Direct-to-can digital printing is reshaping beverage marketing in Australia, opening new opportunities for creativity, sustainability, and speed to market. PKN Packaging News editor and Food & Drink Business publisher, Lindy Hughson, reports on three packaging leaders in the scene – Orora, Onpack, and East Coast Canning + Printing.

Western Australian marine science solutions company, SeaStock, has secured a $740,000 matched co-investment with Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) to develop functional ingredients from seaweed.

Mudgee-based winemaker, Lowe Family Wine Co., has installed a landmark $850,000 solar and battery system, developed by SPS Solar + Water. With this project, the company has become one of the first wineries in Australia to operate entirely off-grid.

The financial plight of Maggie Beer Holdings (MBH) – it recorded a loss of $24.3 million in FY25 and $28.2 million in FY24 – has been thrown a lifeline by two of Australia’s leading food manufacturers.

With the current food and beverage landscape, ingredients company, Kerry, is helping manufacturers navigate increasingly complex times. Food & Drink Business spoke with the new ANZ general manager for Kerry, Michelle Thomson, about challenges and growth.

South Australian company, Spring Gully Foods, has ceased trading and appointed an administrator, citing the loss of key contracts, rising costs, and competition from cheaper imports as reasons behind its closure.

Fonterra Co-op says its $66 million (NZ$75m) investment to expand the Clandeboye site in South Canterbury, New Zealand, is part of the co-op’s plan to invest $883 million (NZ$1b) over the next three to four years.

Award winning distillery, Sullivans Cove, has unveiled its 25 Year Old Single Malt whisky, Australia’s oldest single malt ever bottled. According to the distillery, it is also possibly the oldest to have been produced by a continuously operating and dedicated new world whisky distillery.

In multicultural food landscapes like Australia and New Zealand, leading with purpose is essential to establish a strong foundation for unique cuisine. Food & Drink Business spoke with CJ  Foods Oceania CEO, Eugene Cha-Navarro, to discuss growth in the Australian market, and the company’s investments in local infrastructure.

The federal government has signed a new agreement with Vietnam to secure market access for Australian blueberry producers, with trade expected to be worth approximately $22 million over the next five years.

Gluten-free brewery, TWØBAYS Brewing Co, has closed its equity crowdfunding raise early after reaching the maximum target of $2.5 million, with 1000 investors coming on board.

Melbourne-based sustainable packaging company Great Wrap has entered voluntary administration with debts of about AU$39 million, following years of financial losses and shifting market conditions.

In Australia, the contract beverage manufacturing sector is worth around $4 to $8 billion, with growth fuelled by ready-to-drink (RTDs), non-alcoholic, and functional beverages. Melbourne-based company, Gypsy Hub, is intent on redefining contract beverage manufacturing and advocating for its scope and skills. 

Wide Open Agriculture says its proprietary lupin protein milk formulation marks a significant advancement in its mission to realise the potential of lupin as a globally relevant food protein. It has lodged a patent to protect the breakthrough technology.

The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Japan Bioindustry Association (JBA) to strengthen collaboration and drive innovation in the biomanufacturing sectors in Japan and Australia.

The South Australian government has launched its $250,000 Spirits Expansion Program in partnership with Distillers South Australia, aiming to support the state’s distilleries to expand locally and into priority international markets.