The Coca-Cola Company and its bottling partner, Coca-Cola Hellenic, today announced a new Russian investment program of US$3 billion over the next five years, commencing in 2012. The announcement coincides with the opening of Coca-Cola Hellenic’s newest plant, located in the Rostov region of Russia. Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, Muhtar Kent said, “The Coca-Cola Company is proud to be serving this great nation’s 140 million-plus consumers. Our system is part of the fabric... ...Read more »

Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin has called for an extension on the country’s ban on grain exports until late 2011, according to reports. Reuters reported that the Russian Prime Minister said on Thursday (2 September) that lifting the ban “can only be considered after next year’s crops have been harvested.” The current ban is set to run from 15 August until 31 December this year. A spokesperson for the government confirmed that he was speaking about 2011 crops, not 2010... ...Read more »

Swiss food giant Nestle has opened two premium chocolate production lines in Russia. The two lines, which were transferred from the Tuchkovo factory in the Ruzsky district, Moscow, to the Samara region, will produce premium brand Comilfo chocolate, the firm said today (26 August). Around 149 jobs have been created at the site, which is one of 13 Nestle production facilities in Russia. Laurent Freixe, Nestlé executive vice president and zone director for Europe said: “The transfer of the Comilfo... ...Read more »

Danone has refuted claims from Russian grocery retailer Seventh Continent that it has increased its wholesale prices in the country by up to 31%.The French food giant confirmed there had been an increase but not to the extent claimed by Seventh Continent. “Danone has increased prices for its products in Russia by 4% in average. [The] maximum increase for a single product was 9%,” the company told just-food yesterday (12 August). The Activia owner added that the increase was its first... ...Read more »

The impact of unfavourable weather events on crops in recent weeks has led the UN Food and Agriculture Organizations (FAO) to cut its global wheat production forecast for 2010 to 651 million tonnes, from 676 million tonnes reported in June. But despite production problems in some leading exporting countries, the world wheat market remains far more balanced than at the time of the world food crisis in 2007/08 and fears of a new global food crisis are not justified at this point, FAO said. A continuing,... ...Read more »

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has imposed a temporary ban on exports of grain and other agricultural products derived from corn from the country due to the worst drought in a century. He added that the country has sufficient reserves, but that it needs to “prevent the growth of domestic food prices in the Russian Federation [so] it is necessary to keep livestock and create reserves next year.” A spokesperson said the ban will come into effect from 15 August and will apply to... ...Read more »

Russia has slumped to tenth place in a ranking of attractive countries for global retail investors, according to a report by US consultancy firm A.T. Kearney.The country has dropped eight spots in terms of the urgency for foreign retailers to enter the market, Kearney’s 2010 Global Retail Development Index has noted. “As the dust settles from a turbulent 2009, retailers in developed markets face a changed landscape that features fewer stores, heavier discounting and more fickle shoppers,”... ...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 »

Russia’s National Security Council is reportedly considering a ban on food imports in a bid to stimulate domestic production. With food production viewed as an issue of national security, Russian regulators would like the country to be self-sufficient in food production. According to local reports, the National Security Council has drawn up a Food Security Doctrine, which aims to see domestic producers control 95% of the grain market, 90% of the milk market and “no less” than 80%... ...Read more »

PepsiCo, one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies, has announced plans for a US$1 billion (A$1.25b) investment in Russia over three years, together with its partner The Pepsi Bottling Group (PBG) as they look to emerging economies to counter a weak American marketplace. “I am delighted to announce that over three years we expect to invest $1 billion in our beverage and food businesses in Russia,” said PepsiCo Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Indra Nooyi. “This... ...Read more »