In an era of rising costs and heightened consumer demands, FMCG manufacturers face a daunting challenge: how to produce more, faster, and with fewer resources. Phil Biggs from Foodmach explains how the latest palletising technology can be part of the solution.

In an industry with many moving parts, industry bodies become essential for providing cohesion, driving agendas, and being the voice for the sector they represent. Food & Drink Business invited three of Australia’s leading industry heads to share their reflections on the year that was and what’s on the agenda for 2025.

Our December-January 2025 edition of Food & Drink Business magazine is more than the annual flagship Top 100 Report. Three of the industry's leaders reflect on 2024 and look to 2025, Foodmach outlines how modern palletising solutions benefit the whole business, and Coast of Gold is our final Rising Star for 2024.

Applications are open for the annual Seeding the Future Global Food System Challenge. Funded by not for profit, Seeding the Future Foundation, and hosted by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), the challenge is aimed at supporting innovations with potential for significant impact at scale and over time. Applications close on 6 January 2025.

Preparing Leatherwood Honey hives for summer involves looking after queen bees, hives and production equipment. Honey producers, R Stephens Apiarists, give an insight into the maintenance process.

Breheny Brothers beers are being brewed in Hobart for the first time in over 100 years, after the lost brewing history of the Tasmanian Breheny brothers was uncovered by cousins, James and Justin Breheny, in 2021.

Tasmanian whisky producer, Sullivans Cove, has unveiled its newly refurbished $14 million distillery in Hobart in celebration of the company's 30th anniversary.

Swan Valley business, Mondo Nougat, has acquired its neighbour, Morish Nuts. The two confectionery companies are a sweet match, both known for using Australian ingredients to produce traditional family recipes.

Throughout the food and beverage sector, there is an increasing focus on making operations more sustainable, efficient, equitable, nutritious, and profitable. Rockwell Automation ANZ food and beverage industry lead, Glen Jacob, looks at the unique opportunities alternative protein manufacturers have to implement systems today for maximum impact in the future.  

The Lockyer Valley Fruit & Vegetable Processing Company (Lockyer Valley Foods) says its $50 million Series A funding round will kickstart construction of Australia’s first fruit and vegetable processing facility in 80 years.

The food and beverage industries turned in a stellar sales performance in Q3, amid signs of firming confidence, according to data from inventory management software provider Unleashed.

As Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) looks back on the 2023-24 year, its annual report highlights advancements in the field of genetically modified (GM) food items. But the organics industry has raised concerns about potential impacts of regulation and labelling changes.

Woolworths has re-opened the four distribution centres affected by 17 days of industrial action. The retailer reached a new enterprise agreement with employees that was endorsed by the United Workers Union on Saturday (7 December).

Swan Valley gin producer, Old Young’s, is offering a globe-trotting ‘gin-ternship’ reward for anyone investing more than $250,000 in the award-winning distillery's latest funding round, aiming to raise money for the company’s new $30 million facility.

Coca‑Cola Australia is raising money for The Salvation Army’s Christmas appeal this festive season, with personalised notes of kindness from across Australia each adding another $10 to its $50,000 donation.

With product stewardship a core component of a circular economy, GS1 Australia and the Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence are working together to foster sustainable practices across multiple industries.