A new range of handcrafted semi-hard Dutch-style cheeses using milk from Western Australia’s clean and fertile south-west is set to be rolled out nationwide from March 23.The Cape Leeuwin cheeses are being launched by the Capel-based cooperative Challenge Dairy, which is supplied with fresh milk by around 50 per cent of farmers in WA’s south-west, a region renowned for the unique quality of its dairy products. The new products, which are branded under the Capel Valley label, will have... ...Read more »

Lower interest rates and the first economic stimulus package have helped shore up jobs in the retail industry, according to an analysis of new ABS jobs data, the Australian National Retailers Association said today. ANRA, which represents a number of Australia’s largest retail organisations including supermarket chains Coles, Woolworths and Franklins, reported that growth in the number of retail job losses had begun to subside. “The ABS Labour Force figures for the February quarter show... ...Read more »

New research by the Aberdeen Group, entitled “Sustaining the Global Food Supply Chain: Three Keys to Gaining Competitive Advantage”, has investigated the sustainability initiatives of food and beverage sector companies and revealed the opportunities created by, and benefits of, sound corporate responsibility. The study was conducted in support of the Marrakech Process of the United Nations agenda on Sustainable Consumption and Production, and highlights the strategies and capabilities... ...Read more »

The rapidly emerging market for energy shot drinks in North America and Europe achieved a 130% boost to 188 million units and a sales value of US$423 million (A$614m) in 2008, indicating the potential for such drinks to gather support in Australia. The new report from drinks consultancy Zenith International sheds light on the changing demands of consumers in a market which has been growing rapidly since the turn of the century. Energy shots are an extension of the regular energy drinks market, typically... ...Read more »

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has kept a close eye on the research of packaging chemical Bisphenol A and believes it is safe for use in packaging. What is BPA? Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used as the starting material for the production of polycarbonate plastics and synthetic resins and found in items or containers that come into contact with foodstuffs such as drinking vessels, baby bottles, plastic tableware and the internal coating on tins for tinned-food. There... ...Read more »

McDonald’s Australia is offering a free maths program to more than 1.4 million students nationwide in a move that has divided opinion. The world’s largest fast-food chain suggests that the program, which normally costs $40 per month but will now be offered free, is about helping the community rather than promoting their products. “There’s no reference to promoting anything, talking about food,” McDonald’s Australia Managing Director, Catriona Noble, claimed. “We... ...Read more »

Crust Gourmet Pizza Bars continues to rack up awards with two of its products today recognised in the 2009 Slimming & Health magazine Healthy Eating Awards. Billed as Australia’s only initiative to award the foods and programs that assist healthier living and eating, the winners of the 2009 Healthy Eating Awards were announced this week in the April issue of Slimming & Health. Crust’s Gluten Free takeaway pizzas and range of six Heart Foundation Tick approved Pizzas were voted... ...Read more »

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has today invited individuals and organisations with an interest in the regulation of food to provide information and comment on an application to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.The application is seeking approval for food derived from a genetically modified soybean, which must undergo a safety evaluation by FSANZ before it can be sold in Australia and New Zealand. Submissions should reach FSANZ by Friday 1 May 2009. Food derived from... ...Read more »

SPC Ardmona’s Managing Director has resigned to pursue other interests after almost nine years in the job. Nigel Garrard, who took up the position of MD at the fruit processing company in 2000, will continue his career as the Managing Director of packaging company Amcor Australasia. Mr Garrard helped guide the company through the merger of SPC and Ardmona in 2002 and the takeover by Coca-Cola Amatil in 2005. He has faced difficult trading conditions in recent years as the drought takes its... ...Read more »

Australia’s Clean Seas Tuna has reported that they have produced the first commercially bred Southern Bluefin Tuna in the world. Clean Seas was forced into a trading halt on Monday after a staggering 38% jump in their share price. “The company reports that its trials are consistently achieving high levels of quality fertilised eggs and larvae for propagation, and that forward planning for commercialisation of Southern Bluefin Tuna has now commenced,” they said in a statement. “Shareholders... ...Read more »