UZOMATIK FOOD AND DRINK FIESTA, WILL SHOWCASE THE QUALITY OF NIGERIAN FOODS,SAYS UZO.

The city of Lagos will come alive this December as all is now set for the maiden edition of Uzomatik Food and Drink Fiesta (UFDF), a one day exhibition of sales of online/offline foods and beverages, food technology/security among others.

in the words of  the brain behind this noble projects Isinguzo Uzoma a.k.a Uzo Ododo Oba  of  wazobia fm  , Uzomatik Food and Drink Fiesta is designed to showcase the quality of Nigerian food varieties with opportunities in the local and international markets, the talented broadcaster further stated that it aims to project the diverse angles of the food industry by connecting various businesses involved in the production and sales of food related items to a cosmopolitan audience of food enthusiasts," it will be a worthwhile event, for everyone" she submitted.

According to the organizers , the event  comes at  Ndubuisi Kanu Park, Mobolaji Johnson Avenue, Alausa Ikeja on Saturday 2nd, December, 2017, beginning from 10am, and it is not all about food as there will be lots of music and comedy by the likes of AFRICAN CHINA, JAYWON, LAMBOGINNY,  DWANA, CORNEL AND  RATATA ,Comedy by IGOS, BABAKHAY, IT IS IKECHUKWU, MR HYENANA, MC I GO DO, I AM SHORT FAMILY and many more, UFDF will also feature  eating and drinking competition, cultural performances, games, kiddies corner, fun rides, freebies, this event is getting place to gather all food and drink lovers at one place and to celebrate together.

Uzomatik Food and Drink Fiesta is powered by Strong Voice Media  an indigenous organization that offers top notch audio-visual production,event management and media consultation services. We have been dedicated to this goal since its inception. Strong Voice Media is coordinated by top Radio Presenter Isinguzo Uzoma  at WAZOBIA FM -  and her team of young talented media professionals. Admission to the event is absolute free. as supported by 

Wazobiafm,Wazobia Max, Clem Best,Angels Craft,Aulmedia Services,Kleems Creations,Bamboo Craft, lagoshappens.blogspot.com,Original Kel Media Concept, Happnings Magazine and YOU. 

COST OF IMPORTING FOOD POISED TO RISE 6% to $1.413 TRILLION IN 2017 .

While food commodity prices have been generally stable, the cost of importing food is set to rise in 2017 to $1.413 trillion, a six per cent increase from the previous year and the second-highest tally on record. This was stated by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in its latest Food Outlook report, which was published recently.

The higher import bill was driven by the increased international demand for most foodstuffs as well as the higher freight rates. Of particular concern were the economic and social implications of the double-digit increases in the food import bills for least-developed countries (LDCs) and low-income food-deficit countries (LIFDCS).

“Higher bills do not necessarily translate into more food being bought by them, as the cost of importing has

greatly escalated,” said Adam Prakash, economist, FAO.

The higher import costs come at a time when inventories are robust, the harvest forecasts are strong and the food commodity markets remain well supplied.

The food commodity outlook, issued twice a year, takes a close look at the markets of key food categories, including cassava, the livestock and dairy sectors, fish, vegetable oils and the main cereal grains.

While production trends are broadly strong across the board, average prices in international transactions can mask more specific trends.

For example, while international wheat prices have been flat, US Hard Red Spring wheat, a popular high-quality variety with enough protein content to make noodles and pasta, was 40 per cent higher in July 2017 than it was a year ago.

Aromatic rice varieties have risen eight times faster than the FAO All Rice Index, which is up four per cent on the year.

Likewise, the FAO Butter Price Index has risen 41 per cent so far in 2017, more than three times as much as the Dairy Price Index, of which it is a component.

The livestock and dairy sectors are particularly dynamic. The meat import bill is set to reach an all-time high of $176 billion this year, up 22 per cent from 2016.

World milk production is predicted to grow by 1.4 per cent, led by a robust four per cent expansion in India, even as more stringent environmental regulations and quality controls in China may lead to a contraction there.

The world output of oilseeds oils - vegetable oils and animal fats are the largest items in the LIFDC import bills - is expected to increase slightly this year after last year’s strong season.

But global soybean production, despite a planting boom in the Northern Hemisphere, is set to decline as yields return to normal levels after last year’s nearly optimal weather. 

Opportunities loom for tropical fruits
“Tropical fruits are increasingly stars in global trade, with export volumes of mangoes, pineapple, avocado and papayas on course to achieve a total combined value of $10 billion this year,” according to the Food Outlook.

Their popularity is promising for poverty relief and rural development as almost all production takes place in developing countries, usually through smallholder farmers with fewer than five hectares.

FAO estimated that the total production of the four fruits could reach 92 million tonne this year, compared to 69 million tonne in 2008.

Currently 95 per cent of that output is consumed locally, but the rising incomes and the changing consumer preferences will likely boost the export volumes, especially if freer trade and better market access stimulate further technological gains in distribution.

