Industry News
Retail trade growth to soften in December; trade turnover to increase
Retail trade growth will slow in the lead-up to Christmas, according to the AFGC CHEP Retail Index. The Index predicts just 3.2% year-on-year growth for the December quarter. [ + ]
Iced coffee market hots up
Consumers' love of coffee has turned cold, according to new research from Innova Market Insights. Chilled ready-to-drink (RTD) or iced coffee is booming, with the number of launches tripling in the last five years. [ + ]
Tea flavour, health benefits reduced by rain
Researchers have found that shifting patterns of precipitation affect key chemicals responsible for the flavour and health properties of tea. [ + ]
Natural sweeteners on the rise … slowly
According to a report published by Canadean, consumers love the idea of natural sweeteners, but our taste buds are still adjusting. [ + ]
Cutting-edge culinary trends for 2015
Coconut sugar, ugly fruit and vegetables and cannabis cuisine feature in advertising agency Sterling Rice Group's list of Top 10 Cutting-Edge Culinary Trends for 2015 [ + ]
Too soon to tell if chocolate is brain food, experts say
Recent research suggesting that compounds found in cocoa can improve memory in older people makes old age seem not quite so bad. But is it too soon to start plying grandma with a family-sized block of chocolate every time you go to visit? [ + ]
Start date for dietary fibre claim requirements could be pushed back
New requirements for nutrition content claims about dietary fibre could be delayed by 12 months after the Australian Food and Grocery Council applied to extend the requirements to January 2017. [ + ]
50% rebate available for small exporters
Small exporters of agricultural commodities have one week to apply for a rebate of 50% (up to $5000) on export registration charges. [ + ]
Cherries that keep their cool travel better
How do you keep cherries fresh when exporting? The secret's in the cooling, according to Canadian agrifood research. Just a few degrees can have a big impact on cherries that are transported via ocean container. [ + ]
Older consumers need educating about protein
Consumers are becoming aware of how important protein is in the diet - but most of them aren't eating enough of it and don't fully understand its benefits. According to research firm Canadean, this presents an opportunity for manufacturers. [ + ]
Taste and convenience are key factors in potato consumption
Australian consumers are buying potatoes for taste and convenience, and are keen to purchase more, according to the Potato Tracker research study. [ + ]
Facebook could be making children fat, study shows
Despite bans on television advertisements of energy dense, nutrient poor (EDNP) food brands to children, many companies are circumventing these laws by promoting their brand through Facebook, University of Sydney researchers say. [ + ]
Survey reveals future needs, trends of cold chain industry
The results of a survey on the cold chain industry have been released at an industry forum. [ + ]
Roll over: fresh wins over fried in the battle of the roll
Apparently, when it comes to rolls, we're turning Japanese. New research from Roy Morgan shows that sushi is gaining popularity while the popularity of spring rolls is waning. The research firm says this is part of an overall preference shift towards fresh, rather than fried, food. [ + ]
Farm fresh milk keeps kids healthy
A European study has shown that infants fed on fresh, unprocessed milk rather than UHT milk are less prone to infection. [ + ]
