In today’s talking points: Hancock empire having influence on Australian cattle imports into China; Indigenous beverage company launches wattleseed lager; Planned reduction in the use of antibiotics in China’s meat, aquaculture and poultry industries; Premium groceries seen high on the list for Australians.
Hancock Empire Having Influence on Australian Cattle Imports into China
The business connections between Australian billionaire Gina Rinehart may prove a critical link in finalising an opportunity for Australian live trade to get imported into China. The need to get the Chinese doors open to Australian northern cattle is intensifying, as Australia looks for an advantage to import into mainland China.
The Hancock pastoral empire’s plans for a large-scale feedlot and abattoir for cattle imports on an island off southern China, which could provide the quarantine buffer necessary to appease protocols related to blue-tongue disease (BTV).
This would allow Australian cattle imports to compete with other blue-tongue free imports from other regions around the world. The Northern Territory Livestock Exporters Association chief executive officer Stuart Kemp said opening new markets on a government-to government level was always a slow thing.
Read more at: katherinetimes.com.au
Indigenous Beverage Company Launches Wattleseed Lager
Brewed in the Adelaide Hills in partnership with Mismatch Brewing Company, the Wattleseed Lager will be officially launched at an event on July 4. The beer is made with seeds from Australia’s floral emblem, and is the second product of indigenous beverage company following the release of its green ant gin earlier this year. The Wattleseed’s subtle nutty aroma and hints of chocolate and coffee when roasted synergise well with the brewing process of the beer.
“It’s a really crisp, clean lager with some secondary characteristics of honey and toasted peanuts on the back end” said Toby Kline, spokesman of Mismatch Brewing and Adelaide Hills Distillery. Wattleseed has been part of the diet of indigenous Australians for thousands of years and was traditionally ground into a flour.
Adelaide-based Something Wild Beverages is a division of native food company Something Wild Australia, which is majority owned by football family the Motlops.
Read more at: indaily.com.au
Planned Reduction in the Use of Antibiotics in China’s Meat, Aquaculture and Poultry Industries
China plans to greatly reduce its use of antibiotics in its meat industry as it strengthens measures to crack down on animal-sourced antibiotic resistance, according to a plan recently released by the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture.
Under the plan, 97% of meat, poultry and aquaculture products will meet national antibiotic residue standards by 2020. To achieve this goal, new drugs and technologies will be required, providing opportunities for foreign expertise and technology. Authorities also intend to consult with relevant international institutions, such as the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Read more at: publicnow.com
Premium Groceries Seen High on the List for Australians
Nielsen research has shown that consumers would consider paying more for premium groceries. Julianne Westaway, a director at Nielson, states that a premium product is considered 20 per cent for more than the average price paid in the product’s category. Pacific shoppers will more than often seek to buy premium products. They will look towards products that are all organic, have all natural ingredients, or have responsibility claims. This shows how ‘green’ attributes allow for consumers to spend a higher price tag. Taking this into consideration, we can also see how food companies are able to take advantage. With marketers entering on this premium trend, they’re then able to grow their brand while also being able to support a higher price.
Read more at: ausfoodnews.com