The AIP’s half-day flexible packaging training course is crossing the Tasman. Held in conjunction with PAC.NZ, the course will be held at the BNZ Highbrook Partner Centre in Auckland. [ + ]

Ai Group has welcomed the Victorian Government’s announcement of support for the $52 million expansion of the Mars confectionery plant in Ballarat. [ + ]

Fonterra will invest more than NZ$100 million in a new UHT milk processing plant at its Waitoa site in New Zealand. CEO Theo Spierings said the new plant would enable the co-operative to meet growing demand for UHT products in Asia. [ + ]

The remaining 70 employees of iconic food manufacturer Rosella Foods will be made redundant after efforts to sell the business proved unsuccessful. [ + ]

Campbell’s has donated 225,000 serves of vegetables to Australians in need to mark the official opening of its $14.6 million dollar PET line at its Shepparton facility. [ + ]

More than 50% of Australians don’t trust the ‘Big 10’ food and drink companies, according to Oxfam’s Behind the Brands report, which assessed the companies on their sourcing of agricultural commodities from developing countries. [ + ]

A new test developed by the University of Copenhagen allows sensory researchers to conduct rapid product tests under natural circumstances using larger groups. [ + ]

The Humane Society International has branded Coles’ changed free-range standard an attempt to “dupe” consumers and “hijack the business of genuine free-range egg producers”. [ + ]

Key Technology and Visys NV, a leading provider of chute-fed in-air sorters used by food processors and waste recyclers, have entered into a merger agreement. [ + ]

The SIAB International Techno-Bake Exhibition, which was due to be held in Verona in May 2013, has been postponed to 2014. [ + ]

Owens-Illinois Inc has signed a three-year agreement with the University of Toledo’s Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering to support research at O-I’s new R&D Innovation Center. [ + ]

A Manufacturing Workforce Development Service (MWDS) has been formed to work with manufacturing SMEs to support them and assist them to access the government’s National Workforce Development Fund (NWDF). [ + ]

Leading Australian dairy manufacturers are opening their doors to develop the skills of talented graduates as part of Dairy Australia’s 2013 Manufacturing Scholarship program. [ + ]

When it comes to wine, Australians are opting for bottle rather than cask - but less money is making its way into Australian wine producers’ pockets. [ + ]

RMIT University and the Sustainable Packaging Alliance will host a one-day round table to explore the marketing advantages of packaging for sustainability. [ + ]