In today’s global food market, consumers and food manufacturers alike are more conscious than ever about food safety and product quality. Cassava flour has become a staple ingredient across a range of applications—from gluten-free baking to industrial food processing. But not all cassava flour is created equal. One critical difference that sets superior products apart is their heavy metal content.

What Are Heavy Metals and Why They Matter

Heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg) naturally occur in soil and water. Plants absorb minerals from the environment, and in some cases, heavy metals can accumulate in crops such as cassava.

At low levels, heavy metals may not cause immediate harm. But over time, chronic exposure—even in tiny amounts—can raise serious health concerns, particularly for children, pregnant women, and sensitive consumers. These concerns include:

• Neurotoxicity
• Developmental issues in children
• Kidney and liver stress
• Increased long-term cancer risk

So, when sourcing cassava flour, minimizing heavy metal content isn’t just a quality metric—it’s a safety imperative.

Why Low Heavy Metals Cassava Flour Matters

1. Safety First

Food safety standards increasingly require transparent monitoring of contaminants—including heavy metals. Choosing cassava flour with low heavy metal levels helps ensure products are safe for all consumers and compliant with international food safety standards.

2. Regulatory Compliance & Market Access

Different regions enforce maximum allowable limits for heavy metals in food products. Cassava flour with verified low heavy metal content:

• Meets stricter international export standards
• Avoids regulatory rejection
• Improves acceptance in sensitive markets like the EU, US, and Japan

This widens your market reach and minimizes supply chain risk.

3. Brand Reputation & Consumer Trust

Today’s consumers read labels and research ingredients. Brands that commit to safer, cleaner ingredients earn greater trust and stronger loyalty. Low heavy metal certification or testing can become a competitive differentiator.

4. Nutrition Without Compromise

Cassava flour is prized for its neutral flavor, gluten-free profile, and versatility. Choosing a low-heavy-metal option lets your product maintain these nutritional and sensory benefits without compromising safety.

How Low Heavy Metals Cassava Flour Is Achieved

Producers can minimize heavy metals through:

• Sourcing from clean, uncontaminated soils
• Controlled washing and processing
• Rigorous testing at harvest and post-processing
• Traceability systems for raw materials

Transparent testing and documentation are key—partnering with suppliers that provide verified lab reports reinforces trust with buyers and regulators.

Final Thoughts

In an industry where safety, quality, and compliance drive growth, low heavy metals cassava flour isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a strategic choice. Whether you’re a food manufacturer, retailer, or exporter, selecting ingredients that safeguard your brand and your consumer should always be top of mind. Email us at sales@tradelinkinternational.com for more information.

 

As demand grows for safer and more reliable ingredients, many food manufacturers are moving from conventionally cleaned quinoa to steam-sterilised quinoa. The shift is driven by higher food-safety standards, stricter export requirements, and the need for consistent, clean raw materials.

Superior Microbial Safety
Steam sterilisation offers a significant reduction in microbial load compared to traditional cleaning. Typical results include very low total plate counts, reduced yeast and mould, and the absence of pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli. This level of microbiological control helps manufacturers simplify their own kill-step requirements and maintain a more reliable production process.

Certification and Global Compliance
Steam-sterilised quinoa is preferred by companies exporting to the USA, EU, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. Tradelink International supplies quinoa with HACCP or GMP systems, BRC or FSSC-certified processing, Gluten-Free certification, Non-GMO compliance, and full traceability. These certifications reduce barriers for brands entering new markets.

Better Consistency in Manufacturing
The steam process helps achieve a cleaner flavour, more uniform colour, improved stability, and longer shelf life. It also reduces variability, allowing for smoother downstream processing. This is valuable in sectors such as ready meals, cereals, plant-based foods, snacks, baby food, and private label packing.

Versatile Applications
Steam-sterilised quinoa is used across retail and industrial categories, including grain bowls, microwave meals, snack bases, bakery mixes, cereal clusters, and further milling into quinoa flour. Its reliability makes it suitable for both high-volume production and premium products.

What Sets Tradelink Apart
Tradelink International partners with established grower networks in South America and processes quinoa in advanced, globally certified facilities. We offer bulk packaging, food-service formats, and retail-ready options, with both worldwide FCL supply and New Zealand palletised stock. Each batch is tested, sorted, and prepared to meet modern standards for safety, cleanliness, and consistency.

