Agriculture

japanese rice

Amid Surging Rice Prices, What is the Future for This Once Sacred Crop in Japan?

Agriculture, Pricing, Strategy / By

Japan boasts around 2.4 million hectares (approximately 6.4 million acres) of land dedicated to rice paddies. Given that much of Japan is mountainous, these rice plots tend to be small, making rice farming labour-intensive and low-margin work. Most rice farmers in Japan sell less than JPY 10 million worth of rice annually and, until recently, […]

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Fruit brands squeezed financially and creatively as the price of OJ soars 

Agriculture, Marketing / By

For many in Asia oranges are a symbol of courage, health and happiness. In China for example oranges are associated with longevity, whilst in Malaysia and Vietnam they are often given as gifts in the lunar new year. However these are challenging times for fruit businesses and promoting oranges in particular. The spot price of

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Durian marketing

Suddenly everyone in China is obsessed with durian. Fancy the challenge of promoting this pungent tropical fruit globally?

Agriculture, Branding, Marketing / By

I’ll start with a confession, I don’t like durian. In marketing terms I am a rejector, neither am I a considerer (someone who may buy but doesn’t currently) and of course I am not a user. I have my former colleagues in Malaysia to blame. I will not name and shame here as many of

Suddenly everyone in China is obsessed with durian. Fancy the challenge of promoting this pungent tropical fruit globally? Read More »

Why is the jury still arguing over NZTE’s ‘Made with Care’ campaign?

Agriculture, Marketing, New Zealand / By

The ‘Made with Care’ campaign was launched in 2020 by New Zealand’s trade and Enterprise and aims to showcase the country’s commitment to being a trusted, sustainable global food source. It targeted key markets such as Australia, China, Japan, the USA, and the UK. So far it has reached over 79 million consumers around the world*.

Why is the jury still arguing over NZTE’s ‘Made with Care’ campaign? Read More »

With Fonterra’s share price at a 5 year low, will management’s new focus on NZ milk hit the sweet spot?

Agriculture, Dairy / By

Back in October 2016 Fonterra’s shares traded at NZ$5.9. However, shoot forward 5 years and the stock has gone backwards to NZ$3.35 leaving management with more questions than answers. Fonterra is a dairy cooperative, owned largely by New Zealand based dairy farmers that supply the business. In Asia-Pacific, Fonterra is a well known brand. China

With Fonterra’s share price at a 5 year low, will management’s new focus on NZ milk hit the sweet spot? Read More »

Photo: Manish Panghal

The (legal) marijuana business: a future hidden in clouds of smoke, hype and red tape?

Leave a Comment / Agriculture, Pharma / By

Barclays Investment bank held its annual jamboree for the great and the good in the consumer products industry last week. On the roster were many familiar names: P&G, J&J, Kraft Heinz, Nestlé, Coca Cola and more. All the usual suspects. However one name intrigued me, Canopy Growth. I hadn’t heard of it. Founded in 2013,

The (legal) marijuana business: a future hidden in clouds of smoke, hype and red tape? Read More »

palm oil biotech

Malaysian palm oil exports soar; still early days for biotech alternatives

Leave a Comment / Agriculture, Innovation / By

Malaysia’s palm oil industry is on a roll. It’s the country’s third biggest export worth $9.8b in 2020, up 18% year on year. Significantly ‘processed’ palm oil, which is more valuable than ‘crude’ accounts for over 70% of exports. India is Malaysia’s largest export market, followed by China.  Palm oil is widely used in the

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