'Sweet Revolution': India becomes world’s 2nd largest honey exporter

IANS Photo

New Delhi, November 2 (IANS): India has emerged as the second-largest exporter of honey globally with shipments of around 1.07 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of natural honey worth $177.55 million in FY 2023-24, rising steadily from the 9th rank in 2020, an official statement said on Sunday.

The National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the government for the overall promotion and development of scientific beekeeping and the production of quality honey and other beehive products.

Implemented through the National Bee Board (NBB), the scheme was announced under the banner of Atmanirbhar Bharat with a total budget outlay of Rs 500 crore for three years (FY 2020–21 to 2022–23). It has since been extended for another three years (FY 2023–24 to 2025–26) with a remaining budget of ₹370 crore from the original allocation, according to the statement.

The Madhukranti portal has been launched for the online registration and traceability of the source of honey and other bee products.

India’s diverse agro-climatic conditions offer vast potential for beekeeping, honey production, and export. Recognising its importance in rural development and agricultural sustainability, the Centre launched the NBHM as part of the “Sweet Revolution”, an ambitious initiative aimed at promoting apiculture to accelerate the production of quality honey and boost farmers’ income through scientific and organised beekeeping.

Beekeeping, an agro-based activity undertaken by farmers and landless labourers in rural areas, forms an integral part of the Integrated Farming System. It plays a crucial role in pollination, thereby enhancing crop yields and farmers’ income while providing honey and other high-value beehive products such as beeswax, bee pollen, propolis, royal jelly, bee venom, etc., all of which serve as important sources of livelihood for rural communities.The NBHM is being implemented through 3 Mini Missions. Under Mini Mission-I, the thrust is being given on production & productivity improvement of various crops through pollination assisted by the adoption of scientific beekeeping. Mini Mission-II concentrates on post-harvest management of beekeeping/beehive products, including collection, processing, storage, marketing, value addition, etc., with a thrust to develop requisite infrastructural facilities for these activities, while Mini Mission-III focuses on research & technology generation for different regions, the statement added. 'Sweet Revolution': India becomes world’s 2nd largest honey exporter | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

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India’s fruit and vegetable exports surge 47.3 pc in last 5 years

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New Delhi, (IANS): The financial assistance schemes of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) have helped India’s fruit and vegetable exports surge by 47.3 per cent in the last five years, according to the government.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the exports of fresh fruits and vegetables reached 123 countries in FY2023-24.

In the last three years, Indian fresh produce entered 17 new markets, some of which are Brazil, Georgia, Uganda, Papua New Guinea, Czech Republic, Uganda and Ghana, etc.

This has been achieved through a host of measures such as participation in international trade fairs, actively pursuing market access negotiations and organising buyer seller meets, etc, according to the ministry.

The Department of Commerce, through APEDA, provides financial assistance to its member exporters of APEDA from across the country, for export promotion of its Scheduled products, including for fruits and vegetables, under Agriculture and Processed Foods Export Promotion Scheme of APEDA for the 15th Finance Commission Cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26).

“As a result of these initiatives, there has been a growth of 47.3 per cent in the volume of exports of fruits and vegetables between the period 2019-20 to 2023-24,” the ministry informed.

The growth in terms of value in the last five years stands at 41.50 per cent.

The major states producing fruits and vegetables are Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Karnataka.

The Department of Commerce is working in close coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare in prioritising agriculture products for market access negotiations to reach new markets. As a result, India has achieved new market access in several commodities in the last three years.There are Indian potatoes and onions in Serbia; baby corn and fresh banana in Canada; pomegranate arils in Australia, USA, Serbia and New Zealand; and whole pomegranates in Australia via irradiation treatment. India’s fruit and vegetable exports surge 47.3 pc in last 5 years | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

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India’s pharma exports continue to grow at brisk pace

New Delhi, (IANS): India’s drugs and pharmaceuticals exports are continuing to maintain their steady growth with an 8.36 per cent increase to $2.31 billion during July this year as the country’s cost-effective generic medicines continue to gain popularity in advanced western nations.

The country's drugs and pharmaceuticals exports increased 9.67 per cent year-on-year to $27.9 billion in 2023-24 and the growth is continuing in the current financial year as well.

The US accounts for over 31 per cent of India's total pharma exports, followed by the UK and Netherlands (about 3 per cent each).

Apart from Brazil and South Africa, Ireland and Sweden are new additions to the Indian export market.

India’s pharmaceutical sector’s export share increased to 6.4 per cent in the fiscal year 2023-2024 (FY24) from 5.8 per cent in 2018-2019 (FY19), and an uptick in export value to $27.9 billion from $19.1 billion, according to the latest Economic Survey.

“India’s pharmaceutical sector has strengthened its position on the global stage. The market, currently valued at $50 billion, is the third-largest worldwide by volume. Known as the ‘pharmacy of the world’, India offers approximately 60,000 generic brands across 60 therapeutic categories, contributing 20 per cent to global generic drug exports. Eight of the top 20 global generic companies are based in India,” according to the Economic Survey.

The pharmaceutical industry in India is expected to reach $65 billion by 2024 and to $130 billion by 2030.

The survey pointed out that the sector maintains high compliance standards with 703 United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA)-approved facilities, 386 European Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant plants, and 241 World Health Organisation Good Manufacturing Practice (WHO-GMP)-approved plants.

In December 2023, revised manufacturing rules under Schedule-M were introduced to align with global standards and enhance quality control.

The survey also found that the PLI scheme for medical devices has a beneficial impact, narrowing the gap between imports and exports.

Domestic production now includes computed tomography (CT) scan machines, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines and other medical devices.

