News on Food Trends from Oceania

April 17, 2008

New Zealand's trade deal with China: Fresher Foods needs more potatoes to gear up french fries production

Thrilled by the potential the free trade agreement with China brings, potato chip-maker Steven Wong of Fresher Foods is spending $2.8 million on new machinery to double his factory's production. "The free trade agreement opens up an almost unlim...

March 18, 2008

The Victorian potato industry struggling because of heatwave.

The Victorian potato industry is struggling because of the heatwave. This year's potato crop was expected to be successful after a good start, but the recent hot weather has dried up irrigation sources. Norm Suckling, a potato farmer from Mollongghip ...

March 05, 2008

The International Year of the Potato has got off to a bad start for local potato growers in New Zealand

The International Year of the Potato has got off to a bad start for local potato growers, with yields well down due to a cold spring and dry summer. Potato Product Group chairman Terry Olsen said crops already harvested this year have had far lighter ...

January 26, 2008

Every day, 1.2 million Australians visit a McDonald's restaurant

In Australia, a country with 21 million people, an average of 1.2 million Australians a day walked through the golden arches in 2007. The McDoanld's franchise, which has 762 restaurants across Australia, notched double-digit growth over the calendar ...

December 18, 2007

Australian Fast Food study suggests to emphasize healthier options

new study of Australians' fast food eating habits is raising the question: should more be done to promote so-called "healthier"fast food options, instead of trying to prevent people from eating fast food altogether? Emily Brindal, a Univer...

November 12, 2007

McCain Foods Australia receives government grant to save water in Ballarat

The Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Jacinta Allan, today announced a $635,474 Brumby Government grant for a Central Highlands Water project which will help McCain Foods Australia/New Zealand reduce its potable water use by a further 15 per cent.

October 16, 2007

Simplot Australia integrates IT systems with retailers Coles and Woolworth

SIMPLOT chief information officer Martin Nowak-Rowe has more to worry about than server loads and service-oriented architecture. As the tech chief of a major food manufacturer he also has to keep tabs on the latest technologies to stop produce-borne e...

September 26, 2007

AUSVEG and PPAA sign MOU to strengthen the Australian potato industry’s

The Australian potato industry is set for increased success after AUSVEG and the Potato Processors Association of Australian (PPAA) formalised their commitment to working together for the betterment of the industry by signing a historic Memorandum of ...

September 26, 2007

Fast Food chains in Australia urged to reduce unhealthy fats

Fast food chains in Australia have cut down on the use of unhealthy trans fats amid threats of regulation, and have agreed to reduce saturated fats following pressure from health groups. Major chains including McDonald's, KFC, Hungry Jacks and Pizza ...

September 22, 2007

Australian Growers Association: McCain and Simplot unable to buy enough potatoes

The Australian Vegetable and Potato Growers Association says growing your own vegetables could help combat rising food prices and a potential shortage of fresh produce because of the drought. "We're seeing a shortage of carrots and we could pot...

September 11, 2007

McCain Foods Australia unveils frozen fruit range

McCain Foods Australia has launched a new range of frozen fruits, Season’s Choice allowing consumers to eat their favourite fruits all year round. Season’s Choice is available in four varieties: Golden Pineapple, Raspberries, Blueberries and Four Berry...

August 07, 2007

Homegrown isn't always best

The term "food miles"- how far food has traveled before you buy it - has entered the enlightened lexicon. Environmental groups, especially in Europe, are pushing for labels that show how far food has traveled to get to the market. But is red...