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.

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12 Jan 2012

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