The PLI scheme for bulk drugs has approved 48 projects with a committed investment of Rs 3,938.6 crore to bolster local manufacturing.Financial assistance through Pharmexcil, an Export Promotion Council, is also provided under Market Development Assistance and Market Access Initiative Schemes to exporters of pharmaceutical products particularly small and medium size exporters to promote their exports in various countries. India’s pharma exports continue to grow at brisk pace | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

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Browns becomes world’s biggest tea exporter in deal with LIPTON

• LIPTON Teas and Infusions and Browns Investments agree long-term partnership to accelerate tea industry transformation
• Lankan firm to get control of Lipton tea estates in Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania; deal second overseas acquisition after purchase of James Finlay Kenya last year
• Strategic relationship with Lipton to champion global adoption of new quality, social and environmental standards
• LIPTON Teas and Infusions CEO Nathalie Roos says Browns the preferred partner with credibility, capabilities and scale, to work with to raise standards in the whole tea industry
• Communities to be offered 15% stake at discounted price with annual dividend
• Endowment of 1 b Kenyan shillings into new Community Welfare Trust

Browns Investments Plc Chairman Ishara Nanayakkara

LIPTON Teas and Infusions CEO Nathalie Roos

LIPTON Teas and Infusions yesterday announced it has agreed terms of a partnership which will result in the transfer of its tea estates in Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania to Browns Investments alongside an agreement that all tea sold by Browns worldwide will be grown and harvested to a new set of standards covering quality, social and environmental protections.

This long term partnership will make Browns the world’s leading tea exporter – around 87 million kilograms each year as well as one of the largest suppliers to the world’s largest tea company, LIPTON Teas and Infusions. By working together, the two companies will raise tea quality globally and accelerate the application of responsible farming methods across the industry to drive sustainable growth. Browns will invest in its estates in Kenya and Sri Lanka to meet the new standards by 2025, as well as in the creation of additional skilled employment opportunities in Kenya.

Terms of the transaction, which is subject to standard regulatory clearances, are not disclosed.

Browns separately in a filing to the Colombo Stock Exchange said subsidiary B Commodities ME FZE incorporated in the United Arab Emirates has entered into a Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Ekaterra Holdco UK Ltd., Ekaterra Group Holdings BV incorporated in Netherlands to acquire the controlling stake of four companies for a consideration to be calculated at completion in accordance with the provisions of the SPA.

The companies are Lipton Teas and Infusion Kenya Plc (98.56%) which produces 33 million kilos on an extent of 14,100 hectares; Lipton Tea Plc, Kenya (51.99%) which produces 3 million kilos on 282 hectares; Lipton Teas and Infusion Tanzania Ltd., (100%) which produces 9.4 million kilos on 28,572 hectares and Lipton Teas and Infusion Rwanda (100%) producing 2.6 million kilos on 816 hectares.

This is Brown’s second overseas acquisition following the purchase of James Finaly (Kenya) Ltd last year.

In line with Lipton Teas and Infusions’ vision of creating value for all, the proceeds or the transaction will be reinvested into the East Africa region to drive local and industry-wide progress in relevant areas such as skills development and climate change mitigation.

The Government of Kenya has supported the companies in identifying opportunities for local communities to benefit from the partnership and future growth of the industry.

Shares totalling 15% of the main Kenyan operating company will be offered to the communities of Kericho and Bomet, where the estates are situated, at a substantial discount to create accessible communal equity and mutually aligned economic participation.

LIPTON Teas and Infusions and Browns are also jointly creating a Community Welfare Trust with an initial one billion Kenyan shillings dedicated to helping address other needs at local and neighbouring communities.

LIPTON Teas and Infusions CEO Nathalie Roos said: “Browns is the preferred partner with credibility, capabilities and scale, to work with us to raise standards in the whole tea industry. The team’s commitment to sustainability and community development aligns with our own. Together, we are setting a new precedent for transforming the global tea market - one cup at a time.”

Browns Investments Plc Chief Executive Director Kamantha Amarasekera said: “We look

forward to working hand-in-hand with LIPTON Teas and Infusions and local partners to foster a sustainable, responsible, and prosperous future for all. This partnership marks a significant step towards elevating the-industry as a whole, while also ensuring a positive impact on the livelihoods of the communities we serve.”

Developed together with producers across East Africa and beyond, LIPTON Teas and Infusions has established a series of rigorous standards that span critical areas of tea quality, human rights, climate mitigation, and nature protection. A scorecard-based approach that recognises tangible progress by producers has been designed to encourage rapid and meaningful action.

Browns has committed to invest to meet these new standards worldwide by 2025. This includes initiatives on its existing Sri Lanka and Kenyan estates, such as factory modernisation and crop diversification in support of biodiversity. Browns also commits to maintaining and extending all environmental and social practices already in place on the LIPTON Teas and Infusions estates.

By working together, the two companies will raise tea quality and accelerate the use of responsible farming methods, driving growth and value creation for the industry.

In line with its vision of creating value for all, LIPTON Teas and Infusions has pledged to reinvest the proceeds from the transaction into the region to benefit the overall tea industry.

Further funding in education will expand the reach of the recently inaugurated Lipton Tea Innovation and Technology Academy in Kabianga, Kenya. The Academy provides vocational training as well as bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD level courses to develop the highest standards of tea cultivation, harvesting, and processing. Additional funding will allow for extra programmes, more student places, and the digitization of the curricula to provide online learning for maximise accessibility and impact.

Other initiatives will support climate change mitigation and resilience efforts. LIPTON Teas and Infusions, for example, will lead the development of a self-sustaining ecosystem for green and/or low nitrogen fertilisers in the region, enabling a stepchange in the finances of growers - as fertilizer is typically among the largest costs of production - and achieve an acceleration toward net zero for the entire industry.

In addition to the offer of shares, which includes a guaranteed annual dividend payout, Browns will pay an above-market premium to Kenyan smallholders to produce superior quality tea. Offering double what farmers would previously have received will incentivise a shift from quantity to quality, while securing a substantial uplift in farmers’ livelihoods.

All these efforts will further contribute to LIPTON Teas and Infusions’ collaboration in the country’s development of the “Kenya Origin” mark for tea, symbolising sustainable quality and unique geographic characteristics.

