Industry News
Consumers just like beer, regardless of bitterness source
A study could help in quality assurance at breweries, as it found beer consumers could be more forgiving than previously believed when it comes to bitterness. [ + ]
Farmers can now grow food-grade wheatgrass
A food-grade wheatgrass variety called MN-Clearwater has been released for public use. The variety can provide new flavours for food products. [ + ]
Food additive in desserts alters gut microbiota in mice
Research from the University of Massachusetts Amherst suggests that the food additive titanium dioxide, also known as E171, can disrupt the gut microbiome. [ + ]
Meat processing plants: COVID-19 hotspots in Europe
A European study has identified poor working conditions at meat processing plants across Europe as a reason why they are becoming vectors for the spread of COVID‑19. [ + ]
Sweet treats to be made using 100% renewable energy
Mondelēz plans to switch to using 100% renewable energy at two of its Melbourne factories that make Cadbury, The Natural Confectionery Company and Pascall treats. [ + ]
ACCC, wine industry unite to improve commercial arrangements
The ACCC has been working with winemakers, grower groups and Australian Grape & Wine to improve standard form contracts between grape growers and winemakers. [ + ]
MoU signed to create Industrial Digital Innovation Hub
RMIT will host a new Industrial Digital Innovation Hub at its Melbourne Advanced Manufacturing Precinct after partnering with Siemens and Festo Didactics. [ + ]
Airbridge to connect food process to distribution centre
Mainbrace Construction will build an airbridge to connect the Hilton Foods process facility with a new Woolworths distribution centre in Melbourne. [ + ]
COVID-19 leads to decline in US wine market volumes
US wine volume sales are predicted to be flat in 2020, with consumers drinking the same amount of wine, but doing more of it at home, reveals Wine Intelligence. [ + ]
Wine sector welcomes Smoke Taint Grant
The wine sector has welcomed the government's $5 million Smoke Taint Grant, which will help wine producers overcome recent bushfires and COVID-19. [ + ]
Fonterra to pay for milk based on sustainable farming
Fonterra has announced that farmers who produce sustainable, high-quality milk will be eligible for a new payment of up to 10 cents per kilo of milk solids. [ + ]
Longreach abattoir to reopen in Qld
The Queensland Government plans to revitalise the abattoir on the site of the former Longreach Pastoral College, bringing employment to the area. [ + ]
AIP supports Global Webinar Series on Packaging
Informa Markets, in collaboration with the World Packaging Association and the AIP, will run a five-part series of webinars on the packaging industry. [ + ]
Low-energy beverage processing line introduced by Tetra Pak
Tetra Pak has launched a low-energy processing line for juice, nectar and still drinks (JNSD) that treats beverages in two separate streams. [ + ]
US study: 82% of avocado oil either rancid or adulterated
A study of commercial avocado oil quality and purity has found that the majority of avocado oil sold in the US is of poor quality, mislabelled or adulterated. [ + ]
