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Sustainable Foods Summit Asia-Pacific Key Topics

Hosted in Singapore on 07-08 September, the Sustainable Foods Summit (https://sustainablefoodssummit.com/asia) will feature ethical sourcing, sustainable ingredients, and marketing developments. Asia is suffering a major biodiversity decline caused by deforestation & habitat loss, climate change, and intensive farming. South-East Asia, a biodiversity hotspot, has lost about 15% of its forests in 15 years according to researchers. By highlighting success stories, this 3rd Asia-Pacific summit aims to encourage ethical sourcing and sustainable food production. Some of the key topics to be covered include. 1. Sustainable foods and biodiversity. Various studies show that organic and sustainable cultivation methods encourage biodiversity in ecosystems. The IBIS rice project is one such example. Launched by the Wildlife Conservation Society in 2017, the project involves the production of organic jasmine rice in northern Cambodia. Over 1,000 rice farmer families are benefiting whilst protecting 500,000 hectares of forest and wetlands that are home to 50 endangered wildlife, including the IBIS bird. Nick Spencer, CEO of IBIS Rice, will give an update on the project. He will explain how his enterprise is marketing the organic rice as a premium product to export markets. IBIS rice is currently exported to Germany, Singapore, and Hong Kong, with plans to launch in the UK and Canada. 2. Ethical sourcing of ingredients. A growing number of food and ingredient firms are undertaking ethical sourcing projects in Asia. Some involve environment & biodiversity protection, whilst others focus on social impacts. Givaudan, the world’s largest flavours and fragrances firm, will share its experiences in setting up such projects. Puifung Leung from Fairtrade Hong Kong will highlight the positive impact ethical sourcing can have on producers. 3. Sustainability of seafood. Asian consumers are some of the highest consumers of seafood in the world. However, there are growing concerns about sustainability […]

Hoop Ltd partners with Australian co-packer LJM

New Zealand brand activation specialist Hoop Ltd (Hoop) has formed a joint venture with Australia’s largest pure play co-packer LJM to fill the gap in New Zealand’s co-packing market. The partnership will position the companies as the leading retail co-packing specialists for New Zealand suppliers, with the first run scheduled for May 2020. LJM, employing over 500 people across seven high-tech sites in New South Wales and Victoria (50,000 sqm including Multipack LJM), moves approximately 60 million packaged products across 1000 SKU annually for national and global FMCG, food, beverages, spirits and pharmaceuticals companies. The aim of the joint venture is to be the go-to service provider for all co-packing requirements in the New Zealand market, enabling local suppliers to design and build specialist promotional activities. Chris Hood, Director at Hoop Ltd comments, “The co-packing industry in New Zealand is fragmented. There is a huge gap in the market for a dedicated co-packer to enter and drive the industry forward. LJM’s strong co-packing track record, size, intellectual property and technology combined with Hoop’s marketing and promotional capabilities are expected to be embraced by FMCG brands. “Hoop currently has a national field team of over 350 brand activators and a promotional logistics division. The LJM/Hoop partnership will be able to pre-build stock into displays and the national activator team will support the install and compliance process on the shop floor. A full-service circle of promotional activation will be provided. “There is an evolving need for global brands to rework their stock packing to conform with local regularities and consumer information. Speed to market with full compliance of stock filled displays is a void the new partnership will fill,” added Chris. Lance Miles Director and Founder at LJM, comments, “LJM’s extensive experience in co-packing, combined with Hoop’s client facing marketing capability will […]

Global food industry M&A deals total $199.75m in January 2020

Total food industry M&A deals in January 2020 worth $199.75m were announced globally, according to GlobalData’s deals database. The value marked a decrease of 95.7% over the previous month and a drop of 89.7% when compared with the last 12-month average, which stood at $1.94bn. Comparing deals value in different regions of the globe, Asia-Pacific held the top position, with total announced deals in the period worth $199.08m. At the country level, the Philippines topped the list in terms of deal value at $130m. In terms of volumes, North America emerged as the top region for food industry M&A deals globally, followed by Asia-Pacific and then Europe. The top country in terms of M&A deals activity in January 2020 was the US with 11 deals, followed by China with three and Ethiopia with one. In 2020, as of the end of January 2020, food M&A deals worth $199.75m were announced globally, marking a decrease of 70.01% year on year. Food industry M&A deals in January 2020: Top deals The top five food industry M&A deals accounted for 99.7% of the overall value during January 2020. The combined value of the top five food M&A deals stood at $199.08m, against the overall value of $199.75m recorded for the month. The top five food industry deals of January 2020 tracked by GlobalData were: SEA Diner Holdings’ $130m acquisition of Del Monte Philippines The $40.66m acquisition of Shanghai Ground Food Tech by China Mengniu Dairy THADI’s $18.47m acquisition of Hung Vuong The $8.79m acquisition of Calpis Osotspa by Osotspa Public Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy (Group)’s acquisition of Inner Mongolia Shengmu High-Tech Dairy for $1.16m.