LIPTON Teas and Infusions is the world’s largest tea business, with world-class brands that are household names such as Lipton, Pukka, TAZO, T2 and PG Tips. With production sites in four continents and a presence in over 100 countries, LIPTON Teas and Infusions’ products are enjoyed by hundreds of millions of consumers around the world each day. As an independent company since July 2022, LIPTON Teas and Infusions is united in one purpose: creating value for all with every sip, from plant to cup.

Browns Investments is a prominent and diversified conglomerate and a significant part of the esteemed LOLC Holdings PLC group of companies, which is recognised as one of the largest and most profitable listed corporations in Sri Lanka.

Headquartered in Colombo, Browns has a rich heritage in managing plantation businesses, with ownership of Maturata Plantations, Hapugastenne Plantations PLC, and Udapussellawa Plantations PLC in Sri Lanka, as well as estates in Kenya. As one of the largest tea producing companies globally, Browns currently oversees an expansive 40,000-hectare area, producing approximately 43 million kilograms of black tea and providing employment to over 15,000 people across Sri Lanka and Kenya. Moreover, Browns Investments stands as one of the largest agricultural employers in Sierra Leone, with its 10,000 -hectare sugar plantation supporting the livelihoods of close to 5,000 employees. Browns becomes world’s biggest tea exporter in deal with LIPTON | Daily FT

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WTO conference ends in division and stalemate – does the global trade body have a viable future?

Jane Kelsey, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

The 13th World Trade Organization (WTO) ministerial conference in Abu Dhabi has failed to resolve any issues of significance, raising the inescapable question of whether the global trade body has a future.

The three-day meeting was due to end on February 29. But late into a fourth extra day, the 164 members were struggling to even agree on a declaration, let alone the big issues of agriculture, fisheries and border taxes on electronic commerce.

The closing ceremony was sombre, and the ministerial declaration bland, stripped of the substantive content previously proposed. Outstanding issues were kicked back to the WTO base in Geneva for further discussions, or for the next ministerial conference in 2026.

Briefing journalists in the closing hours, an EU spokesperson noted how hard it would be to pick up the pieces in Geneva after they failed to create momentum at the ministerial conference. She predicted:

[Trade] will be more and more characterised by power relations than the rule of law, and that will be a problem notably for smaller countries and for developing countries.

Restricted access

That imbalance is already evident, with power politics characterising the conference from the start.

There were accusations of unprecedented restrictions on non-governmental organisations (NGOs) registered to participate in the conference. These bodies are crucial to bringing the WTO’s impacts on farmers, fishers, workers and other communities into the negotiation arena.

A number of NGOs have submitted formal complaints over their treatment by conference host the United Arab Emirates. They say they were isolated from delegations, banned from distributing papers, and people were arbitrarily detained for handing out press releases.

Critical negotiations were conducted through controversial “green rooms”. These were where the handpicked “double quad” members – the US, UK, European Union, Canada, China, India, South Africa and Brazil – tried to broker outcomes to present to the rest for “transparency”.

Influence of power politics

These powerful countries largely determined the outcomes (or lack of them). The US, historically the agenda-setter at WTO ministerial conferences, appeared largely disinterested in the proceedings, with trade representative Katherine Tai leaving early.

The final declaration says nothing about restoring a two-tier dispute body, which has been paralysed since 2019 by the refusal of successive US Republican and Democratic administrations to appoint new judges to the WTO’s appellate body.

The EU failed to secure progress on improvements to the appeal process. Likely Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has already announced he would impose massive WTO-illegal tariffs on China if elected.

China, Japan, the US and EU – all big subsidisers of distant water fishing fleets – blocked an outcome aiming to protect global fish stocks, an issue already deferred from the last ministerial meeting.

The six Pacific Island WTO members lobbied tirelessly for a freeze and eventual reduction in subsidies. But the text was diluted to the point that no deal was better than a bad deal.

The EU, UK, Switzerland and other pharmaceutical producers had already blocked consensus on lifting patents for COVID-19 therapeutics and diagnostics, sought by 65 developing countries. A deal brokered in 2021 on COVID vaccines is so complex no country has used it.

Domestic and global agendas

India’s equally uncompromising positions also reflected domestic priorities. The 2013 Bali ministerial conference promised developing countries a permanent solution to prevent legal challenges to India’s subsidised stockpiling of food for anti-hunger programmes.

A permanent solution was a red line for India, which faces an election next month and mass protests from farmers concerned at losing subsidies.

Agricultural exporters, including New Zealand, tabled counter-demands to broaden the agriculture negotiations. The public stockpiling issue remains a stalemate, without any real prospect of a breakthrough.

India and South Africa formally objected to the adoption of an unmandated plurilateral agreement on investment facilitation.

The concerns were less with the agreement itself and more with the precedent it would create for sub-groups of members to bypass the WTO’s rule book. This would allow powerful states to advance their favoured issues while developing country priorities languish.

Crisis and transformation

The face-saver for the conference was the temporary extension of a highly contested moratorium on the right to levy customs duties at the border on transmissions of digitised content.

Securing that extension (or preferably a permanent ban on e-commerce customs duties) on behalf of Big Tech was the main US goal for the conference. Developing countries opposed its renewal, so they could impose tariffs both for revenue and to support their own digital industrialisation.

The moratorium will now expire in March 2026, so the battle will resume at the next ministerial conference scheduled to be held in Cameroon that year.

But there is every likelihood the current paralysis at the WTO will continue, and the power politics will intensify. As the previously quoted EU spokesperson also mused:

Perhaps the WTO needed a good crisis, and perhaps this will lead to a realisation that we cannot continue like this.

Ideally, that would result in a fundamentally different international institution – one that provides real solutions to the 21st century challenges on which the WTO is unable to deliver.

