Global consumer goods business, Unilever, has confirmed it is in discussions with McCormick & Co on the sale of its Food business. Both companies have released statements saying while negotiations are ongoing there is no certainty of a deal.

Australian organisations could gain access to the world’s largest pooled research fund by early 2027, as the federal government begins treaty negotiations on association to Horizon Europe, the European Union’s $155 billion flagship research and innovation funding program.

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has appointed Mike Guerin as the organisation’s new CEO, at a critical time for the sector. He takes over from Su McCluskey, who has been the interim chief executive since September.

Alternative protein think tank Food Frontier and Cellular Agriculture Australia (CAA) have joined forces, with the goal to accelerate the commercialisation of emerging food production technologies in Australia.

As part of the development of a national food security strategy, the federal government has commissioned a food supply chain assessment. The decision was made during a meeting of the National Food Council on 23 March, focused on the impact of conflict in the Middle East on Australia’s food system.

Australia has secured a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) after eight years of negotiations, opening new avenues for Australian exporters to sell to 450 million consumers in the EU’s $30 trillion economy.

Australian supply chains are reaching a critical turning point, as persistent labour shortages collide with weak productivity growth and rising global volatility, forcing businesses to rethink how competitiveness and growth is achieved inside their operations. Dematic APAC CEO, Michael Jerogin, offers insights on automation integration for local businesses to maximise efficiency.

New Zealand-based specialty coffee roaster, Allpress Coffee, is strengthening its global footprint, investing in new roasteries in Melbourne and London.

Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, has launched its latest Innovate to Grow round, a free eight-week research and development (R&D) training program, with this round focused on supporting Queensland SMEs.

Many food and beverage companies are totally reliant on transport and logistics, meaning an inflation surge sparked by higher fuel prices is the last thing they need. It also makes now the perfect time to re-assess their logistics for efficiency and resilience.

ASX-listed health and wellness food company OMG Group has launched two matcha brands targeting opposite ends of the market, backed by an exclusive five-year supply agreement for 350,000kg of ceremonial-grade Japanese matcha from Nagasaki-based SANDAI Group.

The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has released a new Electrification Fact Sheet in partnership with EnergyLink Services, giving food and grocery manufacturers a practical framework for reducing emissions through electrification.

Camel dairy farm, Summer Land Camels, has completed its OnMarket crowd-sourced funding campaign – raising over $700,000 from 460 investors to support the company’s international expansion.

Brooki Bakehouse has appointed Andrew Head as CEO, as the premium bakery brand prepares to accelerate its next phase of national and international expansion.

Regenerative food company, Wide Open Agriculture (WOA), has appointed Craig Swan as its new CEO, as the company prepares to advance the commercialisation of its lupin protein platform. He takes over from Matthew Skinner on 7 April.

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