In seeking to eat healthier food, more consumers are turning to vegetable-based meat substitutes that resemble chicken and beef. However, while many meat substitutes can be made to taste like beef or chicken, the texture is often mushy or flaky. A team of researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia is helping create vegetable-based meat substitutes that are remarkably similar to the texture, appearance and feel of actual meat. [ + ]

The Co-op in the UK is using its loaf with the announcement that it is launching 100% degradable plastic bread wrappers. [ + ]

Developing retail packaging can be a minefield for marketers irrespective of whether you are an experienced campaigner with strong brands that offer leverage for newly created products or the new kid on the block with a great idea that will allow you to displace those firmly entrenched brands. [ + ]

WineTech 2005, the national wine industry suppliers' trade show, will again be held within the heartland of the Australian wine producing industry, Adelaide, in July next year. [ + ]