Jane Kelsey, Emeritus Professor of Law, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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India slowly taking export market share from China, study shows

Smartphone with Chinese applications is seen in front of a displayed Indian flag and a “Banned app” sign in this illustration picture taken July 2, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

• 28 February 2024, (Bloomberg) — India is chipping away at China’s dominance in electronics exports in some key markets as manufacturers diversify supply chains away from the world’s factory to other parts of Asia, a new study shows.
• The impact is most pronounced in the UK and US, where geopolitical tensions with China have increased in recent years.
• India’s electronics exports to the US as a ratio of China’s increased to 7.65% in November last year from 2.51% in November 2021, according to London-based Fathom Financial Consulting. In the UK, the share rose to 10% from 4.79%.
• India’s government is luring electronics manufacturers to the country with heavy incentives, such as tax cuts, rebates, easier land acquisition and capital support. The aim is to expand the domestic manufacturing industry in order to export more, and help businesses grow to global scale through partnerships.
• India houses Samsung Electronics Co.’s biggest mobile phone factory, while Apple Inc. makes at least 7% of all its iPhones in India through its contract manufacturer Foxconn Technology Group and Pegatron Corp.
• The rise in electronic exports is “likely the result of Foxconn’s increasing investment in India,” Andrew Harris, an economist at Fathom Financial Consulting, wrote in a note last week.
• India’s progress in gaining market share has been more limited in Europe and Japan, “suggesting a move towards dual supply chains (China plus one) rather than a complete abandonment of China-based production, at least for now,” Harris said. The report shows that India’s electronics exports as a ratio of China’s was 3.38% in Germany and 3.52% globally.
• Indian companies have been touting their role in multinationals’ ‘China plus one’ strategy, which sees manufacturers developing back-up capacity in other countries.India’s rising market share is a boost for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has touted his ‘Make in India’ plan as a way of creating jobs, expanding exports and making the economy more self reliant by reducing the need for imports. He’s widely expected to win a third term in office in elections due within a few months. India slowly taking export market share from China, study shows

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M&M aims to double exports in 3 years with new OJA platform

• By Aniket Gupta:  Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), the leader among India’s tractor industry companies, has set its sights on a remarkable goal. It aims to double its exports from India within the next three years.
• This ambitious plan will gain momentum from the introduction of its innovative platform, OJA, which was recently unveiled in Cape Town, South Africa.
• Mahindra Tractors is a part of the group’s farm equipment division of the $19.4-billion Mahindra Group, and the flagship unit of the division.
• During the year ended 31 March 2023, the Mahindra Group exported 18,104 tractors. Hemant Sikka, president of the farm equipment segment, aims for a substantial leap, aspiring to raise this figure to 36,000 tractors by fiscal 2025-26.
• With the introduction of the OJA lineup, M&M is embarking on an expansion into a dozen new markets. This initiative includes the establishment of a new office in Thailand, which will serve as a strategic base for accessing the ASEAN markets.
• The company's sights are set on European markets as well, with special focus on countries renowned for vine cultivation, such as Germany, Italy, and Spain. Sikka emphasized that M&M currently lacks a footprint in both regions, ASEAN and Europe.
• What about the American market? Growth there has been slow, but Sikka anticipates this is a temporary situation.
• In Brazil, M&M has already achieved a remarkable feat by increasing its market share from 3.5 per cent to an impressive 7.2 per cent in the past two years.
• Distinct sub-platforms
• Comprising four distinct sub-platforms — sub-compact, compact, small utility, and large utility — the OJA platform is a comprehensive family. At present, the sub-compact tractor range is earmarked exclusively for international markets and will not be offered in India. Special attention will be paid to the American market, according to Sikka.
• However, Sikka has noted that if there is a demand for the sub-compact category within India, its introduction in India too would be considered.
• Beginning in January 2024, M&M is set to initiate the export of the sub-compact series within the OJA tractor range. On the other hand, the introduction of the expansive utility platform is reserved for a later timeframe, anticipated around the fiscal year 2025-26. This forthcoming platform is created to serve both the domestic Indian market and international export markets. 
• What about pricing? The Mahindra OJA 27 HP tractor will be priced at Rs 5.64 lakh, and the OJA 40 HP tractor at Rs 7.35 lakh.
• Production of the OJA range will happen at M&M's Zaheerabad facility in Telangana, which has a total annual manufacturing capacity of 100,000 tractors.
• Sikka notes that the tractor industry has maintained a consistent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7 percent over several years. In contrast, in the horticulture segment, tractors are experiencing a faster, double-digit growth rate.
• The OJA series is a dedicated range of tractors tailored for specific uses, finding utility in both horticulture and paddy cultivation. Sikka explains that paddy farming need to be lighter as the presence of water makes heavier tractors vulnerable to sinking in the fields.In an unveiling event on Tuesday, 15 August 2023, M&M introduced three distinct OJA offerings spanning a weight range of 700 kg to 2000 kg and containing power capacities ranging from 20 horsepower to 40 horsepower. Source: https://www.domain-b.com/

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India approves 156 defence equipment for export

• India on Thursday approved the export of 156 defence equipment, including Astra missiles and Tejas indigenous Light Combat Aircraft, artillery guns, explosive, tanks and missiles, anti-tank mines and others, worth an estimated Rs35,000 crore, as the government is looking at enhancing defence exports to friendly countries.
• The export list also includes 19 aeronautical systems, 16 nuclear-biological-chemical equipment, 41 armament and combat systems, 28 naval systems, 27 electronic and communication systems, 10 life protection items, four missile systems, four micro-electronic devices and seven other material.
• Defence Research Development Organisation (DRD0) released the extended list, which now includes even Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile Astra, anti-tank guided missile Nag and Brahmos weapon system.
• Earlier, it was the Akash missile that was given clearance for export.
• Akash is a surface-to-air missile system that provides short-range air defence and can operate in autonomous or group modes of operation with a range of three to 25 km.
• The Astra missile is a beyond-visual air-to-air system integrated with Indian Air Force's Su30 MKI. In times to come, other Indian fighter jets will also be integrated with the Astra.
• Brahmos is a supersonic missile intended for use by the Army, Navy and Air Force. This universal missile can be launched from ships, mobile launchers, submarines and aircraft.
• The government is now looking at enhancing its defence exports, aiming to record export of defence equipment worth Rs35,000 crore ($5 billion) by 2025, as per the Defence Production Export Promotion Policy 2020.
• The new policy aims at enhancing exports and building a domestic defence industry for self-reliance, and targets a turnover of Rs1,75,000 crore ($25 billion dollars) by 2025.
• The policy also looks at doubling the domestic procurement from the Indian industry. Source: https://www.domain-b.com/

