R[0]="1820"; T[0]="Slow start for Japan export"; A[0]="By ... Editor"; Dn[0]="20070123"; Dt[0]="Tuesday 23 January 2007"; Acats[0]="a08a27a62"; B1[0]=" The Japanese beef market started the new year with the trade's expectation for relaxation of the 100% inspection requirement on imports of "; B2[0]="US beef... "; B3[0]=" "; B4[0]=" "; B5[0]=" "; S1[0]=" The Japanese beef market started the new year with the trade's expectation for relaxation of the 100% inspection requirement on imports of "; S2[0]=" US beef.
However, no timetable for the relaxation of existing inspection requirements was made during a joint risk communication meeting held by "; S3[0]=" MAFF (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) and MHLW (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) on 15 January 2007.
With the US "; S4[0]=" beef's supply uncertainties and reported low beef consumption in November, exporters experienced slow buying from Japan this week.
Prices have eased since "; S5[0]=" being last reported (15 December 2006), with chilled grassfed fullsets falling 5US¢/lb to 224US¢/lb, and shortfed fullsets down 12US¢/lb to 236US¢/lb.
The "; S6[0]=" Japanese wholesale market showed little movement this week.
Both chilled grassfed and shortfed fullsets were trading at the same price as last "; S7[0]=" week - 890 yen/kg (45 yen higher than the same period 2005) and 1,015 yen (same as 2005), respectively... "; R[1]="1512"; T[1]="Lamb demand cools in Japan"; A[1]="By ... Editor"; Dn[1]="20061011"; Dt[1]="Wednesday 11 October 2006"; Acats[1]="a08a25a62"; B1[1]=" Exports of lamb to Japan totalled 700 tonnes swt in September, down 7% compared with August and 15% compared with September 2005.... "; B2[1]=" "; B3[1]=" "; B4[1]=" "; B5[1]=" "; S1[1]=" Exports of lamb to Japan totalled 700 tonnes swt in September, down 7% compared with August and 15% compared with September 2005.
"; S2[1]=" Despite the lower export levels for last month, exports of lamb to Japan during the first nine months of the year were "; S3[1]=" 24% higher than the same period last year.
An extended rainy season this year saw a late start to the demand "; S4[1]=" for BBQ cuts for both beef and lamb.
Lamb is largely sold as a BBQ item in Japan, and demand peaks in "; S5[1]=" the summer period, when the hotter weather is more conducive to being outdoors and enjoying a beer along a BBQ.
A delay "; S6[1]=" in the demand for lamb, combined with several new suppliers entering the market, has seen a build up in stocks of lamb, with some chilled "; S7[1]=" lamb being frozen.
.. "; R[2]="1269"; T[2]="Few problems expected from Japanese changes"; A[2]="By ... Editor"; Dn[2]="20060810"; Dt[2]="Thursday 10 August 2006"; Acats[2]="a03a62"; B1[2]=" Japan has introduced a new approach to the regulation of residues of agricultural chemicals in imported foods and beverages.... "; B2[2]=" "; B3[2]=" "; B4[2]=" "; B5[2]=" "; S1[2]=" Japan has introduced a new approach to the regulation of residues of agricultural chemicals in imported foods and beverages.
"; S2[2]=" The approach is consistent with that adopted by most advanced countries, including Australia, in that it is based on a 'positive listing' of substances that "; S3[2]=" can be applied in, say, a vineyard, with limits on their residues in the harvested fruit.
Japanese authorities considered the maximum limits "; S4[2]=" that apply in Australia when determining their own and, therefore, do not expect to experience problems with wine imported from this country.
"; S5[2]=" I recently met with officials of the responsible Japanese authority in Tokyo and they confirmed that the revised arrangements will not result in any new "; S6[2]=" certification or testing requirements for Australian wine at the time of export.
They will be conducting random inspections, and testing, of imported "; S7[2]=" beverages, but Australian wine is considered to present a low risk and will therefore not be the focus of this inspection regime, at least in "; S8[2]=" the short term.
