Since starting out as a sustainable bottled water company in 2021, Tasmanian-based Pure Mist has diversified its range. Using water collected from some of the purest air in the world, the company began gin production just after starting out, and is now stepping into the functional beverage market with sports hydration drink, HydraPlay.

Grant Thornton has released its 2025 Manufacturing Benchmarking report, examining the financial data of 100 mid-sized Australian manufacturers. The food and beverage sector continues to stand out, leading in revenue growth across the wider industry.

Environmental monitoring is a critical component of food safety programs, involving sampling and testing the environment and equipment within a food manufacturing facility to help prevent cross-contamination of finished products. Neogen has released the second edition of its handbook for the sector.

Changing consumer habits mean that functional beverages are becoming increasingly important for the beverage industry. This article from Drintec provides an overview of changing purchasing behaviour in an international context.

Bega Group has joined forces with global dairy giant FrieslandCampina in its bid to acquire Fonterra Co-operative Group’s Mainland business. There are two other players in the ring for Mainland – Japanese food company Meiji Holdings Co and French dairy giant Lactalis.

Around 400 companies have been impacted by the collapse of organic certification company, NASAA Certified Organic (NCO), including Fonterra Australia, SunRice, Bellamy’s Organic, and Costa Farms.

Applications are now open for the evokeAG. 2026 Groundbreakers program, an opportunity for the next generation of agrifood innovators to develop their research projects and present them on a global stage.

Biotech start-up, Eclipse Ingredients, is using precision fermentation to unlock ingredients previously unavailable while offering a more scalable and sustainable approach to traditional ingredient production. Spun out of national science agency, CSIRO, Eclipse was co-founded by Siobhan Coster.

With more than a third of Australians never having heard about jobs titled food scientist or food technologist, it is more important than ever to promote the vital work these jobs play. Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology CEO, Fiona Fleming, offers insight.

Health food company, Red Tractor, and Aldi Australia have renewed their support of food relief agency, Foodbank Australia, with the latest round of the “Buy One, Give One” campaign – aiming to provide over three million meals to food insecure households this winter.

Recent research from the University of Queensland has shown that food labelling is out of step with healthy diet recommendations and could be improved by including nutrient release rates.

The Western Australian government is supporting the state’s agrifood and beverage sector to accelerate, with applications now open for round seven of the Agrifood and Beverage Voucher Program, with $700,000 in funding available.

Recent reports of counterfeit Australian wine bottles infiltrating international markets have raised fresh concerns about the vulnerability of Australia’s key export product. Halfords IP partner, Aparna Watal, highlights the necessity of trade mark and technological protection for Australian wine brands.

Ferrero has gained more ground in the US through its acquisition of WK Kellogg for $4.7 billion (US$3.1b).

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) says it won’t oppose Lactalis’ proposed acquisition of Fonterra’s consumer and food service businesses, if the bid goes ahead. While it would see two of the largest buyers of raw milk combine, the ACCC says it is “unlikely” to result in a lessening of competition.

Winners of the 2025 Melbourne Royal Australian International Spirits Awards have been announced, recognising distilling excellence across Australia and the world. Prohibition Liquor took out the title of Champion Australian Distiller, as well as the Champion Australian Gin trophy.