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K-Beauty Goes Global

Backed by the strong Korean Wave fever, Korea’s cosmetics brands are actively expanding their presence in overseas markets. Korea’s cosmetics outlets expand from Chinese countries toward North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. In addition to major brands such as AmorePacific and LG Life Sciences, mid-sized local brands, including Missha and TonyMoly, are riding high on the K-Beauty fever. After years of suffering deficits, the nation’s cosmetics trade turned profitable last year, first in history. Korea’s cosmetics exports amounted to US$1.92 billion last year, up more than 50 percent from a year ago, exceeding the amount of imports ($1.69 billion). The upturn in Korea’s cosmetics trade was driven not only by major brands but by smaller brands, including Able C&C’s Missha. Missha launched its cosmetics product lines, including the First Treatment Essence, into 29 countries. In recent days, Missha is expanding its presence in East Europe where it achieved sales of $4.55 million last year, up 38.5 percent from a year ago. Source: The Korea Economic Daily. Source: Article

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Canadians to supply India with uranium

PM Modi signs a visitors’ book at Parliament Hill as Canadian PM(second from left) looks on during welcome ceremony.(Photo: AFP)

Canada on Wednesday agreed to supply 3,000 metric tonnes of uranium to energy-hungry India from this year under a $254 million five-year deal to power Indian reactors as the two countries decided to set in motion a new strategic partnership. The agreement for uranium supply, which came two years after protracted negotiations following the 2013 civil nuclear deal between India and Canada, was signed after comprehensive talks Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with his Canadian counterpart Stephen Harper. Cameco Corporation will supply 3,000 metric tonnes of uranium over five years to India at an estimated cost of $254 million and the supply will start from this year, a top official said. Canada is the third country to supply uranium to India after Russia and Kazakhstan. The supplies will be under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. At a joint press conference with Mr Harper, Mr Modi said, “The agreement on procurement of uranium from Canada for our civilian nuclear power plants launches a new era of bilateral cooperation and a new level of mutual trust and confidence.” “The supply of uranium is important as India is keen to have clean energy. The world is worried about global warming and climate change. We want to give something to humanity through clean energy. It is costly but we are doing this for humanity. For us, uranium is not just a mineral but an article of faith and an effort to save the world from climate change,” he said in response to a question. Mr Harper said, “There have been unnecessary frosty relations for too long (between the two countries) and it is time to move ahead.” Mr Harper said, “The deal will enable India to power its growth using clean energy.” Canada had banned exports of uranium and nuclear hardware to India in the 1970s. However, the two countries turned the page in 2013 with the signing of the Canada-India Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, paving the way for the uranium deal. Mr Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Canada in 42 years, said the resource-rich country has the potential to be a key partner in India’s national development priority. “This is a growing relationship. Trade potential between our countries is enormous. Prime Minister Harper and I are committed to establish a new framework for economic partnership,” the Prime Minister said, adding, “Ours is a natural partnership of shared values.” “Our relationship had drifted in the past. In recent years, Prime Minister Harper’s vision and leadership changed the course of our relations. I am conscious of the significance of this visit in the history of our relations,” Mr Modi said. The Prime Minister, who is on a three-day visit to Canada, held wide-ranging discussions with Mr Harper on a host of issues covering threats posed by terrorism besides exploring the huge potential for cooperation in energy, infrastructure, manufacturing and skills, smart cities, agro industries, research and education. On threats posed by terrorism, he said, “We in India felt Canada’s pain when this city was struck by a senseless act of terrorism” in October last year when a gunman attacked the Canadian Parliament, leaving one dead. “The threat of terrorism is growing; its shadow extends over cities and lives across the world. We will deepen our cooperation to combat terrorism and extremism. We will also promote a comprehensive global strategy, and consistent policy and action against all sources of terrorism and its support,” Mr Modi said. “The Parliament is a temple of democracy and any attack on the Parliament is not just an attack on a building but on democracy. All those who believe in humanism should unite to fight against terrorism. There is a need for a UN resolution to fight terrorism,” he said. “Terrorism has transcended borders. We have to unite to fight terrorism. Terrorism has no race or colour,” he added. Source: The Asian Age

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Synthetic Fibres: a New Trend in China

