As frontline food charities struggle to cope with rising demand, the Victorian government is supporting Neighbourhood Houses across the state with dedicated food relief funding.

Family-owned Australian dairy producer, Brancourts, has been acquired for an undisclosed sum by Arla Foods Mayer Australia (AFMA) – the joint venture formed in 2015 between Mayers Fine Food and global dairy cooperative, Arla Foods.

The Hive Awards would not be possible without the support of its sponsors. This year, Food & Drink Business was thrilled to announce The Commonwealth Bank of Australia as the Headline Sponsor for the third year in a row.

After matcha, hot honey, and Dubai chocolate went viral for Australian tastebuds in 2025, it’s Asian-inspired foods and fusions that are leading the charge this year. Pureprofile Australia senior account director, Kate Richards, shares insights on the latest trends in hospitality, and how they are impacting retail.

The winners of the 2026 Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA) have been announced, receiving more than 2200 entries from 381 breweries across 22 countries.

Sustainable Winegrowing Australia has appointed an inaugural executive officer and advisory board, aiming to enhance impact and guide strategic direction moving forward.

Alcoholic beverage brand, Barry, has opened expressions of interest for its upcoming crowd-sourced funding raise through OnMarket. After jumping from $748,000 in revenue in FY24 to over $3.68 million in FY25, the company is ready to scale up.

Construction has begun on New South Wales’ first end-to-end hydrogen and ammonia production plant – The Good Earth Green Hydrogen and Ammonia (GEGHA) project – supported by $45.2 million from the state government.

The Australian Refrigeration Council has appointed Mark Lamb as its new CEO and Susie O’Neill as deputy CEO, as the national licensing authority for the refrigeration and air conditioning industry moves into its next leadership phase.

Nutritional and wellness company Nuchev (ASX: NUC) has secured a $4 million unsecured working capital facility from substantial shareholder H&S Global Holdings, structured to support its growth plans across the group in the short to medium term.

Synlait Milk has accepted the resignation of CEO, Richard Wyeth, less than a year into his tenure at the dairy processor, with director Leon Fung stepping in as acting CEO. His exit is the third senior departure from Synlait in the last three weeks.

The Federal Court has found Coles Supermarkets made false or misleading representations in its ‘Down Down’ promotional program, handing the ACCC a significant win in proceedings that have been closely watched across the retail and manufacturing sectors.

SPC Global (ASX: SPG) has launched a fully underwritten $100 million equity raising, with the bulk of proceeds earmarked for net debt reduction as the company works to reset its balance sheet less than 18 months after listing on the ASX.

The federal government released its 2026 budget last week, with longstanding issues in the food and beverage sector mostly overlooked in favour of the critical supply chain challenges arising from the Middle East conflict.

The Endeavour Group board has appointed Tim Poole as chair, following receipt of the necessary regulatory approvals. His selection was initially announced in February, and the appointment was made effective from 14 May.

Aquaculture farm, Fremantle Seaweed, has acquired a new site in Fremantle to develop a seaweed hatchery, nursery, production and processing facility.