Industry News
Carob leaves could inhibit Listeria growth in food
According to a report in the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, carob leaves are a rich source of antibacterial substances ideal for fighting the microbe responsible for listeriosis. [ + ]
Conference helps food sector navigate food policy changes
The 14th annual Food Regulations and Labelling Standards Conference will be held over 10 and 11 December. It provides a platform to discuss the ongoing issues in food policy. [ + ]
Southern Cross Compressors appoints new National Service Manager
As part of ‘aggressive’ expansion plans, Southern Cross Compressors has appointed Daryl Edwards as its National Service Manager. [ + ]
Winemakers reject oversupply claims
The Winemakers’ Federation of Australia has rejected claims made by FARE that the oversupply challenges facing Australia’s wine industry are over and it should be subject to a $1.5 billion tax increase. [ + ]
ACCC offers country of origin labelling advice to consumers
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has launched a new initiative to provide consumers with clear advice on country of origin labelling claims and olive oil quality claims. [ + ]
Lion to close Swan Brewery
Lion has announced its intention to close Western Australia’s Swan Brewery, with 80 roles being made redundant as well as impacts on contract labour requirements. [ + ]
MG increases farmgate milk price
Murray Goulburn has announced a further increase in its farmgate milk price for the 2012/13 season. Managing director Gary Helou said the increase is due to increased milk supply to MG plants and lower operating costs. [ + ]
Amcor sells three flexible packaging plants
Amcor has sold three of its Australasian flexible packaging plants to Australian company Integrated Packaging for $22 million. [ + ]
Derek Ford welcomed as new APPMA Director to the Board
APPMA has welcomed Derek Ford as new Director to the Board. Ford held the position from 2006 to 2008 and returned to the Board in September. [ + ]
Huge costs of E. coli O157 infections
Canada has estimated that the long-term health costs associated with E. coli O157 are around $240 million per year. [ + ]
Linx wins PPMA award for CJ400 ink jet printer
The Linx CJ400 continuous ink jet printer was named the Most Innovative Processing or Packaging Machine at the PPMA Group Industry Awards in Birmingham in September. [ + ]
Vines are down but wines are up, ABS says
Favourable seasonal conditions mean Australian wine production has increased despite the actual area of grape vines decreasing, according to new figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. [ + ]
China grants Napa Valley GI status
The People’s Republic of China has officially recognised the Napa Valley with Geographic Indication (GI) status, making it the first region outside of China to be recognised with the designation. [ + ]
Dairy producers encouraged to cast a vote for the future
Eligible dairy farmers are encouraged to vote in a ballot that seeks to alter the trustee of the Graham Park Dairy Trust from NSW Farmers’ Association to Dairy Connect NSW. [ + ]
Easy Keg wins RMIT prize
Easy Keg was awarded the $25,000 RMIT University First Prize and the $5000 The Litmus Group Environmental Sustainability Award as part of RMIT’s 2012 Business Plan Competition. [ + ]