For week ending May 24, 2007

       The process uses a combination of thermal treatment and a bio preservative to preserve the tender coconut water. The coconut water product can be conveniently packed in cans, bottles, and poly pack pouches. The technology which was initially developed for the armed forces has been transferred commercially to bottlers like SPA Coconuts Pvt Ltd, Sakti Coco Products, Jain Agro Food Products, and Awadhoot Agro.

       Coconut Philippines is a comprehensive reference guidebook on coconut and the various products and by-products created and marketed worldwide. The book, which showcases 1,300 color photographs and illustrations about coconut, celebrates the spirit of Filipino craftsmanship and ingenuity in the use of every part of the coconut, the tree of life. Ms. Lalaine Villafuerte-Abonal is author of this book of 550 page count and 40 chapters dealing with virtually all facets of the coconut. For inquiries, call tel. no. (02) 551-8855, (02) 833-7966, or email at manila@easiaoutsource.com.

       Indonesia was the leading supplier of lauric oil to China during the period and was responsible for 81.6% of total or 101,000 MT (83,300 MT year-ago). Palm kernel oil represented the bulk of import at 77,500 MT (36,600 MT) and the balance at 23,500 MT (46,700 MT) was coconut oil. Malaysia supplied 19,500 MT (9,600 MT) which accounted for 15.8% and the Philippines 3,100 MT (8,800 MT) for a market share of 2.6%. Shipment from Malaysia consisted of 600 MT coconut oil (4,400 MT) and 18,900 MT palm kernel oil (5,200 MT) while uptake from the Philippine was coconut oil only.

       Analysts at Kenaga Investment Bank believe the tax may hurt firms that have low oil extraction rates from their oil palm fruits. Company analyst, Yin Shao Yang explained, “For the same amount of CPO produced, more fresh fruit bunches has to be produced and therefore, more cess to be paid”.

       The group will meet with leading producers and exporters of edible oils to explore the possibility of enhancing trade between India and Latin American countries and will also exchange market and technical information with the processors of soybean and sunflower seeds in particular. At present India imports 1.5 million to 2 million MT of soybean oil mainly from Brazil and Argentina. Indian imports of sunflower oil come largely from Argentina.

       World prices of rapeseed, soybean, corn and other plant oils used to make biofuel have risen considerably with huge demand for biodiesel and bioethanol fuels. These oilseeds are imported in large quantities into Japan from US and Canada. Thus sharp prices increases coupled with weak yen vis-à-vis the US and Canadian dollars have raised the import prices of edible oil materials in the country.

       Cargill and Ashland have agreed to form a 50-50 joint venture to develop chemicals based on renewable sources. The new business will produce propylene glycol from glycerin, a by-product of biodiesel production at a facility planned for Europe. The initial capital investment is estimated at $80-100 million. Propylene glycol is an ingredient in cosmetics, paints, detergents and antifreeze. It is typically made from petroleum.

       Twin Rivers Technologies holds a significant share in the US fatty acids market. It is the world’s producer of Olestra, a fat replacement and is also one of US largest producers of biodiesel. TRT has extensive ship and rail access, bulk liquid terminals, a refinery and warehousing facilities. The company produced 170 types of products which were used in cosmetics, detergents, food and biofuel. TRT’s raw materials are soybeans, palm kernel, sunflower and coconut.

       Sinar Mas has a 50% share in the joint venture company which will process palm oil, olein and stearin to biodiesel. The plant will cost $60 million and capacity may be raised to 1 million MT from the initial 400,000 MT. Sinar Mas Group has joined several Indonesian companies that have announced plans to build biofuel plants, mostly palm oil based biodiesel to tap global interest in biofuels.

       The conference is scheduled on September 22 -23, 2007 at Taj Exotica, Goa. This forum has been continuously supported by all the leading industry houses connected with vegetable oil industry as well as 30 National & International organizations. Globoil India provides a neutral platform for the players in the industry drawn from different parts of the world to exchange ideas and information. Globoil India Exhibition is being organized on a wider format & for 3 days (September 21-23, 2007) with participation from the entire gamut of agri-business, processors and equipment suppliers. Globoil India is organized by Tefla’s Commodity Interface Pvt. Ltd. For more information contact: Mallika Shetty, Asst. Manager-Business Development; at the following email address teflas@bom3.vsnl.net.in or visit website www.globoilindia.com.