Sunday, 30 June 2013

SACHA INCHI SUPERFOOD CONTAINS OMEGA FATTY ACIDS

SACHA INCHI SUPERFOOD CONTAIN OMEGA FATTY ACIDS

LOS ANGELES—OptiPure introduced three forms of its new Sacha Inchi, a superfood grown and harvested in the Amazon region of Peru, that contains omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 in an all-in-one ingredient.
                                                                           Sacha Inchi Seeds

The oil has an outstanding shelf life and is rich in vitamin E, while the powder is high in protein, rich in fiber and is ready to mix with water. The seeds can be coated and used in confectionery products.
"All three forms have pleasant taste characteristics and are gluten-free, vegan and non-GMO," said Ron Udell, president of OptiPure, a division of Kenko International, Inc. "This is truly a unique ingredient in that it has applications in functional foods, cosmetics and protein powders."

Sacha Inchi is a superfood that's grown year-long and harvested every 15 to 20 days by small family farms in the Amazon region of Peru. It's cultivated in accordance with the principles of Bio Trade including the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, the fair distribution of benefits and socioeconomic sustainability. The Sacha Inchi crop is processed in a facility that is HACCP certified by NSF.

For more information on formulations with exotic ingredients visit Using Exotic Ingredients.

Check out my latest e-book entitled: "Social Media Marketing in Agri-Foods: Endless Profit and Painless Gain".  



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Saturday, 29 June 2013

81% OF CONSUMERS DON’T TRUST FOOD INDUSTRY

81% OF CONSUMERS DON’T TRUST FOOD INDUSTRY

WICHITA, Kan.—Consumer perception about the food they eat has marketing impact all along the food value chain, and those attitudes drive key decisions for brands on the farm, at the grocery store or in the drive-thru lane. But a new white paper by Sullivan Higdon & Sink (SHS) FoodThink reveals a startling 81% of consumers don’t trust the food industry when it comes to food production, which puts pressure on food producers to demonstrate product quality.

According to the white paper, “Building Trust in What We Eat," Americans know more about movies, politics and music than what's on their plates. The white paper, based on a survey that polled 1,500 Americans about food perceptions, is designed for food marketers to better understand the consumer's lack of knowledge and trust in food production, and how that impacts food company perceptions.
One of the growing differentiators among food brands has become the manner in which the food was produced. Food production methods are showing up on packaging, forcing consumers to ask, "How much do I know about how my food is produced? How much do I trust the food industry when it comes to producing the food I eat?"

“Now is the time for manufacturers and producers to actively educate consumers and shift the dialogue from non-understanding and critique to one of building consumer confidence in the food they eat," said Erika Chance, FoodThink researcher. "It's critical for the food industry to move the knowledge needle from where it is now. It's unacceptable for only 19% of consumers to think food companies and manufacturers are trustworthy sources of food production information."
Sources:
Check out my latest e-book entitled: "Social Media Marketing in Agri-Foods: Endless Profit and Painless Gain".  



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Friday, 28 June 2013

WEATHER, SUPPLY ISSUES HIKE DAIRY PRICES

WEATHER, SUPPLY ISSUES HIKE DAIRY PRICES

Published June 28, 2013 in Food Product Design
CHICAGO—Dairy prices will continue to increase in the near future due to global weather, supply issues in the feed markets and strong demand from developing countries, according to speakers at the INTL FCStone's Dairy Outlook Conference in Chicago.


Experts in the dairy industry gathered for the 10th year to offer their views on macro-economic issues affecting the dairy markets as well as the impact of global supply and demand. Presentations covered the influence of markets like Ireland, New Zealand and India on the production and consumption of dairy products around the globe and how the changing tastes of consumers are shaping the dairy industry.
In a key point from the meeting, Robert Chesler, vice president of FCStone LLC's Food Division,
explained, "we're seeing milk production increase in the U.S. with fewer cows and we're estimating total U.S. production reaching nearly 201 billion pounds in 2013."

"Through April of this year, the majority of our exports were bound for Mexico followed by Southeast Asia," he added, and Oceania increased its imports of U.S. dairy products 43% over last year.

In terms of production, Chesler estimated world milk production to increase by 170 metric tons in 2022, the majority of which, 70%, should come from developing countries like India. However, water remains the biggest threat to growing dairy production and developing countries need to solve some of their infrastructure issues before realizing those gains, said Chesler. Such a forecast calls for a growth rate of 1.8% per year which is far below the 2.3% growth rate of the previous decade resulting in increased prices.

"Consumption will increase at an average of 2.1% per annum based on robust international income growth, population growth and further westernization of diets," concluded Chesler.

For more information on the dairy market, visit the article Global Dairy Food Market Growth.
Check out my latest e-book entitled: "Social Media Marketing in Agri-Foods: Endless Profit and Painless Gain".  



