British researchers have demonstrated that environment can enhance the flavour of whisky by up to 20%. [ + ]

Woolworths is trialling a direct relationship with a group of dairy farmers in the Manning Valley. This will be the first time that a retailer has contracted farmers directly for drinking milk. [ + ]

Inghams has announced it will install video monitoring at all of its processing plants following the release of a video showing employees kicking, stomping and punching live turkeys. [ + ]

Bioniche Life Sciences received $500,000 from the National Research Council of Canada to further develop an E. coli O157 vaccine. [ + ]

New administrative measures on inspection, quarantine and supervision of imports and exports of dairy products to and from China will come into effect on 1 May 2013. [ + ]

A report released by the Produce Marketing Association and Western Growers aims to help produce industry members understand the latest food safety research and how to apply key findings to their day-to-day operations. [ + ]

Food industry standards in the UK will be given a boost to the tune of £800,000 as part of a collaboration between business and academia that will create new software. [ + ]

The iFAAM project - the world’s largest study of food allergies - will produce a standardised management process for companies involved in food manufacturing. [ + ]

Tomato could soon be living up to its ‘love apple’ title, improving heart health by lowering cholesterol. Researchers have genetically modified tomatoes to produce the actions of good cholesterol. [ + ]

A petition of 22,000 signatures supporting the sale of wine in supermarkets has been presented to the South Australian Government. The Let’s Draw the Line Campaign argues such a move would cripple independent bottle shops and hotels. [ + ]

Inghams has terminated five employees from its Tahmoor abattoir following Lateline’s airing of a video showing employees kicking, punching and stomping live turkeys prior to processing. [ + ]

FMC Corporation has broken ground on a new microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) manufacturing facility in Rayon, Thailand. [ + ]

The first edition of the ATNI report, launched on 12 March, assesses the 25 largest food and beverage companies on nutrition-related commitments, performance and disclosure practices. [ + ]

If you’ve been putting off finishing your application for the 2013 APPMA Scholarship, now is the time for action: applications are closing soon. [ + ]

It’s that time of the year again. Australians will spend about 50% more on chocolate over the week around Easter, with expenditure expected to reach $185.7 million - up 5.2% on last year. [ + ]