[October 07, 2008]

Research and Markets: Asia-Pacific Food & Beverage Sectors Reports Highlights How Food Safety Is Becoming A More Important Issue In The Region

(M2 PressWIRE Via Acquire Media NewsEdge)
RDATE:07102008

Dublin - Research and Markets
(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/9e004c/asiapacific_food)
has announced the addition of the "Asia-Pacific Food & Beverage Sectors
: A Company and Industry Analysis (September 2008)" report to their
offering.

This report updates the previous Asia-Pacific food and beverage report,
focusing on the markets in Australia, China, India, Japan, Thailand and
the Philippines

Current Environment - Key Points

- Rising energy and commodity prices, currency fluctuations,
intensifying competition and concerns over possible food contamination
scares continued to plague the Asia-Pacific F&B industry in the first
half of 2008

- The Dow Jones Asia-Pacific Food & Beverage Index performed well in
the first half of 2008 following favorable corporate earnings and
restructuring plans that buoyed investor sentiment

- Changing consumer demand, the falling value of the US dollar and
declining food stocks were among the major issues that started to
affect the F&B industry's profitability

- Many F&B companies were able to maintain earnings and sales growth,
but not quite as strong as in the past few years

- Merger and acquisition activity in the Asia-Pacific maintained
momentum over the last six months, with several leading companies
consolidating their market share Industry Profile

- Key Points

- The value of F&B exports in most Asia-Pacific countries grew in the
first half of 2008 as a result of mounting consumer demand, driven by
greater ethnic diversity and rising incomes

- China and India's F&B industries have attracted several major foreign
F&B companies to invest in its lucrative markets over the last year

- Investment levels in the Asia-Pacific F&B industry maintained
momentum in the first half of 2008, helping to stimulate economic
activity, generate employment and sustain the industry's
competitiveness

- Recognizing the importance of the F&B industry to the economy,
several governments continue their financial support for the industry

- Food safety is becoming a more important issue in the region, with
related laws and regulations being introduced; China is one example
Market Trends and Outlook

- Key Points

- A growing awareness of the importance of maintaining good health,
escalating healthcare costs and a greater demand for quality food are
factors driving the sector towards functional food products

- The ageing Asian population continues to challenge the Asia-Pacific
food industry to come up with food products for changing tastes

- Most F&B firms are absorbing higher energy, commodity and packaging
costs, which moderated during the first half of 2008, but are still
struggling to do so

- In comparison with other industries, the F&B industry is probably
better placed in the event of any adversity

- Food inflation is set to plague most Asia-Pacific markets this year,
with few signs i t will subside any time soon

- Factors such as unfavorable exchange rates, interest rate hikes,

persistent high energy and commodity prices and food scares will
continue to pose threats to food processors in the region.

Key Topics Covered:

Current Environment

- Sector Overview

- Sector Performance

- Leading Companies

- Mergers, Acquisitions and Alliances Industry Profile

- Industry Size and Value

- Sector Investment

- Policy and Regulatory Environment Market Trends and Outlook

- Functional Food and Drinks in Demand

- Asia's Ageing Population Creates Opportunities

- Market Outlook Country Profiles

- Australia

- China

- India

- Japan

- Thailand

- Philippines Currency Conversion Table

The Scope of This Report

Key References

Comparative Data Reports Coverage

For more information visit
http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/9e004c/asiapacific_food

CONTACT: Laura Wood, Senior Manager, Research and Markets
Fax: +1 646 607 1907 (US)
Fax: +353 1 481 1716 (Rest of World)
e-mail: press@researchandmarkets.com

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