Three of Australia’s leading exporters have shared their wisdom and experience with a Sydney business audience during the Export Breakfast Panel – “Financing exporting success in good times and bad”. Australian Export Awards winners from 2008 were on the panel including Chris Vonwiller from Appen, the Prime Minister’s Australian Exporter of the Year; Dr John Russell, from Russell Mineral Equipment – a three time Award winner and soon to be inducted into the Australian... ...Read more »

The Australian dairy industry could be poised for recovery, the Chief Executive of the South Australian Dairyfarmers’ Association has said.Speaking to just-food, Ken Lyons noted that “most industry people” are predicting a “market turnaround”. However, he added that “nobody is sure of the timing”. “One of the indicators that there may be an improvement in international dairy product prices was the 25.8% increase in prices from the online auction by... ...Read more »

Today’s kids’ menus continue to lack imagination, according to a report from America. Mintel Menu Insights, which tracks restaurant menu trends, believes the average menu doesn’t offer enough variety or healthy food for children, with parents, kids and chefs alike calling out for better options. Analyzing kids’ menus from 2005 to the present, Mintel Menu Insights sees the same clichéd foods repeated year after year. Chicken fingers steadily account for 10% of kids’... ...Read more »

The H.J. Heinz Company, one of the world’s largest food manufacturers, has reported a 4.5 per cent lift in sales in the first quarter, after stripping out the negative impact of currency movements. The ketchup maker saw emerging market strength and a rise in prices offset a fall in volumes but currency movements still ensured a 7 per cent fall in profit. “Led by strong organic sales growth in Emerging Markets, our sharply focused global portfolio of leading brands performed well, especially... ...Read more »

A Bill introduced to the Senate yesterday by Independent Senator Nick Xenophon to alter Australia’s food labelling laws could make it harder for Australian Made products to compete, according to the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC). The proposed legislation seeks to change laws to only allow the word “Australian” to be used on products if they are 100 per cent produced in Australia. Senator Xenophon has previously labelled current laws as a “sad joke”. “Right... ...Read more »

Hormel Foods, the maker of SPAM, has seen operating profit rise 33 per cent in the third quarter compared to last year despite a 4 per cent decline in volumes. The manufacturer of brands like Stagg Chilli and SPAM in Australia was pleased with the result, which topped estimates. “We are pleased to report improved operating segment results for the quarter,” Jeffrey Ettinger, Chairman, President and CEO of Hormel Foods, advised. “Our Grocery Products segment had another solid quarter,... ...Read more »

New research from the UK has discovered nearly one in five (19%) shoppers are loyal to organic food and beverages and are maintaining their expenditure despite cost pressures.The research, from grocery industry think-tank IGD, noted that a further 9 per cent plan to buy more organic food when they have a bit more money to spend. However, 10 per cent of shoppers suggest they have found other products that are cheaper but still provide the same perceived benefits. A further 8 per cent are focusing... ...Read more »

Wesfarmers has announced a net profit after tax of $1.535 billion – up 44 per cent – as their Coles turnaround gathers momentum. The WA-based conglomerate, owner of the Bunnings and Coles Group stores as well as coal and fertiliser assets, said that their supermarket chain had met expectations with increasing customer numbers and basket growth. Managing Director, Richard Goyder, believed the result was strong given the economic conditions that confronted the group throughout the year. “At... ...Read more »

The Australian Conservation Foundation’s (ACF) call for the Government to establish a sustainable agrifood strategy has added momentum to safeguarding Australia’s food security, according to the nation’s leading organisation representing food and grocery manufacturers. The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) said ACF’s “Paddock to Plate” sustainable food announcement yesterday echoed a similar policy call by the AFGC for the establishment of a National Food... ...Read more »

Victorian Agriculture Minister, Joe Helper, has reported the launch of ‘Booster Broccoli’ – the first product in a new range of vegetables that reportedly contain the highest concentration of beneficial nutrients for humans. “The vegetables, branded as Vital Vegetables, have enhanced antioxidant composition, which means the nutrients are more easily absorbed by humans,” Mr Helper said. “This is great news as the vegetables can work more effectively in preventing... ...Read more »