Data from inventory management software provider, Unleashed, drawn from more than 600 Australian manufacturing firms, found local food and beverage manufacturers recorded significant revenue declines in the first quarter of 2026, with purchase orders cut sharply across both sectors as the Iran conflict rattled global supply chains and cost pressures intensified.

Woolworths has confirmed the return of in-store soft plastics collection points across more than 700 supermarkets nationally, with South Australia the latest state to join the renewed recycling scheme this week.

For many growing businesses, passion and purpose are what spark success in the early years. But as a company expands, instinct alone is no longer enough. Sustainable growth requires a clear strategy, a deep understanding of customers, and the ability to adapt as markets evolve. Gewürzhaus co-founder and managing director, Maria Konecsny shares insights from establishing a specialty herb and spice business that has expanded across Australia.

FOODiQ Global has completed a 28-year analysis of Australian non-alcoholic drink sales, revealing a strong swing towards water and low- and no-sugar carbonated drinks for consumer choices in the beverage aisle. The study was commissioned by the Australian Beverages Council.

Australian Plant Proteins (APP) has launched Nothing Else, a direct-to-consumer brand offering faba bean and yellow pea protein isolates manufactured entirely at its Horsham, Victoria facility, making it the only vertically integrated plant protein isolate producer in the country with a consumer-facing product line.

Baiada Poultry has completed a national network infrastructure overhaul to strengthen operational resilience and cybersecurity visibility across its vertically integrated supply chain, from breeding farms and feed mills through to processing plants and distribution facilities.

The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has warned that a convergence of Middle East conflict, energy market disruption, and domestic interest rate pressure is forcing unsustainable cost increases onto the nation’s food and grocery manufacturers.

The trade show at Hort Connections 2026 is sold out, with a record number of booths confirmed for the event, which takes place at the Adelaide Convention Centre from Monday 1 to Thursday 4 June.

The New South Wales government is supporting 10 Aboriginal-owned enterprises and five regional producers from across the state to represent New South Wales at Fine Food Australia 2026, taking place from 31 August-3 September at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, has opened another Western Australian focused Innovate to Grow: Agrifood and Agtech program, following the success of the 2025 round.

OzHarvest’s Frontline Report 2026 paints a grim picture of the Australian food insecurity crisis, revealing more than 74,000 people are turned away from food support every month, as frontline charities struggle to cope with rising demand.

Margaret River label Watershed Wines has returned to market under Calneggia Family Vineyards, eight years after the brand ceased operations, with original winemaker Sevérine Logan retained to lead production.

Endeavour Group has flagged up to $8 million in additional supply chain costs in the second half of FY26 and a $400 million inventory build as it responds to disruption from the Middle East conflict, while also announcing a $100 million cost reduction target for FY27.

Snacking and pet food company, Mars Incorporated, is set to open a new $112.5 million wet pouch facility at its Wodonga pet food factory this June, initially announced in June 2023.

The a2 Milk Company has initiated a voluntary recall of three batches of its US-label a2 Platinum infant formula after cereulide was detected in the product. The recall covers approximately 16,428 tins already sold to consumers, with no reported incidents of infant illness.

Inghams Group Limited has appointed Grant Douglas as the company’s new chief financial officer, taking effect from October 2026. He takes over the role from Gary Mallett, who is stepping down on 30 September, after seven years with the company.