Steam-sterilised quinoa has become the preferred choice for manufacturers looking for dependable ingredients that meet today’s regulatory and quality expectations. For technical specifications, pricing, or samples, please contact us—we’re ready to support your product development and sourcing needs.

The United States has recently introduced new tariff measures that affect a wide range of imports. Among the most impacted are some of the core agricultural and specialty products that many businesses rely on, including low heavy-metal cassava flour from Brazil, as well as psyllium husk, herbs, and spices from India.

Our aim here is to break down what these changes mean and how they could affect supply chains moving forward.

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🇧🇷 South American Products

For now, staples such as oats, chia, quinoa, sunflower kernels & oil, cassava flour, rice flour, and tapioca starch continue to hold their ground with stable pricing. However, Brazil remains under close watch. Current tariffs sit at 50%, and if BRICS moves ahead with plans to shift away from the U.S. dollar, tariffs could rise even further — potentially putting Brazil on par with high-tariff Asian markets.

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🇮🇳 Asian Products

The picture looks more challenging for ingredients sourced from Asia.

• Psyllium husk has jumped sharply, now carrying a 50% tariff (up from 10%).

• Indian spices — turmeric, cumin, cardamom, pepper, and others — now face duties ranging from 10% to 50%, depending on the item.

These higher rates have immediate implications for costs across food manufacturing, nutraceuticals, and retail.

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🔎 What This Means for Supply Chains

• South American products remain relatively stable, but Brazil’s status is fragile and may shift quickly.

• Asian products, especially psyllium and spices, are now firmly within the high-tariff bracket.

• Businesses may need to look closely at sourcing strategies, substitutions, or renegotiations with suppliers to manage cost pressures.

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💡 Looking Ahead

While tariffs create uncertainty, staying informed and planning ahead is the best way to ensure continuity. Companies that diversify their sourcing and build strong partnerships with suppliers will be best placed to adapt to sudden shifts.

Lupin beans, also known as lupini beans, are currently witnessing several significant trends influenced by shifting consumer preferences, agricultural practices, and market dynamics. The rising demand for plant-based proteins, especially beans and pluses, is evident as more individuals embrace plant-based diets for health, environmental, and ethical reasons, leading to increased interest in protein-rich legumes like lupin beans.

Innovations in processing technology are further enhancing the flavor and safety of Tradelink’s Lupin bean Flour LupFlor242®, with methods to remove the bitterness and improve taste, texture and appearance.  This has opened up making them attractive in a wide range of culinary contexts.

Why LupFlor242®?

• High Protein Content: Lupin flour is an excellent source of plant-based protein, providing about 40-45% protein.
• Low Carbohydrates: Lupin flour is very low in carbohydrates, making it a excellent option for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets.
• Rich in Fiber: It is packed with dietary fiber, supporting digestive health, improving gut function, and promoting a feeling of fullness. This can aid in weight management.
• Gluten-Free: Lupin flour is naturally gluten-free, making it a good choice for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
• Essential Nutrients: Lupin beans are packed with essential nutrients, Folate (Vitamin B9): Thiamine (Vitamin B1):. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Niacin (Vitamin B3): Magnesium. Potassium: Calcium: Iron: Phosphorus: Zinc:

 

We currently have attractive pricing available. If you’re interested, please email sales@tradelinkinternational.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

 

 

Gluten-free grains are increasingly popular due to their health and sustainability benefits. The global market for these grains is expected to exceed $2 billion by 2025, with high demand in North America and Europe. These grains improve digestion, boost energy, and provide essential vitamins and minerals while being allergen-free. Sourcing them globally can reduce costs, support local farmers, and offer diverse options.

Discover the Variety
Gluten-free grains offer a diverse range of options to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Choices include:

• Rice: A staple in many cultures and a reliable gluten-free option.
• Quinoa: High in protein and fiber, perfect for a nutritious meal.
• Amaranth: Rich in calcium, iron, and plant-based protein.
• Millet: High in fiber, making it a great gluten-free choice.
• Teff: Also high in calcium and iron, and a good source of plant-based protein.

