“2013 looks like it’s shaping up as another tough slog for Australian businesses, with no indication the international economy will improve dramatically or that we will see any pressure taken off the high Australian dollar,” said NSW Business Chamber CEO Stephen Cartwright. [ + ]

New regulation on nutrition content and health claims will result in unnecessary costs, discourage innovation and reduce trade competitiveness in the food processing sector, claims the AFGC. [ + ]

Winemakers now have something new to drink to. New laws to the Wine Equalisation Tax Rebate have been passed, which will reportedly ensure its integrity. [ + ]

Submissions are now open for the 2013 APPMA Awards of Excellence. Designed to recognise innovative and outstanding packaging and processing solutions, the awards will be announed at AUSPACK PLUS 2013. [ + ]

Researchers have found that by influencing the juiciness of processed meat products, a salt reduction of 15% or more can be achieved while retaining the same salt perception. [ + ]

Mike Lightfoot has been appointed CEO of Milmeq after current CEO Matthew Wall announced his intention to retire at the end of 2012. [ + ]

Packaging trends and innovations will be key topics of conversation at the AIP’s first NSW Technical Dinner for 2013. [ + ]

The Australian Beverages Council, on behalf of the country’s energy drinks industry, has responded to the AMA’s calls for greater regulations on energy drinks. [ + ]

Demag Cranes Group has become Terex Material Handling & Port Solutions following Terex’s purchase of a majority share of the company in August 2011 and a domination and profit and loss transfer agreement in April 2012. [ + ]

Summing up the food labelling debate in Australia, AFGC CEO Gary Dawson likened it most appropriately to a piece of food that looks dry on the outside, but is hot and spicy when you bite into it. [ + ]

Archer Daniels Midland has made a revised non-binding proposal to GrainCorp to acquire its outstanding shares for $12.20 per share in cash. [ + ]

The Food and Drink Federation has launched a free guide to help food and drink companies identify and manage supply chain risks. Suitable for small and large companies, the guide forms part of an approach to sustainable sourcing. [ + ]

The VTT Technical Research Centre in Finland has developed a technique that enables the production of the PGA monomer glycolic acid from bio-based materials more efficiently than before. [ + ]

Ferrier Hodgson has reportedly received more than 100 expressions of interest from potential buyers looking to purchase part or all of the Gourmet Group business, which includes brands such as Rosella, Aristocrat and Waterthins. [ + ]

The Federal Government’s decision to establish and Anti-Dumping Commission has been welcomed by the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC). [ + ]