News Wrap: 17 April

Every week, Food & Drink Business editor, Kim Berry, brings you the latest news from the food and beverage manufacturing sector. This week: SPC, Woolworths and Relex, Fair Supply, Stomping Ground, Australian Food Pact and Banksia Awards, Coca-Cola Foundation, and The Hive Awards.

Congratulations to The Hive Awards finalists for 2025! This year's entries continued the high standards of innovation and excellence set by the inaugural program in 2024. The 2025 winners will be announced at a long lunch in Sydney on 8 May, so book your tables now. We can't wait to see you there!

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor, Kim Berry, is joined by City Larder co-founders, Robbie and Rebecca Bell, and Commonwealth Bank’s GM for Small Business VIC/TAS, Tess McCormack.

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.

SPC raises $20m in first notes raise

SPC Global says it has raised $20 million through fixed rate unsecured notes with a four-year term at nine per cent per annum that matures in April 2029. The offer was arranged by FIIG Securities.

Stomping Ground founder plans venue at former Deeds Brewing site

Independent craft brewery, Stomping Ground Brewing co-founder, Steve Jaffares, says he plans to turn the former Deeds Brewing taproom into a new venue. Deeds Brewing stopped trading in April.

Australian Food Pact wins Banksia Award

The Australian Food Pact has received the Business Services and Solutions Award at the 36th Banksia Foundation National Sustainability Awards for its achievements in reducing food waste across the supply chain. Food and beverage manufacturers were well represented this year including Hive finalist Gina’s Table, JBS, and Too Good To Go.

Raising investment and profile for emerging brands

Australia’s supermarket and grocery sector generated over $139 billion in revenue in 2023, dominated by Woolworths Group and Coles Group. But industry expert, Chelsea Ford, says emerging brands are being forced to shut up shop due to a lack of funding, making it nearly impossible to compete with the growing dominance of private-label products.

Château Tanunda MD reveals current wine export trends

The Australian wine industry has continued to grow and perform highly in both domestic and international markets, with the latest report from Wine Australia noting the 34 per cent surge in value and 7 per cent surge in volume for Australian wine exports. Food & Drink Business magazine spoke with Château Tanunda managing director, Michelle Geber, about current industry trends and opportunities.

Fair Supply launches supply chain tariff calculator

Australian tech startup, Fair Supply, has developed a world-first supply chain tariff calculator, which the company says is set to transform how businesses understand and respond to the economic fallout of global tariffs.

AIFST diary dates

AIFST diary dates

There are two key dates on the for the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology calendar for your diary –  Australian Food Science and Technology Week on 2-8 June, and AIFST25, the institute’s annual convention on 12-13 August. 

FSANZ approves Vow cell-cultured quail as novel food

Cultivated meat company, Vow Group, has taken the next step towards Australian market approval, with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) declaring the company’s cell-cultured quail meat safe to be used as a novel food ingredient.

Packaging News

Clorox Australia, the company behind GLAD garbage and kitchen bags, has been fined $8.25 million after the Federal Court found it misled consumers about its environmental claims.

For the first time in New Zealand, the country’s only glass manufacturer, Visy, has achieved an average of 70% recycled glass content in its locally-made bottles and jars.

Amcor has been recognised with an AA rating by MSCI ESG Research for its strong sustainability performance.