The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has instituted proceedings in the Perth Federal Court against Harvey Fresh (1994) Pty Ltd alleging misrepresentations about the origin of some cheese products. The ACCC alleges Harvey Fresh represented the place of origin of its one kilogram blocks of Matured Cheese and Semi Matured Cheese as being the south west of Western Australia when it was actually produced in Victoria. It is the second time in just over a year that they have come under scrutiny... ...Read more »

Woolworths has entered an agreement to acquire a 25 per cent stake in WA craft brewer Gage Roads Brewing as they look to enhance their private label beer options. The $1.9 million deal, Woolworths’ second acquisition in a week following the purchase of Macro Wholefoods, remains subject to Gage shareholder approval. Gage reported that a supply agreement had been reached, which would see the WA company contract brew 350,000 cases of beer per year for Woolworths. Last year, Woolworths entered... ...Read more »

The food and grocery sector needs to unite to use its influence and contacts if the world is to address the “forgotten Millennium Goal” of hidden hunger, according to a Joint Declaration signed today by some of the world’s biggest food and nutrition companies. The companies involved – DSM, Unilever, Pepsico, Amway and Interflour – committed themselves to re-invigorating the private sector’s contribution to tackling hidden hunger. They agreed to expand their ongoing... ...Read more »

The issue of preventative health was a key topic of discussion on day one of the Australian Food and Grocery Council’s Highlands Senior Executive Forum 2009*, currently taking place at the Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove in Queensland. Melanie Leech, Director General of the UK Food and Drink Federation (FDF) – which represents the UK’s food and beverage manufacturers, told delegates how industry and Government were working together in the UK toward improving the health of the nation. “Health... ...Read more »

Joanne Denney-Finch, the CEO of food and grocery expert IGD, yesterday informed attendees of AFGC’s Highlands 2009 Conference of seven steps to a more sustainable food system. Step One The first move is to ensure everyone within your company understands the need for sustainable growth. “Every member of every food business has a role to play,” Ms Denney-Finch said. “For instance, everyone at Sainsbury’s, from the shop floor to the board, has personal objectives on sustainability.... ...Read more »

Food, fitness or family… which one is most to blame for childhood obesity? New research from Mintel suggests today’s parents aren’t sure, and they’re feeling overwhelmed and worried as they try to prevent obesity in their own children. A survey of American parents discovered confusion over whether diet or exercise is most important for keeping kids at a healthy weight. Nearly three quarters of parents (72%) believe kids have too much access to junk food, while 69% feel that... ...Read more »

The European shopper has changed in much the same way as their Australian counterparts and the industry has been forced to respond, attendees of Highlands 2009 heard today. Joanne Denney-Finch, CEO of IGD – a leading group of experts on the food and grocery industry, reported on the changes consumers have been making which have seen trends towards private label and discounters. “Most shoppers are creatures of habit,” she said at AFGC’s Highland Conference. “And in the... ...Read more »

Michael Luscombe, CEO of retailer Woolworths, today told the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia of his bullish outlook for his company and the Australian economy. Woolworths, which announced an expansion of their Thomas Dux business yesterday, have maintained guidance for high single digit sales growth in the current financial year as their supermarkets get a boost from the downturn. “We haven’t taken the opportunity to change our guidance because we don’t have to,”... ...Read more »

WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) has announced the latest glass savings of over 20,000 tonnes from its pioneering GlassRite Wine project. Based in the UK, the project involves working with the entire international wine supply chain to deliver major environmental and commercial benefits.The new data also shows that since its inception in 2006 the project, which is collaborating with producers, brand owners, agents, bottle manufacturers and fillers and retailers around the globe, has increased... ...Read more »

Dr. Andrew Monk, convenor of the Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA) Standards Advisory Group, says a new standard for organic being developed with Standards Australia will not change the answer to the consumer question – “how can I trust organic?”"The only solution for the consumer will remain the same: look for a ‘certified organic’ logo to be absolutely certain a product is organic.” A certification logo currently must accompany the word ‘organic’... ...Read more »