Developing demographic-specific formulations and validating health claims must be a focus for probiotic manufacturers targeting Asian markets, according to an industry analyst.
The consumption of soft drinks and confectionery is estimated to be falling due to health concerns in Australia, while healthy offerings are seeing growing demand.
Australia’s Federal Budget is unappetising, with no bold policies directly impacting the country’s food and drink industry, according to the Australian Food and Grocery Council.
Genetic modification is an on-going problem in Asia’s basmati rice network and it is a problem that importers need to be vigilant in curbing, according to an industry expert.
India’s new food safety authority is coming under a broad-based attack from local traders who have termed the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 ‘draconian’ and ‘biased.’
Vietnamese seafood companies have failed to convince authorities to drop testing fees they deem ‘unreasonable’ and inequitable with import requirements.
A US$15m strategic investment from Indonesian agribusiness group, Salim, will increase research and production capabilities and open new market doors for US algae technology firm Heliae.
Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) has approved a proposal recommending the sale of raw milk curd cheeses that is now awaiting review from food regulation ministers.
China’s Bright Food has snapped up 60% of Weetabix for £1.2bn (US$1.95bn) but industry analysts say the breakfast cereal concept will flop in China and have coined the move as a mere knowledge buyout.
The Indian packaged food industry is expected to touch US$30bn by the year 2015 on the back of growing awareness, busier lifestyles, and a booming economic environment.
China’s food and beverage market is undergoing consolidation – much of which is being achieved through rampant acquisitions across new market sectors and countries, according to an analyst.
Chinese authorities have ordered a temporary end to production at a Coca-Cola bottling plant over production line “problems” - just weeks after confirming the safety of beverage products from the plant.
The Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is set to launch a food park project that is expected to give food processing in the state and the country a mega boost, government sources said.
Shanxi-based Deyu Agriculture has developed a new line of MSG-free, easy-cook noodles that will enable it to delve into an unknown yet lucrative fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector in China.
‘Nearly all’ Australian foods comply with authorised sulphite levels and this data will be used to compile dietary exposure estimates for Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
A court order has silenced Hong Kong research company, CER, and ensured the removal of its report damning Abbott’s infant formula product; action the US giant is ‘pleased’ with.
Rumours have been circulating in the media that China’s state-owned Bright Food will snap up British cereal maker Weetabix in an alleged 1bn deal; rumours the Chinese giant has denied.
Probiotic supplier BioGaia has secured an exclusive distribution agreement for its ProTectis infant tablet and drop line in Taiwan as it ‘fills the gaps’ in its market presence across Asia.
Nestlé has solidified its hold in China’s growing and lucrative infant formula market in its takeover of Pfizer Nutrition that has secured competitor brands SMA and Promil, according to analysts.
The Bangladesh poultry industry is up in arms over a government decision to allow egg imports from India, even as the local industry is on the brink of collapse on the back of bird flu.
Global stevia extract supplier, Sunwin International Neutraceuticals, has changed its name to accurately reflect its core business and thus capitalize on market opportunities, the company said.
Tea will be affirmed as the national drink of India within 12 months, a government official has said – a move that should benefit beleaguered local growers.
Developing non-MSG, better-for-you instant noodles will surge market value in China’s commoditised market sector, according to Mintel research director.
Nestlé’s $11.85bn (€9.02bn) acquisition of Pfizer Nutrition may run into anti-trust hurdles after it beat Danone to the drug giant’s global infant nutrition business, according to an analyst.
Chr Hansen recorded an 11% surge in sales across Asia Pacific in its H1 results, with natural colours proving strong for business; underpinned by a cultural dietary heritage favouring healthy food choice, according to CEO of the company.
Singaporeans are increasingly wealthy, demanding high-quality foods, consuming more wines and looking to buy protein, offering New Zealand a host of possibilities, the Prime Minister said.
DNA sequencing on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) imported into Australia could prove invaluable in ensuring safe and legal product entry, suggests new research.
Fonterra will invest in a blending and packing facility in Indonesia to bolster its local presence and ensure swift response to market demands across the country’s dairy nutrition sector.
China’s food sector needs to be more innovative and better educated if it is to ensure food security and health for its population, but efforts to secure this will take collaboration, according to president of DuPont China.
Beverage and ice cream manufacturers are investing in power alternatives at Japanese facilities, as the tentative electricity network will not see a major uptick this summer.
A burgeoning ‘urban demand’ for healthier foods is fast driving Asia Pacific’s wholegrain and high fibre foods market; set to hit US$6.8bn by 2012, according to report.
Aiming to garner a higher share of the Indian ready-to-eat (RTE), frozen foods markets, McCain Foods is further strengthening its product range to cater to Indian tastes and sensibilities.
Fenchem has launched its hydrolyzed fish collagen in the Southeast Asian market, to target the growing demand for health drinks and supplements in the region.
The pesticide food safety issue that has tainted India’s sugar market for more than a decade has been cleared in the wake of a study suggesting India-produced sugar is pesticide free.
New regulations will make India’s health supplements market far more attractive for foreign investors, the International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplements (IADSA) has said.
Givaudan’s sturdy presence in China and Japan has helped secure strong Q1 results for its flavour division; with a 9.4% sales increase in Asia Pacific markets.
An anti-genetically engineered (GE) foods group in New Zealand is protesting infant and gluten-free products imported into the country from South Africa.
Indian authorities have taken another food safety action with newly issued regulations to govern the presence of antibiotics in food-producing animals.
New Zealand’s processed foods sector is contributing significantly to excessive salt intake in the country but there is substantial scope to reduce the sodium levels in these foods, a new study suggests.
The central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh has become the first to ban the sale and manufacture of Gutkha products, the traditional and increasingly controversial form of edible tobacco.
International spirit brands looking to gain traction in the Indian market need to establish a strong local hold and portfolio, perhaps through a partnership, before introducing premium products to market, according to Rabobank.
An IGD report has confirmed China as the world's biggest food and grocery market; bigger than America and forecast to hit US$1.46 trillion by 2015. Multinational interest in the market is ramping up, but do they really understand this gigantic but...
