Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, is holding a free eight-week program to support small to medium-sized enterprises developing solutions in digital technologies and artificial intelligence as part of its Innovate to Grow program.

Did you hear the buzz last week? Food & Drink Business brought industry leaders from across Australia together to recognise and celebrate innovation in the food and beverage sector, awarding nine well-deserving companies. 

Asahi Beverages has unveiled a new $60 million canning line at its brewery in Yatala, Queensland to meet the growing demand for cans over stubbies.

Fever-Tree Australia (FTA) has begun local production through a partnership with Remedy Drinks, and appointed joint general managers for Australia and New Zealand, following the departure of former managing director, Andy Gaunt, to head business at Sullivans Cove Distillery.

Bega Group will shut its cheese processing and packaging plant in Strathmerton, Victoria, to consolidate operations at its Ridge Street factory in Bega. The decision impacts around 300 employees in Strathmerton and will create 100 jobs in Bega.

The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) chief operating officer, Colm Maguire, has been appointed CEO after acting in the role since mid-January when Tanya Barden stepped down.

The winners of the 2025 Hive Awards have been recognised and celebrated as some of Australia's most innovative food and beverage manufacturers over the past year. The awards were presented on Thursday 8 May during a long lunch at Linseed House, Sydney, to a room of over 150 industry leaders abuzz with excitement.

Gina's Table took home The Hive Award's 2025 Golden Hive for its leadership, innovation, and commitment to reducing food waste through value-added processing.

KoolPak by TomKat Global Solutions received the 2025 Gamechanger Award for its breakthrough in sustainable cold chain logistics, offering a reusable and recyclable alternative to environmentally damaging expanded polystyrene (EPS).

Bundaberg-based Gina's Table has earned the Gamechanger Award at the Hive Awards 2025 for its leadership in reducing food waste through value-added processing, diverting more than 252 tonnes of produce from landfill to date.

With its “Gourmet Plus” positioning, midway between indulgent and health-focused products, Elato Ice Cream was awarded the Rising Star.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has been recognised with the Outstanding Business Achievement Award for its performance in operational excellence, innovation, and sustainability.

The Hirsch Wine Group has been awarded the Excellence in Value Innovation Award for its vertically integrated winemaking model.

Sydney-based Packserv won the Hive Award for Local Manufacturing for its commitment to onshore equipment development for the Australian food and beverage industry.

Chobani Australia has received the Best Packaging Award for its Gippsland Dairy Crafted 150g pot. The packaging features a clear PET pot with embossed branding, a heat-sealed foil lid, and a recyclable paperboard sleeve printed with soy-based ink.

Treasury Wine Estates won the Best Technology Award for setting a new global benchmark with the world’s first fully automated barrel management system at its Barossa Valley facility.