Food South Australia has established a portal to enable food and beverage businesses to report impacts and issues arising from business disruptions associated with COVID-19.

The impact of COVID-19 on Australian businesses is unavoidable but there are strategies to help mitigate the effects. Marketplace CEO Leo Tyndall explains.

Wow. What a world we live in. Everything seems to be changing on an almost minute-by-minute basis. Many of us are under intense stress, professionally and personally. But the sun will rise and we will go on. Also, our latest issue is here!

New research from Charles Sturt University has found the extraction and processing method of Canola oil can have a significant impact on frying life, taste and health properties of the oil.

Australian organics manufacturer Murray River Organics (MRG) has confirmed two new contracts with an undisclosed Australian supermarket retailer, worth $15 million over two years, to bring more better-for-you products to mainstream consumers.

The panic buying witnessed in recent weeks is an example of demand risk to supply chains. Associate Professor William Ho from the University of Melbourne says businesses can do much more to prepare.

Synlait has received approval from the Overseas Investment Office to go ahead with its NZ$112 million acquisition of Dairyworks, to be completed on 1 April.

The wholesale marketplace for quality surplus food Yume has said food manufacturers with excess stock from COVID-19 related cancellations can use the platform to find alternate buyers.

The AIP Australasian Packaging Conference and the PKN and Food & Drink Business Women in Packaging Breakfast scheduled for early April have been called off in line with COVID-19-related health measures. New dates will be announced imminently.

Since the first case of COVID-19 was recorded in Australia, the impact on Australian businesses and consumers has grown dramatically. The Uno Group & Co has been working closely with our partners to monitor the developments across a range of industries.

Trade wars and Covid-19 are challenging the Australian wine industry, with the US and China markets slowing down their consumption, according to Rabobank’s latest Wine Quarterly report.

Diageo Australia managing director David Smith will leave the country after Easter to take on the role of managing director for the company in southern Europe from 1 May.

Queensland’s Fry Family Food Co will now form part of the LiveKindly Co portfolio, as it joins forces with the global collective of plant-based heritage and start-up brands. LiveKindly Co is backed by a $200 million founders’ funding round.

BioPak, KM Packaging Services, and agriculture company Costa have come together to create a pack for Woolworths’ sweet berry truss tomatoes.

Lion parent company Kirin has begun its KV 2027 strategy in an aim to secure long-term sustainable growth, by leveraging its fermentation and biotechnology. Strengthening its brewery business is a key focus, as it awaits completion on the divestment of the Lion Dairy & Drinks business.

Natural Evolution managing director and co-founder Krista Watkins has been named Queensland’s latest #eatqld Champion for her support of Queensland produce and agricultural innovation. Watkins will join the panel at the upcoming Women in Packaging breakfast forum.