Topic “In the News News” — Exporter Magazine

China’s household wealth is set to more than double to USD $35 trillion (NZD$46.3 trillion) by 2015 if the country maintains its historic growth rates, according to China Daily citing a report by Credit Suisse. The United Arab Emirates said late last week it won’t implement a proposed ban on Research In Motion Ltd’s BlackBerry services. Incorporating whey protein into exercise recovery beverages could open a lucrative new market for sports drinks manufacturers, according to research commissioned by performance nutrition company Volac, according to Nutraingredients.com. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued draft guidance on acidified and fermented foods, such as pickles, relishes and olives, to provide recommendations on manufacturing and quality control, according to FoodProductionDaily.com. New Zealand’s Lotus Wash Systems has developed the world’s first fully-automatic sea container washing unit at the Fremantle Port operation of AWH Logistics, according to PortStrategy.com. A World Trade Organisation (WTO) panel has ruled that a US ban on Chinese poultry is illegal – the first such reprimand for legislation brought in under the Obama Administration, according to MeatProcess.com. Using robotics in meat processing and packaging will lead to greater hygiene, improved consistency of operation and greater productivity, according to MeatProcess.com, citing the German Institute of Food Technologies (DIL). Asian governments’ failure to act has given shipping lines the freedom to collaborate to impose sharply higher rates. The Asian Shippers Council said its members have had to put up with ridiculous surcharges – a peak season surcharge outside the traditional peak season and emergency bunker surcharge even when bunker prices are stable.