water-use system to benefit fruit processing industry

A university-industry partnership begun several years ago is bearing fruit – in the form of new technologies that could significantly enhance the sustainability of California’s food processing industry. Among several projects aimed at improving efficient use of natural resources is a plan to reduce water use and discharge at Wawona Frozen Foods, a multifaceted fruit processing company based in Clovis. Leading the work for California State University, Fresno is professor Gour Choudhury of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition. Choudhury, who also directs the university’s Center for Food Science and Nutrition Research, is a specialist in food processing systems engineering and...

Brazil:Soy industry spots more Amazon clearing

SAO PAULO, Jan 20 (Reuters) - Brazil's grain crushing industry that has vowed to stop buying soybeans farmed on freshly cleared Amazon biome said on Tuesday it identified 365 newly deforested areas since its first survey, in July 2007. The industry is now investigating if soybeans have been planted in the areas, from which it will refuse to purchase grains, the Brazilian Vegetable Oils Industry Association (Abiove) said. "With the monitoring information available, we will stick to our commitment not to buy soybeans from areas deforested after the moratorium was announced, in 2006," said Abiove's general secretary, Fabio Trigueirinho. Read full article...  

US:Quick Chek Coffee Sales up 10 Percent

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Quick Chek, a premier chain of nearly 120 fresh food store locations throughout New Jersey and southern New York, announces today first quarter same store sales (Nov. 1 – Jan. 19) in the coffee and hot breakfast categories are up, and gaining a steady increase. Quick Chek’s coffee same store sales rose by 10 percent over the last 11 weeks while hot breakfast same store sales also went up by 13.8 percent. In addition, Quick Chek’s morning drive time (5:00 am – 11:00 am) customer counts increased by 2.2 percent. “Consumers are demanding quality coffee for less money and...

US:Wal-Mart cookies recalled over peanut butter scare

Food firms in the US have recalled peanut butter products after an outbreak of salmonella, which may have contributed to six deaths. General Mills has voluntarily recalled two types of peanut butter snack bars, while Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products has recalled every brand of Wal-Mart peanut butter cookies, which are sold in Wal-Mart stores.   Read full article...  

China:American Dairy Provides Business Update

BEIJING, Jan. 20 -- American Dairy, Inc. (NYSE Arca: ADY), one of the leading producers and distributors of premium infant formula, milk powder and soybean, rice and walnut products in China, today provided a business update. The Company continues to increase its production output and customer support to meet consumer demand for reliable, high quality, premium infant formula products. Since the dairy scandal in China broke in September 2008, a series of food-related product inspections have been carried out by China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ). With more than 10 tests conducted to date, American Dairy has...

US:Rocky Mountain Chocolate Safe from Outbreak

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. (Nasdaq: RMCF - News), which franchises gourmet chocolate and confection stores and manufactures an extensive line of premium chocolates and other confectionery products, today issued the following statement related to peanuts. "No products made by Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Inc. are affected by the recent recall related to peanut butter. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory does not purchase any peanut butter, peanuts, or peanut products from the Peanut Corporation of America." Source: http://www.qsrmagazine.com  

Italy:Italian cooperatives announce merge

Two major cooperatives based in the north-eastern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna have announced plans to merge. Patfrut, a Bologna-based company which markets potatoes, onions and other vegetables and fruits, will combine its operations with Ferrara Frutta, a major supplier of pears as well as apples, stonefruit and melons. The newly merged company will trade under the Patfrut name.Both cooperatives are affiliated to Apo Conerpo and Naturitalia, with clients not only in Italy but on international markets. Read full article...  

Spain:Sales up for Spain's fresh-cut sector

Spain’s fresh produce sector earned an estimated €180m last year from sales of fresh-cut fruit and vegetables in 2008, thanks in the main to a 3.2 per cent sales rise during the first 11 months of the year, according to new industry figures. Afhorla (the Spanish Association of Ready-to-eat Fruit and Vegetable producers) said that the country’s total volume of fresh-cut fruit and vegetable production reached 57,455 tonnes during the 11 months.   Read full article...  

EU: Tomato sector calls for import reforms

The European Tomato Growers’ Group has presented the European Commission with proposals to reform Europe’s entry price system for fresh produce imports from non-EU countries, which it claims is necessary to avoid flooding markets with low-price products. The group, which is comprised of producers’ associations from the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, France, Poland and the UK, argued that reform is the only means of guaranteeing that imported products respect minimum prices.   Read full article...

US: Fruit Patch expands sales team

US-based stonefruit and table grape grower-distributor Fruit Patch has announced in a press release the appointment of Mike Hatcher to its expanding sales team, with effect from 19 January. Mr Hatcher, originally from Reedley, California, started his career in the stonefruit business and has spent the last six years handling strawberry sales at Dole-Coastal’s berry business and most recently with Naturipe and its year-round strawberry, blueberry and raspberry deal.   Read full article...  

US:New soy concentrates for improved meat texture

A new range of functional soy protein concentrates has been launched in Europe by Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) to provide nutrition, emulsify fat, bind water and give structure to emulsified meat products. The three new concentrates – Arcon SB, Arcon SL and Arcon SQ – help improve freeze-thaw stability, aid emulsification and improve texture, mouthfeel and batch-to-batch consistency, according to ADM. The concentrates, which are additive free, are designed to add value to emulsified sausages, hot dogs, English sausages and kebab meat, among other applications. And the company claims they are cost efficient and can decrease wastage levels, whilst maintaining a clean...

Slovenia:Vitiva moves into UK market

Slovenian ingredients firm Vitiva has spied great potential in the natural-hungry UK market, and has set up a subsidiary office there to cater to it. Vitiva places a strong emphasis on the natural origin of its ingredients. Its rosemary extracts, for instance, are marketed as alternatives to chemical preservatives in a range of food applications, including meat and meat products, fish and seafood, oils and citrus flavours. The UK is observed to be leading the curve in natural foods, as consumers are increasingly wary of E-numbers and chemical-sounding ingredients lists. A recent study of Mintel’s Global New Product Database found that 36...

Netherlands:Danisco offers sustainable palm-based emulsifiers

Used mainly to bind oil and water in food, these emulsifiers are based on sustainable palm oil or sustainable palm kernel oil. The new sustainable emulsifier meets the increasing consumer demand for ethically correct consumer goods. Danisco is the first food ingredients producer to offer its customers sustainable emulsifiers. Used mainly to bind oil and water in food, these emulsifiers are based on sustainable palm oil or sustainable palm kernel oil. The new sustainable emulsifier meets the increasing consumer demand for ethically correct consumer goods. ’At Danisco, we focus on sustainability at all levels. For that reason, we are especially pleased to...

EU:Refunds return as EC reconsiders dairy intervention

The European Commission will this week reinstate and review export refunds and intervention prices on EU dairy commodities to compensate farmers for a ‘complete reverse’ that has occurred in pricing over the last twelve months. Agriculture commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel said that the shift back towards more subsidised dairy production had been made unavoidable due to general industry surprise at rapidly falling milk prices. Measures such as export refunds were removed back in June 2007 as part of reforms to the common agricultural policy (CAP) to eventually cut out subsidies, due to the high prices being paid for milk and dairy products...

India:Raw sugar imports likely to affect prices in local markets

The domestic production of sugar for the season ended September 2008 will see a surprisingly big fall to less than 18 million tonnes from 26.328 million tonnes in 2007-08. That there will be a setback of some orders was not unexpected. Miffed with the delay in payment of cane bills for long, farmers switched to other crops such as wheat and rice in Uttar Pradesh and elsewhere. Initially, we were given to understand that the lower cane crop, resulting mainly from land diversion would restrict sugar output to 21-22 million tonnes. At the December committee meeting of the Indian Sugar Mills Association...

Moldova: Simplification of agrarian produce exports procedure

According to the information, provided by the Ministry of agriculture and food industry of Moldova, officials of the Ministry made a decision on simplification of fresh fruits exports procedure. Thus laboratories which will issue certificates needed for exports of fresh produce will be equipped with modern technique that will allow increasing competitiveness of Moldavian fruits on the international markets. Many market participants reported that these arrangements would support the exports of apples to the Russian Federation that is one of the most important sale markets for Moldavian produce.   Read full article...    

Romania: Supreme Chocolat aims to become the second-largest chocolate producer locally

The management of Supreme Chocolat, a major player on the chocolate market, plans to transform its Primola and Anidor products into regional brands, considering exports made up some five percent of the company’s net sales in 2008. At the same time, Supreme wants to raise its share of the local market, where it is competing with producers Cadbury and Kraft over top positions. Read full article...  

