News

Top Shelf International (TSI), producer of NED whisky, and Grainshaker vodka, has been acquired by Blue Sky Drinks Co, with it also buying the exclusive licence for Act of Treason agave spirit. TSI went into voluntary administration in August.  

The winner of the Mornington Peninsula Vignerons Association’s 2025 Pinot Noir Challenge has caused a stir in the industry, with the Yarra Valley’s Giant Steps Wine taking out the top prize, breaking a five-year winning streak by Tasmanian entries.

In a constantly evolving and innovating category, non-alcoholic beverage brand NON has managed to stick the landing – growing from a backyard operation with a 20 litre pot, to 20,000 litre tanks and export arrangements in 15 countries. Food & Drink Business spoke with founder, Aaron Trotman, about the company’s growth since starting out six years ago.

A South Australian family business gone global, Vili’s Family Bakery, has appointed Tom Sullivan as its new chief executive officer, marking a new era for the business.

Agrifoodtech industry professionals across the Asia-Pacific region are headed to Singapore at the beginning of November for International Agri-Food Week.

Women & Leadership Australia (WLA) is offering partial scholarships of $700-$3000 to help women in the farming and agriculture industries participate in its range of leadership courses.

The Grains and Legumes Nutrition Council (GLNC) has released its 2025 Plant-Based Report, showing that despite sustained interest, overall plant‑based product availability has fallen by 33 per cent since the organisation’s last audit in 2022.

This year’s annual convention for the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology – AIFST25 – once again confirmed its place as the go-to event for food science and technology professionals. AIFST CEO, Fiona Fleming reflects on the two-day event.

The Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of SA has announced the winners of its 2025 Royal Australian Spirit Awards (RASA), with the Central Coast’s Amber Lane Distillery receiving three of the seven major trophies.

Rum with roots

In the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, a former journalist has stepped into the world of distilling, handcrafting a range of spirits using local sugarcane molasses. Keira Joyce spoke with Soltera Rum founder, Keri  Algar, about starting up her own business with a tropical rum bar dream.

Winners of the 2025 Royal Adelaide Wine Show have been announced, with Western Australian companies, Howard Park Wines and Evans & Tate, taking out the top awards – for Most Outstanding Red and White Wines in Show.

Victoria has unveiled a five-year strategy to boost the state’s $9.5 billion wine sector, aiming to grow agriculture, boost innovation, and create jobs that strengthen regional economies.

Pernod Ricard’s Champagne house, G.H. Mumm, has appointed Trina Smith as Mumm Terroirs Pacific winemaker, overseeing all winemaking for the Australian and New Zealand portfolio.

Food Frontier’s AltProteins 25 is taking place 14 October at Sofitel Wentworth in Sydney. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to discuss the future of the Australian and global food systems – with half price tickets up for grabs for F&DB readers!

For the food and beverage manufacturing sector, the pace of innovation is matched by the level of scrutiny it faces. For food safety solutions company, Neogen, that creates opportunities to bring science, technology, and practical expertise together to help manufacturers manage risk and build consumer trust.

PepsiCo has acquired South Australian based seed potato business, Dowling AgriTech (DAT), aiming to strengthen seed supply security and drive innovation.