1. "Red Can Packaging Case" Final Verdict: JDB Finally Wins! On September 7, the red can packaging case for herbal tea saw another judgment. The Supreme People's Court of the People's Republic of China ruled on the case between Guangdong JDB Beverage and Food Co., Ltd. and Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited (GPHL) regarding the red can packaging: rejecting GPHL's retrial application. The Supreme People's Court's decision on shared red can packaging has sent a positive signal from the state and government to "equally protect different property rights." With this, the red can packaging case has been settled.

  2. New National Standard for Infant Formula Draft Released with 4 Major Changes, Affecting 100 Billion Yuan Milk Powder Market On the evening of September 7, the National Health Commission released the draft for comments on the revision of the national standard for infant formula, with four major changes. According to the revision plan, the revised standard may have the following four significant changes: First, the protein standards for older infants and young children formula will be adjusted, i.e., the protein content per 100 grams of milk powder for stage 2 and stage 3 formulas in China. Appropriately adjusting the protein content and improving protein quality will benefit cost reduction and enhance digestion and absorption of infant formula. Second, currently, formulas for 0-6 months, 6-12 months, and 12-36 months use two standards: Infant Formula (GB10765) and Older Infants and Young Children Formula (GB10767). After the revision, the three age groups will have three corresponding standards. Third, the number of optional nutrients in infant food standards will be adjusted, and the number of mandatory nutrients may also change accordingly. Since the current standards have many optional nutrients, some manufacturers have irregular product claims and promotions. The new standard will adjust the number of nutrients to clarify further, guiding production and helping consumers make better choices. Fourth, the testing methods for nutrients will be more scientific. Many nutrients in infant formula are micronutrients, and different testing methods may lead to different results. The revised standard will be more comprehensive and reasonable. China is the world's largest formula milk powder market, with annual demand of 650,000 to 750,000 tons. In 2017, officially imported formula was 296,000 tons, cross-border e-commerce imports about 150,000 tons, and domestic production about 400,000 tons. The domestic market demand for infant formula is estimated at 80-100 billion yuan or more. The new national standard will affect this 100 billion yuan market. More importantly, the new standard adjusts formulas, and brands without technical capabilities will be eliminated.

  3. Tibet Dairy Enterprise Aided by Mengniu Officially Commences Operations! On September 7, Jingtu Dairy, technically aided by Mengniu Group, officially commenced operations in Lhasa, marking Tibet's first modern dairy processing plant with its own brand. Leaders from the Tibet Autonomous Region, SASAC, Lhasa City, and Mengniu Group CEO Lu Minfang attended the launch ceremony with over 200 participants. The Jingtu Dairy project started in 2016 and is a representative project of "central enterprises entering Tibet." Mengniu, entrusted by COFCO, provided technical assistance and other support. The project received joint support from COFCO, Mengniu Group, and provinces and cities aiding Tibet. Phase I covers 62.81 mu, with a planned daily processing capacity of 150 tons of raw milk, annual liquid milk production of 50,000 tons, and annual output value of 550 million yuan. It is expected that by spring 2019, Tibetan consumers will be able to enjoy locally produced world-class quality milk.

  4. "Vita Coco" Launches New Product Priced at 39.9 Yuan! This year, the plant-based protein beverage market is lively. Not long ago, Wanglaoji disclosed in its semi-annual report the launch of a coconut juice product. Now, another big player has launched a coconut juice new product... It is understood that Vita Coco recently launched a coconut milk new product in the Chinese market. Unlike traditional coconut milk, Vita Coco coconut milk uses only high-quality coconut meat and adds 60% coconut water, making it richer and creamier. Additionally, the product is sugar-free and low-calorie, suitable for lactose-intolerant consumers. According to the official website, the product comes from romantic France and is a French original imported coconut milk product. It is reported that the product was first launched on Tmall Global on September 6, with an introductory price of 39.9 yuan per bottle, in 1L packaging. Compared to standard 330ml and 500ml coconut water, this 1L coconut milk is more convenient for sharing, suitable for family and group consumption, greatly expanding usage scenarios.

  5. Danish Butter Cookies Brand Kelsen Sold It is reported that Campbell Soup Co. recently announced plans to sell its international business and fresh food business. These two businesses generate about $2.1 billion (approximately 14.347 billion yuan) in revenue annually for Campbell. In the subsequent Q4 FY2018 earnings call, interim CEO Keith McLoughlin noted that the international business to be sold includes Arnott's and Kelsen (the company behind Danish butter cookies), while the fresh food business includes Bolthouse Farms, Garden Fresh Gourmet, and refrigerated soups.

  6. Wahaha Official Statement: Denies Car Manufacturing Recently, rumors circulated that Wahaha had established a new company named "Zhejiang Deqing Wahaha Technology Innovation Center Co., Ltd." on August 27, 2018, with Zong Qinghou, Chairman and General Manager of Hangzhou Wahaha Group, as legal representative and registered capital of 50 million yuan. The business scope includes "new energy vehicles and automotive intelligent technology," leading many to speculate that Wahaha was entering the new energy vehicle sector. Subsequently, Wahaha issued an official statement on its Weibo: "This morning, Haba woke up and saw many news saying we are going to make cars, and was shocked. We want to clarify to all friends who care about Wahaha: we are not making cars. The innovation center we established in Deqing is just an enterprise engaged in innovative technology R&D, focusing on biopharmaceuticals, intelligent manufacturing, and other technology R&D, incubation, and transfer. We are not making cars, but we are making mooncakes!"

  7. Carlsberg's Innovative Snap Pack Reduces Plastic Use by 76% To reduce plastic packaging, Carlsberg Group has launched an industry-first beer six-pack solution called Snap Pack. The Snap Pack uses a glue similar to "chewing gum" to firmly stick the beer cans together. When the cans are separated, the glue loses its stickiness and does not stick to hands. Compared to traditional packaging, Snap Pack reduces plastic use by 76%.

  8. After Multiple Failed Investments in China, Will Fonterra's Bet on "Anchor" Succeed? On September 7, at the fifth anniversary celebration of Fonterra's consumer brand Anchor in China, Cao Hui, Vice President of Fonterra Greater China Consumer Brands, announced that Anchor plans to triple sales in the next three years, focusing on ambient yogurt and fresh milk, aiming to achieve the No. 1 position in all categories. Zhu Xiaojing, President of Fonterra Greater China, stated at the event that China is Fonterra's largest, fastest-growing, and most important market globally, with China sales accounting for more than a quarter of Fonterra's global sales. "For Fonterra, China has never been a strategic choice but a strategic necessity." Therefore, Fonterra will achieve long-term scale development in China.

  9. Thai Inspirational Ad "I'm the Best" -END-