The Victorian Department of Agriculture says it has confirmed avian influenza (bird flu) at an egg farm in Meredith, Victoria following an investigation of poultry deaths at the property. Samples have been sent to the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness to determine the strain of bird flu.

The National Food Waste Summit returns on 24-25 July, bringing together the brightest minds and leaders committed to creating a more productive, sustainable, and resilient Australian food system by ending food waste and food insecurity. In the lead-up to the summit, Food & Drink Business is profiling some of the changemakers that will be on-hand at the summit’s Trade Show. This week we talk to Robbie Watson from Refresh:Food.

A ten-year follow-up study has revealed some good news for women in the Australian grape and wine sector, with an increase of female representation in all assessed areas.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has granted contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), ScaleUp Bio, a food manufacturing licence for its commercial pilot production facility.

Kinrise Snackfoods has deployed four Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) at its manufacturing plant to streamline operations, become more efficient, and improve its working environment. 

West Australian independent craft brewery, Beerfarm, has entered into a binding agreement to purchase of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners’ (CCEP) equity stake in Feral Brewing’s Bassendean production facilities.

Suntory Oceania’s $400 million carbon neutral manufacturing and distribution facility in Ipswich, Queensland is a step closer to completion with the installation underway of 7000 solar panels (14 kilometres end to end).

The 2024 Golden Hive award winner, Kommunity Brew, is calling for expressions of interest for its second round of capital raising through equity crowd funding platform Birchal.

The independent brewing industry has expressed its disappointment and frustration with the federal government, after it made no changes to Australia’s excise tax in the 2024/25 budget.

The largest annual beer competition in the world, Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards, has announced its winners, with judges selecting from more than 2500 beers from 23 countries. 

Food service company, BonCulina, has launched in Australia, supplying a meal range specifically designed for healthcare and aged care sectors. BonCulina is working with Sunshine Private Hospital (SPH), which is owned by Unitas Healthcare.

CommBank’s latest Manufacturing and Supply Chain Insights report, based on a survey of manufacturing, wholesale trade and distribution businesses, reveals that 61 per cent are targeting a moderate or significant uplift in production levels in the next year.

Hickson House Distilling Co has landed a distribution partnership with Amber Beverage Group, aiming to expand their footprint in the Australian gin market. 

Shoppers are being urged to purchase more consciously and support Aussie makers and growers as Australian Made Week kicks-off today and runs until Sunday 26 May.

Researchers have traced the origin of Australian abalone through their shell composition, a discovery that could significantly reduce the illegal trafficking of high-value seafood.

The Hive Awards inaugural event took place on Thursday 16 May at the Everleigh, Sydney, to a room buzzing with excitement. We are so pleased to announce the winners, and to have had the opportunity to recognise and celebrate their incredible accomplishments in the industry!