These grains are not only nutritious but also versatile, fitting into salads, soups, and side dishes. Available in grocery and health food stores, as well as online, they offer an easy way to incorporate gluten-free options into your diet.

Global Sources
As demand for gluten-free products grows, so does the need for gluten-free grains globally. Numerous sources offer these grains both domestically and internationally:

• North America: The U.S. and Canada are key producers. The U.S. offers rice, quinoa, amaranth, millet, and teff, while Canada focuses on quinoa, amaranth, and millet.
• South America: Brazil, Peru, and Argentina are major suppliers, especially of quinoa, amaranth, and teff.
• Europe: France, Italy, and Germany produce significant quantities of rice, quinoa, and millet.
• Asia: China, India, and Japan are leading producers of rice, quinoa, and millet.
• Africa: Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria are key sources for millet, teff, and sorghum.

With such a range of options worldwide, finding both domestic and international sources for gluten-free grains is more accessible than ever.

Challenges in Global Market
Purchasing gluten-free grains on a global scale involves several challenges. Quality control can be a major issue, as verifying that grains are genuinely gluten-free is complicated by differing international regulations and standards. Additionally, gluten-free grains are typically more expensive than their gluten-containing counterparts, and costs can escalate further with international shipping.

Availability also poses a challenge, with some gluten-free grains being harder to find, especially specific varieties from particular regions. To address these challenges, buyers should conduct thorough research and select dependable suppliers to ensure they obtain gluten-free grains that are both high-quality and cost-effective.

Conclusion
The growing global market for gluten-free grains reflects their health benefits and wide variety. Despite challenges in quality, cost, and availability, thorough research can help buyers find reliable sources. Overall, the benefits of global sourcing make it a valuable option for those seeking gluten-free grains.

Farm-to-table is a food movement that connects consumers directly with local farmers and producers. This approach emphasizes the consumption of fresh, local, and sustainably produced ingredients. The goal is to offer high-quality, nutrient-rich foods that are grown and harvested in an environmentally responsible manner.

The benefits of this movement are substantial, including fresher produce, reduced environmental impact from transportation, and stronger local economies. By supporting nearby farms, consumers enjoy healthier, more flavorful foods while contributing to a sense of community.

Globally, the farm-to-table movement has gained significant traction, with countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand leading the way. This trend focuses on local, ethical food production and minimal processing, resulting in fresher and more sustainable food options. In the U.S., the movement has seen widespread adoption through restaurants, farmers’ markets, and grocery stores offering locally sourced foods. This increased interest has bolstered small-scale farming and enhanced public awareness of local food benefits.

Despite its success, the farm-to-table movement faces several challenges. In many developing regions, inadequate infrastructure hampers access to local food sources, leaving fresh produce out of reach for some populations. Additionally, local food often costs more than imported options, making it less accessible for many. Lack of education about the benefits of local food and insufficient government support for local agriculture further complicate efforts to expand this movement. These obstacles can hinder the broader adoption of farm-to-table practices worldwide.

For B2B raw ingredient buyers, the farm-to-table movement presents both opportunities and challenges. Sourcing ingredients from local farms offers access to fresher, higher-quality products and enhances traceability, supporting a more sustainable supply chain. However, buyers may face logistical issues, such as managing the shorter shelf life of local ingredients and investing in specialized storage solutions.

Adjusting sourcing strategies and building strong relationships with local producers are essential to overcoming these challenges. By embracing farm-to-table practices, buyers can enjoy significant benefits and contribute to a more sustainable food system.

 

In the quest for better digestive health and gluten-free baking solutions, psyllium husk has emerged as a superstar ingredient. This humble substance, derived from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant, is making waves for its impressive fiber content, water-retention capabilities, and versatility. Let’s dive into what makes psyllium husk so remarkable and how it can be a game-changer in both your health regimen and your kitchen.

What is Psyllium Husk?
Psyllium husk comes from the outer shell of the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant, also known as Isabgol. Native to India, this plant thrives in the sandy soils of parts of Asia, North Africa, and the Mediterranean. India is the leading producer of psyllium husk, accounting for over 85% of the global market.

The husk itself is a fibrous, flaky substance that is almost entirely indigestible. This is what gives it its special properties. Psyllium husk is hygroscopic, meaning it has an incredible ability to absorb water—up to 20 times its own weight! When mixed with water, it forms a mucilaginous, gelatin-like substance that can have several health benefits.

