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February 2009 Entries

Romania: Unilever launches ice cream business in Romania

As part of its growth strategy in South Central Europe, Unilever has announced plans to launch an ice cream business in Romania. For the first time, some of the best-selling global ice cream brands, including Magnum and Carte d'Or, will be widely available throughout the country. Read full article [FoodBizDaily]

India: India claims to be top cashew exporter

Cashew export figures emanating from Vietnam, quoting its Government and other sources, give the impression that it is the top exporter of cashew kernel in the world.-But Indian processors and exporters contest it and say they continue to occupy the top slot. “They might have overtaken us in pepper but in cashew we still continue to enjoy our position as the top exporter of this tree nut,” said some of the major exporters in Kollam. Read full article [thehindubusinessline.com]

Denmark: Carlsber to distribute Corona in Central Asia

Danish brewer Carlsberg has entered into an agreement with Grupo Modelo to extend the current business cooperation. This deal ensures that Carlsberg's subsidiaries in Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, and Belarus as well as the markets Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Moldova will distribute the Corona Extra brand produced by Modelo. The agreement gives Carlsberg Breweries the exclusive rights to import, promote and sell the Corona Extra brand on behalf of Modelo. Until now, Corona has been distributed in Russia by a local importer, reported Uzreport. Read full article [ca-news.org]

India: India may lift export curbs on non-basmati rice

NEW DELHI: A bumper rice production may prompt India to lift export curbs on non-basmati variety by May, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations said in a report. - "The curbs are expected to be lifted either in April or May 2009,'' FAO said in its February Rice Market Monitor. However, India is expected to go to polls in a couple of months and the new government, which can take policy decisions, will be in plac e in late May or early July only. Read full article [thehindubusinessline.com]

China: China's Huiyuan says Coke board not united on bid

BEIJING, Feb 27 (Reuters) - The chairman of China Huiyuan Juice Group (1886.HK), the country's top juice maker, said he would meet with Coca-Cola Co (KO.N) executives next week to discuss their $2.5 billion bid for his company. Read full article [Reuters]

Singapore: Wilmar says has $1 bln available for M&A

SINGAPORE, Feb 27 (Reuters) - Wilmar International (WLIL.SI), the world's largest listed palm oil firm, is keen on acquiring assets and has about $1 billion available for mergers and acquisitions, its chief executive officer said on Friday. Read full article [Reuters]

Germany: Pilsner Urquell wins the German VerkaufsHit award

(FoodBizDaily) - Readers of the German professional journal Getränke Zeitung (Drinks Journal) named Pilsner Urquell lager the brand of 2008 in the segment of premium foreign beers and gave it the VerkaufsHit 2008 award. This it the first time the award was won by one brand in back-to-back years. Pilsner Urquell sales in Germany increased 23 percent year-on-year and it's the best-selling imported beer. Read full article [FoodBizDaily]

Russia: Russian '09 raw sugar imports may fall 35 pct -Cargill

MOSCOW, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Russia, the world's No. 2 raw sugar buyer, could potentially cut imports by 35 percent this year due to the credit crisis and an increase in last year's beet sugar output, an international trader said on Thursday. Read full article [Reuters]

China: JBT Corporation to supply tomato processing equipment to Asian's largest tomato enterprise

JBT Corporation announced today that its JBT FoodTech business was awarded a euro 10.35 million (approximately US $14 million) contract to supply tomato processing equipment for a new plant in Ningxia, China. The contract is with COFCO Xinjiang Tunhe Co. Ltd. ,Asia's largest and the world's second largest tomato processing enterprise. Tunhe is a subsidiary of COFCO, China's major agricultural trading and food processing enterprise. Read full article [FoodBizDaily]

China: SABMiller's joint venture to buy 3 breweries in China

China Resources Snow Breweries Limited , SABMiller's joint venture in China with China Resources Enterprise, Limited , has announced that it has agreed to acquire three breweries in Anhui, Liaoning and Zhejiang provinces . The total investment cost for the three acquisitions is about US$110 million. Read full article [FoodBizDaily]

Indonesia: Indonesia to export super quality rice in March

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Having succeeded to record a surplus of over 2.7 million tons of rice in mid 2008, Indonesia will start to export super quality rice to some Asian countries such as Japan, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Hongkong and Timor Leste. [..] The rice can be categorized into super quality rice, if the percentage of the broken is only within a range of zero to five. Read full article [antara.co.id]

France: French winemakers fear tasting ban in health rules

PARIS (Reuters Life!) - The French wine trade fears new health rules could force vintners to keep the cork on bottles when visitors come to their cellars, dealing a serious blow to growing wine tourism by stigmatizing the beverage. Read full article [Reuters]

Germany: Innovations in chocolate: asparagus, smoked figs and 23-carat gold

Innovation in product design, be this packaging or formulation, will play a key role in boosting margins to help confectionery manufacturers beat the economic downturn. At this year's confectionery and biscuit trade fair ISM, held in Cologne earlier this month, a clutch of new designs contributed to the pool of new product ideas. Read full article [confectionerynews.com]

US: Del Monte profit up and increases forecast

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Del Monte Foods (DLM.N) posted a higher-than-expected quarterly profit and raised its full-year forecast, helped by price increases for products like pet food, sending its shares up 13 percent. - The company, which makes Meow Mix and other pet foods and Del Monte canned fruits and vegetables, is one of many food makers that has benefited from consumers eating more at home to save money. Del Monte also set price increases in recent months to offset commodity costs that soared last year. Read full article [Reuters]

Thailand: Thai CP Foods expects higher 2009 revenue

BANGKOK, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Charoen Pokphand Foods CPF.BK, Thailand's largest chicken exporter, said on Wednesday its 2009 sales would exceed the 156 billion baht (4.37 billion) achieved last year, helped by both domestic sales and exports. Read full article [Reuters]

US: Access Beverage in negotiations to by LAUQUEN® Natural Artesian Water

Access Beverage, Inc. a U.S.-based manufacturer and marketer of  wine and fine spirits announced today that the company has entered into a Letter of Intent (LOI) with New Patagonia SA to acquire a forty-percent (40%) interest, contingent upon meeting performance requirements, in LAUQUEN® Natural Artesian Water. Under the terms of the agreement, Access Beverage is expected to acquire exclusive marketing and distribution rights, including import/export rights.   Read full article [FoodBizDaily]

UK: Cadbury profit up - strong grown in emerging markets

Chief Executive Todd Stitzer said he was "confident but realistic" looking into 2009 as other consumer goods companies around the world were forecasting lower growth this year.[...] Stitzer said the group had seen good growth across all its businesses with chocolate sales up 6 percent, gum up 10 percent, and candy up 6 percent. Its emerging markets, nearly 40 percent of its business, saw growth of 12 percent. Read full article [Reuters]

Philippines: RP firms to import more eggs from Germany, US

The Philippine Egg Industry on Tuesday announced that the industry would import a total of 360,000 parent stock this year from Germany, United States and Canada. - Gregorio San Diego, National Federation of Egg Producers of the Philippines president, said that seven companies were allowed by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to import the said volume. Read full article [manilatimes.net]

UK: Drinks giants attacked over supplier terms

The Forum of Private Business has criticised two of the world’s largest drinks companies for changing their payment terms with smaller suppliers. - Diageo, the company behind Guinness and Johnnie Walker whisky, has extended the period within which it pays suppliers to 60 days Read full article [independent.co.uk]

Kosovo: Grapes of wrath give way to export red

LONDON - Just a year after Kosovo emerged from bitter inter-ethnic conflict to gain independence, the fledgling state is celebrating its first export of wine to Britain. - The launch highlights the growth in Britain of sales of previously unknown wines from Croatia, Bulgaria, Moldova and Uruguay. Read full article [nzherald.co.nz]

Japan: AOI Tea Company - matcha tea at ExpoWest

AOI Tea Company, the largest grower of organic teas in Japan and the manufacturer of a wide spectrum of matcha products will be displaying new products at EXPO WEST. Supplying matcha products for home use as well as private label teas, and bulk products ,the company has recently established U.S. headquarters to service the growing demand for the highest quality matcha. Read full article [FoodBizDaily]  

Switzerland: Nestle cuts plastic packaging for Easter eggs

Confectionery giant Nestle has removed plastic packaging from around 80 per cent of its shell Easter eggs in a move to further its green credentials. - The Swiss firm said the decision to swap from plastic casing around Easter eggs to cardboard will save hundreds of tonnes of waste and result in a 30 per cent reduction in the weight of packaging for the affected products. Read full article [confectionerynews.com]

Indonesia: Indonesia May Buy More U.S. Wheat on Australian Jam

Feb. 24 (Bloomberg) -- Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy, may boost wheat shipments from the U.S. and Canada amid port congestion in Australia, according to Franciscus Welirang, the chairman of the Indonesian Wheat Flour Producers Association. Read full article [Bloomberg]  

Ireland: Kerry Group Full-Year Net Falls 28% on Higher Costs, Currency

Feb. 24 (Bloomberg) -- Kerry Group Plc, Ireland’s largest food company, said profit declined 28 percent last year because of the weakening pound and higher costs. - Net income fell to 177 million euros ($225 million) from 246 million euros a year earlier, the Tralee, Ireland-based company said today in a statement. Revenue was little changed at 4.8 billion euros. Read full article [Bloomberg]

Switzerland: Nestle cuts investment in bottled water business

ZURICH, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Nestle (NESN.VX) is cutting investment in bottled water as it suffers from the economic downturn and environmental concerns, but will push the health benefits to help the business rebound, it said on Tuesday. Reaad full article [Reuters]

Japan: Japan's Aeon turns to store brands in tough times

TOKYO, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Japan's second-largest retailer, Aeon Co Ltd (8267.T), said it would introduce more store brands and cut the prices of existing ones at its supermarkets in the face of a retail slump, increasing competition for national brands. Read full article [Reuters]  

India: Sugar Drops in India as Government Plans Stock Curbs

Feb. 24 (Bloomberg) -- Sugar prices in India, the world’s second-biggest producer, declined by the daily limit after the government said it will limit the quantity traders can hold to cool prices ahead of general elections. Read full article [Bloomberg]

Malaysia: Ambassador of Malaysia to the UAE launches Starkiss Food products at Gulfood 2009

Some of the products launched will include frozen puff parathas, wholemeal parathas, stuffed parathas, chapattis, spring rolls pastry, vegetable spring rolls, vegetable puff pastry and samosas and these products are available under Malaysian house brands such as Tesco, Carrefour and Giant. Read full article [ameinfo.com]

Belgium: AB InBev agrees sale of U.S. Labatt business

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Anheuser-Busch InBev (INTB.BR), the world's largest brewer, said on Monday it had agreed the sale of InBev USA, the U.S. distributor of Canadian beer Labatt, to an affiliate of private equity firm KPS Capital Partners.   Read full article [Reuters]

Thailand: FTA with Japan helps cushion blow on Thai exports

Japan's economic recession is expected to have only a slight impact on Thai exports thanks to the privileges granted under the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA) and the "Chinese factor", both the public and private sectors agreed yesterday. - Exports of Thai food are expected to contract by almost 10 percent each in the first two quarters of this year. Read full aricle [freshplaza.com]    

Vietnam: Vietnam to Allow Rice Export Contracts for July Sales

Feb. 23 (Bloomberg) -- Vietnam, the world’s second-biggest rice supplier, will only allow new contracts for shipments from July to help stabilize prices after exports in the first half of the year exceeded a government target. - The Vietnam Food Association will register export contracts for delivery between July and September, according to a statement on its Web site today. Contracts for 3 million tons for delivery until June have been signed, topping a target of 2.8 million tons to 3 million tons for the period. Read full article [bloomberg.com]

US: Tropicana will go back to old packaging

IT took 24 years, but PepsiCo now has its own version of New Coke. - The PepsiCo Americas Beverages division of PepsiCo is bowing to public demand and scrapping the changes made to a flagship product, Tropicana Pure Premium orange juice.   Read full article [nytimes.com]  

US: Borders Melon to ship Watermelons in recyclable plastic pallets

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 23 (FoodBizDaily)  Intelligent Global Pooling Systems (iGPS Company LLC) announced today that Borders Melon Co, Inc. will begin shipping its watermelons on iGPS' all-plastic pallet. - Borders Melon is the latest company to switch from wood pallets to iGPS' state-of-the-art, recyclable plastic pallet. Read full article [FoodBizDaily]

US: Private Label Winning Battle of Brands

BATAVIA, Ohio (AdAge.com) Package-goods brands face their greatest crisis and strongest threat from private label since at least the early 1990s. And that's the good news. Read full article [adage.com]

Malaysia: EU to resume marine imports from Malaysia

The European Union is expected to resume imports of marine products from Malaysia soon. - European Commission Health and Consumer Protection director general Jerome Lepeintre said steps were being taken by fish exporters to improve their standard of hygiene of the fish products exported to EU. Read full article [thestar.com.my]

Scotland: Whisky producers turn screw on Seoul

THE Scotch Whisky Association will this week call on the European Union to step up the pressure on South Korea to lower its punitive 20% import tariffs in a groundbreaking free trade agreement that will help unlock the fifth largest whisky market in the world.   Read full article [scotsman.com]

Africa: Coffee industry stable but specialty brews to lose out

Coffee sales are unlikely to be affected by current economic crisis that has threatens all sectors with job cuts, shutdowns and poor returns, says the International Coffee Organisation. - At African Fine Coffee Conference and Exhibition in Kigali, International Coffee Organisation top executive Dr Nestor Osorio said that though the world economic outlook is still uncertain, available evidence suggests that the situation will not have a significant impact on coffee consumption. Read full article [theeastafrican.co.ke]

Philippines: Tuna sales grow amid weak overall C. Mindanao exports

Tuna products sold overseas rose to 8.3 million kilograms worth $22.7 million in January, from 7.2 kg worth $20.3 million in the same month last year, data sourced from the office here of the Bureau of Customs showed.  - Read full article [bworldonline.com]   Mariano M. Fernandez, president of the Tuna Canners’ Association of General Santos, had earlier said that while the sector suffered slower demand from the US orders from Europe and other regions have filled the gap.

US: In Oscars(R) day Moet & Chandon donates rare bottle of champagne.

On the morning of the 81st Academy Awards, Moet & Chandon announces a symbolic charitable donation to mark Moet & Chandon's first year as exclusive champagne of the Oscars(R) - A rare bottle autographed by Steven Spielberg, Hugh Jackman, and Robert Downey, Jr., to be auctioned at Christie's to raise funds for leading health and social services charity. Read full article [FoodBizDaily]

India: Tea exports to Russia, Egypt may take quantum leap despite slump

Kochi: Tea exports to Egypt and Russia are likely to show a quantum jump in 2009 despite a global slowdown in trade and consumption, commodity experts said. “Exports to Egypt are likely to increase by more than 50% in 2009 to touch 20 million kg,” Shawaky Olama , chief of imports, El Nasr Export and Import Company and member of the Egyptian Board told FE. Read full article [financialexpress.com]

Spain: Asaja calls for coordinated fresh produce exports

In the face the falling returns for Spanish fruit and vegetables, leading Murcia-based fresh produce association Asaja Murcia has called for the country’s growers to work together to maintain higher prices by organising coordinated exports. Read full article [fruitnet.com]

US: Rogue Creamery leads American cheeses to Europe

CENTRAL POINT, Ore. — Back in the summer of 1955, American cheesemaker Tom Vella received a gift in a manila envelope while touring France - a sample of the mold that goes into Roquefort cheese. - More than 50 years later, that mold is returning home with fanfare as the Oregon cheese plant Vella founded, Rogue Creamery, leads the way in an unlikely revolution of culture - a growing number of American cheesemakers are exporting raw milk cheeses to Europe. Read full article [wral.com]

NAFTA: Hoffa Denounces Hershey for "Exporting Jobs" to Mexico

WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 - Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa denounced the Hershey Food Corporation's  closing of its plant in Reading, Pennsylvania. Hoffa says 300 workers will loose their jobs when Hershey moves the production to Monterrey, Mexico. Read full article [FoodBizDaily]

India: Pressure mounts for raising import duty on milk powder

New Delhi, Feb. 20 With the European Union (EU) announcing a second round of export subsidies on dairy products, pressure is mounting on the Centre to raise import duties on butter oil and skimmed milk powder (SMP). Read full article [thehindubusinessline.com]

Serbia: Serbian organic food makers to exhibit at BioFach

The Serbian Investment and Export Promotion Agency (SIEPA) stated that Serbian producers of organic food will for the sixth time exhibit their products in Nirnberg at the specialised fair BioFach from February 19 to 22.  - The Serbian national stand will carry a slogan "Organic Serbia“ and will present seven companies:  Lion Foods, Sirogojno, Zadrugar, Suncokret, Mondi Serbia, Foodland and BMD. Read full article [emportal.co.yu]

Brazil: Brazil's JBS abandons US National Beef takeover

SAO PAULO, Feb 20 (Reuters) - Brazil's JBS (JBSS3.SA), the world's largest beef producer and owner of JBS-Swift, has abandoned its attempt to take over U.S. meat company National Beef Packing Company LLC, saying it could not work out an agreement with U.S. authorities over terms of the deal.   Read full article [Reuters]

US: Appetite for food deals wanes in weak economy

BOCA RATON, Florida (Reuters) - Food companies are pushing away from the acquisitions table in the face of the weak global economy, and those that do seek deals are likely to focus on bite-sized morsels. - Several factors weigh against a large number of food deals in 2009, industry executives and analysts told Reuters at the Consumer Analysts Group of New York conference this week in Florida. Read full article [Reuters]

Latin America: Recession Challenges Fair Trade

MEXICO CITY, Feb 20 (IPS/IFEJ) - The world economic recession is threatening the progress Latin America has made in fair trade. The leaders of this alternative form of exchange are making emergency contacts in order to assess the situation and come up with strategies to confront it.   Read full article [ipsnews.net]

