Global organic food and drink sales increased by 6% to US$105 billion in 2018, marking the first time it has surpassed the US$100 billion barrier, according to Ecovia Intelligence. [ + ]

The £220m deal will allow Proseal to further expand its business by providing access to JBT's global sales and service network. [ + ]

Quadram Institute Bioscience and the University of Newcastle have recently signed a memorandum of understanding which will see them work together to address global food and health challenges. [ + ]

Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and technology company 3M have celebrated the renewal of their five-year partnership with a new food safety lab. [ + ]

Research has found that repeated exposure to alcohol advertising in sport, particularly a popular brand, leads to more positive attitudes towards alcohol in general. [ + ]

Australian meat producers are calling for political parties to cut red tape and energy costs, after a report revealed they have significantly higher operating costs than their international competitors. [ + ]

Food and beverage manufacturers looking to produce reduced-sugar products are encouraged to join a free webinar on 15 May 2019. [ + ]

Following the E. coli outbreak involving romaine lettuce last year, the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement Board has voted to strengthen mandatory food safety practices required on farms. [ + ]

Michigan State University researchers have obtained a better understanding of the natural insect resistance of wild tomato plants, which could help reduce the use of pesticides. [ + ]

University of Michigan researchers found that the carbon dioxide emissions tied to the average grocery store meal were 2 kg higher than a meal kit. [ + ]

With the federal election fast approaching, AUSVEG has called on political parties to address the major labour shortages in the horticulture industry. [ + ]

Miguel Campos of food packaging supplier Advanta explains how to safely use aluminium packaging in a household microwave. [ + ]

A report by the EAT-Lancet Commission has recommended limiting red meat consumption to a maximum of 28 g a day, but Meat and Livestock Australia fears the implications this may have on the Australian red meat industry. [ + ]

SIG is now using foil certified by the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) for its aseptic carton packs. [ + ]

Smelling coffee could trigger similar reactions in the brain as physically drinking a cup, according to new research. [ + ]