The UK Food Standards Agency last night outlined plans to consult on the prospect of voluntary recommendations for reducing added sugar and saturated fat in food products. The Agency is also hoping to increase availability of smaller single-portion sizes in a number of key foods – biscuits, cakes, pastries, buns, confectionery and soft drinks, and encouraging greater marketing spend on healthier options. “The Agency’s work to encourage industry to reformulate and reduce portion... ...Read more »

Coles owner Wesfarmers has advised that the turnaround is progressing as planned and is expecting improved trading conditions in the coming year, as global economic data shows signs of recovery. Chief Executive of the conglomerate, Richard Goyder, said today that growth at their Coles supermarkets would be broadly in-line with the strong results seen in the retail sector. Last week, supermarket market leader Woolworths reported strong fourth quarter growth of 7.9 per cent in their food and liquor... ...Read more »

A new report released by digital publisher News Digital Media has advised that accountability is the key issue facing marketers today, leading to more brand launches being put on the back burner. The study of more than 288 marketing professionals across Australia, conducted by research company Core Data, examined current market sentiment and future marketing plans. It revealed marketers are experiencing greater scrutiny from management with the majority of respondents (61%) saying they were required... ...Read more »

Metcash is planning on speeding up their foodservice expansion with a number of acquisitions planned in the eastern states. The grocery wholesaler first entered the food service sector with the purchase of WA-based Foodlink in 2005 and has since branched out into the eastern states with a number of small acquisitions including the recent Kelly’s Providores acquisition. Kelly’s Providores, a small NSW-based foodservice produce wholesaler, joined WA-based Fresh Market Meats and Queensland-based... ...Read more »

Opportunities abound when it comes to using fresh produce on restaurant menus, according to new research presented at a conference in the United States. Conducted by National Restaurant Association and Produce Marketing Association, the research highlighted that a focus on produce expanded options, sourcing and food safety. “Our new research lays the foundation to … identify new opportunities to serve … guests more fresh produce options on restaurant menus,” National Restaurant... ...Read more »

The Chinese government has approved the Regulation on the Implementation of the Food Safety Law, which is designed to improve food safety standards in the country.According to the new legislation, which came into effect yesterday (27 July), information on food manufacturers who have issued recalls will be stored on a central food safety database. The legislation stipulates that manufacturers must dispose of their recalled products in a safe manner that prevents them re-entering the food chain. Manufacturers... ...Read more »

The Food Industry Association of Western Australia is inviting entries for the WA Food and Beverage Awards, which will celebrate outstanding achievements in the WA food and beverage industry in 2009. To be eligible your organisation must be operating within the WA food and beverage industry, and your product, service or achievement needs to be attributed to the WA market. Nominations are invited in the following categories: * Best Retail Product * Best Food Service Product * Innovation * Environment... ...Read more »

Australian muesli and snack bar manufacturer Carman’s has announced the launch of Muesli Bites, a new portion controlled snack designed for the health conscious. Carman’s Bites, launched nationwide this month, are made from Carman’s gourmet muesli and are free from artificial preservatives, flavours and colours. It strengthens the company’s push into the snack category, following on from the recent release of Carman’s Rounds. The new product comes in two varieties –... ...Read more »

Australian snack company, Slim Secrets, has added to their range with the launch of ‘Designer Cookies’ in Choc Chip and Trail Mix varieties. Slim Secrets is the brainchild of wellness and weight-loss coach Sharon Thurin. The Designer Cookies were developed when Sharon became increasingly aware of the snacking dilemmas faced by many Australians. “Most of the protein and snack foods on the market were too high in fat and sugar, sport-focused, over-priced, tasted like cardboard. With... ...Read more »

Farm Pride, one of Australia’s largest egg production and manufacturing companies, has launched free range omega-3 enriched eggs onto the Australian market.The ASX-listed firm launched the eggs nationally earlier this month and have now also introduced ‘pink’ eggs to support the McGrath Foundation. The Farm Pride free range omega-3 enriched eggs come from chickens that are fed a natural grain diet fortified with omega-3 to produce eggs rich in omega-3. Omega-3 is an essential fatty... ...Read more »