Archives for January 12, 2005

← 2005

Foreign investment pours into China

As food ingredients suppliers take a stake in the burgeoning Chinese market new figures released by the United Nations confirm foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to Asia and the Pacific rose by a massive 55 per cent in 2004 on the year before.

Carrefour stems hypermarket sales decline

Better-than-expected sales at Carrefour's domestic hypermarket business have left France's leading food retailer optimistic of an upturn in 2005 - although further price cuts are likely to make an impact in the short term, writes Chris Jones.

Genome draft used to try to keep bees healthy

Scientists from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) announced a year ago they had completed the first draft on the honeybee genome; they are now using these findings to uncover new ways to keep honeybees healthy.

Quest targets drinks developers with new citrus range

As the beverage sector continues to dominate overall flavour sales ICI-owned flavour firm Quest International launches a new citrus range with improved stability to spear growing demand from developers for 'refreshing' flavours in drinks, reports...

Snack habit set to spur UK growth despite obesity threat

British snack makers will face the most testing period in their recent history over the next few years as the war on obesity gathers momentum, threatening to stall growth and devour smaller manufacturers, reports Chris Mercer.