Industry News
ARBS 2014 seminar registrations open
Registrations for the ARBS 2014 seminar series are now open. The seminar series will be held alongside the ARBS 2014 event from 20 to 22 May 2014 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. [ + ]
New president for Mars
Grant F Reid, the global president of Mars Chocolate, has been chosen to replace Paul S Michaels, the current president of Mars Incorporated, who will retire at the end of the year. Reid will formally take on the role of president of Mars in January 2015. [ + ]
Patties Foods announces new Managing Director
Patties Foods has appointed a new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Steven Chaur's appointment was announced by the Patties Board on 28 March; he will take up the position on 15 April. [ + ]
Committee recommends new risk analysis for imported fresh produce
A Senate Committee has recommended all bans on imported Fijian ginger, New Zealand potatoes and Malaysian pineapples be upheld. [ + ]
AIP Scholarship winner graduates with Certificate in Packaging
Andrew U'Ren AAIP, 2011 AIP Scholarship recipient, has graduated with a Certificate in Packaging. U’Ren won the AIP scholarship through the Southern Cross Awards Program. [ + ]
Australian Made Campaign welcomes inquiry into food labelling
The announcement of a Senate inquiry into country-of-origin labelling for imported foods has been welcomed by the Australian Made Campaign. [ + ]
Soda tax may not be the solution to obesity epidemic
Is increasing taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages really the key to curbing the obesity epidemic? According to a recent study, not really. [ + ]
The Willy Wonka of watercress to address vegetable seminar
Rob Baan, the mastermind behind Koppert Cress's micro-vegetables that taste like aniseed, oysters and citrus, will deliver a presentation about the innovation to Australian vegetable growers at AUSVEG's 2014 Produce Innovation Seminar on 19 June. [ + ]
Deadline extended for NZIFST Food Industry Excellence Awards
To avoid a clash with the end of the financial year, the deadline for registrations of interest in nominations for the NZIFST Food Industry Excellence Awards has been extended by one week to 11 April. [ + ]
Inquiry to examine truth in country of origin food labelling
Food labels are set to be scrutinised after Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce and Industry Minister Ian MacFarlane referred an inquiry into country of origin food labelling to the House of Representatives Agriculture and Industry Committee. The inquiry will examine truth and clarity in country of origin food labels. [ + ]
Changing eating habits to save the planet
According to Swedish researchers, changing our eating habits is imperative if we are to meet the UN climate target of limiting global warming to 2°C. In the future, being green could involve eating less red meat and dairy. [ + ]
Panel announced for competition review
Members of the review panel for the government's 'root and branch' review of competition law have been announced. Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson announced the three members and chair on 27 March. [ + ]
Taxpayers will pay for Container Deposit Scheme, AFGC claims
The cost of the $1.4 billion national Container Deposit Scheme will be shouldered by taxpayers, the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has warned. [ + ]
pitt&sherry to design $10m Strahan Aquaculture Hub
pitt&sherry has been chosen to work on the $10 million Strahan Aquaculture Hub development on Tasmania's west coast. The engineering consultancy has secured key planning approvals and will undertake detailed design for the TSGA development. [ + ]
New members join Indonesia-Australia meat partnership
Five new members have joined the Indonesia-Australia Partnership on Food Security in the Red Meat and Cattle Sector, including two with extensive exporting experience - one of whom is a major meat processor. [ + ]