Total Construction was back on the floor at foodpro 2026. Rob Blythman spoke to Kim Berry about supplier networks, sector cycles, first-time factory builders, and why the robotics revolution is still waiting on its social licence.

Tetley Tea’s partnership with Breast Cancer Network Australia continues to raise funds and awareness for Australians affected by breast cancer through the brand’s recognisable pink tea packs.

Mt. Elephant has o­fficially launched its new Cake Pods in 700+ Coles supermarkets nationally, marking a significant step forward for the brand and introduces a new format to the dessert category.

Specialty ingredient distributor Hawkins Watts Australia has signed a distribution agreement with ofi to supply cocoa powders, liquors and butters to Australian manufacturers.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched civil proceedings in the Federal Court against Australia’s largest egg supplier, Sunny Queen, and 11 other egg producers and suppliers, alleging cartel conduct and other breaches of the Competition and Consumer Act in the production and supply of eggs.

CCEP has completed a $39.7m manufacturing upgrade at its Kewdale facility in WA, installing a high-speed can production line that increases capacity by more than 40% and lifts production speeds to 1500 cans per minute.

Nearly 6 in 10 Aussies in food and beverage manufacturing believe their organisation is becoming less productive, despite continued investment in workplace technology, according to Argon & Co.

The Federal Government has introduced legislation requiring LNG exporters to supply the equivalent of 20 per cent of exports to the domestic market, a scheme food and grocery manufacturers have lobbied for.

Every food, drink, personal care and household product made in Australia starts with an investment decision. A company chooses to replace a production line, automate a process or expand a plant. That choice is now made in a global market for capital, and Australia is struggling to compete. The question is simple. Will the next generation of manufacturing investment come here?

A record six distilleries have contributed to this year’s Rum Consortium release, which goes on sale at cellar doors on Queensland Rum Day this Saturday.

Treasury Wine Estates has cut its operational emissions by 65 per cent since 2021, but its 2026 sustainability report shows the shift to smaller-batch luxury wine is eroding efficiency, and its $100 million climate adaptation target is now under review.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Australia MD, Orlando Rodriguez, is stepping down in early 2027. Miles Karemacher has been appointed as his replacement and will start in the role on 18 January 2027.

Coles is helping Australians make more of Christmas, unveiling its biggest Own Brand Christmas range yet – with festive favourites, premium centrepieces and clever shortcuts included.

Treasury Wine Estates has sold Rosemount, Ingoldby and Secret Stone to A.G. Oatley Wines, returning Rosemount to the family that founded it in 1969. The Oatley family has also acquired Murray Street Vineyards in the Barossa Valley.

Australian Distillers Association (ADA) CEO, Kylie Lethbridge, has resigned after a year in the role. She will finish up at the end of October.

Ballarat confectionery and snack bar maker, Ferndale Foods Australia, will install a $3 million packing line in early 2027 to lift mint capacity fivefold, as its JILA brand launches into 16,500 stores in South Korea.