The University of Sydney and Peking University have launched a Joint Centre for Food Security and Sustainable Agricultural Development, which will support research into improving the sustainability and security of food systems in Australia and China.

Sydney-based biotech company, All G, has secured regulatory approval in China to sell recombinant (made from microbes, not cows) lactoferrin. CEO Jan Pacas says All G is the first company in the world to receive the approval, and recombinant human lactoferrin is “next in line”.

Fonterra Co-operative Group has announced the company is on track to meet its climate targets, and has turned off the coal boiler at its Waitoa site, making its North Island manufacturing entirely coal free.

Canola oil producer, Riverina Oils & Bio Energy (ROBE), has partnered with Australian renewable energy retailer, Flow Power, to power its operations with solar energy – a major step towards enhancing sustainability of its products.

Ingredients company, Hawkins Watts says its acquisition of Queensland-based flavour and ingredient distributor, Taste Rite Agencies, will create growth opportunities and streamlined operations. Taste Rite began in 1995 and more recently has been working as a sub-distributor for Hawkins Watts.

Beston Global Food Company and its subsidiary, Beston Pure Dairies, will undergo “an orderly wind down with milk production operations to cease from 6th December 2024”, its voluntary administrator, KPMG announced on 26 November.

Marketing and communications agency, Bastion, has created a new branch of the business focused on the beverage sector, with a goal to enhance brand experiences, particularly at major events.

Chobani Australia has appointed Connie Biviano as general manager – science & innovation, and Ellie Vince as general manager – marketing, aiming to meet the demands of a dynamic market.

Melbourne-based producer, Pure Dairy, has appointed Andrew Wellington as its new chief commercial officer, ready to support the company as it makes moves both domestically and internationally.

The largest shareholder, director, and managing director of health and wellness company Jatcorp, Zhan (Jack) Wang has resigned, effective immediately. He remains the largest shareholder. Sunny Jian Xin Liang continues as CEO.

In recent years, there has been growing recognition that food and agriculture should be viewed not solely as economic sectors but as pillars of national resilience and security. The combined pressures of geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, tech vulnerabilities, and climate change are driving broader recognition of sovereign risk in food production and supply chains, placing it alongside traditional domains of national defence and security. MEQ CEO, Remo Carbone, writes.

The a2 Milk Company says it’s expecting mid to high single-digit revenue growth in FY25, updating its previous guidance of mid single-digit. EBITDA as a percentage of revenue is expected to be broadly in line with FY24. The company has also introduced a dividend policy.

The winners of the 2024 Spirits Business Awards have been announced, with Australian companies, Archie Rose Distilling and Curatif, among those awarded.

Foodbank Australia has appointed Duncan Makeig as its new board chair, replacing Tony Froggatt. Makeig, the former managing director of Lion Asia Dairy, takes the reins as the cost-of-living crisis continues to heavily impact the lives of vulnerable communities. 

Noosa Chocolate Factory has opened a permanent new location in Brisbane Arcade, just in time to showcase its premium handmade chocolates for the festive season.

Precision is paramount in the world of food and beverage production. In the October/November edition of Food & Drink Business magazine, Mettler Toledo examines a recent study which highlights the need for high-quality calibration buffers in maintaining measurement precision.