Industry News
Consumers don’t trust the Big 10 brands
More than 50% of Australians don’t trust the ‘Big 10’ food and drink companies, according to Oxfam’s Behind the Brands report, which assessed the companies on their sourcing of agricultural commodities from developing countries. [ + ]
Sensory test gives fast results in natural setting
A new test developed by the University of Copenhagen allows sensory researchers to conduct rapid product tests under natural circumstances using larger groups. [ + ]
Coles is a bad egg, says Humane Society
The Humane Society International has branded Coles’ changed free-range standard an attempt to “dupe” consumers and “hijack the business of genuine free-range egg producers”. [ + ]
Key Technology and Visys to merge
Key Technology and Visys NV, a leading provider of chute-fed in-air sorters used by food processors and waste recyclers, have entered into a merger agreement. [ + ]
Bakery exhibition postponed to 2014
The SIAB International Techno-Bake Exhibition, which was due to be held in Verona in May 2013, has been postponed to 2014. [ + ]
O-I partners with university to advance R&D
Owens-Illinois Inc has signed a three-year agreement with the University of Toledo’s Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering to support research at O-I’s new R&D Innovation Center. [ + ]
Workforce Development Service will help SMEs improve their competitive edge
A Manufacturing Workforce Development Service (MWDS) has been formed to work with manufacturing SMEs to support them and assist them to access the government’s National Workforce Development Fund (NWDF). [ + ]
Scholarship program attracts new talent to dairy processing industry
Leading Australian dairy manufacturers are opening their doors to develop the skills of talented graduates as part of Dairy Australia’s 2013 Manufacturing Scholarship program. [ + ]
Cask wine sales falling, imports increasing
When it comes to wine, Australians are opting for bottle rather than cask - but less money is making its way into Australian wine producers’ pockets. [ + ]
CHOICE launches Pack Attack
CHOICE has launched Pack Attack - a campaign calling on manufacturers to adopt packaging that is not difficult or dangerous to open. The consumer watchdog is asking consumers to submit photos of difficult-to-open packaging. [ + ]
Carbon price helps food processer cut emissions and energy costs
A $1.17 million Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Program grant, funded from carbon-price revenue, will help Primo Smallgoods to reduce emissions and slash energy costs. [ + ]
Marketing and sustainable packaging round table
RMIT University and the Sustainable Packaging Alliance will host a one-day round table to explore the marketing advantages of packaging for sustainability. [ + ]
Produce exporter to open Asian export division
Perfection Fresh Australia has appointed experienced fresh produce and retail executive Malcolm McLean to lead its Singapore operations as General Manager Exports (Asia). [ + ]
Testing laboratory partnership to offer package and permeation testing
Inspection Systems has announced a testing laboratory partnership with MOCON. The laboratory, known as IS Laboratories, will commence operations in late February 2013. [ + ]
AMA calls for tighter alcohol regulation
The alcohol industry’s self-regulation has failed, the AMA has said, with the industry involved pushing to “lure young people into early and potentially harmful drinking patterns”. [ + ]
