Business

Report finds fast food chains are embracing plant-based food

A report published by the food awareness organisation ProVeg International finds that the five leading fast food chains – McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway, Pizza Hut, and KFC – are delivering an increasing number of plant-based food options to their customers. The report ranks the Big Five in terms of how plant-friendly they are and Burger King comes out on top with the highest percentage of main dishes being plant-based. Main meals, sides, desserts and menu presentation were taken into consideration at fast food chains across nine countries – Belgium, Czechia, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, South Africa, Spain, the UK, and the US. Subway came in a very close second in the ranking after Burger King, followed by McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, and KFC. “It is incredible to see how fast food – which has always revolved around animal meat consumption – has become more plant-friendly and, in doing so, more climate-friendly,” Josh Bisig, Senior Project Manager at ProVeg, said. “We analysed 43 online menus across all nine countries and twenty-two of them (51%) offered at least one plant-based option. This is encouraging but there is still plenty of room for improvement,” he added. Normalising plant-based options The latest moves by the Big Five to incorporate plant-based into their menus include the launch by McDonald’s Germany of a vegan McFlurry dessert in 2022, while, in the same year, Pizza Hut UK introduced Violife vegan cheese into all of its UK locations, both for dine-in and delivery. “Fast food chains are ubiquitous and play an important role in normalising climate-friendly food for millions of people around the world who might not otherwise consider the negative impacts of food choices. And these chains are increasingly doing this by making plant-based options more available, tasty and affordable,” Bisig said. “While trend-setting with mainstream consumers, […]

Australian technology transforming viticulture through 5G

Precision farming is about to get a whole lot more precise with a wave of 5G technology showing economic and productivity benefits to the viticulture industry. Edon Abbot Growers are increasingly interested in the advantages that 5G has to offer the industry by saving money, time and maximising yield. Platfarm is a spatially based tasking and GPS tracking app for the viticulture industry developed at Lot Fourteen in Adelaide, South Australia that allows growers and farmers to manage their land via a smart device. CEO and Co-founder of Platfarm Lyndsey Jackson said that with a mobile phone and a good antenna, you can get 1cm of accuracy. “Being able to really accurately know where either the machine is or fences vine rows, things like that are going to be really critical,” Jackson said. This precision is important in the viticultural industry by tracking what vine rows have been worked on to avoid complications. “If you’re spraying for pests and diseases but have to go fill up your tank… when you come back and you’re a row out, then that can dramatically increase the chance of pests and fungi – that’s how outbreaks happen,” Jackson said. “But with 5G, if you get down to 1cm accuracy, then you’re starting to be really precise about where the location is.” Last month, Platfarm went to a demonstration day supported by Wine Australia in the Mornington Peninsula to be a part of a 5G/GPS trial with Frontier SI and Position Partners to evaluate its economic benefit. The trial was funded by the Australian Government as part of the Australian 5G Innovation Initiative to demonstrate the benefit that 5G has on precision farming. Position Partners used drone flyovers for Near Real-Time Image Processing while Platfarm looked at testing the accuracy for the GPS tracking in […]

Novel plant proteins for NZ

(L-R): Lisa Asher (Harvest B), Andrew Holloway (Dunninghams), Fabian Quevit (Dunninghams), Scott Reynolds (Dunninghams) and Kristi Riordan (Harvest B) High-quality whole piece, plant-based protein will soon be available to New Zealanders with the new distribution agreement between innovative Australian food manufacturer Harvest B and New Zealand supplier Dunninghams. The agreement marks the first distribution arrangement for Harvest B and the first export market for its novel, high-quality plant-based proteins. Unlike other plant-based meat offerings, Harvest B has developed a range of products that deliver the look and taste of whole meat pieces, while removing the need for binders, additives and a cold supply chain. “Partnering with such a highly respected organisation like Dunninghams to serve New Zealand made absolute sense for Harvest B,” said Kristi Riordan, CEO of Harvest B. “Dunninghams brings a deep understanding of the New Zealand market and consumers, and like us they share a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.” Growing demand for Plant-Based Meats According to Euromonitor 1, 42% of global customers say that they are restricting certain animal-based products, with more people replacing entire meals with plant-based proteins or seeking higher-protein content from plant based sources. Scott Reynolds, CEO of Dunninghams, said demand has been growing in the New Zealand market, “We are thrilled to partner with Harvest B to bring their innovative and sustainable products to New Zealand. Harvest B’s plant-proteins are ideally suited to this market, where consumers have, until now, had limited choice when seeking healthier and more sustainable food options to reduce their animal protein consumption.” Better Experience for Restaurants & Food Manufacturers “The Harvest B solution brings together multiple plant protein types, allowing us to provide better nutrition and a better eating experience. Through a simple on-site brine process, restaurants and food manufacturers can replicate traditional menu items their […]