Why Psyllium Husk is a Health Marvel

1. A Fiber Powerhouse
Psyllium husk is loaded with both soluble and insoluble fiber. This makes it an excellent tool for promoting digestive health. It acts as a bulk-forming laxative by absorbing water and adding bulk to the stool, which helps in relieving constipation and promoting regular bowel movements. This effect also stimulates peristalsis, the muscle contractions that move food through the intestines.

2. Supports Cardiovascular Health
The soluble fiber in psyllium husk has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels. It works by binding with bile acids in the gut, which are then excreted, leading the liver to use cholesterol to replace them, thus lowering overall cholesterol levels.

3. Aiding in Blood Sugar Control
For those managing diabetes, psyllium husk can be beneficial. It helps slow the absorption of sugar, which can lead to more stable blood sugar levels and improved glycemic control.

4. Aiding Weight Management
Psyllium husk can be a valuable ally in weight management. Its ability to absorb water and expand in the stomach can help create a feeling of fullness, which may help in controlling appetite and reducing overall calorie intake.

Gluten-Free Baking with Psyllium Husk
For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, finding a good gluten-free bread recipe can be challenging. Psyllium husk powder is a fantastic ingredient in gluten-free baking because it helps to retain moisture and bind the dough together. This improves the texture and reduces the crumbliness of gluten-free breads, giving them a better structure and more pleasant mouthfeel.

How is Psyllium Husk Processed?
The production of psyllium husk involves a meticulous process. Raw seeds are first cleaned and polished to remove impurities. The seeds are then passed through grinding mills to separate the husk from the kernel. The husk is further cleaned using aspirators and blowers to ensure purity. Finally, the husk is sieved into various grades and milled into powders of different mesh sizes (60 mesh and 100 mesh, for example).

Using Psyllium Husk
For Health: Incorporate psyllium husk into your daily diet by adding it to smoothies, yogurts, or simply mixing it with water. Start with a small amount and gradually increase to avoid digestive discomfort.
For Baking: In gluten-free recipes, add psyllium husk powder to the dough to improve texture and moisture retention. It’s especially useful in bread recipes where gluten would normally provide elasticity and structure.

Conclusion
Psyllium husk is a versatile, health-promoting ingredient that offers a plethora of benefits. From enhancing digestive health and managing cholesterol levels to improving gluten-free baking, its applications are vast and varied. By incorporating psyllium husk into your diet and recipes, you’re not only boosting your fiber intake but also exploring a time-tested ingredient that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine.

Whether you’re looking to support your digestive system or perfect your gluten-free baking, psyllium husk might just be the secret ingredient you’ve been searching for.

USA and Canada

Pork Exports Gain Momentum; Beef Export Value Sets Annual Record

November exports of U.S. pork reached a 2022 high in both volume and value, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Even though November beef exports were below the large year-ago totals, 2022 export value has already set a full-year record of nearly $11 billion.

PORK’S RECORD-SHATTERING PERFORMANCE 

Pork exports reached 245,663 metric tons (mt) in November, up 3% from a year ago, USMEF reports, while export value climbed 10% to $725.1 million. In both volume and value, exports were the highest since May 2021. For January through November, pork exports were 10% below the previous year at 2.43 million mt, valued at just under $7 billion (down 7%).

Thanks to Mexico and the Dominican Republic, pork exports were record-large in November, with shipments to Mexico topping $200 million for the second consecutive month, USMEF notes. In addition, exports also trended higher year-over-year to China/Hong Kong, South Korea and the Philippines.

Read More…

Ferrie: You Can Reduce Fertilizer and Still Harvest Big Corn Yields, But Some Parameters Apply

While winter weather conditions are in full tilt in some parts of the country, Ken Ferrie and his team are actively working with farmers to finalize their agronomic plans for the 2023 cropping season.

As part of their efforts, Ferrie and team are offering a virtual Corn and Soybean College this Thursday, January 5. The day-long, live event features agronomic sessions led by Ferrie, Isaac Ferrie and Matt Duesterhaus.

“There will be live question and answer segments throughout the event, and we welcome your questions during the program,” says Ferrie, Farm Journal Field Agronomist.

