Nutritional Psychiatrist and senior teaching fellow at Bond University, Dr Megan Lee, looks at the rising cost of living, the price disparity between healthy foods and low-cost ultra-processed foods, and the importance of nutrition for mental health. She calls for government intervention through taxing ultra-processed foods while providing financial incentives to make healthy options more affordable.

The Tasmanian government’s Advanced Manufacturing Action Plan 2024 is now due for renewal, with an industry consultation survey opened for input to ensure it continues to meet the needs of Tasmanian industry for the next four years.

At the recent 2023 Refrigerated Warehouse and Transport Association of Australia (RWTA) Conference, Swisslog’s Sean Ledbury and Charles John presented on how to overcome challenges in the frozen food industry, and how to achieve energy savings and better ROI.

Melbourne contract packing operation, Alepat Taylor, has invested $25m in an expansion to its beverage packaging plant in Preston, with the installation of a new canning line, including a KHS Innofill Compact C filling system blocked with a Ferrum seamer.

Yaala Sparkling, a Queensland-based Indigenous-owned business received a $125,000 investment offer during its appearance on Shark Tank. Founded in 2023, it creates alcohol-free drinks made with native ingredients.

In its APAC Food and Drink Landscape 2023 report, Mintel's regional experts highlighted key consumer needs and opportunities for brands across three distinct areas post-Covid: Silver Economy, Staying Sharp and Unguilty Pleasures.

The Victorian government says 10 scholarships for First Nations women will help develop new skills for the native foods and botanical sector.

As Frucor Suntory and Beam Suntory head towards the realisation of its multi-beverage partnership, Suntory Oceania, Frucor Suntory has appointed Ian Roberts as its chief Supply Chain officer.

Ngeringa Vineyard has taken out top honours at the Australian Organic Wine Awards for the second time in three years. The awards, hosted by Australian Organic Limited (AOL), saw 45 certified organic and biodynamic wine producers from 32 regions submit wines.

After last year’s inaugural and sold out AltProteins conference, this year’s program features some of the foremost plant-based meat and cellular agriculture category leaders.

Fresh pasta manufacturer 7 Chefs has appointed Wade Porter as its new CEO. He replaces Mark Eva, who held the role for four years and is semi-retiring.

The country’s top certified organic producers have joined together to form the Organic Development Group (ODG) to present a united voice on issues, such as the need for domestic regulation of the word ‘organic’.

The Australian Beef Sustainability Framework (ABSF) says the three new appointments to its Sustainability Steering Group (SSG) bring extensive experience in the implementation of sustainable practices and industry connections to the table.

Board directors of Maggie Beer Holdings have unanimously elected Susan Thomas as chair, following Reg Weine being appointed CEO at Bubs Australia.

Nourish Foods has entered voluntary administration after an investment deal with a major retailer collapsed. The healthy snack company had stalled its third equity raise to pursue the agreement.

Treasury Wine Estates has created a new executive role following the planned departure of its Group CFO Max Young. The new, and first, chief financial & strategy officer is Stuart Boxer.