The book is available on Amazon and Kindle for $4.99 USD. Visit amazon/Kindle to order now:
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SUSTAINABILITY DEPENDS ON FOOD INDUSTRY COLLABORATIONS

SUSTAINABILITY DEPENDS ON FOOD INDUSTRY COLLABORATIONS

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LONDON—More collaborative partnerships must form to address sustainability challenges faced by the food industry, according to executives at the European Sustainable Foods Summit held on June 6 to 7, 2013.


Speakers at the summit highlighted the challenges ahead, such as the predicted population growth of 2 billion people over four decades, while resources become scarce and erratic weather causes food supply swings.

During the Sustainability Best-Practices session, FoodCycle showed how it works with retailers, celebrity chefs and unemployed youth to redirect food waste from landfills in order to create nutritious meals for the needy. Another paper on Sustainable Food Cities demonstrated how local government can work with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector to spur social change in urban cities.

Belgian retailer Delhaize stated its partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was fundamental to its sustainable seafood policy. This year, the supermarket will have converted all of its fresh and frozen seafood to sustainable sources.

In addition, the French ingredient firm Nexira has partnered with SOS Sahel for the sustainable sourcing of acacia gum. By protecting acacia trees, its sourcing projects are preventing desertification in Sub-Saharan Africa, while also creating a positive social impact on local communities. It stated working with a local NGO was vital for it to enter long-term relationships with African growers.

Another paper by EcoInvest highlighted the importance of keeping sustainable farming communities. According to Karla Canavan, the urban portion of the global population has increased from below 40% in 1990 to over 50% at present; it is projected to rise above 70% by 2050. She stated we need "happy farmers" to maintain agricultural production and to support rural economies. Bob Quinn, president of Kamut International said, "monoculture is leading to the intensification of the food industry," which has a detrimental impact on rural communities. His company is encouraging the production of the ancient wheat khorasan in the Montana.

The European summit also addressed marketing issues related to sustainable foods. Stephan Ardesch of Ben & Jerry's encouraged green brands to use "fun marketing" to attract consumers. In the Netherlands, the company has set up a sustainable dairy program to give a fair price to Dutch milk producers. Its research showed that 65% of consumers were willing to pay extra for Ben & Jerry's ice cream when they learn about its environmental and social responsibility.

Coop Switzerland has put private labels at the heart of its sustainability plan. Sales of its private label products, the Naturaplan organic brand, have exceeded €$1.6 billion and comprise almost 10% of total food and drinks in its stores. In the Netherlands, the Bio Plus brand has also shown rapid growth to become the 39th top consumer brand. According to Henk Gerbers, its positioning as a lifestyle brand in mainstream retailers has been the cornerstone of its success. Another paper by Ogilvy Earth stated green brands should target "middle-greens" who comprise two-thirds of consumers, rather than dark greens who are already "the converted."

In a session on consumer behavior, Simran Sethi said, "People needed to resonate with the message of sustainability." She encouraged brands to "re-frame the story and make it personal" to engage consumers in green behavior.

The Belgian company has been instrumental in giving European consumers healthy alternatives to meat and dairy products. Although its plant foods are marketed on their sustainability credentials, the company states product quality and taste have been the key success factors. Similar views were expressed by Slow Food Netherland. Its president, Hans van der Molen, said sustainable food brands should never forget taste, as this is a fundamental reason people buy foods.

In the closing remarks, the chair summarized the marketing challenge faced by green brands: How do you compete with conventional products on taste and quality, while maintaining a premium because of ecological and ethical credentials?

Check out my latest e-book entitled: "Social Media Marketing in Agri-Foods: Endless Profit and Painless Gain".  



