Welcome to the latest issue of Food & Drink Business. As the end of the year approaches at a rate of knots, this edition reveals the sector is showing no signs of slowing down. From large-scale builds to rethinking rum and non-alc beverages, this edition scales all aspects of the sector. Our processing and packaging tech feature looks at the latest equipment and its application, while our cover story with Neogen offers a rethink on how businesses approach food safety (hint: it's not a cost centre).

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor, Kim Berry, talks with Michelle Thomson, GM of Kerry ANZ, about current market and consumer trends and how companies can maximise opportunities for success.

From printing to publishing, Yaffa Media has always been about its people and niche audiences. Founded in 1925, it is one of Australia’s largest independent media companies. This year marks a centenary of storytelling.

Food & Drink Business presents its annual flagship Top 100 Food & Drink Companies Report for 2024. Compiled in collaboration with IBISWorld, the report ranks by revenue Australia’s biggest players in the food and drink sector. It’s your go-to industry resource into Australia’s largest manufacturing sector.

Treasury Wines FY26 guidance on hold with China, US issues

Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) says it is not in a position to revise its guidance for FY16 due to lower-than-expected performance in China and distribution issues in California. The company said it was unlikely to meet FY26 depletion targets for Penfolds in China.

Limited tenancy positions available at new Central Coast Hub

Expressions of interest are now open for tenancy at the $17.14 million Central Coast Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub, expected to open in March 2026.

GLNC report: plant-based products in decline

The Grains and Legumes Nutrition Council (GLNC) has released its 2025 Plant-Based Report, showing that despite sustained interest, overall plant‑based product availability has fallen by 33 per cent since the organisation’s last audit in 2022.

Vili’s Family Bakery appoints new CEO

A South Australian family business gone global, Vili’s Family Bakery, has appointed Tom Sullivan as its new chief executive officer, marking a new era for the business.

APAC agrifoodtech leaders gear up for SIAW

Agrifoodtech industry professionals across the Asia-Pacific region are headed to Singapore at the beginning of November for International Agri-Food Week.

Building for the future

For more than 35 years, family-owned producer, Gourmet Dairy Co., has been manufacturing sauces, dairy and non-dairy products under its own brands and as a contract manufacturer for some of Australia’s most recognised labels. Now, the company is investing more than $1 million to expand its production capabilities and support new product innovation.

WLA scholarships support women in agrifood leadership

Women & Leadership Australia (WLA) is offering partial scholarships of $700-$3000 to help women in the farming and agriculture industries participate in its range of leadership courses.

Victoria unveils five year strategy for wine industry

Victoria has unveiled a five-year strategy to boost the state’s $9.5 billion wine sector, aiming to grow agriculture, boost innovation, and create jobs that strengthen regional economies.

Packaging News

Melbourne-based sustainable packaging company Great Wrap has entered voluntary administration with debts of about AU$39 million, following years of financial losses and shifting market conditions.

Jamestrong Packaging has officially opened its new $8m aluminium casting line at Taree, NSW, reshaping Australia’s aerosol packaging supply chain by bringing aluminium slug production back onshore.

Australian packaging innovator TomKat Global Solutions has opened expressions of interest for its upcoming wholesale equity raise, as it seeks to accelerate the global commercial rollout of its KoolPak reusable packaging system.