A new bill was introduced to Parliament on 19 November, which offers a framework for regulating the sale or importation of organic goods in Australia, and stronger opportunities for exporting organic products.

The Senate Economics Committee has rejected the Food Donations Bill that proposed a tax offset for companies donating excess food to food relief agencies rather than dumping it. While the bill had the potential to deliver the equivalent of 100 million meals to food relief organisations, the committee said it had “serious concerns” including the bill’s “generous” tax concessions. Food relief agencies and social welfare organisations have questioned the committee’s decision to reject the bill outright rather than make recommendations for amendments.  

The winners of the 62nd annual Australian Export Awards were announced in Canberra yesterday, featuring three winners from the food sector – including dessert manufacturer Frosty Boy Global, in the Agribusiness, Food and Beverages category.

Mondelēz International has appointed Toby Smith as President Japan, Australia and New Zealand, with the incumbent, Darren O’Brien, appointed Global Chief Corporate and Government Affairs officer.

New Zealand oat milk start-ups, Otis and All Good, have merged to form a new plant based business – Good & Humble – dedicated to championing locally grown oat milk and expanding sustainable beverage options globally.

The latest white paper from the Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) says a federal Minister for Food and a National Food Plan are necessary if Australia’s food industry is to meet the challenges of supply, nutrition, access, and climate impacts to its food system.

The winners of one of Australia’s most significant regional wine shows, the McLaren Vale Wine Show, have been announced. From over 600 entries, the Penny’s Hill 2023 Single Vineyard Grenache came out on top.

Austrade has signed a strategic partnership with Australia’s national centre for Asia capability, Asialink Business, to develop opportunities for Australian businesses to enter and succeed in Asian markets.

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has conducted successful breeding trials for a new white-flesh fish variety, which has potential to add more than $1 billion to the economy.

The Australian Institute of Packaging's seventh State of Industry webinar focused on the future of soft plastics recycling in Australia, updating participants on progress of the industry-led soft plastics recycling scheme being spearheaded by the Australian Food and Grocery Council.

Byron Bay brewery, Stone & Wood, is sponsoring the inaugural Grounded Australia festival, a two-day event focused on regenerative agriculture and sustainable food systems. It will be held on 4-5 December in the Huon Valley, Tasmania. 

Australia’s oldest family-owned winery, Yalumba, is celebrating its 175th anniversary, reflecting on an unmatched history and role in the country’s wine industry. The year has been punctuated by wine releases and celebrations, bringing together trading partners and wine lovers from around the world.

Global environmental action organisation, The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), is highlighting the necessity for countries to include food loss and waste reduction targets in their latest Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). With the 29th United Nations Climate Change conference (COP29) currently underway in Baku, Azerbaijan, a new report has shown that of the 195 countries in attendance, only 12 have committed to reducing food waste and 17 to tackling food loss.

The Arnott’s Group has expanded its better-for-you snacking portfolio, acquiring the brands Mother Earth, Flemings, and VP from New Zealand-based food manufacturer, Prolife Foods.

First Nations bushfood company, Kakadu Kitchen, and OzHarvest Ventures have joined forces once more to relaunch Conscious Drink, a lightly sparkling wine-alternative, for this summer. First released in 2023, the project received the Gamechanger Award at The Hive Awards 2024 for developing a product that transcended traditional categories while championing a kinder, less wasteful world that empowers Indigenous communities.