New Zealand dairy cooperative Fonterra has announced that it plans to invest in a blending and packing plant in Indonesia in response to the growing demand for dairy products in Indonesia. Fonterra says the investment will support the local expansion of its brands Anlene, Anmum and Anchor Boneeto. [ + ]

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has announced changes to coffee imports and abalone exports. Coffee importers who have an exemplary record of quarantine compliance will have a reduced rate of inspection, while abalone divers who shuck their products at sea for export will no longer need to pay registration and associated fees. [ + ]

A study published in the Journal of Food Science has suggested that super palm olein (SPO) is a suitable replacement for olive oil for frying and cooking as it provides higher oxidative stability than olive oil. The study quotes several studies that have shown that palm oil and high-oleic oils exhibit similar frying performance. [ + ]

The world could be facing a chocolate supply crisis, according to a University of Sydney academic. At a public lecture, “The Chocolate Crisis”, Professor David Guest, from the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, will detail the potential shortage and how he and his colleagues are working to prevent it. [ + ]

Tetra Pak announced four new features of its carton packaging portfolio at Anuga FoodTec 2012, demonstrating its commitment to developing sustainable packaging solutions. The company said it aims to add further environmental innovations to its product portfolio and continue to help customers achieve sustainable profitable growth. [ + ]

Heat and Control has added Spray Dynamics to its portfolio. The Spray Dynamics range of coating and seasoning applicators applies oils, seasonings, vitamins, tack and release agents, chocolate, yoghurt and candy coatings, antioxidants, polishing wax and anticlumping agents. [ + ]

Submissions for the 4th annual APPMA 2012 Annual Scholarship program close on 11 May 2012. [ + ]

Universities in the UK are being invited to compete to develop a specialised food and beverage engineering degree to address the industry shortage of food and beverage engineers. [ + ]

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has released a report stating that genetically modified maize has no adverse effects on human and animal health or the environment. [ + ]

Consumer watchdog Choice has made a submission to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) regarding its proposed Nutrition, Health & Related Claims (P293) draft, claiming that the proposed changes will “create a loophole and potentially increase customer confusion”. [ + ]

DuPont has opened a US$40 million plant genetics research facility as part of its commitment to increasing agricultural productivity and food security worldwide. Experts in plant physiology, molecular biology and bioinformatics will focus on plant breeding and developing new transgenic products, with the aim of developing and testing new products and traits in Pioneer’s research and development pipeline, the company said. [ + ]

Researchers at the University of Leicester, together with the Food and Drink iNet, are exploring ways to recycle eggshells, potentially creating an income-generating product from costly waste for the industry. [ + ]

Food Standards Australia New Zealand’s (FSANZ’s) proposed Nutrition, Health & Related Claims (P293) draft standard will threaten the food industry’s future viability, the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has claimed. [ + ]

Australian tree nut exports are set to exceed $750 million within eight years, according to a report developed by the Australian Nut Industry Council. [ + ]

Anuga FoodTec 2012 posted its best event result to date, with visitor numbers up 25% from the last FoodTec. More than 42,000 trade visitors from 131 countries attended the trade fair. [ + ]