More than 1200 companies from around the world are exhibiting at Anuga FoodTec, the world's premier event for the food processing and packaging industries, currently being held in Cologne, Germany.

Microgels may be an economical and reliable way to incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into foods without sacrificing taste, appearance or texture.

The Tomato Analyzer software tool allows scanning devices to be calibrated using colour standards. The tool may also have applications in the colour analysis of fresh crops and in the evaluation of discolouration of foods after processing or cooking.

A strawberry developed in Australia performs well in US sensory evaluation of strawberries.

Anuga FoodTec is the largest exhibition and trade fair for food processors and manufacturers in the world. At this year's event in March, five companies will receive awards for products with added new functions or the use of a new concept, resulting in significant process improvements or for existing products with further development that has achieved a significant improvement in function or process.

Healthlinx and Dairy Australia have identified a bioactive compound from dairy waste streams that reduces the production and storage of fat in cells.

Increasing business has lead Flexicon to expand its operations in Australia with a sales office in Sydney.

The American Heart Association has concluded that omega-6 fatty acids may decrease risk for heart disease. Soybean oil is one of the most concentrated sources of omega-6 fatty acids.

Reb-A is an FDA approved high-intensity sweetener but unfortunately it can trigger bitter taste receptors. Givaudan has developed a portfolio of masking agents to help overcome this problem.

CSIRO has worked with Mars to produce ‘life cycle analyses’ on a range of Mars's food products that are relevant to almost every major food commodity produced in Australia. The research partnership has produced a database and information toolkit that will be available to a wide range of food businesses to help improve their sustainability strategies.

Tough economic times are impacting shoppers in the US where lower-income shoppers are the fastest growing income group.

Over the next few decades, the global food system will come under renewed pressure from the combined effects of seven fundamental factors: population growth, the nutrition transition, energy, land, water, labour and climate change. The UK has been rethinking its food strategy.

A look at the yoghurt launches across the world in 2008 reveals some healthy trends.

The Australian Institute of Packaging has bolstered its packaging training and education through a cooperation agreement with the Australian Management Academy.

The 2009 EHEDG Symposium will be held at the same time as AnugaFoodTec in March in Germany.