It’s been quite the week. If the major retailers thought they were out of the Weeds of Scrutiny, the ACCC put a swift end to that. Another food and beverage manufacturer declared voluntary administration, this time, dairy processor, Beston Global Food. Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry reflects on the week that was.

Future Food Systems has released the first line-up of speakers for For Food’s Sake. With conversations ranging from circular economy to strengthening local economies, the summit is on 27-28 February 2025 at the Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour.

With just two weeks left, AltProteins 24 is fast approaching. Taking place on Thursday, 10 October, at the Sofitel on Collins in Melbourne, this year’s theme, Serving Solutions, will bring together world-class experts and industry innovators.  

Thomas Foods International says its latest board and senior executive appointments will ready the company for its next stage of global growth. Tony Stewart is stepping down as group CEO to become an executive director.

Meat & Livestock Australia’s latest report shows 2023 was a stable year for the red meat industry, with an $81.7 billion turnover, after volatile market conditions in previous years.

The New South Wales government has launched its Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility’s (AMRF) Connect hub, aiming to boost domestic manufacturing capability by connecting industry and investors.

Fonterra Co-operative Group has lifted this season’s milk price due to a strengthening in global dairy trade prices and constrained milk supply in key producing regions.

Fonterra Co-operative’s net profit after tax for FY24 is NZ$1.2 billion, down from $1.6 billion last year. Its earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) was $1.6 billion. Its final farmgate milk price as $7.83 per kgMS.

Cellular Agriculture Australia's latest report urges cellular agriculture companies to prioritise effective communication and evidence-based claims to future-proof the industry.

With Australia’s dairy sector experiencing global market volatility, record farmgate milk prices, and rising costs, Foodtech accelerator Eatable Adventures’ report into the future of the industry is timely. Technology is having a transformative impact while hybrid products, sustainability initiatives, and strategic innovation partnerships are on the rise. With a global lens, the Future of Dairy report examines the factors driving this US$944 billion industry.

The founding CEO of the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC), Ivan Power, has resigned due to health reasons, after less than a year in the role. The news came just shy of the corporation's first birthday, with an investment yet to be made. 

Two of Australia’s biggest advertisers, Coles and Woolworths, face further regulation after being taken to court for allegedly misleading their customers with false claims in their commercials. Editor of Yaffa Media title Ad News, Chris Pash, looks at the potential impact of the ACCC case.

GlobalData research is supporting Food Standards Australia New Zealand gain industry support for its proposed introduction of new health-conscious labelling standards for alcoholic beverages.

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.