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. [ + ]

A study by researchers at the University of Otago has found a probiotic could reduce cases of gestational diabetes in pregnant women by 68%. [ + ]

The revised Horticulture Code, which sets out mandatory requirements for traders and agents operating in Australian fresh fruit and vegetable markets, has now come into effect. [ + ]

A team of researchers from the University of Georgia (UGA) in the US is developing a robotic system of all-terrain rovers and unmanned aerial drones to gather and analyse data on the physical characteristics of crops, including their growth patterns, stress tolerance and general health. [ + ]

Food relief organisation Foodbank is taking a leadership role in the development of the Australian Government's first National Food Waste Strategy, which aims to halve Australia's food wastage by 2030. [ + ]

With worldwide demand for chocolate outstripping the production of cocoa beans, the hunt is on for viable alternatives. [ + ]

Research from the Menzies School of Health Research has found the majority of Aboriginal people living in remote Northern Territory communities are regularly using traditional foods in their diets. [ + ]

A literature review has found encouraging evidence about the impact of compostable foodservice packaging on waste and contamination. [ + ]

The Drinks Industry Show has appointed industry expert and ambassador Ben Davidson as event curator. [ + ]

Customers, staff, industry partners and supporters gathered recently to mark Gates Australia's 30-year anniversary. [ + ]

Australia's largest ever fruit and vegetable survey has found that only one in five Australian adults are eating enough fruit and vegetables. [ + ]

A US company has entered the gluten-free market with a line of ready-to-cook, cauliflower-crust pizzas. [ + ]

Baltic cruise company Viking Line has launched a long-term partnership with the Swedish Culinary Team, which competes in cooking competitions around the world. [ + ]

San Francisco-based Alter Eco has selected Futamura's NatureFlex packaging film for the compostable pouch used for the company's organic and fair trade quinoa. [ + ]