Major producers of tropical fruits include India (home to about 40 per cent of the global mango production), Costa Rica (which supplies a large share of the world's pineapples), China and Brazil, besides Mexico, which is the largest exporter.

Africa may set record for cassava output
As well as providing detailed analyses of the production, trade and demand for major cereal and oil crops, the Food Outlook updates trends for cassava, which has been one of the fastest-expanding staple crops at the global level, and is the third most important source of calories in the tropics, after rice and maize.

Production in sub-Saharan Africa may reach a record high this year of 156 million tonne, buoyed by various commercial expansion programmes aimed at curbing the reliance on food imports in the region.

“Still, global production of this root will likely contract slightly in 2017 - to 278 million tonne - after two decades of uninterrupted growth, due to a combination of drought conditions, depressed prices and policy changes,” said FAO.

Indonesia loses WTO appeal on food import restrictions.

New Zealand and the US have welcomed the decision by the World Trade Organization (WTO) to reject Indonesia's appeal over its restrictions on imports of food and animal products.
The countries were co-complainants to the WTO in 2013 after failing to persuade Indonesia to re-think its 2011 decision to restrict the importing of certain food products, such as beef and poultry.
The WTO ruled against Indonesia's restrictions last December and has now upheld that decision by kicking out Indonesia's appeal.

David Parker, New Zealand's minister for trade and export growth, said: "This decision from the WTO's highest dispute settlement body is an important result for our agricultural exporters and should pave the way to grow New Zealand exports to the Indonesian market."
US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said: "This is a significant win for US farmers and ranchers.

"Given Indonesia's market size and US competitiveness, we should be selling many more agricultural products to Indonesian consumers."
Indonesia had argued that its rules were based on health concerns and halal food standards, or aimed to deal with temporary surpluses in the domestic market.
Other products the import ban covered included apples, grapes, potatoes, onions and dried fruit.
New Zealand said the restrictions meant an 80% drop in the nation's exports to Indonesia of beef and horticultural products. Prior to the ban, Indonesia was New Zealand's second-largest market for beef.
Indonesia appealed the original WTO decision in February this year and the appeal was declined in a ruling dated 12 October.

New Zealand trade minister Parker said the restrictions "are estimated to have now cost the New Zealand beef sector close to a billion dollars of lost exports into an important market".
He added: "I look forward to working with my Indonesian counterpart over the coming months to finalise resolution of this long-standing trade issue."

Source:Just-food.com

RICE SMUGGLERS TO GO TO JAIL. FG.

The Federal Government has promised to seek out and punish those who smuggle rice into the country. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh, in his briefing during the FEC meeting, lamented that smugglers were compromising the progress being recorded in local rice production in the country.

Ogbeh pointed out that smuggled rice in the country came mainly from Benin Republic and Niger Republic. He added that delays in rice supply from local rice millers are caused by smugglers who seem determined to frustrate the millers’ efforts by dumping bags of smuggled rice at a price they cannot compete with.

Audu Ogbeh. Hon Minister of Agriculture . 

“The delays happen because many of the millers tell me that they can’t mill because of the activities of smugglers. They mill the rice. The smugglers dump them at N12,500. And the smugglers can dump at N12,500 because they are subsidised from Thailand. They are determined to see that we don’t succeed. We can’t do that because we can’t subsidise to that level,” he said.

“We say if everything goes well without the smugglers, our people should be able to sell here at N13,500 per bag. They agreed, but then the smugglers are coming and the millers are holding back. I, alone can’t solve the problem. That was why the president had to say yesterday (Tuesday) that we will come down hard on activities of smugglers because they are doing us a lot of damage. We keep fighting, a little here, a little there. We ‘ll get there,” the minister added.

According to the World Bank disclosure, rice smugglers’ activities cost Nigeria a whopping $5 billion annually.
In a similar development, the federal government has approved the sum of N5.567 billion to check erosion in six states of the country.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, stated this recently at the end of a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, listed the states as Sokoto, Kano, Ondo, Enugu, Bayelsa and Osun. The Erosion Control Intervention and Acceleration body will be overseeing erosion management in the benefitting states.

HARVESTPLUS SET FOR NUTRITIOUS FOOD FAIR 2017.

 All is now set for the  2017 edition of Nutritious Food Fair which will open on November 28 through 30 at Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, in partnership with Enugu State SME centre, Federal Ministries of Agriculture, Health, Education, Budget and Planning. Over ten thousand participants will attend this year’s event to exhibit nutritious food products, strengthen business skills and linkages, identify new partners, communicate brands for enhanced marketing and participate in a host of competitions targeted at promoting the consumption of nutritious foods by Nigerians. Participants will include farmers, processors, marketers and consumers of nutritious foods. Others include food industries, seed companies, input dealers, research institutions and students. One of the objectives of NFF 2017 is to create 3000 new job opportunities in the nutritious food sector.

