• Aquna Gold, Murray Cod Caviar
    Aquna Gold, Murray Cod Caviar
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Murray Cod Australia posted a strong start to FY26, reporting a 45 per cent year-on-year sales increase and a 30 per cent lift in customer receipts for the September quarter, driven by rising demand and production throughput.

The company successfully completed a $17 million capital raise with strong institutional participation, achieved Halal certification to open Middle Eastern markets, and expects to finalise BAP sustainability certification in Q2 FY26.

Domestically, MCA doubled its retail footprint through Woolworths, expanding from 67 to 134 stores across NSW and Victoria, with distribution supported by PFD Foods. This follows growing consumer demand for Aquna Murray Cod and marks a major milestone in its retail growth strategy.

Internationally, Hong Kong and Singapore sales were up 65 per cent and 138 per cent respectively on the previous quarter. MCA also confirmed approval for live exports of Murray cod to China and plans to exhibit at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai.

Operationally, the company stocked 27 additional ponds at its Stanbridge site, bringing total grow-out capacity to 108 ponds, while hatchery upgrades were completed at Silverwater and Euberta. These investments underpin MCA’s transition from biomass build-up to sustained revenue generation.

The company also announced the appointment of Katherine Bryar as chief sales and marketing officer. Bryar brings more than 25 years’ experience in premium food and aquaculture marketing, including senior roles at BioMar Group, New Zealand King Salmon, and Australian Eggs.

Murray Cod Australia’s 2025 Aquna Gold Caviar harvest is underway, adding a high-margin premium line to the business.

 

Packaging News

New European rules on generic environmental claims have prompted the Australasian Bioplastics Association to warn that packaging carrying poorly substantiated claims could be marketed in Australia.

Australia's environment ministers have declared packaging reform urgent and named soft plastics as an initial priority, but offered no firm timetable or regulatory commitments. SPSA has welcomed the soft plastics focus, while Boomerang Alliance and WMRR have raised concerns about the lack of concrete action.

Economic analysis commissioned by SPSA estimates national recycling reforms could deliver up to $278m in net productivity gains and stimulate up to $2.6b in capital investment each year.