Simplot’s tuna brand, John West, has released a new offering in canned tuna – John West No Drain. The new cans contain a significantly smaller amount of liquid than standard canned tuna, meaning the fish can be taken straight out of the tin without draining. The new tuna, available in 130g snack-size varieties, is aimed at the single-serving tuna market – lunches and quick meals. Each can contains skipjack tuna, and is available in springwater, brine or olive oil varieties. All... ...Read more »

People in Australia are becoming hooked on sustainable seafood, says the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), with more fisheries, suppliers and retailers seeking MSC certification to meet growing consumer demand for sustainably-sourced seafood products. “A growing number of fisheries in Australia, and worldwide, want to show their commitment to sustainable fishing by getting certified to the MSC environmental standard for sustainable fisheries. They want to do this because they’re proud... ...Read more »

Consumer group CHOICE has conducted a review of supermarket own brand foods, comparing them to various popular branded equivalents in terms of nutrition and taste. “The rise in supermarket-own brands has been phenomenal in Australia, with Coles and Woolworths leading the charge, closely followed by the popular discount chain, Aldi,” wrote CHOICE author Rebecca Gatto. “Private labels now account for almost a quarter of all grocery sales, and there are few supermarket categories that... ...Read more »

It will come as no surprise to those following the food industry news to learn that two of the top five most-read stories on just-food this week are about the potential sale of UK snack and biscuit maker United Biscuits.The prospect of a deal, despite the fact that it is still to be confirmed by the company itself, has captured the imagination as only a large M&A move can. Along with the rumours over the possible change of ownership at French yoghurt maker Yoplait and reported bids for John West... ...Read more »

US investment group Trilantic Capital is understood to have put its European seafood unit, MWBrands, up for sale. The firm’s interests include UK tuna brand John West, French business Petit Navire and Italian operations Mareblu. The company is not related to Australia’s John West, which is wholly owned by Simplot. The group also has seafood processing facilities in Ghana, The Seychelles, Douarnenez, France and Peniche, Portugal. The Liverpool-based John West business is said to be up... ...Read more »

Canned tuna is currently the biggest selling seafood item in Australia. As supermarkets sell more and more of this profitable product, tuna stocks are in a critical condition. Greenpeace is now putting pressure on supermarkets and consumers to take responsibility for this problem. Supermarkets play a key role in the overfishing crisis by selling us overfished tuna.  Greenpeace’s Canned Tuna Guide  exposes the supermarkets selling us overfished species or using destructive fishing techniques. Most... ...Read more »