Researchers from Universiti Teknologi MARA in Malaysia have developed a PCR kit that provides a sensitive and specific means of screening, detecting and identifying sarcocystis spp. [ + ]

The functional beverage industry looks set to grow, with revenue increasing by an estimated 2.5% in 2013-14 to reach $1.1 billion. This growth is expected to continue through 2018-19, with industry revenue growing by 11.4% to reach $1.3 billion. [ + ]

What's the difference between regular and supersized? Just the label, according to US researchers. New research conducted by the Cornell Food & Brand Lab suggests that portion labels impact our entire eating experience. [ + ]

False claims about honey products has cost food importer Basfoods $30,600 in penalties after the ACCC instigated legal proceedings against the company. [ + ]

To support women in the packaging industry, the AIP, in collaboration with Emberin, has launched the Ignite Packaging mentoring program. Over a 12-week period, the self-paced program enables participants to master new skills and techniques. [ + ]

oils+fats, the world's only trade fair for the oils and fats sector, will take place from 15 to 17 September in Munich, finishing two days before the start of Munich's world famous Oktoberfest. [ + ]

Applications are now open for two international fellowships worth $10,000 each. AgriFood Skills Australia and the ISS Institute are offering the fellowships to professionals in the agrifood sector. [ + ]

Aleah Black, a packaging engineer with Johnson&Johnson Pacific, was named as the winner of the sixth annual APPMA scholarship. The scholarship will enable Black to study a Diploma in Packaging Technology. [ + ]

Fresh produce marketer Perfection Fresh and glasshouse operator D'VineRipe have announced that the two companies will merge as of 1 July. [ + ]

Functional foods and beverages fail when they rely too much on health claims to differentiate them from the competition, a new report from New Nutrition Business shows. [ + ]

Westpac has appointed a new General Manager, Agribusiness. Steve Hannan will take over the role from Graham Jennings, who retired from the role in March. Hannan has been acting in the post since Jennings' retirement. [ + ]

Kansas State University master's student Lance Noll has developed and validated a molecular assay that can detect and quantify major genes specific to E. coli O157. [ + ]

Packaging industry veterans Ralph Moyle and Craig Wellman have each been awarded an AIP Fellowship for their contributions to the industry. [ + ]

Fonterra President Greater China Kelvin Wickham has been appointed to the newly created position of Managing Director Global Ingredients. Johan Priem will take over the President Greater China role on 1 August when Wickham assumes his new role. [ + ]

Advancing Food Safety (AFS) - SAI Global is offering a new course: Understanding WQA v8. All Woolworths Trade Partners are obliged to meet training requirements outlined in WQA v8. [ + ]