Industry News
Amcor acquires Indonesian flexible-packaging business
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. [ + ]
Organic sales hit US$35bn in the States
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. [ + ]
'Big 10' urged to act on climate change
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. [ + ]
DuPont Packaging Award winners announced
The winners of the 26th DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation have been announced. The global awards are the industry's longest-running, independently judged competition that highlights innovative packaging solutions and collaboration. [ + ]
Goodman Fielder board accepts increased offer
Wilmar International and First Pacific have increased their offer to acquire Goodman Fielder from $0.65 to $0.70 per share. The Goodman Fielder Board will unanimously recommend that its shareholders vote in favour of the revised proposal. [ + ]
RIRDC to miss out on $11m funding under new budget
RIRDC says it anticipates cuts of $11 million over four years in base funding as a result of the 2014 Budget. [ + ]
Food scientist shares secret to perfect beer foam
The secret to optimal froth on your beer? It's not a fancy glass or even a secret pouring technique, according to Karl J Siebert. It's all due to just the right amount and kind of barley lipid transfer protein number 1 - also known as LTP1. [ + ]
Submissions on food additive welcomed
Seafood New Zealand Limited has lodged an application with FSANZ seeking approval for the additive sodium hydrosulpfite. The additive is used to change the colour of abalone. [ + ]
$15m funding available for small exporters
The government has followed through on its election promise to dedicate an additional $15 million in funding over the next four years to help small exporters deal with the cost of export fees and charges. [ + ]
Topics announced for AIP National Conference
The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) has announced the topics that will be covered at the AIP National Conference in June. [ + ]
Food sector to benefit from infrastructure funding, says AFGC
The Australian Food and Grocery Council has welcomed the government's Budget focus on infrastructure and deficit reduction. [ + ]
Devondale Murray Goulburn announces $127m investment
Devondale Murray Goulburn has invested $127 million in three new capital projects at its Victorian and Tasmanian sites. The projects will be rolled out over the next 12 to 18 months. [ + ]
Murray River Organics to open dried fruit processing facility
Murray River Organics has commissioned a new state-of-the-art dried fruit processing facility which will create more than 40 new jobs in the NSW town of Mourquong, near Mildura. [ + ]
Red wine's cardioprotective properties a myth?
Researchers have found that resveratrol - an antioxidant in red wine and chocolate thought to have cardioprotective properties - has no positive effect on longevity nor the incidence of cardiovascular disease, cancer or inflammation. [ + ]
Australian Made Campaign gives evidence at inquiry into food labelling
The Australian Made Campaign has given evidence at the inquiry into country-of-origin labelling for food at the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Agriculture and Industry. [ + ]