Indonesia:Indonesia considering to export one mln tons of rice

Surabaya  (ANTARA News) - Indonesia is considering to export around one million tons of rice in 2009 as supply and production are rising while rice sufficiency is already reached, an agriculture ministry official said here on Monday. The ministry`s director general of food crops, Sutarto Alemoeso, said to newsmen after explaining about rice and unhulled rice procurement in 2009 that "in 2008 the country`s rice surplus reached 2.34 million tons and this year it is expected to reach around 3.8 million tons from a production target of 63.5 million tons in dry unhulled rice (around 40 million tons of rice equivalent)....

Germany:German Chocolatier Halloren in Talks to Acquire Rival

Jan. 20 (Bloomberg) -- Halloren Schokoladenfabrik AG, the chocolate maker whose sweets are more trusted in Germany than those of Nestle SA, will beat profit forecasts and plans to take over rivals hit by the worst recession since reunification. Founded in 1804, the company is known for its Hallorenkugel, a chocolate-coated globe of cocoa and cream that had cult status in the days of communist east Germany. Halloren has built upon that reputation, gaining national recognition for its brand as it expanded and won market share in the west of the country. “I’m very confident that we more than met our sales...

Germany:Germans flock to Green Week food fair

Berlin - The mood at the 2009 International Green Week agricultural fair in Berlin is upbeat despite continuing concerns at the world food situation and the crisis in money markets. Some l,610 exhibitors from 52 countries are participating in the event, with Russia - for the second year running - again the largest foreign exhibitor, occupying more than 6,000 square metres of space. Held annually since the 1930s, the Green Week offers a unique opportunity for the farm world to gauge trade fluctuations and trends. 'The world food situation is the central issue of our time,' said Gerd Sonnleitner, the president of the...

UK:Quorn firm puts £35m investment on the menu

THE world’s only producer of vegetarian products based on micro protein said it was pressing ahead with a £35m investment on Teesside as it revealed strong growth forecasts for its Quorn brand. Peter Banks, commercial director of Teesside-based Marlow Foods, a £130m turnover company which was bought by Premier Foods in 2007, said sales growth would be in excess of 12% for the UK. “Outside of that, we would expect to go even higher into double digits,” he said. The firm, which employs 340 across sites at Belasis in Billingham and Stokesley and a further 420 at a site in Norfolk, said...

India:Sugar Output to Miss Target as Yields Drop, Minister Says

Jan. 20 (Bloomberg) -- India, the world’s second-biggest sugar maker, may produce less this year than forecast last month because of lower yields in the main cane growing states, likely tightening global supply. Production in the year ending Sept. 30, 2009, may total 18 million tons, compared with 20 million tons forecast in December, Farm Minister Sharad Pawar said today. The estimate matches the one made by S.L Jain, director general of the Indian Sugar Mills Association, on Jan. 16. Read full article...

Argentina:Corn Jumps for Second Day as Dry Weather Damages Argentine Crop

Jan. 20 (Bloomberg) -- Corn climbed for a second day to a one-week high on speculation that dry weather will damage plants in Argentina, the world's second-biggest supplier of the grain after the U.S. Soybeans declined. Topsoil drying, and heat and dry stress will be notable through Jan. 24 as temperatures rise across Argentina, Mike Tannura, a meteorologist for T-Storm Weather in Chicago, said in an e-mail yesterday. Rain is unlikely with only a marginal chance of rain early next week when temperatures cool, he said. ``Dry conditions in Argentina are the main concern for the corn crop there,'' Takaki Shigemoto, an...

Russia:Russia Calls for ‘Special Conditions’ for Food Within WTO

Jan. 16 (Bloomberg) -- Russia, the third-largest wheat exporter, called for “special conditions” for food and agriculture products within the World Trade Organization, saying that would help it modernize after the Soviet era. Protecting the world’s food supply is as important as energy security and agriculture shouldn’t be considered just a “traded good,” Russian Agriculture Minister Alexei Gordejew said today in Berlin. Russia needs significant investments to modernize farms, including access to funds and credit, he said without elaborating. Russia is in negotiations to join the Geneva-based WTO, an international body of voluntarily participating nations that seek to establish rules over trade....

India:India May Allow Wheat Export, Impose Duty on Palm Oil

 Jan. 20 (Bloomberg) -- India, the world’s second-biggest wheat producer, may scrap a ban on overseas sales as the nation heads for a record crop for a second year. Output may top last year’s record 78.4 million tons, Farm Minister Sharad Pawar told reporters in New Delhi today. The ban may be lifted after harvests in May, and the government may offer grain from its stockpiles, the U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service said in a report earlier today. Resumption of exports from India may accelerate a 40 percent decline in wheat prices in the past year in Chicago after growers from Australia to...

US:Bulk Powder Processing Solution BFM® Fitting on Display This Week at Northwest Food Manufacturing & Packaging Expo

Eden Prairie, MN, January 19, 2009 --(PR.com)-- www.powder-solutions.com – Powder-Solutions, Inc., American distributors of the USDA accepted/3A certified BFM® fitting, will be sharing to attendees of the Northwest Food and Manufacturing Show how bulk powder processing can transform into a safe and sanitary industry in the new year with help from the BFM® fitting. The BFM® fitting distributed by Minneapolis, MN based Powder-Solutions, Inc, is an alternative to traditional flex sleeves and hose clamps, commonly used for connections in bulk powder processing plants. Traditional flex sleeves and hose clamps had been the most commonly used connector in powder processing for decades, despite...

UK:Tesco Chief Says U.K., EU Deregulation Would Help Revive Growth

Jan. 20 (Bloomberg) -- Tesco Plc Chief Executive Officer Terry Leahy said Britain’s government and the European Union should cut regulatory costs on business to help lift the region’s economies out of recession. The head of Britain’s biggest retailer also said interest- rate cuts and falling prices for food, fuel and energy will help restore consumer confidence. He urged lawmakers to repair the financial system and refrain from imposing new trade tariffs. Read full article...

Australia:Australia's wine industry set back by financial crisis

CANBERRA, Jan 20 (Reuters) - Australia's wine exports have suffered an 18 percent decline by value in 2008, delivering the first setback for 15 years as the global financial crisis hit. Here are some facts about Australia's wine export industry. * Value: A$2.46 billion ($1.6 billion) in 2008, down 18 percent on 2007. Per litre value was A$3.53 (-7.6pct) * Volume: 698 million litres (-11 pct). Around 62 pct of annual production is exported. * Australia in 2004 was the world's sixth largest producer, behind France, Italy, Spain, the United States and Argentina. But Australians drink only a small amount per head, sitting in...

UK:Milk Link Invests To Improve Quality and Efficiencies at Taw Valley

Milk Link, the UK’s largest producer of cheese, has made a further significant capital investment at its award winning Taw Valley Creamery in Devon with the installation of a state of the art fully automated block-forming system.  The new £1.5 million block-former system will further improve the quality of the cheese produced at the Creamery, increasing yields and delivering greater production efficiencies. The new block-forming system is fitted with double vacuum assembly which allows the block-formers to fill whilst pressing the cheddar into shape, significantly improving the quality and yield of the cheese. As the block-forming system is adjustable to control...

Japan:New Opportunities Arise for U.S. Corn in Japan

Corn food products have been steadily gaining recognition in Japan among both the professional and at-home bakers, said U.S. Grains Council Director in Japan Dr. Tetsuo Hamamoto. Imports of U.S. corn to Japan for food dry milling has increased by 17 percent in volume and 30 percent in value over the previous year, partially due to promotional activities by the Council. "Corn milled for cornmeal offers Japanese bakers a low-cost baking ingredient that is high in protein and dietary fiber," said Hamamoto. Read full article...  

Greece:Demeter’s Pantry, an Importer of Greek Artisanal, Organic and Specialty Foods Partners with European Imports

Demeter’s Pantry is now represented by European Imports Ltd. Demeter’s Pantry is the exclusive importer for a number of leading Greek artisanal specialty food brands, such as Taste of Crete, Biolea, and Anydros. Many of their products have won awards or been featured in leading publications, such as Biolea stone ground organic olive oil ranking in the top five ”must haves” for Food & Wine Magazine. Demeter’s Pantry will be with European Imports in booth 3707 at the San Francisco Fancy Food Show Jan 18-20th. Trish Pohanka, Director of Purchasing, states “We are impressed by the high quality, variety, and authenticity...

Romania: McDonald’s business in Romania exceeds €100 mln

McDonald’s fast-food chain, the largest local player on this segment, registered some RON 400 million (about €110 mln) in net sales in 2008, according to the preliminary results of the U.S. chain’s local subsidiary. This result is in line with the company’s initial estimates. “From some RON 306 million [€93 mln] in 2007, we got to RON 400 mln last year, and for this year we continue to target a double-digit growth rate,” McDonald’s Romania’s Communication Manager, Cristian Savu, told Business Standard. According to Savu, the company’s net profit amounted to RON 29 mln (some €7.5 mln) in 2008, similar to the...