You can learn more about the program at www.croptechinc.com. Look for “Virtual Winter College” at the top of the home page.

Read More…

Grain production likely to jump in Europe, Canadian farmers needn’t worry

Although a European agriculture group is predicting grain production to rise this year, Manitoba farmers shouldn’t be concerned, says the National Farmers Union.

Grain industry lobby group Coceral, a European association representing trade in cereals, rice, feedstuffs, oilseeds, olive oil and other oils and fats, based out of Brussels, Belgium, said grain production in both the European Union and the United Kingdom is expected to rebound this year after suffering from crop damage due to dry and hot weather last growing season.

Although European grain markets are still feeling the effects of the war in Ukraine through supply-chain uncertainty, Coceral has predicted that soft wheat production in the EU and UK will come in at 143.2 million tonnes this year, up 2.5 million tonnes from last year’s 140.7 million.

France, which is the EU’s biggest producer of wheat, is projected to harvest 34.1 million tonnes in 2023, compared to the 33.6 million tonnes harvested last year.

Read More …

Canadian agrifood infrastructure needs shock proofing

Ottawa—The country’s food supply chain has been designated as critical infrastructure but little has been done by governments to shockproof it from external pressures, says Kathleen Sullivan, CEO of Food and Beverage Canada.

A lack of policy coordination among governments, the global nature of agriculture and food supply chains and the dominance of private companies in the business means there are few measures are in place to insulate Canada’s food system from economic shocks, Sullivan told the Commons agriculture committee.

The result is that “maintaining Canada’s food infrastructure and supply chains falls largely to industry itself, a challenge that is complicated by the size and scope of industry,” she said. The recommendations of the National Supply Chain report should be implemented by the federal government to ensure a consistent and coordinated approach to support supply chain resilience for Canada’s food system.

Read more…

Fruit and vegetable growers are not driving prices increases at the market

Inflation, particularly the rising cost of food, has been one of the top issues facing Canadians in 2022. And food inflation continues to make headlines across the country as people coast to coast grapple with already tight holiday budgets.

With little relief in immediate sight, the Competition Bureau recently announced that it is going to be investigating the practices of Canada’s major grocers.

This announcement comes on the heels of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food preparing to hold hearings on high food prices and Parliament passing a unanimous motion calling for an end to grocer-driven “greedflation.”

The numbers are clear. Even though Canada’s overall inflation rate has started to decline over the last few months, food inflation is still unacceptably high, leaving many Canadians facing stark choices about how to put food on the table, particularly around the holiday season where food plays such a significant role in celebrations nationwide.

Read more…

New Zealand

Tomato crop destroyed after plant disease detected

Biosecurity officials are monitoring for any further signs of a plant disease found in a commercial crop in the top of the South Island, which can damage tomatoes and potatoes.

The Ministry of Primary Industries said the virus, potato spindle tuber viroid (PTSVd), was detected on tomato plants in glasshouses near Nelson before Christmas. The crop was destroyed.

Biosecurity New Zealand director of readiness and response John Walsh confirmed testing in mid-November identified a mild form of PTSVd on the plants at a commercial operation in Tasman district.

Plants from three glasshouses were removed and buried, he said.

It infects a wide range of other plants including capsicums, dahlias and chrysanthemums, but is not a concern for human or animal health.

Read More here...

Alliance Group recruiting 200 migrant workers; still needs local labour in Southland

A Southland meatworks company is recruiting about 200 migrant workers from the Philippines and Indonesia in a bid to make up for its staffing shortfall.

Alliance Group manufacturing general manager Willie Wiese said staff absenteeism due to Covid-19 and ongoing labour shortages meant the co-operative was continuing to face processing constraints at its plants.​

“We are doing everything we can to ramp up capacity, however like all meat companies, there are some delays for farmers,” Wiese said.​

“We have recruitment plans under way to help make up the [staffing] shortfall, including about 200 migrant workers arriving in the country over January and February, with the first workers already arriving from the Philippines.”​

Read More here…

Cherry growers look to bounce back after a couple of tough years

Cherry growers are hoping to put a couple of tough years behind them as they eye a more positive growing and export season.

Grower Murray Little said the past two years had been challenging for various reasons.

It included a struggle for staff – with the borders closed – weather conditions, and limited export demand as lockdowns took a toll.

