Chinese holding firm Natural Dairy Holdings has entered into an agreement to acquire two dairy farms from failed New Zealand dairy group Crafar Farms. The acquisition will be completed through local subsidiary UBNZ Assets Holdings. The deal will see Natural Dairy take control of farm land, livestock and milk powder production plants in the country and is valued at NZ$1.5bn (US$1.05bn). “The acquisition constitutes a very substantial acquisition for the company,” Natural Dairy revealed... ...Read more »

Following a public consultation in the summer of 2009, the Food Standards Agency has today recommended that food manufacturers reduce saturated fat in foods such as biscuits, cakes, buns, chocolates and added sugar in soft drinks.The Agency also wants to see more smaller single-portion sizes available in some of these foods, which contribute much of the saturated fat and calories in our diet. The Agency is encouraging industry to: * reduce saturated fat in biscuits, cakes, buns and chocolate confectionery *... ...Read more »

According to Mintel’s latest report on green living, the environment remains a concern for the majority of Americans. More than one-third (35%) of survey respondents say they would pay more for ‘environmentally friendly’ products. “Given this increased interest in the environment over the past few years, nearly every segment of consumer products now offers a ‘green’ option for shoppers,” comments Chris Haack, Mintel senior analyst. “Food and beverage and personal... ...Read more »

• 121 countries and territories across all seven continents to participate in global climate action • Great Pyramids and Sphinx to lead Earth Hour’s landmark action on global warming • Football superclub, Real Madrid, joins the greatest team ever assembled to tackle climate change • Archbishop Desmond Tutu delivers an Earth Hour appeal to the planet Tomorrow night at 8.30pm local time, the national government of Tuvalu will switch off power to the low-lying island nation, as one of... ...Read more »

Bovis Lend Lease is progressing with the new $300 million Melbourne Wholesale Fruit, Vegetable and Flower Market after signing the final contract for delivery of the design and construction of this vital part of Victoria’s infrastructure. Bovis Lend Lease commenced early works late last year for the site establishment phase of the project, and will now commence full blown construction of this vital new facility. Bovis Lend Lease General Manager – Victoria, Mr Geoff Moore, said: “This... ...Read more »

The Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) is convening the inaugural conference Food Futures: An Australian Approach seeking to explore an overarching approach to food policy that looks well into the future. The purpose of the conference is to explore a range of issues with stakeholders, in order to encourage the Federal Government to work across departments and with all jurisdictions to develop a comprehensive, national approach to food. The Food Futures Conference is motivated by the PHAA... ...Read more »

A preliminary study by New Zealand company Plant & Food Research shows that natural chemicals from blackcurrants may help breathing in some types of asthma. Researchers found a compound from a New Zealand blackcurrant may reduce lung inflammation with a multi-action assault in allergy-induced asthma. The compound was found in laboratory experiments to enhance the natural defence mechanisms in lung tissue by both suppressing inflammation-causing reactions and minimising inflammation. The findings... ...Read more »

The AJCC Research Foundation, managed by the American Jersey Cattle Association, and National All-Jersey Inc. have committed a total of $50,250 to fund six scientific investigations related to Jersey dairy cattle.Five of the projects were selected from proposals received in response to the Foundation’s annual Request for Proposals. The sixth is directed research to develop a genome-guided computer-based mating program for Jersey cattle. Since 2000, the USJersey organizations have invested $491,890... ...Read more »

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission proposes to authorise alcohol supply restrictions in an agreement between liquor licensees in the Casuarina Business Precinct in Darwin in a draft decision issued today. The restrictions will limit the supply of takeaway pre-mixed, large volume wine and fortified wine products. The restrictions are part of a liquor accord which has been developed by a committee made up of representatives of a number of Casuarina businesses as well as the Northern... ...Read more »

Chinese meat and food processor Zhongpin has announced plans to expand and improve production at its pork facility in Anyang in Henan province.The company is investing around US$6.3m to further improve the plant’s pre-cooling room and equipment and to expand the plant’s production capacity for chilled pork. With the expansion, Zhongpin will increase the plant’s capacity by 35% to an annual capacity of 85,000 metric tons from the current 63,000 metric tons. After the expansion, chilled... ...Read more »