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Wednesday, 26 June 2013

Infant formula exports are booming

Infant formula exports booming


JUDITH GALTRY0

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OPINION: Infant formula is New Zealand's export superstar. However, does this trade undermine best health and nutrition practice globally and, if so, what can be done about it?
Ministry of Economic Development figures show that in 2009 formula exports were worth $753 million to the New Zealand economy, up from $63 million in 1999. Business commentators suggest formula export income may now be around $1 billion.
As one of the world's leading milk powder producers and exporters, New Zealand is benefiting from the expansion in large, emerging offshore infant formula markets, particularly in East Asia.
After the US, China is currently the largest infant formula market in the world - worth US$6 billion (NZ$7.43 billion) in 2011 - and is projected to double by 2016.
The phase-out of infant formula tariffs agreed to under the 2008 New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement has helped New Zealand's infant formula export boom. New Zealand is currently the second largest offshore infant formula provider for the Chinese market (18 per cent share), after Singapore (37 per cent), and ahead of Australia (15 per cent).
Multimillion dollar processing plants (some part or wholly Chinese-owned) are springing up in New Zealand to manufacture formula for China's rapidly expanding market, where a can of formula (costing around $20 in New Zealand) can sell for over NZ$70 a can. Recent moves by New Zealand dairy exporters toward exporting "added value", pre-constituted formula (rather than raw milk powder) has led to these high price margins, with some calling it the new gold rush.
In New Zealand, the trend of buying large quantities of formula from supermarkets for illegal export to China has led to purchase restrictions in many retail outlets. In China, unethical marketing practices, including industry representatives approaching new mothers in hospitals with formula samples, exploit opportunities created by urbanisation, growth of the middle classes, increased maternal employment, higher disposable incomes and the one- child policy.
Middle-class Chinese parents, with just one child to invest in, are willing to pay premium prices for formula from safe suppliers. On top of that, following China's 2008 melamine infant feeding scandal, infant food safety fears have led to demand for products from perceived "high quality" sources such as New Zealand.
While the detrimental environmental effects of dairy industry expansion have been debated recently in New Zealand, the potential health effects of the infant formula trade have been largely overlooked.

In 2012, Unicef expressed concern about sharply declining breastfeeding rates, including exclusive breastfeeding of babies under six months, in East Asia, and about companies' marketing and lobbying tactics. The same year, Wikileaks exposed efforts by United States corporations to persuade Asian leaders to stop breastfeeding promotion. A 2013 report by Save the Children shows a fall in China's breastfeeding rates, including exclusive breastfeeding of infants under six months.
Not breastfeeding exclusively increases the risk of infant morbidity and mortality. This risk is greatly increased where there is poor water quality and sanitation and where parents are illiterate and unable to read formula preparation instructions.
Media reports have recently highlighted serious water pollution issues in China, while in 2012 Unicef reported good sanitation facilities were available to only 58 per cent and 52 per cent of China's urban and rural populations respectively.
Part of the global framework for protecting breastfeeding and babies fed on formula is the restrictions placed on infant formula marketing in the World Health Organisation's International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, 1981 (WHO Code). In China, several WHO Code principles are enacted in law, but there is reportedly little enforcement and few penalties for breaches, including for promoting formula for newborns and babies. A Save the Children survey in China found 40 per cent of mothers who were interviewed reported being contacted directly by formula companies. Most were recommended products or offered free samples.
New Zealand signed the WHO Code in 1983 and implements it under three voluntary and self- regulatory codes, along with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. New Zealand's voluntary industry agreement applies to infant formula manufacture and importing within New Zealand, including restricting formula marketing for infants under six months. In Australia, industry-agreed marketing controls are stronger, applying to infants under 12 months.
Currently, industry standards for infant formula manufacture and marketing within New Zealand are stronger than those governing our exports. Export standards (under consideration) include some exemptions on formula composition and a blanket exemption for labelling, requiring only that these meet importing countries' requirements. Some New Zealand exporters targeting East Asian markets are promoting formula for babies.
There are now calls from within our dairy sector for "alignment" of New Zealand's infant formula standards. But given less consideration are the ethical and public health implications for New Zealand as a major infant formula producer and exporter. Despite debates about the adequacy of national efforts, we try to promote and support breastfeeding among our own population. By contrast, we are potentially undermining breastfeeding practice in China and other countries where we know breastfeeding protection is weaker.
So what could New Zealand do? While various international health and trade agreements for marketing infant formula exist, they depend on implementation and enforcement in individual countries. New Zealand and Australia, countries that are influential in China's babyfood market, could take a moral leadership role by requiring all their exporters to comply with the WHO Code or, at least, their own domestic industry agreements, so that standards for infant formula marketing both within and beyond Australasia are consistent.
As in industrialised countries, balancing good child health outcomes (including breastfeeding), maternal employment and gender equity will be complex in China. While New Zealand could show leadership in terms of the marketing of infant formula exports, much of the solution lies with China. This requires good maternity leave systems and WHO Code enforcement, along with other factors including implementation of WHO and Unicef's Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative.
The world media have already highlighted the environmental costs of dairying in New Zealand. This could be compounded by potential charges of unethical infant formula marketing. In the same way the industry is making some effort to solve its environmental issues, the export superstar could support "best practice" child health policy globally and not undermine it.
Dr Judith Galtry is an adjunct fellow at the Australian Centre for Economic Research on Health, Australian National University.