Energy-Farm-model-Zero-carbon-bill-PIC-3

Zero carbon bill inspires NZ’s first Energy Demonstration Farm

Lincoln University has partnered with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to build New Zealand’s first Energy Demonstration Farm, with an aim to find sustainable energy solutions to meet the Government’s carbon reduction requirements. The Energy Demonstration Farm is designed to be fossil fuel free and feature solar and wind power, bio-fuel, and energy storage solutions while showcasing the range of technology available and how it can be applied, as well as providing data for research and innovation. Leading the project are Dr Wim de Koning and Dr Jeff Heyl (above) of Lincoln University. They said the Energy Demonstration Farm would be unique in its set-up and a world-first in its scale and scope. “Transitioning to sustainable energy in the agri-food sector is a necessity,” Dr de Koning said. “The Government’s zero carbon legislation has provided a time-frame of 30 years for completion of this transition. “To meet the Government goal of 100% renewable energy by 2035, we need to start making the first major steps with urgency. Dr de Koning said the farm would show the diverse range of sustainable energy production technology currently available, from fossil fuel to circular food production systems. “It’s leading transformation through demonstration – to facilitate sustainable, feasible and bankable solutions.” “The small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the primary industries need a pre-investment proof of concept.” “They don’t have the capacity to make mistakes by investing in the wrong technology. At the Energy Demonstration Farm we can explore alternatives, not all of which may be successful. We can provide that proof so the right choices are made.” MPI Acting Director Investment Portfolio, Cheyne Gillooly, said the Energy Demonstration Farm has the potential for farmers to explore the technology and test it before they make an investment. “Farming is a high tech, high capital […]

Fieldays 2020 postponed

Following Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s announcement yesterday, regarding the cancellation of large gatherings to prohibit the spread of COVID-19, the New Zealand National Fieldays Society will be postponing the Fieldays event scheduled for 10-13 June 2020. “The Society stands by the governments’ decision to cancel events that draw crowds over 500 in order to stall the spread of COVID-19”, says Society CEO Peter Nation. “We value our loyal stakeholders, including the many exhibitors, suppliers, volunteers, visitors, staff and their extended family, immensely. The whole event is about them. Their health and safety is of utmost importance to us and we take the government’s decision seriously.” Fieldays remains a central part of the New Zealand agricultural community and calendar. It’s a chance for friends to catch up, local and global businesses to network, cutting edge innovations are out on show and education is at the heart of the events’ delivery. “The world may be undergoing major challenges in response to COVID-19, but in this changing environment Fieldays will remain, albeit at a later date.”

The milk of human genius

The end of the cow is near as animal-free milk is likely to decimate the traditional dairy industry within the decade, and plant-based meat is set to upend the beef market Meet Daisy, a typical Australian dairy cow. Daisy is likely to be a Holstein Friesian, whose ancestors grazed the cool lush pastures of northern Germany and the Netherlands. When she was only a day or so old, Daisy would have been separated from her mother, and raised for her first few weeks on bottled milk before being put out to graze. Sometime in her first six months, Daisy would have been “disbudded”, her developing horn buds heat-cauterised without anaesthetic or sedation, to prevent subsequent horn growth. At about two years old, Daisy will give birth to her first calf, having been artificially inseminated nine and a half months previously. Within a day, the calf, if female, will be separated to be raised like her mother as part of the dairy herd. If her calf is a male “bobby calf”, he will be surplus to requirements, with only two fates possible – either to be transported to an abattoir at about five days old, or to be fattened up for a few months then slaughtered for veal. After her calf is taken away, Daisy will continue to produce milk for about 10 months. Then after a few weeks respite she will be ready to conceive again, and the lactation–pregnancy cycle will continue. For the rest of Daisy’s life, she will be a factory on legs, turning grass into something you can put on your cereal or in your coffee. Daisy’s natural lifespan is about 20 years, but she is unlikely to live past six or seven, by which time her milk production will have declined to a point where she […]

One week left to enter iconic New Zealand art award

Entries for the 2020 Fieldays No.8 Wire National Art Award close in just over a week at 1pm on Friday 13 March.There is nearly $10,000 in prize money in total, with a $7,000 first prize up for grabs. The annual award, hosted by Waikato Museum, partnered by Farmlands, and supported by the New Zealand National Fieldays Society, challenges artists to create artworks made from agricultural products, predominantly the use of No.8 wire.Judge for the 2020 award, award-winning New Zealand sculptor James Wright, says he is looking forward to seeing the artworks being entered. “This award embodies New Zealand’s rural heritage and culture. As a nation we pride ourselves on our No.8 wire mentality. This is an opportunity like no other for New Zealand artists to demonstrate this sense of Kiwi ingenuity and create something magical out of this everyday fencing material.”The Fieldays No.8 Wire National Art Award culminates in a month-long exhibition from Friday 24 April to Monday 25 May at Hamilton’s ArtsPost, part of Waikato Museum’s operation. To enter the 2020 Fieldays No.8 Wire National Art Award, go to www.waikatomuseum.co.nz/no8wire.

