Industry News
Sustainable vanilla sourcing program announced
General Mills and Häagen-Dazs have announced a sustainable vanilla sourcing program designed to support smallholder vanilla farmers in Madagascar. [ + ]
20th Australian HACCP Conference to be held in Melbourne
The 20th Australian HACCP Conference will explore a range of topics, including Australia’s role in a global marketplace, Australian technical updates and new issues for food export. [ + ]
Why sourdough bread resists mould
Sourdough bread resists mould, unlike conventionally leavened bread. It seems that during sourdough production, bacteria convert the linoleic acid in bread flour to a compound that has powerful antifungal activity. [ + ]
Swedish academic to present at AIP Technical Dinner
Dr Helén Williams, senior lecturer in energy and environmental systems at Karlstad University, Sweden, and visiting academic at RMIT in Melbourne, will speak at the AIP March Technical Dinner. [ + ]
Restrict ‘substantial transformation’ definition, says Australian Made Campaign
Country of origin labelling in Australia leaves a great deal to be desired, but the Greens’ proposed bill is not an acceptable alternative, the Australian Made Campaign has said. [ + ]
Nestlé announces sustainable Smarties
Nestlé Australia has announced that every chocolate it sells is now independently certified to ensure the cocoa is sourced and produced sustainably on farms with safe working conditions. [ + ]
New chair for AFGC Board
Terry O’Brien, Managing Director of Simplot Australia, has been elected as the new chair of the Australian Food and Grocery Council Board following the resignation of John Doumani. [ + ]
Triennial bakery exhibition to be held in Verona
A triennial event, the 10th SIAB International Techno-Bake Exhibition will not only exhibit enhancements to traditional sectors but also new and innovative developments in the baking industry. [ + ]
Allergy non-profits merge to offer support to sufferers
Two American not-for-profit organisations dedicated to improving quality of life for those with food allergies have merged. The Kids with Food Allergies Foundation will become a division of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. [ + ]
AFGC criticises Greenpeace CDS action
The AFGC has criticised Greenpeace’s recent activism at CCA’s Sydney headquarters, calling it “yet another example of the environmental lobby trying to pull the wool over consumers’ eyes.” [ + ]
Kraft applauds government commitment to food innovation
Kraft Foods’ President has applauded the government for taking the first step towards establishing a Food Innovation Precinct to boost the Australian food manufacturing industry and capture the Asian market. [ + ]
MG steps up farmgate prices despite tough market conditions
Murray Goulburn says a drive to improve efficiencies in the business has enabled it to provide its supplier-shareholders with a third step up in milk price for the season. [ + ]
No horsemeat on the menu for Australia
According to Dr Shevahn Telfser, a livestock lecturer from CSU’s School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences, the risk of horsemeat making its way into beef products in Australia is very small. [ + ]
High demand sees AUSPACK PLUS floor space expanded
AUSPACK PLUS 2013 will be bigger than ever, with conference organisers announcing an expanded floor space due to high demand. [ + ]
CoOL bill threatens Australian jobs, AFGC claims
The Greens’ Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL) bill jeopardises Australian export opportunities and food manufacturing jobs, the Australian Food and Grocery Council claims. [ + ]