With indications that the added value in the food supply chain is not adequately distributed across all levels of the chain, the European Commission has launched an EU-wide public consultation on how to make the EU food supply chain fairer. Should we be doing likewise? [ + ]

The food industry often has trouble finding staff competent in food packaging processes and design, including new product design. It's time the industry takes some responsibility for this issue and invests in the training of staff. If future employees finish their education well prepared to enter the workforce the whole industry will benefit. [ + ]

Wells and Miele have developed a validated process for cleaning and decontaminating hygiene brushware and associated tools. [ + ]

To increase growth in Asia Pacific, Royal DSM has appointed Pieter Nuboer and André Rhoen into new leadership positions for their nutritional products. [ + ]

Detpak has partnered with Smart Planet Technologies to create the RecycleMe cup that can be easily recycled using the existing paper and cardboard recycling stream. [ + ]

I understand the marketing behind wagyu and Cape Grim beef but promoting baby formula as better than organic because the diet of the cows supplying the base can be certified as 'Grass fed' has surprised me. [ + ]

Preferences for certain brands could be making your partner unhappy, suggests new research published in the Journal of Consumer Research. [ + ]

Held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 5–7 September, this year's Seafood Expo Asia will bring together industry professionals to source the latest products, meet with suppliers and discuss current trends. [ + ]

Australia harvests nearly a quarter of a million tonnes of onions each year — and now the chemistry behind why they make us cry has been understood. [ + ]

A former owner of a Melbourne fruit market has been fined a record penalty of $660,000 after failing to pay a refugee appropriate wages. [ + ]

Implementing a nutrition program could save hospitals up to $3800 per patient, according to a study published in the American Health and Drug Benefits journal and supported by Abbott. [ + ]

RFID technology does not require any contact to detect objects with electronic information tags, speeding up a variety of processes in production, logistics and retail. In cases that require high levels of object identification accuracy, a high-performance antenna is needed that is capable of capturing the information stored on the RFID transponders at any time. [ + ]

Held 30–31 August, registrations for the 24th HACCP Conference will soon be closing. [ + ]

Unilever announced last week that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Australian ice-cream company Weis. [ + ]

Even though France boasts thousands of years of winemaking and South Australia only 200-odd, French (and Chinese) students come to Adelaide to learn about wine and spirits marketing. [ + ]