Developments in nanotechnology could help production of the humble vegetable. Speaking at the AUSVEG Future Technologies Seminar in Hobart on 9 May, Dr Terry Turney from Monash University explained how products that were previously only science fiction imaginings are becoming a commercial reality. [ + ]

A new ‘super apple’ will soon be available to Australian consumers. The Kalei apple - meaning ‘loveable’ in Hawaiian - is the result of 20 years of breeding research conducted by the Queensland Government. [ + ]

As part of 2012 Food Allergy Awareness Week, GS1 Australia has announced an iPhone app that gives consumers access to extended labelling product data. The GS1 GoScan was launched yesterday and will be available from September. By scanning a product’s barcode, consumers can receive comprehensive product data, including allergen information, ingredient lists, nutritional content, Daily Intake information and dietary information such as Kosher, Halal, vegan, organic. [ + ]

The Scottish Government is funding a school program to foster a better understanding of the food and drink manufacturing sector in Scotland. The Scottish Food and Drink Federation’s (SFDF’s) schools program, A Future in Food, will receive £270,000 over three years from the government to help teachers, students and parents better understand the sector. [ + ]

US company MillerCoors has released a new can for its Miller Lite brand. The punch top can has a second tab that can be opened to increase airflow and reduce glug. The company says the second tab gives a smoother pour and a more enjoyable drinking experience. [ + ]

Murray Goulburn Cooperative (MG) has announced it will be scrapping 301 jobs at its head office and processing sites as part of its aim to reduce operating costs by $100 million this year. [ + ]

Post-menopausal women with type 2 diabetes can significantly improve biomarkers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by consuming cacao flavonoids and soy isoflavones, a recent study has shown. The double-blind controlled clinical study, published in Diabetes Care in February, was led by Peter J Curtis, funded by Diabetes UK and supported by Frutarom and Barry Callebaut. The study assessed the effect of dietary flavonoids on CVD risk in post-menopausal women with type 2 diabetes on established statin and hypoglycaemic therapy. [ + ]

The AUSVEG National Convention is taking place over 10-12 May at the Wrest Point Hotel in Hobart. Around 1000 delegates and exhibitors are expected to attend this critical event on the horticulture calendar. [ + ]

The Indian packaged food industry looks likely to reach $30 billion by 2015, according to the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). The current compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15-20% annually should see the $15 billion industry reach $30 billion in the next three years. [ + ]

Food Standards Australia New Zealand’s (FSANZ) decision to extend country-of-origin labelling to unpackaged beef, lamb and chicken has been welcomed by the Australian Made, Australian Grown (AMAG) campaign. The campaign has been pushing for tougher food labelling laws in Australia. [ + ]

Most foods contain sulfites at acceptable levels, a recent FSANZ survey has shown. The survey examined sausages, cordials and dried fruit and found that sulfite levels in almost all foods tested were well below those allowed in the Food Standards Code. [ + ]

The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) has announced a new half-day training course - Introduction to Extrusion Blow Moulding. Stephen Barter will present the first course on Thursday 26 July in St Kilda. [ + ]

Coles has announced that all of its Coles brand frozen vegetables will now be sourced from Australian vegetable growers. The supermarket giant announced the move in conjunction with vegetable processor Simplot and the Tasmanian government. [ + ]

Innovia Films are helping Italian school children learn healthy eating habits. Under the EU funded ‘Frutta nelle Scuole’ (School Fruit Scheme), children aged 6-11 years are given organic fruit wrapped in Innovia’s NatureFlex NVS each day at school. [ + ]

Yesterday, Guala Closures Australia launched Viiva - what they claim is Australia’s first screw-capped sparkling wine closure. Guala partnered with glass manufacturer Owens-Illinois (O-I) and Australian winemakers De Bortoli Wines to create the closure, which they say was developed in response to industry complaints about loss of fizz and difficulty opening traditional sparkling wine closures. [ + ]