A leading representative group for Australia’s organic food and farming industry, says that the recent strong growth predictions for the organic industry reflect data and trends identified in ongoing market research commissioned by the industry. In survey findings released last week by independent global industry researcher IBISWorld, organic farming was tipped to be a front-runner in the areas of revenue and employment in Australia. In its report on the “top 10″ growth industries,... ...Read more »

Sugar, dairy and oils were the catalysts for growth in global food prices last month, according to the latest release of the FAO Food Price Index, while cereals and meat prices remained stagnant. The Index now sits at a 15-month high. The Index of a basket of food commodities (sugar, dairy, meat, cereals and oils and fats) reached 171.9 points last month, up 29 points year-on-year and 33 from the lowest point during the downturn (February). “The main drivers were sugar, oilseeds and dairy which... ...Read more »

The latest speculation suggests American confectionery company Hershey will be a late entry into the race for Cadbury, presenting competition to Kraft’s hostile proposal. According to the Financial Times, the Hershey Trust has given the go-ahead for a formal offer to be presented to Cadbury prior to the January 23 deadline. The long running ‘will they or won’t they’ questioning will soon be over as the two possible counterbidders – Ferrero and Hershey – near the... ...Read more »

A supermarket ombudsman could cost UK consumers “millions of pounds” in higher prices and hand negotiating power to the largest food makers, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has warned. Consumer minister Kevin Brennan this morning announced (13 January) that he had accepted the UK Competition Commission’s recommendation for a body to enforce the Groceries Supply Code of Practice, which will involve the creation of an ombudsman. Reacting to the Government’s plans, the BRC... ...Read more »

Organic food sales in Germany, the largest European market for the sector, were “stagnant” in 2009, according to the latest industry data. Figures from Germany’s organic food federation, the BÖLW, said there had been particular losses in food retailing and discount stores. Estimated turnover in the sector amounted to around EUR5.85bn (US$8.52bn), which BÖLW said was “roughly the same” or even “slightly less” than last year. “The reason is price declines... ...Read more »

Australia’s capacity to export mangoes to Japan and China has increased significantly thanks to a new Vapour Heat Treatment (VHT) facility at Giru in North Queensland, the state government has said. VHT helps to control the problem of fruit fly and is critical to market access in Asia. Acting Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland, Peter Lawlor, said that, in the first week of operation at the new facility, 10 tonnes of mangoes were treated and exported... ...Read more »

Inghams Enterprises is looking at ways to cope with the loss of the largest chicken processing plant in Victoria after it was destroyed by fire earlier this week. It is still unknown how the Somerville factory went up in smoke on Monday but it has been traced to a cardboard storage room at the facility. The board of the company has held a series of meetings to come up with plans to deal with the issue, but unions are concerned about what the future holds for hundreds of workers at the plant. They... ...Read more »

Romania is planning to introduce a tax on unhealthy food as early as March as they look to increase the level of funds allocated to their health system. The news comes soon after reports that Taiwan is considering becoming the first country to introduce a tax on junk food. Full details of the tax still need to be developed but, if approved, it is expected to apply to producers of fast-food products, certain snacks and crisps, confectionery and soft drinks. Such ideas have been floated in a number... ...Read more »

Australian egg marketer Farm Pride has informed shareholders that it has received a notice from its bankers relating to a breach of one of its lending covenants. The ASX-listed egg firm looked to quell concerns about their future, however, saying they were hopeful a new agreement could be reached soon. “The Company is in discussions with its Bankers and in the process of finalising details relating to a new Business Finance Agreement on existing terms and conditions,” they informed shareholders... ...Read more »

Australia’s leading advocate of lamb, Sam Kekovich, has received supported from one of the world’s most famous businessman as he takes the Australian lamb message global. Now in its sixth year, the Australia Day lamb campaign has seen Kekovich head overseas as he seeks to persuade the United Nations to declare 26 January ‘International Australia Day’. Braving far from idyllic barbecue conditions in New York on Monday 11 January, Sam fronted up to the UN headquarters to deliver... ...Read more »