There have been reports that some importers have construed the new procedures incorrectly and demanded onerous analytical requirements from "; S9[2]=" their Australian suppliers.
With the assistance of the Australian Embassy in Tokyo, our Japanese office recently organised a seminar to reassure wine "; S10[2]=" importers that no additional inspection or testing is mandated by the new regime.
Winemakers are reminded of the excellent AWRI document at "; S11[2]=" www.awri.com.au/agrochemicals/mrls through which they can keep abreast of developments in international markets and receive advice on appropriate vineyard protocols.
This information also "; S12[2]=" assists in devising and amending the spray diaries that winemakers require from their growers... "; R[3]="1119"; T[3]="Japanese beef consumption constrained by supply"; A[3]="By ... Editor"; Dn[3]="20060717"; Dt[3]="Monday 17 July 2006"; Acats[3]="a08a27a62"; B1[3]=" Lower beef imports and the consequent higher prices continue to restrict Japanese beef consumption.... "; B2[3]=" "; B3[3]=" "; B4[3]=" "; B5[3]=" "; S1[3]=" Lower beef imports and the consequent higher prices continue to restrict Japanese beef consumption.
According to the latest figures "; S2[3]=" from the Agriculture & Livestock Industries Corporation (ALIC), 60,509 tonnes of beef were consumed in Japan this May, down 11.3% on May last year.
"; S3[3]=" In the first five months of 2005, Japan consumed 312,166 tonnes of beef - down 5% compared with 2005, down 18% compared with "; S4[3]=" 2003 (before US BSE), and 27% below 2001 levels (before Japan's first case of BSE).
The decline on last year was for "; S5[3]=" imported product, for which consumption was down 9%, whereas domestic product was steady.
During this period, 56% of the total beef consumed "; S6[3]=" was imported.
In the five months to May, consumption of chicken increased 2% on 2005; however, it remains 3% lower than in "; S7[3]=" 2003 and 5% below 2001 levels.
Pork, which has enjoyed strong growth in consumption in recent years, retreated slightly, falling 3% in "; S8[3]=" the five months to May, to 673,948 tonnes.
However, pork consumption remains 4% higher than in the same period 2003 and 9% "; S9[3]=" higher than in the same period 2001.
It is hoped that beef consumption in Japan will recover once US beef returns to "; S10[3]=" the market.
In the meantime, the end of the rainy season should see an overall seasonal lift in consumption of meat over "; S11[3]=" the next month... "; R[4]="1084"; T[4]="Opportunities for Aussie food in Japan and Taiwan"; A[4]="By ... Editor"; Dn[4]="20060713"; Dt[4]="Thursday 13 July 2006"; Acats[4]="a08a10a62a63"; B1[4]=" The increasing popularity of high end supermarkets coupled with food service industry demand in Japan and Taiwan is opening up export opportunities "; B2[4]="for Australian businesses and prompting Austrade to hold Australia-wide seminars... "; B3[4]=" "; B4[4]=" "; B5[4]=" "; S1[4]=" The increasing popularity of high end supermarkets coupled with food service industry demand in Japan and Taiwan is opening up export opportunities "; S2[4]=" for Australian businesses and prompting Austrade to hold Australia-wide seminars.
Austrade's Osaka-based Senior Trade Commissioner, Michael Clifton said as far as Japan "; S3[4]=" is concerned export opportunities are growing as mid-to-high end supermarkets fuel demand for innovative and niche products.
'There's a fast-paced retail culture "; S4[4]=" with rapid product turnover in Japan where an economic revival is well underway,' Mr Clifton said.
'Japan has strong GDP growth of "; S5[4]=" two-to-three per cent and rising consumer confidence, which is often described as a consumer led recovery.' Austrade's Taiwan-based Senior Trade Commissioner, Jeff Turner said "; S6[4]=" the latest figures show Taiwan's food retail market grew by 4.3 per cent to reach a value of $24.3 billion.
