Breaking News on Food and Beverage in Asia Pacific

Friesland, Campina talk merger; CEO stands down

Friesland Foods and Campina revealed today that exploratory talks are underway to merge into a global dairy giant - and Campina CEO Justin Sanders is standing down "to give the talks more chance for success".

Further joint venture upheaval for Danone

Danone says it has terminated another Chinese joint venture, this time with local dairy group Mengiu, due to a lack of progress in the collaboration.

Meta-analysis adds weight to soy's bone benefits

Increased soy isoflavone consumption from dietary or supplemental sources for six months can boost bone mineral density in the spine by almost one gram in menopausal women, according to a meta-analysis of 10 randomised controlled trials.

Callebaut extends origin chocolates range

Switzerland-based Barry Callebaut this week claimed it now offers the largest selection of origin chocolates having extended its portfolio to include more than 40 different varieties.

Palm oil price fears rise with flood waters

Severe flooding in Malaysia looks likely to affect palm oil supplies for November and December, sparking a shortage that would drive up prices.

Nutritional ingredient launch 2007 round-up

Industry has notched-up another busy year in the ingredient making warehouse for supplements and health foods. Launches over the past 12 months have included high-dose omega-3 eggs, ash tree extracts and flavanols in chocolate. Here, NutraIngredients.com takes a look back at some of those innovations…

Moderate beer intake may cut Alzheimer's risk: study

The silicon content of beer may protect against the deleterious effects of aluminium on brain health, suggests a new study with mice from Spain.

China moves to stem grain exports

China's Ministry of Finance yesterday said it will scrap the 13 per cent tax rebate on grain exports to keep the products within the country, a move that could put more pressure on other markets around the world.

Weekly comment

Time for antioxidants v2.0

'Antioxidants' crop up every where, from beverage cans to cereal packets. But industry must wake up to over use of the antioxidant tag before the term loses meaning for consumers.

India presents new opportunities for supplement firms

Institut Rosell-Lallemand has teamed up with Ranbaxy and Aristo Pharmaceuticals to distribute supplements based on a probiotic bacteria, which will see it become available in the massive Indian market for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

PureCircle signs Korean deal for stevia-made Sweta

PureCircle has forged an exclusive supply agreement with an undisclosed Korean company to supply its commodity Sweta sweetener on an exclusive basis - a deal it expects to deliver good growth prospects for its stevia-based portfolio.

FSANZ invites comments on new ingredient proposals

Food Standards Australia and New Zealand is mulling a new slate of changes to its food code, including several proposals for several new ingredients and processing aids to be allowed in the countries.

No ease on rising banana prices, Chiquita

Leading banana supplier Chiquita has said its prices continue to climb as the company struggles to face rising industry costs.

US and China sign for food safety in exports

The US and China signed agreements Tuesday aimed at improving the safety of food following a spate of contamination cases involving Chinese exports.

Strong sales boost Cadbury revenue outlook

Cadbury today said it expects confectionery revenue growth to exceed the 2007 four to six per cent target range, thanks to revenues from the UK chocolate and the US gum markets.

Ethanol not to blame for food price hikes, says report

There is little connection between corn ethanol production and food price inflation, according to a statistical analysis by Informa Economics.

Weekly Comment

Infant nutrition: Too close for comfort?

Industry has to walk a tightrope between lending a benevolent hand to support infant nutrition for the good of public health, and cynical marketing that seems to cash in on sensitivities.

ARS adapts Asian soybean for US market

Scientists have discovered new edamame soybean varieties that are sweeter than types imported from Asia, which could prove a new healthy and oriental ingredient for food manufacturers.

Palm oil prices stay high despite mounting supplies

Crude palm oil production is up 4.4 per cent from October in Malaysia, according to the Malaysian Palm Oil Board, but this has not led to a fall in prices amid the current volatility of the crude and soya oil markets.

Cereal prices remain high despite record production, FAO

Global cereal production this year has reached record levels, although an inability to keep up with the rapid rise in demand has kept prices high, according to a new report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Krispy Kreme profits fall despite cutbacks

Doughnut manufacturer Krispy Kreme last week said third quarter sales fell nearly 12 per cent, despite closing factory stores across the country in an attempt to save costs.

Health-conscious Asia delivers for Ocean Spray ingredients

Ocean Spray has reported huge growth in sales of cranberry ingredients to the Asia-Pacific market in the past 12 months, as health-conscious are tuning in to the red berry's health benefits.

Coca-Cola makes Aussie beer buy for profit push

Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA), a major soft drinks producer in Australia and Asia, has acquired the country's Bluetongue brewery brand to extend its premium beer focus in a bid to further diversify its revenue stream.

A little less salt could save 8.5m lives: study

Reducing salt intake around the world by 15 per cent could prevent almost nine million deaths between 2006 and 2015, says a new meta-analysis covering 23 countries.

Confectioners look to exotic, functional flavours

Manufacturers will increasingly turn to unusual confectionery flavours such as pomegranate, eucalyptus and goji in order to make their products stand out from the competition on supermarket shelves, according to a new report.

Long term fears over New Zealand dairy costs

New Zealand farmers continue to step up milk production following a bumper year for their exports, though the country's long-term status as a low cost dairy producer could be under threat, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Health concerns dominate Australian beverage boom

Despite a sharp increase in beverage consumption amongst Australians over the last decade, sales of sugar-sweetened carbonated soft drinks have fallen "dramatically", according to a national trade association in the country.

Nutritek announces dairy divestment for profit push

Nutritek, a leading Russia-based manufacturer of infant nutrition products, is selling off its dairy and agro business operations in the country to focus on functional baby food production in Asia and Eastern Europe.

News briefs: Kraft, Heinz and Lotte

Heinz posts a nearly 10 per cent increase in operating profits; Kraft finalises the acquisition of Danone's biscuit division; and Korean company Lotte moves into the Japanese cake market.

You are what your mother eats: study

A mother's likes and dislikes, particularly for fruit and vegetables, is passed on to her infant during breastfeeding, suggests new research from the US.

Industry calls for new UN climate change agreement

Major food and drink companies such as Nestle are part of an industry group calling on the world's leaders to forge a binding UN agreement to tackle climate change.

Weekly comment

Industry's role against HIV/AIDS

Following World AIDS Day, the food industry should reflect on its own potential to advance the fight against a disease that continues to sweep a devastating toll.