“That first year of Covid is what we’d call a perfect storm. We had rain, we had soft fruit, we had employment problems, not enough staff, you couldn’t have planned a worst-case scenario,” Little said.

“We exported stuff and there was no market for it. It was when China shut everything up.”

“The last two years have been tough, probably for most fruit growers.”

Read More here…

Latest Global Dairy Trade auction drop ‘uncomfortable’ for farmers

A Southland dairy farmer expects the latest Global Dairy Trade auction price drop will make those in the sector a little uncomfortable given it comes when inflationary pressures were also hitting.

The first Global Dairy Trade auction [GDT] for 2023 was held in the early hours of Wednesday morning [NZ time].

Dairy farmers woke to the news that overall prices had dropped by an average of 2.8 percent from the last auction where it fell 3.8 percent.

Bart Luijten and his wife Martina farm 440 cows in Winton. Luijten is also Southland Federated Farmers’ dairy chairperson.

He said the latest GDT price drop was disappointing, although not surprising.

“It’s probably more uncomfortable at the moment, I wouldn’t say there is a massive concern.

Read More here…

Australia

CBH confirms this crop biggest ever for WA

WESTERN Australian bulk handler on Thursday broke its standing receival record of 21.3 million tonnes set last harvest, the co-operative announced in its latest weekly Harvest Report released today.

“With many growers still harvesting, especially in the Albany and Esperance zones, the final harvest total for CBH is expected to be higher still,” CBH Group chief operations officer Mick Daw said.

“I would especially like to thank everyone – from the frontline employees to the ports and offices across WA – for the part you’ve played in us being able to reach this record,”

“I know that individuals and teams have gone to extraordinary efforts to keep grain moving and deliver tonnes to our customers throughout the year.

Mr Daw extended his congratulations to the transporters, contractors and regional communities that support the grain growers of WA.

Read more here

Harvest deliveries to GrainCorp near 10Mt

DELIVERIES continued strongly throughout New South Wales and Victoria over the festive season, with more than 2 million tonnes (Mt) of grain received since the last Harvest Update issued on December 19.

Primary areas of receival activity have been the Junee, Temora, Wyalong and Cunningar regions in southern NSW and the Wimmera, southern Mallee, Central and North East regions in Victoria.

Drier and warmer conditions also helped growers in northern NSW harvest their remaining crops.

The receival activity in this area is beginning to wrap up, with growers looking ahead to summer-cropping opportunities.

A large outload program continued across the GrainCorp network during the festive period to create capacity for more receivals.

Read more here …

Viterra receivals hit 6.93Mt on New Year’s Day

THE festive season proved to be a bumper delivery period for growers with 1.79 million tonnes (Mt) delivered into the Viterra network between December 19 and January 1.

Viterra is South Australia’s largest bulk handler by far and also operates sites in western Victoria.

Its total receivals for the 2022-23 harvest to January 1 were 6.93Mt.

Despite deliveries slowing at some sites as growers wrapped up harvest, Viterra general manager operations Gavin Cavanagh said it had been a busy fortnight across the network.

“Our highest receival day was on Monday 19 December with 260,000t received into our network,” Mr Cavanagh said.

“This was our largest day this harvest and also since the 2017-18 season.

Read mpore here…

CBH sets new December shipping, rail records

WESTERN Australia’s CBH Group has set two new logistical records, shipping more than 2 million tonnes (Mt) of grain and moving more than 1Mt by rail in a monthly period.

In December 2022, CBH shipped a total of 2.18Mt in total from its Geraldton, Kwinana, Albany and Esperance ports to surpass the previous record of 1.89Mt set in January 2017 by 15pc.

This harvest, CBH has shipped a total of 4.9Mt between October and December 2022, a 57pc increase on last year’s harvest shipping, which saw 3.12Mt shipped during the same period in 2021.

On an individual port basis, the Kwinana Grain Terminal achieved a new all-time monthly record, exporting 914,264t in December, beating the previous record of 769,303t set in January 2019.

The Geraldton Grain Terminal also achieved a new all-time monthly record, exporting 483,530t in December, beating the previous record of 422,280t set in the previous month.