Ethiopia: Ethiopian Government Urges Japan to Lift Ban on Coffee Imports

Feb. 20 (Bloomberg) -- Ethiopia urged Japan to lift a ban on imports of its coffee, saying the Horn of Africa country has taken measures to prevent pesticide contamination that led Japan to halt purchases last year. - “It’s time to put the Japanese market back and this has already been communicated to them,” Ethiopian Trade Minister Girma Birru said in an interview in the capital, Addis Ababa, on Feb. 17. “I think this is a problem we can leave behind us.” Read full article [Bloomberg]  

China: Infant formula producer Synutra denies rumors of revocation of its production certification

Synutra President and Chief Operating Officer Weiguo Zhang said, "Technical updates to our production certification are routine business activities and market speculations that we are closing our facilities are groundless and irresponsible. ." Read full article [FoodBizDaily]

US: California Milk Advisory Board Travels to China on Another Dairy Trade Mission

The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) announced today a delegation of key board members, members of the executive team and several partners, will visit China once again on a trade mission for the second time in six months. The delegation is comprised of members from the energy, agriculture, tourism and technology sectors. A delegation comprised of California dairy industry producers and partners visited China less than four months ago on a similar mission. Read full article [FoodBizDaily]

New Zealand: New Zealand Cuts Sauvignon Blanc Output to Avoid Glut

Feb. 20 (Bloomberg) -- New Zealand grape growers are cutting output of all varieties including Sauvignon Blanc, the country’s biggest wine export, to maintain quality and avoid a glut as demand slows. Read full article [Bloomberg]

Germany: German export body CMA unconstitutional, find judges

The future of Germany’s main food export body, the Central Marketing Organisation of German Agricultural Industries (CMA), has been thrown into doubt after German farmers won a legal battle over the compulsory levies imposed to fund the body. Read full article [thegrocer.co.uk]

US: ConAgra to focus on snacks

While convenient meals and potatoes are its two areas of greatest focus, ConAgra Foods Inc. has identified snacks as its third strategic priority heading into fiscal 2009 and beyond.- Andre Hawaux, president of consumer foods, said that while ConAgra's primary focus in snacks is on popcorn, seeds and meat sticks, the company also has its eye on growing its grain bar and fruit snack business. Read full article [worldbakers.com]

UK: Milk Link's The Red One Wins The Grocer Branded Excellence Award

The Red One, Milk Link’s new Red Leicester, triumphed at The Grocer Branded Excellence Awards in the cheese category, held at London’s Park Lane Hotel on the 18th February 2009.  The Grocer Branded Excellence Awards recognise the most outstanding products across the industry across 20 categories. Read full article [FoodBizDaily]

Switzerland: Swiss firm claims to crack tooth-friendly drink conundrum

A new beverage is claiming to be the first ice tea that can safeguard the health of teeth, thanks to the use of isomaltulose in place of sucrose and an aseptic process that prevents bacteria without the need for acids. Read full article [ap-foodtechnology.com]

Pakistan: Pakistan at Fruit Logistica 2009

Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Board (PHDEB) arranged a Pakistan Pavilion at Fruit Logistica 2009 where specialties produce from Pakistan like juicy Kinnow mandarin, aromatic Mango & other fruit juices, herbal and health products and various value added products were showcased. PHDEB CEO Mr. Shamoon Sadiq led the delegation and discussed with visitors numerous business opportunities available in Pakistan. Read full article [freshplaza.com]

UK: UK awards reflect growing consumer demand for fine chocolate

The UK consumer palate continues to move towards fine chocolate, evident in the mushrooming popularity of the UK's academy of chocolate awards that clocked-up an increasing number of entries from bean-to-bar players.   Read full article [confectionerynews.com]

US: Pepsi will distribute ROCKSTAR Energy Drink

Fueling its broader beverage portfolio reinvention plans, PepsiCo today announced a multiyear distribution agreement with ROCKSTAR Energy Drink, dramatically increasing the Pepsi system's share of the fast-growing, highly profitable energy drink market. Read full article [FoodBizDaily]

Africa: World Cocoa Foundation and Leading Chocolate Industry Companies Partner with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to Significantly Improve Cocoa Farmer Livelihoods in West Africa

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 --  The World Cocoa Foundation and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will fund a $40 million program to support chocolate companies in Africa and help 200,000 cocoa farmers.   Read full article [FoodBizDaily]

Australia: Australian bush fires - wines left tasting like 'pub ashtray'

Deadly bush fires have left premium wines in Australia's Victoria region tasting like "pub ashtrays" forcing some vintners to abandon almost £500,000 worth of grapes. - Fumes from the fires that burned more than 450,000 hectares in the south-eastern state of Victoria have tainted grape crops in the Upper Goulburn Valley and may also pose a threat to million-dollar harvests in the Yarra Valley. Read full article [telegraph.co.uk]  

US: Soybeans Increase as Argentine Farmers Plan Rally on Export Tax

Feb. 19 (Bloomberg) -- Soybeans rallied for the first time in seven sessions on speculation farmers in Argentina may strike in protest against export taxes and quotas, helping boost sales of U.S. supplies. Corn was little changed, while wheat gained. Read full article [Bloomberg]

Uganda: Uganda lost 50,000 containers of coffee in thefts last year

Uganda’s exporters lost more than 50,000 containers of coffee in highway robberies.This was revealed during the East African Fine Coffee Conference and Exhibition dubbed, ‘The Africa Policy Dinner’ last week in Kigali. Delegates were told that trans-border transportation of coffee was hindered by facilitated highway robberies. Read full article [www.monitor.co.ug]  

Fiji: Sugar prices up

Consumers are paying up to 30 per cent more for sugar.This after Fiji Sugar Corporation increased its wholesale price by 32 per cent early last month. A 10kg pack of sugar, which cost around $7.50 last year has increased by more than $2. - Hansons (Fiji) Limited director Suresh Kant said sugar was a basic food item and consumers would suffer. Read full article [fijitimes.com]

US: Hendrix estate claims $3.2M win against vodka maker

The estate of Jimi Hendrix is claiming a $3.2 million judgment victory in the fight against the maker of a brand of vodka that featured an image of the late Seattle rock guitarist on the bottle. Read full article [bizjournals.com]

Canada: Saudi Arabia reopens market to Canadian beef

THE Saudi Arabian Government has reopened its borders to Canadian beef, according to Canada's Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Gerry Ritz.- Ritz made the announcement after meeting with Saudi Arabian Minister of Commerce and Industry Abdullah Bin Ahmed Zeinal Alireza in Riyadh on Tuesday. Read full article [weeklytimesnow.com.au]

Vietnam: Dragon fruit exporters undercut themselves out of US market

The success in exporting dragon fruit to the United States has turned out to be short-lived because of unhealthy competition among businesses and the lack of irradiation services in Vietnam, exporters said. - After the US opened its market to fresh dragon fruit from Vietnam last July, three shipments totaling nearly five tons were sent to the US in November at US$4-4.5 a kilogram. But now export to the US has ceased, with exporters no longer interested in the market, Le Tan Thi Viet Thanh, director of Ho Chi Minh City-based Bao Thanh Company, said. Read full article [www.freshplaza.com]

Germany: Fruit Logistica brings record number of exhibitors

John Toner certainly isn’t alone in thinking Fruit Logistica is the Goliath among trade shows in the world produce industry. - A record 2,288 exhibitors — up from 2,110 in 2008 — from 80 countries were at Fruit Logistica, Feb. 4-6 in Berlin. Read full article [thepacker.com]

UAE: Doehler targets Middle East innovation with new Dubai centre

The German producer of beverage and food ingredients and has 15 other such centres around the globe. It has had a sales office in Dubai for several years and some applications facilities, but decided to expand this due to the market opportunities identified in the region. Read full article [beveragedaily.com]

France: French wine exports drop in 2008 amid crisis

The value of French wine and spirit exports slipped 0.3 percent in 2008 after sales tumbled in the last three months of the year, a group representing the sector said Wednesday.- France exported euro9.31 billion (US$11.7 billion) worth of wine last year, said Claude de Jouvencel, the head of the French Federation of Wine and Spirits Exporters. Read full article [Forbes]

US: Coke to pilot new 120-drink fountain

The Coca-Cola Co. will soon test in restaurants in Atlanta and Orange County, Calif., a new fountain drink dispenser that can serve up to 120 different beverages. - The device uses higher-concentrate ingredients to serve up to 120 beverages in the same amount of space as the current eight-valve machine. Consumers will be able to choose from a wide variety of brands -- still, sparkling, calorie and no-calorie. Read full article [bizjournals.com]

Jamaica: Red Stripe makes gains from lower marketing spend

Red Stripe's volumes are down six per cent, but it slashed marketing costs by a third to post a $933-million after-tax profit, up 54 per cent over last year.- The group slashed its marketing to use that cash for investment, stated its chairman Richard Byles in an investor relations document. Read full article [jamaicaobserver.com]

Georgia: Georgia to Sell ‘Borjomi’ Production Rights

A license for production of Borjomi mineral water will be sold on auction with a starting price of USD 8 million, the Georgian Economy Ministry said on February 17. - The auction for selling the license for 25 years will be held on March 20, it said. Read full article [civil.ge]  

Tunisia: Tunisia 4th producer of olive oil in the World

With an average annual production of 170 thousand metric tons, Tunisia is the largest producer of olive oil outside the European Union and is the 4th largest in the world after Spain, Italy and Greece. This production is covered by approximately 1430 oil with a total crushing capacity of 23 thousand tons per day. Read full article [tunisiamag.com]

India: India may export wheat 1st time in 6 years

 SINGAPORE (Reuters) - India, the world's second-biggest wheat producer, is likely to export the grain for the first time in 6 years after bumper harvests boosted stocks, a leading grains trader said on Tuesday.- The country will harvest 76.5 million tonnes of wheat this year, just 1.6 percent below official estimates, Vijay Iyengar, managing director of Singapore-based Agrocorp International, told Reuters. Read full article [Reuters]

US: Smithfield Foods To Cut 1,800 Jobs, Close 6 Plants

Smithfield Foods Inc. (SFD) announced Tuesday it plans to close six plants and shed 1,800 staff, as the world's largest pork processor by revenue battles the liquidity squeeze that has already pushed rivals into bankruptcy and widespread restructuring. Read full article [money.cnn.com]    

Thailand: Thai Export-Import Bank opens branch in Moscow

Bangkok - The state-run Export-Import Bank of Thailand on Tuesday opened a branch in Moscow to facilitate Thai-Russian trade. - The Moscow branch, the Thai EXIM International Co, is to provide Thai exporters with advance payment bonds, trade facilitation, business-matching services and act as a middleman in "arranging proper protection for undeliverable Thai export goods left unattended at a Russian port," Thai Deputy Finance Minister Pruektichai Damrongrut said in a statement. Read full article [topnews.in]

UK: Walkers crisps cut carbon footprint to retain carbon label

Improving its green credentials, Walkers' crisps becomes the first company in the UK to retain a carbon reduction label, after cutting its carbon footprint by 7 per cent in two years.   Read full article [bakeryandsnacks.com]

India: Sugar Imports May Fall Short On Policy Delay

NEW DELHI (Dow Jones)-An Indian government move to allow duty-free import of raw sugar to improve domestic supply amid a smaller crop this year may have little impact on prices as bureaucratic delays will deny the benefit of the change to most importers. Read full article [marketwatch.com]    

Australia: Australia cattle rancher responds to market slump

SYDNEY, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Australia's largest cattle rancher, Australian Agricultural Company Ltd is reorganising its operations as consumers turn to cheaper cuts of beef as the global recession bites.[...] But MLA said exports to the United States, Australia's second-biggest export market for beef after Japan, were forecast to rise 38 percent due to strong demand in the fast food sector and lower U.S. beef supplies. Read full article [Reuters]

US: Starbucks to unveil 'Via' instant coffee

NEW YORK, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Starbucks Corp (SBUX.O), whose chief executive is trying to fight "misperceptions about affordability" for the coffee chain's brands, will unveil on Tuesday its new "Via" instant coffee that will sell for less than $1 per cup - The company, which recently announced another round of store closures and job cuts, will begin selling Via next month. A trio of single-serve Via packets will sell for $2.95 and 12 packets will be priced at $9.95. Read full article [Reuters]  

US: Nestle seeks packaging design advice

Nestle Confections and Snacks in the US are turning to the consumer for design advice with the firm launching a competition to ask consumers to vote for the latest packaging for its Goobers, Sno-Caps and Oh Henry! brands. Read full article [confectionerynews.com]  

UK: Tories want 'honest' food labels

Only meat "born and bred" in Britain should carry "British" labels, the Conservatives have said. - Under current rules, meat from animals farmed in other countries processed in the UK can be packaged as British. Read full article [news.bbc.co.uk]

Taiwan: King Car Food Industrial Co. sets up a world-class whisky distillery in Taiwan

How much do the Taiwanese like whisky? According to statistics, Taiwan imports more than 12 million liters of the drink from Scotland per year, making it one of the world's top-ten importers by value.   Read full article [etaiwannews.com]  

India: Bacardi scouting for brands to tap growth in tier II, III markets

Mumbai: The world’s largest privately held liquor maker, Bacardi Ltd, is scouting for potential brand acquisitions in India and expanding its sales and marketing team to tap anticipated growth in the local spirits market. Read full article [livemint.com]  

US: Hershey's non-exec chairman resigns

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Hershey Co (HSY.N) said on Monday its nonexecutive chairman resigned from the company's board of directors following a request from the chocolate-maker's controlling shareholder.   Read full article [Reuters]  

UK: Private label trend reduces the power of brands

The switch to private label over branded food is gathering pace in the recession, according to an index compiled by a UK newspaper, which may tighten the squeeze on branded goods manufacturers.   Read full article [foodnavigator.com]

Peru: Peru to unlock Mexican citrus market

Peruvian citrus fruits are expected to gain access to Mexico for the first time in early 2010 after five years of continued efforts to meet import requirements. Read full article [fruitnet.com]

Brazil: Russian Federation and Brazil to sign contracts about supplies of wheat and soy meal

On February 18, the Russian Federation and Brazil will sign the memorandum about supplies of the Russian wheat to Brazil and Brazilian soybean and soy meal to the Russian Federation. Read full article [agrimarket.info]

India: Mandala Winery ties up with Nasik based York Winery

Boutique wine producer Mandala Winery has tied up with Nasik-based York Winery Pvt Ltd (YWPL) for the production of wines under its brand. "Presently, we produce about 10000 cases of wines per year and the aim is to increase this volume by 50 to 60 per cent year on year," says Ramesh Rao, Managing Director, Mandala Valley Vineyards. Read full article [sommelierindia.com]

Georgia: Kindzmarauli Wine Cellar in Export Talks with the U.S., Turkey, and India

Tbilisi (GBC) – Kindzmarauli Wine Cellar, a winemaking company, is in negotiations with the U.S., Turkey, and India on exporting its wines. - Kindzmarauli Wine Cellar's management has confirmed the information that sales of Georgian wines have decreased in Ukraine. Georgian wines are facing almost the same problems as in Russia, Lasha Suladze, the company's commercial manager, said. Read full article [gbw.ge]

India: Rajya Sabha passes bill to protect Basmati

New Delhi (PTI): The Government is not sure if India could have a joint registration of Basmati under Geographical Indications (GI) with Pakistan, the Rajya Sabha was told on Monday as it passed a bill to protect the uniqueness of some special products, including the premium rice variety. Read full article [hindu.com]

South Africa: Tiger Brands Sees ‘Real’ Growth in Earnings This Year

Feb. 16 (Bloomberg) -- Tiger Brands Ltd., South Africa’s largest food company, may achieve “real” profit growth in the 2009 fiscal year as falling commodity prices cut food costs. Read full article [Bloomberg]

Germany: Nordzucker/Danisco deal clears key hurdle - sources

DUESSELDORF/COPENHAHEN (Reuters) - Germany's Nordzucker and Denmark's Danisco (DCO.CO) have cleared a major regulatory hurdle in the planned sale of Danisco's sugar business to Nordzucker, several sources close to the discussions said on Monday. Read full article [Reuters]

Switzerland: Focus on Nestle outlook as set to book strong 2008

ZURICH, Feb 16 (Reuters) - Nestle (NESN.VX), the world's biggest food group, is expected to have defied the global slowdown when it reports 2008 results on Thursday, but all eyes will be on whether it expects to keep bucking the trend in 2009. Read full article [Reuters]

Scotland: Scottish export sales show slump

Scotland's manufacturing exports have dropped for the first time in three years, according to latest figures.- The Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) reported a 2.4% fall in goods exported overseas in 2007/08, down to £14.6bn. Read full article [news.bbc.co.uk]

Australia: Climate crises to sour honey prices

THE nation's biggest honey producer has warned that retail prices for the sweet spread could soar this year after Queensland floods, drought in NSW and the Victorian bushfires destroyed bee production and cut supply. Read full article [theage.com.au]

China: China Mengniu says milk products safe to consume

HONG KONG, Feb 16 (Reuters) - China Mengniu Dairy (2319.HK), the country's top milk producer, said Chinese Authorities had concluded that an additive in its milk products was safe to consume. Read full article [Reuters]

Korea: U.S. beef exports to Korea rise 127% in 2008

Korea was the fourth largest importer of U.S. beef in the world last year, according to report by the U.S. Meat Export Federation released Saturday. - In the last six months, Korea has shipped in 57,267 tons of U.S. beef. By import volume, this is a 128 percent surge on total beef imports in 2007. Read full article [joongangdaily.joins.com]  

Croatia: Dubrovnik to resume export of wine to Germany after 18 years

The firm "Dubrovacki podrumi" (Dubrovnik wine cellars) is planning to resume the export of wine to the German and other European markets after an 18-year-long hiatus. - The firm was forced to halt exports in 1991 because of the Homeland War (1991-1995) and needed many years to recover. Dutch oenologist Jan von Lissum helped it a great deal in that regard. Read full article [www.croatiantimes.com]

