News on Food Trends from Oceania

Most people say that if there is a healthy choice on a menu they will take it. But observations and research show this is generally not the case.

Equipment manufacturer Heat and Control launched an Augmented Reality App, featuring the Heatwave Fryer. The app is available for download now - in time for the AusPack 2017

McCain Foods Australia has announced a new contract agreement with cold storage provider, NewCold as part of an ongoing effort to improve supply chain efficiencies.

Potatoes New Zealand became the 14th partner organisation to join the Government Industry Agreement for Biosecurity Readiness and Response.

Leading Australian vegetable industry body AUSVEG has announced the appointment of James Whiteside as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective Friday 9 December 2016.

New South Wales potato grower Geoff Moar has been re-elected to the position of AUSVEG Chair and Queensland vegetable grower Belinda Adams has been elected to the position of AUSVEG Deputy Chair following a Board meeting held on Thursday 24 November in Sydney.

According to a Deloitte spokesman South Australian fresh produce company the Mitolo Group had taken control of all South Australian-owned farms of bankrupt Oakville Produce, as well as packaging businesses in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney - as of September 23.

Using the process of Pulse Electric Field (PEF) technology, the E-FLO™ Electroporation processing system by Heat and Control makes it possible for chips manufacturers to produce healthier and crunchier potato chips.

Western Australia's Parliament has cleared the way for full deregulation of the state's potato industry, passing legislation to abolish the controversial Potato Marketing Corporation (PMC).

Universal Robina Corporation (URC), one of the largest branded consumer food and beverage product companies in the Philippines, is to buy Snack Brands Australia, according to a Snack Brands Australia statement dated August 17.

AUSVEG and PMA Australia-New Zealand Limited (PMA-ANZ) will unite to deliver a joint industry conference and trade show in 2017.

Australia's food regulator has called for submissions as it reviews a genetically-modified potato designed to produce less chemicals when fried.

With pesticide resistance rising in species of aphids which feed on potatoes and spread viruses, one of the best control options for growers battling these pests may be found in nature, free of charge: parasitic wasps.

Kangaroo Island (South Australia) potato producer Peter Cooper has been named the 2016 Rabobank Potatoes South Australia and Ruralco Industry Award winner.

National vegetable industry body AUSVEG is concerned that Australian potato growers will be left out of pocket following Australia’s largest potato supplier entering receivership in early May.

After Oakville Produce (formerly known as the Moraitis Group) entered receivership earlier this month, questions arise how that could happen to a company good for almost a quarter of the Australian Potato market.

Australian shoppers can expect grocery prices to keep coming down as Coles and Woolworths battle it out to prevent more Australians defecting to Aldi, one retail expert has predicted.

Potatoes Victoria is being launched today to replace the previous Victorian Potato Growers Council. A division of the Victorian Farmers Federation, Potatoes Victoria has been representing Victorian potato growers for more than 20 years.