AUSPACK PLUS 2013 will be bigger than ever, with conference organisers announcing an expanded floor space due to high demand. [ + ]

H.J. Heinz Company has entered into a definitive merger agreement to be acquired by Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital for US$28 billion - reportedly the largest acquisition ever seen in the food industry. [ + ]

The Greens’ Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL) bill jeopardises Australian export opportunities and food manufacturing jobs, the Australian Food and Grocery Council claims. [ + ]

According to Dr Shevahn Telfser, a livestock lecturer from CSU’s School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences, the risk of horsemeat making its way into beef products in Australia is very small. [ + ]

The House of Representatives has supported a Greens motion, supported by the Coalition and the crossbench, calling on the Labor government to protect science and research funding in the Budget. [ + ]

Due to popular demand, PAC.NZ will again run its Business of Sustainable Packaging one-day seminar. Being held on 21 March, the event will bring together the latest thinking and case studies around sustainable packaging. [ + ]

Ever wondered what to do with your winery sludge? If so, tune into the ISEKI Food Association’s (IFA) webinar, Reutilization of food waste: Ultrafiltration for the fractionation of winery sludge phenols, on 18 February. [ + ]

Debate over the Northern Territory Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) is heating up, with three large beverage manufacturers claiming the CDS legislation is legally invalid. [ + ]

Growth rates of baby-leaf lettuce crops have been boosted by giant ‘floating’ nets. The nets create a unique microclimate, protecting plants from pests and extreme weather. [ + ]

With a Global Packaging Trends theme and international speakers from the World Packaging Organisation, the AIP National Technical Forum will be a must-attend event on the 2013 calendar. [ + ]

Dairy prices are likely to increase further in 2013 due to tightening supply and steady demand, according to a recent Situation and Outlook report from Dairy Australia. [ + ]

The AFGC has extended congratulations to Kraft and the Victorian Government on the official opening of Stage One of the Kraft Foods Asia Pacific Centre of Excellence. [ + ]

The organisation behind Australia’s most recognised organic logo has changed its name. Biological Farmers of Australia, owner of the Australian Certified Organic ‘bud’ mark, is now known as Australian Organic. [ + ]

Submissions are now open for the fifth annual APPMA scholarship program, which gives a packaging engineer the opportunity to complete a Diploma in Packaging Technology. [ + ]

SEW-Eurodrive has released an updated schedule for its training program. DriveAcademy provides end users and system integrators with a comprehensive set of skills to get the most out of motor and drive technologies and applications. [ + ]