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 »

There has been a widespread rollout of products containing Stevia in recent times, with new products containing the natural sweetener increasing by 400 per cent globally between 2008 and 2012, and 158 per cent between 2011 and 2012, according to new research from global market research organisation Mintel. Europe is experience “phenomenal growth” and is now a key market driver for Stevia, according to Mintel. It accounted for a quarter of global new product launches containing Stevia in 2012,... ...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 »

Global soft drink company Coca-Cola has said it will work to make its beverages lower-calorie, and make nutrition information more widely available on its products globally. The US-based Company already has diet drinks available in most markets around the world, but they are not always as readily available in emerging markets such as China. Coca-Cola said the goal is to have diet options available wherever regular versions are sold, and to have cans and bottles of its soft drinks display nutrition... ...Read more »

Gloria Jean’s Coffees has introduced a new smooth, medium roast Sereno Blend into its Australian coffee houses. The new blend will be available alongside Gloria Jean’s Coffees’ Original Blend. Gloria Jean’s Coffees said the new blend has been introduced “in response to the evolving tastes of Australian coffee drinkers”, and is named after the “serene and smooth body” of the blend. The Company said the blend, which is made from Arabica beans, “is a lively and light tasting coffee... ...Read more »

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that it will investigate the safety of caffeine in food products, particularly its effects on children and adolescents. The investigation is a response by the food safety authority to a growing trend in the US for caffeine-added food products, and the announcement came just weeks after confectionary company Wrigley’s began promoting a new chewing gum that contains caffeine. Launching the new caffeine-added gum, Alert Energy Caffeine Gum, in... ...Read more »

The performance of the Australian manufacturing sector, including food and beverage manufacturing, worsened significantly in April 2013 amid weakening economic conditions, according to industry association the Australian Industry Group (AI Group). The latest AI Group Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI) recorded 36.7 in the month, down 7.7 points on March. Readings below 50 indicate a contraction in activity, with the distance from 50 indicative of the strength of the decrease. Significant... ...Read more »

Australians are expected to spend almost $1.4 billion spoiling their mums this year, according to research from market research organisation IBISWorld. This figure is an increase of 2.7 per cent from 2012, and almost three times the amount Australian spend on Father’s Day. Positive consumer sentiment, increasing disposable incomes and low unemployment are all expected to contribute to more lavish spending on Australian mums this year, according to IBISWorld. Adult Australians are expected to spend... ...Read more »

Sales of bottled water will overtake carbonates as the leading global soft drinks category in the next two years, according to data from beverage market research company Canadean. Canadean said the global trend toward bottled water is being bolstered by its healthy image, as well as necessity in areas of the world that are lacking alternative safe water supplies. Asia The main driver behind the category re-positioning is coming from Asia, according to Canadean. Volume sales in Asia are predicted... ...Read more »

The rate of growth in retail trade in Australia decreased marginally in the first three months of 2013, and is expected to ease further as the year continues, according to a report from grocery retail representative body Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) and pallet and container manufacturer CHEP. The report, called the AFGC CHEP Retail Index, showed 3 per cent growth in the March quarter year-on-year, but forecasts growth will ease to 2.6 per cent in the June quarter. In the month of March,... ...Read more »