Topic “In the News News” — Exporter Magazine

The global financial crisis has increased the reliance on meat markets in emerging markets, as consumers in traditionally high-value markets trade down the value of cuts they buy, according to Otago Daily Times. Japanese retailer Uniqlo is aggressively expanding its Korean operations, with plans to open five new large stores in Seoul, Busan, Ilsan and Suwon in the second half of the year, according to Korea Time’s online report. Greater awareness about environmental disposal hazards and more stringent government regulations are predicted to drive the global market for sustainable packaging to reach $142.42 billion (NZD$200 billion) by 2015, according to FoodProductionDaily.com. Ratepayer control of New Zealand’s ports is a barrier to improving efficiency, dragging down their ability to be truly competitive, both with each other and also Australia, according to the National Business Review. Westernised eating habits and the desire for convenient foods to fit into busy working lives are driving demand for food and beverage enzymes in South Asia, according to Foodnavigator.com. The firm behind a new breed of microscopic salt crystals that can help manufacturers slash sodium and retain their clean label status is conducting its first trials on cheese, according to Foodmanufacturer.co.uk.