Melbourne-based Thirsty Group’s flagship Baxter Vodka has taken home the Triple Still Prize, after impressing judges around the world. The vodka had to win three separate competitions around the world to be in the running.

At the World Cheese Championships in Wisconsin, Saputo Dairy Australia’s Heidi Farm Tilsit Cheese was crowned best in its class, taking out top honour against 52 other cheeses from around the world.

New South Wales premier Chris Minns says the transfer of Investment NSW and its industry, innovation, trade, and investment functions to the premier’s department will return its work to the “centre of government”.

National science agency, CSIRO, has appointed Kirsten Rose to its newly created deputy chief executive position. Rose is currently the executive director of CSIRO's Future Industries and has a history of working at the nexus of industry, government, and research. 

The Sustainable Coffee Company and Parks Victoria have launched Coffee for Nature, a program to create habitat for critically endangered Victorian wildlife. Every kilo of Coffee for Nature sold will fund seed collection, propagation, site preparation, and habitat planting.

The Sunshine Coast’s Turbine precinct is seeking expressions of interest from potential tenants. There is a total area of up to 9100m2 available for lease for food and beverage production. Tenancies are expected to be available for occupancy from mid-2025.

The National Farmers’ Federation will host a series of roundtables in April-May to confirm support for the broad characteristics and principles that must be used in defining Indigenous agricultural products.

In a report to state and federal governments, alternative proteins think tank Food Frontier has warned that failing to transform our food system will see Australia miss out on market opportunities as well as fall behind the rest of the world.

The federal government is in pre-budget mode with prime minister Anthony Albanese announcing a new wave of economic reform under the banner of the Future Made in Australia Act. Thin on detail but heavy on promise, Albanese says it's time for the government to step in and shore up the country for a more competitive global economic reality.

Lactalis will close its factory in Echuca, Victoria this year as it consolidates operations at its Bendigo site, where much of an $85 million investment will be spent.

In a move to provide working capital and pay down debt, Top Shelf International (TSI) has signed a $5 million sale and leaseback deal on its Eden Lassie agave farm with a company owned by non executive director, Stephen Grove.

Premium wagyu brands Shiro Kin Full Blood Wagyu and Tajima Australian Grainfed Wagyu have been recognised for superior quality at the Australian Wagyu Association Wagyu Branded Beef Competition. Shiro Kin broke a competition record for highest marbling percentage.

Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry takes a look at the week that was in Australia's food and beverage manufacturing sector. From another craft brewery going into voluntary administration, to Dr Craig Emerson's interim report into the Food & Grocery Code of Conduct, and out the other side with one of the very first plant-based meat companies having to close, this is the week that was. 

Vintage Cellars has revealed the winning line-up from its annual Best of Wine Awards. Margaret River claimed the most winners with three wines taking the top spot, with 60 per cent of all winners priced at $30.00 or less.

The IFPA A-NZ is calling for a national approach to SA's proposed ban on produce stickers, one that does not compromise food safety, is cost-effective, and supported by practical and effective alternatives.

One of the early rising stars of plant-based meat sector has closed. Sunfed was launched in 2018 by Shama Sukul Lee with its first product, Chicken Free Chicken. Boar Free Bacon followed in 2020 and Bull Free Beef in 2022.