Ireland:Diageo rethinks plan for new Guinness brewery

DUBLIN, Jan 19 (Reuters) - British drinks maker Diageo Plc (DGE.L) said on Monday it would review a 650 million euro ($865 million) Irish investment plan, which would have included a new Guinness brewery outside Dublin, due to the economic downturn. Diageo said last year it would build a new brewery in Leixlip, west of Dublin, while cutting output and selling surplus land at St James's Gate in Dublin, where Arthur Guinness started brewing Guinness stout in 1759. "As result of the current difficult global economic situation, which affects both Ireland and the main international markets to be served by the new...

Singapore: Appetite for frogs' legs harming wild populations

Are frogs being eaten to extinction? We're used to hearing about how disease, climate change, and habitat degradation are endangering amphibians, but conservationists are warning that frogs could be going the same way as the cod. Gastronomic demand, they report, is depleting regional populations to the point of no return. David Bickford of the National University of Singapore and colleagues have called for more regulation and monitoring in the global frog meat market in order to avoid species being "eaten to extinction". Read full article...  

US:Livestock producer contracts with Tyson for export to EU

SIDNEY, Mont. - Some livestock producers are finding good niche markets exporting beef to the European Union. Howard and Denise Rambur, owners of Rambur Charolais of Sidney, shuttle nearly all of their commercial cattle into the program. Under contract with Tyson Foods, the cattle are all certified in the NHTC (Non-Hormone Treat-ed Cattle) program. “The cattle can't have any implants,” Howard Rambur said.   Rambur has been selling about 1,000 NHTC cattle under contract this way since summer and plans to continue with the program. With feeder cattle markets down, it has been a plus to have a guaranteed market that is growing, he...

Israel:Jordan, Scandinavian and UK protest Israeli fruit imports

Fruit growers in Israel reported delays and reductions in orders from abroad due to various boycotts against Israeli produce   Jordanian Islamist and leftist activists staged last week a sit-in at the country's wholesale food market to protest against exotic Israeli fruits and vegetables being sold. The protesters, holding anti-Israeli banners, urged merchants to suspend imports from Israel of a variety of exotic fruits such as avocado, kiwi along with carrots and tomatoes sold in groceries and supermarkets.   In the UK a boycott of Israeli products and leisure tourism (not pilgrimages) was launched at the House of Commons on Wednesday night. The first...

Philippines: Food products from RP capture China interest

Philippine food producers who participated recently in an Outbound Business Mission (OBM) to Guangzhou and Shenzhen, China reported that Chinese buyers and consumers have taken much interest in their products. The participants to the OBM specified that crab paste and “laing” (gabi leaves cooked in coconut milk) drew interest from Chinese buyers and consumers. Ready-to-consume products, such as banana chips, polvoron, and calamansi were also popular. Tropical fruit purees, juices, and concentrates, such as mango, calamansi, and coconut also drew interest from  them. Rosemarie Castillo, Business Development Manager for Food of the Department of Trade and Industry said that the crab paste and...

Iceland:Iceland to increase cod quota

Iceland is set to increase its annual catch quota by 30,000 tons, according to the latest reports from Reykjavik. The surprise move came at the weekend when Fisheries Minister Einar K. Gudfinnsson, Iceland´s Minister of Fisheries, announced that Iceland´s cod quota for the current fishing year of 2008-2009 will be increased from 130,000 tons to 160,000 tons. Iceland's current quota year started on September 1 2008 , so the new catch limits will be backdated to that period. According to Iceland Seafood International, the same increase will apply to the next fishing year 2009-2010. Read full article...  

US:Meijer Announces Voluntary Recall for Some Meijer Brand Peanut Butter Crackers and Ice Cream Citing Possible Health Risk

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Jan. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Meijer initiated a voluntary recall of two types of its Meijer Brand crackers and two types of Meijer Brand ice cream sold in all of its stores and gas stations in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. Meijer removed all identified products from its stores and gas stations.     All sell-by dates are impacted by this recall.     Specifically, Meijer has recalled the following items:     -- Meijer Cheese and Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, UPC #0-41250-56235     -- Meijer Toasty Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, UPC #0-41250-56239     -- Meijer Peanut Butter and Jelly Ice Cream, UPC #00000007-19283-96635-3     --...

US:Lifeware TEK Launches Online Recipe Management System to Food Industry

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla., Jan. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeware TEK announced today the introduction of the i-COOK(TM) Subscription Service, its premier, online recipe management system. Developed in collaboration with The Culinary Institute of America(R), i-COOK offers an easy-to-use recipe management system created by culinary professionals for culinary professionals. i-COOK subscribers have the ability to access recipes, menus, buying lists and more, from any computer at anytime. Featuring a per-serving nutrition calculator and recipe costing in addition to dual recipe displays, version control, and menu development, i-COOK provides consistency and accuracy for each recipe while helping the subscriber to control costs and saving...

US:Sweetbay to Close 7 Stores

TAMPA, Fla. — Sweetbay plans to close seven Florida stores in the next six to eight weeks, encompassing three locations in the Tampa Bay area, two in Sarasota and one each in Fort Myers and Englewood, a spokeswoman for the chain told SN last week. Sweetbay currently operates 108 supermarkets, all in Florida. Meanwhile, the chain plans to open three new stores in 2009: one each in Tampa, Tarpon Springs and Clermont, Fla. Sweetbay’s parent company, Brussels-based Delhaize Group, announced the closings as part of its 2008 sales report on Friday. “While most Sweetbay stores have been performing consistently better since...

US:Del Taco Introduces New Del Breakfast Bowl

LAKE FOREST, Calif. - On Jan 20th America and Del Taco will celebrate change. The country will get a new president and Del Taco will inaugurate an addition to its breakfast menu with a new Del Breakfast Bowl. A hearty bowl of hash brown sticks, scrambled eggs, jalapeno bacon and topped with chili, sour cream, cheddar cheese and cilantro. The Del Breakfast Bowl will sell for just $2.99 and joins Del Taco’s Big Fat Breakfast Taco, Steak and Egg Burrito and new Macho Roast coffee as the foundation of Del Taco’s delicious breakfast offerings. “In these challenging times, a hearty breakfast of...

Greece:Pernod Ricard Completes the Disposal of Serkova Vodka to Amvyx SA

Pernod Ricard (Paris:RI) announces today that it has sold Serkova Vodka, its vodka brand in the Greek market, to Amvyx SA, having secured the agreement of the European Commission. As part of its acquisition of V&S Vin & Sprit AB, finalised on 23 July 2008, Pernod Ricard made a commitment to the European Commission to divest a number of brands including Serkova Vodka. As of 2 January 2009, Pernod Ricard Hellas, Pernod Ricard’s subsidiary in Greece, has taken over the distribution in Greece of Absolut vodka, Level vodka and Plymouth Gin from the previous distributor Amvyx S.A. Amvyx SA is a major producer,...

US:Fizzy surprise: Soda maker favors the odd flavor

Some people play golf or fix up old cars or solve Sudoku puzzles. Jeff Kaplan tinkers with glass bottles and carbonation in his spare time. An insurance adjuster by trade, Kaplan has turned his hobby into a boutique soda company that makes can-you-believe-it flavors like cucumber, elderflower and mavi tree bark. There's even a sparkling milk drink. And Kaplan's micro pops -- bottled in New York and distributed from his Pompano Beach office-warehouse -- are beginning to get national attention. His jasmine soda scored a mention this month in AARP The Magazine and on a December episode of Food Network's Unwrapped. Read...

Zambia:Pepsi to construct a plant in Lusaka,Zambia

President Rupiah Banda  this morning  laid a foundation stone for the construction of the Pepsi plant whose owners are to invest about US$ 30 million for the period of six years . The company will also  employ 214 Zambians in various capacities and create over 600 indirect jobs in various capacities, there by reducing  the pressure on the job market. Speaking  at the ceremony held at the Pepsi bottling plant in Lusaka’s Mungwi  road  today,  Mr. Banda  said government  will continue to lay a solid foundation for diversifying the economy in order to sustain the country’s  economic growth. Read full article...  

New Zealand:Subsidy blow for efficient NZ farmers

A European Union decision to restart subsidies for dairy farmers could be the beginning of the roll-back of trade liberalisation initiatives by the 27-nation bloc. So says Taranaki Federated Farmers president Peter Adamski of the European Union decision to subsidise its dairy sector with export refunds for butter, cheese and milk powder. The subsidies had been suspended two years ago and will be reinstated next week. "It's disheartening for all farmers because there is an expectation the subsidies will be moved across into other areas and no one knows where it will stop," Mr Adamski said. He said without knowing the details of the...

