Industry News
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There is no interest in extending the shelf-life of products for up to five years from the food industry or the consumer, says a NASA scientist and an industry insider.
Consumption of ‘junk food diets’ containing high levels of trans fats may lead to brain shrinkage associated with Alzheimer’s, whilst consumption of foods high in vitamins may offer protection, says new research.
Still more reason for consumers – and food manufacturers – to switch to olive oil – Ed.
‘Naturality’, energy and muscle, bone and joint health will be among the top 10 food, nutrition and health trends for 2012, according to a report just published by New Nutrition Business.
Predicted as the largest trend, ‘naturality’ refers to products offering natural and intrinsic health benefits, or ‘free from’ artificial additives – olive oil!
Just a few more weeks and the 2012 edition of the annual Australian & New Zealand Olive Industry Directory will arrive in letterboxes across the globe (yes, it goes far further afield than just our shores). The industry’s most comprehensive guide to personnel, products and services, the OID, as it’s known, is a ‘must have’ for anyone involved in olive growing, processing or sales.
Online food and beverage industry news site FoodNavigator-USA has listed its predictions for the top five factors likely to have the greatest impact over the next year, and the news looks good for olive oil. The 2012 list includes functional foods for seniors, nutrition for children and ‘natural’ foods – all of which include our own ‘wonder food’ EVOO.
Registrations are now open for the 2012 8th China International Exhibition of Olive Oil & Edible Oil (Oil China 2012), being held in Beijing from 23-25 April 2012. Oil China 2011 attracted 100 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions, showcasing more than 200 brands of medium-to-high-end edible oils (including olive oil) to 7000 trade visitors from 30 countries. The China International Olive Oil Competition is also held during the exhibition. Olive oil consumption continues to grow dramatically in China, presenting positive export marketing opportunities for Australian and New Zealand producers. More information email [email protected]
The OFA has produced a manual on managing climate change in organic systems. It outlines the proven practices for increasing soil carbon, as well as management methods for improving water and energy use efficiency on farms to increase adaptability, reliability, crop yields and reduce expenses. The online version of the book, Improving the Capacity of Organic Producers to Manage Climate Change, is available from the OFA website.
Monitoring imports of olive oil by Customs to ensure they comply with trade standards (whichever is enacted) makes good sense. The testing can be undertaken on every batch by an Australian independent internationally accredited laboratory – and paid for by the importer as part of the clearance process – according to online industry comment on olivebusiness.com.
Advance TAFE in Victoria are offering a Diploma of Agriculture Specialising in Organics. The Diploma is offered part-time at the Farmtec campus, Sale, Eastern Victoria, or off-campus via flexible delivery. There are four intakes per year and the teacher is Alan Broughton. For more information contact Advance TAFE on 03 5142 2541 or view details at the Advance TAFE website.
Olives New Zealand is undertaking a survey of all growers in order to gain a better understanding of the size and nature of the industry. This in turn will provide information on actions needed in providing leadership, education, resources and industry advocacy for members. It will also allow ONZ to achieve greater credibility with government and other organisations in representing the interests of growers and other industry participants. Information on individual businesses will not be revealed; summary data will be produced by the executive officer. The survey form will be e-mailed out this week: please print, update and complete details, and return via post or scan and e-mail. Full co-operation in the survey process will make the project a success, so let’s hope all growers get behind it.