A new research programme will look at the factors - attitudes, behaviours and lifestyles - that motivate Chinese consumers to buy foods that improve their health and wellness.

Chinese national holidays could have affected last week’s Global Dairy Trade auction, in which the overall price index was down 3%, say economists.

Fonterra is number-one in China in business and in reputation, claims Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings.

China, the broader Asian region and the Indian subcontinent hold untapped opportunities for the red meat sector, say Meat Industry Association chief executive Tim Ritchie.

New Zealand Avocados chief executive Jen Scoular was in China last week looking at the potential market for avocados.

Food Safety Minister Jo Goodhew has welcomed the opening of the Fonterra Ying Hub in Ying County, Shuozhou City, Shanxi Province, China.

Food Safety and Associate Primary Industries Minister Jo Goodhew will travel to China for bi-lateral meetings and to open a new Fonterra dairy facility in the Shanxi Province.

Trade Minister Todd McClay has reiterated the Government has sought and received assurances from the Chinese Government that any competition issues would not impact on trade between the two countries.

Reports that China has threatened action against key exports such as dairy and kiwifruit if New Zealand investigated a complaint about Chinese steel imports are "completely overblown".

Meat exporter Alliance Group has dispatched a new range of market-ready retail packs to China.