International spirits company, Bacardi, has entered into a new distribution agreement with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) in New Zealand, following the announcement of a similar arrangement in Australia last August.

Woolworths Group, Sea Forest, DIT AgTech, and Teys Australia have launched a multi-year collaboration to trial a methane-reducing feed supplement in Australian grass-fed cattle, in a move aimed at cutting emissions while improving productivity across the beef supply chain.

Fonterra is expanding its organic milk programme into New Zealand’s South Island for the first time, as it looks to build on the strong performance of the business and growing global demand for organic dairy products.

CSIRO has launched the latest round of its Innovate to Grow program, a free eight-week program to support small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) develop research-driven solutions focused on Farm and Food Technology.

Suntory has appointed Ashish Gandham as managing director for Suntory Global Spirits – Oceania, following the launch of the company’s $3 billion multi-beverage business in July 2025.

The federal government has established a new Trade Diversification Network, consisting of 40 peak industry bodies, as part of its $50 million Accessing New Markets Initiative. The member groups will work with government to support global diversification for exporters.

Leading contract manufacturer, Hitex Confectionery, has appointed Darren Butler as its new CEO, aiming to propel a new stage of expansion following two years of transformation.

Queensland’s not-for-profit container management organisation, Container Exchange (COEX), has appointed Trevor Evans as interim chief executive officer, as the government finalises its response to troubling inquiry.

New South Wales’ container deposit scheme, Return and Earn, has passed 15 billion containers returned, with the state's recyclers receiving more than $1.5 billion in refunds since the program began.

The New South Wales government has established its $25 million Agriculture Industries Innovation and Growth Program to increase uptake of innovative technology and equipment in the local agriculture sector. Applications close 23 January.

The Western Australian government has announced recipients for round seven of its Agrifood and Beverage Voucher Program, offering a share of $680,000 in funding to small-to-medium food and beverage companies.

Treasury Wine Estates has flagged softer near-term earnings as category conditions weaken across key markets, while outlining a broad reset of inventory, capital structure and operating costs under newly appointed CEO, Sam Fischer.

Sydney-based biotech company, All G, has taken a major step in the lead-up to its first product launch – establishing a joint venture with French lactoferrin producer, Armor Protéines. The partnership will support All G’s aim to produce and commercialise recombinant human and bovine lactoferrin in 2026.

Eden Brew has submitted its precision-fermented milk protein to Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) for assessment, the first product of this type to enter the regulatory approval process in Australia.

International multi-protein food business, Hilton Foods, has signed an agreement with CleanCo Queensland to have its Brisbane facility fully powered by renewable energy.

Our Top 100 2025 edition of Food & Drink Business magazine is more than the annual flagship Top 100 Report. Industry leaders reflect on the year past and the one ahead, we provide our annual news review, M&A wrap-up, and all the executive moves, and a Roman-inspired sports drink, Posca, is our final Rising Star for 2025.