Winners of the 2025 round of the annual Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards were announced at a gala night celebration for packaging professionals from across Australia and New Zealand.

Endeavour Group reported a 3.1 per cent fall in retail sales in 3Q25 compared to the same time last year (pcp) to $2.33 billion, citing subdued trade and supply chain disruptions from the December strikes at Woolworths warehouses still having an impact.

Inghams Group says the 2.2 per cent drop in core poultry volumes in the first nine months of FY25 compared to the same period in FY24 (pcp) was largely due to reduced processing to manage elevated inventory levels from 2H24.

The Supreme Court of New South Wales has dismissed Fonterra Co-operative Group’s case regarding trademark licensing agreements with Bega Group and its plans to divest its consumer division (recently amalgamated into Mainland Group for divestment or an IPO).

The University of Tasmania (UTAS) has released a report investigating the labels of canned tuna brands, and how they measure up against Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Principles for Environmental Claims.

Australian drinks company, Casella Family Brands (CFB), has shifted the focus of its spirits strategy, making moves to bring Morris Whisky distribution in-house, expanding into global travel retail, and partnering with Proof Drinks Australia to handle its on-premise distribution.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has appointed Sarah Proudfoot as its new chief executive officer, after Scott Gregson departed to take up the role of CEO at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

The latest data from IWSR has shown the pace of innovation in the expanding global RTD market is slowing, as brand owners focus their efforts on growth areas including spirit-based products, premium-plus price tiers and higher-ABV variants.

In Australia’s food and beverage sector, where maintaining an unbroken cold chain is critical, refrigerated transport company, Eurocold, is offering tailored solutions that help businesses navigate logistics, sustainability, and operational efficiency. 

The London Wine Competition has announced its 2025 winners, with Australian wines taking out over 230 medals alongside trophies for Best Wine by Packaging, Best Shiraz, Best Rieling, and Best Non-Alcoholic.

Food relief and rescue organisation, Shepparton Foodshare, has settled into its new purpose-built warehouse and distribution centre in Mooroopna, built with almost $3 million of government support announced last April.

Digital freight and logistics platform, Ofload, has appointed former Woolworths innovation director, Dean Newman, as its new chief operating officer.

A new biosecurity protocol will allow for Australian apple producers to export to China from the 2026 season. Signed by DAFF and the Chinese General Administration of Customs, the agreement is set to strengthen Australia’s horticulture trade and partnership with China.

Craft beer producer, Sydney Brewery, has celebrated its 20th anniversary in style, with the opening of a new facility in Alexandria, formerly owned by the Rocks Brewing Company.

As sober-curious consumers embrace moderation, winemakers are innovating with advanced technology to craft sophisticated, full-flavoured wines minus the alcohol. Lindy Hughson speaks to a front runner, New Zealand’s Giesen Group, to uncork the secrets.

The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics has shown inflation ticked higher across the majority of food categories in the latest quarterly Consumer Price Index (CPI) data.