Researchers have developed a way to synthesise the highly prized, natural flavour Nootkatone cheaply and in useful quantities from sugar. [ + ]

New Australian research has added some more weight to the argument for java, demonstrating how free radicals and antioxidants behave during every stage of the coffee brewing process, from bean to brew.

Current dietary guidelines for potassium and sodium are "completely unfeasible", according to a US researcher. Only 0.1% of British people and 0.3% of Americans meet the WHO's recommendations for potassium and sodium consumption.

We expect to see calorie labels on all forms of packaged food and drink, but when was the last time you saw a calorie label on a bottle of wine or a can of beer? A leading British public health doctor is calling for calorie counts to be displayed on all alcoholic drinks.

Looking to expand your packaging knowledge? The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) has three upcoming events for your calendar. [ + ]

Want to convince people that a cheap bottle of plonk tastes great? Tell them it cost more than it actually did. Preconceived beliefs may create a placebo effect so strong that the actual chemistry of the brain changes, blinding consumers to the actual taste.

Distribution is key to widening the appeal of green brands, according to research from Organic Monitor. Green brands that have achieved the most success are those that have expanded their distribution into mainstream channels.

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) has commenced the revision of ISO 22000 on food safety management.

Year-on-year growth in retail sales is expected to slow, the 17th AFGC CHEP Retail Index suggests. The index shows growth of 4% year-on-year in the March quarter, slowing to 3% by the June quarter.

Carbonates have traditionally led global soft drink consumption, but things are about to change. In 2015, for the first time, packaged water will overtake carbonates, according to new forecasts.

The wealthier a family, the more likely it is to buy healthy food. That's the message from research into health attitudes and food consumption data conducted by Roy Morgan Research.

Sustainable and infinitely recyclable, metal packaging is becoming a new trend. The sector is expected to reach a global market size of $115 billion by 2016. [ + ]

To help restore confidence in the safety of Japanese agricultural produce following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident, a team of researchers has used technology originally designed for use in outer space to create a system to detect radioactive contamination in food.

Beverage filling and packaging technology manufacturer Krones has purchased labeller manufacturer Gernep Group. [ + ]

Chocolate lovers rejoice - healthier, tastier chocolate could be on its way. [ + ]