'Taiwan "; S7[4]=" has one of the highest per-capita food spends in the region, fuelled by high disposable incomes, low unemployment and a strong preference for convenient, healthy "; S8[4]=" and hygienic products,' Mr Turner said.
'Hypermarket and convenience stores continue to grow in Taiwan, as consumers have come to expect "; S9[4]=" more choice and convenience for buying food.
In addition, the increasingly ageing population will affect the food industry sector in Taiwan.
"; S10[4]=" There'll be more online grocery shopping with home delivery services for the elderly.
The home meal replacement sector is booming "; S11[4]=" and there's increasing interest in functional products with effects on anti-aging and other health benefits,' he said.
Tasmania-based Cradle Mountain Honey, exports "; S12[4]=" its Leatherwood honey to Japan.
Proprietor and part-founder of the company, Yeonsoon Bourke said the size of Japan's population of over 120 "; S13[4]=" million makes it a good export market.
'We're presently selling our Leatherwood honey to three different markets in Japan.
"; S14[4]=" One is a supermarket chain, the second is a niche gourmet outlet with internet sales and the third is a souvenir business,' Ms Bourke "; S15[4]=" said.
'Without Austrade we wonder if our efforts to export would ever have reached fruition.
Austrade has supported us "; S16[4]=" in Tasmania and has played an important part in the communication chain by liaising with customers in Japan and helping with Customs clearances.' Queensland-based Suncoast "; S17[4]=" Gold Macadamias is currently exporting to Taiwan's bakery industry.
Sales Manager, Jeremy Roberts said long-term relationship building and good representation on the "; S18[4]=" ground in Taiwan has helped them secure a smooth running export arm of the business.
'If you have a large customer base "; S19[4]=" in Taiwan it's very important to have a very tight supply chain, which we've developed,' Mr Roberts said.
Japan food opportunities include: "; S20[4]=" Mango, cheese, confectionery, macadamia nuts and related products, jams, pates, beef and lamb, honey, juices, lobster, oysters, abalone, eucalyptus oil, citrus, dried fruit, potatoes, blueberry, "; S21[4]=" asparagus, onion, broccoli and lemon myrtle products.
Wine exports to Japan have increased by value and volume.
Taiwan food "; S22[4]=" opportunities include: Meat, beef, beef offal, lamb, goats meat (Australia is the number one supplier), seafood, lobster, abalone, spanner crab.
Fruit including "; S23[4]=" kiwi, citrus, persimmon, tomato, apple, stone fruits, pear and table grapes.
Dairy products and value-added dairy ingredients, liquid milk, fresh cheese and "; S24[4]=" ice cream.
Also opportunities for packaged food and wine, particularly red wines, beer, juice, organic produce and organic food and beverage products.
"; S25[4]=" To register for Austrade's Japan and Taiwan Food & Beverage seminars visit www.austradeevents.com.au/japantaiwan2.
The free seminars will feature an "; S26[4]=" update on business conditions, market trends and business opportunities in Japan and Taiwan.
Participants are encouraged to bring along their products for "; S27[4]=" assessment by Austrade specialists.
Seminar dates: Melbourne (31 July), Bendigo (1 August), Launceston (2 August), Sydney (3 August), Parramatta (4 August), "; S28[4]=" Perth (7 August), Margaret River (8 August), Adelaide (9 August), Brisbane (10 August), Bundaberg (11 August)... "; R[5]="626"; T[5]="Japan spending more on meat"; A[5]="By ... Editor"; Dn[5]="20060317"; Dt[5]="Friday 17 March 2006"; Acats[5]="a08a27a62"; B1[5]=" A five year decline in Japanese household beef consumption was marginally reversed in 2005, with household beef consumption increasing 55 grams per "; B2[5]="person, to total 2.3kg/person... "; B3[5]=" "; B4[5]=" "; B5[5]=" "; S1[5]=" A five year decline in Japanese household beef consumption was marginally reversed in 2005, with household beef consumption increasing 55 grams per "; S2[5]=" person, to total 2.3kg/person.
