Australian seafood manufacturers recently attended a hands-on Seafood Packaging Master Class hosted by the Australian Seafood Cooperative Research Centre, the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) and Multivac Australia. [ + ]

Researchers have developed a technique to enhance the aroma of alcohol-free beer, which is often perceived as 'tasteless' by consumers. [ + ]

An importer has been fined $25,000 for failing to test 2241 kg Parma ham imported from Italy in 2011. Paqualino Licastro, owner of Perth import company Topas Pty Ltd, was fined $3000 while the company was fined $22,000. [ + ]

Waxed cardboard is not the most sustainable of materials: the coating is petrochemical based and it renders the cardboard unrecyclable. However, a new waterproof coating that is both recyclable and renewable could soon be on the market. [ + ]

The BIOMAT research group from the University of the Basque Country has responded to the demand for longer shelf life coupled with sustainability, with the development of a biodegradable/compostable container for both liquid and solid oily products. [ + ]

A study funded by the Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation (RIRDC) has found that the horticulture industry is more vulnerable to a high Australian dollar than other agrifood sectors. [ + ]

What do UK consumers want most in their cans? Antibacterial packaging. More than half of all British consumers are more concerned about bacteria on the outside of a can than the presence of dirt and dust. [ + ]

The New Zealand Institute of Food Science & Technology (NZIFST) is calling for expressions of interest from those wanting to present an oral paper at NZIFST's 2015 conference. [ + ]

We tend to think of elderly people as being stuck in their ways and unwilling to try new foods, but a new study has shown that this isn't the case. Researchers have found that half of all elderly consumers readily accept new foods. [ + ]

Recommendations to consume plenty of dairy to ward off osteoporosis may be incorrect, according to Swedish research. Researchers found that a high milk intake is not associated with a lower risk of fracture and - surprisingly - may instead be associated with a higher rate of death. [ + ]

Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) has announced it will close its Bayswater manufacturing facility, shedding 57 permanent roles. The company will shift production to its larger capital city facilities over a 12-month transition period. [ + ]

Fonterra has opened a UHT greenfield plant in Waitoa, New Zealand. [ + ]

Loscam has taken out the Best Innovation Food & Beverage Service Provider Award at the IMPACT CHINA: Food and Beverage Global Summit 2014. [ + ]

Spices and herbs can play a significant role in improving health, by helping to reduce sodium, kilojoule and fat intake while making healthy eating more appealing, conclude the authors of a scientific supplement published in the journal Nutrition Today. [ + ]

A super-light PET bottle developed by Krones has been awarded the German Design Award 2015 in the packaging category. [ + ]