Industry News
Bugs beware: quick test for fatal cacao disease developed
Chocolate makers may indirectly benefit from a test that can quickly detect asymptomatic plants for the disease that has killed thousands of cacao trees. [ + ]
SPC cleared to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for workers
After an inspection by Work Safe Victoria, SPC has been given the go-ahead to require vaccinations for its workers. [ + ]
Udderly strong results from Victorian dairy industry
Victoria's dairy industry has had a year of good growth, with the 2020–21 Dairy Farm Monitor report revealing best results in years. [ + ]
High steaks: cell-grown meat company inks partnerships
The company, which grew its product in space in 2019, has signed deals with two of Asia's largest food companies in order to bring its steaks to market. [ + ]
Coca-Cola Australia enters seltzer drinks market
The company has launched its Topo Chico hard seltzer brand in time for summer. [ + ]
Manufacturers beware: forklift safety crackdown in NSW
With an incident involving a forklift occurring every day, six days a week, SafeWork NSW has issued a warning to businesses using forklifts, that they will be visited during this crackdown. [ + ]
Refined banana fibre alternative for moulded food packaging
Papyrus Australia has recently completed a proof-of-concept trial which has demonstrated the commercial viability of using 100% refined banana fibre. [ + ]
Food and grocery industry marches past disaster
The latest industry report by Australian Food and Grocery Council shows industry resilience during the difficulties of the pandemic and fires, reporting a 4% growth to almost $133 billion. [ + ]
Circular packaging economy guide launches
An overview of the Global Packaging Design for Recycling Guide will be provided in an hour-long online seminar on 4 October. [ + ]
Oil and snack companies team up to reduce deforestation
Three companies are hoping to incentivise sustainable palm oil farming through educational programs. [ + ]
Snack company introduces compostable bags
Frito-Lay will be using compostable bags, which produce 60% fewer greenhouse gas emissions, for some of its products as part of a pilot program. [ + ]
Uncle Ben's relaunches in Australia as Ben's Original
The microwaveable rice brand was renamed last year and the relaunch is more than just a new name and packaging change. [ + ]
Natural nitrate replacement for cured meats discovered
Researchers have found that a chemical from a Japanese plant could take the place of the nitrite preservative in cured meats such as bacon and sausages. [ + ]
Youfoodz to build new production facility in Qld
Youfoodz is set to begin construction of a purpose-built 13,700m2 facility in Queensland, which could double production. [ + ]
Fake meat from by-product of soy milk production
Researchers develop a meat analogue using fermented okara (soy press cake), which is claimed to be nutritious with less salt and saturated fats than real meat. [ + ]
