This Australasian confectionery technical conference, sponsored by the Manildra Group, will be held on 31 May at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. [ + ]

With the Klöckner Pentaplast Group (KP) acquiring Linpac Senior Holdings and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, the blended company will cover both the rigid and flexible film markets and have annual revenues exceeding US$2 billion. [ + ]

The Schuler Group has partnered with Japanese specialist in DWI bottle cans, TMC, to cater to the growing popularity of aluminium bottles. [ + ]

First things first — to enjoy some hot chips with the Martians you need to be able to grow potatoes on Mars. And current experiments show this is possible. [ + ]

For most of the world the answer is a definite 'no', but in the US a fight is brewing. [ + ]

Deliveroo is launching a platform that will provide restaurant partners with the infrastructure — including bespoke kitchens, local marketing support and fleets of riders — that allows them to launch delivery-only menus catered to local tastes. [ + ]

Hot coffee is great in your cup, but heat is not a good thing for coffee crops, research at Oregon State University suggests. [ + ]

Systech International has upgraded its UniSecure product authentication solution. [ + ]

Researchers have found a promising way to prevent the loss of millions of tons of crops to a fungus each year, offering the potential to dramatically improve food security, especially in developing countries. [ + ]

A new approach to sensors may enable the development of very simple, cheap and fast food pathogen test systems. [ + ]

Domino's has launched a range of all natural soft drinks in its stores. [ + ]

Olive oil adulteration for the purpose of financial gain has become one of the biggest sources of agricultural fraud in the EU. [ + ]

Demand for alternative sweeteners in the food market is forecast to be $870 million by 2020, with food applications continuing to take market share from beverage applications — albeit at a slowing rate. [ + ]

Registration is now open for foodpro 2017 — the iconic event for the food and beverage manufacturing industry. [ + ]

Delaying access to tempting, high-calorie foods and snacks in vending machines can potentially shift people's choices to purchase less desired but healthier snack options. [ + ]