Food and grocery manufacturing is growing rapidly in Western Sydney, with the area generating $17 billion in output annually, according to a report. [ + ]

JUST Water, with its Tetra Top carton bottles, won the Best Packaging Solution award at the 2018 Global Bottled Water Congress. [ + ]

Registrations have now opened for AUSPACK 2019. [ + ]

Sometime this year bottled water consumption will globally trump all other soft drinks to become the most consumed non-alcoholic cold drink. [ + ]

A pork production company and two individuals have faced court after being charged for illegally importing pig semen — six-figure fines are possible. [ + ]

The Ministry for Primary Industries is inviting feedback on proposed changes to the National Animal Identification and Tracing Act 2012 and regulations. [ + ]

A new research hub aims to help Australia's pulp and paper industries transform their production waste into marketable materials such as food packaging. [ + ]

Duni AB has acquired a majority stake in Australian sustainable packaging company BioPak for approximately SEK410 million (AUD63 million). [ + ]

New Zealand Food Safety is seeking feedback on proposals to strengthen food recalls and improve risk-based plans and programs. [ + ]

Applications are open for the Olam Prize for Innovation in Food Security which would provide a US$75,000 grant to the winner. [ + ]

Wineries and vineyards that adopt more sustainability practices have better financial performance, particularly when they perceive significant pressure from competitors. [ + ]

Sidel Group has expanded its portfolio of packaging solutions with the acquisition of Italian packaging company PET Engineering. [ + ]

The Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA) has reinstated its Awards of Excellence, and applications are now open for 2019. [ + ]

An enzymatic technology developed by Better Juice may be able to reduce the amount of simple sugars in juice by turning them into fibres. [ + ]

The 2018 finalists feature loved brands such as Newman's Horseradish and Haigh's Chocolates, as well as emerging entrepreneurs. [ + ]