However, consumption remained considerably down on the 2000 levels of 3.1kg/person, with both demand and supply disruptions affecting "; S3[5]=" the consumption of beef.
Household expenditure on beef during 2005 was up 3% on 2004 levels, or 185 yen per person, at "; S4[5]=" 6,802 yen.
However, expenditure was still 1204 yen (15%) down on 2000 levels.
Chicken enjoyed the greatest household consumption "; S5[5]=" gains during 2005, reaching 3.6kg per person, up 251 grams on 2004.
Household expenditure on chicken was also up, increasing by 186 "; S6[5]=" yen (6%) per person, to 3,379 yen.
Both chicken consumption and expenditure were up 3% on 2000 levels.
"; S7[5]=" Pork continued to be the most consumed of the three meats in Japanese households, enjoying the highest expenditure in 2005.
Household consumption "; S8[5]=" increased 46 grams during 2005, to 5.4kg per person, up in 2000 4.9kg.
Expenditure in 2005 decreased 30 yen (0.4%) on 2004 "; S9[5]=" levels, to 7,317 yen per person.
Nonetheless, this was 10% above pork expenditure in 2000... "; R[6]="539"; T[6]="US submits report to Japan on Meat"; A[6]="By ... Editor"; Dn[6]="20060227"; Dt[6]="Monday 27 February 2006"; Acats[6]="a08a27a60a62"; B1[6]=" On Friday 17 February, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) presented a 475 page investigative report to the Japanese government, which "; B2[6]="explained the circumstances surrounding the US beef shipment containing cattle backbone and veal offal discovered at Narita airport during January... "; B3[6]=" "; B4[6]=" "; B5[6]=" "; S1[6]=" On Friday 17 February, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) presented a 475 page investigative report to the Japanese government, which "; S2[6]=" explained the circumstances surrounding the US beef shipment containing cattle backbone and veal offal discovered at Narita airport during January.
In "; S3[6]=" the report, the USDA stressed the incident was 'unique' and that US meat-processing, inspection and export systems are not weak.
The report "; S4[6]=" did suggest, however, that government-level confusion over the terms of export prevailed until the last minute before trade resumed.
Growing numbers "; S5[6]=" of Japan's ruling party officials are arguing that advance inspections of US meat processing facilities by Japanese inspectors be a condition of trade resumption.
"; S6[6]=" The US has indicated it would welcome such inspections.
Of the 37 US facilities permitted to export beef to Japan, "; S7[6]=" just 11 had been inspected by Japanese personnel after imports resumed in December.
Now the investigative report has been submitted, it is "; S8[6]=" expected the US will increase pressure on Japan to resume beef imports.
However, after a meeting with Prime Minister Koizumi on "; S9[6]=" Monday, Japanese Agriculture Minster Nakagawa said the USDA report was 'insufficient'.
The Japanese government now faces a highly political balancing act, taking "; S10[6]=" into account public opinion and US-Japan relations.
A February survey by Intage shows 90% of Japanese consumers support the reinstatement of the "; S11[6]=" US beef ban, and 77% believe that, even if it takes some time, the Japanese government should implement measures in order to prevent a recurrence.
"; S12[6]=" The issue is smouldering in Japan, with opposition parties continuing to question the government's lifting of the import ban in December.
"; S13[6]=" A recent Nihon Keizai newspaper opinion poll showed the Koizumi cabinet's approval rating has fallen to 45% - down 14% from last December.
"; S14[6]=" The plunge in popularity has been attributed to several incidents, one of which is the rebanning of US beef... "; R[7]="398"; T[7]="MLA putting Aussie beef and lamb onto Japan s Christmas menu"; A[7]="By ... Editor"; Dn[7]="20060222"; Dt[7]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[7]="a27a62"; B1[7]=" Japan s equivalent of Nigella Lawson and Jamie Oliver is set to tempt Japanese consumers into making Aussie red meat the centrepiece "; B2[7]="of their dinner plates this Christmas... "; B3[7]=" "; B4[7]=" "; B5[7]=" "; S1[7]=" Japan's equivalent of Nigella Lawson and Jamie Oliver is set to tempt Japanese consumers into making Aussie red meat the centrepiece of "; S2[7]=" their dinner plates this Christmas.
