As almond growing and processor, Select Harvests, nears the end of the 2024 harvest, it says the 2024 crop may be lower than its original forecast, but it is on track to be one of the largest crops the company has ever produced.

Wide Open Agriculture continues to expand the adoption of its lupin protein, Buntine Protein, with two consumer products containing the protein launched into the retail market.

Dash Water and strawberry farmers Darren and Tarn Hayes, have “wonkified” the Big Strawberry in Koonoomoo, Victoria to send the message that wonky fruits and vegetables are just as beautiful and delicious as any other.

Specialist regional food and fibre marketing and communications agency, C7EVEN Communications, says opening an office in Japan will help Australian food and fibre brands looking to access the Japanese market.

Research led by the University of Queensland (UQ) has uncovered substantial health benefits within the ancient (it was first found in the Jurassic period) and culturally significant bunya nut (Araucaria bidwillii).

Global yoghurt company, Chobani has announced Scott Hadley as its new managing director for Australia/New Zealand. Hadley was previously CEO of ASX-listed TasFoods.

Under pressure from shareholders to cut costs, Unilever has released a revised sustainability strategy that CEO Hein Schumacher describes as “unashamedly realistic”, while critics call it shameful.

Accolade Wines has launched a website to support the buy-back proposal it put to grape growers in the Riverland region. Chief supply chain officer, Joe Russo, said it was critical that growers had adequate information about the proposal.

The April/May edition of Food & Drink Business features equipment manufacturer, Cobot, and its commitment to Australian manufacturing, a Rising Star creating hard kombucha, features on dairy business, beverage production, natural and functional ingredients, and plant design and fitout. We wrap-up APPEX 2024 and also have all our regular sections, so settle in for a read.

The annual trade event for the Australasian confectionery industry, ConTech2024, will be held on 14 May at the MCG in Melbourne. This year's theme is “Embracing the future in confectionery”.

South Australian Mahalia Coffee took home the Champion Espresso title at the 2024 Royal Adelaide Coffee Show. Awards were also given for Champion Latte, Plunger Coffee, Piccolo, and Organic Coffee.

Melbourne Royal has launched the 10th annual Australian Distilled Spirits Awards (ADSA). It is Australia’s first and largest national spirits competition and this year has a category for ready-to-drink brands.

Victorian food relief agency Shepparton Foodshare will have a new, purpose-built warehouse operating by next year thanks to a federal and state government partnership.

Online wine retailer, Just Wines, has acquired craft spirit subscription service Liquor Loot, which went into voluntary administration in March. The deal was brokered by Jirsch Sutherland. 

Fonterra has announced Anna Palairet is the new chief operating officer, having acted in the role since June 2023. CEO Miles Hurrell says Palairet has “extensive experience in operational, customer, sustainability, and sales roles”.

Food & Drink Business editor Kim Berry's take on the big news stories this week, and what caught her eye overseas. How will the Future Made in Australia Act actually be delivered? Shanghai trials traffic light labelling, and Solar Food, making protein out of (virtually) nothing at all, opens its commercial scale facility (that's it in the pic).