The AIP and the APPMA have issued a call for papers for the 2015 National Technical Forums, which will be held in conjunction with AUSPACK 2015. [ + ]

While beer consumption in Australia is falling, it's not all bad news for the alcohol industry: research firm IBISWorld is forecasting a 21.5% increase in cider sales over the next five years. [ + ]

Here's a reason not to feel bad if you don't get your two and five a day: a new study from the University of Michigan shows that diets that conform to federal dietary recommendations could have higher carbon footprints than non-conforming diets. [ + ]

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. [ + ]

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. [ + ]

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. [ + ]

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. [ + ]

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. [ + ]

A new premium rice variety has been developed for Australia. Topaz rice will be available to rice growers in October 2014. [ + ]

With the rise of the supermarket in-store bakery, bread, cake and pastry manufacturing industries are struggling to hold on to market share, according to IBISWorld. [ + ]

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. [ + ]

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. [ + ]

The report ‘Healthy Dining Trends’ released by market research company Mintel, endeavoured to uncover what motivates Americans to eat healthfully. [ + ]

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. [ + ]

Pro Mach has expanded its bottling and capping capabilities by acquiring Pace Packaging. New Jersey-based Pace manufactures automated bottle unscramblers and orientors. [ + ]