Georgia:Economic Crisis Slumps Chocolate Prices Abroad, not in Georgia

While the economical crisis is influencing famous chocolate producing companies around the globe, Georgian LTD Rosali Sambar isn’t going to reduce the prices of its products. “The prices we offer to our customers are quite acceptable. We aren’t going to reduce the prices on products. The costs of the same chocolates in Belgium, more so in Switzerland, are significantly higher,” Tsisana Mchedlishvili Nahas, Director of Chocoswiss Rosali Sambar, told The FINANCIAL. Read full article...  

UK:Sainsbury’s to stop selling eggs from caged chickens

The supermarket giant will become the first of the ‘big four’ – Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morrisons and Asda – to stop selling battery eggs. The retailer said the move would take millions of hens out of battery cages. Rowan West-Henzell from Compassion in World Farming welcomed the initiative: “We are over the moon that Sainsbury’s has gone cage-free almost a year ahead of schedule. The scale of this move is breathtaking. Thanks to Sainsbury’s a total of 2.3 million hens every year now live cage free as a result of this great animal welfare move.” Read full article...    

Israel:Next stop Europe for Or and Mor

Agrexco is set to export its first deliveries of easy peeler citrus varieties Or and Mor to Europe this season at the beginning of February. The fruit, which was developed by the Israeli Volcani centre, is aimed at consumers looking for premium citrus varieties, according to the Israel-based group. "Or and Mor were first introduced a few years ago and received a warm welcome," said Golda Ezuz, manager of Agrexco's citrus department. "Unlike other varieties, they are sought after by everyone and not by a specific segment, so we have high hopes for them this season." Read full article...  

Spain:Valencia to invest in kaki production

The Spanish region of Valencia has announced plans for a new scheme designed to increase production of kaki persimmon fruit following crop losses during 2008/09 campaign estimated at 15,000 tonnes. According to Protected Geographical Indicator (PGI) regulatory body Kaki Ribera del Xúquer, the pre-season crop forecast of 35,000 tonnes of fruit was reduced to some 20,000 tonnes as a result of poor weather and a fungus that attacked plants. However, the regulator told Las Provincias that the forecast, which was based on the previous season’s harvest, faltered during mid-December, when inclement weather delayed collection of crops. Read full article...  

Scotland:Food market on event menu

INDUSTRY organisation Scotland Food & Drink is to host a two-day conference examining ways for Scottish producers and small firms to tap into lucrative export markets. The International Conference on February 11 and March 26 at Hopetoun House in South Queensferry will build awareness among food and drink producers of the trading opportunities in international markets. Businesses will be made aware of ways to expand their established export networks and SMEs will learn how to take the first steps towards trading internationally. Speakers include Nick Carr, global commercial director of Diageo, Anne Bordier from the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) and Svetlana Simonova...

US:A-Soy™ Adult Nutritional Beverage Now Federal WIC Eligible and On Sale

GORDONSVILLE, VA - A-Soy, a soy adult nutritional beverage specially formulated for people who are lactose intolerant, cow’s milk allergic, or who prefer a vegetarian diet, is now federal WIC eligible. Developed by PBM Products, LLC, A-Soy is a great-tasting source of balanced nutrition for people older than 10 years of age through life, is free of lactose, milk (animal protein), cholesterol, trans fats, and gluten. "A-Soy was developed based on the success and popularity of our Bright Beginnings™ Soy Pediatric Drink, which received an international award for being the top new pediatric nutritional beverage for children younger than 10...

Netherlands: Major rise in Dutch onion exports

Productschap Tuinbouw announces 23 per cent increase in volume shipped between January and November 2008. Onion exports from the Netherlands rose by 23 per cent during January to November last year to 761,000 tonnes, compared with 619,000 tonnes in the same period of 2007, according to new figures published by Dutch marketing organisation Productschap Tuinbouw and compiled by KCB. According to the group, growth was particularly strong in onion exports to Africa and Russia, with the latter taking the bulk of shipments during the first half of the year. Read full article...  

Australia: New mangoes ripe for commercialisation

Three new mango varieties are being offered for commercialisation by the Queensland DPI. Three new varieties of mango developed by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in the Australian state of Queensland are being offered to the industry for commercialisation, according to the ABC. With a taste similar to the currently popular Kensington Pride variety, the new mangoes reportedly look better and are more productive. Read full article...    

US:USDA issues new grape order date

The new 10 April-10 July marketing order for California desert and imported table grapes comes into effect for the 2009 shipping season The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced in a statement that an interim final rule, which changes the date when minimum grade, size, quality and maturity requirements are required for south-eastern California and imported table grapes, will be published in the 21 January 2009 issue of the Federal Register. The regulatory period is changed from 20 April through 15 August of each year to 10 April through 10 July. This rule will be effective for the 2009 shipping season. Read...

US:US contests EU chicken restrictions

EU restrictions on US chicken imports have been challenged by Washington, which is demanding that the World Trade Organisation (WTO) intervene in the dispute. The EU ban, in place since 1997, has effectively stopped all imports of US poultry meat, which is generally treated by a chemical process aimed at pathogen reduction. Last month, European agriculture ministers decided to maintain the ban, rejecting efforts by EU Industry Commissioner Guenter Verheugen to lift the ban under certain conditions such as labelling to identify the process and pledges that the chicken would be rinsed. US trade officials filed a complaint with the WTO on Friday,...

Europe:National Starch launches quillaia emulsifier in Europe

National Starch Food Innovation is making available its Q-Naturale emulsifier in Europe, and expects it could rival gum arabic in certain sparkling beverages, waters and juices. The ingredients supplier first introduced Q-Naturale, which comes from the South American Quillaja saponaria tree, in the United States and Canada last year. Quinaia (or quinaja) saponins have around a 100 years history of use in food and beverages, as well as other uses such as production of photographic films and cosmetics. According to NSFI, its new emulsifier is interesting to beverage formulators because it supply and cost is more consistent that for other common emulsifiers,...

Switzerland:Nestle launches new research web portal

Nestle has launched a new website to provide information and news about its global R&D. The site (http://www.nestle.com/NestleResearch/NestleResearchHome.htm) brings together information and news from the company’s 24 research, technology and development centres. The most recent addition to the R&D network was the inauguration of a new research and development centre in Beijing to focus on health and wellness. The centre, which employs 80 people, will target three main categories, including growth and development, healthy ageing and weight management. Nestlé spend CHF1.9 billion (€1.28 billion) on research and development last year. Source: foodnavigator.com  

Australia:Goodman Fielder dairy biz may fetch over $340 million

MELBOURNE, Jan 19 - Goodman Fielder Ltd (GFF.AX) may score more than A$500 million ($340 million) for its dairy business if Australia's biggest food company by market value decides to sell the troubled unit. Parmalat SpA (PLT.MI), Italy's biggest listed food group, is looking at making an offer, Italian newspaper la Repubblica said, after losing out to Japan's Kirin Holdings Co Ltd (2503.T) last August in a bid for rival Australian producer Dairy Farmers. Goodman's dairy unit is one of the leading suppliers of consumer dairy products in New Zealand. "Maybe since Parmalat missed out on some of the other dairy opportunities in...

UK:Premier Foods gets bid for French patisserie unit

LONDON, Jan 18  - Debt-laden UK food group Premier Foods (PFD.L) said on Sunday it had received a 50-million-euro ($66 million)offer from two private equity funds for its French frozen patisserie business, Martine Specialites SAS. Premier Foods said it considered the offer from Cerea Capital and Banexi Capital to be acceptable and had started consultation with employees over a potential deal. If completed, it will use the proceeds to pay off debt, it said in a statement. In the nine months to Dec. 31, Martine Specialites made net sales of 34.4 million pounds ($51.3 million) and its profit before tax was 4.4...

US: Tortillas - The Hottest Thing Since Sliced Bread

MCLEAN, Va.--According to the Tortilla Industry Association, , tortilla sales are poised to surpass sandwich bread for the first time in the United States, with annual sales projected to grow beyond $6 billion this year. The group notes that U.S. tortilla sales are just about equally split between corn and flour types, and that sales of both are growing annually at double-digit rates.   Source: Food Product Design  

Japan:Kirin Holdings to acquire stake in San Miguel Corp.

