Australia is adjusting its imported food policy settings for beef and beef products, with controversial changes to come into effect from 1 March, 2010.An update of the science of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), mad cow disease, and consideration of the risks associated with importing the beef and beef products was undertaken by Professor John Mathews to guide the alterations. Professor Mathews’ report concludes that the risk to human health from imported beef remains extremely low,... ...Read more »

The NSW Government has unveiled an action plan to tackle the growing global problem of food security, Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald said today. The Minister launched the plan, Research for Action – Productivity and Food Security, as part of a major food security forum held in Sydney today, featuring experts from science and industry. “Food security is one of the biggest issues facing our planet,” Mr Macdonald said. “Today’s event in Sydney brings together... ...Read more »

Melbourne’s Vue de monde has this week received one of the highest accolades in the Australian restaurant industry by capturing the Restaurant of the Year crown at the 2009 Savour Australia National Awards for Excellence. The annual awards of industry representative Restaurant & Catering Australia saw Melbourne businesses claim the two top awards, with the Atlantic Group taking out the Caterer of the Year prize. The annual awards brought together more than 2,500 restaurants and caterers... ...Read more »

The Coca-Cola Company last night reported a unit case volume increase of 2 per cent in the third quarter, but was unable to turn such growth into higher sales as revenues fell four per cent. Internationally, the soft drink maker achieved unit case volume growth of 4 per cent, thanks to strong performances in key emerging markets – with 37 per cent growth in India, 15 per cent growth in China and 3 per cent growth in Brazil. However, sales were hurt by currency movements. The Coca-Cola Company... ...Read more »

Grocery wholesaler Metcash is “actively seeking” attractive bolt-on acquisitions and new business opportunities to drive the company forward in the long-term, while increased focus on private label and the fresh offering is expected to boost profit within the IGA supermarket network.Chief Executive, Andrew Reitzer, has also maintained guidance for the full year, with earnings per share growth in the order of 7-10% forecast. Like Woolworths, who reported first quarter sales today, Metcash... ...Read more »

Australia’s largest supermarket operator has again posted strong sales growth in the first quarter and has reiterated its forecast for the full year. Food and liquor sales again led the way, rising 7.8 per cent, or 5.8 per cent on a comparable store sales basis, while the group’s overall sales growth reached 4.2 per cent – hurt considerably by lower petrol prices (7.4% ex. petrol). Food inflation was a more restrained 2.1 per cent in the quarter compared to last year’s 3.2... ...Read more »

Reforms to Australia’s dairy export system will cut red tape and help improve market access to the United States and European Union, according to the Federal Government. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke, yesterday announced an overhaul of the system for allocating the United States and European Union dairy tariff rate quotas. Under tariff rate quotas, certain amounts of Australian dairy products can be exported into the US and the EU at reduced or zero tariffs, giving... ...Read more »

New research from Europe suggests that the health and wellness focus of shoppers has only strengthened during the difficult financial times. The study*, from ingredients firm Tate & Lyle, shows that consumers continue to see health and wellness as an important issue and will pay more for foods that display health benefits on their labels. The results also convey an increasing awareness and sophistication amongst participants in their attitudes towards their diet and their perceptions of food... ...Read more »

Guylian, the Belgian chocolate maker, today (19 October) claimed that markets in Asia had started to show signs of recovery. Steven Candries, Guylian’s export and travel director, told just-food that the company had seen “two months of recovery” in selected Asian markets after a “tough” 12 months. Guylian was bought 18 months ago by South Korea’s Lotte Confectionery. Speaking at the Tax Free World Association (TFWA) exhibition in Cannes, Candries acknowledged the... ...Read more »

The inclusion of food processing in the Coalition’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) amendments has been well received by the leading representative of food manufacturers in the country – the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC). Under the Coalition’s proposed amendments to the CPRS legislation, key export industries will be better supported including food processing, which is Australia largest manufacturing sector. “AFGC congratulates the Coalition for its willingness... ...Read more »