The latest research conducted by independent market analyst Datamonitor has found that more than three-quarters of Australians are placing greater importance on maintaining or improving their health. A similar proportion (71%) of Australians reported that they ‘make conscious attempts to eat healthily’ either ‘all’ or ‘most of the time’. Katrina Diamonon, Consumer Markets Analyst, noted that this mindset even applies to alcohol purchases. Indeed, more than a quarter... ...Read more »

Tea prices reached record levels this year but should ease in 2010 as weather patterns returned to normal in the main tea-producing regions of Asia and Africa, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization has advised.The FAO Tea Composite price, the indicative world price for black tea, reached a high of $3.18 a kilogramme in September amid droughts in India, Sri Lanka and Kenya and underpinned by increased demand, compared to an average price of $2.38 per kilogramme in 2008. The concern is that... ...Read more »

Mintel reports that chocolate sales around the world have busted through the recession, as consumers looked to comfort food to overcome their economic worries. In China and the Ukraine-two countries not necessarily recognized for their rampant chocoholic populations-chocolate confectionery sales rose 18% and 12%, respectively, this year. Each country has seen steady sales increases since 2005 and Mintel predicts continued growth through 2013. Other countries have also seen chocolate bars, bags and... ...Read more »

What will be the effects of predicted temperature increases on fruit crops in the future? How will climate policies like the federal government’s proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme affect farm businesses? Horticulture body Growcom is set to address these issues with new research commencing next year with the assistance of Horticulture Australia (HAL), Apple & Pear Australia and Avocados Australia. The first project focuses on apples and pears and will involve David Putland, Growcom’s... ...Read more »

In spite of the global downturn, 2009 turned out to be an eventful year for the food industry. Economic recovery, albeit a slow and slightly faltering one, should bring equally if not more interesting times. Ben Cooper looks at what is likely to be dominating the headlines in the coming year. As 2009 closes and the food industry prepares for a well-earned break – and a chance to consume far too much of its own product – attention inevitably turns to what might be dominating the headlines... ...Read more »

American-based market researchers have shone light on some of the emerging trends that surfaced in the world’s largest consuming country, highlighting possible opportunities for Australian food industry players in the years ahead. According to the Culinary Trend Mapping Report, a bi-monthly journal from Packaged Facts and the Center for Culinary Development (CCD), overall themes for the year included nostalgia, healthful eating, comfort food, and distinctive regional or international flavours... ...Read more »

San Miguel Corporation has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in the Cospak Group. Based in Sydney, Australia, the Cospak Group is the largest packaging trading firm in Australasia – San Miguel said. Although the Group operates largely in Australia and New Zealand, the company has trading outposts in South Africa and Italy. Combined with its manufacturing operations, the annual revenues of the Cospak Group exceed A$120 million. The company said they hoped to make the Cospak Group... ...Read more »

Australian Food News wishes all our readers a happy Christmas and a very enjoyable, prosperous and safe new year! We will be still operating during the Christmas break – albeit with limited staff and a reduction in stories until January 4. Our office will be closed during this time, however. All the best… from the Australian Food News team  Read More →

ASX-listed dairy firm Warrnambool Cheese and Butter has received another approach from their suitor, while a new player has entered the mix – potentially fuelling a bidding war. WCB first received a non-binding offer back in October from an undisclosed suitor and quickly dismissed the offer – arguing it grossly undervalued the company’s prospects. The company has since received two further approaches – one from a new suitor -  but have again been dismissive of the offers. “WCB... ...Read more »

The world’s largest food manufacturer has suspended operations at its dairy plant in Zimbabwe due to safety concerns. Nestlé decided in October to sever ties with farms owned by Grace Mugabe – the wife of controversial president Robert Mugabe – after facing a barrage of criticism when the link was discovered. The company said at the time that, given a number of their dairy suppliers in the country had gone bust early this year, they had little choice but to source milk from Mugabe-owned... ...Read more »