Yarn Expo Spring 2015, one of the leading fibre and yarn trade events in Asia, wrapped up on March 20 with a steady growth in its visitor number. The three-day event, which commenced on March 18 in the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), was the second edition in Shanghai after it relocated from Beijing in 2014. The fair attracted nearly 21,000 trade visitors from 46 countries and regions – with the top five being Mainland China, India, Korea, Turkey and Hong Kong – representing an increase of 3% compared to last year. “We are very happy to see the growth momentum continues into this year after we achieved a significant jump of over 200% last year when we first came to Shanghai to host our Spring Edition,” said Ms Wendy Wen, Senior General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. Altogether 238 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions participated in the fair, while the popular Indian Pavilion and Pakistani zone returned once again. “Our members were all happy with the fair as we could make business contacts with not only Chinese customers, but also with those from outside China, such as from the Middle East,” said Mr Ravindranathan Narayanasamy, Joint Director of the Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL) from India, co-organiser of the Indian Pavilion. “This year, around 30% of the total visitors that came to our booths were from overseas, and 70% were from Mainland China,” he continued. Indonesian exhibitors also agreed that this fair was a stepping stone for them to open up the global market. “This fair is important to us as we can meet with customers from around the world and we are happy with the responses we’ve got so far,” said Mr Anupam Agrawal, Director – Spun Yarn Business at PT Indo-Rama Synthetics Tbk. Overseas exhibitors find Yarn Expo a good platform to boost sales: As the Chinese yarn and fibre market begins to improve, many fibre suppliers from around the world are trying to capture this opportunity to extend their business into China, and Yarn Expo Spring 2015 is one of the most ideal platforms to achieve this goal. “We saw more Chinese end users and manufacturers coming to the fair this year, showing an improvement in the visitor quality,” Mr Narayanasamy said, stating based on the results from the past several editions, 30% of visitors that came to the Indian Pavilion actually made an order with the suppliers after the fair. Lahoti Overseas Ltd was one of the exhibitors under the Indian Pavilion that benefited from the enhanced visitor flow. “Our main purpose is to meet new customers here and we are satisfied with the results. Right now, we are exporting 2,000 tons of cotton yarn to China per month and with the help of this fair we want to increase it to 3,000 tons by the end of this year,” said Mr Vijay Nate, the firm’s Vice President in Export. Echoing Mr Nate’s positive views is another Indian exhibitor: Square Corporation Synergy Exim Pvt Ltd. “I can see our Chinese customers are ready to make orders now, and I am confident that by the end of this year our export volume to China can increase by 20% and I think this fair can help us achieve this target,” said Mr Vivek Verma, Managing Director of the enterprise. Mr Henry Yang from Lih Shyang Industrial Co Ltd in Taiwan was also happy with the new business potential brought by this fair. “We are extremely happy with the outcome of this fair. We met some very serious buyers from Finland. And I can tell they are very interested in our products, and what’s even more exciting is that they are looking for large-quantity orders. I regret not coming to this fair earlier,” said the manager of the Taiwan nylon textured yarn producer. Synthetic fibres: a new trend in China: Other than a trade platform that brings the whole industry under one roof, the fair never ceases to impress buyers with the latest product trends, such as synthetic fibres that featured in the Chinese Pavilion which attracted a lot of attention. “China is getting better and better at producing man-made fibres, and the new trend in the country is that more and more cotton yarn producers are shifting their business focus to the synthetic fibre side,” said Mr Dickens Chen, Business Consultant at Shanghai Jiancheng Consulting Firm. Sharing the same idea is Mr Xiaobing Min, Sales Manager of Chu-li Nano-material Technology Development Co Ltd in China. “Functional synthetic fibres will be under the spotlight next year and this is where the whole Chinese fibre market is heading right now,” Mr Min said. With an expertise in producing synthetic fibres, the Chinese Pavilion became a popular spot for overseas buyers and Richardo Barboss from Portugal was one of them. “I am mainly looking for Chinese products as they have higher quality. I think specialty fibres, such as flame retardant fibres, will be popular as such products can be used in the home textile, sportswear and automobile sectors,” he said, stating he found a wide selection of such products at the fair. Besides the latest products that are on offer, a Trend Area located in the Chinese Pavilion also revealed next year’s fibre developments. “Other than looking for products, I also came to find inspirations and learn about the product trends. I went to the Trend Area and found it is helpful for me,” said Jun Du from Baoxiniao Group Co Ltd, a famous brand-name garment manufacturer in Mainland China. Cotton yarn buyers happy to see wide selection of Indian and Pakistani premium products While synthetic yarns are the rising star in the market, cotton yarns still remain attractive to some buyers. “This fair is good as it has a complete selection of Indian and Pakistani exhibitors,” said Mr David Lei, Vice General Manager of Hebei Spring Textiles Co Ltd in China. “I am here mainly to learn about the new development in Indian and Pakistani cotton yarn products, and I am thrilled to see that their quality is getting much better now,” he continued. Mr Mike Glukhikh from Russia was also amazed by Indian and Pakistani cotton yarn quality. “The product variety at this fair is good, and the product quality from India and Pakistan is improving rapidly, and I believe they will gain more market share in the future,” the Purchasing Manager of Sparta, a Russian garment manufacturer, said. Yarn Expo showcased a wide spectrum of natural and blended yarns including cotton, wool, flax / regenerated flax, and man-made fibres and yarns as well as specialty products including elastic, and fancy and blended yarns. The next edition will be held from 13 – 15 October this year in the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Yarn Expo Spring is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; China Cotton Textile Association; China Wool Textile Association; China Chemical Fiber Association; China Bast & Leaf Fibres Textiles Association; and China Textile Information Centre. By Lim Chang-hyun. Source: Article

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The changing face of global banana trade

Despite the continued importance of multinational companies in the global trade of bananas, their involvement in banana production has fallen dramatically over the past three decades, shifting their sphere of action to favor other areas in the sector and opening the door to opportunities for other companies. This view of the changing nature of the global banana trade is captured in a new FAO information note and based on analysis of information gathered from the annual reports of the largest multinational banana trading companies. FAO's review of the three largest banana traders (Chiquita, Dole and Del Monte), shows that the combined market share of the top three companies was at its highest the 1980's, when they controlled almost two-thirds (65.3 percent) of global banana exports, while in 2013, their market share was slightly over one-third (36.6 percent). In 2013, the market share of the top five companies was 44.4 percent, down from 70 percent in 2002. "The competition among banana producing countries is fierce and many have struggled to remain competitive, but there are also new opportunities, as the market is no longer dominated by big players - and new buyers are entering the market," says Ekaterina Krivonos, an Economist at the Trade and Markets Division of FAO. Economists in the Secretariat of FAO's Intergovernmental Group on Bananas and Tropical Fruits conducted the analysis amid a flurry of reports on the merger last month of Chiquita, the largest banana trading company in the world and the dominant company in the US market (61 percent of the company's sales), and Fyffes, one of the main suppliers to the European market. The information note shows that the scope of operations of the big multinationals has also undergone a significant shift, away from plantation ownership and production, and more towards post-production logistics, including purchasing from producers, transportation, facilities to ripen the fruit, and marketing. Major supermarket chains in the United States and the European Union, meanwhile, have become "important players in the global banana trade as they dominate the retail market in the main banana-consuming countries and are also increasingly purchasing from smaller wholesalers or directly from growers," the note underscores. This shift of market power away from the major banana brands towards retailers was facilitated by the establishment of direct container liner services from banana producing regions to the main destination markets. Moreover, there is a parallel trend towards less concentration among the exporting firms in the major banana producing countries, for example in Ecuador. In the information note, FAO points out that while the merger that formed ChiquitaFyffes made the new company an undisputed leader in the banana market, with 18.7 percent control of global banana exports, "it is unlikely that the merger will give the new company sufficient market power to exert pressure over the banana market and influence either producer prices or import/wholesale prices, given the importance of other market actors, in particular in Europe and Russia." As banana markets become more fragmented and new players continue to enter the fray, there is an important message for banana producers. "In order to seize opportunities in an increasingly competitive market, banana producers need to be better informed and better prepared, including smallholder producers and any cooperatives or other organizations that represent them," said Kaison Chang, Secretary of the FAO Intergovernmental Group on Bananas and Tropical Fruits. "FAO is working with governments and producers to help them build their viability by maintaining good cultivation practices, preventing and fighting plant diseases, strengthening producer organizations and developing both domestic and international marketing strategies," Chang said. "In this changing market structure, it is vital that smallholders, as well as producer organizations, receive support in all of these areas, in order to be fully included in their national economies and to build the resilience of farming families in the banana industry." Source: trust.org, Source: Article, Image