Today’s food is highly essential for tomorrow’s growth and we must begin to connect the dots between food, health and GDP growth for Nigeria, said Paul Ilona, the Country Manager for HarvestPlus. With increasing vulnerability to hidden hunger, a condition where people do not get enough essential vitamins and minerals in their daily diets, cases of disabilities associated with micronutrient deficiencies (poor immune system, low IQ, diarrhea, night blindness, anaemia etc) will continue to grow if not checked. In a country where about 50% of the population live in the rural areas, micronutrient malnutrition will lead to increased pressure on national health budgets and a weak labour force that cannot drive agricultural production to meet demands of the food and industrial sectors. The World Bank estimates that Nigeria loses about 450 billion naira in GDP annually due mostly to micronutrient deficiencies. HarvestPlus and partners in Nigeria are developing and promoting nutrient rich staple crops and foods as a complementary strategy to reduce micronutrient malnutrition.

According to Ilona, Country Manager Harvest Plus, the nutritious Food Fair, which is gradually becoming the signature event in the food industry, has recorded a year-on-year 25 percent growth in the number of exhibitors, and some 50% growth in the number of participants during the past three years.  This year’s fair, which will feature exhibitions from different parts of the country, will contribute to increasing the production, value addition, marketing and consumption of more nutritious foods particularly those made from biofortified staple crops such as vitamin A cassava, vitamin A maize and orange sweet potato; and lay a foundation for the introduction of zinc rice, iron sorghum and iron millet. 

In addition to showcasing the opportunities for engaging small, medium and large-scale investors in the country, the Fair will engage Master Trainers to mentor participants and provide post-training technical support.  Participants will acquire new knowledge and business guides on best farming practices by commercial farmers, best processing practices by medium and large scale processors, access to micro-credit by banks, access and use of inputs by agri-input dealers, product distribution by food industries and equipment use/maintenance by fabricators. Knowledge and business guides for sustainable and profitable investments will be articulated in specialized seminars for business enthusiasts.  

The most attractive segment of the Food Fair is the fun to catch. Consumers will find a world of nutritious food and drink options, traditional and masquerade dances, including special events such as the grande-finale of NutriQuiz competition for secondary schools, NutriYield competition for farmers and NutriCook competition for caterers. In addition, the largest nutritious cassava dish in the world will be unveiled for a Guinness record and a new platform for women called ‘SMART MOTHER’ will be launched to give women a voice in nutrition. 

Attracting thousands of participants in the public and private sectors annually, the  Food Fair has become an annual flagship event of HarvestPlus Nigeria and one that many people nationwide look forward to. In due course, the annual food fair can be expected to enhance the Nation’s tourism product and strengthen its culinary and hospitality sector. Everyone can be part of NFF 2017. Just register online at www.nutritiousfoodfair.org to attend for free.

FEED NIGERIA SUMMIT NOW SLATED FOR 2ND-3RD MAY.

The Feed Nigeria Summit has been rescheduled to hold on Tuesday, 2nd and Wednesday, 3rd May, 2017 at the Intercontinental Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos. With the theme  “Feed Nigeria; To Feed Africa”,

Organized by Agronigeria, with technical support from the African Development Bank and the Songhai Centre for Development, the Feed Nigeria Summit is a key collaborative intervention between policymakers, the private agro-sector, the development community and the academia-research community to ensure the continued growth of the Nigerian agricultural sector, particularly for the benefit of the primary producers.

The Summit will feature a Special Session on the Home Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP) of the Federal Government, which shall be chaired by the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, and will feature the Ministers of Agriculture (the Host Minister) and other key Ministers of the government. The need for this all-important discourse comes to the fore because AgroNigeria, and indeed the agro-private sector, firmly believe that, especially with multi-stakeholder buy-in, the HGSFP has massive potentials to promote inclusive growth in Nigerian agribusiness, boost the economic benefits accruable to smallholder farmers and increase the volume of domestic food production, while ramping up agro-industrial investments.

According to a statement made available to us by the organizers, the Keynote addresses will  be delivered by Prof (Fr) Godfrey Nzamujo, Director of the Songhai Centre, Porto Novo, Benin Republic and Ms. Atsuko Toda, Director of Agricultural Finance at the African Development Bank. Expected dignitaries include the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, the President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, key Governors and prominent players in the private agri-sector in Nigeria.

In the words of the Director-General of the Feed Nigeria Summit Secretariat, Barrister Richard-Mark Mbaram, the Summit is expected to tackle issues such as sustainable agriculture, the Nigerian imperative to feed Africa, policy dynamics in agri-sector competitiveness, nutrition, food systems enhancement and food security, value chains across the genres, including youth and gender inputs, best practices for improving farm productivity, and smart financing for sustainable growth in agriculture.