Kirin Holdings Co. (2503 JT): Japan’s biggest beverage maker signed a memorandum to acquire a 43.25 percent stake in the brewery subsidiary of San Miguel Corp. (236 HK) of the Philippines. The memorandum gives Tokyo-based Kirin exclusive negotiating rights to acquire the stake in San Miguel Brewery Inc. (SMB PM), according to a statement to the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Kirin fell 12 yen, or 1.1 percent, to 1,050.     Source: Bloomberg  

Japan:Itoham Foods to restart operations in Tokio plant

Itoham Foods Inc. (2284 JT): The ham and sausage maker said it will restart operations at a plant in Tokyo on Jan. 20. The company stopped operations on Oct. 29 to conduct safety inspections following a recall of its food products contaminated by well water. The stock fell 4 yen, or 1.4 percent, to 288.     Source: Bloomberg

Philippines:Philippines to Import Corn as ‘Buffer Stock,’ Minister Says

Jan. 19 (Bloomberg) -- The Philippines, Southeast Asia’s second-biggest consumer of corn, will import as many as 75,000 metric tons by May to boost domestic supplies amid a shortage. The imports will be used as “buffer stock” to “respond to possible corn supply tightness in the first semester of 2009 and moderate price volatility,” Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said in a memorandum obtained by Bloomberg News today.   Read full article...    

US:Little Debbie products join snack food recall

WASHINGTON — The company that sells Little Debbie snacks announced a recall Sunday of peanut butter crackers because of a potential link to a deadly salmonella outbreak. The voluntary recall came one day after the government advised consumers to avoid eating cookies, cakes, ice cream and other foods with peanut butter until health officials learn more about the contamination. The announcement by McKee Foods Corp. of Collegedale, Tenn., about two kinds of Little Debbie products was another in a string of voluntary recalls following the most recent guidance by health officials. Read full article...  

Italy:Parmalat SpA considering aquisitions

Parmalat SpA (PLT IM): Italy’s biggest dairy company is considering making an offer to acquire the dairy business of Australian food company Goodman Fielder Ltd., la Repubblica reported, without saying where it got the information. The company is also considering merging with Granarolo SpA, an Italian milk producer in the southern region of Calabria, the report said. Parmalat fell 0.9 percent to 1.18 euros. Source: Bloomberg

Malaysia:Palm Oil Climbs as Discount to Soybean Oil Increases Appeal

Jan. 19 (Bloomberg) -- Palm oil futures advanced as their first weekly drop in four and the discount to soybean oil lured investors. Palm oil dropped 3.9 percent last week as orders fell from China and India, the largest buyers of vegetable oils. ``Given a weakening demand scenario for edible oils in general and no visible signs of supply pressure, it is still too early to become bullish on the palm oil story for 2009,'' said Sunaina Dhanuka, an analyst at Macquarie Group Ltd. Palm oil for April delivery rose as much as 2.1 percent to 1,872 ringgit ($525) a ton on...

Pakistan:Pakistan to Meet Wheat Output Target as Rains Improve Prospects

Jan. 19 (Bloomberg) -- Pakistan, Asia’s third-biggest wheat producer, expects to meet its output target of 25 million metric tons after rains early this month boosted planting. “The prospects are good,” for a bigger harvest, Shakeel Ahmed Khan, the wheat commissioner at farm ministry, said in an interview in Islamabad today. Farmers sowed 8.7 million hectares to wheat, compared with 8.6 million hectares last year, he said. Higher production may help Pakistan lower its reliance on overseas purchases to meet domestic demand and build emergency stockpiles. The South Asian country has imported 1.76 million tons of the grain since July and expects...

Mexico:Barry Callebaut opens Mexican chocolate plant

Bean to bar behemoth Barry Callebaut moves closer to local food manufacturers in Mexico, unveiling its third largest chocolate production facility worldwide to spear the emerging, and attractive, Mexican chocolate confectionery market. The Swiss firm – that expands in step with its customers – has invested about €30m in the new industrial chocolate facility, based at Monterrey in the north-eastern Mexican state of Nuevo Leon. "Chocolate confectionery in Mexico is expected to grow on average by 6.5 per cent per year in value terms over the next five years," said Patrick De Maeseneire, CEO of Barry Callebaut, citing figures from market researcher...

Poland:International Bakery and Biscuit Convention 2009 programme announced

International Bakery and Biscuit Convention organisers have announced the programme for the 2009 show, to take place in Warsaw, Poland from February 17 to 19. The convention has been organised as a collaboration between three magazines: European Baker, Asia-Pacific Baker and Biscuit World. This year's event is being promoted with an emphasis on international and business development, with speakers on international perspectives on bread manufacturing, current issues in the biscuit industry and ingredient and equipment developments. More details of the convention can be found at www.worldbakers.com/convention.  

Australia:Inox instantiser machine helps bakers to dissolve and disperse

Australian firm Inox Fabrications Australia has designed a machine to aid bakery players rapidly dissolve and disperse viscous solids, semi solids and powders. According to the Melbourne-based company, its Inox 300L Instantisers can dissolve soluble products in “less than five minutes” for complete hydration, total liquefaction and no “burn-on” that can occur with conventional systems. "The specially designed impellor system combined with an appropriate vessel shape, produce a high level of turbulence to dissolve and disperse almost any food product in the most efficient and thorough manner available," claimed the firm. The company, which offers a range of stainless steel fabrication services to...

Oman:Oman inflation up

DUBAI: Annual inflation in Oman edged higher to 12.75 per cent in November last year from 12.64pc in October, government data showed yesterday. The Gulf state's consumer price index hit 130 points on November 30 compared with 115.3 points in the same period in 2007, the Ministry of National Economy said. Food, beverage and tobacco cost - which account for almost a third of the index - surged 22.2pc, while rents advanced 15.3pc. Inflation in Oman was likely to fall below 10pc by early this year as commodity prices ease and the dollar gains, the central bank's executive president said in September. Like most...

Sri Lanka:Tea prices stabilize

Prices of tea are stabilizing following the increase in demand at the recent auctions and, experts predict that prices would further stabilize in the first quarter of the year. Director-Promotions of the Sri Lanka Tea Board, Hasitha De Alwis said prices of tea at both auctions held in the new year were satisfactory and this trend would continue with prices reaching around Rs. 275-300 per kilogram in the first quarter of the year. “Auction prices have been good in the new year due to fine plucking and less use of fertilizer”, he said. The quantity of unsold tea at the auctions was...

China:Chinese Companies Go Abroad

The food and beverage industry is another Chinese industry in which the vast majority of large industry leaders—80% in this case— have already taken meaningful steps in the move to expand overseas. Even after transport, Chinese-produced food and beverage products have a considerable price advantage in overseas markets. All respondent companies who had begun the move cited large demand for such cheaper but comparable quality products as the main reason for their push abroad. Some respondents are using high demand in overseas Chinese communities in particular to make inroads into foreign markets. Beverage company Wahaha, for example, has gotten onto shelves...

Viet Nam:Seafood exports expected to plunge in 2009

Seafood exports surged 20 percent last year to US$4.5 billion but are forecast to fall by nearly a third this year. “We should acknowledge and prepare for the challenges this year,” Tran Thien Hai, chairman of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) said at a year-end meeting in HCM City on January 16. The demand for Vietnamese seafood in major traditional markets like Japan, the US, and the EU, as well as in new ones like Russia and Ukraine is declining due to the economic downturn. Consumption patterns are also changing with people preferring cheaper varieties. Furthermore, increasing exports...

Canada:CWB faces challenging year, CEO says

A sizable rebound in the global wheat production and highly uncertain commodity prices will make 2009 a challenging marketing year for the Canadian Wheat Board, its president and CEO said Friday in Saskatoon. Ian White, addressing farmers at Crop Production Week, said there have been large increases in the Ukrainian and Russian crops, in addition to growth from other countries. "We do have a very large oversupply in the market," White told reporters after his speech. "It's a very significant rebound in production from last year, something in the order of 70-plus extra million tonnes in the world, and very stiff competition...

US:New High-Level Conference Announced for On-Premise Beverage Marketplace

NEWTON, Mass.PRNewswire/ -- Questex Media Group, producers of the Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show and publisher of Nightclub & Bar Magazine, today announced the launch of a new invitation-only, high-level education and networking event for the on-premise beverage marketplace. The exclusive event called Nightclub & Bar's VIBE - "Very Important Beverage Executive" - will debut alongside the 2010 Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show held in Las Vegas. VIBE will bring together top tier on-premise beverage buyers including owners, operators, beverage directors, VPs, food and beverage managers of national accounts and chain operations located throughout the country -...

Germany: Fruit Logistica set for record year

Fruit Logistica 2009, the leading international conference and exhibition event for the fresh produce industry, is set to break a number of records when it takes place on 4-6 February at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds in Germany. Exhibition space is up nearly 10 per cent on the previous year, with an area of 88,000m2 (81,000m2 in 2008) covering Halls 1 to 25, with additional space on the red level, Halls 1.1, 3.1 and 4.1. Over 2,200 exhibitors will display their products and services at the event, up from 2,115 in 2008, representing a total of 79 countries, an increase on the...

