A hardy ancient Russian oilseed crop could prove a lifeline for farmers in marginal regions of WA, according to researchers at The University of Western Australia. Camelina sativa, variously known as camelina, gold-of-pleasure, false flax, Siberian oilseed and wild flax, is a member of the mustard family and a distant relative of canola. This hardy oil plant has been grown in Europe for thousands of years, as a grain and for its edible and burnable oil. Camelina oil is also a significant source of... ...Read more »

The European Union’s Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries has called for a significant cut in catches of East Atlantic bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean and East Atlantic, ahead of the EU’s leadership role at a major fisheries management meeting next month. Commissioner Maria Damanaki announced her support of a substantial decrease in next year’s total allowable catch of the controversial fish yesterday in Strasbourg, at a meeting of the Greens of the European Parliament. WWF,... ...Read more »

The launch of a light ice cream with performance supplements to encourage muscle growth, a freezable wine dessert and an organic, fat-free, coconut water-based sorbet show how functional food is straying ever further from its traditional territories. Featured in Datamonitor’s monthly roundup of novel food launches, the products hint at new directions for the frozen dessert market. New Pro-Cream Performance Light Ice Cream claims to be the world’s first performance ice cream. Sold in the... ...Read more »

Rising living standards, burgeoning incomes and changing consumer demographics have spurred the demand for quality products across consumer market segments including confectionery products in China. Globally, the confectionery markets appear to have been most affected by the economic recession as well as a concurrent trend of health consciousness. With alarming statistics of diabetes patients in various Asian countries, consumers are cautious of the ingredients, more specifically of the calories... ...Read more »

In contrast to the findings of some studies and the recommendations that pregnant women increase their intake of fish oil via dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) because of the possible benefits, a randomized trial that included more than 2,000 women finds that use of DHA supplements did not result in lower levels of postpartum depression in mothers or improved cognitive and language development in their offspring during early childhood, according to a study in the October 20 issue of JAMA (Journal... ...Read more »

Eagle Boys has become the first major Australian pizza chain to offer franchisee and staff training through a dedicated Online Training College, launched this week. Designed to equip franchisees and staff with the best industry skills possible, the interactive online training portal is also expected to drive consistency, customer service and profitability across the Eagle Boys network. While other major retail food outlets like Subway, Hungry Jacks, and Red Rooster offer online training, Eagle Boys... ...Read more »

Domino’s Pizza is set to introduce a new full taste mozzarella cheese, which has 14% less fat, across its menu commencing 1 January 2011. Domino’s CEO Don Meij said the Company’s decision to change cheese supplier was part of Domino’s focus on providing healthier and tastier products at affordable prices for customers across its 438 Australian stores. “We have searched the world to find a cheese that is lower in fat without compromising on the great taste and quality... ...Read more »

French retail group Casino is planning to open 500 convenience stores under its Casino Proximité umbrella brand next year which spans its Petit Casino, Spar, Spar Supermarché and Vival chains. It said the expansion of its French network will represent the creation of more than 1,000 jobs. The unit already operates a total of almost 7,000 stores, including more than 2,500 outlets (Spar and Vival) under franchise and serves 2m customers on a daily basis. Earlier this year, in order to facilitate... ...Read more »

Australian baby food manufacturer Rafferty’s Garden has announced it has appointed Michael Tinker as managing director. The appointment comes a month after the management buy out of the company led by private-equity firm Anacacia Capital. The premium baby food manufacturer said it achieved record growth in 2010 and is now the fastest growing and second largest baby food business in Australia. Founder Adrian Pike said: “I am delighted to welcome Anacacia Capital and Saleslink as shareholders... ...Read more »

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh last week launched a new initiative, in conjunction with  Woolworths, designed boost to primary producers in North Queensland. Woolworths has introduced “Nth Qld Grown” labelling in its supermarkets across North Queensland, so that customers can easily identify locally grown produce. “This is a fantastic initiative by Woolworths to promote locally grown produce and make it easier for consumers to identify North Queensland produce in North Queensland stores,”Bligh... ...Read more »