Industry News
Low-calorie alcoholic drinks take off in US, Europe
Low-calorie fever has hit a segment not traditionally associated with health: alcohol. As consumers increasingly focus on healthy lifestyle choices, alcohol producers are jumping on board the low-calorie bandwagon. [ + ]
Call for papers for 2015 National Technical Forums
The AIP and APPMA have issued a call for papers for the 2015 National Technical Forums, which will be held in conjunction with AUSPACK 2015. [ + ]
Peanut butter bickies and toddler milk win Shonky Awards
Arnott's Tim Tam peanut butter flavour biscuits and S-26 Gold Toddler and Junior milk drinks were named by consumer watchdog Choice in its annual Shonky Awards. [ + ]
Coffee compounds shown to protect the liver - even in decaf
Chemical compounds in coffee have been found to be beneficial to liver health - and they're present even in decaffeinated coffee. [ + ]
Coles back in court over alleged mistreatment of suppliers
Coles is being taken to the Federal Court by the ACCC for alleged 'unconscionable conduct' towards its suppliers. The ACCC alleges that Coles' conduct contravenes the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). [ + ]
APPMA to exhibit at PACK EXPO International 2014
More than 30 leading packaging and processing associations from around the world have been confirmed as exhibitors at PACK EXPO International 2014 in Chicago. Representing Australia is the APPMA, which is exhibiting at the show for the second year. [ + ]
Coles defends unconscionable conduct claims
Coles has rejected the ACCC's claims of unconscionable conduct towards some of its suppliers. The company says the five suppliers in question still continue to be "valued suppliers to Coles". [ + ]
Chinese beverage show to move in 2016
China Brew China Beverage (CBB) organisers have announced that the show will move from Beijing to Shanghai in 2016. The event will be held at the Shanghai New International Exhibition Centre (SNIEC) from 11 to 14 October 2016. [ + ]
Nestlé invests $65m in Blayney pet food factory
Nestlé Australia has increased production at its Purina factory in Blayney, NSW, after an injection of CHF 54 million (AU$65 million). The investment will reportedly create an additional 100 full-time jobs at the site. [ + ]
Litmus testing to detect E. coli - and maybe even cancer
The good old litmus test has been adapted to detect pathogens such as E. coli in liquids. A research team set out to make testing liquids faster, easier and more affordable by using litmus dyes and paper to detect the presence of bacteria. [ + ]
Competitiveness the biggest hurdle for Aust food sector
The AFGC has welcomed the Industry Innovation and Competitiveness Agenda's strong focus on boosting industry competitiveness. [ + ]
Specialist bakers not affected by supermarket bread wars: Roy Morgan
Despite Woolworths, Coles and now even ALDI dropping their own-brand white bread prices to outdo one another, specialist stores such as Bakers Delight aren't under threat, according to a new report from Roy Morgan. [ + ]
Yeast hitches a ride on beer-loving fruit flies
What do humans and flies have in common? A love of beer. We all know that people like (or even love) beer, but researchers think they've found the reason why it's so tasty - for both humans and flies. [ + ]
Healthy food really is more expensive than unhealthy food
The often-heard complaint of "I just can't afford to buy healthy food" may just have some truth to it. A new study in the journal PLOS One has found that healthy foods are three times more expensive per calorie than less healthy food. [ + ]
Processing machinery focus for AUSPACK 2015
AUSPACK 2015 will continue its focus on processing machinery. With less than five months until the 30th anniversary show, a host of companies have already signed up. [ + ]