Fortude helps Beak and Johnston nail recipe for success with Infor M3

Beak and Johnston, an Australian family-owned fresh food manufacturer that produces innovative, value-added meal solutions, has partnered with Fortude, a global digital technology solutions company, to transform the manufacturing operations at its Greenacre plant. While Beak and Johnston is no stranger to Infor M3 having previously adopted it at their Arndell Park Facility, the manufacturer chose to partner with Fortude for the Greenacre plant roll-out because of the firm’s deep domain expertise and strong implementation track record in the food and beverage industry. “Our investment in Infor M3 is a strategic move towards becoming the top convenient meals provider of choice for all Australians. Fortude’s food and beverage industry implementation experience coupled with its extensive suite of extensions and integrations has enabled us to boost the performance of Infor’s core solution. With Fortude’s support, we have been able to streamline our operations and minimise food waste through effective master demand forecasting and inventory management. We also have been able to establish complete traceability which enables us to ensure compliance and food safety in our operations. We are delighted to have a partner like Fortude that understands our industry and growth ambitions very well,” said Ben Taboada, Group IT Manager, Beak and Johnston. Fortude’s implementation has helped the Australian food manufacturer boost its inventory visibility, overcome integration issues, simplify the stock valuation process, and eliminate supply chain inefficiencies. Fortude also introduced the Infor Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to support Beak and Johnston’s core manufacturing activities through complete traceability and accurate shelf-life management capabilities for its fresh food products. “The growing consumer demands for convenient and healthy meal solutions points to a booming frozen food industry. However, limited product shelf-life and dynamics of the fresh food industry, pose serious challenges for fresh food manufacturers,” explains Cameron Greening, Senior Vice President (Sales) ANZ, […]

Podcast: At Source

https://atsource.podbean.com/ This podcast is a place for busy people who want to get to the core of health and wellness with information about the latest health advances and trends. It helps you gain useful insights direct from the source – from doctors, industry experts, wellness advocates and everything in between. Past guests on the show have included Gilbert Enoka (All Blacks mental skills coach), Lance Burdett (NZ Police and FBI negotiator), Karin Kos (Apiculture NZ CEO), Dr Rosie Bosworth (future foods advisor) and other leaders.

Dairy farming offers opportunities for Kiwis

Kiwis are being encouraged to consider joining the dairy sector, with lots of on-farm jobs available now. Through the 2023 GoDairy campaign, DairyNZ is looking to connect Kiwis with the latest farm assistant vacancies across New Zealand. Waikato farmer John Gibson started his dairy career in 2021, leaving his sales job in Wellington to become a farm assistant near Hamilton, and was recently promoted to second in charge on his current farm. “I love the outdoor aspect of farming, along with being able to work with animals. My favourite thing is learning new things, and setting myself goals, targets and challenges to overcome,” says John. “Before starting my first role, I had no farming experience and had never even stepped foot on a farm. Everything I have learnt has been on the job, with the support of my manager while I adjusted to the new lifestyle. “Dairy farming gives you the opportunity to get involved in everything from dealing with animal health, operating heavy machinery, pastoral care and aiding in the calving process. If you’re looking for a career which will help you grow as a person, challenge you, and increase your experience, then dairy farming is the job for you.” DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle says now is a great time to get a foot in the door and start a career in dairy, with plenty of farm assistant roles available across the country. “A dairy career is unique, providing the ability to work outside and with animals, while allowing you to join a world-leading sector that contributes to the health and economic wellbeing of Kiwis and people around the world,” says Dr Mackle. “Our farmers care about their people, their animals, and the environment and many are looking to support new people who join the sector […]

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Pioneering interactive plant protection tool a first

The latest update to the online NZPPI Weather and Plant Disease Management Platform for myrtle rust is ground breaking and will enable more precise spraying. HortPlus and Plant & Food Research have upgraded the Myrtle Rust Climate Model with new modelling that gives plant producers real-time spray management advice based on the actual sprays they use in their nursery. HortPlus Director Mike Barley said the upgrade was pioneering as it was the first time specific advice on fungicide use had been included in the MetWatch platform for plant disease management. “It will allow plant producers to be more accurate and efficient with the use of chemical sprays to combat myrtle rust this season. This is especially important as myrtle rust spreads down the country.” Rather than spraying seedlings on a typical 14 day cycle, the Myrtle Rust Climate Model enables producers to time spray applications based on real time disease risk. This can significantly reduce the number of applications while improving disease control. “The earlier version didn’t allow for specific spray information so modelling was based on average spray responses combined with MetWatch weather data. The new update is based on the actual active ingredients being used at each nursery so the spray management advice is much more precise,” Mike said. Plant & Food Research scientist Rob Beresford has been conducting trials on myrtle rust management based on the online tool. He said his trials have been invaluable in providing information on spray efficacy and the Myrtaceae species that are most or least susceptible to myrtle rust. “For example, we’ve discovered that mānuka is more resistant to myrtle rust so doesn’t need as much spraying as we previously thought.” The customised tool is the result of a collaboration between New Zealand Plant Producers (NZPPI), HortPlus and Plant & Food Research to improve disease management outcomes for growers and for New Zealand as a whole. To […]

