Elixinol Wellness says the latest lab tests on its hemp extract, published in the Journal of Toxicology, showed “positive safety results”, with further tests needed to confirm its safety for humans.

There are nine categories on offer in this year’s inaugural Hive Awards. Created to recognise and celebrate the best people and businesses in Australia’s food and beverage manufacturing sector, it’s time to get cracking with your entry.

The Australian Beverages Council, National Retail Association and Australian Association of Convenience Stores have rejected a call for a tax on soft drinks, labelling it a misguided measure that won’t address obesity but will hit households that can least afford it. 

Coles Liquor will acquire 20 9/11 bottle shops from Federal Group in Tasmania, including hotel attached and stand-alone stores. Coles Liquor currently only has two Liquorlands in the state.

Meat and Livestock Australia has released its 2024 global market snapshots, covering 14 markets for beef and sheepmeat, highlighting that cost of living challenges in a number of markets, particularly in Australia, have shifted the focus to items with ‘better value’ for shoppers, diners, retailers and foodservice operators.

Cadbury Australia and Amcor have signed a deal for the global packaging company to supply around 1000 tonnes of post-consumer recycled plastic to wrap around Cadbury’s core chocolate range. The agreement will halve Cadbury’s reliance on virgin plastic for the included products, parent company Mondelēz says.

On the outskirts of Melbourne, food tech company Viridian Renewable Technology has developed a proprietary manufacturing process to transform excess food into highly nutritious, easily digestible premium insect protein. As the company undertakes a $5 million capital raise, and people wrestle with the ‘ick’ factor, our pampered pets reap the tasty reward.

Accolade Wines says the restructuring of its business, and lenders agreeing to a recapitalisation plan, will provide a more secure long-term future for the business.

With Australia's wine industry struggling with a drop in exports, changing consumer drinking habits, and inflationary pressures, a partnership between Duxton Vineyards, Smart Machine, and Wine Australia to trial a special tractor could improve efficiency with wine production. 

The Australian Women in Wine (AWIW) advisory board has added Rachel Triggs to its 2024 cohort. Triggs has held both winemaking and leadership roles and was most recently Head of ESG at Wine Australia.

The board of the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation has appointed Ivan Power as its inaugural CEO. Power has more than 25 years’ experience in global investment and markets, and working with early-stage companies and social ventures.

The MD of fresh fruit producer Piñata Farms, Gavin Scurr, has been unanimously elected as chair of the Australian Fresh Produce Alliance (AFPA) for 2024. He brings more than 30 years’ experience to the role.

Infant formula company, Bubs Australia, is confident it will be cash flow positive in FY25, with Q2 FY24 recording an 79.7 per cent jump in gross revenue on the prior corresponding period (pcp).

With the inaugural Hive Awards now underway, the question has been asked, why the hive? It was about recognising the complexity of our food and beverage manufacturing sector and the importance of multiple parts working together for its success.

In the last 12 months, Australian wine exports declined in value and volume, Wine Australia’s latest Export Report found. Despite improving on previous figures, the industry body said the results were well below long-term averages.

Finalists for the 2024 India Australia Business & Community Alliance (IABCA) Awards have been announced, celebrating achievements and contributions in India-Australia trade. Marquis Marketing, a branch of Marquis Macadamias, was nominated in the Excellence in Trade & Investment category.