Global food industry deals total $665.89m in January 2020

Total food industry deals for January 2020 worth $665.89m were announced globally, according to GlobalData’s deals database. The value marked a decrease of 88.1% over the previous month and a drop of 76.4% when compared with the last 12-month average of $2.82bn. In terms of number of deals, the sector saw a drop of 17.9% over the last 12-month average with 55 deals against the average of 67 deals. In value terms, North America led the activity with deals worth $424.07m. Food industry deals in January 2020: Top deals The top five food deals accounted for 88.4% of the overall value during January 2020. The combined value of the top five food deals stood at $588.66m, against the overall value of $665.89m recorded for the month. The top five food industry deals of January 2020 tracked by GlobalData were: Green Monday, Qatar Investment Authority and Temasek Holdings (HK)’s $225m venture financing of Califia Farms The $161m venture financing of Memphis Meats by Bill Gates, Cargill, CPT Capital, Fifty Years Fund, Finistere Ventures, Future Ventures, Kimbal Musk, Norwest Venture Partners, Richard Branson, SoftBank Group, Temasek Holdings (Private), Threshold Ventures. and Tyson Foods SEA Diner Holdings’ $130m acquisition of Del Monte Philippines The $40.66m acquisition of Shanghai Ground Food Tech by China Mengniu Dairy 301,(US), Almanac Investments, CPT Capital, Greenleaf Foods, New Crop Capital, Rocana Venture Partners and Stray Dog Capital’s venture financing of SeaCo Foods International for $32m.

UBCO unveils game-changing FRX1 trail bike

Kiwi Utility Electric Vehicle (UEV) company, UBCO, has unveiled the innovative new Electric Trail Bike (FRX1). It has also launched a public capital raise of up to NZ$2m to drive further growth in product, inventory and market development, via online investment platform Snowball Effect. Pairing the power of a motocross bike with the agility of a mountain bike, the FRX1 is a high-performance, light-weight trail bike designed specifically for off-road riding – and brings UBCO closer to delivering its complete product platform. UBCO co-founder and CEO Timothy Allan says, “The FRX1 Trail Bike adds to the existing 2×2 Utility Bike and the incoming KXH portable Power Supply. Our goal is to deliver the world’s first full Off Road Electric Vehicle Platform.” Founded in 2015, the Tauranga-based company is developing a complete product platform, combining a range of two and four wheel electric vehicles, with three enabling products and services: Portable Power, Accessories and Subscription Software (SaaS). UBCO first experienced success in 2016 with the launch of the world’s first electric-powered two-wheel drive motorcycle, designed for off-road use in farming, followed by tourism, conservation and a range of other applications. It later released an upgraded dual-purpose model in response to demand for a road legal version, which expanded its use into recreational and urban environments. The unique design, functionality, safety and sustainability of its innovative products helped fuel UBCO’s successful entrance to the Australian, US and European individual and commercial fleet markets – including Agriculture, Tourism, Conservation, Food Delivery and Postal Delivery, among others. Having sold over 1,000 units since launch, and now working with over 120 dealers globally, export sales currently account for 70 percent of Global Revenue – with US sales achieving 50 percent of this. The company is forecasting a jump revenue of NZ$12.1m in FY20-21 with the […]

Setting the sustainability standard high

The New Zealand National Fieldays Society is committed to achieving its long-term sustainability goals through environmentally responsible business. “Environmental concerns are increasingly at the forefront of our visitors’ and exhibitors’ minds. Across all sectors of our organisation, from events to everyday practices, the Society aims to be a leader through sustainable practices,” says CEO Peter Nation. Fieldays 2019 saw the highest landfill diversion rate in the history of the event with 41 percent of waste diverted, or 10,285 fewer kilograms sent to landfill. The total waste fell 16 percent from 2018 and landfill waste by 19 percent. The target for composting was achieved, with 1,500 kilograms sent for composting. Fieldays continues to implement the Event Sustainability Management System ISO 20121 to ensure the event is delivered in accordance with this internationally recognised ISO standard. “This process continually challenges us to improve our event planning, processes and delivery whilst addressing major impact areas such as environmental management and carbon emission generation from the event,” says Nation. For the last eight years the Society has partnered with Instep, who have supported the design and implementation of the Fieldays sustainability programme and report. Instep director Peter Birkett believes it is these initiatives, along with actions to minimise energy consumption and specific waste management programmes, that positions Fieldays as a well-recognised leader in best practice and sustainability leadership. “As the largest agricultural event in the Southern Hemisphere, it is crucial the event is delivered in a way that supports industry and exhibitors to satisfy the market-place demand for product and technology transparency. Products and services are increasingly scrutinised in real-time by an environmentally driven global market. “Excellent support from all areas of food vendors, exhibitors and general stakeholders allows the short-term target of moving away from traditional problematic packaging and plastic material to gain […]

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