Key deliverables include agreements on how local production can assuage the needs of the HGSFP, mechanisms for Nigerian food companies and SMEs along the food value chain to engage in the HGSFP, key incentives and financing packages for agro-stakeholders, veritable and scalable initiatives for attracting investments and relevant regulatory and policy frameworks critical to the attainment of set objectives.

attendance at the Summit is strictly by invitation, registration can be accessed via the Summit website; www.feednigeria.ng

0VER 250 EXHIBITORS EXPECTED TO ATTEND FOOD WEST AFRICA CONFRENCE 2017.

Food West Africa provides the largest platform for both international and regional food and beverage companies to meet, network and establish business ties in Africa’s largest economy – Nigeria. Food West Africa 2017 is the place to be to source suppliers, manufacturers and distributors for those involved in the food and beverage industry.
The event comes up from 17th to 19th May 2017,  over 150 exhibitors from over 25 countries are expected to showcase their products at the largest Food & Beverage trading platform in West Africa .
According to the organizers exhibitors will the opportunity to meet industry leaders from regional, national and international organisations, over the three days, showcasing an extensive range of the latest products and services all under one roof. Registration is on going at  www.food-westafrica.com/en/home.htm


Food West Africa conference is a three-day multisector meeting which will discuss current issues in the food supply chain management. It will present latest modern channels of food distribution in the region, advances in food handling and logistics, updates on safety management, and regulations on importation and exportation.
It aims to provide a learning and networking avenue for the industry’s major stakeholders including food importers, exporters, distributors, agents, wholesalers, retailers from both new and traditional markets – to determine challenges and help improve current systems and procedures in doing business.
Regional experts from domestic and international large-scale food companies, government, local agencies, and associations will be represented and will give their insights on improved technologies and advanced measures on how to consolidate and implement better measures in food distribution retail in West Africa

EXPERT WARNS AGAINST LATE NIGHT FOOD.

 An  Ilorin-based medical practitioner, Dr Florence Adigun,on Wednesday advised Nigerians to reduce intake of solid foods. She disclosed this in Ilorin that eating too many kinds of carbohydrates has many bad effects on the body.

 The Medical practitioner advises Nigerians against frequent intake of solid foods Medical practitioner advises Nigerians against frequent intake of solid foods . Adigun disclosed this in Ilorin that eating too many kinds of carbohydrates has many bad effects on the body. The doctor also urged that people eat more of fruits and vegetables.

She further stated  that eating solid or heavy foods would lead to gaining body fat, weight and feeling stressed out. Adigun also explained that eating the right kind of carbohydrates was very beneficial, adding that it made loss of fat easier, while improving sleep and minimizing stress response. She also said it could improve athletic performance, make workouts feel better, eliminate food cravings and reduce tendency to over eat. Adigun, however, warned against eating late in the night, adding that the ideal time to eat should be between 7.00 p.m and 7.30 p.m.

She said that when foods were consumed late at night, anytime from after dinner and outside a person’s typical sleep and wake cycle, the body was more likely to store those calories as fat rather than burn it as energy.                          

GTbank Set to host 70 food exhibitors.

At the GTbank food and drink fair, there will be a wide variety of  food exhibitors  showcasing and selling food products ranging from fresh organic groceries to dry foods, confectionery and pastries, ready to eat consumables, top quality crockery and wine & champagnes.

In addition to the exhibition  and sales, the GTBank Food & Drink event will also offer culinary experiences such as food and wine tastings, cooking master classes with renowned International and Nigerian Chefs, outdoor grills and thrilling entertainment.

Fun seekers at the last edition. Photo:www.google.com

The exhibition will host more than 70 food exhibitors across 2,400m² of exhibition space within the Food & Drink Centre at Plot 1, Water Corporation drive, Oniru, Victoria-Island, Lagos on the 30^th of April and 1^st of May, 2017. Attendance is free. There will be Farmer's Market, Exhibitions and Master Classes. 

The GTBank Food & Drink weekend will offer a free platform for dozens of small businesses to increase brand visibility and sales, whilst showcasing the latest products, trends and innovations within the food industry. Guests will be afforded the opportunity to discover new and exciting brands, products, and innovations within the industry.

L K F STREET FOOD FESTIVAL IS HERE.

In 2017, HKMO and LKF Association  creating  the first Spice Market in Hong Kong. This festival is a celebration of both local and international spice food and drink. The vibrant multicultural nature of Hong Kong brings the best cuisines to our city. There will be an impressive lineup of street food, beer, cocktails, and entertainment. What better place to launch such a festival than Lan Kwai Fong itself and we hope that you can join us!

We are now looking for Folk Art vendors!!

Venue: Lan Kwai Fong(Outdoor)

Application Form: https://hkmarkets.typeform.com/to/vSJp1u

Ruminant Nutrition Insight Day .

Ruminant Nutrition Insight Day run by Eurofins Agro, in collaboration with Schothorst Feed Research, the  day will focus on two main topics.  First, the features and benefits of dried  NIRS forage analysis.  Dried NIRS analysis provides more accurate and  practical information on forage quality than conventional fresh NIRS analysis. Second a discussion, led by Schothorst Feed Research, on different feed evaluation models. Date is 11th May ,2017 at  the London Suite, situated within the grounds of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Set in 15 acres, these beautifully landscaped gardens are home to over 7,000 different plants.

