News on Food Trends from Oceania

February 14, 2011

New South Australian Potato Organisation established

A formation meeting has been called to establish a new peak organisation for the South Australian potato industry.

January 15, 2011

AUSVEG on Queensland floods: no need to increase import of vegetables

AUSVEG CEO Richard Mulcahy today said that despite recent media reports to the contrary, there is no need for Australia to import more vegetables due the flood crisis in Queensland.

November 12, 2010

Australia's NSW Rolls Out Fast Food Labelling Law

he Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) has mandated a fast-food labelling law, becoming the first state to do so.

November 03, 2010

AUSVEG welcomes proposal for Senate briefing on the ‘Zebra Chip’ disease threatening Australian potatoes

AUSVEG CEO Richard Mulcahy has welcomed the proposal for a briefing of the Senate Rural Affairs and Transport Committee on Zebra Chip disease, following a recent request by New Zealand to import fresh potatoes for processing into Australia.

August 22, 2010

Taste drives demand for Hawkesbury organic potatoes

In New South Wales, Australia, Matt Simmons can barely keep up with demand for the organic potatoes he and wife Sue grow on their 48-hectare farm on the Hawkesbury River.

August 19, 2010

Australian Potato Industry fears Zebra Chip disease

AUSVEG CEO Richard Mulcahy said today that diseased potatoes had the potential to threaten the viability of the entire Australian potato industry if the Australian Federal Government allows potatoes to be imported for processing from New Zealand.

June 14, 2010

Potato Salad may cut cancer risk red meat

Scientists from Adelaide’s Flinders University found that the starch contained in cold, cooked potatoes would reduce the cancer risk associated with eating red meat, with increasing evidence available that a diet high in red meat can increase a person’...

June 14, 2010

Talley's bid for meat processor Affco

NZX-listed meat processor Affco is the target of a full takeover bid by its largest shareholder, Talley's Group, which has agreed to buy out the next-biggest investor, raising its stake to 76 per cent.Talley's, which owned 53 per cent has reached an ag...

June 01, 2010

Bluebird Foods recalls potato chips due to undeclared allergens

Bluebird Light Plus Sea Salt Potato Chips (150g bags) displaying Best Before date 25 August 2010 should not be consumed due to the presence of undeclared allergens – milk, soy and gluten. There have been no reports of illness, however any person conc...

May 19, 2010

Australian potato growers concerned about zebra chip disease

Potato growers across Australia have been urged to protect the local industry from a major pest which has established itself in New Zealand. New Zealand potato producers have been coming to terms with the disease Zebra chip. The disease is seen as...

Hungry Jack's (Australian Franchise of Burger King)

April 13, 2010

Australian Hungry Jack's french fries now manufactured in Canada?

McCain Foods has told growers in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania it requires 10 per cent less potatoes for the 2010-11 season and wants to cut the price by AU$45 per tonne. A meeting of potato growers at Ballarat last week angrily rejected Mc...

March 08, 2010

Discovery of fat taste could hold the key to reducing obesity - link to BMI

A newly discovered ability for people to taste fat could hold the key to reducing obesity, Deakin University health researchers believe. Deakin researchers Dr Russell Keast and PhD student Jessica Stewart, working with colleagues at the University o...

February 08, 2010

AUSVEG criticises Australian government for lack of support around Fruit Logistica

AUSVEG Chairman, John Brent, today expressed dismay at the lack of Australian representation at the Fruit Logistica Trade Fair just concluded in Berlin and called on Australia’s political leaders to place more emphasis on the agricultural industry and ...

January 26, 2010

Trading down not as prevalent down under

Latest research from Leatherhead’s Global Food Markets database suggests that the key food sectors in Australia are weathering the global recession well. Although there are signs that consumers have begun to economise during the slowdown, many sectors ...

December 16, 2009

KFC doing well in New Zealand

Restaurant Brands lifted third quarter sales 4.7 per cent to $72.9 million, led by strong growth from its KFC operation.The current economic climate was still not adversely affecting overall positive sales growth, the company said today. The rise for t...

December 10, 2009

Cargill acquires edible fats and oils operations of Goodman Fielder

Cargill announced today that it has entered into an agreement to purchase Goodman Fielder's Commercial Edible Fats and Oils business. The A$ 240 million purchase includes the Commercial business' four fats and oils refining assets located in West Foots...

November 20, 2009

McCain Foods closes Tasmanian vegetable processing plant

McCain Foods Australia will close its vegetable processing plant in Smithton (Tasmania) after completion of the coming processing season.Staff involved was informed earlier today. McCain Foods Managing Director Australia/New Zealand Steven Yung: "...

October 28, 2009

Simplot Australia enters ready meals market through arrangement with Nestlé

Simplot Australia announced today it is to enter the Australasian ready meals market through a combined license and acquisition arrangement with Nestlé Australia. Simplot Australia will licence the leading frozen meals brand Lean Cuisine and Maggi fr...