Foster’s Group Limited (Foster’s) and Grupo Modelo, brewer of Mexico’s leading exported beer Corona Extra, today executed an early extension to an exclusive license to sell and market Corona Extra in Australia. Since 1988 when the partnership began, Corona Extra has grown to become Australia’s number one premium imported beer and the seventh largest beer brand by value in the Australian market. “We have a longstanding relationship with CUB and we’re delighted it is set to continue,”... ...Read more »

Japanese food and drink group Kirin Holdings has shuffled its management pack as the company looks to push on with plans to drive earnings. Kirin, which owns Australia’s Dairy Farmers and National Foods, said today (10 February) that executive vice president Senji Miyake would become president and CEO from next month. Current CEO Kazuyasu Kato will become Kirin’s chairman. The promotion of Miyake is the latest move from Kirin to establish “a leading company” in food and health... ...Read more »

Coca-Cola’s fourth quarter results, published yesterday, show a net income of US$731 million for 2009, and a comparable net income of US$788 million. While sales in North America fell 5% and prices rose, the company showed impressive growth in the new markets of China (up 29%) and India (up 20%).  Developing markets also grew, Brazil by 8% and Mexico by 4%, and the European markets remained strong, with France growing 12% and Germany 3%.  Company shares increased by 66 cents in the quarter... ...Read more »

Australian dairy co-op Murray Goulburn is weighing up the company’s next step in the takeover battle for rival firm Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory (WCB) but repeated its interest in the business. Reports in Australia have claimed that Murray Goulburn plans to make another offer for WCB in the coming weeks after seeing its initial bid dismissed. A spokesperson for Murray Goulburn emphasised that the business remains “very interested” in WCB and wants to hold talks with the... ...Read more »

Wine grape growers are feeling the full force of oversupply and economic downturn as prices for fruit plummet.  Wine exports have fallen by 21% since their peak in October 2007 and it is estimated that at least 20% of bearing vines in Australia are surplus to requirements. An industry statement released by Wine Grape Growers’ Australia highlit the problem. “Structural surpluses of grapes and wine are now so large that they are causing long-term damage to our industry by devaluing the... ...Read more »

Red Rooster’s latest offering, the Wild Barramundi Burger, has drawn criticism for what some see as misleading advertising. The burger contains cheaper imported South-East Asian barramundi, known in the region as Asian Seabass. “Barramundi. The most prized of all fish. Sought after by the finest restaurants and the keenest fisherman. Of course, the secret is knowing the best spot,” reads the marketing copy for the burger. In this case, the best spot is South-East Asia, and the quality... ...Read more »

In August last year Australia’s kangaroo export trade collapsed when Russia banned imports of kangaroo meat due to food hygiene concerns. Exports to Russia accounted for nearly 70 percent of the market for Australian roo meat. Things are looking up again for Australian roo meat producers however, with an agreement to export kangaroo meat to China now finalised. Federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke said: “The formalities with China are now agreed to in terms of the principles of being... ...Read more »

While much of Queensland has experienced heavy rainfalls this summer, apple growers around Stanthorpe, in the Granite Belt south west of Brisbane are facing tough growing conditions due to the drought. Picking of the Gala variety has begun, and growers in the region are reporting smaller and fewer fruit this season, compared to last year. Daniel Nicoletti, head of the Stanthorpe Apple Committee said the fruit they’re picking isn’t too bad considering what it has been through. “They’re... ...Read more »

PepsiCo has announced their latest product offering, new Naked Coconut Water.   Launched under their Naked Juice label, the only ingredient in this new product is 100 percent coconut water. This 100 percent coconut water is all-natural, fat free, cholesterol free and gluten free. As with all Naked Juice products, Naked Coconut Water contains no added sugars or preservatives. At 60 calories per package, and high in potassium, calcium and magnesium, Naked Coconut Water is being marketed towards health... ...Read more »

Thanks to their new Seafood Handling Guidelines seafood lovers can count on maximum freshness and quality from catch to plate, says Sydney Fish Market (SFM). Exceeding current industry standards, the Guidelines set a benchmark for the storage and handling of seafood, that impacts the seafood supply chain nationally. Louise Nock, Marketing & Communications Manager at Sydney Fish Market said, “SFM is Australia’s seafood centre of excellence and prides itself on the implementation of... ...Read more »