 Eurofins Agro supports farmers, feed companies and agricultural consultants through the provision of analytical testing of forage, hay, and other feedstuffs. This service enables livestock farmers to optimise animal rations, whilst keeping costs low. 

In addition, Eurofins Agro provides comprehensive testing of a range of other agricultural materials including soil, compost, manure, fertiliser, water and hydroponic solutions. While Schothorst Feed Research is an international company that provides independent and expert research on a wide variety of feed-related areas.

The event is free to attend, but registration is required as space is limited at IsobelDaley@eurofins.com

FARMING FIT FOR FOOD COMES UP IN JUNE.

Farming Fit For Food is a one-day event that will explore how farming, in partnership with the food industry, can rise to the challenge of changing food and dietary requirements.

Organised by Nuffield UK and sponsored by Frontier, the focus of the conference is in response to the rising consumer interest in healthy food options, coupled with the simultaneous rise in diet-related public health issues, such as obesity and diabetes.

With the help of world-renowned experts, it will explore the implications of these changing needs on farming, how farmers, the food industry and health professionals can work together to respond to these challenges and the opportunities these new demands present.

Farming Fit For Food is a must-visit for anyone working, or involved with, the farming, food, health and sustainable industries, who have a vision to create a food system in which nutrition sits at the heart of growing, producing and selling food.

The event  comes un on Thursday, 8th June 2017 

STEPHEN FELL ,Conference Day Chairman.

 at the East Midlands Conference Centre,  located two miles from the city of Nottingham and is set within 330 acres of the University of Nottingham’s landscaped parkland.

Adjacent to the Conference Centre is the award-winning 4* accommodation DeVere Orchard Hotel which architects designed using the latest state-of-the-art technology to be eco-friendly, to minimise environmental impact and reduce carbon emissions. The venue has excellent transport links by road and rail, and also provides ample car parking for delegates.

For futher details log on to: www.nottinghamconferences.co.uk/emcc

Budget 2017 - Canada to capitalize on agri-food for innovation and growth.

Michael Graydon, Chief Executive Officer of FCPC with Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture 

TORONTO , March 22, 2017 /CNW/ - Food & Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC) applauds the government for highlighting agri-food as one of three industries in Canada with "great potential for growth and job creation" and featured as a key component of the Innovation Agenda in the 2017 federal budget. The government stated, " Canada is in a uniquely strong position to capitalize on global agri-food growth." 

"We are very pleased with the government's bold strategy to grow the agri-food sector," says Michael Graydon , CEO. "Budget 2017 reflects FCPC's efforts over the years with the federal government to highlight the sector's importance and proactively position the industry as a partner in driving innovation and inclusive growth."

We also support the investment of up to $950 million over five years, to drive business-led innovation "superclusters", in industries such as agri-food that have potential to accelerate economic growth. We are pleased to see the government addressing trade issues by announcing an ambitious target to grow Canada's agri-food exports to at least $75 billion annually by 2025, and recognizing "room for further growth" that can be achieved with the development of value-added products.

The recognition of the importance of regulatory cooperation as a key element in fostering international trade and providing Canadian consumers with greater choice was also appreciated. We are excited to see the Treasury Board Secretariat provided with $6 million over three years to continue its efforts in supporting business growth by promoting regulatory alignment with Canada's trade partners.

In addition, we are pleased that the budget highlights the importance of the next funding framework for agriculture and agri-food, and specifically recognizes "the importance of strengthening the sector as a whole and enhancing value-added exports."

We would like to take the opportunity to thank the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development for their strategic focus and recognition of the important role of food manufacturing to Canadian farmers and middle-class families, across the country.

While Canada is already internationally recognized as a global leader in food safety, we appreciate Budget 2017's new investments to further strength food safety in Canada . We look forward to further collaborating with the government to grow the food and consumer product industry in Canada and build a more innovative, competitive and inclusive economy. 

SOURCE Food & Consumer Products of Canada

"Our strategy in Africa is to grow our beers fast and our spirits faster" says - Diageo Africa president John O'Keeffe - Focus

Late last week, Diageo's Africa president John O'Keeffe hosted a conference call with analysts. According to Societe Generale analyst Laurence Whyatt, Africa represents 12% of Diageo's group sales, with around 60% coming from beer, 30% from spirits and 10% from RTDs.
Here, just-drinks takes a look at the key themes from the call, as well as analyst reaction.

"Our strategy in Africa is to grow our beers fast and our spirits faster," says O'Keeffe. The president also outlines a symbiotic relationship between the two categories - and one, he believes, Diageo is uniquely placed to capitalize upon.
"Over five years ending fiscal-2016 (to end of June), we delivered more than double the growth rate of spirits in our markets with an established beer platform, compared to those with a majority spirits business," he says. "And, the operational synergies are significant."

