As the ready-to-drink category shows signs of maturing, its share of total beverage alcohol (TBA) in its top 10 markets is forecast to keep growing, according to beverage alcohol data and intelligence company, IWSR.

A new report on Australia’s innovation system, published by the Office of the Chief Economist, shows investment is still languishing despite almost half of businesses engaging in innovative activities.

Breakthrough Victoria has invested $2.4 million in the Australian company pioneering sustainable insect protein manufacturing, Viridian Renewable Technology. The money will increase factory capacity and production as well as create new jobs.

The Federal Court has ordered Campbell Nicholas, the former CFO and company secretary of Noumi, when it was trading as Freedom Foods Group, pay a $100,000 penalty and be disqualified from managing corporations for four years.

In the second Beyond Talk series, Yume CEO, Katy Barfield, will be joined by Michelle Mullins from Tyson Foods and Justin Merrell from Lion to discuss groundbreaking food waste programs in the US, Scope 3 emissions, and preparing for emissions reporting.

Hort Innovation has partnered with data company, Lifecycles, to better understand the environmental footprint of Australian avocados by conducting a life cycle assessment.

The winners of the 2024 Melbourne Royal Australian Food Awards have been announced, celebrating over 500 food producers across the country.

Gold Coast-based food manufacturer, Smart Foods, has acquired The Aussie Plant Based Co., eight days after it went into liquidation. Smart Foods CEO, Raghu Reddy, says he saw the company’s “immense potential”.

With the official launch of Suntory Oceania now in single digit months away (nine to be clear), Suntory has capitalised on this year’s SXSW Sydney to showcase its drinks portfolio and the philosophy that has driven the business for 125 years.

Increasing the definition of a small business from 15 to 25 employees would have a “significant” impact in reducing the level of compliance and red tape those companies have to deal with, according to the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Goodman Fielder has launched its latest nutrition policy, establishing targets to help reduce sodium, sugar, and saturated fat content in line with external targets, and achieve a Health Star Rating of 3.5 or above on 70 per cent of its portfolio.

The International Fresh Produce Association Australia and New Zealand is taking applications for a new managing director, after Ben Hoodless, who has been in the role for two years, resigned.

With multiple inquiries into supermarkets’ pricing practices and competition this year, Australian Grape & Wine has called for improved policies for Australian winemakers, recommending the sector be included in a strengthened Food and Grocery Code of Conduct. At the same time, independent wine retailer, Naked Wines, has launched a campaign targeting large alcohol retailers, regarding pricing and market access structures.

Israeli foodtech start-up, Kinoko-Tech, has signed a commercial agreement with Metaphor Foods, the innovation arm of ingredients and processing company, Hela APAC, to produce thousands of tons of sustainable, protein-rich products in Australia.

Queensland-based Stryda Brewing Co. has announced tennis player Nick Kyrgios is coming on board as co-owner and brand ambassador.

Monash University researchers have found ready-made foods for infants and toddlers in Australian supermarkets fall dismally short of the World Health Organization’s nutrient, labelling and marketing requirements.