News

New Zealand Infant formula brand, LittleOak, is boosting its retail presence through a new partnership with Independent Pharmacies Australia (IPA) that will see its range available in IPA’s banner group, Chemist Discount Centre (CDC).

Fonterra says a plan to convert two coal boilers to wood pellets at its Clandeboye site in South Canterbury, New Zealand, is a crucial step in its commitment to exit coal by 2037. 

The Victorian Government says it is developing a new strategy to ensure the growth and sustainability of the state’s $9 billion wine industry. The draft Victorian Wine Strategy is now available for public consultation until 31 January.

Inghams Group CEO and managing director, Andrew Reeves, will retire in mid-2025, with the CEO of its New Zealand business, Edward Alexander, announced as his replacement.

Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania CEO, Darren Fullerton, will retire in March 2025, leading the final stages of Suntory Oceania’s creation and then continuing as an advisor.

The business of food and drink is a fast moving behemoth, with takeovers, downfalls, and events both good and bad. But there is also the unexpected, and on that front, 2024 more than delivered. Editor Kim Berry gives you her take on the last 12 months.

Stacking up success

In an era of rising costs and heightened consumer demands, FMCG manufacturers face a daunting challenge: how to produce more, faster, and with fewer resources. Phil Biggs from Foodmach explains how the latest palletising technology can be part of the solution.

In an industry with many moving parts, industry bodies become essential for providing cohesion, driving agendas, and being the voice for the sector they represent. Food & Drink Business invited three of Australia’s leading industry heads to share their reflections on the year that was and what’s on the agenda for 2025.

Our December-January 2025 edition of Food & Drink Business magazine is more than the annual flagship Top 100 Report. Three of the industry's leaders reflect on 2024 and look to 2025, Foodmach outlines how modern palletising solutions benefit the whole business, and Coast of Gold is our final Rising Star for 2024.

Applications are open for the annual Seeding the Future Global Food System Challenge. Funded by not for profit, Seeding the Future Foundation, and hosted by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), the challenge is aimed at supporting innovations with potential for significant impact at scale and over time. Applications close on 6 January 2025.

Preparing Leatherwood Honey hives for summer involves looking after queen bees, hives and production equipment. Honey producers, R Stephens Apiarists, give an insight into the maintenance process.

Breheny Brothers beers are being brewed in Hobart for the first time in over 100 years, after the lost brewing history of the Tasmanian Breheny brothers was uncovered by cousins, James and Justin Breheny, in 2021.

Tasmanian whisky producer, Sullivans Cove, has unveiled its newly refurbished $14 million distillery in Hobart in celebration of the company's 30th anniversary.

Swan Valley business, Mondo Nougat, has acquired its neighbour, Morish Nuts. The two confectionery companies are a sweet match, both known for using Australian ingredients to produce traditional family recipes.

Throughout the food and beverage sector, there is an increasing focus on making operations more sustainable, efficient, equitable, nutritious, and profitable. Rockwell Automation ANZ food and beverage industry lead, Glen Jacob, looks at the unique opportunities alternative protein manufacturers have to implement systems today for maximum impact in the future.  

The Lockyer Valley Fruit & Vegetable Processing Company (Lockyer Valley Foods) says its $50 million Series A funding round will kickstart construction of Australia’s first fruit and vegetable processing facility in 80 years.