Food And Beverage

China’s inflation suggests more liquidity easing

Inflation figures released today extend Beijing's license to ease liquidity policy further in coming weeks (CC Jan 12 Macro View) and further relieves manufacturers from the big margin squeeze that characterised 2011 (CC Jan 12 Consumer China).

Beverages – sour, turning a little sweeter

Lower input costs, increasing competition and industry consolidation are the key themes for 2012.

Want Want – distribution is king

Want Want’s impressively wide distribution network is driving sales and brand recognition, even in rural areas.

Huiyuan – chasing a margin recovery

Having seen gross profit margins dive in 2011, the company is hoping that softer input prices will improve fortunes this year.

Tingyi – seeking a boost from PepsiCo

In spite of a brisk instant noodle business, the company’s mainstay beverage sales have been hit, but a tie-up with PepsiCo may hold promise.

Uni-President China – fighting back

Softening raw material prices suggest a recovery in operating margins as the company conducts an aggressive marketing campaign.

Ministry of Health under fire over food safety, again

The ministry has attracted widespread criticism for appearing too lax over food safety after frozen food was recalled for containing deadly bacteria.

Grocery retail – The Great Land Grab

Domestic supermarket operators have embarked on a land grab to maintain profits in an increasingly competitive segment.

Walmart's woes

The US retail chain is under pressure in China for mislabelling products in Chongqing and losing its CEO in recent days.

Baby products – from cradle to cash register

Some 16m new babies each year, coupled with highly motivated parents, make the baby product and maternity industry one of China’s most defensive.

Issue icon

Latest Issue

09 Feb 2012

Browse the archive

Get two weeks free trial Subscribe now to access all of China Confidential

China Confidential Funds

China Confidential Funds, a new research service launched by FT China Confidential, is dedicated to illuminating the mainland fund industry. Our team of fund industry experts in Shanghai search out the interesting trends in fund performance, strategy, interactions with overseas funds, regulatory changes, distribution and management. We also use a proprietary system to track the emerging flows of Chinese money. Click here to find out more.

Find out more

Europe's financial problems and the US's slow recovery cast a shadow over prospects for the world economy. In this gloomy scenario, growth in China, India, Brazil and other emerging markets is certainly a bright spot. But how badly exposed is the developing world of the south to the problems of debt-ridden north? In a special report, a team from FT Brazil Confidential interviewed GlobalSource Partners local experts from 16 emerging economies.

Find out more

Latest Hot Topics