New Zealand: NZ consortium buys apple rights

T Seventeen has purchased domestic and export marketing rights to a HortResearch-developed apple variety from Prevar. New Zealand-based topfruit consortium T Seventeen has acquired exclusive marketing rights to a new apple bred by HortResearch, known by its development label as premA17. The group, which is made up of nine companies including Enza Ltd and D M Palmer, will market the variety both domestically and internationally after acquring the rights from commercial development company Prevar, the Otago Daily Times reported. Read full article...

Costa Rica: Plump Costa Rica appoints new head

The exotic fruit grower-exporter this week welcomes Pablo Castro to the team. Plump Costa Rica, the Central American subsidiary of Portuguese grower-importer Luis Vicente, has appointed a new commercial director. Pablo Castro will assume the position on 8 January, replacing outgoing Silvio Kattengell, who leaves the company on 7 January, according to a statement from the company. Established in 2007, Plump Costa Rica exports mangoes, papayas and limes to Europe, the US and Canada. The company is in the process of rapidly expanding its volumes. Source: fruitnet.com

UK:Milk Link adds new drinks to moo line-up

Milk Link, the UK’s leading integrated dairy business, has launched a new range of extended shelf life, natural and nutritious flavoured milk drinks under the moo brand. The products will be positioned in the chiller alongside fresh milk, meeting rising consumer demand for chilled milk with a longer shelf life. Retailers will find that because the new milk drinks have over twice the shelf life of fresh milk there will be a lot less wastage in store, which means that this significant new development is set to reinvigorate the flavoured milk category. The brand new flavours are a scrumptious Choc ‘o’ Nana...

US:Bell publishes 'Top 10 Flavours for 2009'

Bell Flavors & Fragrances, a global producer of ingredients for the food, beverage, soap and cosmetics industries, has published its 'Top 10 Flavours for 2009'. The three lists of Top 10s split across three categories: sweet flavours (confectionery, bakery, dairy), savoury flavours (meat, condiments, dressings, sauces, soups, seasoning), and beverage flavours (non-alcoholic, alcoholic). Read full article...

Cocoa:Cocoa foundation outlines sustainability goals

The World Cocoa Foundation is offering a guide to the cocoa industry on sustainability principles that focus on equitable profit, labour standards and environmental issues. The foundation said its principles and goals are designed to help cocoa farmers, guide industry efforts and prioritize its development projects in West Africa, Southeast Asia and the Americas. Sustainability is high on the chocolate industry agenda. And in general, shareholders are increasingly looking for evidence that a food company has green projects ingrained in the management strategy, according to Nizo Food Research, which conducts R&D for food processors. However, Nizo added that there is an increasing need...

France:Pernod Ricard Sells Lubuski Gin to Vinpol

Pernod Ricard (Paris:RI) announces today that it has signed an agreement to sell Lubuski Gin to Vinpol Sp. z o.o., a subsidiary from the German group Henkell & Co. Sektkellerei. The transaction will be completed after securing the agreement of the relevant competition authorities, including approval by the European Commission. As part of its acquisition of V&S Vin & Sprit AB, finalised on 23 July 2008, Pernod Ricard made a commitment to the European Commission to divest a number of brands including Lubuski Gin. The German group Henkell & Co. Sektkellerei KG is an independent producer and distributor of sparkling wines, wines and...

US:ConAgra Foods Names André Hawaux President, Consumer Foods and John Gehring Chief Financial Officer

OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ConAgra Foods, Inc., (NYSE:CAG) announced today it has named André J. Hawaux, currently executive vice president and chief financial officer, as president, Consumer Foods. In a corresponding move, the company named John F. Gehring, currently senior vice president and controller, as executive vice president and chief financial officer. Hawaux, 48, joined ConAgra Foods in 2006 as CFO, after 25 years of experience with PepsiCo and its bottlers, including serving as the general manager of one of the major U.S. business units of Pepsi Americas, Inc. Read full article...

US: Heinz® Ketchup Retires The Pickle From Its Label After 110 Years

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Move over pickle and make way for a fresh, new look for Heinz Ketchup, an American mealtime icon. Heinz North America today announced the gherkin pickle, which has been featured on Heinz Ketchup labels since the 1890s, is making way for a vine-ripened tomato and a tagline that clearly communicates that the tomatoes in Heinz Tomato Ketchup are ‘Grown not made.’ The tomato imagery on the new label emphasizes Heinz’s heritage as the world’s largest processed tomato company with a deep dedication to tomato quality from seed to bottle. “The tomato is what makes Heinz Ketchup so extraordinary, and so...

Canada:Wal-Mart Canada Opens Environmental Demo Store

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Wal-Mart Canada here has announced the opening of its first environmental demonstration store in Burlington, Ontario, which features an application of geothermal technology and energy-conserving lighting innovations, among many other sustainability features. The new supercenter is expected to use an estimated 60% less energy than the company’s typical store and to reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 141 tons. It is also expected to divert an estimated 85% of its waste from landfill through a variety of recycling programs. In addition, the store is powered 100% by renewable power sources like wind and low-impact water power. Read full...

US:New Frozens Line at Winn-Dixie

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Winn-Dixie Stores has launched a line of frozen seafood dinners under the Winn-Dixie Fisherman’s Wharf brand. Ready in 10 minutes, the dinners come in six varieties, including shrimp and sausage gumbo. Each 22- to 27.2-ounce bag was on sale last week for $5.99, $1 less than the regular retail. The dinners contain Grade A vegetables and “more shrimp than other brands,” according to the chain. Source: supermarketnews.com

Brazil:Brazilian Diversity at the Fruit Logistica 2009

Attending small, medium and big companies which will represent more than 30 kinds of fruits – Brazilian Fruit Institute , IBRAF, in partnership with Apex-Brasil – Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, will be for the 7th time at Fruit Logistica, the greatest event of fruits and vegetables  in the world. It will be an opportunity  to the companies to show their products on the international market. It will be 60 companies sharing an innovative stand, with a mezzanine for meetings and a Business Center in an area of 351 m⊃;. Traditional exporter companies, new companies and small producers will be there...

Guatemala: AGRITRADE Expo & Conference 2009

In its 14th edition, AGRITRADE Expo & Conference 2009 will be held on March 19 to 21, in Guatemala Central America, in the UNESCO World Heritage colonial city of Antigua Guatemala, in the beautiful setting of Casa Santo Domingo Hotel & Convention Center. The Trade Show offers an exhibition floor, a matchmaking program with pre-schedule procurement meetings, field trips to production farms, conferences and seminars with local and international renowned speakers, social networking events, and post show tour options. Read full article...    

Pakistan:First PMO to get Global Certificate for Mango in Pakistan

First Produce Marketing Organization (PMO) of the progressive mango growers of Multan (Pakistan) has been awarded Global GAP (Global Good Agriculture Practices) certification. It is first PMO of the mango industry in the country which has been certified; previously three individual farms; Ali Khan Tareen Farm, Lodhran Punjab,  JDW Farm, Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab and Asim Agriculture Farm, Tando Allahyar, Sind were certified as Global GAP. According to a press release issued here today by Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Board (PHDEB), PMO of Multan comprises of 730 acres (290 Hectors) of Mango Farms around village Lutfabad on Bosan road, Multan....

US:Successful Export Training Program Accepting New Applicants

NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than ever in these changing economic times, small companies need resources to help them find new business and increase their sales. A training program designed for small companies in the southern United States gives these entrepreneurs the skills to sell their food and agricultural products internationally.   The Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA) offers free training to qualified businesses through its Minority Export Training (MET) program. "Since 2003, the MET program has introduced over 100 small businesses to exporting. Many of these companies began exporting to new foreign markets around the world thanks to...

Canada: Minister Ritz Secures Breakthrough Trade Agreements for Canadian Farmers

HONG KONG, CHINA -- 01/16/09 -- Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz today concluded a trade mission to India and Hong Kong by securing an agreement in-principle with Hong Kong that immediately expands key export opportunities for Canadian beef and sets out a clear time table to open that market to all commercially-significant Canadian beef exports. Canada will work closely with Hong Kong authorities to ensure Hong Kong's high quality and safety standards are met in order to complete a staged process within this calendar year. The announcement came after Minister Ritz met with Hong Kong Secretary for Food and Health Dr....

US:New Magazine Launches for Hispanic Food Business Owners

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Hispanic Marketing Consultants Inc. announces the launch of a new trade magazine, Abasto(TM), designed to provide business insights and news to the Hispanic food entrepreneur. Abasto's first issue will be May 2009, with an initial circulation of 40,000. Abasto is uniquely positioned in that it is the first and only business to business magazine to help Hispanic food entrepreneurs grow their business. "Every issue offers a full range of business insights and news," according to Francisco Camara, Abasto's editor-in-chief. "The word 'abasto' means 'supply' in Spanish," Camara explains, "and since we're writing the magazine in...