Sri Lanka: Ceylon Biscuits banks on strong growth in international sales

Munchee biscuits is already a household name in Sri Lanka with brand owner Ceylon Biscuits Limited (CBL) further saying it possesses a 60% domestic market share, a feat due in no small part to CBL's self-professed 'best distribution network in Sri Lanka' Read full article [www.sundaytimes.lk]

Canada: Wal-Mart Takes New Look to Canada

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Wal-Mart Stores on Friday said it would take its new logo and slogan — “Save Money. Live Better” — to its Canadian division, according to reports.- The U.S. division began using the new logo on a few stores and in its marketing last summer. The orange and blue logo eliminates the hyphen, uses a lower-case “m” and has a starburst shape at the end. Read full article [supermarketnews.com]

US: Mexico unveils Amazing Avocado campaign

The US-based Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association (MHAIA) has rolled-out one of its “most far-reaching marketing campaigns” since avocados from Mexico were first shipped to the US in a bid to help produce managers educate consumers about the “amazing versatility and nutritional benefits” of avocados. Read full article [www.fruitnet.com]

US: Burgers Hit the Spot in Tough Economic Times

Even the rich are changing their eating habits during these tough economic times. MediaPost reports that affluent consumers have increased their visits to fast-food hamburger chains and cut back on their visits to more upscale, family restaurants since early Oct. 2008. Read full article [www.foodproductdesign.com]

US: Peanut Corporation Faces Damage Suits, Class Actions

Peanut Corporation of America (“PCA”) bankruptcy won't necessarily derail litigation efforts. - The peanut butter salmonella outbreak has already had wide-ranging and, in some cases devastating, consequences. Reaad full article [www.consumeraffairs.com]

Australia : Australia beats Italy, Spain and Belgium in 'World Cup of Cheese’

Australia made its mark on the world stage when competing for the very first time in the prestigious International Caseus Awards, held in Lyon, France in January. - Australia's Richard Thomas and Nick Haddow at the Caseus Awards.The team, consisting of cheese experts Nick Haddow (Tasmania), Richard Thomas (Victoria) and Team Manager Valerie Henbest (South Australia), were eventually ranked 9th in a battle against the world’s best. Read full article [www.foodmag.com.au]

US: Big love on Valentine's Day with Bigelow Tea

Connecticut-based Bigelow Tea has created two seasonal tea blends for Valentine's Day: White Chocolate Kisses blends chocolate with robust black tea, while Sweetheart Cinnamon is a herbal tea blend with cinnamon and sweet apple. Read full article [foodbev.com]

US: Tops Rolls Out Own-brand Spring Water

As part of its transition to being a locally owned and managed grocer, Tops Markets, LLC has introduced Tops brand Spring Water, which is sourced and bottled in the company's home region of western New York. Read full article [www.progressivegrocer.com]

Philippines: Philippines' tuna production down

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Global climate change and world oil market trends are hurting tuna fishermen in the Philippines, experts say. - Last year, the local tuna industry saw a slide of 22 percent in its production. Three years ago, the Philippines' tuna production ranked the fourth in the world, reaching 500,000 tons, but in 2008 it ranked seventh. Read full article [upi.com]

Rwanda : Pepsi relaunched in Rwanda

KIGALI, RWANDA-Crown Beverages Limited, a Ugandan company that manufactures carbonated soft drinks and processes fruit juices, has re-launched  Pepsi products in the Rwanda market. -The launch brings onto the markets Pepsi-Cola, Mirinda Orange, Mirinda Fruity and Mirinda Pineapple. Read full article [www.busiweek.com]  

Germany: Organic trade fair honours high value Danish market

The organic trade fair Biofach has hailed Denmark as its ‘country of the year’, as organics account for 6 per cent of food spending there. - Biofach will take place from 19 to 22 February in Nuremberg, Germany, and the organisers are expecting over 2700 exhibitors at the show and 46,000 buyers. More than 40 Danish companies will be in attendance. Read full article [foodnavigator.com]

Thailand: GETTING ON THE MENU IN JAPAN

Thai food manufacturers aiming to tap Japan's lucrative market must focus not just on products but also on packaging and labels, as these are key elements in how Japanese consumers make purchase decisions, says a Japanese expert. Read full article [bangkokpost.com]

Indonesia: Tea export share may fall, but income rise

The Indonesia Tea Board (DTI) forecasts a potential decline in Indonesia's share of the global tea market this year given flat output due to declining prices and the increasing conversion rate of tea plantations. Read full article [thejakartapost.com]

US: Consumers Buying More Boxed Wine

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — The overall growth rate of wine may have slowed, but consumers are still finding refreshment in 3-liter premium wine casks (boxed wine), according to the Nielsen Co. Read full article [supermarketnews.com]

Pakistan: Govt shelves idea of duty-free raw sugar import

ISLAMABAD: The government has shelved a proposal for allowing duty-free import of raw sugar, floated by Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA), and would press ahead with import of refined sugar as per schedule. Read full article [www.thenews.com.pk]

France: No1 french chocolate maker Cemoi has 'big ambitions' for industrial markets

Media-shy Cemoi, France's number one chocolate maker, ramps up its image with a new logo, new products and a clear drive to become the number two industrial chocolate supplier in Europe. Read full article [www.confectionerynews.com]

US: Ralcorp Rallies On Upbeat Comments

It’s not just the consumer ”trade-down” story propelling Ralcorp (RAH) higher these days. UBS said the private-label food company should show some tangible benefits from August’s acquisition of the Post cereal business it bought from Kraft Foods (KFT). The firm said management is highly motivated to make the acquisition a success, and that the cost-cutting opportunities should help improve profits at Ralcorp. Read full article [blogs.barrons.com]

Armenia: Armenian produce goes organic

Armenian consumers who prefer organic products now have a better way of identifying such foods. Beginning May 5th, all producers of organic agriculture must have the certificate of the ‘Ecoglobe’ Organization. Read full article [armenianow.com]  

Vietnam: Coffee corporation targets US$358 million export-import turnover

Nhan Dan - The Vietnam Coffee Corporation has set a target of US$358 million worth of exports and imports in 2009. - Specifically, the export turnover is US$325 million while the import turnover is US$33 million. Total production value is targeted at VND 1.8 trillion. Read full article [www.nhandan.com.vn]

India: India to export 29,177 tonnes of wheat flour to Maldives

New Delhi (PTI): India, the second-largest wheat producer in the world, today eased a near 16-month-old ban to export 29,177 tonnes of wheat flours to Maldives. Read full article [www.hindu.com]

US: Hogs Drop as Meatpacker Losses May Curb Demand; Cattle Decline

Feb. 13 (Bloomberg) -- Hog futures fell for the second time in three days on speculation that U.S. meatpackers will spend less to buy animals because the cost has risen faster than pork prices. Cattle futures also declined. Read full article [Bloomberg]

Philippines: Manila blasts Canberra’s draft position on banana imports

Manila is disappointment over a draft import risk analysis (IRA) released by Canberra, saying that the proposed risk management measures are “very stringent, expensive and trade restrictive.”  - The Bureau of Plant Industry is concerned that the move may be a tactic by the Australian government to continually ban Philippine banana imports. Read full article [www.freshplaza.com]

Netherland: Caribbean melon website launched

A site dedicated to Rijk Zwaan's orange-fleshed cantaloupe melon has gone live this week. - Plant breeding company Rijk Zwaan has announced the launch of a new website, www.caribbeanmelon.com, to help promote its orange-fleshed Caribbean melon brand. Read full article [www.fruitnet.com]

US: Kahiki Foods presents new product - Tempura white meat chicken

Kahiki Foods, manufacturer of Asian frozen foods, has introduced a new line of all-natural Tempura white meat chicken. The new product will be offered in four flavors - General Tso's, Sweet and Sour, Crispy Honey and Mandarin Orange    Read full article [FoodBizDaily]

Vietnam: Vietnam successfully grows Japanese melon

The Cuu Long Delta Rice Research Institute harvested 32 Fujiura melons from 16 vines, the largest fruit weighed 10 kilograms.The institute sowed 20 vines but three died - In future, if the Institute can improve the melons, they will provide seeds for farmers to grow and export to Japan. Read full article [www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn]

China: China milk scandal company to be auctioned off

BEIJING, Feb 13 (Reuters) - The assets of the dairy company at the centre of China's melamine-tainted milk scandal that killed six children will go up for auction early next month, the official news agency Xinhua said on Friday. Read full article [Reuters]

US: PepsiCo profit meets Wall St view, sees buybacks

NEW YORK (Reuters) - PepsiCo Inc (PEP.N) reported a quarterly profit on Friday that met Wall Street expectations and said it may buy back up to $2.5 billion of its stock this year, sending shares up 2 percent in premarket trading. Read full article [Reuters]

Mexico: U.S. candymakers make bittersweet move to Mexico

TOLUCA, Mexico - Nothing says Valentine's Day in America like flowers and candy. But increasingly, the candy is coming from Mexico. - From jellied hearts to Hershey's chocolates, Mexico's candy exports to the United States have more than doubled since 2002 as cheaper labor and sugar draw U.S. candymakers south of the border. Read full article [www.azcentral.com]

Bulgaria: stricter safety checks on meat products

Prosecutors and authorities have launched mass safety inspections on milk and meat products in Bulgaria. - According to reports, the move is targeted at appeasing angry farmers who last week blocked a major border crossing with Romania in order to urge the government to cut imports of agricultural substitutes, such as powdered milk and palm oil, and pay subsidies. Read full article [www.meatinternational.com]

UK: Isigny Sainte-Mere strengthens UK presence

Isigny Sainte-Mere’s range of dairy products has become more readily available to British restaurants following the recent establishment of the French company’s London sales office. Read full article [www.bighospitality.co.uk]

US: Starbucks plans instant coffee debut

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Starbucks Corp is moving into the instant coffee market as it works to shake off its reputation as a seller of pricey coffee drinks. - The Seattle company plans to unveil Via instant coffee on Tuesday and to make it available next month. Read full article [Reuters]

India: India imports record 900,000 tonnes vegetable oils in January

New Delhi (PTI): India, the second largest vegetable oil buyer in the world, made a record import of over nine lakh tonnes of the commodity in January, taking advantage of a sharp drop in global prices and on anticipation of imposition of import duty. Read full article [www.hindu.com]

Ecuador: Ecuador rejects EU call to drop WTO bananas suit

LIMA (Reuters) - Ecuador, the world's largest banana exporter, rejected Thursday calls to drop complaints filed with the World Trade Organization that seek to knock down the European Union's import tariffs on the fruit. Read full article [www.forbes.com]

India: Innovative ingredients unlock opportunities in Indian bakery market

Manufacturers of bakery ingredients such as enzymes, shortenings, and improvers have "to ratchet up levels of innovation" to drive higher margins and unlock opportunities in India's thriving bakery segment, say market analysts. Read full article [www.bakeryandsnacks.com]

Turkey: Foreign trade minister and businessmen to visit Syria

Foreign Trade Minister Kürşad Tüzmen and a delegation of Turkish businessmen will pay a visit to Syria, authorities said on Thursday. - The visit to the Syrian capital of Damascus, organized jointly by the Southeastern Anatolia Exporters Union (GAİB) and the Central Anatolia Exporters Union (OAİB), is due to take place Feb. 16-18. Read full article [www.todayszaman.com]

Brazil: Brazilian beef exports plunge 35 pct amid meltdown

Brazilian beef exports plunged 35 percent in January compared to the same month last year because of the global meltdown.  - The Brazilian Beef Exporters Association says the nation's meat producers shipped 81.8 million metric tons (90.2 million U.S. tons) abroad during the month. That's down from 124.7 million metric tons (137.5 U.S. tons) for January 2008. Read full article [www.etaiwannews.com]

Poland: Polish Pig Production in Free-Fall

POLAND - The pig herd in Poland has fallen to its lowest since 1970, writes Michal Kolesnikow, analyst at the BGZ Bank. No recovery in terms of numbers is expected before the end of this year although prices and margins are improving. Read full article [www.thepigsite.com]

US: American Italian Pasta shares up on earnings beat

Shares of American Italian Pasta Co. soared on Thursday after the nation's largest manufacturer of dry pasta said its sales and pricing soared in the most recent quarter as consumers kept turning to private label brands to save money. Read full article [Forbes]

EU: Rapporteur retains role for food industry labeling schemes

The EU Parliament rapporteur on the proposed food information regulation does see a place for nutrition labeling schemes chosen by manufacturers and retailers – but not for national schemes propounded by Member State governments to run alongside the Europe-wide system. Read full article [www.foodnavigator.com]

Italy: Luigi Massetti joins Molinari in export role

ITALY. Luigi Massetti has joined Italian spirits company Molinari as Export Area Manager responsible for duty free and travel retail worldwide, after spending a number of years at Pallini. - "Molinari is the number one selling spirit in Italy and the top-selling Sambuca all over the world [...] Read full article [www.moodiereport.com]

US: Flavrz presents a new drink for the cost councious, eco-concerned consumer

A health and cost conscious, eco-concerned market has been looking for a low sugar beverage that tastes terrific and saves on packaging waste. Flavrz(R) is a concentrated liquid drink mix that you add to water at home and flavor to taste Read full article [FoodBizDaily]

India: India Buying More Palm Oil From Malaysia

NEW DELHI, Feb 12 (Bernama) -- India's Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath has assured that the country will import more palm oil from Malaysia, which is now a leading exporter to the sub-continent economy. Read full article [www.bernama.com]

Australia: Coca-Cola Amatil Profit Rises 26% on Australian Sales

Feb. 12 (Bloomberg) -- Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd., Australia’s biggest soft-drink maker, increased second-half profit 26 percent on higher soda sales and new drinks such as Glaceau Vitamin Water. Rread full article [Bloomberg]

Cuba: U.S. food sales to Cuba soar 61 percent in 2008

HAVANA (Reuters) - The value of U.S. agricultural sales to Cuba soared 61 percent in 2008 to $710 million, a record amount since American producers began exporting to Cuba under a 2001 amendment to the U.S. trade embargo against the communist-run island, a U.S. trade council said on Wednesday. Read full article [Reuters]

Taiwan: BOFT to push Taiwanese food exports to China

Taipei, Feb. 12 (CNA) A Taiwanese trade promotion delegation to be headed by the Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) is scheduled to depart for China Feb. 15 to push local foods and related products, the BOFT said Thursday. Read full article [www.etaiwannews.com]

Australia: Port congestion holds up wheat exports

SYDNEY, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Wheat exporters face delays of upto five weeks at ports across Australia as 22 grain traders jostle for shipping bookings after the country's best harvest in 3 years followed easing drought conditions. Read full article [Reuters]  

US: Coca-Cola profit tops view

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Coca-Cola Co reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit on Thursday, helped by double-digit volume gains in China, India and Eastern Europe, and its shares rose more than 7 percent. Read full article [Reuters]  

UK: Britvic adds Lipton Ice Tea to its portfolio

Britvic has signed an Exclusive Bottling Agreement with Pepsi Lipton International to distribute Lipton Ice Tea. - Lipton Ice Tea is already established within the UK market, with sales in excess of 6 million litres in the last year and good distribution within the impulse and grocery channels. Read full article [www.foodbev.com]

Brazil: Brazil projects apple export decline

Brazilian apple exports are expected to contract by 20 per cent to 85,000 tonnes in 2009 due to a reduction of export-quality fruit following hailstorms and humid weather conditions in the country’s three main apple-growing regions, according to the Brazilian Apple Exporters Association (ABPM). Read full article [ww.fruitnet.com]

UK: Diageo cuts profit target, shares fall

LONDON, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Diageo Plc (DGE.L), the world's biggest alcoholic drinks group, cut its profit growth target due to the global slowdown sending its shares lower, despite posting a 21 percent rise in half-year earnings that topped forecasts. Read full article [Reuters]

Spain: Grupo Dibaq acquires Rodi

Spanish aquaculture and pet food company, Grupo Dibaq (Dibaq), has acquired 80% of the controlling entity of Rodi Pet Food Group (Rodi), a leading manufacturer of pet food, snacks and biscuits in Central and Northern Europe. Read full article [www.fishupdate.com]

India: MMTC invites bids to import raw sugar

MMTC India has invited tender to import of 35,000 tons of cane raw sugar to be delivered by March, reports Business Line. According to tender notice, the bids would close on February 17 and the decision on the tender will be taken by February 19. Read full article [www.myiris.com]

India:West Bengal plans integrated potato export facilitation centre

Kolkata , Feb 12   West Bengal, the second-largest producer of potato in the country, is set to have its first integrated potato development and export facilitation centre. - The centre would undertake research in producing varieties of potato seeds to be grown in the state and were in demand in overseas markets. Read full article [www.indopia.in]

India: Jaggery turning sweeter than cane for farmers

India , Feb. 11 -  Jaggery is sweeter than sugar to the sugarcane farmers in the areas surrounding Anakapalle in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, as the prices are quite encouraging this season. Read full article [www.thehindubusinessline.com]

Hong Kong: Global interest in Asia Fruit Logistica

Asia Fruit Logistica, the leading trade fair and exhibition for the Asian fresh produce industry, is attracting high interest among potential exhibitors as the deadline for applications approaches. Read full article [www.fruitnet.com]

Scotland: Scottish food investment plans welcomed

The package announced by the Scottish government today to boost the country's food and drink industry abroad has been welcomed. - Scotland Food & Drink said businesses operating in the sector are likely to be helped by the investment, revealed today by MSP Richard Lockhead. Read full article [www.talkingretail.com]

US: NutraSweet Company launch New NutraSweet® Cane

Today The NutraSweet Company announced that the company has joined forces with Chef Art Smith to help launch the New NutraSweet® Cane, a sweetener blend with a touch of real cane sugar. Read full article [FoodBizDaily]

India: Indian sugar erases losses on stockists buying

MUMBAI, Feb 11 (Reuters) - Indian sugar futures erased early losses to end slightly higher on Wednesday as buying by stockists offset a likely jump in imports of raw sugar and market talk the government may impose stock limits on traders to rein in prices. Read full article [Reuters]

