Industry News
Illegally imported pork labelled as fish
A Perth import business has been fined more than $50,000 for illegally importing pork products labelled as fish from Taiwan. The importer reportedly concealed the products among other imported goods as he knew the product is prohibited in Australia. [ + ]
'Westernisation' of Chinese retail market presents packaging challenges
A Canadean report predicts that consumer packaged-goods providers will capitalise on the trend of ‘Westernisation’ in China and integrate more Western groceries onto their shelves. [ + ]
New online system for imported cargo documentation
A new online system for lodging imported cargo documentation is set to save commercial importers and customs brokers time and money, the Department of Agriculture says. [ + ]
Advertising Standards Bureau finds Devondale milk ad is 'racist'
A complaint against a 15-second television commercial for Devondale milk has been upheld by the Advertising Standards Bureau (ASB), which found that the commercial vilified a man of Asian background and Asian business generally. [ + ]
Soy sauce importer cuts red tape with compliance agreement
Kikkoman Australia has become the most recent Australian importer to sign a Food Import Compliance Agreement with the Department of Agriculture. The agreement will enable the company to access special import agreements. [ + ]
Premium fragrant rice developed for Australian conditions
A new premium rice variety has been developed for Australia. Topaz rice will be available to rice growers in October 2014. [ + ]
Could personalised diets be the new frontier in food marketing?
Personalised medicine is making its way into the US, with blood tests at the heart of changes to the way consumers see their health. Canadean predicts that this technology will also shift into personalised diets. [ + ]
Tracking fresh produce to maximise shelf life
Researchers have turned the traditional 'first in, first out' approach to fresh produce distribution on its head, suggesting that a 'first expired, first out' approach would be more suitable when dealing with delicate fruits and vegetables like strawberries. [ + ]
Familiar ingredients entice consumers to healthy eating
The report ‘Healthy Dining Trends’ released by market research company Mintel, endeavoured to uncover what motivates Americans to eat healthfully. [ + ]
First Australian organic inspector approved to Chinese regulations
An inspector from the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia (NASAA), has become the first person outside of China approved to inspect to Chinese regulations. [ + ]
Sirane invests to keep pace with growth in cooking-bag market
Packaging manufacturer Sirane has invested in two new machines and additional manufacturing capacity to keep pace with global interest in cooking-bag solutions. [ + ]
Coffee farmers generate energy from wastewater
Results from a four-year project on coffee wastewater treatment have shown that it is possible to generate energy, tackle climate change and protect water resources by treating discharges from coffee mills. [ + ]
Pro Mach expands bottling and capping with acquisition
Pro Mach has expanded its bottling and capping capabilities by acquiring Pace Packaging. New Jersey-based Pace manufactures automated bottle unscramblers and orientors. [ + ]
Rebate available for small exporters
Small exporters, listen up: there's still time to apply for a rebate for your export registration charges for the 2014-15 financial year. The rebate covers 50% of export registration charges. [ + ]