(Alkestida/iStock/Getty Images)

China’s COFCO says it imported Canadian durum for first time

China's imports usually involve pasta or durum flour instead

Beijing | Reuters — Chinese state-run food group COFCO Group said it had imported Canadian durum wheat for the first time for processing into flour, a departure from China’s usual practice of importing finished durum flour or pasta. “This direct import of durum wheat has enriched the structure of China’s imported wheat varieties, facilitated the […] Read more

(Gelmold/iStock/Getty Images)

CBOT weekly outlook: Wheat futures underpinned for now

However, traders still watching headlines

MarketsFarm — U.S. wheat futures have climbed higher over the past week, with the largest gains in Chicago Board of Trade soft wheat, as global uncertainty over the COVID-19 pandemic provided some support. However, that uncertainty could also makes predicting market trends rather difficult, according to an analyst. “All of my comments come with a […] Read more

(Alkestida/iStock/Getty Images)

Solid demand, logistics underpin durum bids

MarketsFarm — Durum bids in Western Canada have found some support from solid demand and logistical issues elsewhere in the world. Anecdotal reports of pasta hoarding, due to COVID-19 coronavirus concerns, were also somewhat supportive. Cash durum bids in Saskatchewan are currently in the $7.50-$8 per bushel range, according to Prairie Ag Hotwire data. That […] Read more

(Barilla.com)

Barilla to buy second-largest Italian pasta plant

Milan | Reuters — Food group Barilla said on Wednesday it had presented an offer to buy the second-largest pasta plant in Italy from domestic rival Pasta Zara to boost its production capacity. Family-owned Pasta Zara has started court proceedings to get creditor protection after its debt spiralled out of control. The factory, which is […] Read more

The Canada 150 emblem in a durum field. (Agr.gc.ca)

Durum markets rattled as harvest set to start

CNS Canada — With the durum wheat harvest rapidly approaching in Western Canada, many analysts wonder how the dry conditions and extreme heat will affect yields. Yet there is one aspect about this year’s crop they already know. Increased seeded acreage this spring, and market access problems hindering longer-term durum sales, mean farmers might want […] Read more


Montreal-area processor Grisspasta, whose facilities are shown here, is one of three firms alleging dumping of pasta processed in Turkey into the Canadian market. (Grisspasta.com)

Canada to probe claims of Turkish pasta dumping

Three Canadian makers of dry wheat pasta have got their wish for a probe into whether competing products from Turkey are being dumped into the Canadian market. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced Tuesday it has launched an investigation into whether certain pasta products originating in or exported from Turkey are being sold at […] Read more

Durum wheat. (Gipsa.usda.gov)

High-quality durum still top of mind for buyers

Winnipeg | CNS Canada — Following two years of varying qualities for Canadian durum, the world still wants higher-quality grain, according to Rhyl Doyle. “The world still wants (No. 1) CWAD and last year although the profile was mostly (No. 3) CWAD, they still wanted 1 CWAD. So there are a spectrum of markets for […] Read more

Italian pastas. (RussoTiesi.com)

Italy demands origin labels for pasta, rice

Rome | Reuters — All packets of pasta and rice sold in Italy will have to include labels of origin showing where the produce was grown, the government ruled on Thursday, a move aimed at protecting local farmers. The agriculture and industry ministers signed a decree ordering the new labelling policy, saying it would run […] Read more



Commensal’s prepared-meal product lines include its vegetarian lasagna. (Commensal.com)

Dining firm Imvescor to shed veggie meals business

The Montreal parent firm for the Pizza Delight, Baton Rouge, Toujours Mikes and Scores restaurant chains is stepping out of the prepared meals business. Imvescor Restaurant Group announced Tuesday it has reached a deal to sell its Groupe Commensal subsidiary to Montreal processor Pasta Romana Foods for about $4.2 million. Commensal markets vegetarian refrigerated and […] Read more