Turkey: Turkey set to boost citrus exports

Turkish minister of state Kursad Tuzmen has announced that the country is planning to boost exports of citrus fruits to US$800m this year. Read full article [www.fruitnet.com]

Canada: China eats into Canada's record canola supply

The surfacing of much-needed export business and ideas this demand will remain constant through the remainder of the 2008-09 crop year will be key to determining how much Canadian canola will be left over heading into the 2009-10 season, according to market participants. Read full article [www.canadiancattlemen.ca]

Italy: Chiquita smoothies launch in Italy

Chiquita is preparing to launch a range of fruit smoothies in Italy this week as it seeks to establish a new market for fresh-cut convenience products in the country. Read full article [www.fruitnet.com]

China: China Bans Filipino Pork Imports

BEIJING - China's top quality supervisor has banned imports of Philippine pork products after the island country reported finding of Ebola-Reston virus in four pig herds on its Luson Island at the end of last year. Read full article [www.thepigsite.com]

EU: Tomato group’s alarm at EU-Morocco talks

The European Group of Tomato Producers, an organisation whose members account for an estimated 87 per cent of internal EU tomato sales, has expressed its concern over Europe’s expected revised agreement of association with Morocco. Read full article [www.fruitnet.com]

US: Beer companies Labbats & High Falls in merge talk

Private-equity firm KPS Capital Partners LP is looking to gain a foothold in the US Beer business. - The company is in the final stages of closing a deal to acquire High Falls Brewing Co., the closely held maker of the Genesee and Dundee beer brands, according to people familiar with the matter. It also is among the final bidders for Labatt USA, an arm of the world’s largest brewer, Anheuser-Busch InBev. Read full article [drinksdaily.com]

UK:Dorset Cereals enters cereal bar market

UK muesli producer Dorset Cereals enters the booming area of cereal bars with the launch of a new range of bars based on their muesli recipes. - The cereal bars made "with only kitchen cupboard ingredients" are available in three varieties: berries & cherries, fruit, nuts & seeds and super high fibre. Read full article [www.bakeryandsnacks.com]

US: USDA Reports Corn Sales to Taiwan - 116,000 MT

Private exporters reported to USDA export sales of 116,000 metric tons of corn for delivery to Taiwan during the 2008/2009 marketing year. The marketing year for corn began Sept. 1. Read full article: [www.agweb.com]

US: NOW Honored for Export Efforts

BLOOMINGDALE, Ill.—NOW International - the natural products company - was named a 2009 Exporter of the Year award winner by ThinkGlobal Inc., publisher of Commercial News USA, the official export magazine of the U.S. Commerce Department. Read full article [www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com]

China: China says probing two firms on milk products

BEIJING, Feb 11 (Reuters) - China's national quality watchdog said on Wednesday it was investigating the safety of dairy products made by two companies. Both firms insisted there were no problems and that their goods were safe. Read full article [Reuters]

US: Dean Foods profit rises

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Dean Foods Co (DF.N), the largest U.S. dairy company, posted an increase in quarterly profit, helped by lower costs for energy and milk. Read full article [Reuters]  

US: Coke Enterprises profit tops view

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc (CCE.N) reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit on Wednesday excluding items, helped by a slight improvement in North American business trends. Read full article [Reuters]

Bosnia and Herzegovina: BiH firms prepare to export fish to EU member states

This spring, shoppers in EU countries might be able to find fish from Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) on their shelves. After a long struggle to meet EU regulations, four BiH firms -- from Mostar, Blagaj, Banja Luka and Stolac -- have permits to export fish to the Union's member states. Read full article [www.setimes.com]

Northern Ireland: Beef companies go Dutch to boost export sales

Salesmen from Northern Ireland's biggest beef and lamb companies have held a series of high level business pitches in the Netherlands.  - Companies taking part in the sales drive included ABP, Newry; Dunbia, Dungannon; Foyle Food Group, Derry; and Linden Foods, Dungannon. Read full article [www.nwipp-newspapers.com]

Estonia: Saku beer participating in a Swedish monopoly

Saku Õlletehas’ product Saku Kuld got into alcohol-monopoly Systembolaget, a Swedish chain-store, and increased the export turnover for the beer manufacturer by a fifth, äripäev.ee writes. Read full article [balticbusinessnews.com]

Germany: Confectioners eye small machines bought from cash flow

Demand for products and concepts that through targeted investments can boost efficiency and cut costs for confectioners were particularly in demand, say the organisers of last week's ProSweets trade fair. Read full article [www.confectionerynews.com/]

Sweden: Danish Crown Opens New Plant

SWEDEN - Danish Crown has opened its new case ready production facility (prepacked products) in Jönköping. - The production facility is going to supply meat to the Swedish retail chain Axfood and is the most modern case ready production facility in Sweden and Europe. Read full article [www.thepigsite.com]

UAE: New law to regulate UAE organics industry

Abu Dhabi: The Federal National Council (FNC) on Tuesday passed a law that will regulate the UAE's organics industry.The legislation puts in place strict guidelines on the production of organic food in the UAE in terms of its quality. Read full article [www.zawya.com]

India: India’s Sugar Output May Revive Next Year on Prices

Feb. 11 (Bloomberg) -- Sugar output in India, set to import the sweetener for the first time in three years, may rebound at least 20 percent next year as rising prices spur farmers to plant more cane. Read full article [Bloomberg]  

US: US-Bound Gourmet Spanish Iberico Pata Negra Hams to Lose Their Black Feet

A new USDA ruling effective January 2009 requires that the hooves must be removed from all hams newly imported into the USA. - In addition, a new 100% duty on all bone-in hams from Europe means that any Spanish hams imported after March 2009 will cost twice as much. Read full article [FoodBizDaily.com]

Jamaica: Sugar shipment off to London

MONTEGO BAY, St James - The country's first shipment of sugar since the start of the 2008/2009 crop, consisting of 21,000 tonnes and valued at US$11 million, left the island yesterday for London as part of the country's sugar export arrangement with the European Union. Read full article [www.jamaicaobserver.com]

Argentina: Argentine “soy king” warns about the “tragic convergence”

The tragic convergence of drought, international crisis and export taxes could lead to the destruction of Argentina’s farm production and the camp is in need of immediate support. Read full article [www.mercopress.com]

Brazil: Tax concessions for meat exporters

This weeks news that several meat processing companies are either laying off staff or putting staff on paid holidays, has forced the government to make concessions to the meat industry. - The announcement made in San Paulo on Tuesday will allow the export plants to claim tax relief on all purchases for the company and their establishments that are export related. Read full article [www.farminguk.com]

China: Agricultural products export growth slows down in 2008

China's agricultural products exports rose 9.8 percent year-on-year in 2008 to $40.19 billion, the General Administration of Customs said on Wednesday. - According to the statistics, export growth declined 8.2 percentage points from a year earlier. Exports in the last two months of 2008 fell 6.9 percent and 7.2 percent to $3.47 billion and $3.76 billion respectively over the same period of 2007. Read full article [www.chinadaily.com.cn]

Philippines: ‘Davao’ brand chocolate launched in the US

DAVAO CITY — US chocolate manufacturer Askinosie Chocolate of Springfield, Missouri introduced to the US market its "Davao 77%" dark chocolate last Jan. 30, prompting the Davao City Council to pass a resolution commending the company for using Davao’s cocoa beans. Read full article [www.bworldonline.com]

New Zealand: Cuban visit to boost trade revolution

Cuba is synonymous with making cigars but a visit to the communist country by Auckland-based Cuba NZ hopes to identify opportunities for Kiwi companies. Read full article [www.nzherald.co.nz]

US: Peanut Corp shuts Texas plant in salmonella scare

DALLAS, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Peanut Corp of America, at the center of a nationwide salmonella scare, has shut its Texas plant after tests showed possible contamination in some of its products, health officials said on Tuesday. Read full article [Reuters]

US: Citi says price war may squeeze grocers

NEW YORK, Feb 10 (Reuters) - A "modern-day price war" will hurt margins at U.S. grocery retailers, with Wal-Mart Stores Inc (WMT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) adding pressure on the industry by moving more aggressively into lower-cost, private label merchandise, a Citigroup analyst said on Tuesday. Read full article [Reuters]

France: Danone keeps 2009 goals, sees no consumer collapse

PARIS, Feb 11 (Reuters) - French food group Danone  said it expected consumption patterns to remain stable for the rest of the year and stuck to its earnings goals after posting a 15 percent rise in 2008 net income, boosted by sales of baby food. Read full article [Reuters]

US: French officials cooperate on Pinot Noir case

NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) - U.S. officials were in contact with French counterparts on Tuesday to learn more about millions of gallons of wine believed wrongly labeled as Pinot Noir and sold to the United States over the last four years. Read full article [Reuters]

US: Kettle Brand® launches new Baked Salt & Fresh Ground Pepper Potato Chips

At the same time Kettle Brand® launches new Baked Salt & Fresh Ground Pepper Potato Chips, the company is encouraging consumers to look more closely at the labels of traditional “diet” snacks. Read full article [FoodBizDaily.com]

Czech Republic: Czech brewer Budvar's production up 4.5 percent

PRAGUE: State-owned Czech brewery Budvar — which has been fighting a long legal battle over the Budweiser brand — said Tuesday it boosted its annual production by 4.5 percent despite global economic problems. Read full article [www.iht.com]

Russia: Russia prohibits import of meat from 11 US companies

VLADIVOSTOK. February 10. VOSTOK-MEDIA – Starting today the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance will enforce a temporary ban on import of meat products that fall short of accepted standard of safety from 11 U.S. companies to the Russian Federation. Read full article [www.vostokmedia.com]

US: W.J. Deutsch & Sons become exclusive importer of spanish Diego Zamora wines

W.J. Deutsch & Sons, Ltd., (Deutsch), a leading wine importer and marketer of award-winning wines announced today that they have partnered with leading Spanish drinks producer Diego Zamora to become the U.S. co-owner and exclusive importer of Diego Zamora's award-winning fine wine portfolio. Read full article [FoodBizDaily]

US: Adamba Imports International presents new product: Bak’s Bison Grass Vodka

After over two decades of regulatory resistance, U.S. vodka connoisseurs can now celebrate with authentic Bak’s Bison Grass Vodka. Read full article [FoodBizDaily.com]

US: MillerCoors profits up

MillerCoors, the combined U.S. operations of Molson Coors Brewing Co (TAP.N) and SABMiller Plc (SAB.L), said on Tuesday fourth-quarter underlying net income rose 16.5 percent, as it accelerated its cost-savings targets. Read full article [FoodBizDaily]

Belgium: Delhaize halts Unilever products in pricing row

BRUSSELS, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Belgian supermarket group Delhaize (DELB.BR) has halted orders for 300 Unilever (ULVR.L) products from its stores in Belgium after price negotiations with the consumer goods giant ended in deadlock. Read full article [Reuters]

US: Pepsi Bottling profit before charges tops view

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Pepsi Bottling Group Inc (PBG.N) reported better-than-expected quarterly results on Tuesday, helped by cost-cutting and productivity improvements. Read full article [Reuters]

Hungary: Turmoil in meat industry

Hungary’s meat industry is facing serious difficulties because of the lowering demand and a lack of investment caused by the global financial crisis. - President for the Association of Meat Producers, Tamás Éder, warned last week that processors will have to cut production costs if they want to survive. Read full article [www.farminguk.com]

UAE: World of perishables makes its debut in Dubai

This year's International Plants Expo Middle East (IPM) will be twinned for the first time with a dedicated exhibition for fresh fruit and vegetables; an inclusion that reflects the huge growth in the trade of perishables. Read full article [www.ameinfo.com]

India: India may buy 4.5 mln T sugar in 12 months

NEW DELHI, Feb 10 (Reuters) - India is expected to import about 4.5 million tonnes of raw sugar in the next 12 months, a senior official at producer Simbhaoli Sugars Ltd  said on Tuesday, further tightening falling global supplies. Read full article [Reuters]

Australia: Australia May Have Surplus Sorghum for Export, Rabobank Says

Feb. 10 (Bloomberg) -- Australia may have a “considerable” export surplus of sorghum, a grain used to feed livestock, after crops benefited from rain, Rabobank Groep NV said. - Production may reach 2.06 million tons, the five-year average, in 2008-09 after rains at the end of 2008 assisted crops, the world’s largest lender to farmers said today in an e-mailed report. Read full article [Bloomberg]

Australia: Australia contracts 2 mln T wheat exports by Dec 31

SYDNEY, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Australian wheat contracted for export sales stood at 2.01 million tonnes on Dec. 31, the Australian Bureau of Statistics said on Tuesday in a new report aimed at making the country's wheat industry more transparent. Read full article [Reuters]

Germany: Meat exports to North Africa

German Minister, Dr Gerd Müller has signed a veterinary agreement with Egypt which will immediately allow the export of breeding cattle to Egypt, and will open the door for exports of beef, live poultry and poultry meat products in the near future. Read full article [www.farminguk.com]

Myamar: Myanmar to hold fruits, vegetable exhibition in second largest city

YANGON, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar will hold a fruit and vegetable exhibition in the second largest city of Mandalay on Thursday, exhibition sources from Mandalay said on Tuesday. Myanmar has been placing emphasis on production of high-yield fruits and vegetables to boost export, taking advantage of the country's fair climatic conditions and geographic superiority. Read full article [news.xinhuanet.com]

China: Moutai beer gets export order from Germany Konnal

Feb. 10, 2009  - Guizhou Maotai Beer Co Ltd, sister company of Kweichow Moutai Co Ltd, signed a cooperative agreement with Germany-based Konnal Corp to expand its sales channel in Germany, sources reported. Read full article [www.chinaknowledge.com]

Pakistan: Pakistan lowers duty on Malaysian goods

PAKISTAN'S Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reduced Customs duty on the import of 5,921 items from Malaysia under tariff reduction schedule (2008-2014) agreed between Pakistan and Malaysia. Read full article [www.btimes.com.my]

China: Fragrant olive may offer red pigment for formulators

Seeds of the Osmanthus fragrans plant may offer a novel red colour for food formulators, and tap into the growing demand for natural colours, says new research from China.   Read full article [www.foodnavigator.com]  

US: Nano method may enhance food packaging

US researchers have found a way of keeping food fresher for longer while using less packaging material, claims an article in the journal Science. - The finding, according to the article, involves a nanotechnology-based technique to block the transport of damaging gases through a polymer, making it stronger while using less material. Read full article [www.foodproductiondaily.com]

US: A Perfect Storm (private label)

Faced with rising unemployment and grim prospects for near-term relief, consumers are welcoming expanded private-label lines - During the years when economic waters where choppy rather than treacherous, supermarkets were unknowingly enhancing the buoyancy of a lifesaver of sorts by bolstering their private-label lines. Read full article [supermarketnews.com]

BAHRAIN - MPs Call for Ban on Pork

BAHRAIN - Several MPs are recommending either two-month jail terms or fines of BD300, or both, for anyone in Bahrain who imports, sells or simply possesses pork. Read full article [www.thepigsite.com]

US: Produce and Foodservice Leaders Partner to Identify Fresh Produce Opportunities

[2009-02-09]   Leaders from Produce Marketing Association (PMA), National Restaurant Association, and International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) have joined forces on a multi-phase project to identify opportunities to increase fresh produce use in foodservice to promote healthy lifestyles. Read full article [www.qsrmagazine.com]

UK: Baugur assets tracked by buyers

The high street companies owned by Baugur - including frozen food chain specialist Iceland - could attract the attention of high-profile new investors following its collapse. Read full article [www.talkingretail.com]

UK: Co-operative reduces Fairtrade goods in promotion

The Co-operative Group (Co-op) is set to begin a marketing campaign to promote Fairtrade Fortnight, which begins later this month. - As part of the promotion, two new Fairtrade wines - Chilean Fairtrade Rosé and an Argentinian Fairtrade Sauvignon Blanc - will be added to its portfolio. Read full article [www.talkingretail.com]

China: China rejects 'Buy China' policy

BEIJING, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- A Chinese government official said China would not follow the United States' lead by putting a protectionist provision in its economic stimulus package. Read full article [www.upi.com]

UK: Brewer battles regulator over responsibility concerns

Scotland-based beer maker Brewdog claims that it has entered into ‘a David vs. Goliath’ struggle against industry regulator the Portman Group by taking up a defamation action in the courts regarding claims relating to its Speedball beer. Read full article [www.beveragedaily.com]  

India: Aspri Spirits launches Amarula cream liqueur in India

Aspri Spirits Pvt Ltd, one of the leading imported alcohol brands distributors in India, has introduced in the country South Africa-based Distell Group's "Amarula", a premium cream liqueur brand, with its formal launch in Mumbai. The company has tied up with Flamingos International to serve the brand in duty-free and duty-paid shops. Read full article [www.fnbnews.com]

Brazil: Brazilian companies can export chicken directly to China

Brasilia, Brazil, 9 Feb – The Chinese authorities have published a list of 22 chicken abattoirs permitted to directly sell their chicken meat to China, the Brazilian Agriculture Ministry said in Brasilia. [...] Brazilian exports of chicken meat to China are currently carried out via Hong Kong, but the agreement signed with Brazilian exporters means that the product can be delivered directly to ports in China. Read full article [www.macauhub.com]

Viet Nam: Lo Ren star apples shipped to Russia

A star apple cooperative in Tien Giang province, southern Vietnam, exported 110kg of Lo Ren star apples meeting Global GAP (Good Agricultural Practice) standards to Russia for the first time on February 9. Read full article [vovnews.vn]  

Serbia: Arilje raspberries at PRODEXPO 2009 in Moscow

This year, Arilje raspberry producers through the Arilje Municipality Entrepreneurs Association, Serbian Chamber of Commerce and the USAID Agribusiness project have joined forces in promoting Arilje raspberries, one of Serbia's most valued export commodities on the international market. PRODEXPO 2009 is the largest annual specialized food exhibition in Russia. Over the last 15 years, the exhibition space and the number of exhibiting companies have increased five - fold. In 2008, this event had 2,111 exhibitors of which 1,314 were from Russia and 797 from other 59 countries. Read full article [www.emportal.rs]

