Whilst protecting our environment has been the focus for leaders this month, when families around the world sit down for their festive feast this year many will have Australian exporters to thank for foods with a sustainable flavour, according to Austrade Chief Economist Tim Harcourt. Mr Harcourt noted that sales in many Christmas-related food categories had soared this year, while sustainable products were performing well. “Several food and beverage export categories have being growing strongly... ...Read more »

Chiquita Brands International has shed more light on the latest EU probe into claims of a cartel in the banana industry by admitting it has received a notice regarding the investigation. The US-based fruit giant said it had been sent a “statement of objections” over the probe, which is looking into claims of a banana cartel in southern Europe. Chiquita said the claims centre on “activities alleged to have occurred” between July 2004 and January 2006. Last year, the company... ...Read more »

There is a new reality when it comes to grocery shopping – more consumers want simple, cost-efficient foods they can prepare at home and that don’t compromise on quality. The shift remains in force at a time when recessionary fears are fading, according to Phil Lempert – the ‘Supermarket Guru’, who works closely with American food manufacturers like ConAgra Foods and retailers to analyze trends in the industry. Lately, he has seen many brands go back to their roots... ...Read more »

The Taiwanese Government is planning to introduce a tax on junk food – a move which would be a world-first, according to reports. Citing the Apple Daily, AFP reported that Taiwan’s Bureau of Health Promotion was drafting a bill to tax unhealthy food and drink such as certain soft drinks and a range of fast-food, confectionery and alcohol products. The revenue raised would then be redirected toward health programs. The scheme could be introduced in 2011, with the bill likely to be debated... ...Read more »

Cadbury chief executive Todd Stitzer has insisted that the UK confectioner’s investors “seem unimpressed” with Kraft Foods’ hostile bid after he visited shareholders on both sides of the Atlantic last week. Stitzer, who launched Cadbury’s formal defence to Kraft’s GBP10bn (US$16.08bn) bid last week in London, was in New York later in the week, addressing the Dairy Milk maker’s US investors. In an interview with Reuters, Stitzer said it appeared Cadbury’s... ...Read more »

Foster’s has today reported the departure of Alex Stevens, Managing Director of their brewing division CUB. The company advised that Mr Stevens had resigned due to ill health. “Whilst we are very sorry about this unexpected development, we respect and support this decision and sincerely wish him well for the future,” Foster’s CEO Ian Johnston said. “In Alex’s short time at Foster’s, a lot has been achieved. The beer, cider and spirits sales team has been... ...Read more »

Leading Australian branded rice business, SunRice, has reported a heavy fall in profit for the six months to October 31 despite sales almost matching last year’s record result. SunRice Chairman Gerry Lawson said the profit decline was expected as the business had returned to more ‘normal levels of performance’ following last year’s one-off record profit that was assisted by surging rice prices. Consolidated revenue for the first half of the year to 31 October 2009 was $454.8... ...Read more »

An amicable deal has been struck between Tasmanian farmers and dairy processor National Foods today, concluding a long-running saga that had become bitter on occasions. Farmers had – until today – continued to back away from the price offered by National Foods, arguing farmers were paid more in other states and the offer price would not meet their costs of production. However, National Foods held firm arguing their proposed milk price was the best they could do without undermining the... ...Read more »

Kraft has issued a document urging their shareholders to support their Cadbury takeover plan. The Oreo and Vegemite maker filed a definitive proxy statement on Friday to approve the issuance of new shares to bankroll their A$18.6b bid for the confectioner. A shareholder meeting will be held on February 1, 2010. The announcement follows continued rejection from Cadbury management of an offer they view as “derisory”. New Board members Kraft has also announced the appointment of Jean-Francois... ...Read more »

The Northern Territory Government is taking the lead from South Australia, announcing a decision to phase out single-use shopping bags as part of their climate change policy. They are also moving toward the introduction of a container deposit scheme – like that seen in SA – and ahead of any final decision on a nationwide deposit container scheme. “We’ll be introducing legislation in 2010 to ban plastic bags in the Territory,” NT Chief Minister, Paul Henderson, said –... ...Read more »