CSIRO has released a new report Responsible Innovation at CSIRO detailing how the national science agency is designing and delivering leading-edge research to benefit everyone. 

Beverage company Lion has appointed Simon Edgar to general manager of its spirits business, which includes Vanguard Luxury Brands and Four Pillars.

International logistics company K.Hartwall has acquired local materials handling company, Retailquip, as it looks to strengthen its presence in Australia and the APAC region.  

Yowie Group has secured the licensing rights to develop, manufacture, and sell National Basketball Association (NBA) themed Yowie toys in the US, Australia, and New Zealand until September 2026. Meanwhile, Keybridge Capital says it now has more than 50 per cent voting power in Yowie and its off-market takeover bid has been extended to 26 April.

Accolade Wines has presented the CCW Co-operative in South Australia’s Riverland Wine region with an offer to buy-out their supply contracts. It says the scheme is the only option that will allow CCW growers and Accolade to remain viable.  

With a focus on food waste transformation, sustainable packaging innovation, and the circular economy, Turning the Dial returns to Perth on 30 May, as a not-to-be-missed event for food and beverage manufacturers. 

Be part of the growing momentum to end food waste and Australia’s journey to halving food waste by 2030 – join us at the country’s third National Food Waste Summit and Trade Show in Melbourne on 24-25 July.

The inaugural PKN Women in Packaging Awards are underway, with entries closing on 24 April. The judges – industry leaders and experts in their respective fields – are ready for the challenging task of evaluating the exceptional talent of women in the industry.

Since Mark Post introduced his cultured meat burger in 2013, the industry has attracted nearly US$3 billion in private investment and more than 150 founders have established new companies, developing innovative food products by leveraging cell biology and advanced biomanufacturing techniques. It hasn't been without its challenges and critics, but life sciences and biotech consultant, James Ryall, says cultured meat represents a lot more than an alternative food source.

Sustainable protein manufacturer, Harvest B, says its latest range is a world first, combining sustainable plant proteins with traditional animal proteins in a 50:50 blend to deliver a product with improved health, environmental, and yield claims.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission says a number of changes to the leadership team is an “opportunity for executive renewal” and part of the commission’s “ongoing transformation towards being a modern, ambitious and confident regulator”.

Melbourne-based Thirsty Group’s flagship Baxter Vodka has taken home the Triple Still Prize, after impressing judges around the world. The vodka had to win three separate competitions around the world to be in the running.

At the World Cheese Championships in Wisconsin, Saputo Dairy Australia’s Heidi Farm Tilsit Cheese was crowned best in its class, taking out top honour against 52 other cheeses from around the world.

New South Wales premier Chris Minns says the transfer of Investment NSW and its industry, innovation, trade, and investment functions to the premier’s department will return its work to the “centre of government”.

National science agency, CSIRO, has appointed Kirsten Rose to its newly created deputy chief executive position. Rose is currently the executive director of CSIRO's Future Industries and has a history of working at the nexus of industry, government, and research. 

The Sustainable Coffee Company and Parks Victoria have launched Coffee for Nature, a program to create habitat for critically endangered Victorian wildlife. Every kilo of Coffee for Nature sold will fund seed collection, propagation, site preparation, and habitat planting.