UK: New Sharwood's side dishes from Premier Foods

Premier Foods, the UK's No. 1 food manufacturer, is launching a brand new range of Indian side dish accompaniments which are set to drive incremental sales and encourage trial of new products. Read full article [www.talkingretail.com]

US: Lifeway Foods buys Fresh Made Dairy for $14.05M

Lifeway Foods Inc., maker of kefir drinkable yogurt, said Monday it bought Fresh Made Dairy's stock for $14.05 million, boosting its presence in the probiotic dairy products market.   Read full article [www.forbes.com]

Spain: Spanish food safe body denies poison in Vietnam’s catfish

VietNamNet Bridge - The central food security watchdog of Spain has denied the existence of any crisis relation to the imports of Vietnam’s tra and basa catfish into the country and attributed the misinterpretations to the “false information” provided by the European Commission (EC). Read full article [vietnamnet.vn]

Philippines: Hanoi delivers first shipment of rice

MANILA, Philippines- Vietnamn has shipped the first batch of rice that it has agreed to export to the Philippines, sources from the National Food Authority said. - The official said 40,000 metric tons of rice will arrive in the first half of this month. Read full article [www.gmanews.tv]  

Canada: OFA is pressing Ottawa for food labelling action

Getting effective food labelling legislation for Canadians is becoming a long, complicated and expensive process. - Prime Minister Stephen Harper acknowledged the need for better labelling regulations during a speech to a farm-oriented audience in the Niagara Region last summer. At that time he promised immediate action and his government has made some good changes. Read full article [http://simcoereformer.ca]

Africa: More organic food production could help Africa--UN

GENEVA, Feb 9 (Reuters) - Demand for organic foods will keep growing despite the world economic crisis, creating an opportunity for farmers in poor countries, the United Nations' trade and development agency said on Monday. Read full article [Reuters]

Germany: German deposit for Danes would stop 'export of environmental problem'

Ending Danes' exemption to Germany's beverage deposit would help put a quarter of the nation's cans into recycling, believes the environment minister - Environment Minister Troles Lund Poulsen has suggested a model that would require Danish consumers shopping south of the border to pay a deposit on cans and allow them to receive the refund in Denmark. Read full article [www.cphpost.dk]

UK: Tetra Pak produces 100 million FSC-certified packs

The Forest Stewardship Council has recognised Tetra Pak for selling more than 100 million FSC-certified packages in just one year since it launched the world’s first FSC-labelled food and liquid carton. Read full article [www.foodbev.com]  

Australia: Australia's Lion Nathan scraps Amatil bid

Australasian brewer Lion Nathan dropped a $4.9 billion (3.3 billion pound) bid for soft drinks maker Coca-Cola Amatil after talks between top shareholders in the two companies broke down over conditions. Read full article [www.execdigital.com]    

China: China's beverage giant reports 70% growth

China's beverage giant, Hangzhou Wahaha Group reported an annual growth rate of 70% for 21 years since its founding, amid the global financial crisis. According to ''Top 10 Beverage Companies'' announced by China Beverage Industry Association, Wahaha contributed 55.57% to the Association's Top 10's overall production, 65.84% to its revenue, and 73.16% to its profit tax. Read full article [FoodBizDaily.com]

US: Starbucks launches cheaper coffee and food combos

Starbucks Corp (SBUX.O) said on Monday it will start selling coffee and breakfast foods together for $3.95 next month, marking the first time it is using a combination discount to lure consumers into its coffee shops during the recession. Read full article [Reuters]

India: Indian sugar eases on profit taking, resistance

MUMBAI, Feb 9 (Reuters) - Indian sugar futures eased on Monday as resistance in the spot market, after prices jumped more than 11 percent since the start of January, triggered profit taking. Read full article [Reuters]  

India: Global coffee export rises in 2008; falls in India

New Delhi (PTI): World coffee exports rose marginally to 96.62 million bags in 2008, though India's shipments declined by 4.30 per cent from the previous calendar year, the International Coffee Organisation (ICO) said. Read full article  [www.hindu.com]

US: Expectations as a Result of Pork Export Market

During 2008 US pork exports increased by over 70 per cent from 2007 driven by large increases in exports to Russia, Hong Kong and China, pushing the US share of the global market to about 40 per cent, compared to the European Union at about 24 per cent, Canada at about 17 per cent and Brazil at about 11 per cent. Read full article [www.thepigsite.com]

US: Vin de Pays d'Oc in massive US fraud scandal

Several hundred thousand hectolitres of Vin de Pays d'Oc was fraudulently sold and exported to the US over the last four years, it has emerged. - According to reports, between 2005 and 2008, over 120,00hl (hectolitres) of falsely-labelled Pinot Noir was sold every year to the US via negociants and wine companies in the Aude region. Read full article[www.decanter.com]

Dominican Republic: Top Brit Trade official coming to Dominican Republic

SANTO DOMINGO.- The head of United Kingdom’s Foreign Trade and Investment  Department, Andrew Cahn, will visit Dominican Republic on the 15th, which could mark a new stage in the flow of British investments and bilateral interchange, said its ambassador in the country. Read full article [www.dominicantoday.com]

Germany: Record Attendance at ProSweets Cologne

ProSweets Cologne, the International Supplier Fair for the Confectionery Industry, wrapped up on Feb. 4, 2009, having received over 14,700 visitors from more than 100 countries. The show also saw 307 exhibiting companies from 28 countries, setting a new record for the event. Read full article [www.gourmetretailer.com]

UK: Tesco and M&S offer cheap luxury meals

Tesco is offering customers a luxury meal-for-two for £9 in an effort to help them beat the credit crunch. - Finest range meals are available as part of the Valentine's Day offer, which includes a side dish, dessert and a bottle of wine. Read full article [www.talkingretail.com]

US: Wireless use grows in food-processing industry

Khadambari Shanbagaraman, a research analyst from Frost and Sullivan, describes the use of wireless systems in the food and drink industry. Read full article [www.processingtalk.com]

Northern Ireland: Export Beef Drive into Europe

Salesmen from Northern Ireland’s biggest beef and lamb companies have held a series of high level business pitches in the Netherlands.  - Organised by Invest NI, the intensive sales drive, which took place from 4 - 6 February, included major retailers, caterers and foodservice organisations. Companies taking part in the sales drive included ABP, Newry; Dunbia, Dungannon; Foyle Food Group, Londonderry; and Linden Foods, Dungannon. Read full article [www.farminguk.com]

Zimbabwe : Zimbabwe approves duty-free import for basic food items: report

Zimbabwe has suspended import duties on a list of scarce basic food items, including rice and cooking oil, for the first six months of 2009, state-run media reported on Monday. - The list, published in an official gazette at the weekend by the acting finance minister Patrick Chinamasa, includes rice in husk, husked brown rice, wheat, rye flour, maize flour, potato flour, soyabean, vegetable and groundnut oil, margarine and salt. Read full article [www.africasia.com]

Viet Nam: Vietnam calls for trade promos to boost economy

Exports play a major role in the country’s economic growth but are also an early casualty in case of recession. In this scenario, the Government has implemented several measures over the last few months, including slashing export tariffs and interest rate cuts and providing interest rate subsidies to help exporters cut costs. Read full article [vietnamnet.vn]

Nigeria: Nigeria's Cocoa Processing Sector Faces Collapse

Fears about the vulnerability of the Nigerian economy heightened weekend with the announcement of the imminent collapse of the close to N40 billion cocoa processing sector. Read full article [www.thisdayonline.com]

India: India corn seen higher on local, export demand

MUMBAI, Feb 9 (Reuters) - India corn futures may trade higher on Monday on renewed local demand and export demand from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, analysts said. Read full article [Reuters]

US: Container Shipments to US stores likely to drop 11.8%

The US National Retail Federation is expecting retail container shipments into the US to fall 11.8 per cent in the first half of 2009 as dramatic cuts in store stock levels translate into lower orders for factories round the world. Read full article [www.ft.com]

Romania: BDG Import exceeded by far initial estimates with 70% business growth

BDG Import, a major spirits importer on the domestic market, posted a 70 percent annual increase in net sales in 2008, up to RON 111.9 million (€30.5 mln), exceeding by far its initial estimates of a 20-25 percent increase, due to larger market shares of the company’s products. Read full article [www.standard.ro]

Bangladesh: Canadian trade team due in city on Feb 14

A Canadian trade delegation comprising members of the Ministry of Agriculture of the government of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP), the Canadian International Grains Institute (CIGI) and Pulse Canada will visit in Bangladesh between February 14 and February 18 for promoting Canadian agricultural products to Bangladesh. Read full article [nation.ittefaq.com]

Indonesia: Trade Ministry Seeks New Export Markets

The Ministry of Trade will this month start actively encouraging government ministries, foreign-bound trade delegations, chambers of commerce, major banks and trade-focused organizations to coordinate their efforts to identify new export markets and expand business-to-business contacts throughout the world this year, said Trade Minister Mari Pangestu on Friday. Read full article [www.thejakartaglobe.com]

Egypt: Food industry tech. center to be set up with Polish expertise

Minister of Trade & Industry Rasheed Mohamed Rasheed said at the end of a successful visit to Poland that he agreed with the Polish Deputy Premier and Minister of Economy to organize a Polish trade mission to Egypt late this year and another to be organized by Egyptian businessmen to Poland. Read full article [www.sis.gov.eg]

India: Global pepper output on the decline

Kochi, Feb. 8 The world’s total pepper production continued to decline from a high of over 3,60,000 tonnes in 2003 to below 3,00,000 tonnes from 2007 onwards and the estimates for 2008 have put it at 2,94,400 tonnes at a time when there has been a reported annual demand growth of 3.8 per cent. Read full article [www.thehindubusinessline.com]

India: Mangalore port benefits from cashew imports

The year 2009 seems to have begun well for New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) with more mainline container vessels coming calling. These vessels have found potential in catering to the needs of the Karnataka cashew sector.  - The cashew industry in Karnataka is dependent on imported raw cashew to meet its processing needs. Karnataka has more than 100 cashew processing units, and New Mangalore is the gateway port of Karnataka. Read full article [www.thehindubusinessline.com]

India: Sugar industries unite for high support prices

In a rare show of support for the sugarcane farmer in a year when shortage has paved the way for raw sugar imports and domestic mills are pre-closing their crushing seasons, the sugar industry in the private and the cooperative sectors have united to pressure the government to announce high support prices for the commodity. Read full article [economictimes.indiatimes.com]

US: Pure Acai Products to offer private label Acai berry products

Pure Acai Products, one of the world's leading suppliers of acai berry products, recently signed an agreement with Apex-Nutra to develop a new line of three high-quality, private-label acai juices and supplements under the Acai Zone brand. Read full press release  [FoodBizDaily.com]

Viet Nam: More commercial banks provide loan subsidies

More commercial banks have adopted the government’s policy to provide four percent loan subsidies to export companies in an effort to stimulate investment, production and business. Read full article [www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn]

Argentina: Destructive drought strangling Argentina

Argentina's worst drought in a generation has dealt a huge blow to the country's economy. The farming sector stands to lose $5 billion this year alone. ...The nation's farm sector stands to lose $5 billion this year alone — a huge blow to the economy of Argentina, a top world exporter of soy, corn, wheat and beef — as well as to the government of President Cristina Fernandez, which faces billions of dollars in debt payments this year. Read full article [seattletimes.nwsource.com]

Pakistan: TCP to import 250,000 tonnes of white wheat from US on deferred payment

ISLAMABAD (February 08 2009): The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) on Saturday allowed to open a tender to import 250,000 tonnes of white wheat on a three-year deferred payment from the US. Read full article [www.brecorder.com]

UAE: Dozens of food shops shut after safety concerns

Food safety inspectors in Abu Dhabi shut down 75 shops and issued hundreds of warnings over poor quality food last year, it was reported on Saturday. Read full article [www.arabianbusiness.com]

Philippines: NFA to import 500,000 MT of rice

The National Food Authority (NFA) said on Saturday the agency is set to import 500,000 metric tons of rice this month and in March. But the NFA is quick to clarify that the importation is a normal practice while waiting for more supply during the harvest season next month. Read full article [www.abs-cbnnews.com]

Somalia: African tycoon wants Bangladesh food products

Dhaka, Feb 7 – An African business tycoon sees huge potential in importing Bangladeshi processed food products to African countries. "The development in the quality of products and also better marketing and distribution has helped create huge hype for Bangladeshi products among Bangladeshi immigrants as well as foreigners," said Mohamed Omar Abdi of Somaliland, an autonomous region that is part of the Somali republic located in the Horn of Africa. Read full article [bdnews24.com]

Scotland: Food firms ‘should use weak pound to export’

FOOD AND drink companies in Scotland must exploit the weakness of the pound to mount a determined assault on overseas markets, a major industry conference will be told this week. Read full article [www.sundayherald.com]

UK: PM Gordon Brown pins economy hopes on China

The 500 businessmen and politicians who gathered at the Natural History Museum last Sunday for dinner with Wen Jiabao, the Chinese prime minister, were treated to an unusual item of fusion cooking: “London Duck”. Read full article [www.telegraph.co.uk]

Scotland: Cut in whisky duty 'best way to boost Scottish economy'

NEW FIGURES from leading economic consultants Gen show that a 2.5% cut in duty on Scotch whisky would generate more than twice as much benefit to the UK economy as last year's equivalent VAT cut, the Sunday Herald has learned. Read full article [www.sundayherald.com]

India: Beer industry growth slows down

The beer industry is finally witnessing a relative slowdown after three straight years of growth and it is not necessarily because of recession. - SABMiller’s Director – Corporate Communications and Affairs and the All India Brewers’ Association Vice-President, Mr Sundeep Kumar, told Business Line that year-to-date industry growth for 2008-09 was 8.5 per cent while for 2007-08, the industry grew 14 per cent. For the first six months of 2008-09, the gap was larger with the industry registering a growth of 6.9 per cent compared with 16 per cent same period last year. Read full article [www.thehindubusinessline.com]

Malaysia: Palm oil may test resistance

Malaysian palm oil futures ended firmer but fell off its highs on Friday due to weakness in the energy markets and an expected fall in exports. Markets will watch closely the exports data from cargo surveyors and official data from MPOB on inventories and production in the coming week for further clues. Read full article [www.thehindubusinessline.com]

Chile: Magic cheese scam stinks up rural Chilean town

CANTAUCO, Chile (Reuters) - It was supposed to be a magic recipe for instant riches, but instead hundreds of residents in this sleepy town in central Chile are up in arms over a "magic cheese" scam that has left many deep in debt. Read full article [Reuters]

US: Peanut Corp. of America knew food was tainted - FDA

Food and Drug Administration officials had earlier said that Peanut Corp. of America waited for a second test to clear peanut butter and peanuts that initially were positive for salmonella. But the agency amended its report Friday, noting that the Blakely, Ga., plant shipped some products before receiving the second test and sold others after confirming salmonella. Read full article [www.star-telegram.com]

UK: Bargain-hunters seek food that’s cheap as chips

Cheese pasties, pizzas and sausage rolls are becoming the meal of choice for bargain-hunting consumers, in a sign that the days of £5 ciabatta sandwiches and luxury chocolate could be over. Read full article [www.ft.com]

China: China’s wheat shortage set to spark prices

BEIJING : Northern China is facing one of the severe drought – most severe since 1951 - which is likely to affect its grain production – chief among them wheat – sparking speculation that wheat prices may go up in future. Read full article [www.commodityonline.com

Nepal: Nepal plans to tap global coffee market

KATHMANDU, Feb 7: In views of growing domestic demand and prospects of overseas exports, the government has prepared a three-year strategic plan to boost the production and export of Nepali coffee. Read full article [www.myrepublica.com]

New Zealand: Fonterra raises $800 million in less than a week

The nation's biggest company, Fonterra Co-operative Group, says its $NZ300 million 6-year bond issue has been oversubscribed by 267 percent. Read full article [www.nbr.co.nz]

UK: Tetra Pak says customisation is key in downturn

Investing in custom-designed production equipment will be increasingly important to dairy manufacturers during the current economic downturn, claims a major supplier of aseptic processing technology. Read full article [www.foodproductiondaily.com]

UK: Fresca sets out Thanet plans

Fresh produce supplier Fresca has announced bold plans for the coming year, with the first product to emerge from the Thanet Earth project set to hit shelves soon and a focus on UK product promised. Read full article [www.freshinfo.com]

UK: Herb industry looks forward

British Herb Trade Association (BHTA) members and delegates were given a unique glimpse into the future of business and industry at their recent conference in Lincoln. Read full article [www.freshinfo.com]

Freight: Maersk raises EU to Asia rates

Maersk has announced a Europe to Asia freight rate rise in response to an increase in trade. - Exchange rates were boosting traffic from Europe to Asia, according to Danish shipping group Maersk, which announced yesterday a rate rise as a result. Read full article [www.fruitnet.com]

Nigeria: 'Low Standard Bane of Country Goods'

Inability of Nigeria's agricultural products to meet export standard is depriving the country the benefits provided by the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA),the United State of America Ambassador to Nigeria Robin Sanders has said. Read full article [allafrica.com]

Malaysia: Nestle to reap first red rice harvest

Food and beverage company Nestle (Malaysia) Bhd (4707) will yield its first harvest of red rice from its pilot project in Serikin, about 200km from Kuching, next month.- The first harvest is expected to produce about 300 tonnes of red rice a year. Read full article [www.btimes.com.my]

US: Outlook for Packaged Food Companies Discussed in Wall Street Transcript in Food & Beverages Issue

67 WALL STREET, New York--February 6, 2009 - The Wall Street Transcript has just published its Food & Beverages issue, a report offering a timely review of the sector to serious investors and industry executives. Read full article [biz.yahoo.com]