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Oner: EBOs, the next big foot forward

Winterwear brand Oner, which primarily offers sweaters and jackets, is pushing up its retail presence and opening own EBOs this year. The first store is coming up at Western Mall, Ludhiana. Commenting on the plans Sudershan Jain, Partner, Sarjeewan Knitwear maker of Oner brand says, “Apart from reaching the Rs 50 crores mark by 2014, we are looking at launching our EBOs this year as a part of our retail expansion. We are present across the country through 500 MBOs. For the last two years, we have also spread through shop-in-shops in large format stores. We are with Reliance Trends, Shoppers Stop and also with some e-commerce platforms.” Last year the brand grew by 35 per cent. Winter was intense but arrived late but the season was long. Sales were sluggish initially but picked up in the second half. This season, retailers are cautious but he is positive about business ahead. Oner identifies with the aspirations of modern, young Indian woman, who sees herself at par with her western counterparts and reflects her independent, ‘New World’ attitude. Established as a company in 1977, Oner was launched in 1995. The brand offers sweaters, jackets, track suits, sweat shirts and summer wear line including track suits, tops and T-shirts. “Next summer, we may add accessories, legwear like denims or casual trousers,” Jain opines. But he is concerned about the problems being faced by the Ludhiana cluster—India’s biggest winter wear manufacturing hub. “Ludhiana has been facing power problems for 15 years. While the power problem would be resolved with new power plants that are coming up, the labour problem will remain. Nearly 90 per cent of the labour is migrant as we can’t mobilize local labour for training. Some cultural inhibitions prevent women from joining the labour force,” he avers. Another major problem being faced by the industry is that of illegal imports from neighboring countries. On the other hand, the export market is not shaping up because of the recession in the Europe and the US. Winter is the biggest chunk of Oner’s business and summer wear contributes around 20 per cent in volume and 10 percent in value terms. Optimistic about the future of this industry, Jain says, “Educated youngsters are joining the industry. Traditional methods of working will vanish and professionals will take over. Balance sheets will be healthier.”Source: Fashion United

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India: Branding revives cashew industry

The cashew industry in Kasaragod, which has been on a low since the endosulfan mishap, is back on the path of revival thanks to a Kudumbashree initiative which has been marketing the nut as part of its Saphalam project since 2008. "The brand, Parangi Nuts, marketed by Kudumbashree has been received well and has turned out to be one of the most sought after brands of cashew nut even in Gulf countries," said C A Abdul Majeed, district coordinator of Kudumbashree Mission in Kasaragod. "The cashew processing project was started in the same manner as the Goat Village project in Kannur and thirteen units function under the project now. We make sure that we only use only high quality cashew nuts from growers," he said. All units procure the cashew, process it and bring it to the main unit in Chemmanad Panchayat, where the nuts are graded before being packaged. Based on the grading, the nut is marketed in 27 varieties. "Though the price is slightly higher - in the range of Rs 400 to 700 - based on the quality, it has a good market because of its quality," he said. "Since we don't have an export licence, the exporting is done via agents and the project has started making profit." Since there is a fear among people about the adverse effects of endosulfan, the coordinators got samples from the plantations tested by the scientists from the National Research Centre on Cashew (NRCC) to ensure its quality, said officials. "Moreover, we collect cashew from areas that are not affected by the deadly pesticide and hence there is no fear of any poisonous element being in the nuts," said Unnikrishnan. Source: Article, Image: flickr.com

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Jain Irrigation bags the EEPC India 2012-13 “Star Performer” Award

Jain Irrigation bags the EEPC India 2012-13 “Star Performer” Award for outstanding export performance Jain Irrigation Systems Limited received The “Star Performer” award for 2012-13 at the 45th EEPC India Award Function held on 22nd January 2014 at Bombay Exhibition Center. The Company was awarded for their outstanding performance in the product group of ‘Other Agricultural and Forestry Machinery’. The Awards were presented by Dr. E M S Natchiappan, Hon’ble Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India at a function held in Mumbai yesterday. The EEPC Awards are given in recognition of outstanding export performance. Source: Article

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United Aircraft says Russian/Indian transport to fly in 2017

