The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) says it won’t oppose Lactalis’ proposed acquisition of Fonterra’s consumer and food service businesses, if the bid goes ahead. While it would see two of the largest buyers of raw milk combine, the ACCC says it is “unlikely” to result in a lessening of competition.

Winners of the 2025 Melbourne Royal Australian International Spirits Awards have been announced, recognising distilling excellence across Australia and the world. Prohibition Liquor took out the title of Champion Australian Distiller, as well as the Champion Australian Gin trophy.

Maxum Foods says the appointment of Adrian Lochland as the company’s first CEO is a significant milestone in the company’s growth and evolution. Lochland has been at Maxum since 2021 as executive general manager of its Animal Nutrition division.

Australia has earned its stripes as a nation of committed snackers, but this love affair with snacks isn’t without its quirks. Mintel Food & Drink associate director, Cormac Henry, says its research shows while Australians are chasing healthier options, cravings for indulgent treats remains strong. 

Bega Groups says following a 12-month review, the lack of a buyer and ongoing annual operating losses of $5-10 million are behind its decision to wind down and close peanut processing business, Peanut Company of Australia (PGA). Bega acquired the company in 2017.

Global transport management tech company, Microlise, says new customer wins, expanding operations, and increasing demand for connected fleet solutions in logistics and transport have driven strong year-on-year growth for the business.

Market research company, T Garage, has gathered a database that includes more than 6000 consumer reviews for natural beverages. Partner and director of Strategy, Jed Simpfendorfer, and research director, Amanda Leigh-Jones, share their findings on what consumers want from natural beverages.

Cargill says investments to reduce carbon emissions, eliminate waste, and boost efficiency stretching from West Africa to Europe have transformed its global cocoa supply chain. The upgrades span renewable energy, circular logistics, and smart infrastructure.

Heat and Control says its three-week event, FoodTech Forum 2025, at its facility in Lelystad, Netherlands was a successful forum to showcase and demonstrate the latest advancements in sustainable food processing. Attendees included customers, strategic partners, and industry experts from around the world. 

Wine Australia has released its five-year Strategic Plan 2025–30, outlining how it will support Australian grapegrowers, winemakers and exporters in navigating current pressures while building a more resilient, profitable and sustainable future. 

Global beverage giant, Suntory, has officially launched its combined Australia New Zealand business, Suntory Oceania, as it unveiled the $400 million Swanbank factory in Ipswich, Queensland. It was more than three years ago that then CEO of Frucor Suntory, Darren Fullerton, outlined the ambitious build and two years since Suntory Oceania was announced. With plans realised, there is now a $3 billion beverage behemoth in the arena, representing the fourth largest in the region with ambitious growth plans in the works. 

The International Alliance for Responsible Drinking has accelerated its plans to reduce harmful drinking – partnering leading global beer, wine and spirits producers with advertising, public relations, and influencer agencies to ensure alcohol marketing is clearly recognised, responsibly advertised, and aimed at an audience over the legal purchase age.

A new online store, Just a Crumb, has launched to support Australian bakeries in reducing food waste – offering consumers cake offcuts and leftover treats that might otherwise go to waste, delivered to the door.

As the Australian functional beverage market continues to grow, emerging companies are still finding places to slot in. Alcohol recovery drink, Dodge, hit stores in mid-2022, and has taken off across the Asia-Pacific region with its science-backed formula and striking branding. Food & Drink Business spoke with co-founder, Braeden Leahy, about the product and plans for the future.

The former deputy chief of staff to the federal communications minister, Amanda Watson, has been appointed CEO of the Brewers Association of Australia (BAA).  Watson starts in the role on 14 July and replaces John Preston, who had been in the role for five years.

Haigh’s Chocolates has appointed Peter Millard as the company’s new CEO, the first time in its 110-year history that someone outside the Haigh family will lead the business.