Research shows plantain can reduce nitrogen leaching by 20-60%

The results, from the DairyNZ-led Plantain Potency and Practice (PPP) Programme, prove using Ecotain plantain in pasture can significantly reduce nitrogen entering waterways. Farm trials at Massey University and initial results from a trial at Lincoln University are showing similar trends. The trials are part of the nationwide PPP research and development programme that partners with dairy farmers, industry and Government. “These are exciting results – we now have robust scientific evidence that Ecotain plantain is an effective solution to help dairy farmers further reduce farm footprint and continue playing their part in improving water quality,” says DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle. “Plantain can bring significant benefits to local waterways and communities – we all want healthy freshwater to swim and play in, and dairy farmers can confidently use Ecotain plantain on-farm to support that. “These research findings are part of a broader programme of work to continue delivering on dairy’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint in our local communities, while maintaining profitable businesses,” says Dr Mackle. The $22 million seven-year PPP Programme is funded by DairyNZ, the Government through the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund, PGG Wrightson Seeds and Fonterra, working with six additional research and delivery partners. The programme uses Ecotain environmental plantain from Agricom because it has proven effectiveness. An evaluation system is available to assess the environmental benefits of all plantain cultivars sold by a range of providers. At the Massey University farm trial, scientists are measuring nitrogen leaching from paddocks grazed by 80 dairy cows. After two years, the trial results have shown reduced nitrogen leaching by 20 to 60 percent in perennial ryegrass and clover pastures containing 30 to 50 percent Ecotain plantain. The results are compared to traditional perennial ryegrass and clover paddocks (the most common […]

SwarmFarm Robotics raises $12M AUD Series A to put integrated autonomy in the hands of growers

With over 1.3 million acres covered to date, SwarmFarm Robotics seeks to chart a farm-centric path in the race to farm autonomy. SwarmFarm Robotics today has raised a $12 million AUD Series A ($8.3 million USD) to develop and grow the Integrated Autonomy category in agriculture through the versatile SwarmBot platform and a breakthrough operating system network, SwarmConnect, that enables developers to create an array of innovative applications for users of the autonomous platform. “There is enormous demand for autonomy in agriculture, but today, most solutions unlock minimal potential,” said SwarmFarm CEO Andrew Bate. “The current equipment providers believe that farmers just want to be plucked from the cab or replaced by robotic arms. We believe that farmers want more. They want a technology ecosystem built to address the issues in their locality, a farm-centric system that leaves the lowest possible footprint on their fields, helping them do more with less. They want Integrated Autonomy, so that’s what we’re building.” The team at SwarmFarm defines Integrated Autonomy as a new approach to autonomy on-farm that unlocks the full potential of driverless technology by providing specialty robotics solutions with an open platform to develop on. “While many companies are making driverless tractors and developing niche robotics solutions in agriculture today, we believe that there is a third category of autonomy that combines the robot and the application within a development framework that will allow farmers to customise their equipment for their needs and allow developers to bring their innovations to life much more rapidly,” said Bate. “It’s the best of both worlds. For the farmer, we provide customised autonomy in a box. For the developer, we provide a streamlined path to the grower with a tight feedback loop.” The company’s Series A funding round was led by Emmertech, an AgTech fund […]

Innovate to Grow opportunity for WA agrifood SMEs

A new online learning program is now available to Western Australia-based small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the agrifood sector, to help support their research, product development and innovation ambitions. The Innovate to Grow: Agrifood WA program is delivered by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, with support from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). Monika Szabo, SME Collaboration Manager for CSIRO, said Innovate to Grow is a great opportunity for businesses looking to turn an idea into a viable research and development (R&D) opportunity. “Innovate to Grow aims to boost WA agribusinesses’ innovation performance by supporting businesses in advancing their ideas through the innovation pipeline and educating owners on how valuable R&D can be to them through this journey,” Dr Szabo said. “With assistance from experienced researchers and innovation experts, participants can examine their technical and business challenges, explore their research, development and innovation opportunities, and develop actionable business and funding plans,” she said. DPIRD Investment Services Manager Peter May said this program presented an excellent chance for WA agrifood businesses to innovate their business. “In addition to the learning benefits from the program, participants will increase their professional network and become part of the program alumni,” Mr May said. “This program complements a range of existing agrifood industry innovation programs supported by DPIRD,” he said. Applications close Monday 13 March. The program will commence on Tuesday 4 April. More information on Innovate to Grow is available from the CSIRO agrifood WA webpage.

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