A new digital labelling platform has launched in the ANZ region, SmartFacts, powered by GS1 QR code technology and set to reshape consumer engagement and usher in a new era of product transparency.

The pet food industry is undergoing a quiet transformation. Once driven purely by price, protein, and palatability, it's now being reshaped by a new force: environmental transparency. Lauren Branson, CEO of sustainability analysis company, Calyx.eco, offers insight on ingredient intelligence in the sector.

As part of its ongoing brand protection and anti-counterfeiting measures, The Supreme People’s Court of the People’s Republic of China has selected a case involving Penfolds be included in its Reference Case Library, cementing its role as an important part of the country’s judicial system.

Australian Vintage (AVG) and Burch Family Wines have entered a strategic partnership to expand the reach of wine brands, MadFish and Howard Park Wines, in the international market.

Top Shelf International (TSI) – the company behind Ned whisky, Grainshaker vodka, and Act of Treason agave spirit – says finalising the sale of its Campbellfield factory for $8 million will clear its debt with the Australian Tax Office. TSI sold the site to Idyll Wine Co.

Small business accelerator, Seedlab Australia, has selected the latest cohort for its Cultivate program, with 13 standout FMCG brands selected to take part in the intensive retail-readiness accelerator.

Independent craft brewery, Mountain Culture, has acquired Fox Friday Brewing and its associated entities. Fox Friday went into voluntary administration in mid-April.

A new $75 million canning line at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Australia’s (CCEP) Richlands facility in Brisbane, Queensland, has been designed to meet the growing energy drink market and support existing soft drink brands. CCEP Australia managing director, Orlando Rodriguez, said the line can process up to 120,000 cans per hour.

Global agrifood company, Simplot and End Food Waste Australia have been working on a series of food waste reduction initiatives including an Australian first on-farm potato loss measurement project and food waste profiling.

Multi-national supplier of water treatment and pumping systems, Smith & Loveless Australia (S&L), has acquired CST Wastewater Solutions, merging the companies to provide more advanced wastewater technology services and capabilities.

Craft brewery, Beerfarm, has launched a $13 million capital raise to support the development of a new site in Glenworth Valley, on the New South Wales Central Coast, which began construction planning in February.

Online wine information and retail platform, Oliver’s Wines, has launched a $3 million capital raise on Primary Markets to open a flagship physical storefront in Melbourne. Founder Jeremy Oliver spoke with F&DB about the business model and future plans.

Registrations are now open for Weld Australia’s 2025 National Manufacturing Summit, set to take place on 24 July at the Shangri-La Sydney. This year’s Summit theme is ‘Manufacturing Australia’s Future: Local Strength, Global Impact’, coming at a critical time as rising costs and a shrinking skilled workforce increase pressure on the industry.

The Spirit of Craft Awards has announced its 2025 winners, the competition's second year of spotlighting producers from around the world, with Launceston Distillery’s Single Malt Tawny Cask Matured coming out on top.

The food & beverage manufacturing industry is facing many challenges, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Infor Asia Pacific and Japan senior vice president and general manager, Terry Smagh, says leveraging new technology, specifically enterprise automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI), will help to address these challenges.

The International Fresh Produce Association ANZ has appointed Steritech fresh produce business manager, Ben Reilly, and Lynch Group Australia CEO, David Di Pietro, to the board of directors, effective immediately.