Topic “In the News News” — Exporter Magazine

New Zealand Winegrowers’ global marketing director Chris Yorke said the results from the two competitions are a boost to the profile of the New Zealand wine industry at a time when it is working to continue its success in Australia and expand its presence in Asia. Retailers should respond to consumer concerns about water management in farming by considering water footprint labels for food products, according to FoodWorks.co.nz. Global packaging giant Ampac has launched a new sealant film with an antimicrobial additive to inhibit the growth of odors and mildew for food and beverage applications, according to FoodProductionDaily.com. The Queensland government has announced that the Port of Brisbane, one of Australian’s fastest growing container ports, will be sold for AUD$2.3 billion NZD$2.9 billion) to Q-Port Holdings, a consortium of Middle Eastern and local investors, according to the Shipping Gazette, citing the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Public health activists pushing for mandatory fortification of every slice of bread in New Zealand continue to exaggerate the benefits, while downplaying the potential risks to children and men, says Laurie Powell, President of the Association of Bakers. Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, has bought a minority stake in Australia’s Port of Brisbane in a deal worth A$2.1 billion, (NZD$2.7 billion), according to the Trade Arabia.com website. A.P. Moller-Maersk issued the strongest sign yet of a turnaround in the shipping industry on Wednesday, forecasting it expects to turn a record profit of around USD$5 billion (NZD$6.4 billion) this year on surging ocean container volume and freight rates, according to the Journal of Commerce.