Analyst Chris Wickham from Whitman Howard adds: "In the company's opinion, beer opens up the African market to all of Diageo." He says that going forward, beer will continue to grow "but spirits are expected to be the main driver of faster growth".
Diageo's O'Keeffe notes that consumers are increasingly including spirits in their repertoire and switching between beer and spirits. "More than 40% of beer consumers ... consumed spirits in the last four weeks," he says.

According to O'Keeffe, international premium spirits are "out of reach for most Africans" at the moment. However, he maintains that they are an "important" part of the company's growth agenda in the region, as it looks to participate across all price points.

"GDP growth has slowed down sharply in the last two years among oil exporters, of which Nigeria is the most relevant to Diageo's Africa business," O'Keeffe says. "In Nigeria, currency scarcity and devaluation are driving a high inflationary environment, making affordability even more important to consumers."
Digging into the detail, SocGen's Whyatt notes that Diageo is competing not just with other alcohol producers. "The macro is still tough, with inflation running at 17% and weak disposable income meaning that beer is competing with other discretionary expenditure, such as mobile phones," he says.
At the moment, 70% of Diageo's COGs in Nigeria are locally-sourced, protecting the firm against transaction exposure. "The target is 80%," notes Whyatt.
The firm is investing at the mainstream end of the market - in both beer and spirits - in response to greater consumer demand.
"Historically, our beer business has centred around premium beer," says O'Keeffe. "In recent years, we've seen consumers migrate to value beers in a number of countries. Nigeria is a good illustration of this, where over the last 2.5 years, the value beer segment has increased volume share from 26% to almost 50%."
O'Keeffe also highlighted several cost-saving initiatives in Nigeria, including "right-sizing" the brewery workforce, improving efficiency and reducing waste, energy and water usage.
"Diageo took price over the last nine months [in Nigeria]," note Exane analysts. "The company expects Nigeria to play its fair share in operating margin expansion in Africa. Guinness Nigeria is undertaking a rights issue to de-leverage its balance sheet. Diageo is participating in the rights issue. Diageo will focus its capital investment on expanding mainstream spirits.".


Throughout the call, O'Keeffe outlines several recent launches in various African markets. Here's a run-down:

• Meta beer re-launched in Ethiopia
• Low-sugar Malta Guinness Herbs Lite rolled out to Nigeria
• Value beer Ngule launched in Uganda
• Lager Azmera, made with local ingredients, made its debut in Ethiopia
• Value malt Dubic Malt launched in Nigeria
• Black Bell - "a rich and flavourful beer targeted at Millennials" - rolled out in Uganda
• Tusker Premium Cider and Smirnoff Ice Electric Guarana and Ginseng launched in Kenya
• Sparkling, palm wine-inspired Tappers Palms appeared in Ghana
• 5cl Orijin Bitters sachets rolled out to Ghana and Nigeria
• Kenya Cane Coconut flavour launched to "re-energise the Kenya Cane franchise" in Kenya
• In Nigeria, spirits launches included locally-manufactured Smirnoff X1, McDowell's No. 1 and a new flavour of Gordon's Gin

CRedit: www.just-drinks.com

President Trump set to cut the US Department of Agriculture budget by over a fifth.

President Trump has set out plans to cut the discretionary spending at the US Department of Agriculture by over a fifth, prompting criticism from the industry and lawmakers from the Democrat and Republican Parties.

Trump's 2018 budget has requested $17.9bn for the USDA, down $4.7bn, or 21%, on 2017.
"The budget request supports core departmental and mission critical activities while streamlining, reducing, or eliminating duplicative, redundant, or lower priority programmes where the federal role competes with the private sector or other levels of government," the budget plans, announced yesterday (16 March), read.

President Trump.

However, Republican Representative Mike Conaway, the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, issued a note of caution on the plans.
"America's farmers and ranchers are struggling, and we need to be extremely careful not to exacerbate these conditions," Conaway said.

A Democrat Senator, Debbie Stabenow, a ranking member of the US Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry, said she "strongly" opposed the plans.
"It's deeply troubling that the Trump administration targets the Department of Agriculture for cuts averaging 21 percent - the third largest cut to any federal agency," Stabenow said.

"This proposal undermines job creation by eliminating access to credit for small businesses and completely ends rural water infrastructure programmes that could leave small towns without clean drinking water or safe sewer systems.
"The Trump administration neglects to clarify all of the areas that will be cut. This puts a target on hundreds of critical USDA programmes and services that rely on annually appropriated funds, and could lead to cuts as high as 33% to agriculture research and extension, conservation planning, wildfire prevention, and efforts to fight avian influenza and other threats to our food system.".

Credit: http://www.just-food.com

PepsiCo lines up closure of UK Walkers crisps factory.