UK: New ruling in Cadbury’s battle for the colour purple

Cadbury has lost its latest attempt to defend the use of its distinctive colour purple as a court has dismissed the first stage of its appeal. Read full article [www.confectionerynews.com]

Ethiopia: Ethiopian coffee gets a global flavour with Futures

Since recently, the Ethiopian government tried to address one of these challenges by creating a national agricultural commodity exchange system. In line with the trend in many other African countries, Ethiopia has recently set up a national commodity exchange known as Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX). Read full article [commodityonline.com]

India: MMTC floats bids to sell imported pulses

NEW DELHI: State run MMTC has floated two separate bids to sell around 21200 tonnes of imported pulses in the domestic market. - In the first bid the company offers to sell 4200 tonnes of toor imported from Myanmar and second one offers for the sale of 17000 tonnes of yellow peas bought from US and Canada. Read full article [www.commodityonline.com]

India: Buying props up cardamom prices

Kochi, Feb. 6 Cardamom prices moved up during the week on good buying support from exporters and domestic dealers at auctions held in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. - The individual average price dwindled between Rs 510 and Rs 530 a kg. The weighted average price for the current season stood at Rs 520.07 a kg as on February 3 against Rs 467.66 a kg during the same period last season. Read full articles [thehindubusinessline.com]

India: South India helps tea output to record high

Chennai, Feb. 6 A 26-million kg (mkg) rise in South India tea production helped the country to a record output of 980.8 mkg during 2008. This was against 944.7 mkg in 2007. - Thanks to political and weather problems in Kenya, exports too increased in 2008 to 196.02 mkg, though they were short of the 200-mkg-mark. Read full article [www.thehindubusinessline.com]

Belgium: Belgians confirm prebiotic bread concept not half-baked

Two Belgium companies – one a bran technology specialist, the other an ingredients supplier in the bakery and confectionery area – have linked to develop bread and pastry products with digestive health benefits. Read full article [www.bakeryandsnacks.com]

Germany: New polishing agent brings shine to chocolate-coated cereal flakes

German ingredients firm Alfred Wolff rolls out a one-step polishing agent for chocolate-coated cereal flakes to meet the industry's need for improved surface shine and protective coatings. Read full article [www.bakeryandsnacks.com]

Canada: Canada puts a jolt into Red Bull sales

It used to be only for caffeine junkies, but energy drink Red Bull has carved out a place for itself in the mainstream of Canada's beverage industry at a time when soft-drink sales are losing their fizz. - Sales figures released yesterday by the Austrian maker of the high-octane energy drink show Canada has emerged as the one of the brand's fastest-growing markets, with sales increasing by a staggering 50 per cent last year. Read full article [www.theglobeandmail.com]

India: Bitter saga for sugar companies

MUMBAI: Recession has a direct impact on sugar intakes – it seems so especially since sugar companies are either showing bad results or are filing for bankruptcy. Read full article [www.commodityonline.com]

US: 100% duty on Italian mineral water on hold in US

Legislation which would place a 100% tariff on Italian mineral water imported into the US has been put on hold for 60 days by the new administration of President Barack Obama.  Read full article [foodbev.com]  

Serbia: Serbian Food Group Centroproizvod Plans To Raise Output, Double Exports in Painful 2009

BELGRADE (Serbia), February 6 (SeeNews) – Serbian food group Centroproizvod plans to raise production by 20% and double exports to 12 million euro ($15 million) this year, hoping that the food industry will be among the least affected by the global crisis, the group’s general director Nemanja Popov said. Read full article [seenews.com]

Philippines: Yap signs agri-fishery accord with Bahrain

Tagbilaran City (6 February) -- Boholano by affinity and Aggie secretary Arthur Yap recently signed for the country an agreement on agricultural and fisheries cooperation with Kingdom of Bahrain.   [...]  The signing formalizes strengthened cooperative endeavors in plant science, crop technology, vegetable and fruit preservation, biotechnology, post-harvest technology, livestock and fisheries, organic agriculture, aquaculture, coastal and deep-sea fishing management, irrigation and water resources as well as the halal industry. Read full article [www.pia.gov.ph/]

Algeria: Algeria says importers must take local partners

ALGIERS, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Algeria's government is drawing up rules that would oblige foreign importers to give local importers a minimum 30 percent stake in their business, trade ministry officials said on Thursday.   Read full article [Reuters]

India: International players look to buy out food services firm Radhakrishna

Multi-national companies like Sodexho, Aramark and Sofra may buy Radhakrishna for Rs 400-450 Cr.  - Multi-national companies like Sodexho, Aramark and Sofra have expressed interest buying out food services firm Radhakrishna Hospitality Services. The deal to acquire the firm could be around Rs 400-450 crore, reports Economic Times. Read full article [Reuters]

India: India's Shree Renuka may buy 500,000 tonnes raw sugar

NEW DELHI, Feb 6 (Reuters) - Shree Renuka Sugars Ltd (SRES.BO: Quote, Profile, Research), India's biggest refiner, may import up to 500,000 tonnes of raws by the end of the season in September after rules were relaxed, its managing director said on Friday. Read full article [Reuters]

Costa Rica: Tico Tomatoes and Peppers to US Market

Beginning next May, 15 local producers will be able to export tomatoes and peppers to the United States. These growners have met the conditions of a rigorous protocol which took producers and government agencies, from both the United States and Costa Rica, about three years to finalize. Read full article [www.ticotimes.net]

Malaysia: New Rule For Agricultural Products To EU

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's export of agricultural products to the European Union (EU) market will be subjected to a new rule after the European Parliament voted in favour of a pesticides regulation last month. Read full article [www.bernama.com]

Chile: Chile, Russia sign deal on fruits, vegetables export

SANTIAGO, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Chilean and Russian governments Thursday inked an agreement on guaranteeing the security and quality of Chilean fruits and vegetables exported to Russia. Read full article [news.xinhuanet.com]

Canada: Import and export gaps concern Auditor General

Canada's borders are poorly protected against potentially harmful pests and diseases that could harm the country's $100-billion-a-year forestry and agriculture industries, federal Auditor General Sheila Fraser warned Thursday. Read full article [www.canada.com]

Peru: Fisheries collapse imperils developing nations

The risk of fisheries collapsing in Peru, the worlds largest fishmeal producer, and developing nations such as Senegal that depend on fish for both food and jobs means economic hardship as climate change threatens fishing grounds. Read full article [www.thewest.com.au]

Jamaica: Appleton and Wray & Nephew not for sale - Carballo

Jamaica's leading rum makers, Appleton and J Wray & Nephew, subsidiaries of Lascelles de Mercado, are not for sale, declared the executive director of CL Financial, Michael Carballo.   Read full article [www.jamaicaobserver.com]

Argentina: Experts to pick top Argentine wines

The Argentine Wine Awards 2009 will take place in Mendoza from February 22 to 26 and will aim to find the best wines from 100 wineries.  - A panel of judges from Argentina's four major export markets - the UK, the USA, Canada and Brazil - will blind taste the wines twice before rating them out of 20. Read full article [www.bighospitality.co.uk]

Japan: Asahi, Lotte in talks on South Korean brewer

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Asahi Breweries Ltd and South Korea's Lotte Group are in talks on a joint acquisition of No. 2 South Korean brewer Oriental Brewery Co for $1.1-$1.6 billion, the Nikkei business daily said. Read full article [Reuters]  

Singapore: Hot Stocks-Noble, Golden Agri on commodities

SINGAPORE, Feb 6 (Reuters) - Commodity stocks such as Noble Group (NOBG.SI) and Golden Agri (GAGR.SI) rose more than 5 percent on Friday on signs of a recovery in commodity prices. Read full article [Reuters]

US: U.S. suspends peanut company from federal contracts

Family-owned Peanut Corp of America and a subsidiary, Tidewater Blanching LLC, cannot participate in federal contracts for a year, USDA said. The agency also proposed to debar the company from contracts for three years. Read full article [Reuters]

Austria: New product - Sqeez tube drinx

Sqeez tube drinx, a division of Vienna-based CWC ADs&mORE GmbH, announced the launch of a new brand of beverages : drinks in tubes, or sqeez tube drinx that is.   Read full article [FoodBizDaily.com]

US: M&K Acquisitions buys Gleukos sports drink

M&K Acquisitions announces its asset purchase of Gleukos, Inc., the all-natural sport drink company.  - “This is an exciting day for the Gleukos brand,” said Gleukos founder Mark Jensen. “The purchase of Gleukos by M&K secures for the company the ability to further sales growth via increased DSD distribution, retail chain sell in and athletic endorsements while staying true to our unique athletic history and heritage.” Read full article [FoodBizDaily.com]

US: Peanut costs adding up for food companies

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Kellogg Co, the first company to report the financial costs of a sweeping U.S. peanut product recall caused by an outbreak of salmonella, said on Thursday the withdrawals will likely cost it up to $70 million. Read full article [Reuters]

South Africa: Innovative spice company exporting to 37 countries

NoMU Brands (Pty) Ltd and innovative company in South Africa talks to FoodBizDaily.com about how they manage to export rubs, spices and more to 37 countries, how the credit crisis is affecting the business and more. Read full interview [FoodBizDaily.com]  

India: Pepper trade seeks reintroduction of special export scheme

The pepper trade here has urged the Union Commerce Ministry to reintroduce the Vishesh Krishi Upaj Gramodyog Yojana (VKUGY) for pepper given the decline in exports due to comparatively higher parity of Indian black pepper in the international market because of high cost of production and good domestic demand. Read full article [www.thehindubusinessline.com]

New Zealand: New assault for NZ lamb on UK market

Just as British farmers began celebrating a 15% drop in New Zealand lamb being sent to the UK, New Zealand has launched a new assault on their market. - Meat and Wool New Zealand this week began promoting "NZ lamb week". Read full article [tvnz.co.nz]

Mexico: Mexicans seek high fiber for weight management

Mexicans are becoming more interested in healthy foods and dietary fiber, opening up new opportunities for food and beverage companies to launch high fiber products, according to research from Tate & Lyle. Read full article [www.foodnavigator-usa.com]

US: US to lead global wine consumption

Despite wider concerns over consuming spending in the current economic downturn, by 2012, consumption of imported wines alone is expected to increase by 17.9 per cent from 2008, according to research compiled by the International Wine & Spirit Record (IWSR). Read full article [www.foodnavigator-usa.com]

Switzerland: Nestle explores thermogel emulsions for flavour, nutrient delivery

Self-assembled emulsion droplets encapsulated in carrageenan-based gels may one day be able to deliver flavours and nutrients in food, says preliminary research from Nestle. Read full article [www.foodnavigator.com]

India: Upasi to take part in Moscow Tea Symposium

COIMBATORE: In a bid to improve the perception about South Indian teas in the world market, especially in Russian market, the United Planters' Association of Southern India (Upasi), in a joint initiative with Tea Board of India has decided to participate in the Moscow International Tea Symposium on February 9, 2009. Read full article [economictimes.indiatimes.com] 

Australia: New flavours complete Compleats

Hormel Foods Australia (HFA) has introduced two new flavours to its Compleats microwave meals range.  - THe Compleats range from Hormell Foods.'Chicken Alfredo' and 'Meatloaf, Mashed Potato and Gravy' were the latest to hit the supermarket shelves. Read full article [www.foodmag.com.au]

China: McDonald's slashes China prices by up to 33 percent

BEIJING (Reuters) - Mcdonald's Corp (MCD.N), the world's largest fast-food chain, has cut some prices by as much as a third in China where once booming economic growth has slumped amid the global financial crisis. Read full article [Reuters]

US: Kellogg profit up, sees 2009 currency hit

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Kellogg Co (K.N), the world's largest cereal maker, posted higher-than-expected quarterly profit on Thursday, though it also cautioned that 2009 earnings could be hit hard by the stronger U.S. dollar. Read full article [Reuters]

Colombia: Colombian food giant to buy Mexican chocolate maker

Colombia's Grupo Nacional de Chocolates, purportedly the country's biggest food company, will buy Mexican chocolate manufacturer Nutresa for $95m. Read full article [www.confectionerynews.com]

Netherlands: New packer from Lareka targets carton-packed premium chocolate

 Meeting growing demand for premium chocolate packed in carton, Netherland's Lareka launches a new double stage tablet packer with a price tag in reach of small and medium-sized businesses. Read full article [www.confectionerynews.com]

US: USDA Proposes To Debar Peanut Corporation Of America

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2009 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that it is suspending, and proposing to debar, Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) and its subsidiary Tidewater Blanching LLC from doing business with the federal government. Read full article [www.cattlenetwork.com]

India: 18-week low volume at Coonoor tea sale

Coonoor, Feb. 4 A volume of 10.26 lakh kg – the lowest volume of the past 18 weeks – has been catalogued for Sale No: 6 of the Coonoor Tea Trade Association auctions to be held on Thursday and Friday. Growers said prolonged drought had affected the harvest. Of the 10.26 lakh kg on offer, 7.20 lakh kg belong to the leaf grades and 3.06 lakh kg belong to the dust grades. As much as 9.72 lakh kg belong to CTC variety and only 0.54 lakh kg, orthodox variety. On the export front, Pakistan bought cleaner blacker varieties. CIS and Poland...

India: Govt subsidy now for new seafood retail units

Chennai, Feb. 4 With a view to promoting seafood in the domestic market, the Union Government has announced subsidies for retail units to create necessary infrastructure to modernise their outlets, and also for setting up clean wholesale markets. Read full article [thehindubusinessline.com]

Scotland: Alcohol sport sponsors agree to Scottish restrictions

Scotland continues to drive ahead with proposed crackdowns on alcohol promotion and sales through new guidelines on how the industry must sponsor sports teams and other cultural events in the country. Read full article [beveragedaily.com]

Japan: Asahi Breweries Forecasts Net Income to Increase 11% in 2009

Feb. 5 (Bloomberg) -- Asahi Breweries Ltd., Japan’s top-selling beermaker, forecast 2009 profit to rise 11 percent. - Net income may rise to 50 billion yen ($559 million) in the 12 months ending December from 45 billion yen last year, the company said in a statement to Tokyo’s stock exchange today. That’s less than the average 52.3 billion yen estimate of 16 analysts compiled by Bloomberg. Read full article [Bloomberg]

Cameroon: Coffee Production Drops a Third; Robusta Output Slides

Feb. 5 (Bloomberg) -- Coffee production in Cameroon dropped by a third last year as output of the robusta variety fell 36 percent, Michael Ndoping, general manager of the National Cocoa and Coffee Board, said. Read full article [Bloomberg]

Argentina: Attache Lowers Argentine Soybean Peg

The U.S. ag attache in Argentina has lowered its 2008/09 soybean production forecast to 42.5 MMT, citing smaller harvested acreage and an expected decline in overall yield due to the drought situation. USDA in January pegged the crop at 49.5 MMT. Read full article [www.agweb.com]

Russia: Lenta Scraps Attempted Sale, Says 35% Stake on Offer

Feb. 5 (Bloomberg) -- OOO Lenta scrapped an attempt to sell itself and said a 35 percent stake is still for sale, stoking speculation that the Russian grocer’s shareholders were divided on whether to accept a low price as the economy sours. Read full article [Bloomberg]

Guyana: Similar situation with Guyana sugar industry experienced by other nations

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (GINA): Reduced demand, price cuts and climate change have taken their toll on sugar industries around the world so much so that approximately four million tonnes of sugar will be undersupplied by the world market and many countries that are large producers of sugar will be importing sugar for their own use. Read full article [www.caribbeannetnews.com]

UK: MSP presses Japan to lift import ban

Aberdeen North MSP Brian Adam has asked Japanese authorities to consider lifting the ban on European imports of haggis and other meat products. Read full article [www.meatinfo.co.uk]

Japan: Japan Considers Ending Four-Decade Policy to Cut Rice Planting

Feb. 5 (Bloomberg) -- Japan, the world’s largest grain importer, may end a four-decade program to cut rice sowing as it plans to revive agricultural production and create jobs amid a deepening recession. Read full article [Bloomberg]

Netherlands: Unilever’s New Chief Says Forecasting ‘Inappropriate’

Feb. 5 (Bloomberg) -- Unilever Chief Executive Officer Paul Polman scrapped the food and soap maker’s forecast after a month on the job, saying targets are “inappropriate” amid declining economic growth and volatile commodity prices. Read full article [Bloomberg]

Australia: Wheat growers urge better market information

SYDNEY, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Australian wheat growers are urging that the government overhaul the country's new wheat marketing arrangements to give them better information on stocks held by grain handlers, industry leaders said on Thursday. Read full article [Reuters UK]

New Zealand: Frucor’s new owners looking at new product lines

Japanese brewer Suntory’s purchase of Kiwi drinks company Frucor could see new ranges of products launch here. - Suntory purchased Frucor from Danone for €600 million euros, the deal was settled on Friday. Read full article [www.nbr.co.nz]

Russia: More new regulations on imports

Russia wants the United States to revise its veterinary certificate for pork exports as soon as possible. In the longer term, Russia’s food safety division wants a final version by June 1, according to Russia’s Interfax News Agency. Read full article [www.farminguk.com]

Thailand: Commerce minister urges Japan to import more Thai rice

TOKYO, Feb 5 (TNA) - Visiting Thai Commerce Minister Pornthiva Nakasai on Thursday urged Japanese traders to import more Thai rice, especially cooked food, and food seasoning. Read full article [enews.mcot.net]

Norway: Agreement on Import from Philippines

Newly appointed Philippine Ambassador to Norway, Denmark and Iceland, Ambassador Elizabeth P. Buensuceso, and trade representative Mary Borromeo-Hedfors have identified areas for promotion of processed food, information technology, shipping, and gifts and house wares from the Philippines in Norway, Denmark and Iceland at a meting at the Philippine Embassy in Oslo. Read full article [www.scandasia.com]

