Wine Australia and Australian Grape & Wine have teamed up once again to search for the next generation of change-makers in Australia’s grape and wine sector, opening up applications for leadership development program, Future Leaders 2025.

Independent West Australian craft brewery, Beerfarm, is breaking ground for a new brewery and taphouse on the New South Wales Central Coast, which the company states will increase its national product volume by 30 per cent.

End Food Waste Australia CEO and founder, Dr Steven Lapidge, has tendered his resignation after over eight years of leadership. Executive search firm 100 Percent Partners will undertake a national search for the organisation's next CEO.

With the Food Microbiology Conference coming up on 5-6 March, the the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology looks at the importance of food microbiology across the entire food system, including current industry developments and the challenges it’s working on.

Fonterra Co-operative Group is striding towards its climate goals and operational resilience, with $150 million in electrification investments planned across New Zealand’s North Island over the next 18 months.

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) ANZ has appointed two of Australasia’s fresh produce industry leaders to the board of directors – Perfection Fresh Australia chief commercial officer, John Simonetta, and New Zealand’s Jenkins Group managing director, Cameron McInness.

Synlait Milk says its business recovery plan is “on track”. Acting CEO, Tim Carter says “huge progress” has been made and the company expects to return to profitability in 2H FY25.

Equity investment firm, Roc Partners, has acquired fresh produce company, Freshmax Group. The investment manager says it plans to “invest significantly” in the company.

With a company restructure, CEO of Asahi Beverage’s Carlton & United Breweries (CUB) business, Danny Celoni, has decided to leave the company. CEO Amanda Sellers said Celoni had made an “exceptional contribution” to the business and played an important role over recent months in discussions that resulted in the new structure. 

Entries are now open for the 2025 Hive Awards, and close 21 February. Check out 2024's Best Processing Award Winner, East Forged.

Idyll Wine Company has acquired Top Shelf International’s Campbellfield factory for $8 million. The sale includes all operational and production equipment, including bottling and canning lines, brewhouse and distillery.

Sludge dewatering is rarely seen in environmental or sustainability headlines, but it is an increasingly vital process in ensuring compliance with statutory groundwater, transport, disposal, and OHS regulations affecting both municipalities and industry. CST Wastewater Solutions managing director, Michael Bambridge, explains the best solutions for the food and beverage sector.

Food manufacturing expo, FoodTech QLD, is returning for 2025, featuring advancements in food production and science, supply chain, equipment and more. The event will take place at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from 19-20 June.

Wine Australia’s latest Export Report has shown a significant rise in Australian wine exports in 2024, increasing by 34 per cent in value to $2.55 billion and by 7 per cent in volume to 649 million litres across the period from 1 January 2024-31 December 2024.

Nestlé Australia says its $30 million upgrade at the Campbellfield factory, Victoria will increase production capacity, R&D, and product quality for KitKats using the latest technology, automation, and AI.

Entries are now open for the 2025 Hive Awards, and close 21 February. Check out 2024's Best Ingredient Winner, Australian Plant Proteins.