Tuesday, 25 June 2013

Why Social Media Isn't Doing For Us What London's Coffee Houses Did For 17th Century

Why Social Media Isn't Doing For Us What London's Coffee Houses Did For 17th Century


Published June 24, 2013 in Forbes.com

There is a lot we can learn about today’s explosion of social media from the rise of coffeehouse culture in London in the 1600s, according to Tom Standage in an opinion piece in yesterday’s New York Times. Standage, the digital editor at The Economist and author of the soon-to-be-released book “Writing on the Wall: Social Media — The First 2,000 Years,” has a point. When we complain of the collective time-wasting that is Facebook FB -2.36% and Twitter, we are actually echoing what Londoners said of the coffee houses in the 17th century.
And yet, Standage reminds us in that knowing way he learned at theEconomist, “Rather than enemies of industry, coffeehouses were in fact crucibles of creativity, because of the way in which they facilitated the mixing of both people and ideas.”  And this was not just idle chatter. “It was a coffeehouse argument among several fellow scientists that spurred Isaac Newton to write his Principia Mathematica,” Standage points out, “one of the foundational works of modern science.”


Modern markets and business had their origins among the coffee grounds as well. For merchants, coffeehouses were the co-working spaces of the day. “A London coffeehouse called Jonathan’s, where merchants kept particular tables at which they would transact their business,” Standage writes, ”turned into the London Stock Exchange .” And Edward Lloyd’s coffeehouse, frequented by the nautical crowd, became the insurance giant Lloyd’s of London.
Turning to the present day, Standage cites aMcKinsey study that “found that the use of social networking within companies increased the productivity of ‘knowledge workers’ by 20 to 25 percent.” This is all great stuff and I am in general in agreement with him that “As we grapple with the issues raised by new technologies, there is much we can learn from the past.”
But something is crucially different here between what happend in England 350 years ago and what is happening on our digital networks today. That something is brought into focus by Jaron Lanier in his new book, Who Owns The Future. Our digital networks, the ones that constitute Google GOOG -0.83%, Facebook, Twitter and the rest, are asymmetrical in ways that undermine the conviviality of the coffeehouse and ultimately cause the economy to contract instead of grow.
This is a radical notion, but after reading Lanier’s book and interviewing him, I believe he is right. Imagine if Newton’s Principia was just “content” on a social network! And what if Lloyd’s could be shut down because of a change in Facebook’s policy? What if the only people making money in London in the 1650s were the sellers of the coffee?
I may be overstating this, but the point is that the great explosion of new businesses and business models, of new scientific theories and forms of public discourse that those coffeehouse engendered is not quite happening through our 21st century digital networks. Lanier made the damning point during our conversation that many venture capitalists “talk about shrinking markets as a criteria for investing in network-based business.” He went on to say, “If the venture capitalists are saying that that’s what they’re looking for, that’s a pretty good indication that that’s what’s going on in successful ventures.”
Tim Worstall, writing in these pages, decried Lanier’s ideas as “simply absurd.” In response to the idea that digital networks are shrinking the economy he counters, “jobs are a cost not a benefit of doing something. It’s the enjoyment of the production which is the benefit: and if we can do that with fewer jobs then we’ve increased net wealth creation.” This is undeniably true in pure economics terms, but, to return to the themes of digital humanism, economics and technology are tools for the use of people. And at this point, I think it is fair to say that our technology has enabled our economics to get out ahead of the vast majority of humans. If people cannot afford to participate in these new markets of information, then they cannot become the engines that grow the economy.
Bringing this full circle, Lanier was himself a keynote speaker at the Economist’s Tech Frontiers conference (hosted by Standage), saying, ”If you make information free in a digital economy, eventually you will defeat yourself and cause market contraction and unemployment.” As our digital networks have come to constitute the global economy, we have witnessed this contraction. Lanier thinks this is because too much of the offline economy is left “off the books.” It has become all coffee and no London.
To go back to the model of the anarchic coffeehouse, it is as if Lanier is suggesting that all of the participants in those public discussions be paid for their contributions to the conversation. To be truly convivial like their 17th century prototypes, our networks must encompass the value of the data that people contribute to them—data and value must flow in both directions.
The penny a cup that the coffeehouses charged was a minimum barrier of entry. Once inside, the patrons were free to converse and transact business at will. And, lo and behold, amazing things happened—The Enlightenment was born in a coffee cup! But today, it is as if the coffeehouse owned the activity that occurred on its premises. Yes, the content you create on social networks may technically be yours, but you have no stake in the value of the metadata that your content produces.
To follow this analogy to a conclusion, in order to truly create economic growth, some of our large-scale digital networks (“siren servers” in Lanier’s parlance) need to go back to selling “just coffee.” They need to make their money “a penny a cup” and allow for the two-way monetization of user content. In the mean time, we can go back to complaining about what a time-waster social media is!
Check out my latest e-book entitled: "Social Media Marketing in Agri-Foods: Endless Profit and Painless Gain".  



The book is available on Amazon and Kindle for $4.99 USD. Visit amazon/Kindle to order now:
http://www.amazon.ca/Social-Media-Marketing-Agri-Foods-ebook/dp/B00C42OB3E/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1364756966&sr=1-1