The Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) and Food Innovation Australia (FIAL) have co-produced a map that represents the Australian food industry industry from the farm gate to the end product (not including agriculture and food service). All organisations and companies within the industry have been labelled on the map. [ + ]

They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but that could depend on the kind of apple you're eating. Researchers have found that certain types of apples provide greater health benefits than others, with the Pink Lady variety leading the pack. [ + ]

LINPAC Packaging has won a PackTheFuture Award for its Rfresh Elite tray for meat and fish products at Interpack. [ + ]

Acoustician Preston S Wilson explored the potential of using the ‘cracking’ sounds emitted by coffee beans during the roasting process as the basis for an automated acoustical roast monitoring technique. [ + ]

The changing consumer demographic in Thailand will drive changes in packaging demand, research firm Canadean says. [ + ]

The Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China has signed a memorandum of understanding with the ACCC that aims to increase cooperation and communication about mergers affecting both the Australian and Chinese markets. [ + ]

One day, every town could have its own small-scale cultured meat factory, scientists have predicted. In Trends in Biotechnology, they outline a potential meat manufacturing process, starting with a vial of cells taken from a cell bank and ending with a pressed 'cake' of meat. [ + ]

Commonly touted as a 'superfood', chia seed may in fact live up to the title. When placed in water, the seeds form a gel that food technologists say could be used in new product development. [ + ]

A revised food recall protocol has been launched by FSANZ. Assistant Minister for Health Fiona Nash says every Australian food manufacturer, importer, wholesaler and distributor should have a copy. [ + ]

A report on nanotechnology in food and agriculture has elicited mixed responses from experts on the topic. Published by Friends of the Earth, the report suggests that the Australian Government should strictly regulate the use of nanomaterials in these fields. [ + ]

Australian eucalypt honey has been discovered to have prebiotic qualities, meaning that regular consumption could improve gut health, a new study has shown. [ + ]

While the incidence of food allergy appears to have plateaued in recent years, the total number of cases in the community will continue to rise steadily, according to Dr Robert Loblay, Sydney Medical School immunologist. [ + ]

Amcor has announced plans to acquire Indonesian flexible-packaging business Bella Prima Packaging for $27 million. Bella Prima has two plants in Jakarta that specialise in the high-growth shrink sleeve, label and lidding business. [ + ]

Sales of organic products in the US increased to US$35.1 billion in 2013, a jump of 11.5% on the previous year. Organic packaged and pre-prepared food is expected to grow rapidly, according to a survey from the Organic Trade Association. [ + ]

The food and beverage industry's environmental credentials have come under fire after an Oxfam report called for Australia's top 10 food and beverage companies to up their game on reducing carbon emissions within their supply chains. [ + ]