PepsiCo is planning to close a Walkers crisps plant in north-eastern England.
The US food and beverage giant is looking to shut its facility in Peterlee in Country Durham and transfer production to other UK sites.
Tracey Foster, manufacturing director at the site, said: "In order to improve the efficiency of our UK snacks manufacturing operations, we are proposing the closure of our factory at Peterlee.
"Peterlee has been an important site for our business but the changes we are proposing present significant productivity and efficiency savings crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainable growth of our business in the UK."
Foster did not comment on media reports that said around 400 jobs could be lost as a result of the closure. However, she said: "We appreciate this is upsetting news for everyone at the Peterlee site. It is a difficult proposal for us to put forward and we want to make clear that it in no way reflects the performance of our colleagues at Peterlee, who we are grateful to for their hard work and commitment.
"No decisions will be made without first consulting employees and their representatives. We would also like to reassure colleagues that we will be providing on-going support and assistance from this point onwards."


CREDIT. www/just-food.com

IN INDIA SUMMER AND MANGOES GO HAND IN HAND

PIC CREDIT: WISEGEEK

One of Delhi’s most popular events is the International Mango Festival which celebrates everything about the King of all tropical fruits, ‘Mango’.

The International Mango Festival is held every year at the Delhi Haat Pitampura in Delhi. Hosted by Delhi Tourism in alliance with the Delhi Government, According by the organizers the festival aims to showcase the specialties of mangoes from different states of India, it will interest you to know that apart from this festival there many other mango festivals  held across India during the same time.

The International Mango Festival in Delhi features an array of recreational events and activities associated with mango, like mango eating competitions, quizzes, mango slogan writing, mango carving, children’s shows, mango folk performances, mango tasting, and plenty of mangoes to go around with varieties of the fruit on display.

One gets to savour over 1100 varieties of mangoes and some rare species of the sumptuous fruit. Some of the traditional and exceptional mango varieties are Langda, Dasheri, Alphonso, Fasli, Bombay Green, Chausa, Sindheri, and many more hybrid species of the fruit. The Delhi International Mango Festival is one opportunity to taste them all for free and relish the appetising experience.

The Delhi International Mango Festival also carries sale of processed mango items. This includes products like pickles, jam, chutney, mango pulp, mango juice, jelly, aam papad, and aam panna. One can also buy mango plants. The festival encourages trading of the fruit and has buyers from all over the world. The dates will be announce before the month runs to an end.

More info from: http://journeymart.com

YAM POTTAGE BEST ENJOYED WITH COLD EBA.

Pic credit: Sisi Jemimah

Ikokore, also known as Ifokore, is a Nigerian  Yam Pottage dish  made with Water Yam  (Isu Ewura) instead of the normal Puna/ White Yam. It is a pottage recipe from the Ijebu people in Ogun State and Lagos state in Nigeria.  Ikokore remains a staple in many Ijebu homes across board. To really enjoy Ikokore, one would  need to incorporate as much proteins as  possibly  to enrich it. Here are some of the most favorite:  Shaki, Ponmo, Chicken, Goat meat, Gizzard, Smoked Turkey, Smoked Fish, Eja Shawa, Panla, Eja Kika etc.

Ingredients::
Half Tuber Water yam,2 Cooking spoons Palm Oil,3 Cups Chicken or Beef Stock/ Water,1 Shombo/Tatashe or 3 Tablespoons dry ground pepper (Atagungun),1-2 Scotch Bonnet (Aa tRodo)
1-2 Smoked Fish (Eja Kika) or Shawa (Bonga fish)Shredded  (Optional),1-2 Pieces Dried Fish (Panla) Shredded (Optional),2 Cups Shredded cooked Meats (I’m using Shaki and Ponmo),3 Tablespoons Crayfish,1/2 Cup Smoked Prawns (Optional),1 Teaspoon Ogiri Ijebu (Fermented Locust Beans),2 Seasoning Cubes and Salt to taste.

Preparation: Slice your water yam into small pieces. Peel each piece then grate using the smallest part of your grater,When you’re done grating the Water Yam, add Seasoning or Salt, 1 tablespoon Crayfish and mix together, if you can tolerate hotness, you can add some Pepper as well. Then set aside blend the Shombo/Tatashe and Scotch Bonnet till smooth and set aside.

If you’re using just Scotch Bonnet, just blend it on it’s own,get a medium size pot and place on a hob on medium heat. When it’s hot, add the palm oil, then  add my Locust Beans at this stage. Sauté the Locust Beans for a minute, then add the blended Pepper, then the seasoning cubes and Salt to taste. If you’re using Stock, do not add salt as your stock is already seasoned.Leave to fry till oil floats to the top. This should take 10 minutes thereabouts, stir every now and then to prevent burning, add the Shredded Cooked Meats, Fish and Smoked Prawns, any other proteins you’re using, then the Ogiri, leave to cook for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove all the meat and fish from the stew, leaving just the stew in the pot.

Turn the heat down to low, now scoop the grated yam into the stew, do this in both big and small lumps. The small lumps will dissolve in the stew, forming a mushy type consistency while the bigger lumps will create the lumpy Ikokore consistency. Do not stir, leave the contents to boil for 8-10 minutes on low heat.

