Woolworths has appointed a Food and Grocery Code of Conduct arbiter to oversee the group's compliance with the recently strengthened code.

More than $590 million in write-downs, an almost $175 million loss for FY20, legal action, investigations by the regulator and talk of divesting business units are just some of the revelations and issues faced by Freedom Foods Group, revealed in its FY20 financial report.

New corporate branding for iconic Australian food and beverage manufacturer SPC is part of its strategy to become a global food and beverage business, CEO Robert Giles says.

The Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation has agreed to minor Health Star Rating (HSR) modifications to ensure fresh juices do not receive a lower rating than diet soft drinks.

The Australian Made Campaign has appointed a new chair, Allyn Beard. He replaces Glenn Cooper (chair for Coopers Brewery), who is retiring from the board after 13 years.

Plant-based protein pioneer Proform Foods has opened an $11 million manufacturing plant on the northern outskirts of Sydney, with plans to triple growth in the next 12 months. Food & Drink Business was there, with Federal Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews and Federal Member for Berowra Julian Leeser.

Ready meals company Dineamic has teamed up with FareShare to donate more than 1500 meals to Aussies in need this Christmas.

Four Australian wines are among the 30 best wines from around the world, following the release of this year’s International Wine Challenge competition rankings.

Accolade Wines has completed its acquisition of Coonawarra-based Katnook Estate, naming Natalie Cleghorn as its senior winemaker and manager.

Bega Cheese is set to become a $3 billion company following its acquisition of Lion Dairy & Drinks for $560 million. The deal is set to be completed by the end of January 2021.

The winners of the 2020 Australian Women in Wine Awards have been announced, with Cate Looney from the Brown Family Wine Group awarded Winemaker of the Year.

Industry body Ausveg has called for “common sense to prevail” in this week’s discussions on the changes to the Health Star Rating system, which may see fresh juices given a lower HSR than diet soft drinks.

Ingredients company McCormick & Company has bought L Catterton, the parent company of Chulula Hot Sauce, for US$800 million ($1 billion) in cash.

The ACCC has alleged Peters Ice Cream prevented competition in the supply of single-wrapped ice creams to petrol and convenience retailers for five years, as part of its agreement with PFD Food Services.

Keg rental company Kegstar has launched its new IoT enabled tracking system for kegs. CEO Christian Barden said the technology has been several years in the making and will be a game-changer.

Unilever has released its Future Foods initiative, outlining commitments to a healthier and more sustainable global food system. At its centre is a $1.63bn sales target for plant-based meat and dairy alternatives within the next five to seven years.