South Africa:SAfrica authorities settle with milk price fixer

JOHANNESBURG, Jan 16 (Reuters) - South African competition authorities said on Friday they had reached a settlement with dairy firm Lancewood (Pty) Ltd, accused of being part of a cartel that illegally fixed milk prices. The Competition Commission said it had negotiated an agreement after Lancewood admitted that it had been involved in illegal price information exchanges with other dairy firms. "The company will pay an administrative penalty in the sum of R100,000 ($10,050) and has agreed to cooperate fully with the commission in its prosecution of the remaining respondents," the commission said in a statement. Read full article...  

China:China names "Western liquors" in new health scare

BEIJING (Reuters) - A wide range of food products, especially some Western liquors and domestic peanut oils, have failed quality tests in south China, state media reported on Friday in the latest in a series of food-safety scares. The inspection by the Food Safety Committee of Guangdong province, comes ahead of the week-long Lunar New Year holiday, when Chinese rushed to markets to prepare for family banquets. China has been beset by a series of food- and product-scares in recent years, battering already dented faith in China-made goods and prompting massive recalls. At least six young Chinese children died last year from kidney...

US:U.S. launches WTO complaint about EU chicken ban

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States launched a complaint with the World Trade Organization on Friday about the European Union's 11-year ban on imports of U.S. chicken, U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab said. The European Union has no science-based reason to block U.S. poultry, Schwab said, noting EU scientists have repeatedly deemed safe the chlorine used to kill pathogens. "The poultry treatments at issue have been widely and safely used in the United States for many years," Schwab said in a statement. The Bush Administration had put the poultry ban at the top of its list of trade irritants to try to resolve...

Canada:Icewine makers toasting the frigid weather

Paul-Andre Bosc recollects an old joke told by vintners when talking about wine and the economy. "Business doesn't go down in the booze industry, because when times are good people drink to celebrate, and when times are bad people drink to forget." Mr. Bosc's family has been growing wine for five generations, starting in France. His father founded Chateau des Charmes winery in the Niagara, Ontario wine region in 1978, and soon after it was one of the first Canadian wineries to produce icewine. Since then, the country's icewine industry has grown to nearly $12-million a year in exports, according to Agriculture...

US:Going solo in the global market

A food broker in Japan has e-mailed, asking how low the Minnesota farmer will go in discounting a shipment of soybeans. Knewtson rolls out of bed, rubs sleep from his eyes and heads to his office in the farmyard machine shop, where he will sip coffee and read e-mails from customers half a world away. Knewtson's roots Ð and most of his corn and soybeans Ð are planted here, in the rich Blue Earth County topsoil his family has worked since 1954. But his customer is no longer the local grain elevator. These days, his soybeans go directly to Japan and...

Thailand:Food and drink makers want sugar price cut

Vilai Kiatsrichart, president of Thai Food Processors' Association, said their combined production costs had gone up by about Bt4 billion to Bt5 billion since former industry minister Suwit Khunkitti announced a sudden price rise of Bt5 per kilo last April. "We are under great pressure. While our raw-material costs have surged, we cannot increase our product prices because they are controlled by the Commerce Ministry. If the government does not help us, we may need to lay off 10 to 20 per cent of our employees," she said. About 300,000 people work in the processed-food and beverage industries. Read full article...

Thailand:Pepsi to get pro-active

  Pepsi-Cola (Thai) will speed up the launch of its new product innovations and marketing campaign beginning this month to stimulate demand in the market, which is expected to be stagnant in the first quarter. Parinya Permpanich, marketing and sales operations director for Serm Suk, Pepsi's local bottler, said Thailand's soft-drink market was worth about Bt35 billion last year, the same as in 2007. He said a soft-drink company like Pepsi must stimulate demand with new product innovations. "We want to go against the current trend of the soft-drink industry and any unpredictable obstacle surrounding us," said Parinya. Read full article...  

EU:EU says to support milk market after price slump

(BRUSSELS) - The European Commission announced measures on Thursday to support milk producers, including the reintroduction of export aid, in the wake of a sharp drop in prices. "The severity of the fall in milk prices over recent months has surprised many," said European Agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel in a statement. "I have spoken to many producers during my travels to different member states and their anxiety is clear. Now it is time for the European Union to help," she added. From next week, the commission will reintroduce export refunds for producers of butter, cheese and whole and skimmed milk powder after...

Germany:Food security topic at Berlin trade fair

The world's largest farm-products trade exhibition is under way in Berlin. The so-called Grüne Woche or Green Week will also bring together 1,000 experts plus farm ministers of 30 countries to discuss ways to safeguard global food sources. Friday's prominent guest at Berlin's annual fair will be President Vladimir Putin. Russia, as one of 52 countries represented, has the largest display area. This year's official partner nation is the Netherlands. Among the newcomers is the central Asian republic of Kyrgystan. At Thursday evening's official opening, the EU farming commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel spoke of plans to reinstate support schemes for...

UK:Tesco Express Man joins Musgrave

Musgrave Retail Partners GB has appointed Willie Hamilton as its new trading director. Hamilton joins Musgrave after 24 years at Tesco. For the last three years he has been commercial director for Tesco Express. Phil Smith, managing director of Musgrave, said: "This is a key appointment for our business. Willie will bring fantastic experience and insight into our sector." Hamilton is now on gardening leave from Tesco and should join Musgrave in March. In the meantime Andy Batchelor will continue to lead the trading function on an interim basis. Read full article...

China:GLG extends high purity sweetener production line

GLG Life Tech has upgraded its stevia processing line at its plant in China to boost its output of rebiana that is of a higher purity, which associated with a better taste profile. The ingredient company, based in Canada and China, said the line at the company's Qingdao factory was originally built to process up to 500 metric ton (MT) of Rebaudioside A (rebiana) to a purity level of 80 percent. This would undergo further processing to reach 97 percent purity. However, GLG said that recent modifications to the line using proprietary technology now make it capable of an output of 500...

US:Snacking and Beyond in 2009

OMAHA, Neb.—Gilroy Foods & Flavors™ has released a new issue of Food & FlavorCast™, the company’s quarterly update designed to bring insights and ideas on the trends shaping the way Americans eat today. And the forecast: heavy on snacks and South American inspired meats. Food & FlavorCast reports that the snacking craze is altering eating and shopping patterns in the United States. Currently, 21% percent of all meals are snacks (NPD Group). Snacks offer consumers new flavors in on-the-go formats to fit hectic lifestyles, and, in foodservice, snacks are often “right-size” food portions at the “right-size” price. Several snacking trends give...

Norway:Smartfish Vibrant launch set for February 09

Pharmalogica and Vitatene have joined forces to launch a high-dose omega-3/lycopene carbonated beverage called Smartfish Vibrant. Smartfish Vibrant in raspberry orange flavour is being introduced to the Norwegian market in February 2009 in 20cl Tetra Prisma. The beverage contains 16mg of Lyconat plus 735mg of omega-3s – including 240mg of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), 210mg of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), and 90mg of DPA (docosapentaenoic acid) – and has a six-month shelf life. Read full article...

China:Starbucks - Drinking coffee with Chinese beans

Coffee buffs can look forward to sipping Starbucks' new blend containing beans from southwest China's Yunnan Province during celebrations to mark the chain's 10th anniversary on the Chinese mainland. The world's biggest coffee chain announced the launch of Starbucks South of the Clouds Blend, containing coffee beans from Yunnan, which is the company's first offering using coffee grown by farmers in China. The name has been chosen to honor its birthplace of Yunnan, which means "south of the clouds" in Chinese. Combining arabica beans from Latin America, Asia Pacific and Yunnan's Baoshan region, the new blend creates a unique flavor of bright...

UK:Bernard Matthews cut 130 jobs

  Turkey producer Bernard Matthews is to axe 130 jobs at its head office and production facility in Great Witchingham, Norfolk. The proposed cuts include 35 administrative positions and 95 processing posts from its workforce of over 2,500. The company is now beginning a 30-day consultation process over the redundancies. Chief Executive Noel Bartram said: “This action is a consequence of the challenging economic climate that has resulted in increased price sensitivity, a need to lower costs to remain competitive, and less people leaving the business in a very depressed labour market. Read full article...  

