Sydney based, Archie Rose Distilling Co., has been certified as a B Corporation, with the company timing the milestone to its push into export markets.

Casella Family Brands (CFB) will manufacture and distribute Four Loko in Australia and take on packaged distribution of non-alc beer brand Heaps Normal, in two partnerships from 3 August.

The family company behind soy milk label, Bonsoy, has unveiled a refreshed brand identity as it approaches 50 years in business.

As the confectionery industry navigates rapid change – from shifting consumer expectations to sustainability pressures and evolving regulation – its enduring appeal of creating moments of joy, indulgence and connection remains unchanged. Australian Industry Group’s Wendy Larter reports from the 30th anniversary of the Australian confectionery industry’s flagship annual event ConTech2026. 

The federal government has agreed or agreed in principle to 15 of the 23 recommendations from the Food for Thought inquiry into food and beverage manufacturing, with its long-awaited response leaning heavily on existing programs including the National Reconstruction Fund, Industry Growth Program, and Feeding Australia strategy rather than committing new funding.

Three weeks after its official opening, the $17.14 million Central Coast Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub at Ourimbah is preparing to welcome its first tenants. Food & Drink Business toured the facility to see the production spaces, pilot plant, and training programs designed to grow the region’s $2 billion food and beverage manufacturing sector.

Reploid Group is expanding into Oceania, with the launch of a new sales company in New Zealand. Reploid builds modular plants that use insect larvae to repurpose food waste, having the potential to fill the gap left by Goterra’s collapse into voluntary administration earlier this year.

Welcome to the July edition of PLAY, your monthly wrap-up of the biggest stories shaping Australia's food and beverage manufacturing industry. This month we're looking at court action, a major take-private deal, alleged tomato provenance fraud, new leadership and investment in manufacturing capability. Let's get into it. 

Winners of the 2026 Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards were recognised last week during foodpro 2026, a showcase of how the industry is incorporating circularity, usability, accessibility and digital functionality into packaging solutions across the board.

Tasmanian whisky producer Lark Distilling Co has closed FY26 with fourth quarter net sales of $5 million, up 44 per cent on the prior corresponding period (pcp), taking full year net sales to $18 million, a 15 per cent increase on FY25.

Lupin protein company, Wide Open Agriculture (WOA), has started winding down its German production facility as it shifts to a contract manufacturing model, with the ASX-listed business ending the June quarter with $1.27 million in cash and roughly 2.1 quarters of funding.

Every three years, Australia's food and beverage manufacturing industry gathers at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre for foodpro – and this year Food & Drink Business was there as an exclusive media partner of the foodpro Industry Hub. In two minutes, here's a taste of some of what caught our eye across the show floor – the latest in processing and packaging, automation and robotics, food safety, sustainability and AI, and the people behind it.

Health and wellness food company OMG Group has reported FY26 net sales of around $6.1 million, up 49 per cent on the $4.1 million recorded in FY25. The company says it is expanding its Woolworths ranging, moving its matcha operation into commercial fulfilment, and establishing its first international distribution channels.

The National Food Council has released the key feedback gathered from stakeholders regarding the proposed scope of Australia’s National Food Security Strategy, announced in March 2025 and expected to be released in mid-2027.

Pure Foods Tasmania has closed FY26 with customer receipts up 30 per cent and its quarterly operating cash outflow more than halved, as the diversified food manufacturer continues its shift from restructure to growth.

The federal government has appointed two new directors to the Wine Australia board to help strengthen the organisation’s role in supporting the wine sector – Darryn Hakof and Stephen Strachan.