Author: Hithaishi CB

Toyota, Suzuki, and Nissan collaboration to produce biomethane from agricultural waste The world’s first biomethane engine was introduced by Japan in a groundbreaking move in automotive innovation. Toyota, Suzuki, and Nissan worked together to achieve this remarkable achievement. By using biomethane from agricultural waste, this bioengine offers a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels and electric vehicles. Japan’s strategic plan to launch the first biomethane-powered cars by 2026 highlights its ambition to lead the charge in sustainable automotive technology. This move not only presents a formidable challenge to the current dominance of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles but also diversifies the landscape…

The 8th Asian Soil Laboratory Network (SEALNET) meeting, held in the Philippines from 15-19 July, brought together distinguished dignitaries, scientists, and SEALNET members from across the globe. Virtual participants from different geographies also attended the event. ICRISAT Scientist Dr Pushpajeet Lokpal Choudhari, Chair of the Asian Soil Laboratory Network, had the honor of delivering the opening address. SEALNET, the first regional network established within Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN), has set a precedent for other regions by grouping soil laboratories into regional networks. The initiative aims to harmonize Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), foster connections among Asian soil laboratories, and advance…

Highly versatile and designed to provide flexibility in formulations for dairy and food industry Roquette, a global leader in plant-based ingredients and a leading provider of pharmaceutical excipients is proud to announce the expansion of its texturizing solutions range with the addition of four new tapioca-based cook-up starches. The new grades – CLEARAM® TR 2010, CLEARAM® TR 2510, CLEARAM® TR 3010 and CLEARAM® TR 4010 – have been specifically developed to address unmet texture needs of food manufacturers and complement existing botanical sources within the broader range. Formulated to enhance viscosity, consistency and elasticity in various food applications, from sauces,…

Ensuring optimal potato preservation through the precise application and control of ethylene Restrain has announced the launch of its new Precision Ethylene Treatment (PET) technology, setting an unprecedented standard in storage solutions. This pioneering advancement continues Restrain’s legacy of innovation, ensuring optimal potato preservation through the precise application and control of ethylene, a natural plant hormone crucial for maintaining potato quality. Ethylene, a colourless gas naturally occurring in all plants, plays a vital role in various physiological processes such as ripening, ageing, and stress responses. For two decades, Restrain has harnessed the power of Ethylene to revolutionise potato storage, keeping…

IBKR clients will now be able to trade Crude Palm Oil Futures (FCPO) and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI Futures (FKLI) Interactive Brokers, an automated global electronic broker, announced that its clients will now have access to listed derivatives on Bursa Malaysia, one of the largest exchanges in the ASEAN region. IBKR clients will now be able to trade Crude Palm Oil Futures (FCPO) and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI Futures (FKLI), along with global equities, options, futures, currencies, bonds, funds and more, all from a single, unified platform. The FCPO is a crude palm oil futures contract denominated in Ringgit Malaysia…

MHI and TFC to jointly assess the feasibility of developing a fuel ammonia value chain, including ammonia receiving, storage, handling, delivery, and combustion Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Taiwan Fertilizer Co., Ltd. (TFC) to conduct a joint pre-feasibility study that will explore the establishment of an ammonia value chain in Taiwan. This is in support of Taiwan’s “2050 Net-Zero Emissions” goal. Under this MoU, MHI and TFC will assess facilities and economic feasibility of the fuel ammonia value chain, including ammonia receiving, storage, handling, and delivery to power plants, as well…

Pioneers New Seed Traits with Seed Company Partners BioLumic, the world’s only company treating seeds with light to activate genetic expression for new crop traits, has achieved a breakthrough in enhancing inbred corn lines. These genetically ‘pure’ parent seeds are crucial for producing the world’s high-performing hybrid seeds favored by most farmers. After achieving significant performance milestones in 2023 field trials, BioLumic is partnering with Beck’s Hybrids, Peterson Corn Genetics, Peterson Farms Seed, Breeder Direct and other seed companies to use BioLumic’s Genetic Expression Trait™ light-activated technology on a wide range of inbred and hybrid corn lines aiming to enhance…

MoU signed to strengthen small and medium enterprises in transactions, connecting trade with foreign businesses The Trade Promotion Department (VIETRADE) and Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on trade promotion cooperation during a ceremony held on August 1st. John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (China), visited Hanoi and met Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang, as well as Lee Ka-Chieu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (China) and relevant ministries and agencies.  The Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two Parties includes the following main contents:…

Over a $1 Billion Valuation for its Tech-Enabled Superfruit Platform as Healthy Snacking Booms Agrovision, the healthy superfruit platform and the leading large-scale, fully vertically integrated superfruit business, has closed $100 million in equity financing from Aliment Capital, alongside other marquee new and existing investors, including Steve Kaplan, Co-Founder of Oaktree Capital Management. The funding comes after a period of meteoric growth as Agrovision, sold under the Fruitist and Big Skye brands, nearly tripled sales in the past three years. The company is disrupting the $100B healthy snacks market while supporting wellness for people and the planet. The financing will…

Biogold is a preeminent global supplier of citrus genetics and the partnership propels Sun World’s growth strategy Sun World International LLC has acquired Biogold Group, a significant South Africa-based global fruit variety rights manager, trading as Citrogold in South Africa. Biogold is recognized as the preeminent global supplier of citrus genetics. A strategic alliance between two industry leaders, combines forces to exponentially boost their innovation capabilities. With the acquisition of Biogold, Sun World intends to significantly increase their genetics offering to their 2,700+ licenses, with an emphasis on citrus, mangoes, and avocados. Biogold’s extensive citrus range is an exponential value-add to Sun World’s global…