By Anirvan Shukla - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31102585

Russia’s United Aircraft (UAC) has provided new schedule information about its Medium TransportAircraft (MTA) joint venture with India, with the type due to make its first flight in 2017. UAC says 31 engineers from Hindustan Aeronautics have started work on the project at its premises in Moscow, with the specialists to spend 10 months in the Russian capital. Ilyushin engineers are also involved in the programme. Moscow and New Delhi signed a joint deal on 12 October to advance the MTA, with the pair having a potential requirement to buy 100 and 45 examples respectively. UAC believes export opportunities could exist to sell a further 60 of the aircraft. “MTA is expected to perform its maiden flight in 2017 and serial production is planned to be launchedin 2019,” UAC said in a 4 December statement. The twin-engined aircraft has been designed to have a maximum payload capacity of between 15t and 20t, and to have a cruise speed of 432kt (800km/h). Capable of performing short take-off and landing operations, the transport will have an operating range of up to 1,500nm (2,700km), UAC says. Source: Astrashastra

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Rise in Ecuadorian mangos to US

Fresh Plaza: The number of mangos shipped to the United States from South America rose this week with 887,040 boxes shipped. The number represents a 2.44% increase in volume over shipments from last week. Last week, 865,920 boxes were shipped. Projections for next week's shipments from Ecuador stand at 580,800 boxes, a drop of 34.5%. The following week's projections are 423,273 boxes. Prices for the fruit have fallen with prices at major American ports falling from between 4% and 22%. The average price per box inSouth Florida for Tommy Atkins mangos fell 4.4%, while average prices at Philadelphia and Southern California ports fell  7.9%  and
22.9%, respectively. Because the Brazilian mango season recently finished, and with Peru's season yet to start, Ecuador is currently the only major South American exporter of mangos to the United States. The Brazilian season wrapped up in November and shipped a total of 6 million boxes to the United States. Peru's season will run from mid-December through March, and it is expected that 5.4 million boxes      will      be      shipped      to      the      US.      Source:    Fresh     Plaza

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Antonio Vurchio joins Dottor Storelli in Berlin

Fresh Plaza: At this year's Fruit Logistica in Berlin, Antonio Vurchio from Lovepuglia will join forces with Dottor Storelli srl which has represented the KÖlla group in Italy since 1967. The young entrepreneur made a successful impact in the British market in 2006 when he started supplying Jamie Oliver's, opening the British market doors to many Italian growers.Antonio was spotted by Rino Storelli and since January is offering his enthusiasm and cooperation to Dottor Storelli srl. "I am pleased to work in a such a trusted and valued company specialized in exporting fruits and vegetables from

Italy and other counties around the world. "Our company has a well established   business    relationship    with    our   growers  and   producers
that we continuously audit to make sure we can offer quality products together with a complete and efficient service, in fact, thanks to our logistic service we can deliver a significant quantity of fruits and vegetables in a very short time. Moreover the company offers a complete warranty for the certifications and regular laboratory analysis of the products commercialized. Antionio will be at Hall 5.2, Stand A-06." For more information: Antonio Vurchio, Dott.Rino Storelli, Tel: +39 0803995111,Mobile IT: +39 3355457220,Mobile UK: +44 (0)7795955596, MobileDE:+49(0)17627754698, Mail: antonio@dottorstorelli.com, Skype lovepuglia,Web:dottorstorelli.com - koella.com, Source: Fresh Plaza

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Torresol Energy wins the CSP Today Seville award

Torresol Energy, a joint venture between the SENER engineering and technology group and Masdar, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, has emerged as the final winner in the CSP Today Seville 2012 Awards in the ‘CSP Dispatchability Solution’ category. These awards are a new recognition of Torresol Energy’s efforts to ensure that thermal energy is more competitive and efficient. The company already has three solar plants in Spain: Gemasolar in Seville and Valle 1 and Valle 2 in Cadiz. The three of them, although there are still in their learning period since they entered into commercial operation, have been able to export more than 100 million KWh each to the grid. Gemasolar, located in Fuentes de Andalucia, in the province of Seville, is the first commercial plant in the world with central tower receiver and molten salt heat storage technology. This system allows for the production of electricity at full power for 15 hours without sunlight. Solar power is thus converted into a manageable energy source capable of supplying the grid according to demand, regardless of whether it is nighttime or cloudy. Valle 1 and Valle 2 are twin installations of 50 MW each that use parabolic trough collectors with a thermal storage system identical to Gemasolar’s, allowing them to operate at full power for 7.5 hours. Torresol Energy promotes the technological development, construction, and operation and maintenance of large CSP plants around the world. The numerous innovations of the three plants it operates have once again earned its nomination for the CSP Today Awards, while it has previously won the awards for ‘CSP commercialized technology innovation 2011’ and ‘Most effective CSP project development 2011.’ The winners of this year’s edition of the CSP Today Seville Awards were announced on 13 November during a ceremony at the Hotel Barceló Renacimiento in Seville. Source: Renewable Energy Magazine

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GreenSky London bio-fuel plant preparing for lift-off

British Airways says it is on the verge of beginning construction of a $500 million bio-fuels facility that will divert about 500,000 tonnes of waste per year from area landfills and use it to create 50,000 tonnes of sustainable low carbon jet fuel. Other benefitial outcomes from the building of the facility include the creation of 50,000 tonnes of biodiesel, as well as bionaphtha and renewable power. The GreenSky London project is being undertaken with US biotech consortium Solena Fuels Corporation. British Airways has committed to purchasing jet fuel produced by the plant at market prices for the next 10 years. Barclays has also been appointed as advisor to explore the optimal funding through Export Credit Agencies. A Competitive Letter of Interest has been obtained from one of the Agencies including associated term funding. The partners aim to have the site operational by 2015. “We are delighted that the GreenSky London project is getting ever closer to fruition. With world-class technology partners now in place, we are well on our way to making sustainable aviation fuel a reality for British Airways by 2015,” said Keith Williams, chief executive of British Airways. Robert Do, President and CEO of Solena, added: “Our GreenSky London project will provide clean, sustainable fuels at market competitive prices that will help address British Airways’ sustainability goals. "The British Airways off-take agreement represents the largest advanced biofuel commitment ever made by an airline and clearly demonstrates the airline’s leadership and vision in achieving its carbon emission reduction targets. We are proud to have created a consortium of world class companies with expertise in the synthetic fuels sector to support our project,” Do said. Source: Renewable Energy Magazine

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