A new front-of-pack labelling (FoPL) system that uses a ‘health star’ rating, has been approved by Australian and New Zealand Ministers responsible for food regulation, with plans for further examination of how the system would apply to dairy products. The ‘Health Star Rating’ system, which was developed over 18 months as part of a collaborative process between Australian public health and consumer groups, industry and government, was approved at the Legislative and Governance Forum of Food... ...Read more »

Chicken meat has maintained its place as Australia’s most popular meat, ahead of all red meats, and its popularity is expected to continue, according to a recent report from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES). ABARES found that Australians ate more chicken meat in 2012-13 than the combined total of beef and lamb. In 2012-13, Australians ate an average of 44.6 kg of chicken meat per person, compared to 32.8 kg of beef and 9.5 kg of lamb. Chicken consumption... ...Read more »

Australian customers, communities and the economy have benefited from supermarket group Coles’ “investment in lower prices”, according to Coles Managing Director, Ian McLeod. At the same time, Coles has been forced by Australian farming groups to reassess its endorsement for an animal rights group opposed to intensive farming. MD describes wider benefits of lower price campaign Speaking at the American Chamber of Commerce in Sydney on 4 June 2013, Managing Director Mr McLeod said that the Coles... ...Read more »

The Australian Government has released its National Food Plan, which it says will provide “a roadmap for the future” for governments, businesses and individuals to work together. But the plan has been met with mixed reactions by industry and health organisations. Launched on Saturday 25 May 2013 by Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig at Rocklea Markets in Brisbane, the plan outlines a number of new initiatives. The Government said “these measures aim... ...Read more »

A new certification body for genetically modified organism free (GMO-free) foods has been launched in Australia. GMO-ID Australia, a subsidiary of accreditation body HACCP International Pty Ltd, which has specialised in product certification for the food industry since 1998, will use the ‘Cert ID Non GMO’ (Cert ID) certification system in Australia and the Pacific region. The Cert ID system will offer a range of third party certification schemes aimed at the food industry, including farmers and... ...Read more »

Major Australian supermarkets appear to be gradually moving towards new store formats that will offer additional services or attempt to create a more ‘market-style’ environment. Woolworths recently advertised positions available for qualified butchers for its “exciting new concept stores”. Woolworths supermarkets also appear to be gradually changing their approach to the format of stores, perhaps in an attempt to emulate its rival Coles’ strategy of focusing on the customer in-store ‘experience’. In... ...Read more »

The founder of Australian cereal manufacturer Carman’s Fine Foods, Carolyn Cresswell, is urging Australian women in the food industry to enter the 2013 Telstra Business Women’s Awards. Ms Creswell, who was named 2012 Telstra Business Woman of the Year, said winning the award in 2012 increased brand awareness for Carman’s Fine Foods, but that the entry process itself was also rewarding. “The entry process is very professional and detailed and it makes sure you do not leave a stone unturned.... ...Read more »

The proportion of consumers satisfied with German-owned Australian supermarket Aldi is once again comfortably higher than Australia’s other three major supermarket chains, according to market research organisation Roy Morgan Research. In November 2012, both Coles and Woolworths came within 1 per cent point of Aldi, making it the closest race in five years. But the latest results from the Roy Morgan Supermarket Satisfaction report show Aldi edging back toward the nine-out-of-ten mark, with 89.7... ...Read more »

There are still places available for an upcoming series of intensive workshops from leading food compliance consultants FoodLegal. The workshops will be run in both Sydney and Melbourne. 1. ‘Swim between the flags’ workshop  This workshop covers the best practices to identify when and how a non-compliance risk exists in any food marketing. This includes illustrations of non-compliance under Australian Consumer Law and what options can be considered. Choose your session: Friday 24th... ...Read more »

Australian food businesses can take advantage a new service to assist them to develop export business for agricultural products directly to Asia. VECCI Global believes global demand for Australian food and beverages will grow because of Australia’s “reputation for clean, safe and healthy produce”. VECCI Global offers agribusinesses market research services and help creating a market entry strategy, as well as coaching to understand trade conditions and cultural differences that might affect... ...Read more »