Japan: Japanese seafood exporters are exploring alternative markets, notably for scallops, following a ban by China due to concerns related to the Fukushima nuclear waste water incident. Despite assurances from the Japanese government about safety, exports to China plummeted by 76% to US$14.7 million in 2023. To mitigate the impact, Japan is actively seeking new markets through trade shows and has started processing routes in Mexico traditionally done in China.
Indonesia: South Korean food company, Paldo Inc., is set to export its traditional rice and barley malt beverage, Birak Sikhye, to Indonesia, capitalising on the burgeoning K-pop culture. The drink, which is a popular dessert beverage in Korea, has obtained halal certification from BPJPH, an Indonesian agency, facilitating its entry into the Indonesian market.
Malaysia: Peru is looking to establish itself as a major exporter of halal food products to Malaysia, having secured local halal certification. With an upcoming memorandum of understanding with Malaysian authorities, Peru aims to diversify its economy by reducing reliance on mining and boosting its agricultural sector, including exports of high-quality cocoa beans and other agricultural products. FGV Holdings Bhd has partnered with the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) to promote sustainable practices in the palm oil industry. FGV is the first company to feature the MSPO certification logo on its Saji cooking oil products, enhancing consumer trust and demonstrating compliance with sustainability standards.
Thailand: Thailand has become the world's third-largest chicken exporter, moving up from fourth place due to strong government support and strategic trade agreements under the WTO that helped manage supply shortages. Despite higher production costs compared to competitors, Thailand is advocating for extended trade concessions to remain competitive. Mineré, a Nestlé brand, is promoting sustainability through its 'Crush On You' campaign, encouraging consumers to crush PET bottles before disposal to enhance recycling efforts. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce virgin plastic use and achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Vietnam: The Vietnamese shrimp industry is emphasising deep processing to add value and maintain competitiveness against countries with lower production costs. Initiatives to enhance the aesthetic appeal of products, like steamed giant tiger shrimp, are being adopted to cater to specific market preferences, contributing to a significant increase in exports.
China: Chinese food producers are under scrutiny for potentially misleading advertisements and quality issues. A notable controversy involves the luxury ice cream brand, Chicecream, accused of overpricing and making unfounded claims about its ingredients. Additionally, Nongfu Spring faced backlash for its packaging, which consumers found offensive due to perceived inappropriate cultural representations.
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