Then you can stir a bit using a wooden spoon. Stir and break up clumps if you find it too clumpy or leave as it is if you don’t mind, I don’t like mine too clumpy, half and half more like. Now, taste for salt and seasoning, adjust if necessary, Transfer the cooked meats and fish back into the pot, add the rest of the crayfish and combine gently, be careful when doing this so you don’t break the clumps leave to simmer for 3 – 5 minutes and it’s ready, serve Ikokore on its own or with Cold Eba (Eba Tutu), the typical Ijebu way.


First Published by: http://sisijemimah.com

Organic food sales in France "exceed expectations"

PIC=COURTESY:WWW.GOOGLE.COM

Collective sales of organic products across France exceeded EUR7bn (US$7.4bn) as of the end of 2016, marking a 20% increase over the previous year, according to latest figures from the French agency for the development and promotion of organic agriculture.
Agence Bio said the increase in sales, compared to the EUR5.76bn booked in 2015, "exceeded all expectations and show organic foods are now firmly rooted in the daily lives of the French".
Meanwhile, the agency said its latest survey of the take-up of organic products in France indicates almost nine out of 10 (89%) consumed organic food in 2016, while 69% of respondents said they consumed organic products "at least once a month".

The agency said its first survey on the subject, conducted in 2003, indicated 46% of French had never consumed organic products.

"This evolution takes place in a context in which the French increasingly attach importance to the preservation of the environment in their purchasing actions (92%), compared to 89% in 2015 and 67% in 2007," the agency said in a statement. "Faced with this strong demand, organic production is increasing in France to reach historical levels," the agency added. "At the end of 2016, there were a total of 47,185 operators undertaking organic activities, an increase of 11.5% over 2015, including 32,326 organic farmers - an increase of 12% compared to 2015."

The French federation of industrial charcuteries, caterers and meat processors, FICT, said France produces only 20,000 tonnes of organic pork "while French pork butchers use more than 80,000 tonnes to satisfy consumer demand", buying in organic pork from other European countries.

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 Written by:John Shepherd. Copied from:www.just-food.com

Nigerian Pepper Soup So delicious .

The Nigerian Pepper soup is a popular Nigerian soup recipe. It is such a versatile recipe as it can be prepared with different types of meat and fish. Thus there is the Chicken Pepper Soup, the Catfish Pepper Soup (popularly known as Point & Kill), the Goat Meat Pepper Soup, the Cow Foot Pepper Soup and the Assorted Beef Pepper Soup.

People usually go to exclusive bars or restaurants to eat the Pepper Soup. This is because this Nigerian soup recipe is believed to be prepared with 'secret' ingredients that only the restaurant Madams know about. Yes, the Pepper Soup ingredient which gives this recipe its unique aroma and taste, is truly the best kept secret. But our job here at All Nigerian Food Recipes is to expose all Nigerian food recipes and cooking secrets so that you can prepare them right inside your own kitchen whenever you want to.

Ingredients for Pepper Soup

• 1kg Chicken or Cow Foot or Assorted Beef 4 seeds Ehu or Ariwo
• Chilli Pepper (to taste). 2 teaspoons crushed Dry Uziza (optional)
• 2 medium onions. Salt (to taste),3 stock cubes
• 1 teaspoon of Thyme (for chicken pepper soup)

Read more at http://www.allnigerianrecipes.com/soups/pepper-soup.html#laStryQmPc8JDscp.99

Mooncake Festival comes up in China,this September.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival, is held on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese calendar (this year falling on September 27th). Families will gather to celebrate the year's harvest and make offerings to the Goddess of the Moon, Chang'e.

When Mid-Autumn occurs at the end of September or early October its statutory day of public holiday is usually combined with the statutory National  three-day holiday for a seven-day public holiday (October 1–7), sacrificing one adjacent weekend day .According to the Chiness Lunar Calender (and traditional solar calendar), the  8th month is the second month of autumn. As the four seasons each have three (about-30-day) months on the traditional calendars, day 15 of month 8  is "the middle of autumn".

Sweet mooncakes made from lotus paste with an egg yolk centre are commonly eaten and children carry lanterns to commemorate the event. This grand festival is celebrated across Asia, including China, Vietnam, Singapore and Taiwan.

Additional info from:http://www.foodnetwork.ca

AMALA WITH EWEDU FOR YOU

Àmàlà is a Nigerian food made out of yam and/or cassava flour. Yams are peeled, sliced, cleaned, dried and then blended into a flour, also called

elubo. Yams are white in colour but turns brown when dried; this gives àmàlà its colour. Àmàlà is from Western Africa and eaten mostly by the Yoruba people in Nigeria. It could be served with a variety of ọbẹ (soups), such as ẹfọ, ilá, ewédú, ogbono or gbegiri (black-eyed beans soup).