Industry News
NatureWorks biopolymer receives Cradle to Cradle silver certification
NatureWorks’ biopolymer product Ingeo has recently received Silver Cradle to Cradle certification from the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. Made from plants, rather than oil, the product is reportedly the first of its kind to receive the certification. [ + ]
Forum supports front-of-pack labelling system
Ministers responsible for the regulation of food in Australia and New Zealand met in Canberra recently to consider the progress of issues such as a revised health claims standard and front-of-pack labelling. [ + ]
Cadbury and Coles boost Tassie dairy industry
The Tasmanian dairy industry has been boosted by a partnership between Coles and Cadbury, with dairy farmers now supplying 78 million L of fresh milk yearly to the chocolate manufacturer. [ + ]
Industry groups reject national container deposit scheme
A group of industry and union representatives has rejected the proposed national container deposit scheme (CDS), claiming it would effectively impose a tax on beverages that would cost jobs in the manufacturing sector and increase the pressure on struggling Australian families. [ + ]
$80 million Tasmanian grocery hub opens
The Statewide Independent Wholesalers (SIW) Distribution Centre was opened in Launceston on 31 May, with guest of honour Lara Giddings, Premier of Tasmania, in attendance. [ + ]
Mind the gaps in Chinese wine market, says Rabobank
While the wine market in China continues to grow, Australian wine suppliers still need to be mindful of a number of gaps in the market, says a recent Rabobank report. [ + ]
GS1 NZ announces online service for rapid recall or withdrawal of products
GS1 New Zealand is urging companies in the food and grocery sector to register for ProductRecallnz, an online service for rapid recall or withdrawal of products in consumer supply chains. [ + ]
DAFF reassures consumers following E. coli outbreak in US
The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Biosecurity (DAFF Biosecurity) has released a media statement on the alleged implication of Australian beef in US ground beef products that recently tested positive to E. coli 0157:H7. [ + ]
Instore SFP training focuses on last 50 metres
The 2012 Australian Institute of Packaging/IGD in-store shelf friendly packaging (SFP) training helped 70 packaging technologists, engineers and designers understand the complexities and difficulties that poor SFP design causes for store fillers and staff. [ + ]
Entries open for NZ Food Awards
Entries are now open for the 2012 NZ Food Awards. Organisers are encouraging all ‘food innovators’ to enter, from boutique producers through to large-scale manufacturers. The awards - held in association with Massey University - recognise creativity in product development, enterprise, food safety and packaging. [ + ]
China will lead PET market by 2020, says GBI Research
Polyethylene terephthalate, better known as PET, saw a growth of around 7% last decade, according to chemicals intelligence provider GBI Research. The demand for the flexible packaging chemical is a result of its diverse application in a range of new products in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and food sectors, the research company said. [ + ]
Demand for food safety products forecast to grow 7.3% each year
Demand for food safety products in the US is forecast to increase 7.3% annually to $4.5 billion in 2016. Solid gains will be the result of increased public awareness following recent highly publicised multistate outbreaks of foodborne illnesses; the need to comply with provisions of the landmark Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA); and industry initiatives that will provide a strong impetus for companies to improve their food safety practices. [ + ]
NZ MPI calls for submissions on folic acid fortification of breads
New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) is calling for submissions on the standard on fortifying bread with folic acid in New Zealand. The MPI has released a discussion paper outlining four options for the future of the standard, from mandatory fortification of most breads from September this year through to providing for voluntary fortification indefinitely. [ + ]
Olive oil producer pays penalty for mislabelled olive oil
A South Australian olive oil company has paid $13,200 for two infringement notices for attempting to pass off low-quality olive oil as ‘extra virgin’. [ + ]
O-I Australia and Taylors Wines win Best Wine Bottle Award
A collaboration between glass packaging manufacturers O-I Australia and winemakers Taylors Wines has taken out the Best Wine Bottle Award at the 2012 Australian Wine Industry Design Competition. The 2010 Taylors Winemaker’s Project Grenache Shiraz Mataro (GSM) was declared the nation’s best bottle and label design at the awards. [ + ]