Barcode company GS1 is about to launch its GoScan app. With the support of a range of food industry partners – including the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC), major supermarkets and food manufacturers – the new GS1 GoScan iPhone application will be launched in Sydney next week. GS1 says the GoScan iPhone application will allow consumers to rapidly and easily access trusted product information from their mobile phone, whether they are at home, at a store or ‘on-the-go’. App users... ...Read more »

The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has responded to claims that Australian processed foods for children contain ‘unacceptably high’ levels of salt. The claims were made this week in research published by Australian consumer group CHOICE, which was based on research by the George Institute for Global Health. ‘World Salt Awareness Week’, which runs from 11 March 2013 to 17 March 2013, has triggered fierce debate in Australia about ‘hidden salt’ in food. The average Australian... ...Read more »

Supermarket giant Woolworths is facing heated criticism from its suppliers after a recent newspaper report revealed the existence of a dossier produced by the Company. The dossier reportedly claims that increased competition from Aldi was driving Woolworths to expand its private label product range. The claims in the Woolworths dossier have added fuel to an already-heated debate about how the major food retailers deal with their suppliers. Both Woolworths and Coles are currently being investigated... ...Read more »

Coca-Cola Amatil, Schweppes and Lion have launched a Federal Court of Australia action to challenge the legal validity of the Northern Territory’s container deposit scheme. The beverage giants made an application to have the scheme removed in which they would no longer be required to pay the 10 cent refund per beverage container that is returned. A Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) spokesperson said that if the application is successful, CCA will move “quickly” to reduce the prices of its Northern Territory... ...Read more »

The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has hit back at new Greens’ initiated legislation regarding Country of Origin labelling regulations, examined by the Senate Committee this week. According to the AFGC, the Greens reform of the regulations will “mislead consumers”, “negatively impact export opportunities”, and “threaten 300,000 Australian jobs.” The new Bill from the Greens aims to distinguish between products made from Australian ingredients and products made from Australian... ...Read more »

The ACCC has launched an investigation into Coles and Woolworths over possible misuse of their market power and indications of “unconscionable conduct” in relation to deals with their suppliers. While both supermarket groups are maintaining their innocence, the ACCC is also hinting it will be using its mandatory information-gathering powers to obtain more information. The grocery giants have been accused of discriminating against supplier brands for the supermarkets’ own labels, and adding... ...Read more »

The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has declared that Australian government fee increases by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) are “unacceptable.” FSANZ made silent increases to the fees it charges food manufacturers and importers to have a food product or ingredient approved from December 19, 2012, with some fees increasing as much as sixty per cent. FSANZ approval for a new product or ingredient already costs between $10,000 and $100,000 because food standard laws need... ...Read more »

Former Australian Olympic swimmer Susie O’Neill yesterday launched ‘Together Counts’ – a program aimed at improving the health of Australians by getting their energy balance right with the help of a new online resource. The Together Counts program, ran in conjunction with the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) and the Healthier Australia Commitment, has practical suggestions for meals, lunchbox ideas and physical activity tips for the whole family. Ms O’Neill said that the idea... ...Read more »

Stage One of Kraft Foods Asia Pacific Centre of Excellence at Ringwood, Melbourne was opened on Friday last week, set to bolster export opportunities to Asian markets. The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) CEO Mr Gary Dawson said he congratulated Kraft Foods on the opening, which he believes will “enhance industry competitiveness.” “Through the Centre of Excellence Kraft aims to create a catalyst for the development of innovative new products and processes for the Australian and Asian... ...Read more »

Retail spending growth will remain steady heading into 2013, according to the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) and global packaging company CHEP’s latest Retail Index released yesterday. The Index showed a 3 per cent growth in December 2012 in a year-on-year comparison with December 2011. The AFGC predicts that this level of year-on-year growth is expected to hold steady in February 2013 when compared with February 2012, and then also in the 2013 March quarter – with both forecast to... ...Read more »