Well, it’s been a heady week of third quarter earnings reports, stepping up as the frisson of supermarket scolding ebbs. For now. There's also been movement in the National Reconstruction Fund with grants awarded, and research into bush foods highlights their potential nutritional and preservative powers.

Woolworths Group reported a 1.5 per cent increase in supermarket sales in the March quarter, a noticeable distance behind the 4.2 per cent growth reported by Coles earlier in the week.

Meat & Livestock Australia says its latest research by CSIRO shows the Australian red meat and livestock industry has reduced its net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 78 per cent since 2005.

In its latest export report, Wine Australia says the industry has had a “relatively stable period” in the last 12 months, recording a 1 per cent drop in value and 2 per cent drop in volume to March.

With this year’s federal budget 12 days away, industry minister Ed Husic says grant applications are now open for the $392 million Industry Growth Program (IGP) that was announced in last year’s budget.   

South Australia-based Never Never Distilling Co will join Carlton & United Breweries’ stable, following its acquisition by CUB’s parent company, Asahi Beverages, for an undisclosed sum.

Five years ago, three friends decided to start making gin when there were only 10 local brands in the market. Kim Berry talks to the founders of Never Never Distilling Co on how they are keeping ahead of the pack.

Noumi recorded a positive third quarter, with revenue up 5.6 per cent to $137.5 million on 3Q23. Its Plant-based Milks business rose 12.5 per cent to $42.7 million, while Dairy and Nutritionals rose 2.8 per cent to $94.9 million.

Shareholders will be the beneficiaries of Woolworths Group selling five per cent of its stake in Endeavour Group. The block trade, at $5.22 per share, will raise $468 million, with Woolworths saying the proceeds would be returned to shareholders.

Coles Group reported a 5.1 per cent increase in sales revenue to $9.1 billion in 3Q24, with comparable sales growth of 4.2 per cent. The Group’s third-quarter sales up 3.4 per cent to just over $10 billion.

From a chance tasting in Los Angeles to seeing a gap in the Australian market, Emlyn Gavin and Oliver Budniak set about creating Australia’s first alcoholic kombucha, Bower Hard Kombucha. Pippa Haupt spoke to Emlyn Gavin.

General Mills and Coles have collaborated to support Foodbank Australia. In the month of May, for every packet of Latina Fresh Ricotta and Spinach Agnolotti sold in Coles, General Mills will donate a packet to Foodbank. The campaign builds on its existing monthly supply agreement with the food relief agency. 

Kakadu plum, a native bushfood, has proven to be a promising natural alternative to synthetic chemicals used to preserve meat, according to University of Queensland research.

Bubs Australia says its 3Q24 results show the company is on track to exceed its FY24 forecast of $100 million gross revenue, with an underlying gross margin of 40 per cent.

Confectionery company Yowie recorded a ($1.07 million) loss in 3Q24 due to cost overruns, with its Easter production and the planned shutdown of the Ernest Hillier factory for major upgrades.

The West Australian government says its two-year partnership with the Mid West Food Industries Alliance will build more competitive and innovative food industries and boost growth and employment in the region.