For week ending Mar. 13, 2008

       The studies also revealed that young coconut husks sourced from different locations produced varying shades. It was found that coconuts from high elevations yield almost no color compared with coconuts from coastal and low lying areas. PTRI said the valuable red color it provides might just be the elusive source of stable and colorfast red color for locally produced and woven organic materials in the Philippines, adding that the emerging natural dye industry would run complimentary to the National Coconut Agenda, as it does not compete with the food and health sector in the use of coconut.

       Export in November 2007 went to 30 various countries. The top four importers held volumes of at least 200 MT and collectively shared for 54.4% of total trade. Leading the pack was U.A.E/Dubai with 646 MT, followed by Pakistan with 450 MT, UAR/Egypt with 227 MT and Iran with 200 MT. Four other countries took in between 103 MT and 191 MT and jointly comprised 21.8% of the market. They were as follows, in descending order, France, Germany, Bangladesh and Portugal. The remaining twenty-two other countries with combined share of 23.8% had uptake ranging 1-87 MT.

       These firms will develop oil palm clusters of at least 100 hectares within a radius of two kilometers in the districts of Cuddalore and Villupuram, Vellore, Theni, Tirunelveli and Tuticorin and establish palm oil extraction mills within three years. The projects are in line with India’s 11th Five Year Plan which aims to develop 20,500 hectares oil palm plantations in the districts.

       he Ministry of Finance in China has decided to keep the import tax on soybeans and soybean products at 1% until the end of September this year from the usual 3% in October 2007. However, the import tax on rapeseed and rapeseed oil into the country remains at 9%, leaving Canada’s rapeseed industry disappointed as this would limit the export potential of Canadian rapeseed to China.

       Last week, crude palm oil futures closed at M$3,684/MT for March delivery, M$3,707/MT for April and M$3,710/MT for May. Biodiesel producers are looking at M$2,400-2,700/MT as reasonable level for biodiesel production.

       The Italian ruling was introduced in January after a government report said the move was necessary to “guarantee authenticity and quality” of its olive oil produce following revelation that large quantities of Italian olive oil are made from olives imported from Spain and Tunisia. Reports say 15,000 MT of doctored olive oil were intercepted by customs officers and cheaper colza oil, with colorings and flavoring but labeled as olive oil, has been taken off shelves. Such actions, according to Italy, show the legislation is working.

       The venture will allow SunOpta to continue to cost effectively expand its rapidly growing healthy organic and natural vegetable oils business and meet growing consumer demand for these products. SunOpta began in the healthy oil business approximately seven years ago and has built business using a series of third party processors. As volumes have grown, it has become increasingly difficult to cost effectively manage production through third parties, thus driving the opportunity to establish internally controlled operations. As part of the joint venture agreement, SunOpta will market the majority of the refined oil from the venture and expects to generate incremental revenues of approximately $10 million.

       Thai Vegetable Oil, manufacturer and distributor of soybean meal and soybean oil in the country, announced a massive 166% rise in its consolidated 2007 net profit to Bt1.26 billion (USD42 million), crediting the excellent performance to higher margin propelled by strong and widespread demand for biodiesel. The company’s sales jumped 20% to Bt18.23 billion during the year due to sharply increased sales prices, while cost of goods sold increased only 16% to Bt15.92 billion.

       Researchers found that all pre-treatment led to lower levels of acrylamide. At the first sampling point after six weeks, acrylamide levels were significantly different between the control and soaked French fries for Maris Piper and Desiree samples. Washed Desiree samples were also significantly lower in acrylamide than the control. At sampling point two (16 weeks), acrylamide concentrations were significantly lower in the French fries cooked after soaking in water compared with the control. Similar results were seen after 34 weeks. On average, acrylamide levels were reduced by 30 percent in soaked samples.