Food Industry News – UAE
UAE Sets $10.9 Billion Food Sector Target with Innovation Focus
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- UAE aims to grow food sector GDP contribution from $8.1B to $10.9B by fostering innovation and sustainability.
- Forum highlighted digital transformation in food manufacturing and supply chain tech integration.
- Includes National Policy for Economic Clusters to boost interconnected industries and add $8.1B to economy.
Review: UAE is aggressively advancing its food sector with a clear emphasis on innovation, sustainable growth, and tech-driven efficiency, setting a robust foundation for future economic expansion.
Sharjah Dairy Brand Meliha Expands Organic Product Line
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- Meliha launches new laban beverage responding to rising demand for organic products in UAE.
- Focus on capturing healthier consumer trends in the Middle East’s evolving food landscape.
- Kerry boosts R&D and production capabilities amid Middle East food sector boom.
Review: Focus on organic and health-conscious products is deepening in the UAE, aligning with global trends towards clean-label and sustainable foods.
UAE Food Cluster Initiative Drives Sector Growth and Job Creation
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- Food cluster aims to increase sector GDP from AED 30B to AED 40B by 2028.
- Targets 18.2% job growth with 20,000 new food-related jobs.
- Strategic focus on local farming, bio-agriculture, agri-tech, and food waste reduction.
Review: The cluster strategy is a comprehensive approach to sustainable economic growth, job creation, and enhanced food security within the UAE.
Food Industry News – India
Coca-Cola Bottlers to Invest Rs 25,760 Crore in Food Processing Sector
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- Investment aims to expand food processing across nine Indian states by 2030.
- Expected to generate 30,000 direct and 300,000 indirect jobs.
- Supported by India’s Ministry of Food Processing Industries to boost sector growth.
Review: This significant investment underscores India’s priority on developing food processing infrastructure and employment growth.
GST Reduction Lowers Prices of ‘Nandini’ Milk Products
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- Karnataka Milk Federation reduces prices on milk, ghee, butter, and cheese following GST cuts.
- Consumers benefit from more affordable dairy products amid GST 2.0 implementation.
- Reflects government efforts to ease essential food item costs for citizens.
Review: The GST cut demonstrates a positive impact on everyday consumer products, promoting affordability and consumption.
Millet-Based Snacks Gain Popularity with Major FMCG Players
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- ITC, PepsiCo, and startups expanding millet snack offerings in India.
- Growing consumer demand for healthier, traditional ingredient-based snacks.
- PepsiCo launches Kurkure Jowar Puffs tapping into millet snacking trend.
Review: This reflects India’s evolving food preferences towards nutritious, traditional grains and products.
Food Industry News – China
Controversy Over Pre-made Food During National Day Holiday Sparks Debate
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- Influencer criticism triggers national debate on transparency and food quality in restaurants.
- Xibei restaurant chain cuts prices by 20-40% amid backlash over semi-processed meals.
- Government promises expedited national standards and labelling rules for pre-made food.
Review: The incident highlights consumer demand for transparency and quality amid changing dining habits post-pandemic.
Pesticide Residues Highlighted in Latest China Food Safety Report
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- Recent government report flags pesticide risks in food products across markets.
- Raises challenges for authorities, industry, and consumers in food safety management.
- Spotlights ongoing need for tighter regulations and monitoring in China’s food sector.
Review: Food safety remains a critical concern, with pesticide residues demanding focused actions from stakeholders.
Food Industry News – Germany
Plant-Based Egg Alternative Brand Neggst Launches in Berlin Retail
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- Neggst partners with vegan butcher shop Die Vegane Fleischerei for first retail sales.
- Product caters to growing demand for plant-based, sustainable egg alternatives.
- Launch based on high interest and consumer inquiries in Germany’s plant-based market.
Review: This launch marks growing mainstream availability of innovative plant-based alternatives in Germany.
Calls to Reduce VAT on Plant-Based Drinks Gain Momentum
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- Retailers and manufacturers urge Bundestag to cut VAT from 19% to 7% on plant-based drinks.
- Petition frames tax reduction as supporting health, climate, and consumer equity goals.
- Coalition includes REWE, vly, Berief, and Oatly brands.
Review: This effort highlights the push for policy alignment to encourage sustainable food choices in Germany.
Growing Openness Toward Cultured Meat Among Younger Germans
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- Survey shows 24% willing to try 3D-printed cultured meat, higher interest in 16-49 age group.
- Indicates increasing acceptance of innovative food technologies in Germany.
- Highlights generational differences in food tech adoption.
Review: This signals a positive trend for alternative protein products and food tech innovation in German markets.
Food Industry News – Brazil
Brazil’s Food Industry Opposes Use of ‘Ultra-Processed Foods’ Term in Legislation
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- Industry lobbies to weaken laws by removing “ultra-processed” classification from school food bills.
- Argues lack of consensus on term despite global health authority acceptance.
- Efforts risk undermining health-focused food standards in schools nationwide.
Review: Corporate lobbying challenges public health efforts, emphasizing need for vigilance in food policy.
Nestlé Announces $88.3 Million Investment to Expand Coffee Production
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- Investment planned through 2028 to enhance Nestlé’s coffee production capabilities in Brazil.
- Part of broader strategy to strengthen presence in key agricultural sectors.
- Expected to support local economies and supply chain advancements.
Review: Nestlé’s investment highlights Brazil’s critical role in global coffee supply and food sector growth.
Food Industry News – France
French Plant-Based Cheese Maker Jay&Joy Expands Via Acquisition
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- Jay&Joy acquires Les Nouveaux Affineurs, expanding production and product range.
- Receives €2 million funding to boost European market growth.
- Maintains workforce and strengthens market leadership in plant-based cheese.
Review: This move accelerates growth in France’s plant-based dairy alternatives sector.
French Court Annuls Ban on Plant-Based Products Using Meat Terms
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- Council of State nullifies decrees banning “steak” and “sausage” terms for plant-based foods.
- Aligns with EU laws supporting fair marketing practices for alternative proteins.
- Decision favors plant-based industry against restrictive national terminology laws.
Review: The ruling is a significant win for plant-based food marketing in France and Europe.
Beyond Meat Launches Plant-Based Steak in French Food Service Market
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- Beyond Steak launches in France, targeting restaurants nationwide starting February 2025.
- Product offers high protein, low fat, and ecological benefits vs. conventional steak.
- Supports growing demand for sustainable, plant-based dining options.
Review: Beyond Meat’s entry exemplifies expanding plant-based alternatives in European foodservice.