Melbourne-based sustainable packaging company Great Wrap has entered voluntary administration with debts of about AU$39 million, following years of financial losses and shifting market conditions.

In Australia, the contract beverage manufacturing sector is worth around $4 to $8 billion, with growth fuelled by ready-to-drink (RTDs), non-alcoholic, and functional beverages. Melbourne-based company, Gypsy Hub, is intent on redefining contract beverage manufacturing and advocating for its scope and skills. 

Wide Open Agriculture says its proprietary lupin protein milk formulation marks a significant advancement in its mission to realise the potential of lupin as a globally relevant food protein. It has lodged a patent to protect the breakthrough technology.

The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Japan Bioindustry Association (JBA) to strengthen collaboration and drive innovation in the biomanufacturing sectors in Japan and Australia.

The South Australian government has launched its $250,000 Spirits Expansion Program in partnership with Distillers South Australia, aiming to support the state’s distilleries to expand locally and into priority international markets.

Cellular Agriculture Australia has released a white paper in collaboration with the Australian National University and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute highlighting the role of emerging biotechnologies in the future of Australia’s food system.

The 300 plus sessions at this year’s World Food Forum (WFF) reinforced its core mission – to mobilise global partnerships, investments, and innovation for sustainable agrifood systems and a hunger-free world.

The rise in snacking culture is well documented, but what are consumers snacking on? It turns out to be more nuanced than first thought. ADM ANZ category marketing manager, Melissa Przydacz, discusses the factors driving the evolution of snack bars and their ingredients.

TomKat Global Solutions has opened expressions of interest for its upcoming wholesale equity raise on VentureCrowd, as it seeks to accelerate the global commercial rollout of its KoolPak reusable packaging system.

Regional New South Wales could become a national hub for plant-based protein manufacturing, one of the fastest-growing sectors in global food production, according to a prospectus released by the government.

Alcoholic coconut water ready-to-drink (RTDs) options are the latest alcohol beverage trend to explode in Australia over the past year. Food & Drink Business spoke with Raw C and Coastals about the rise of better-for-you beverages and the coconut water craze.

With barely a month in the role, Nestlé CEO, Philipp Navratil, announced 5.8 per cent of the company’s employees would lose their job in the next two years, as the global food business looks to save $5.8 billion (CHF 3 billion) by the end of 2027.

Global yoghurt company, Chobani, has completed a $1 billion (US$650 million) equity capital raise as it plans to expand its manufacturing operations in the US. The raise was advised by law firm Gibson Dunn.

Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) says it is not in a position to revise its guidance for FY16 due to lower-than-expected performance in China and distribution issues in California. The company said it was unlikely to meet FY26 depletion targets for Penfolds in China.

For more than 35 years, family-owned producer, Gourmet Dairy Co., has been manufacturing sauces, dairy and non-dairy products under its own brands and as a contract manufacturer for some of Australia’s most recognised labels. Now, the company is investing more than $1 million to expand its production capabilities and support new product innovation.

Expressions of interest are now open for tenancy at the $17.14 million Central Coast Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub, expected to open in March 2026.