A panel of experts and industry commentators on the United States’ private label sector, brought together by the U.S. Private Label Manufacturer’s Association, has cast its predictions for the sector in 2012. Many of the experts believe that 2012 will see American food retailers attempting to condense their stores, with urban centres becoming the prime location for locating new stores. Food Retail Industry Consultant Michael Sansolo, who is also senior vice president of the U.S. Food Marketing... ...Read more »

A free smartphone app, developed by the Western Australian State government agency Consumer Protection and called iShopWA, is now available for shoppers in the State of Western Australia to easily access information about their rights under the new Australian Consumer Law. WA’s Commerce Minister Simon O’Brien said this would be the first Christmas that West Australians have the protections of the new laws, and it was important that they knew their rights regarding refunds, warranties and lay-bys. “Many... ...Read more »

7-Eleven Australia has announced it has entered an agreement with Krispy Kreme Australia for the supply of fresh daily Krispy Kreme doughnuts to each of its 600 stores. Warren Wilmot, 7-Eleven Australia’s CEO, was excited about the benefits of the new arrangement for the company, its Franchisees and its customers. “This deal is something we’ve worked hard to deliver, because of the potential benefits for our company, and most importantly, our Franchisees. We believe this arrangement... ...Read more »

Three varieties of Kamfen brand noodles  that have been found to have microbial contamination. The brand-owner EKO Australia Pty Ltd has voluntarily issued a consumer-level recall today. The three recalled Kamfen products are: •Kamfen Buckwheat Noodles: 340g in plastic packaging •Kamfen Beijing Noodles – Abalone Chicken Soup Flavour: 160g in plastic packaging •Kamfen Sichuan Noodles – Abalone Chicken Soup Flavour: 160g in plastic packaging Date markings: •Kamfen Buckwheat Noodles:... ...Read more »

Google Australia predicts strong growth for online presence of food and drink retail in Australia. Today, it offered advice to Australian retailers with an online presence as the market gears up for the holiday season. According to Google Australia’s figures, 31 per cent of online “Christmas” specific searches during 2011 involve the food and drink retail sector. Google Australia & New Zealand’s Head of Retail, Ross McDonald said today, “Over the next five weeks shopping-related... ...Read more »

Research published today by market research organisation, IBISWorld, predicts that Australians will spend A$25.4 Billion on alcoholic beverages in 2011-12. According to the research, Australians are increasingly choosing premium alcoholic drinks over traditional beers. The report predicts that alcohol spending in Australia will increase by 15.3% over the next five years, reaching A$29.3 Billion in 2016/17. IBISWorld General Manager (Australia) Karen Dobie said that while Australia’s alcohol consumption... ...Read more »

Plans by McDonald’s Corporation to expand its store network in China could spell good news for Australia’s beef producers. The fast food chain plans to bring the number of its restaurants in China from 1,356 to 2,000 by 2013 and, according to McDonald’s Australia, Australia’s beef producers are well placed to benefit from the expansion. McDonald’s Australia’s Skye Oxenham told Australian Food News, “Australia is already one of the largest beef suppliers to the McDonald’s system worldwide,... ...Read more »

Pressure from anti-palm oil campaigners on Australia’s distributors and retailers continues. The campaigns concern how palm oil should be labelled as a food ingredient. The issue is now before a Federal Parliamentary Committee inquiry in the House of Representatives. Public submissions are being invited by the committee and are due by Monday 15 August 2011. The House Economics Committee has commenced its inquiry into the Food Standards Amendment (Truth in Labelling – Palm Oil) Bill 2011 that... ...Read more »

This year’s Annual Food and Grocery Executive Program, run by the Institute of Food and Grocery Management, will be held from the 18th through 23rd of September at the Mt Eliza Centre for Executive Education in Victoria. This program is for present and next generation leaders in the Australian and New Zealand fresh food, grocery, beverage and FMCG industry.  The course provides a unique opportunity for managers and entrepreneurs across all industry segments to network and address current issues... ...Read more »

The Australian Food and Grocery council has decried the Federal Government’s proposed carbon tax, saying it will increase the cost of food and grocery manufacturing in Australia. While full details of the carbon tax have not yet been announced, AFGC Chief Executive Kate Carnell said a tax on carbon would be another cost to food and grocery manufacturers who are currently weathering a “perfect storm”. “Industry is under growing pressure from rising input costs across the supply chain,... ...Read more »