News

An Australian-led Filipino distillery, Destileria Barako, is bringing its award winning drinks to the local market, through the signing of a national distribution deal with 7000 Islands.

Snack Brands Australia, one of Australia’s largest suppliers of snack foods, reached a point where traditional planning tools didn’t have the capacity to manage its production. After all, its output had increased from 15 million packets per year in 1996, to more than 200 million today. It partnered with RELEX to create a solution that has cut costs and improved productivity.

Kids across the country have been volunteering to make sandwiches for those less fortunate than themselves, as demand on family food relief services rises. 

The New South Wales MVP (Minimal Viable Product) Ventures program is open with grants from $25,000-$50,000 available for start-ups and SMEs between early-stage research and mature investment opportunities.

A nationwide recall has been issued for Oz Brands Uncle Frog’s Mushroom Gummies after several people were hospitalised across four states. The products claim to include extracts from the funghi cordyceps and lion’s mane, which are not approved for inclusion in foods or ingredients in Australia. While the products were recalled quickly, as more people look to functional foods for better health, ensuring compliance with Australia's regulations and quality controls is essential.

Maggie Beer Holdings (MBH) has reported a small increase in FY24 revenue on FY23, with eight per cent sales growth in Maggie Beer Products offset by poor sales in Paris Creek Farms and a fall in discretionary spending.

Queensland brewing company, Stony Creek Brewing has acquired 4 Hearts Brewery and The Pumpyard Bar in Ipswich, in a strategic move aiming to broaden its market reach.

A 14-hour road trip through outback Western Australia, stopping at every service station only to have hopes dashed on finding a decent coffee, was enough to drive Stefanie Crowley Clough to create her own brand, Don’t Dairy.

In a landmark move for Australia’s poultry industry, Ingham’s Group has converted its entire $545 million debt facilities into a Sustainability Linked Loan (SLL). Ingham’s says the loan links the cost of borrowing against existing sustainability targets.

Notleys Bakery Equipment's recent partnership with Somengil expands its capabilities and creates more opportunities for customers. Notleys GM – Bakery, Aaron Pyne, writes about the business and what it offers.

A collaboration between AI engineers and winemakers, CTZN, is aiming to redefine the boundaries of tradition and innovation with CTZN launching a flagship range of AI-curated, human-crafted wines.

New Zealand based oat milk brand, Otis, has opened its new production line in East Auckland, aiming to produce about half a million litres of oat milk a month from premium South Island oats.

Finalists have been announced for the 2024 Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards. With 15 categories and almost 50 entries the packaging sector awards, judges have a formidable task ahead. 

Legislation to stop tonnes of edible fresh produce from being dumped and instead, used to reduce food insecurity, will be tabled in the senate next week, with West Australian senator, Dean Smith, putting forward his Private Senator’s Bill – the Incentivising Food Donations to Charitable Organisations Bill.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has joined forces with Coles to support food relief organisation, SecondBite, aiming to donate $200,000 to support Australians in need during the current cost of living crisis.

Food South Australia has launched a first-of-its-kind AI-powered search tool to help the state’s food and beverage producers identify which environmental sustainability accreditations they need for their products in Australia and overseas.