Read more here…

GrainCorp receivals pass 10.4Mt

DELIVERIES to up-country sites from the winter-crop harvest to date have passed 10.4 million tonnes (Mt), according to GrainCorp’s latest weekly Harvest Report released today.

The eastern states’ bulk handler said harvest activity was now mostly complete in northern New South Wales as growers turn their attention to summer cropping in the Burren Junction, Moree, Narrabri and Werris Creek regions.

“Harvest activity (is) beginning to slow in southern NSW, though receivals (are) expected to continue for another few weeks, particularly around the Wyalong, Junee and Cunningar areas,” the report said.

Volume receivals are being seen across Victoria, particularly in the Wimmera, southern Mallee, central and north-east regions of the state.

Significant grain outload program continued across the GrainCorp network to create capacity for more receivals, with 300,000t of grain outloaded last week.

Read more here…

South America

Uruguayan organic beef, processed in Brazil successfully shipped to US

The Brazilian food processing corporation Marfrig announced that it started to process organic meat at its unit located in Hulha Negra, in Rio Grande do Sul, (Southern Brazil) with raw material coming from the company’s plant in Uruguay.

The organic meat comes from animals fed exclusively on pasture, free of synthetic fertilizers, anabolic hormones, and growth stimulants, Marfrig said in a statement.

The product also has a lower level of intramuscular fat and cholesterol, which, according to the company, leads to a healthier diet.

The first shipment of organic meat arrived at Hulha Negra in August 2022. After processing at the Rio Grande do Sul plant, the protein is redirected to the international market. In September 2022, and to full satisfaction, the company made the first shipment of this product to the United States, one of the largest consumers in the world.

Read more here…

Brazil provides 20% of the world’s cotton supply, and is second global exporter

Brazil provides 20% of the world’s cotton supply, making it the second largest cotton exporter in the world. Cotton represents Brazil’s seventh-largest export product in terms of value: in the market year 2021/2022 alone, 1.68 thousand tons were exported, generating more than USD 3.2 billion in cash. The stats were supplied by the industry association Abrapa.

Abrapa said the Asian market imports 99% of the output of the world’s second-largest cotton exporter, with China (27%), Vietnam (16%), Turkey (13%), and Bangladesh (12%) being the main costumers, followed by Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, India, and Thailand.

“Through research, technology, genetics, field management, and precise laboratory verification equipment, we have improved the quality of our products every year. Today we can say that we are on the same level as the best kinds of cotton in the world, with large-scale production”, explains the Director of International Relations at ABRAPA, Marcelo Duarte.

Read more here…

Soybeans rise for second session on Argentina drought, wheat firms

SINGAPORE — Chicago soybeans gained more ground on Monday, as prices were supported by dry weather in key supplier Argentina and expectations of higher demand in China, amid easing COVID restrictions.

Wheat edged higher, recouping last session’s losses, although record supplies from the Black Sea region curbed gains.

The most-active soybean contract on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) rose 0.2% to $14.94 a bushel, as of 0302 GMT, wheat gained 0.2% at $7.45-1/4 a bushel and corn was unchanged at $6.54 a bushel.

Adverse crop weather in Argentina is underpinning the soybean market.

“Argentina forecast is still too dry, and stressful conditions continue to a high percentage of Argentina and southern Brazil crops,” the Hightower said in a report.

Read more here…

Drought stalks Argentine crops; Brazil may escape danger

South America’s crop will move into the critical season in January and if current weather trends hold steady Brazil’s production hopes might be met, but Argentina’s farmers will likely be disappointed.

Overall, the continent will likely produce more soybeans than it did in 2021-22, which was a disastrous year, but will fail to reach the monster crop predicted in autumn.

Argentina’s woes were one factor in the rally that soybeans and canola futures enjoyed over the holiday week.

Forecasted rain over the Christmas weekend turned out underwhelming and missed large areas of the parched region. Soy farmers in the driest areas have been holding back on seeding and the national planted acreage on Dec. 28 was, at 72 percent, nine percentage points behind the pace last year.

Read more here

Chilean Cherry Committee Launches This Season’s Lucky Draw in China

This winter, everyone who purchases Chilean cherries in China will once again be able to participate in the Chilean Cherry Committee’s “Million Super Lucky Draw” promotion to gain the opportunity to win a variety of prizes.

