Every week, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry brings you the latest news in the food and beverage manufacturing sector. This week: Foodbank Hunger Report, Treasury Wines Estate, The Aussie Plant Based Co., Australian Vintage, Goodman Fielder, Roma Food Group, Orgran, Suntory House, and Top 100 Food & Drink Companies Report. 

Future Food Systems has released the first line-up of speakers for For Food’s Sake. With conversations ranging from circular economy to strengthening local economies, the summit is on 27-28 February 2025 at the Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour.

In this episode, Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry is joined by Yume Food founder and CEO, Katy Barfield. The Yume tech platform integrates with food manufacturers’ systems, connecting them to other businesses to sell, buy, or donate surplus food.

Welcome to The Food & Drink Business Top 100 Food & Drink Companies 2023 report. Compiled in collaboration with IBISWorld, this flagship report ranks by revenue Australia’s biggest players in the food and drink sector. Who made it into the Top 10, which companies rose in the ranks with impressive revenue growth, and which ones fell – it’s a fascinating informative glimpse into Australia’s largest manufacturing sector.

Foodbank Hunger Report: Two million households at breaking point

More than half (59 per cent) of households experiencing food insecurity in Australia are experiencing the most extreme level of hardship, regularly skipping meals or going entire days without food, food relief organisation, Foodbank Australia says in its latest Hunger Report.

The Suntory way

The Suntory way

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.

Debate on definition of small business

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.

Treasury Wine Estates agrees to $65m settlement with shareholders

Treasury Wines Estate has reached a $65 million settlement with shareholders who launched a class action in April 2020, after the company downgraded its forecast earnings, which wiped $3 billion from its market capitalisation.

Goodman Fielder launches new nutrition policy

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.

Independent wine producers push for fairer market

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.

Metaphor Foods, Kinoko-Tech sign commercial agreement

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.

IFPA ANZ looks for new managing director

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.

AltProteins conference heads to Sydney for 2025

The biggest conference in the southern hemisphere for the alternative protein sector, Food Frontier’s AltProteins, is heading to New South Wales for the first time next year. It brings together industry leaders from around the world, covering the latest research and industry developments.

Packaging News

Mountain Blue, a leader in blueberry genetics, is conducting a paper-based packaging trial on its Eureka blueberry brand, in collaboration with packaging and systems solutions company, Opal, and supermarket retailer Coles Group.

This year’s board election for peak industry body, the Australian Packaging & Processing Machinery Association, saw one of the closest contests in recent years, with the highest voter turnout compared to previous rounds, and a hard-fought campaign from nominees.

As the government trumpets headline inflation figures coming down, the reality for many manufacturing businesses is that government charges themselves are skyrocketing, putting a significant burden on business.