India’s alternative protein sector is on an upswing as new companies emerge by the day. Despite the backing of celebrities and international brands, the segment is yet to see mass commercialization. Asian Agribiz talks to Viscofan, Country Head, India, Pedro Sinues on the potential of plant based sausages in the country and whether they will revolutionize the convenience foods market in India.

This podcast will touch on:• Potential and pain points of plant based meats •  Production issues •  Market capabilities of plant based meats

From plant-based eggs using mung beans and meat made from animal cells, the alternative protein space in Asia is advancing, even as growth has slowed down elsewhere. Asian Agribiz adopted this sector into its stable of proteins in 2021 and it has proven to be a positive leap of faith. This June 13, we will host our inaugural Alternative Protein Conference under the banner: Alternative Protein – Nutritional value and processing efficiency. It will be held a day ahead and in conjunction with ProPak Asia 2023 in Bangkok.

On the sidelines of VIV Asia 2023, AB Vista, Managing Director, Juan Ignacio Fernandez talks to Asian Agribiz on the future growth strategies of the company in Asia. Mr Fernandez has always emphasised on Asia’s potential to drive growth in his company even as several countries struggle to cope with tough economic conditions this year.

This podcast will touch on:• Challenges in the animal protein industry • The potential growth points for AB Vista and Asia

The International Monetary Fund expects slow growth in the economies of India and Asean-5 (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand) this year, as rising interest rates sap momentum from the global economy.

 India’s growth is projected to weaken to 6.1% in fiscal 2023 while the Asean-5 are seen logging 4.3% growth.

 Our reports show that in the first quarter, the forecast proved that the agrifood industry including poultry and seafood was similarly trailing, recording a downfall in profit.

Feed is the biggest cost on a farm, and the first component producers should check to see where money can be saved while ensuring sound production parameters. 

In this podcast, Nigel Godde shares how intelligent feeding programs can help pig producers improve efficiency during this challenging time with historically high ingredient prices and fierce competitiveness.

Mr Godde is Sales Director for the Pig Division at Big Dutchman Asia.

Research shows that close to a third (27%) of global greenhouse gas emissions are attributed to agriculture and food production. Half of this stems from livestock production. A keen shift is taking place among Asian producers in enhancing the way food is produced and in decarbonizing the value chain. Admittedly, amidst the many other challenges that require capital to address, this too begs investment. As the farming landscape evolves and consolidates, Asian producers are in a sweet spot to make the right investments, to be nature positive, restorative, and regenerative rather than extractive.

'Constant evolution' seems to be the byword of the era we are in, and strategy is helping companies flourish in uncertain times. Over these tumultuous years, we have seen leaders adapting and reshaping strategies based on predictions related to market trends, consumer demand, and data analysis. A strategic development that has come into focus is investments in processing and further processing. Producers are motivated by the post-pandemic focus on food safety, health, and the comfort level that, particularly younger consumers, have reached with online shopping and convenience food.

At the 2022 Broiler Feed Quality Conference, Dr Pradeep Krishnan, Technical Service Director at Evonik SEA presented how guanidino acetic acid (GAA) supplementation improved performance of vegetable protein diets and how GAA can compensate for low dietary energy in corn-sbm diet in Asia.

In this follow-up podcast, Asian Agribiz learns from him how GAA can also improve meat quality, reduce health issues, and improve animal welfare.

To learn more about GAA, visit guanamino.evonik.com.

Food insecurity and food protectionism are becoming more pronounced resulting from frayed supply chains, weather woes and geopolitical tensions. Could this lead to more intra-regional trade or growth in local self-sufficiency? In Q4 2022 we reported on Malaysia's ban on poultry exports to Singapore and earlier, India's rice and wheat export ban, all bent on protecting local needs. With high shipping costs and rising barriers to trade, we now see a surge in intra-regional trade as well.

CP Foods, a giant in the food industry has started selling ‘low carbon eggs’ - a first for many. The company has been working hard on its commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. From green buildings to low carbon eggs, CP is in the driving seat of sustainability.

But the question is why does CP care so much about sustainability?