Mars Wrigley Australia has invested $6.5 million into its Asquith gum and mints factory, commissioning a new production line which the company says will increase capacity by more than 60 per cent.

Western Australian producer, Brownes Dairy, has been put up for sale according to the Australian Financial Review (AFR), as one of its biggest lenders, China Mengniu Dairy, calls in its $200 million loan. A reduced demand for milk in China and the current positioning of the global market could be driving the decision.

The Central Coast is about to receive a boost to its local food and beverage manufacturing industry, with construction starting on the $17.14 million Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub, funded by the federal government’s National Reconstruction Fund (NFR).

The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) says Australia is at a “critical crossroads” when it comes to R&D and decades of rhetoric have not delivered material change.

New Zealand’s national organisation for the country's grape and wine sector, New Zealand Winegrowers, has released its 2025 Sustainability Report, highlighting the industry’s commitment to environmental preservation and sustainability through its climate change, water, people, soil, waste, and plant protection goals.

Alcoholic beverage company, Diageo Australia, has made several new appointments to its executive leadership team.

SPC Global says it has raised $20 million through fixed rate unsecured notes with a four-year term at nine per cent per annum that matures in April 2029. The offer was arranged by FIIG Securities.

As Australians navigate the pressures of rising living costs, a quiet movement is taking place in supermarket aisles: savvy shoppers are increasingly reaching for private-label, store-brand products. Shopfully country manager for Australia, Brendan Straw, outlines the strategies businesses can use to get ahead.

Leading vegetable growers, industry and federal political figures gathered in Tasmania yesterday (15 April) at the AUSVEG Future-Proofing the Fresh Vegetable Supply Chain Forum, aiming to address the key challenges facing the vegetable industry.

Supply chain and retail planning solutions provider, Relex Solutions, has been selected by Woolworths Group to implement its Relex Replenishment solution in all the grocery retailer’s distribution centres, as well as across 1400 stores in Australia and New Zealand.

There are two key dates on the for the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology calendar for your diary –  Australian Food Science and Technology Week on 2-8 June, and AIFST25, the institute’s annual convention on 12-13 August. 

Independent craft brewery, Stomping Ground Brewing co-founder, Steve Jaffares, says he plans to turn the former Deeds Brewing taproom into a new venue. Deeds Brewing stopped trading in April.

ConTech2025 – the Ai Group confectionery sector’s premier annual event for the Australasian confectionery industry – will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 6 May. ConTech is curated for a broad range of confectionery and wider food industry professionals.

The Australian Food Pact has received the Business Services and Solutions Award at the 36th Banksia Foundation National Sustainability Awards for its achievements in reducing food waste across the supply chain. Food and beverage manufacturers were well represented this year including Hive finalist Gina’s Table, JBS, and Too Good To Go.

The Australian wine industry has continued to grow and perform highly in both domestic and international markets, with the latest report from Wine Australia noting the 34 per cent surge in value and 7 per cent surge in volume for Australian wine exports. Food & Drink Business magazine spoke with Château Tanunda managing director, Michelle Geber, about current industry trends and opportunities.

The global philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC), The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF), has teamed up with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, launching a three-year, $800,000 project to revive the Great Barrier Reef’s seagrass meadows.