Pakistan: Export of animal casings to EU: EC’s inspection 2009 team to visit soon

KARACHI: The European Commission (EC) Food and Veterinary Office Programme of Audit and Inspection on Wednesday included Pakistan in its worldwide inspection list for the import of animal casings. Read full article [www.dailytimes.com.pk]

US: North Dakota companies in food trade

The North Dakota Mill and Dakota Pride Cooperative are among nine Midwestern companies participating in the Food Export Midwest Trade Mission to China Feb 15-19. Read full article [www.jamestownsun.com]

Taiwan: Taiwan can apply for FMD-free status next year

Taiwan is expected to be listed as a food-and-mouth disease (FMD)-free country by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) next year, provided no new cases are reported during this transitional year, the Council of Agriculture (COA) said yesterday. Read full article [www.taipeitimes.com]

Hong Kong: HK Customs seizes 18 mln HKD illicit frozen meat

HONG KONG, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong Customs and Police announced Thursday that a smuggling syndicate have been cracked with a record seizure of 60,000 kg of unmanifested frozen meat worth 18 million HK dollars (about 2.3 million US dollars). Read full article [news.xinhuanet.com]  

UK: Double boost for beef farmers

The National Beef Association (NBA) has said that beef farm incomes are being protected from the economic recession by consumers continuing to buy British beef. - The good news for British farmers comes despite reports of a startlingly high year on year lift in retail prices. Read full article [www.hexham-courant.co.uk]

Viet Nam: My Hoa Cooperative exports grapefruit to Europe

My Hoa Nam Roi Cooperative in the southern province of Vinh Long won a contract to export 70 containers of Nam Roi pomelo to Europe this year, said the head of the cooperative Tran Van Sang. - He said that the cooperative aimed to sell 1,000 tonnes of the fruit this year for VND7 billion (over US$400,000). Read full article [www.saigon-gpdaily.com]

Chile: Chile Takes Steps to Rehabilitate Its Lucrative Salmon Industry

SANTIAGO, Chile — When a devastating virus swept through Chile’s farmed salmon stocks last year, some of the industry’s biggest players laid off thousands of workers, packed up operations and moved to unspoiled waters farther south along the Chilean coast. But the virus went with them. Read full article [www.nytimes.com]

India: Govt. to consider reducing barriers on basmati export

New Delhi (PTI): The Government will soon consider the states' demand to reduce barriers on export of basmati rice following a steady reduction in the domestic price of the foodgrain. Read full article [www.hindu.com]  

US: FDA reports use of unapproved chemicals by large Chilean salmon farms

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5  - The Pew Environment Group recently acquired documents from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealing that three Chilean salmon farming companies, including the two largest producers of farmed salmon, used a number of drugs not approved by the U.S. government. Read full press release at FoodBizDaily.com  

India: Fresh Del Monte signs banana purchase agreement with Rise n’ Shine Biotech

CORAL GABLES, Fla.-- Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.  today announced that it has signed a new, long-term, exclusive banana production and purchase agreement with Rise n’ Shine Biotech Pvt. Ltd., one of the largest diversified biotech, floriculture and horticulture operations in India. Read full press release at FoodBizDaily  

Philippines: Cocoa farmers want fair buying price for beans

While a leading chocolate manufacturer in Springfield, Missouri in the United States has unveiled Davao 77% Dark Chocolate brand last January 30, cocoa farmers are dejected over the marked-down price of beans set by the middlemen here. Read full article [www.mindanaotimes.com.ph]

Japan: Japanese PM decries 'Buy American' push

TOKYO, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- A proposed "Buy American" component in the U.S. economic stimulus plan would violate principles of the World Trade Organization, Japan's prime minister said. Read full article [www.upi.com]

Kenya: Maize flour price to double as government abandons rebate

February 5, 2009: A price surge was on Wednesday looming in the maize flour market after the government withdrew the Sh200 rebate it was offering millers for every bag of maize.   Read full article [www.bdafrica.com]

Guatemala: Guatemala to export 4.5 million boxes of mango in 2009

Increasing mango exports in 2009 to reach 4.5 million boxes, is the goal set by the Guatemalan mango producers. - This is possible due to the signing of the export protocols by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA) and the Department of Agriculture United States of America. Read full article [www.guatemala-times.com]

Australia: Wine exporters focus on Asian growth

ASIA offers Western Australian winemakers a market ripe with potential, particularly for top-end produce, according to renowned wine critic James Halliday. - Mr Halliday recently returned from an Austrade-sponsored visit to the region, during which WA's top drops were spruiked to potential distributors and wine writers from Taiwan and neighbouring China. Read full article [www.wabusinessnews.com.au]  

Korea: Department Stores Set to Sell US Beef

South Korea's department stores are expected to sell U.S. beef following local discount retailers' resumption of its sale in November last year. - According to Yonhap News, Lotte Department Store, the nation's leading department store chain, is gearing up for the sale of U.S beef during the first half of this year, while other department stores including Hyundai and Shinsegae are weighing the timing. Read full article [www.koreatimes.co.kr]

China: Meet A Company Feeding On China's Hearty Appetite For Pork

Far more than any other meat, pork occupies a special place in the Chinese diet and economy. Supporting a hog market estimated to be worth $32 billion annually, the Chinese consume more pork than any other nation. Read full article [www.oxburyresearch.com]

France: Chopin Gets The Measure Of Dough

A profiling innovation from French firm Chopin Technologies, the Mixolab, aims to help industrial bakers and biscuit makers quickly understand the suitability of cereal flours for their product recipes. Read full article [www.worldbakers.com]

China: China Yurun, ITC are Best Picks for Asian Consumption, UBS Says

Feb. 4 (Bloomberg) -- China Yurun Food Group Ltd. and India’s ITC Ltd. are among 18 stocks that will benefit most from growth in Asian consumption, UBS AG said. Read full article [Bloomberg]

UK: Wincanton renews transport and warehousing contract with HJ Heinz

UK-based contract logistics company Wincanton has renewed its contract with food manufacturer HJ Heinz. The new contract will see a three-year extension to the transport contract and four years for both warehousing and co-packing. Read full article [www.food-business-review.com]

US: Kraft shares suffer after forecast cut

Shares in world's second largest food maker fall 8.9 per after it cut its profit forecasts for the full year on the back of the strengthening dollar and US shopper's seeking out cheaper foods. - The food maker said it expected earnings per share in 2009 to come in at $1.88 a share, against a previous estimate of $2, as it swallows the impact of a strengthening dollar and growing pension costs. Read full article [www.ft.com]

Norway: FMC alginate reshuffle creates largest western production site

FMC BioPolymer is to consolidate its alginate manufacturing at its plant in Norway, making this the largest production facility in the western world for the ingredients. Read full article [www.newsgator.com]

UK: Kellogg’s ‘wholesome’ ads misleading, says ASA

The UK’s Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) has upheld complaints that adverts for Kellogg’s ‘wholesome’ cookies were misleading and implied that the snacks were healthier than they actually are. Read full article [www.foodnavigator.com]

EU: EU cooks up tighter olive oil labelling rules

(BRUSSELS) - The origin of olive oil sold in Europe will have to be clearly labelled in the future under new rules adopted Wednesday in order to prevent consumers from being misled, the European Commission said. Read full article [www.eubusiness.com]

Germany: Unilever launches Lätta probiotic spread

Unilever has introduced a new probiotic spread that contains the LGG probiotic strain from Valio. - Said to be the first time Valio has licensed its LGG for a low-fat spreads application, Unilever’s Lätta brand spread with LGG is being launched first in Germany and Sweden, followed by other countries where the Lätta brand is marketed (with the exception of Finland). Read full article [www.foodbev.com]

UK: Arla Foods makes £70m plant investment

Arla Foods is investing more than £70m in additional production facilities at its flagship dairy in Stourton, Leeds, UK.  =- In a statement, the company explained that the investment will allow it to expand production at the site to process a range of fresh dairy products, including fresh cream and creme fraiche, and will allow Arla to manufacture cottage cheese for the first time in the UK. Read full article [www.foodbev.com]

Denmark: Alternatives and innovation sought with Danisco enzymes move

Danisco says it is will be shifting its UK-based brewing enzymes operations to Denmark as part of a global shake up of the group’s beverage business designed to strengthen innovation in the segment. Read full article [www.beveragedaily.com]

Liberia: Cocoa Pest May Be Easier-Than-Expected to Control, FAO Says

Feb. 4 (Bloomberg) -- Cocoa-eating caterpillars in Liberia may be easier to control than previously thought because they don’t burrow into the ground to cocoon, the United Nations said.   Read full article [Bloomberg]

US: Kraft and Sara Lee cut 2009 forecasts

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Food makers Kraft Foods Inc (KFT.N) and Sara Lee Corp (SLE.N) cut their profit forecasts for the current year on Wednesday as a stronger dollar and weaker global economy hurt international sales. Read full article [Reuters]  

South Africa: Suppliers asked to probe ways to cut costs

Food suppliers have been asked to investigate ways of cutting costs, food retailer Pick n Pay said on Wednesday. - This followed a much-publicised meeting between the company's CEO Nick Badminton and the retailer's suppliers. Read full article [www.iol.co.za]

France: France strengthens its presence at Gulfood 2009

This year 64 exhibitors will be animating the 741 square meter French Food Pavilion, organised by Sopexa (French Food marketing Board) with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture. The event will bring together an excellent selection of France's genuine high quality food and beverages products. Read full article [www.ameinfo.com]

Tanzania: Tanzania fruit processing industry faces stiff competition from abroad

APA-Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) Tanzania’s first fruit processing plant in the town of Morogoro, 200 km west of the commercial capital Dar es Salaam, is facing stiff competition from pineapple concentrate imports from China, Vietnam, Thailand, South Africa and Ghana, APA learnt here Wednesday Read full article [www.apanews.net]  

India: India's MMTC imports 12,000 tonnes palmolein

NEW DELHI, Feb 4 (Reuters) - India's MMTC Ltd (MMTC.BO: Quote, Profile, Research) has imported 12,000 tonnes of RBD palmolein at $580 per tonne, its first overseas purchase of the cooking medium in three months, a government source said. Read full article [in.reuters.com]  

Viet Nam: Imports from China not increasing as sharply as expected

Imports from China coming through the two main border gates in Lang Son province, Tan Thanh and Huu Nghi, have not increased as sharply as previously predicted. Read full article [english.vietnamnet.vn]

Brazil: Brazil seen raising sugar exports in '09/10-Coimex

LONDON, Feb 4 (Reuters) - Brazil is set to boost its raw sugar sales to markets such as the Middle East because India is shifting from net exporter to importer, a senior sugar trader said on Wednesday. Read full article [Reuters]

Iran: Iran eyes enhanced cooperation in trade, technology with Paraguay

BUENOS AIRES, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- An Iranian government delegation has visited Paraguay to seek import and investment opportunities in the Latin American country, said reports reaching here Tuesday from the country's capital Asuncion. Read full article [news.xinhuanet.com]  

New Zealand: Billion dollar wine exports likely - growers

The nation's wine exports have jumped 19 percent to a record $904 million, and exporters say they should hit the industry's billion-dollar target this season, a year earlier than expected. Read full article [www.stuff.co.nz]

Russia: Russian Standard Vodka Partners with Maxxium Asia

Russia’s Number One Premium Vodka Expands Distribution to Nine Asian Markets Russian Standard Vodka Now Available in More Than 60 Markets Worldwide.   Read full article [www.drinksmediawire.com]

India: Spices succumbs to profit-taking, turmeric hits lower circuit

New Delhi (PTI): Turmeric prices led fall in the spices complex in futures trading today and plunged two per cent to hit lower circuit, as profit-taking at prevailing higher levels by speculators, snapped long rising streak. Read full article [www.hindu.com]  

US: USDA Announces Corn Sales

Private exporters reported to USDA export sales of 116,000 metric tons of corn for delivery to South Korea during the 2008/2009 marketing year. The marketing year for corn began Sept. 1. Read full article [www.agweb.com]  

Pakistan: Pakistan to import 200,000 tones refined sugar

ISLAMABAD, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Pakistani government has permitted the import of 200,000 tones of refined sugar due to the massive deficit of the commodity in the country, local newspaper The News reported on Wednesday. Read full article [news.xinhuanet.com]

India: Medium-long term trend for sugar still strong

Sugar has seen 12% of gains in 2009. Today it is trading at lower limit in case of the future exchange. Three-four factors which are putting pressure on prices but this is for near-term; one is that we are looking for profit taking after those immense gains that we have seen in the month of January. Read full article [www.moneycontrol.com]

Serbia: Import of pork from Hungary downs prices

Authorities in Serbia are considering possible import of pork if domestic manufacturers do not cut the prices and increase production, the Minister of Trade Slobodan Milosavljevic said yesterday. Economists think these measures would not produce effects on a long-term basis. They remind it is better to stimulate domestic production instead of spending hard currency on import of goods that we can manufacture in necessary quantities. Read full article [www.blic.rs]

New Zealand: NZ commodity export prices fall in January-survey

WELLINGTON, Feb 4 (Reuters) - World prices for New Zealand's main commodity exports fell for the sixth month in a row in January, driven by lower dairy and wood pulp prices. Read full article [Reuters India]  

UK: Careful optimism for the future of red meat

"I am carefully optimistic about the future for the Welsh lamb industry," Hybu Cig Cymru’s Marketing Manager, Bill Joyce, told members of NFU Cymru’s Less Favoured Area (LFA) Board when he addressed their recent meeting. Read full article [www.farminguk.com]  

US:First Organic, Antioxidant, Vegetarian, Anti-Aging Functional Whole Food Bars launched

Regeneration USA presents a new vegetarian, ati-oxidant, anti-aging bar. The Original and Cocoa bars are made with all-natural super ORAC antioxidant foods and high powered nutrients derived from:    ● Acai Berries           ● Blueberries    ● Goji Berries           ● Cranberries    ● Cacao Nibs           ● Mangosteen    ● Mulberries             ● Pomegranates    ● Walnuts                ● Almonds Read full article [ FoodBizDaily.com]

Canada: Jordan lifts ban on Canadian beef, cattle

One of Canada's expected future free trade partners has re-opened its ports to Canadian beef and cattle, offering a potential million-dollar export market. Read full article [www.albertafarmexpress.ca]

US: Navitas Naturals Presents Acai Power

NOVATO, Calif.—Navitas Naturals introduced Acai Power, an organic powder designed to be blended into milkshakes, smoothies, desserts, yogurt, granola and other recipes. Read full article [www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com]

US: Annie’s Homegrown Launches Organic Snack Mix Bunnies

NAPA. Calif.—Annie’s Homegrown launched Organic Snack Mix Bunnies, a blend of pretzel, cheddar and buttery bunny-shaped crackers. It is certified organic with real cheese, and no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Read full article [www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com]

US: Davidson’s Organics ~ Loose Teas

RENO, N.V.—Davidson’s Organics introduced a new line of loose teas, packaged in handmade paper bags. The new teas, as well as every tea the company sells, is USDA Certified Organic and many come Fair Trade Certified Read full article [www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com]

UK: Dairy Crest tries to reassure sour investors

Dairy Crest sought to reassure investors about its debt position as it reiterated the profit guidance it gave last November.  - The group that produces milk, Cathedral City cheese and Country Life butter – advertised on television by John Lydon, better known as the Sex Pistols’ frontman Johnny Rotten – said it still expected its debt to be £500m at its financial year end in March, which would provide “acceptable headroom” against its covenants. Read full article [www.ft.com]

India: Indian import shift stirs sugar market

Sugar prices reached a four-month high on Tuesday after India, the world’s largest consumer, lifted duties on the import of raw sugar to bridge a shortfall in domestic production. Read full article [www.ft.com]

Turkey: Fresh Produce Industry Heads for Turkey

The third annual Turkish fresh produce trade show, FreshAntalya, is set to follow a succesful year for the country’s export market. Read full article [www.freshinfo.com]

US: Breakfast Cereals Go Organic

Long a breakfast staple, the packaged cereal market has suffered from the time-crunch consumers feel in the morning. However, by going organic, cereal is attracting a new generation of consumers that values the importance of starting the day with a nutritious meal. Further, for many of these consumers, cereal has evolved into an anytime-of-day snack. They appreciate the option to munch on some organic oat “Os” instead of a bag of chips. Read full article [www.foodproductdesign.com]

India: UP, Maharashtra sugar output estimates go awry

New Delhi, Feb. 3 The domestic sugar scene is getting bleaker by the day, with production in Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Maharashtra – which account for well over 60 per cent of the country’s total output – turning out to be below expectations. Read full article [www.thehindubusinessline.com]

China: USMEF: China Became Largest Pork Importer In History In 2008

China's overseas purchases and imports of pork and pork products in calendar year 2008 were unprecedented for any single country in history, according to U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) calculations from just-released Chinese trade data. Read full article [www.cattlenetwork.com]

US: Key Lawmakers Introduce Major Food Safety Bill

Key democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee introduced major food safety legislation (H.R. 759) on January 28 which would overhaul the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Food and Drug Administration Globalization Act proposes a number of new requirements and oversight for the food industry. Read full article [www.mbtmag.com]

Brazil: Sadia Falls as Credit Suisse Forecasts Weaker Demand

Feb. 3 (Bloomberg) -- Sadia SA, Brazil’s second-biggest food company, dropped the most in two weeks in Sao Paulo trading after Credit Suisse Group said international demand is slowing and a weaker currency won’t boost margins. Read full article [Bloomberg]

China: KFC parent Yum posts lower China growth, stock off

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Yum Brands Inc (YUM.N), the parent of Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and KFC, on Tuesday posted a quarterly profit that topped Wall Street's target, but shares fell 1.8 percent on slowing sales growth in China. Read full article [Reuters]

Malaysia: China fair for food makers

GEORGE TOWN: Local producers of consumer goods should take the opportunity to venture into the food market in China by participating in the 105th China Import and Export Fair 2009 in Guangzhou. - Penang Importers and Exporters Asociation (PIEA) vice-president Teoh Si Kiang said Chinese consumers had been prompted to source for imported food products as the melamine scare was still pervasive. Read full article [www.bworldonline.com]

