Industry News
In-store sampling increases product sales
Stores selling food and drinks often have a representative holding a little platter of mini treats, and this is because it can actually be a very effective marketing strategy that encourages sales, according to research published in the Journal of Retailing. [ + ]
Flies carry more harmful bacteria than suspected
Researchers studied the microbiomes of 116 houseflies and blowflies from three different continents and found they carried over 600 hundred different species of bacteria. [ + ]
You are guilty anyway — buckwheat flour causing recalls
In New Zealand the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is working with several food businesses to recall products that contain buckwheat flour that has been found to contain gluten. The affected buckwheat flour, supplied by Davis Food Ingredients, has been unwittingly used in products advertised as gluten-free or in products consumers consider to be gluten-free. [ + ]
Red meat industry productivity relies on reliable information
ACCC Commissioner Mick Keogh said reliable information is important in encouraging future investment and ensuring the productivity of the red meat industry, but there is still much to be done before this is achieved. [ + ]
Want your dog to drink more? Use chicken flavouring
Electrolyte drinks may be an effective solution to help our canine friends stay hydrated, according to a study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. [ + ]
Are you a food start-up needing cash and a mentor?
Mentorship, access to experts, $10,000 cash and more are being offered to food industry start-ups by Chobani — but you'd better be quick, applications close on 30 November. [ + ]
Veggie farm profits up but farm numbers down
Australian vegetable farmers are responding to consumer demands for a wider variety of fresh vegetables and increasing their profitability as well. [ + ]
Holiday spice has fat-burning properties
Christmas treats such as German cinnamon biscuits, cinnamon rolls and cinnamon eggnog may be slightly more guilt-free this year in light of new research which suggests the common holiday spice may help prevent obesity. [ + ]
Global Dairy Platform appoints new chairman
Fonterra CEO Theo Spierings has been appointed as chairman of the Global Dairy Platform (GDP). [ + ]
New Zealand annual packaging scholarship program
In conjunction with the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP), the Packaging Council of New Zealand has announced the launch of an annual acholarship program. [ + ]
Parmalat's lactose-free milk launch is timely, says GlobalData
With the lactose-free milk market expanding, GlobalData labels dairy producer Parmalat's launch of its 'lactose-free' milk product as very timely. [ + ]
Foodbank tackles food insecurity in Australia
Despite Australia being considered as a 'lucky country', hunger still affects many Australians, which is why Foodbank is calling on the federal government to develop a National Food Insecurity Strategy. [ + ]
Family hospitalised after suspected botulism poisoning from wild boar
Does your Christmas menu feature wild boar? If so, you might want to rethink. [ + ]
Six companies sued for unlawful use of patented packaging
Windham Packaging LLC filed a complaint with the US International Trade Commission after six companies used its patented breathable packaging without paying for it. [ + ]
Sunny Queen MD: Commonwealth Games presents opportunities for the food industry
The 2018 Commonwealth Games will be hosted in Brisbane, and Sunny Queen Managing Director John O'Hara suggests this could present an invaluable opportunity for the food and catering industry in Queensland. [ + ]
