News on Food Trends from Asia

Farmers' rights activists on Tuesday planted FL-2027 seed potatoes on a plot of farmland in Ahmedabad, Gujarat to protest food and beverages major PepsiCo's reassertion of rights over the variety.

Walmart China has plans to accelerate its expansion by opening more than 500 new stores and "depots" (smaller warehouses) in next five to seven years and updating 200 existing stores in three years, the company's top executive said.

Agritask’s agronomic management software platform serves farmers and other stakeholders in the ecosystem, covering 20 countries worldwide and more than 50 crop types.

As American sanctions are choking Iran’s economy, the country is increasingly looking to spuds as a cost-effective alternative to the traditional imports that have fed many Iranians.

Swiss Bühler Group and Premier Tech from Canada, today announced the formation of a strategic cooperation for industrial flexible packaging solutions. Both companies agreed to build a design and manufacturing center in China.

Typhoon Lekima landed on Chinese shores last weekend. The typhoon caused destruction in several Chinese cities. Shouguang was one of the areas affected most by the extreme weather conditions.

Amazon.com Inc is planning a foray into the burgeoning online food delivery business from restaurants in India this year, in a move that could raise competition in an increasingly crowded market.

To protect the interest of the Punjab farmers and uphold the state’s leadership position as the largest potato seed producing state in India, Punjab is planning the certification and traceability of seed potato using blockchain technology as of next year.

Indian Farmers’ movements have decided to put up a fight to ensure that farmers’ seed freedoms are not violated in any way. Many speakers also also felt that PepsiCo India should pay compensation to the Gujarat potato farmers involved.

The potato of the future will be more drought tolerant and disease resistant, more environmentally sustainable and climate smart, and meet the needs of producers and consumers.

The World Potato Congress is pleased to announce that Mr. Lu, Xiaoping has accepted to become WPC’s newest International Advisor.

On of the largest food retailers in the world, the Carrefour Group, announced today the signing of an agreement to sell an 80% equity interest in Carrefour China to Chinese Group Suning.com.

Japanese snack company Calbee is gearing up for a US marketing campaign for its best-selling Jagarico potato snack in an aggressive drive to increase overseas sales.

Major Japanese snack-maker Calbee Inc. said Thursday that it will extend the 'best before' date for its potato chip products by two months.

As the Trump administration’s trade fight with China twists and turns, exporters of frozen and dehy potatoes are facing a hit.

The market price of potatoes in Gansu recently showed a rising trend. Relevant data shows that the price of potatoes in Gansu increased by 16.67% in comparison with the same time last year.

The legal battle between a number of potato farmers in Gujarat accused of illegally growing a proprietary variety and food and beverage manufacturer PepsiCo India may be headed for an out-of-court settlement.

Leading farmers unions and rights advocacy groups have demanded that the PepsiCo immediately withdraw all legal suits it has slapped on many potato farmers in different districts of Gujarat.