Philippines: Sardine makers bank on shift by consumers to cheap food

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Sardine producers in this city are upbeat, saying that they see growing domestic and export markets this year as millions of people are expected to buy cheap, but quality and healthy food products amid the global economic slump. Read full article [www.bworldonline.com]  

Pakistan: Seafood export to EU in 2009 unlikely: EC keeps Pakistan out of inspection

KARACHI: Pakistan has been left out of the European Commission’s (EC) annual inspection 2009 for fishery products, minimising the chances of resumption of seafood export to European Union (EU) in the current year. Read full article [www.dailytimes.com.pk]  

Europe: Drinking yoghurt sector slows

Sales of drinking yoghurt are showing signs of a struggle as growth slowed down in Europe at the end of last year, according to a new market report. Read full article [www.foodnavigator.com]

UK: FSA lists products free of Southampton colours

The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published a list of food products that have been voluntarily reformulated to remove six food colours associated with hyperactivity in young children.   Read full article [www.foodnavigator.com]

Technology: touch-screen vending for interactive vending

The International CES trade show is always good for a peek at consumer technologies to come, and this year's was no exception. Such innovations are rarely short on press coverage, but one we couldn't resist mentioning anyway is a new, touch-screen vending machine from Samsung. Read full article [springwise.com]

France: Danone ditches Essensis

A report in the Financial Times (FT) has announced that Danone is withdrawing its probiotics yogurt Essensis – a functional cosmeceutical claiming to nourish the skin. Read full article [www.foodbev.com]

Belgium: Flavanol-boosting chocolate to double in 2009, projects Barry Callebaut

While industry observers and stakeholders continue to speculate on whether chocolate is, or is not, 'recession-proof', Belgium's Barry Callebaut expects the number of consumer products containing its health and wellness Acticoa chocolate to double in 2009. Read full article [www.confectionerynews.co]  

Viet Nam: Rice exports increase

Hanoi - Vietnam's rice exports in January and February will be almost double the same period last year, thanks to ample supplies and rising global demand, government officials said Tuesday. Truong Thanh Phong, chairman of the Vietnam Food Association, said Vietnam would export 900,000 tons in the first two months of this year, compared to 459,000 tons in the same period in 2008. Read full article [www.earthtimes.org]

India: Cochin Airport to have largest perishable cargo center in India

Kochi (Kerala), Feb 3 (ANI): To serve better quality processed foods, vegetables, fruits and seafood to the 2.5 million expatriates living in West Asia, Europe and America, the Cochin International Airport, which remained in the forefront of setting new models to other airports has come out with one of the largest Center for Perishable Cargo (CPC) in India. Read full article [www.newspostonline.com]  

Macau: Brazilian association opens office in Macau to act in Pearl River Delta

Business opportunities in the Pearl River Delta are a priority for the Sao Paulo Commercial Association (ACSP) in Macau, said the head of the Brazilian association in the SAR. [...] “We are working with businesses from Brazil in order to help them export to Macau, particularly food products,” he said. Read full article [www.macaudailytimesnews.com]  

Switzerland: Exports hit a seven-year low

Swiss exports have suffered their worst fall in seven years, after a downturn in the last quarter of 2008. [...]  Only the food, beverages and tobacco industry achieved an expansion in double percentage figures.   Read full article [www.swissinfo.ch]

India: India chana comes off highs; guar rises

MUMBAI, Feb 3 (Reuters) - India chana futures were steady after hitting contract highs on Tuesday afternoon as profit-taking offset a firm spot market, where arrivals were low compared to Monday, analysts said. Read full article [in.reuters.com]  

Credit: Supplier payment ethics – The cost of squeezing suppliers

The new year has brought little cheer for suppliers. Their banks are cutting credit lines and customer companies are demanding longer credit terms. Some risk losing payments altogether as business customers cut back orders or go under. Even the once safe letter of credit, commonly used in international trade, is no more a guarantee of payment if intermediary banks fail. Read full article [www.ethicalcorp.com]

Zimbabwe : Farmers to Get Import Parity Prices

THE Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has removed all pricing distortions that previously necessitated ad-hoc price top-ups on agricultural produce to enable farmers to receive import parity prices that promote viability. Read full article [www.happyghana.com]    

UK: Salt make sees new deals crystallise despite recession

Cornish Sea Salt has had a turbulent first year but has listened to its customers and is ready for the year ahead. - Tony Fraser, 49, began selling their Cornish sea salt some 12 months ago, after three years of preparation: researching the technology and finding a suitable site for production. Read full article [www.telegraph.co.uk]

China: China Has Bird Flu Outbreak, Hong Kong Adviser Says

Feb. 3 (Bloomberg) -- China has suffered an outbreak of bird flu among poultry even though the mainland government has yet to report such an incident, said Lo Wing-Lok, a Hong Kong government adviser on infectious diseases. Read full article [Bloomberg]  

Romania: Romanian Producer Prices Rise at Slowest Pace in 16 Months

Feb. 3 (Bloomberg) -- Romanian producer prices rose at the slowest pace in 16 months in December as the global economic slump and higher interest rates reduced demand for manufactured goods.   Read full article [Bloomberg]

India: Poultry farmers want soya meal, maize as essential commodities

The Rs-40,000-crore poultry industry has asked to bring soya meal and maize under the Essential Commodities Act. This is mainly in order to keep a check on the prices of these commodities to an affordable level for the poultry farmers. Read full article [www.business-standard.com]  

Scotland: Uniq could sell Pinneys

The sandwich and ready meal manufacturer Uniq has declined to comment on reports that it will sell off Dumfries-based Pinneys as part of a strategic review of the business.   Read full article [www.execdigital.com]  

Qatar: Maya La Chocolaterie opens in 'Landmark Mall' Doha

Bahraini based franchise developer The Living Concepts (TLC) announced today the opening of the first Maya La Chocolaterie franchise in the GCC in Doha, Qatar. Read full article [www.ameinfo.com]  

UK: Milk Link is a supporter of the inaugural National Dairy Week

Milk Link is a supporter of the inaugural National Dairy Week being held from 2nd to the 8th February 2009.  During the week, organisers the Dairy Council and Dairy UK will be reminding consumers and health professionals that dairy products are an important source of calcium and key nutrients and that dairy should be included in a balanced diet. Read full article [www.milklink.com]

US: 2008 Distilled Spirits Review: Industry Recession Resistant; Not Recession Proof but Premiumization Trend Continues

Warning that the spirits industry is recession resistant, not recession proof, Distilled Spirits Council CEO Peter Cressy today released industry data at an annual briefing for media and analysts showing slowing 2008 revenue growth of 2.8% totaling $18.7 billion and volume growth of 1.6% to 184 million cases. He noted market share was holding steady but softened in the fourth quarter, although the consumer trend toward premiumization continued. Read full article [www.drinksmediawire.com]  

Philippines: Halal board to open Manila office this year

THE NATIONAL Halal Accreditation Board of the Philippines is planning to open an office in Manila this year in a bid to promote the growing halal export industry.   Read full article [www.bworldonline.com]  

Canada: Maple Leaf Agrees to Settle Food-Poisoning Lawsuits

Feb. 2 (Bloomberg) -- Maple Leaf Foods Inc., the maker of meat products that Canadian officials linked to food poisoning and 37 deaths, agreed to pay as much as C$27 million ($22 million) to settle related lawsuits. Read full article [Bloomberg]  

Prices: Food to Rise on Lack of Credit, Nestle’s Brabeck Says

Feb. 2 (Bloomberg) -- Food prices may rise because a lack of credit for farmers curbed their ability to buy seeds and fertilizers and may limit production, Nestle SA Chairman Peter Brabeck-Letmathe said. Read full article [Bloomberg]    

South Africa: South Africa May Import More U.S. Wheat, Group Says

Feb. 2 (Bloomberg) -- South Africa, a net importer of wheat, may have to buy higher-priced grain from the U.S. this year because of curbs on exports from Argentina, an industry group said. Read full article [Bloomberg]  

Australia: Making malt with less water

Prolonged drought has prompted industries to look at their use of this finite and valuable resource. - Malt manufacture is an important industry, providing the backbone for Australia's brewing industry and for certain food products. Read full article [www.weeklytimesnow.com.au]

Spain: Region of Murcia vegetable exports increase by 11%

Murcia exported a total of 869,770 tonnes of vegetables during the first ten months of 2008, with the European Union markets being its main consumers. - Germany consumes one of every three vegetables that Murcia sells abroad, importing 301,543 tonnes of vegetable produce between January and October 2008. The regional sector aims to carry on growing and to do so it has set its sights on the Eastern European countries, to which it already destines significant volumes of its vegetable production. Read full article [www.freshplaza.com]  

South Africa: Premier Fishing The One to Catch

WITH local fish catches improving substantially in the past year there looks to be a good chance that the industry could undergo significant consolidation in 2009. Read full article [www.cbn.co.za]  

India: India's rice export thrives amid restrictions

New Delhi, Feb 2 (PTI) India, the second-largest rice producer, sold about 29 lakh tonnes in the global market in January to September 2008 amid a restricted environment created by the government to control domestic rice prices. Even though the exported quantity was small, shipments of rice, both basmati and non-basmati, continued to destinations like Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, the UAE, and Sweden, according to the data compiled by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Read full article [www.ptinews.com]  

Philippines: RP Jan coconut oil exports slump 80%

Philippine coconut oil exports fell for the seventh straight month in January, shrinking nearly 80 percent from a year earlier, because of weak global demand and low stocks, preliminary data from an industry group showed on Monday. Read full article [www.abs-cbnnews.com]  

Buthan: Hazelnuts to help farmers

2 February, 2009 - Bhutanese farmers who thought that degraded lands from deforestation, irresponsible shifting cultivation and over grazing was of little use to them, may be in a for a pleasant surprise. - Those lands will now be used to produce hazelnuts of premium export quality. Read full article [www.kuenselonline.com]  

US: Kohl, Feingold Urge Obama Administration to Help Dairy Industry

Wisconsin's two U.S. Senators are leading a bipartisan effort to work with the Obama administration to help America's dairy farmers as the global economic crisis and falling dairy prices threaten the industry. In a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, Russ Feingold and Herb Kohl joined 33 other Senators in calling on the agency to take a series of actions to protect the industry from instability. Read full article [www.wisconsinagconnection.com]  

Turkey: 202 İzmir businessmen join forces to create retail chain

Two hundred and two food manufacturers from İzmir have come together to establish a new retail company, Şarpa, which will provide Turkish consumers competitively priced food products that meet quality standards European food retailers require. Read full article [www.todayszaman.com]  

US: Institute proposing fish farm in federal waters

Five miles west of Mission Beach, scientists hope to build a floating ranch for millions of fish that would eventually land on dinner plates across the country. Aquaculture specialists at the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute in San Diego could pioneer an era of marine food production in the United States, which relies heavily on imports to meet a growing appetite for seafood. Read full article [signonsandiego.com]  

US: Tango seedless mandarin released by UC

Tango, an irradiated, seedless version of the popular W. Murcott (Afourer) mandarin, has been released by the University of California’s Citrus Breeding Program. - The mid- to late-season, easy-to-peel W. Murcott has a global reputation for high quality. It has been widely planted in California, particularly near Bakersfield and Madera, during the past decade, with an estimated 2 to 3 million trees planted, more than half of them bearing. Read full article [westernfarmpress.com]  

US: Good 2008 tomato price locked in despite high inventories

Despite a record inventory coming out of the 2007 season, California processing tomato growers and processors have already agreed on an 2008 price; a healthy $70 per ton with late season premiums of $5 to $15 per ton, according to California Tomato Growers Association (CTGA) President Ross Siragusa. Read full article [westernfarmpress.com]  

Philippines: Philippine banana expansion defies recession

Philippine banana plantations are expanding despite economies worldwide shrinking, thanks largely to Iran and Russia. - In the midst of a global financial malady that has not spared the Philippines, the country’s banana industry is steadfastly expanding both production and exports. Read full article [www.fruitnet.com]  

India: Reliance dumps wholesale efforts

Reliance Retail has bowed out of India’s cash & carry wholesale sector, citing a need to save money.  - As the market deteriorates, India’s promising but elusive cash & carry retail sector has proven too much for Reliance Retail, which has announced it will jettison its cash & carry business along with its entire wholesale trading plans. Read full article [www.fruitnet.com]  

Morocco: Delassus takes Fairtrade step

Moroccan producer/exporter Delassus has introduced Fairtrade to its citrus farms and is now certified under the international ethical marque. Read full article [www.freshinfo.com]  

Netherlands: Function and flavour merge in new strategic alliance

The flavour company Fromatech has merged with Food Ingredients & Specialities to offer customers function and taste solutions rolled into one, along with a new partnership to help it expand outside of Europe. Read full article[www.foodnavigator.com]  

US: Nut so good – tainted US food system needs revamping

E. coli in ground beef, melamine in infant formula, and salmonella in peanut butter - what is next? Isn’t it about time the slices of the US food safety pie were taken back from the multiple federal agencies involved and surveillance placed under one roof? Read full article [www.foodnavigator.com]  

US: Tata Tea to restructure US operations

KOLKATA: Tata Tea Ltd is in the process of restructuring its US operations with a view to bringing down costs substantially, a top official of the company official said on Monday. - The company is consolidating its manufacturing facilities which would be run under a unified entity, Tata Tea Managing Director Percy Siganporia told reporters here. - Tata Tea markets brands like Tetley, Goodearth and 8'o Clock Coffee in the US market. Read full article [indiatimes.com]

India: Coke aims to consolidate in sparkling beverages segment

NEW DELHI: As part of its $250-million business plan for the country, global beverages major Coca Cola is seeking to increase its foothold in the estimated Rs 1,000 crore Indian sparkling fruit flavour drinks market by expanding the portfolio of its Fanta brand. Read full article [indiatimes.com]  

France: Chopin profiling tool could save costs for bakers

A recent profiling innovation from French firm Chopin Technologies aims to help industrial bakers and biscuit makers quickly understand the suitability of cereal flours for their product recipes. Read full article [www.bakeryandsnacks.com]

Egypt: Doha Trade Deal This Year Is Not Likely

Feb. 1 (Bloomberg) -- An international agreement to open up global trade may not be reached this year as the worldwide recession fuels defensive policies in the U.S. and other industrialized nations, Egypt’s trade minister said. Read full article [Bloomberg]

China: Chinese exotics yield results

Chinese firm GoodWave Technology Ltd has successfully trialled a new treatment on Solo Sunrise papaya grown in Hainan. Read full article [www.freshinfo.com]

Davos: Davos finds no answers to crisis

The World Economic Forum has ended with a call to rebuild the global economic system. - Founder Klaus Schwab announced a "global redesign initiative" to reform banking, regulation and corporate governance. Read full article [news.bbc.co.uk]

Kenya: Kenya tea more appealing in Japan

NAIROB - Kenya’s tea market share in Japan could rise in the near future following increased demand for the commodity there. Tea exports to Japan have grown by 77 percent in the last six years from 1.3 million kilograms in 2002 to 2.3 million kilograms in 2008.  However, this represents a small fraction of tea imports by Japan, which is the world’s fourth largest consumer of tea at about 140 million kilograms per annum. Read full article [www.capitalfm.co.ke]

Nigeria: Competitiveness of Nigeria’s cassava

THE commitment of President Umaru Yar‘Adua towards the revamping of the cassava sector to its pre-eminent position in our economy is unwavering. This is attested to by the recent inauguration of the Presidential Technical Committee on Cassava. It has the mandate, among others, to look into issues in all its ramifications and recommend necessary actions to making the price of cassava more competitive locally and internationally, identify problems associated with the production and processing of cassava into flour and other products. Read full article [www.punchng.com]

Viet Nam: Bulgarian President visits to bolster ties

HA NOI — Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov began an official visit to Viet Nam on Thursday, making him the first State-level foreign guest to the country for the new lunar year.[...] - Viet Nam exports a variety of goods to Bulgaria including coal, coffee, rubber, seafood and other food items. Bamboo products, pepper, cashew nuts, textile products and clothes from Viet Nam also find their way to Bulgaria. In turn, Viet Nam imports chemical products, medicines, wine, machines and shipping equipment from Bulgaria. Read full article [vietnamnews.vnagency.com]

US: Sinner Bros. & Bresnahan market food-grade products around the world

BISMARCK, N.D. - Bob Sinner, president of Sinner Bros. & Bresnahan (SB&B) and the family enterprise were chosen as the 2009 Entrepreneurs of the Year at the 20th annual Marketplace for Entrepreneurs held here this month. Read full article [www.farmandranchguide.com]

US: Foot and mouth disease an issue again

Legislation being co-sponsored by Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., would prevent imports of Argentinean livestock and meat products until the U.S. Department of Agriculture certifies the country free of foot and mouth disease. - The Foot and Mouth Disease Prevention Act of 2009 was introduced last week by Sens. Tim Johnson, D-S.D. and Mike Enzi, R-Wyo. Read full aricle [www.theindependent.com]

US: Embattled tree fruit industry facing hard decision for 2009

The embattled California tree fruit industry went into 2008 with high hopes, only to see its optimism nosedive mid-season like an overripe peach plummeting to the orchard floor. Read full article [westernfarmpress.com]

US: Study: Consumers View Private Label Favorably

NEW YORK — More than two-thirds (68%) of primary household shoppers, polled as part of the 2009 Best New Products Awards American Grocery Shopper Study, agree that private-label brands usually offer extremely good value for the money. Read full article [supermarketnews.com]

Brazil: Brazil fruit exports to the Middle East hit $16m in 2008

Brazil has become a favourite source of fruits for the Middle East, particularly in the health-conscious UAE. - The country will showcase the products that have made it one of the three leading fruit producers in the world at '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. Read full article [www.ameinfo.com]

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