Researchers have created the first genetic blueprint of oil palms, an important step in improving the productivity and sustainability of oil palm production.
Lipid Nutrition has launched a branded version of rising vitamin E form, tocotrienol, which a growing body of science is backing as one of the most powerful in antioxidant payload.
Oilseed analysts are predicting a squeeze on supply of Malaysian palm oil for months to come, as prices are pushed up by farmers’ inability to invest in inputs and poor extraction rates – while demand for fried and oily food is not abating.
Skin care has been the big flag bearer in the trend for natural cosmetics but a rash of natural ingredients for toothpaste suggests that oral care is catching up.
Switzerland-based fine chemicals player Clariant has opened up a production facility in Zhenjiang, Eastern China, to tap into growing demand for key personal care ingredients.
The Anglo-Dutch consumer goods maker has announced strong results on the back of the sale of food operations and increased selling prices during its fourth quarter.
Lipotec is opening a representative office in Singapore to develop a closer relationship with its customers and distributors in the Asia-Pacific region.
Danisco is now offering sustainable options on its palm-based emulsifiers, as palm oil produced at certified sustainable plantations enters the marketplace.
A provider of proprietary developments for nutraceutical and cosmeceutical ingredients has extended an existing cooperation for discovering new functional materials sourced from the jungles of Malaysia.
Ingredients provider Soliance has sourced a range of new organic certified oils from Indonesia, aimed at the fast growing market for natural hair and skin products.
The first shipment of sustainable palm oil is set to arrive in Europe next week; but even if manufacturers do not use the oil directly they can still buy into the movement with certificates that allow them to state their support, explained the RSPO president.
The palm oil industry is claiming a major triumph in terms of sustainability ahead of an incoming shipment of the product to Europe next week, which is seen by some as a milestone for ethical sourcing.
British health and beauty player Boots Alliance says that preliminary results for the first six months of the year ending in September show sales up 11.7 per cent.
Fighting off a stagnant domestic retail market, more and more US personal companies are turning to the Asian markets to further boost their business operations.
CSM has announced plans to sell its Purac gluconates production
plant in The Netherlands to Avebe, as part of a broader
restructuring of manufacturing and focus on core competencies.
Estée Lauder will be extending the reach of its Jo Malone luxury
skin care and fragrance brand in Asia in partnership with the Lane
Crawford Joyce Group.
Swelling domestic stocks for Malaysian palm oil, widely used by
bakers, left crude palm oil futures closing lower on Monday,
offering a slight relief for prices.
Unilever has announced that it is selling its edible oils business
and palm oil plantation interests in the Ivory Coast, and will
instead invest in a soap business in the country.
Canada-based packaging supplier CCL is looking to significantly
expand its presence in Asia in an attempt to capitalize on the
opportunities presented by emerging markets.
Flavours and fragrance company Symrise will open a creative centre
in Shanghai, China in an attempt to capitalise on the potential of
this growing market.
A US-Malaysian partnership has completed the first phase of
annotating the oil palm genome in a process it hopes will enable
increased oil yields and sustainability.
Unilever has pledged to use only palm oil certified as sustainable
by 2015, while also supporting calls for a moratorium on further
deforestation for palm oil in Indonesia.
Givaudan has reported strong sales for the first quarter ending
March 31 with results significantly boosted by the continuing
integration of Quest International.
Japan-based cosmetics company Shiseido will significantly reduce
its product portfolio and continue its focus on the Asian markets
in order to increase operating profit margin.
Boots is considering the launch of its No7 Protect & Perfect
range on several international markets in a move that could see the
private label brand rival the big players.
The member countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations
(ASEAN) have adopted International Fragrance Association (IFRA)
standards in a move to facilitate trade of fragrance products with
the countries.
Oriflame's sales force increased twenty per cent during the fourth
quarter leading to strong sales results, although profit was
affected by significant restructuring costs.
Increased European growth alongside the continued strength of
Unilever's personal care division helped boost sales for the fourth
quarter, although profits fell.
Global skin care launches have tended to feature the big
international players launching well known brands in new markets,
however, this time it's a small Chinese company launching its skin
care line in the US.
Personal care and oral care player Colgate-Palmolive has announced
a further increase in quarterly profits on the back of cost cuts
and sales increases in key categories, including toothpaste and
shower gel.