EU:Fair Trade milk soon a euro reality, says farmers group

A ‘Fair Trade’-style certification for European milk prices, designed to cover farmer cost, will soon making its way across EU member states, according to a leading farmers association. The European Milk Board (EMB), a lobby group representing dairy farmers across the EU, said yesterday that certified ‘Fair Milk’, already on retail shelves in Austria would soon be making its way across Europe. The announcement was made at a press conference hosted by the EMB, which outlined the group’s claims that a growing number of European dairy farmers are uniting in their desire to obtain milk prices favouring the producer and consumers. Read...

Sweden:Agreement between Axfood and Arla

Axfood and Arla are to sign an agreement under which Arla will deliver a larger part of its product range to more Axfood stores compared with today. Axfood will also continue to cooperate closely with other regional and local dairies. In the next few weeks, Axfood will meet representatives of these dairies in order to renew the agreements with them. The appearance of the product range at the store level has yet to be decided. Read full article...    

US:Consumer Price Gains Slow to 0.1% Annual Pace

Jan. 16 (Bloomberg) -- The cost of living in the U.S. fell in December as the recession deepened, capping the smallest annual gain in a half century. Americans paid 0.1 percent more for goods and services in 2008, the Labor Department said today in Washington. Consumer prices fell 0.7 percent in December after dropping 1.7 percent the prior month. Excluding food and energy, costs were unchanged. Today’s report underscores the destruction of companies’ pricing power, and the danger of a sustained decline in prices that would deepen the economic downturn by making debts harder to pay off. Federal Reserve Bank of San...

Brazil:Coffee Growers Push Government to Buy 3 Million Bags

Jan. 16 (Bloomberg) -- Brazilian coffee growers are pushing the government to buy as much as 3 million bags of beans in auctions this year to prop up prices after fertilizer costs surged, an industry official said. In talks with Agriculture Minister Reinhold Stephanes, coffee producers are asking the government to buy 1 billion reais ($430 million) of coffee, said Breno Mesquita, head of the industry group’s coffee commission. Growers are also asking for help in refinancing as much as 4 billion reais in debt.   Read full article...  

France:Tripling of U.S. Duties on Roquefort Unjustified, France Says

  Jan. 16 (Bloomberg) -- A tripling in U.S. import duties on Roquefort cheese in response to the European Union’s ban on hormone-treated beef is unjustified, the French government said. “This sanction, taken in retaliation for the continuation of the ban by Brussels on U.S. hormone beef, is unjustified,” the French Agriculture Ministry said in an e-mailed statement. France may introduce promotions and export aid for the U.S. market to help producers of the blue-veined cheese, the ministry said. The EU said yesterday it plans to lodge a World Trade Organization complaint against the U.S. decision to change the list of goods subject...

Spain: Almeria heads agricultural exports from Andalucia

Almeria is top of the Andalucian provinces in agricultural exports, accounting for 1.3 million tons of agricultural products, valued at 1,075.4 million euros. Figures revealed by the ‘Exterior Commerce Institute’ (ICEX) and the Regional Farming and Fisheries Ministry, state that Andalucian exports reached 4,488.6 million euros in the first three quarters of 2008, a 2,327.8 million euro positive balance for the food industry in the region. The figures show that food industry exports represent 34.7 per cent of all Andalucian exports between January and September, valued at 12,929.4 million euros. Read full article...

Algeria:Algerian companies in search of outlets abroad

Algiers, Algeria - Four years after its creation, the Algerian Agency of Promotion of Foreign Trade (ALGEX) is still trying to encourage Algerian companies to contact their counterparts abroad to counter the fall of the level of consumption in the country and to increase their turnovers. Accordingly, the Algerian economic operators are regularly informed of fairs held abroad and the benefit from facilities on the methods of participation. Agriculture is one of the sectors on which hopes lie; for example, many Algerian companies are interested in the international fairs of the olive oil which will be held April in Italy. Parallel fairs will...

Pakistan:Iran to open bank in Karachi this year

KARACHI: Highlighting the present banking system as a hurdle in bilateral trade between Pakistan and Iran, the Iranian government has planned to open a branch of Export Promotion Bank in Karachi this year and reciprocally a branch of National Bank of Pakistan may open in Iran. This was stated jointly by President Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Anjum Nisar and Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Mohammad Zamani, in a meeting held at KCCI on Thursday. Once the Export Promotion Bank is opened, it will be liaising with the State Bank of Pakistan, it was agreed in the...

UK: Finsbury Food boosts revenue by 12%

Finsbury Food has this morning reported that group revenue is up 12% for the first half of the financial year. The company said increased like-for-like sales growths were witnessed in its two smaller divisions; bread and free from. Sales in its largest division, cake, grew by 4% overall but on a like-for-like basis were flat, compared to the same period in 2007. Finsbury Food said in a statement: "We will continue to adapt our broad product range to reflect changing consumer needs whilst driving improvements in efficiency throughout all aspects of our business. Read full article...

US:Essential Cane to Launch Line of Naturally Flavored Sugar

American cooks can turn to Essential Cane for an assortment of flavored cane sugars produced without preservatives, additives, essential oils, or artificial colors or flavors. Essential Cane's new flavors include tangerine, lemon, lime, wild blueberry, raspberry, vanilla bean, espresso, sweet onion, green chili, and many more. The Essential Cane product line will officially launch at the 2009 Winter Fancy Food Show, which will be held Jan. 18-20 at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco. However, the sugars are already available in select gourmet specialty stores and grocery stores, such as Whole Foods Markets and Sur la Table. Read full article...

US: Bigelow Tea Launch New Organic Teas

FAIRFIELD, Conn.— Bigelow Tea launched a new line of organic teas. The new organic teas are Organic Ceylon Fair Trade Certified, Organic Imperial Earl Grey, Organic Breakfast Blend Decaffeinated, Organic Pure Green, Organic Pure Green Decaffeinated, Organic Chamomile Citrusm, Organic Moroccan Mint, Organic Rooibos with Asian Pear, Organic Green Tea with Pomegranate & Acai, and Organic White Tea with Raspberry and Chrysanthemum. Source: http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com

Canada:Really cheap eats: How low will we go?

Wal-Mart's hors d'oeuvres are flying off the shelves, Campbell's condensed soup is through the roof and Velveeta is making a killing. Despite foodies who declared it dead a decade ago, "lowbrow" food is making a comeback. Preferring to stay in instead of eating out, some Canadians are returning to nutritionally dubious "comfort food" such as mac and cheese and Jell-O, a trend that is being mirrored around the world - and worrying health experts and Food Network stars such as chef Jamie Oliver. Last month, Mr. Oliver warned the British Parliament that the financial crisis would drive families to cheap food and...

Romania:Biborteni predicts sales will fall in 2009

Romanian bottled water producer Biborteni is reportedly forecasting that sales growth will stall in 2009 amid recent problems with its product distribution chain due to an economic slowdown. Madalin Simion, brand manager of Biborteni commented: "Mineral water bottlers can be hurt by the problems of distributors and of traditional stores that are short of cash for orders or, worse, have defaulted due to the frozen lines of credit.” The global financial meltdown has led to the bankruptcy of small distributors that have been unable to control cashflow. Indeed, the number of insolvent distributors has risen dramatically in recent months, according to market...

US:Drinks Americas Finalizes Acquisition of Olifant USA

WILTON, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Drinks Americas Holdings, Ltd. today announced the completion of the acquisition of Olifant Vodka. Olifant Vodka made purely from hand selected Dutch grains, is triple distilled in small batches in the distillery’s original copper potstills and aged for a smooth refreshing finish that is world class. It is an award-winning spirit with great quality and taste at a price point that is economically attractive in today’s retail environment. J. Patrick Kenny, President and CEO of Drinks Americas, stated, “Olifant immediately adds $1.5mil in business to Drinks. We believe the brand has the potential in a short period of time to...

US:B&G Foods CEO: store brands gaining shelf space

DANA POINT, Calif, Jan 15 (Reuters) - The maker of Ortega food products and Cream of Wheat hot cereal said on Thursday specialty food brands are getting less shelf space in stores as grocers promote their own brands to cash-strapped consumers. "The room available for our specialty products has shrunk," said David Wenner, president and chief executive of B&G Foods Inc (BGS.N) said during a presentation at the ICRXchange conference in Dana Point, California, about an hour's drive south of Los Angeles. Supermarket chains like Kroger Co (KR.N), Safeway Inc (SWY.N), Supervalu Inc (SVU.N) and Whole Foods Market Inc (WFMI.O) are increasing...

UK:SABMiller plc Trading Update - Global beer sales down

SABMiller plc today issues its interim management statement for the group's third quarter ended 31 December 2008 which also represents a trading update for the same period. The calculation of organic growth rates shown below excludes volumes for acquired businesses for the first 12 months after an acquisition. Lager volumes for the third quarter were 1% ahead of the prior year, and 2% ahead for the year-to-