Independent brewery, Local Brewing Co., says its $400,000 grant from the Coles Nurture Fund will enable it to greatly expand production of its brewing innovation, EcoCrumb, transforming even more surplus bread into a substitute for traditional grain used to brew beer.

The Coca-Cola Company says it will expand into the Australian alcoholic ready-to-drink category with its acquisition of Billson’s Beverages. Billson’s went into voluntary administration in July last year.

Five food companies are part of the first cohort to receive funding through the federal Industry Growth Program. Harvest B, DFDU, Cauldron Molecules, Forager Automation, and Seastock join 15 other recipients spanning robotics, medical manufacturing, defence, mining, and agriculture.

Food science and technology students from William Angliss Institute recently unveiled cutting-edge food and beverage concepts at the institute’s bi-annual New Product Launch. The concepts reflected the latest trends in ethical, sustainable, gluten-free, vegan, low-sugar, and zero-alcohol markets.

TasFoods 4Q24 results landed the company its third consecutive quarter of positive operating cash flows, despite revenue from its poultry operations being down seven per cent on the prior comparable period (pcp).

Mark Anthony Brands International (MABI) will end its White Claw distribution deal with Lion on 1 August, announcing it’s looking to establish its own presence in Australia.

Australia’s almond industry has shipped more product in the last nine months than any previous full 12-month season, according to the Almond Board of Australia (ABA).

Aldi Australia has joined the voluntary Australian Food Pact, saying becoming a signatory will help the company achieve its goal to halve food waste by 2030 and increase its capacity to drive change in its stores and across the value chain.

Australia’s premier media platform for food and beverage manufacturers, Food & Drink Business, has launched its annual awards for excellence, The Hive Awards, and is calling for entries from across the sector.

It has been 20 years since SPC was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) but this week returned as SPC Global (ASX: SPG) following its merger with The Original Juice Company (OJC) and Nature One Dairy (NOD).

New Zealand Infant formula brand, LittleOak, is boosting its retail presence through a new partnership with Independent Pharmacies Australia (IPA) that will see its range available in IPA’s banner group, Chemist Discount Centre (CDC).

Fonterra says a plan to convert two coal boilers to wood pellets at its Clandeboye site in South Canterbury, New Zealand, is a crucial step in its commitment to exit coal by 2037. 

The Victorian Government says it is developing a new strategy to ensure the growth and sustainability of the state’s $9 billion wine industry. The draft Victorian Wine Strategy is now available for public consultation until 31 January.

Inghams Group CEO and managing director, Andrew Reeves, will retire in mid-2025, with the CEO of its New Zealand business, Edward Alexander, announced as his replacement.

Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania CEO, Darren Fullerton, will retire in March 2025, leading the final stages of Suntory Oceania’s creation and then continuing as an advisor.

The business of food and drink is a fast moving behemoth, with takeovers, downfalls, and events both good and bad. But there is also the unexpected, and on that front, 2024 more than delivered. Editor Kim Berry gives you her take on the last 12 months.