Topic “In the News News” — Exporter Magazine

PepsiCo UK is researching the feasibility of converting potato peel waste into crisp packaging and estimates a two year timeframe before market introduction, according to BakeryandSnacks.com. Gulfood 2011, which offers a platform for the food and beverage industry to both showcase and source products and services for the region’s markets, will run from February 27 to March 2, 2011 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The UAE is currently spending USD$800 million (NZD$1.06 billion) per year on building, operating and maintenance of desalination plants which will jump by over 300% to $3.22 billion over the next six years, according to Emirates24/7, citing a new report by Global Water Intelligence. Consumers in southern Europe have a particularly positive attitude towards food and drink products packed in glass, according to FoodProductionDaily.com, citing a survey of European attitudes to glass packaging. A scientist at the Fraunhofer Institute has developed new antimicrobial active packaging film that targets microorganisms on the surface of meat, fish and cheese to extend product shelf life, according to FoodProductionDaily.com. Seasonal and chocolate box sales are projected to increase by 12.9% between 2010 and 2015, growing to an estimated GBP4.1 billion (NZD$8.65 billion) by 2015, according to Confectionery News, citing a Mintel report. Toyota Motor Thailand (TMT) is ready to produce and sell a low-cost car locally to tap more middle-class and first-time buyers but the model is still being decided, according to the Bangkok Post. Global pharmaceutical sales may rise between 5 and 7% next year to USD$880 billion (NZD$1.16 trillion) on soaring demand in developing nations led by China as it becomes the world’s third-largest drug market, according to a Bloomberg report carried in China Daily.