The lucky draw, one of the most eye-catching activities of each Chilean cherry season in China, has been started early this year. Entry in the lucky draw is open to all consumers who purchase Chilean cherries in China through either online or offline channels from Dec. 25, 2022, to the middle of February 2023, a period covering the Christmas, New Year’s Day, Chinese Spring Festival and Valentine’s Day holidays. To participate in the promotion, customers are simply required to upload their proof of purchase.

This season’s prizes include Apple MacBook Pro computers, iPhone 14 devices, Apple Watches, Dyson V11 Fluffy vacuum cleaners, Dyson air purifiers, Dyson hair dryers and, naturally, fresh Chilean cherries worth 400,000 Chinese yuan ($58,000).

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Food Updates

Food solutions for a sustainable tomorrow

With multiple forces acting against global food security, researchers in Singapore have been innovating. Read their solutions that help combat food waste and obesity, while improving health and sustainable food production.

The global food crisis marches closer. Droughts and floods caused by climate change are threatening our ability to produce enough food for a growing global population. According to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimates, crop yields could fall by up to 25 percent by 2050.

Aside from this impact, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted supply chains which has also impacted food security. This has led to shortages in all manner of foodstuff from poultry to palm oil, as well as escalating food prices.

Geopolitical tensions and conflicts add to this growing food insecurity by limiting access to energy, creating rising inflation and debt.

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App developed to help people eat their five a day

Academics at Bournemouth University have developed an app that helps people eat the recommended five portions of fruits and vegetables per day.A novel app has been developed so that users can reach the recommended target of eating five portions of fruits and vegetables a day.Developed by academics at Bournemouth University, England, the app tells users whether they are eating the right portion sizes, as well as the right foods, to meet the recommended guidelines from health authorities in the UK.

Previous studies from Bournemouth University found that whilse most adults in the UK are aware of the 5 a day message, their understanding of how to get to it is low.

“Almost everyone knows they should eat five a day,” said Katherine Appleton, Professor of Psychology at Bournemouth University, who led the studies and the development of the new app.

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Hershey sued over “harmful” metals in chocolate

US confectionery giant Hershey’s has been sued following claims that the company is selling products containing “harmful” levels of metal.

The lawsuit was instigated by Christopher Lazazzaro, who claimed that The Hershey Company was “failing to disclose the quantities of lead and cadmium” in three different types of its chocolate bars. These include Hershey’s Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate and two Lily’s bars: Lily’s Extra Dark Chocolate 70 percent Cocoa and Lily’s Extreme Dark Chocolate bars (both owned by The Hershey’s Company).

Filed on 28 December 2022 in a federal court in New York, the lawsuit has the objective of “seek[ing] to remedy the deceptive and misleading business practices of The Hershey Company”.

According to Statista, the US is the leading world market for confectionery of any kind, however the US cocoa and chocolate market alone is estimated to be worth $9.67 billion dollars.

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FDA adds sesame to the list of major food allergens

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has enforced that, as of 1 January 2023, foods containing sesame will be subject to specific food allergen regulatory requirements, including labelling and manufacturing requirements.

Sesame will be added to the list of major food allergens defined in the law as the result of the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act, joining eight other major food allergens: milk, eggs, fish, Crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) more than 50 million people in the US experience various types of allergies each year and allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the US.

Looking specifically at sesame allergies, FoodAllergy.org has claimed that approximately 0.23 percent of US children and adults are allergic to sesame, with reactions ranging from hives to anaphylaxis.

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Five food trends to look out for in 2023

2022 has been and gone and we have now entered another year. With a new year comes resolutions, a different number to remember when writing the date, and, of course, new food trends. But what will they be?

Last January, New Food’s Editor Joshua Minchin predicted various food trends for 2022. These included: indulgence continuing, home cooking remaining popular after the pandemic, few changes being made to CBD regulations, functional foods and personalised nutrition being in demand and, finally, that the low and no alcohol upwards trend would continue.

With overwhelmingly accurate predictions, our Editor must have looked into a crystal ball and foreseen home-cooking companies such as HelloFresh expanding globally and functional beverages appealing to consumers looking for sports enhancement and beauty remedies.

However, turning to the next 12 months, here are five predictions for the upcoming food and beverage trends that are so close you can almost taste them.

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