Industry Updates

Vinamilk’s top export markets: Iraq, Cambodia

Vinamilk says its major export market is still Iraq, where it maintained an average export value of over $80 million. Meanwhile, Cambodia is its fastest-growing market, reaching a business value of $3 million—up 74 percent compared to 2005.

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Palm-oil imports to China rise

Palm-oil imports in China are expected to increase to 8.5 million metric tons by 2010.

Increased appetites and the desire to remain competitive are two factors that are spurring the growth, says the Malaysian Palm Oil Council.

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Mars forgoes animal-free production

Vegetarians will have to pass on Mars, Twix, Snickers and Maltesers if they want to remain true to their beliefs. The confectioner started using animal-product rennet on May 1, according to a report by the BBC. Vegetarian consumers have expressed disappointment with the move.

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Human Food probed after pet-food recall

The FDA is scrutinizing food manufacturers who use protein concentrates, after government inspectors learned that certain pet foods were sickening and killing cats and dogs. They found contaminants in vegetable proteins imported into the United States from China and used as ingredients in pet food.

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Orafti reacts to fructose problems

Orafti says a cost-effective fructose business is no longer viable due to recent changes in the sugar regime. This has prompted a company restructure. Orafti says it is confident that move will allow it to return to being a profitable business.

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Eating Seafood, Guilt-free

As the world consumes more seafood, with an increasing proportion of it farmed, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization is working to create a new international standard to certify the safe harvesting of fish. Certification could verify that seafood has been acquired in socially-responsible and environmentally-conscious ways.

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Nanotechnology provides 'green' path to environmentally-sustainable economy

There is a growing opportunity and responsibility to leverage nanotechnology to reduce industrial pollution, conserve resources and, ultimately, build a ‘clean’ economy, advises a new report from the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies.

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Bjørn Flatgård to leave Elopak

Bjørn Flatgård has decided to step down as head of Elopak, the company he has headed for more than ten years. During that time Elopak has become an international leader in the liquid foods packaging market. Flatgård will concentrate on industrial development and a number of company directorships.