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. [ + ]

From 26 November 2014, NSW egg producers need to stamp each egg with a unique identifying mark that will enable them to be easily traced back to the farm where it was laid. [ + ]

In an effort to enhance brand engagement with consumers, Nestlé Japan will soon begin using a humanoid robot to sell Nescafé machines. [ + ]

Coca-Cola's Del Valle Reserva brand of juice won the Technology in Beverage Packaging prize at the 2014 ABRE Awards in Brazil, for being the first brand to use Tetra Pak cartons with bio-based LDPE films derived from sugar cane. [ + ]

Australian food manufacturers aiming to stay globally competitive will benefit from a new University of Sydney centre that launched today (3 November): the ARC Training Centre for the Australian Food Processing Industry in the 21st Century (ARCFPTC). [ + ]

UPM Raflatac's label stock slitting and distribution operations in Guangzhou and Tianjin terminals have both achieved FSC and PEFC Chain of Custody (CoC) certifications.This means that all of the company's Chinese sites are now CoC certified. [ + ]

AUSPACK 2015 organisers have announced a number of new exhibitors for the event, including Daxner Soren Asia Pacific, Advanced Machine Technology, Pharma Equip, Pulford Air & Gas, Meech, Hydroflux and Mettler Toledo. [ + ]

Turning the dregs of whisky-making into fuel in Scotland. [ + ]

Scientists have reported in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry that olive oil withstands the heat of the fryer or pan better than several seed oils to yield more healthful food. [ + ]

Recent efforts to promote coconut water as a natural and healthy soft drink have moved it into the mainstream in the US and, according to Innova Market Insights, manufacturers are now focusing on developing the European market. [ + ]

A research centre has been established to explore new technologies for improving crop yields, by improving the way that plants capture the sun's energy through photosynthesis. [ + ]

According to a new study in the Journal of Consumer Research, when you can't get your favourite product, you'll quickly forget about it if you can find a good replacement. [ + ]

Research shows that using skincare products dramatically increases the absorption of BPA from cash register receipts. [ + ]

Dog food packaging shaped like slippers and a carton of extra-large eggs depicting a chicken in some discomfort are among the packaging designs recognised by the Pentawards Concept 2015. [ + ]

Scientists have identified two enzymes that determine the terpene content - and thus the aroma intensity - of grapes. The findings could play an important role in the future development of grape varieties. [ + ]