The Queensland government has launched its $30 million Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund (SSFIF), designed to accelerate agricultural innovation, adoption and productivity across the state’s primary industries.

The Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO) has appointed Emily White as the organisation’s new executive director, following an extended search for the ideal candidate. She will take over the role from Chris Waters after a two month collaborative transition period.

GS1 Australia has welcomed a collaboration between the world’s largest scanning solution providers, Datalogic, Honeywell, Newland AIDC and Zebra Technologies, which will support the global transition to retail 2D barcodes on product packaging.

Pure Foods Tasmania has reversed $4.5 million in deferred tax assets following a review by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), with the writedown representing 31 per cent of the company’s total assets.

Calabria Family Wine Group has confirmed House of Fine Wine as its single domestic trading and distribution platform, following the group’s February acquisition of House of Fine Wine and The Wine Company.

The federal government has responded to recommendations made for the National Organic Standard Bill 2024, over a year after the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee released its inquiry report.

After more than two years in the making, Treasury Wine Estates has launched a $15 million low- and no-alcohol wine production facility in the Barossa Valley. Kim Berry toured the site in late 2025 and reports on its progress.

The Australian Industry Group – Confectionery Sector’s annual conference is marking its 30th anniversary at its 2026 event on 2 June, at the MCG in Melbourne.

Perth-based food technology company, Whole., has launched a Pre-Series A investor round, aiming to commercialise its proprietary WINX (Whole Ingredient Nutrient Extraction) platform, which transforms plant ingredients into functional food formats.

The Queensland government has released a targeted plan to strengthen the state’s economic ties with the Pacific region. Delivery of the Queensland-Pacific Trade and Investment Strategy 2026-2028 will be led by Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ).

Container refunds collected through Queensland’s Containers for Change have contributed to 200,000 meals for people facing food insecurity, according to OzHarvest.

The Australian Distillers Association (ADA) and Spirits Victoria Association (SVA) have appointed Marianne Duluk as the new Victorian spirits industry development officer and SVA executive officer, commencing 4 May.

Treasury Wine Estates is restructuring into four regional divisions and reshuffling its executive team as Penfolds depletions surge in China and the US business returns to growth.

Specialist contract processing winery, Winemasters SA, has gone into administration after the site failed to sell. Hall Chadwick partners, Brent Kijurina and David Trim, have been appointed administrators.

George Weston Foods' (GWF) new Mauri flour mill in Ballarat is nearing completion after three years of construction, with the facility expected to be operational by the end of 2026. The Victorian government is supporting the project, which was initially announced in 2022, under its $150 million Victorian Investment Fund.

As one of Australia’s largest meat processing and packaging companies, Hilton Foods has partnered with DLL Group, a Rabobank-owned global finance provider specialising in food‑equipment funding across Australia and New Zealand. Through this partnership, DLL has supported Hilton’s strategy to accelerate smarter production, drive innovation, and strengthen supply‑chain resilience.