The first advisory board has been appointed to advise and support the implementation of Western Australia’s 10-year innovation strategy, which was launched in 2022.   

More than 85,000 visitors attended the world’s largest natural, organic and health products expo – Natural Products Expo West – in California this year. Among them were Amanda Thomas and Lauren Robinson from ingredients company, Hawkins Watts. The pair compiled their Top 10 highlights from the exhibitors (over 3500), presentations, networking, and new products.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) says it is unlikely to approve the Infant Nutrition Council request for a five-year extension to its industry code because of several factors undermining its effectiveness.   

The James Boag’s Brewery visitor centre is getting a $1.8 million upgrade, co-funded through $1 million from the Tasmanian Government and the rest from beverage company and brand owner, Lion.

Dairy processor, Beston Global Food Company (BGF), has entered voluntary administration after Japanese dairy company, Megmilk Snow Brand Co, pulled out of a deal to acquire the company. KPMG has been appointed as voluntary administrators.

The ACCC is taking Woolworths and Coles to federal court for alleged breach of Australian Consumer Law, after an investigation revealed they had been misleading consumers through discount pricing claims on hundreds of common supermarket products.

Over the last few years, the liquor industry in Australia has experienced one of the most tumultuous periods in living memory. Consumer intelligence company, NielsenIQ (NIQ) has released its Full View of Liquor report, which reveals some interesting trends given the shifts in the current economic landscape.

Select Harvests says its $80 million fully underwritten capital raise would be used to pay down debt, provide facility headroom, and fund capital investment to increase processing capability.

Austral Fisheries has been recognised as Exporter of the Year at the 2024 Western Australian Export Awards. This year, the awards had a record number of applications from close to 50 companies.

Food and beverage companies exporting to Indonesia face new rules for halal certification from 17 October. Austrade says the changes “greatly expand” the range of products and services that need sign-off.

More than a third of commercial vegetable growers are considering leaving the industry within the next 12 months, the latest industry sentiment report by AUSVEG found.

A study released by End Food Waste Australia and RMIT University has revealed unclear date labels and storage advice are causing food waste. The team conducted 125 consumer interviews to determine how to best combat the issue.

There is never a straight line to success – startup teams expand and contract all the time as they learn what they need to become. Being in a startup means trying things that may not work, discovering the winning solution, or that a solution might not be found. Phil Morle from Main Sequence looks at the stages of a startup.

Cold brew nitro tea producer, East Forged, has completed a $1.5 million capital raise led by Global Mind Agriculture Australia, the venture capital arm of Vietnam’s leading agribusiness TTC AgriS.

The latest RaboResearch report shows the global cocoa shortage is resulting in the sector’s highest commodity prices for 50 years – putting pressure on chocolate producers and consumers alike.

Australia's energy drink market leader, V Energy, is the first beverage off the line at Suntory Oceania's new multi-beverage manufacturing plant in Ipswich, Queensland. Once fully operational (mid-2025), the 17-hectare, carbon neutral site will manufacture and distribute more than 40 brands.