Japan's most popular cooking personality, Harumi Kurihara is the face of Meat & Livestock Australia's latest Christmas "; S3[7]=" promotion, which is part of an ongoing MLA marketing program involving the famous chef.
MLA Regional Manager for Japan, Samantha Jamieson said "; S4[7]=" the ongoing Harumi Kurihara retail promotion has been very successful and the Christmas promotion will be aiming to continue this success by getting Japanese consumers "; S5[7]=" to make Aussie beef and lamb dishes a key part of their holiday menu.
'Our Japanese Christmas campaign is all about increasing "; S6[7]=" the already strong demand for Aussie beef and lamb amongst key consumer groups, such as the Japanese housewife sector.
They already know "; S7[7]=" and trust our brands, but now it's time to demonstrate how versatile and enjoyable our beef and lamb can be for Christmas meals,' Ms Jamieson "; S8[7]=" said.
'They absolutely love Harumi Kurihara in Japan and we are thrilled to have her on board for this special promotion, especially "; S9[7]=" at such an important time for Australian lamb and beef.
Now that US beef is set to re-enter the Japanese market, this "; S10[7]=" campaign is a crucial way to reinforce how delicious and versatile our red meat is.' Over 3,000 supermarkets will be involved in the Christmas promotion "; S11[7]=" featuring Ms Kurihara's 'Aussie beef & lamb' recipe leaflets and will be supported by in-store cooking demonstrations.
The Christmas promotion follows closely "; S12[7]=" on from a MLA series of consumer education seminars and events in Japan, which focused on promoting the nutritional benefits of Aussie beef and lamb.
"; S13[7]=" The 'Aussie Healthy Life' series visited a number of schools and universities and also included seminars highlighting the importance of red meat "; S14[7]=" for growing kids, the female population and an aging society.
Harumi Kurihara has been named Japan's most famous housewife for her prowess "; S15[7]=" in the kitchen, often being compared to America's Martha Stewart and Britain's 'Naked Chef' Jamie Oliver.
Ms Kurihara is loved for her "; S16[7]=" no-nonsense style of creative Japanese cooking, which often includes providing handy, simple tips in the kitchen.
Earlier this year Ms Kurihara won "; S17[7]=" the international Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, otherwise known as the 'Academy Awards for cookbooks'.
There were over 5,000 cookbooks from 67 countries "; S18[7]=" nominated.
Ms Kurihara has been working closely with MLA for the last several years, developing her original recipes using Aussie beef and "; S19[7]=" lamb... "; R[8]="338"; T[8]="Japan ready to lift ban on US beef"; A[8]="By ... Editor"; Dn[8]="20060222"; Dt[8]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[8]="a02a06a27a62"; B1[8]=" Japan has apparently signalled that it is about to lift its two-year ban on US beef..... "; B2[8]=" "; B3[8]=" "; B4[8]=" "; B5[8]=" "; S1[8]=" Japan has apparently signalled that it is about to lift its two-year ban on US beef.
The ban imposed "; S2[8]=" after an outbreak of mad cow disease in December 2003 has proved a boon for Australia's beef industry.
US Agriculture Secretary Mike "; S3[8]=" Johanns would not give a date, but he told a farm journalists forum US efforts to re-enter Japan's market since a 2003 mad cow case "; S4[8]=" are about to pay off.
'I really do think that the end is in sight, here.' Major industry groups predict, or say "; S5[8]=" they've been told by Japanese officials, a formal announcement will come next week.
Even then, US Meat Export Federation spokesman Lynn Heinz "; S6[8]=" says recovery will be slow.
'Possibly as long as four years before we return to that $US1.4 billion level of sales that "; S7[8]=" we had in 2003,' she said.
Japan will initially allow in only US beef from cattle younger than 21 months, unlikely to "; S8[8]=" carry mad cow disease... ";